Sojourner Truth's Milestones

Sojourner Truth was an American abolitionist and women's rights activist, born into slavery, renowned for her powerful speeches including Ain't I a Woman and her lifelong fight for justice.
1797

First language Dutch

Her first language was Dutch, which she spoke until age 9.

Other January 1, 1797

Birth

Sojourner Truth was born Isabella Baumfree in Swartekill, New York, to enslaved parents James and Elizabeth Baumfree.

Family January 1, 1797
1802

Family separated by sale

Several siblings were sold away from the family during her childhood.

Family January 1, 1802
1806

Sold away from family

Sold at age 9 to John Neely after the death of her enslaver, separated from parents.

Family January 1, 1806
1808

Endured multiple enslavers

Sold to Martinus Schryver, then to John Dumont, experiencing harsh treatment.

Other January 1, 1808
1815

Birth of daughter Diana

Gave birth to her first child, Diana, the result of rape by John Dumont.

Family January 1, 1815

Fell in love with Robert

Fell in love with Robert, a slave from a neighboring farm; their relationship was forcibly ended.

Relationship January 1, 1815
1817

Marriage to Thomas

Married fellow enslaved man Thomas; had children Peter, Elizabeth, and Sophia.

Relationship January 1, 1817
1826

Escaped slavery

Escaped slavery with her infant daughter Sophia, finding refuge with the Van Wagenen family.

Achievement January 1, 1826
1827

Became Christian

Became a devout Christian and joined the Methodist church in Kingston, NY.

Other January 1, 1827
1828

Won court case for son

Became the first Black woman to win a court case against a white man, regaining custody of her son Peter.

Achievement January 1, 1828
1829

Moved to New York City

Moved to New York City, joined the John Street Methodist Church.

Location January 1, 1829
1833

Worked for Prophet Matthias sect

Worked as housekeeper for Prophet Matthias's religious sect, later acquitted of all charges after a murder trial.

Other January 1, 1833
1842

Lost contact with son Peter

Lost contact with her son Peter, who went to sea and was never heard from again.

Family January 1, 1842
1843

Changed name to Sojourner Truth

Changed her name after a religious calling and began traveling as a Methodist preacher.

Other June 1, 1843
1844

Joined Northampton Association

Joined the Northampton Association of Education and Industry, a utopian abolitionist community in Massachusetts.

Other January 1, 1844

Delivered first anti-slavery speech

Delivered her first anti-slavery speech, encouraged by abolitionists.

Achievement January 1, 1844
1850

Published memoir

Published 'The Narrative of Sojourner Truth: A Northern Slave,' dictated to Olive Gilbert.

Achievement January 1, 1850

Spoke at National Women's Rights Convention

Spoke at the first National Women's Rights Convention in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Achievement October 23, 1850
1851

'Ain't I a Woman?' speech

Delivered her famous 'Ain't I a Woman?' speech at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in Akron.

Achievement May 29, 1851
1853

Helped reorganize Michigan Anti-Slavery Society

Helped reorganize the Michigan Anti-Slavery Society in Adrian, Michigan.

Achievement January 1, 1853
1857

Moved to Battle Creek

Moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, joining a Spiritualist utopian community.

Location January 1, 1857
1863

Helped recruit Black troops

Helped recruit Black troops for the Union Army during the Civil War.

Achievement January 1, 1863
1864

Worked for Freedman's Relief Association

Worked for the National Freedman's Relief Association in Washington, D.C., improving conditions for African Americans.

Career January 1, 1864

Met Abraham Lincoln

Met President Abraham Lincoln at the White House to discuss Black troops and equality.

Relationship October 29, 1864
1865

Rode streetcars to desegregate

Rode Washington, D.C. streetcars to help force their desegregation.

Achievement January 1, 1865
1870

Advocated for land grants

Petitioned the U.S. government for land grants to former enslaved people.

Achievement January 1, 1870

Continued national speaking tours

Continued to lecture across the U.S. on abolition, women's rights, and prison reform.

Other January 1, 1870 - January 1, 1883
1872

Attempted to vote

Attempted to vote in the presidential election but was turned away.

Achievement January 1, 1872
1883

Death

Sojourner Truth died in Battle Creek, Michigan, after a lifetime of activism.

Other November 26, 1883