Harriet Tubman stands as an iconic figure in American history, a beacon of courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Born into slavery, she not only liberated herself but dedicated her life to freeing others, becoming a legendary conductor on the Underground Railroad. While her heroic exploits and unwavering commitment to abolition are widely celebrated, understanding the nuances of her personal life offers a richer perspective on her journey. Among these personal stories, her relationship with John Tubman, her first husband, provides a poignant glimpse into the complexities of love and loss amidst the brutal reality of slavery. Though their paths diverged, the early years of Harriet’s marriage to John Tubman were formative, setting the stage for her later activism and legendary status.
Early Life, Enslavement, and Marriage to John Tubman
Born Araminta Ross in 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, Harriet Tubman, affectionately nicknamed “Minty,” endured the horrors of chattel slavery from a young age. Like her mother Rit, Araminta was considered property, destined for a life of forced labor and oppression despite her father Benjamin Ross being a free man. The Ross family faced constant threats of separation under the cruel system of enslavement, a reality that deeply impacted young Araminta. Her life took a dramatic turn at age thirteen when a traumatic head injury inflicted by an enslaver left her with lifelong pain and narcolepsy, experiences that profoundly shaped her worldview and strengthened her resolve. Amidst these hardships, a significant personal chapter began when Araminta met and married John Tubman around 1844.
Alt text: Map of Dorchester County, Maryland, highlighted in red, showing its coastal location relevant to Harriet Tubman’s early life and escape.
John Tubman was a free Black man, a status that offered a stark contrast to Harriet’s enslaved condition. Their marriage, taking place in a society where enslaved people had limited rights and autonomy, was a significant event in Harriet’s life. Upon marrying John Tubman, Araminta took the name Harriet, possibly in honor of her mother. While details about their early relationship are scarce, their union represents a moment of personal connection and perhaps a glimpse of normalcy within the oppressive system of slavery. Living in Dorchester County, a marshy region on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, both Harriet and John Tubman were familiar with the unique landscape, knowledge that would later prove crucial in Harriet’s escape and Underground Railroad endeavors.
Seeds of Freedom and the Pain of Separation from John Tubman
Life with John Tubman, though offering some respite from the harshest aspects of enslavement, was still overshadowed by the ever-present threat of family separation and the inherent injustice of the system. Harriet’s work assignments sometimes involved collaborating with her father in timber fields, and notably, with free Black sailors who traveled along the East Coast. These interactions exposed her to broader networks and conversations about freedom, subtly nurturing her own aspirations for liberation. It’s conceivable that John Tubman’s free status and their shared experiences in Dorchester County further fueled Harriet’s growing desire for autonomy and escape from slavery.
However, the fragile semblance of stability was shattered when Harriet’s enslaver, Edward Brodess, faced financial difficulties in 1849. The threat of being sold and separated from her family became imminent, pushing Harriet to confront her deepest fears and solidify her resolve to escape. In 1849, even after Brodess’s death, the fear of being sold by his widow Eliza intensified Harriet’s determination to seize her freedom. Driven by vivid visions of liberation and guided by her unwavering faith, Harriet made the life-altering decision to flee to Philadelphia, a known hub for abolitionist activity. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Harriet Tubman’s legendary journey to freedom, a journey she initially hoped John Tubman would join.
Journey to Freedom and the Heartbreaking News about John Tubman
Harriet Tubman’s escape was a testament to her courage, resourcefulness, and deep knowledge of the Dorchester County terrain she had learned while living with John Tubman and working in the surrounding areas. Navigating by the stars and relying on her wits, she made her way to Philadelphia and found refuge amongst abolitionists, including William Still, a key figure in the Underground Railroad. In Philadelphia, Harriet learned the intricate workings of the Underground Railroad, solidifying her commitment to not only her own freedom but the freedom of others still enslaved. The desire to reunite with her family, including John Tubman, fueled her determination to return to Maryland.
