Harriet Green Ross goes down in the history books for being the mother of Harriet Tubman. Her daughter was dubbed “The Moses of Her People.” She earned this role by saving over 70 enslaved people after she freed her captivity.
Harriet Green Ross was a slave, and her daughter went harder in fighting slavery, helping other slaves, and creating a legacy for being an American abolitionist and social activist. It’s through her roles and fame that we go back to learn more about her mother. Buckle up as we discuss more on who Harriet Green Ross is while also discussing her daughter.
Who is Harriet Green Ross?
The obvious answer to the question is that she is the mother of Harriet Tubman, a slave who freed captivity and risked her life to free other slaves, including her family. Harriet Green Ross was born in 1785 in Dorchester County, Maryland.
Her family consisted of slaves and was owned by Atthow Pattison. She grew up on a 265-acre farm, and her daughter believes that her origins are from Africa and that they arrived during the colonial period as enslaved people shipped by the masters and sold.
Harriet Tubman believed that her grandmother, Harriet Green’s mother, was from Ghana in West Africa. Harriet Green Ross remained under Eliza Ann Brodes until her husband purchased her freedom for $20 in 1854. However, the law didn’t permit people over 45 years being set free. As such, Harriet Green Ross ended up living in her husband’s cabin.
Unlike her daughter, Harriet Green Ross had no noticeable role in fighting against slavery. Information about her is scarce but one thing that keeps her name alive is for being the daughter of Harriet Tubman. Let’s discuss more about her.
Who is Harriet Green Ross’ Daughter?
Harriet Tubman, born in March 1822, is the daughter of Harriet Green Ross. She was born in Dorchester County, Maryland. Her parents were Ben Ross and Harriet Green Ross. They were still enslaved. Her mother was first enslaved by Mary Brodess before being enslaved by her son Edward.
Harriet Tubman was also enslaved, and her legacy is attributed to her efforts to escape slavery and help hundreds of enslaved people to escape. Harriet Tubman played a crucial role in utilizing her networks in the Underground Railroad to escape slaves from Maryland to Pennsylvania.
Tubman grew up as a field hand and domestic servant, helping her parents in their duties. Her master, at one point, hit her with a piece of iron on her head, causing injury that gave her narcoleptic seizures at times.
In 1844, Tubman married John Tubman, a free black man. However, Harriet Tubman was at risk of being sold, forcing her to escape alone in 1849 after her husband declined to follow her. When she returned, her husband had moved on with another woman.
Harriet Tubman was freed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and during the Civil War, she was a spy for the Union Army. Her role in fighting for slaves pushed her to the limelight and gave her mother fame.
