Mum Bett Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

It was a long road to justice for Mum Bet who fought for freedom as the first African American to be subjected to force Labour for over two decades. She also found a way to run after her career in the United States Congress. If it weren’t for a middle-aged attorney called Theodore, Mum’s established life would have led to endless of emotion and anguish. She is remembered as the first woman in line to have fought for society’s freedom. Her act of courage and dependence gave her a noble name.

Early & Teen Life

It is presumed that Elizabeth Freeman was born around 1744 in New York, Claverack, United States. Elizabeth was born to a not so wealthy family. Her parents could barely read or even remember their names. It wasn’t a progression for the oppressed Africans to record their children’s or owns birth. The only topic that mattered to the Americans was the collected price at the slavery market.

At the age of six, just like the old norms, little Elizabeth and her younger sister, Lizzie were purchased by Pieter Hogeboom. Both were taken to New York where they worked day and night. In 1758 Pieter died, and his eldest daughter took them to Massachusetts, her place with her loving husband, Colonel Ashley. Colonel served as a politician, landowner and a lawyer.

Long Road to Freedom

During her enslavement period, Mum Bet married and had a girl child called Betsy. In 1780 something unworthy happened as she was busy preparing bread for her little child. The sweet scent was heard by none other than Ashley herself. In a few minutes, she was in the kitchen ready to hit Betsy with a spade. Gladly, Betty shielded her daughter, but she didn’t miss the smack on her hand. She was left with a deep wound even when it healed completely. This is what she used as a shred of evidence for ill-treatment.

As the Revolutionary War came to an end, Bet heard the society’s constitutions reading out loud about the “being equal” article. Good news to her, and it wasn’t long that she went to fight for her people’s rights and freedom. She suggested that they are all supposed to enjoy and defend their lives as well as acquiring and protecting their property.

Mother of Freedom & Honor

A 33 (during Bet’s time) year old attorney, Theodore Sedgwick helped Bet asking nothing in return. Sedgewick was invited to import Elizabeth’s word to the court and fight for her freedom. The case was pleaded at the Court of Common Pleas in 1781. From the start to the end, Bet was favored far and beyond. She was named as the first African-American to be in freedom under Massachusetts rule.

Her employers served as an example to the Americans who believed in slavery as well as trading markets. From there henceforth, Bet took Elizabeth Freeman moniker after being set free.

Legacy

Elizabeth Freeman went to serve as a governess under Sedgwick. She worked there until when his children grew up to adulthood. Later on, Betsy and her mom relocated to their land that had a beautiful house in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. There she served the elderly where the locals nicknamed her as a midwife, nurse, and healer.

In 1829 Elizabeth Freeman died and interred at the Stockbridge Cemetery. At the end of it all, it was all about finding safety and happiness. Indeed she is a mother of freedom.