In 1850, after successfully guiding family and friends to freedom, Harriet embarked on her third perilous journey back to Dorchester County, specifically hoping to bring John Tubman to the North. However, she was met with devastating news: John Tubman had remarried, believing Harriet to be dead. This revelation was undoubtedly a profound personal blow. Despite the heartbreak, Harriet’s commitment to the larger cause of liberation transcended her personal pain. She offered to bring both John Tubman and his new wife to freedom, but John Tubman chose to remain in Maryland. This poignant moment underscores Harriet Tubman’s extraordinary selflessness and unwavering focus on the freedom of her people, even in the face of personal loss and disappointment related to John Tubman.
Harriet Tubman’s Unwavering Path After John Tubman
Despite the personal setback of John Tubman’s remarriage and refusal to escape, Harriet Tubman’s resolve only intensified. She became a leading conductor on the Underground Railroad, earning the moniker “Moses of her people” for her bravery and success in leading approximately 70 enslaved individuals to freedom. The passage of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850 made her missions even more dangerous, pushing her to guide freedom seekers all the way to Canada. Throughout the 1850s, Harriet Tubman risked her life repeatedly, demonstrating unparalleled courage and strategic brilliance. The personal chapter with John Tubman had closed, but it did not deter her from her larger purpose.
Alt text: Portrait of Harriet Tubman, circa 1870s, showcasing her determined expression and dignified presence as a leader and abolitionist.
Harriet Tubman’s life extended far beyond her Underground Railroad exploits. She served the Union Army during the Civil War as a nurse, scout, and spy, even leading the Combahee River Raid in 1863, a pivotal military operation that liberated approximately 750 enslaved people. Her strategic acumen and fearless leadership earned her the respect of her peers and the honorary title “General Tubman.” Later in life, she became a staunch advocate for women’s suffrage and founded the Home for the Aged in Auburn, New York, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to service and social justice. While John Tubman remained a part of her past, Harriet Tubman forged ahead, creating an enduring legacy of freedom and equality. She later married Nelson Davis, a fellow Civil War veteran, in 1869, finding companionship and support in her later years.
Legacy of Harriet Tubman, A Story Enriched Beyond John Tubman
Harriet Tubman’s impact on American history is immeasurable. From her daring Underground Railroad missions to her groundbreaking service in the Civil War and her tireless advocacy for human rights, she remains an inspiration for generations. While her relationship with John Tubman ended in heartbreak and separation, it was a chapter that contributed to the complex tapestry of her life. It highlights the personal sacrifices and emotional challenges she faced alongside the monumental struggle for liberation. The story of John Tubman is a reminder that even heroes experience personal loss and that Harriet Tubman’s strength was not just in her legendary actions but also in her ability to persevere through personal adversity.
Alt text: Family portrait of Harriet Tubman with her second husband Nelson Davis, adopted daughter Gertie, and other family members in Auburn, New York, illustrating her commitment to family and community after her freedom.
Harriet Tubman died in 1913 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate. Her life story, marked by both extraordinary achievements and personal trials, including the complexities of her early marriage to John Tubman, serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication to justice. Her image now graces the US $20 bill, a testament to her enduring importance in American history and a symbol of her fight for freedom and equality for all.
Works Cited
- Bradford, Sarah Hopkins. Harriet, the Moses of Her People. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 2012. muse.jhu.edu/book/19228.
- Hobson, Janell, Michelle D. Commander, Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, Dr. Kate Clifford Larson, Deirdre Cooper Owens, Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black, Janell Hobson, et al. “The Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Project.” Ms. Magazine, February 1, 2023. https://msmagazine.com/tubman200/.
- Library of Congress. Research guides: Harriet Tubman: Topics in Chronicling America: Search Strategies & Selected Articles. N.d. https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-harriet-tubman/selected-articles.
- Dawson, Shay. “Harriet Tubman-Davis.” National Women’s History Museum. National Women’s History Museum, 2024. Date accessed. www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/harriet-tubman.
