Sojourner Truth’s Story

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Sojourner Truth is an American legend. She began life as a slave and ended her life as an outgoing speaker and free woman. Sojourner led a very disadvantage life but was able to rise above her hardships. Truth was a motivational speaker even though she was not able to read or write. Sojourner Truth continues to impact lives today through her works. Isabella Baumfree was born in 1797 in Ulster County, New York (Women in History). Isabella became widely known as Sojourner Truth. Sojourner’s parents, Elizabeth and James Baumfree were slaves. Her childhood was spent under the watchful eyes of abusive masters. Her primary language during her childhood was Dutch. At age nine, Sojourner was sold to John Neely. It was in this abusive situation that she turned to religion. Religion was her “refuge”. Sojourner Truth had at least five children between 1815 and 1827. Truth was sold several times and was finally purchased by Isaac and Maria Van Wagenen in New York State. The Van Wagenen’s gave Sojourner her freedom in 1827. It was during this time that Truth felt the call to preach (Women in History). In approximately 1829, she moved to New York City with her youngest two children (“Sojourner Truth” Encyclopedia Britannica). The rest of her children had been sold as slaves (Women in History). Sojourner Truth’s legal name at this time was Isabella Van Wagener (“Sojourner Truth” Encyclopedia Britannica). Sojourner Truth spent the next several years traveling and preaching (Butler, Mary G.). During her travels, she met several important reformers and abolitionist of that time such as William Lloyd Garrison, Susan B. Anthony, and Harriet Beecher Stowe (Butler, Mary G.). While traveling, she lived and worked with many different groups and as... ... middle of paper ... ... help others. Works Cited Butler, Mary G. “Sojourner Truth A Life and Legacy of Faith.” Sojourner Truth Institute of Battle Creek. Web. 6 Oct 2011. . “Keeping the Thing Going While Things Are Stirring.” N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Oct 2011. . “Sojourner Truth.” C-Span American Writers: a Journey through History. © 2011. Web. 6 Oct 2011. . “Sojourner Truth.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011. Web. 12 Jul. 2011. . Women in History. Sojourner Truth biography. Last Updated: 10/9/2011. Lakewood Public Library. 9 Oct 2011. .

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