![]() Isabella made her way to New Paltz, New York, where she and her daughter were taken in as free people by Isaac and Maria Van Wagenen. In what must have been a gut-wrenching choice, she left her other children behind because they were still legally bound to Dumont. She later said, “I did not run off, for I thought that wicked, but I walked off, believing that to be all right.” ![]() Incensed, Isabella completed what she felt was her obligation to Dumont and then escaped his clutches, infant daughter in tow. ![]() In the meantime, Dumont promised Isabella he’d grant her freedom on July 4, 1826, “if she would do well and be faithful.” When the date arrived, however, he had a change of heart and refused to let her go. At the turn of the 19th century, New York started legislating emancipation, but it would take over two decades for liberation to come for all enslaved people in the state. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |