Are you "geeking out" about the new Harriet Tubman movie like me? If so, I thought you might enjoy reading about this amazing lady's not-commonly-known relationship with Lincoln's Secretary of State.
First, some trivia about William H. Seward, a historical figure and native New Yorker whom I never get tired of studying.
- New York State Senator 1830-34
- New York Governor 1839-42
- US Senator for NY 1849-61
- Considered early favorite Republican for president in 1860
- Secretary of State 1861-1869 for Lincoln and Johnson
- Attacked and seriously wounded by Lewis Powell during Lincoln's assassination plot
- purchased Alaskan territory (considered "Seward's Folly") in 1867
Seward was a passionate abolitionist, which damaged his presidential chances in 1860 though he was a strong contender to Lincoln. Slavery was not abolished in New York until 1827, and I found it an ironic surprise to learn his own father was a slaveholder. He and his father had a strained relationship over tight purse strings, and as a young man, William--or Henry as his friends called him--left school to find employment in Georgia, where he witnessed the mistreatment of slaves. He remained devoted to the abolitionist cause even after his family reconciled with him, and called him home to New York to finish his law degree.


Harriet met and later married Nelson Davis, and the Auburn wedding was attended by the Sewards, among many other friends. The brick structure of the Harriet Tubman Home on her 25 acre parcel of land is where she spent most of her living from 1859-1913, a part of the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park in Auburn exists to honor her work and legacy. The Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church which she helped finance and build remains on the property as well as the home for indigent and elderly African Americans which was her dream to provide after the war.
Tubman died in 1913 at the venerable age of 93. She is buried in Auburn at the Fort Hill Cemetery, which became listed on the National Register of Historic places in 1999.
Kathleen L. Maher’s first crush was Peter Rabbit, and she’s loved conflicted heroes ever since. She has two novellas in BARBOUR BOOKS' collections: Victorian Christmas Brides and Lessons on Love. Winner 2012 ACFW Genesis Award. Author of Sons of the Shenandoah Series: The Abolitionist's Daughter and The Chaplain's Daughter.
Kathleen and her husband live in an old farmhouse in upstate NY.
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My first book, The Abolitionist's Daughter provides a look into the Underground Railroad through a fictitious family and features real heroes of the Underground Railroad. Book 2 in Sons of the Shenandoah series, The Chaplain's Daughter, kicks off five days of a Free Kindle Event. Be sure to download your free copy today through November 12 on Amazon.
Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a faithful reader!
DeleteI had no idea of their friendship until I read your novel, The Abolitionist's Daughter. Thank you for writing of this signpost in history.
ReplyDeleteHi MaryAlice! Thank you for reading and being awesome
DeleteInteresting post!
ReplyDelete