On This Day

US Abolitionist Harriet Tubman marries civil war veteran Nelson Davis in Auburn NY

Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) was an American abolitionist and political activist. Tubman escaped slavery and rescued approximately 70 enslaved people, including members of her family and friends.

Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) was an American abolitionist and political activist. Tubman escaped slavery and rescued approximately 70 enslaved people, including members of her family and friends. Harriet Tubman's family includes her birth family, her two husbands, John Tubman and Nelson Davis, and her adopted daughter, Gertie Davis.

Tubman's parents—Ben Ross and Harriett "Rit" Gene Ross—were enslaved by two different families. Their lives came together when Mary Pattison Broadness, Rita's enslaver, married Anthony Thompson. Ben Ross, enslaved by Thompson, met and married Rit Greene. They lived together until about 1823 or 1824 when Rit and their children went to the Brodess farm. Ben was a timber estimator and foreman, and Rit was a domestic servant.

Historical Significance

Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) was an American abolitionist and political activist.

Key People

Harriet Tubman

African-American abolitionist

African-American abolitionist

Events Before

  1. US House of Representatives votes 126 to 47 to impeach President Andrew Johnson

    The impeachment of Andrew Johnson for "high crimes and misdemeanors" was initiated by the United States House of Representatives on February 24, 1868.

  2. American religious leader Brigham Young weds his 53rd wife, American actress and future polygamy critic Anna Webb (24),

    American religious leader Brigham Young weds his 53rd wife, American actress and future polygamy critic Anna Webb (24), in Salt Lake City, Utah

  3. The Shogunate is abolished in Japan

    The first human inhabitants of the Japanese archipelago have been traced to the Paleolithic, around 38–39,000 years ago.

  4. Abyssinian War ends as British and Indian troops capture Magdala and Ethiopian Emperor Tewodros II commits suicide

    Abyssinian War ends as British and Indian troops capture Magdala and Ethiopian Emperor Tewodros II commits suicide

  5. US Senate fails to impeach President Andrew Johnson by one vote

    The impeachment of Andrew Johnson for "high crimes and misdemeanors" was initiated by the United States House of Representatives on February 24, 1868.

Events After

  1. American lawman Wyatt Earp (21) weds Urilla Sutherland (20) in Lamar, Missouri, until her death in August of the same ye

    American lawman Wyatt Earp (21) weds Urilla Sutherland (20) in Lamar, Missouri, until her death in August of the same year

  2. American writer (Huckleberry Finn) Samuel Langhorne Clemens, pen name Mark Twain, (34) marries Olivia Langdon (24) in El

    American writer (Huckleberry Finn) Samuel Langhorne Clemens, pen name Mark Twain, (34) marries Olivia Langdon (24) in Elmira, NY

  3. Iowa ratifies the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, allowing suffrage for all races and colors

    Iowa ratifies the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, allowing suffrage for all races and colors

  4. Impressionist Painter Claude Monet (29) weds model Camille Doncieux in Paris

    Impressionist Painter Claude Monet (29) weds model Camille Doncieux in Paris

  5. The 15th Amendment to the US Constitution is adopted, guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of race

    The Fifteenth Amendment (Amendment XV) to the United States Constitution prohibits the federal government or any state from denying or abridging a citizen's right to vote "on account of race, color,…

More from the 1860s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on March 18, 1869?
Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) was an American abolitionist and political activist. Tubman escaped slavery and rescued approximately 70 enslaved people, including members of her family and friends. Harriet Tubman's family includes her birth family, her two husbands, John Tubman and Nelson Davis, and her adopted daughter, Gertie Davis.
Why is US Abolitionist Harriet Tubman marries civil war veteran Nelson Davis in Aubu... significant?
Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) was an American abolitionist and political activist.
Who was involved in US Abolitionist Harriet Tubman marries civil war veteran Nelson Davis in Aubu...?
Key figures include Harriet Tubman (African-American abolitionist).

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