By Laura Tepoz and Ashley Monte Class 8-3

1. Isabella Baumfree By Laura Tepoz and Ashley Monte Class 8-3

2. Isabella Baumfree was born in 1797 in Ulster County, Upstate New York. She was one of the 13 children born to Elizabeth and James Baumfree, slaves on the Hardenbergh Plantation. She spoke only Dutch until she was sold at the age of nine. She never attended school because of her family’s budget. Although she later learned English, she still spoke with a Dutch accent. Because she spoke with an accent, she was often beat because of miscommunications between her & her second master’s wife. She was first sold at about the age of nine to a man named John Neely along with a herd of sheep for just $100.His family spoke only English. Soon after, a man named Martinus Schryver purchased her for $105. His land felt like a safer place for her. A year and a half later in 1810, she was sold again to John Dumont, in New York, whom she later described as cruel and harsh. Isabella spoke about things that were unspeakable but many people assumed that those unspeakable things were sexual abuse and harassment. Dumont had promised Isabella freedom a year before the state emancipation, “if she would do well and be faithful”. However, he went back on his promise, claiming that a hand injury had made her less productive. She was infuriated. EARLY LIFE: Isabella Baumfree was born in 1797 in Ulster County, Upstate New York. She was one of the 13 children born to Elizabeth and James Baumfree, slaves on the Hardenbergh Plantation.

3. What makes Isabella a leader? As the years went by, Isabella began helping fugitive slaves escape the tragic living habits that she had once endured. She was most formally known as who we call, Sojourner Truth. She changed her name to Sojourner Truth because her mission was to “sojourn in the land and speak the truth of God's word”. Sojourner truth worked alongside Abraham Lincoln for many years, trying to abolish slavery. Sadly, she died on November 26th, 1883 due to lung cancer. Isabella Baumfree was and still is a notable woman becauseshe made a big impact on slavery. She began as nothing but a female Slave having nothing, and ended as one of the most recognizable women In the history of abolitionists.

4. What do Ashley and Laura really think about Sojourner Truth? Laura Tepoz: I believe that sojourner truth is well known as an activist because she always fought for women's rights and made a difference in the black community. She is also known as a notable woman because she protested against slavery and she helped many slaves escape their abusive lives. I respect her and I will always remember her and continue to educate others about her greatness. Ashley: I think that Sojourner Truth is one of the most respectable women from her time and of today too. Although she is no longer with us, she will always be remembered; Not only by the black community but by every single person who has learned about her. She deserves to be commemorated for her greatness more that what she already is.

5. Citations: *Scruggs, Otey M. "Truth, Sojourner." World Book Online Reference Center. 2009. [Place of access.]  31 March 2009 <http://www.worldbookonline.org/wb/Article?id=ar568980>. *Women in History. Sojourner Truth biography. Last Updated: 12/8/2009. Lakewood Public Library. Date accessed 3/31/2009 . <http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/trut-soj.htm>. Email to: tywls.science.8.3@gmail.com!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!