Harriet Tubman, one of the most iconic figures in American history, is widely known for her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and her unwavering commitment to the abolition of slavery. However, behind her extraordinary bravery lies the story of a deeply rooted family who shaped her life, values, and mission. Tubman’s devotion to her family extended far beyond the bonds of kinship; it became a driving force in her struggle for freedom and justice. Exploring the family of Harriet Tubman offers insight into the strength, love, and resilience that defined her character and inspired her relentless activism.
Early Family Life
Birth and Parentage
Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland. She was the fifth of nine children born to Harriet Rit Green and Ben Ross. Both of her parents were enslaved, and like many African Americans during the antebellum period, the structure of her family life was constantly under threat due to the institution of slavery.
The Ross Family
Her mother, Rit, was owned by Mary Pattison Brodess, while her father, Ben, was owned by Anthony Thompson, who eventually married Mary Brodess. Although the couple lived together and raised their children under the same roof for a time, there was always the looming threat that their children could be sold away at any moment.
Siblings and Separation
The Pain of Being Sold
Harriet Tubman’s family suffered immensely from the separations caused by the slave trade. Of her eight siblings, several were sold to distant plantations, never to be reunited with the rest of the family. This trauma deeply affected Tubman and fueled her later determination to reunite her family members and help others escape slavery.
List of Siblings
- Lina (sold early in life)
- Marian
- Sophy
- Ben
- Henry
- Robert
- Rachel (Harriet tried to rescue her later, but she had already passed away)
- Moses (Harriet’s nickname as a conductor, based on the biblical figure)
Harriet’s Role in Family Freedom
Escape from Slavery
In 1849, Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery alone, leaving her family behind. However, her newfound freedom did not feel complete as long as her loved ones remained in bondage. She returned to the South at great personal risk multiple times over the next decade to lead her relatives to freedom, including her brothers Ben, Henry, and Robert.
Rescuing Family Members
Tubman’s first rescue mission in 1850 brought her brothers to the North. Over time, she helped lead more than 70 people to freedom, many of whom were family members or close friends. Her efforts made her a legendary figure and a powerful symbol of familial devotion and courage.
Marriage and Adoptive Family
First Marriage: John Tubman
Before her escape, Harriet married John Tubman, a free African American man, in 1844. Their union was complicated by the fact that Harriet was still enslaved. When she escaped in 1849, she hoped her husband would join her. However, John had remarried and declined to reunite with her in the North. Though painful, this separation did not deter her from her greater mission.
Second Marriage: Nelson Davis
Later in life, Tubman married Nelson Davis, a Civil War veteran, in 1869. They adopted a daughter, Gertie Davis, and lived in Auburn, New York. Their marriage was a loving partnership that provided Tubman with companionship and stability after years of struggle and activism. Though little is known about Gertie’s later life, the Davis household represented the family Harriet had long dreamed of building in freedom.
Harriet Tubman’s Parents in Freedom
Rescuing Her Father
Harriet Tubman also succeeded in rescuing her elderly parents from the South. Ben and Rit Ross were eventually brought to Auburn, where Tubman purchased a small home for them. She cared for her aging parents there, demonstrating her commitment to family even as she continued her public work in abolition, women’s suffrage, and community development.
Life in Auburn, New York
The Tubman home in Auburn became a sanctuary not only for her immediate family but also for many in the African American community. Harriet established a home for the elderly and worked with various religious and civic groups, transforming her residence into a hub of compassion and resistance.
Family as Source of Strength
Emotional Motivation
The constant threat of family separation under slavery became one of the most powerful motivators in Harriet Tubman’s life. Her determination to protect, reunite, and support her loved ones gave her a deep sense of purpose. In Tubman’s view, family was not just a private matter but a political and moral commitment in the face of oppression.
Support Network
While Harriet often acted alone during her missions, her extended family and trusted friends formed an essential support network. From providing shelter to aiding in communication, Tubman’s family connections helped sustain her dangerous activities on the Underground Railroad.
Legacy of the Tubman Family
Inspirational Legacy
The story of Harriet Tubman’s family is not just one of hardship but of resilience, love, and liberation. Their experiences encapsulate the struggles of many enslaved families in America, yet they also reflect a powerful legacy of resistance. Harriet’s efforts to free and protect her family influenced the broader abolitionist movement and continue to inspire generations today.
Preservation and Remembrance
Modern historians and organizations have worked to preserve the legacy of Harriet Tubman and her family. Sites such as the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged and the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park serve as reminders of her sacrifices and dedication to family. Her relatives, both adopted and biological, symbolize the triumph of human spirit and love over injustice.
Understanding the family of Harriet Tubman sheds light on the emotional and personal motivations behind one of the greatest freedom fighters in American history. Her actions were not simply political; they were rooted in a deep and enduring love for her parents, siblings, spouse, and adopted child. The strength of her family ties gave her the courage to risk her life time and again. By rescuing, protecting, and caring for her family, Harriet Tubman demonstrated that the fight against slavery was not just about freedom it was about restoring the bonds that slavery tried to destroy. Her family story remains a powerful testament to the role of kinship in the struggle for justice and equality.