Sojourner Truth was one of the most compelling and courageous figures in American history, known for her work as an abolitionist, women’s rights activist, and powerful orator. Born into slavery, she lived through a time of great turmoil in the United States and turned her personal suffering into a public mission for justice. Understanding the timeline of Sojourner Truth’s life helps illuminate the deep impact she had on both the abolitionist and early feminist movements. From her early years in bondage to her final moments as a respected public figure, her journey is one of resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to truth.
Early Life and Enslavement
1797: Birth and Family Background
Sojourner Truth was born in 1797 in Swartekill, Ulster County, New York. Her birth name was Isabella Baumfree. She was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Baumfree, who were also enslaved. Her native language was Dutch, as her owners were Dutch-speaking settlers in New York.
1806: Sold Away from Family
At the age of nine, Isabella was sold at an auction along with a flock of sheep for $100. She was sold several times over the next few years, experiencing brutal treatment from different slaveholders. These years of trauma shaped her later empathy for the oppressed.
Transition to Freedom
1826: Escape from Slavery
In 1826, Isabella fled with her infant daughter to freedom. She found shelter in the home of the Van Wagenen family, who purchased her freedom and offered her protection. This escape marked a turning point in her life and her identity as a free woman.
1827: Legal Action to Recover Her Son
In a rare and courageous legal move, Isabella went to court to retrieve her son Peter, who had been sold illegally to a slaveholder in Alabama. She won the case in 1828, becoming one of the first Black women to win such a case against a white man in the United States.
Spiritual Awakening and Name Change
1843: Becomes Sojourner Truth
In 1843, Isabella felt a religious calling to preach. She adopted the name Sojourner Truth to reflect her mission to travel and speak the truth about injustice. This name marked the beginning of her public speaking career, where she focused on abolition and spiritual growth.
Work as an Abolitionist
1844: Joins the Northampton Association
Truth became part of the Northampton Association of Education and Industry in Massachusetts. This utopian community was made up of abolitionists, women’s rights advocates, and religious reformers. She found intellectual and social support among other activists and reformers.
1850: Publishes Her Memoir
With the help of Olive Gilbert, Truth published her autobiography titledNarrative of Sojourner Truth. It became a powerful tool in spreading her message and establishing her as a voice in the national debate over slavery and racial equality.
1851: Ain’t I a Woman? Speech
In one of her most famous appearances, Sojourner Truth gave her iconic Ain’t I a Woman? speech at the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. Although different versions of the speech exist, it passionately addressed both racial and gender inequality, resonating with audiences for generations.
Later Activism and Civil War Contributions
1864: Meets President Abraham Lincoln
During the Civil War, Truth actively recruited Black soldiers for the Union Army and worked to improve conditions for freed slaves. In 1864, she met President Abraham Lincoln at the White House, where she discussed the condition of African Americans and shared her thoughts on national healing.
1865: National Freedman’s Relief Association
After the Civil War ended, Truth worked with the National Freedman’s Relief Association, traveling to support freed slaves in Washington, D.C., and advocating for land grants and government assistance.
Post-War Advocacy
18671870s: Push for Land and Rights
Truth continued to fight for the rights of freedmen. She petitioned Congress to allocate land in the West for former slaves, known as her Negro State proposal. Although the government did not adopt her plan, she remained active in pushing for reforms to improve the lives of African Americans.
1872: Attempts to Vote
During the presidential election of 1872, Sojourner Truth attempted to vote in Michigan but was turned away. This act highlighted her belief in universal suffrage and her support for the broader movement for voting rights for women and African Americans alike.
Final Years and Death
1883: Passing in Battle Creek, Michigan
Sojourner Truth died on November 26, 1883, at her home in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. By the time of her death, she had become a widely respected figure whose courage and moral authority influenced generations of reformers and civil rights advocates.
Legacy and Commemoration
Impact on American History
Sojourner Truth’s life serves as a bridge between the abolitionist era and the later civil rights movement. Her unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and human dignity has earned her a prominent place in American history. Schools, statues, and numerous honors have been dedicated in her memory, preserving her legacy for future generations.
Timeline Summary
- 1797: Born as Isabella Baumfree in New York
- 18061826: Enslaved and later escaped to freedom
- 1828: Won a legal case to recover her son
- 1843: Changed her name to Sojourner Truth
- 1851: Delivered Ain’t I a Woman? speech
- 1864: Met Abraham Lincoln
- 1872: Attempted to vote in Michigan
- 1883: Passed away in Battle Creek, Michigan
The timeline of Sojourner Truth’s life is not merely a record of dates and events it tells the story of a woman who reshaped the moral conversation in the United States. Through her activism, speeches, and personal courage, she helped shift public attitudes toward slavery and gender inequality. Her journey from enslavement to national icon remains an inspiring example of how one individual’s voice can challenge centuries of injustice and ignite meaningful change.