Harriet Tubman: The Family, Spouse, and Relationships That Shaped Her Life
Harriet Tubman’s family was central to her life and legacy. She once said, “I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death.” Despite her immense public contributions, Harriet’s devotion to family remained a guiding force in her relentless fight for freedom and equality. She was married to John Tubman, a free black man, whom she first met in the early 1840s. They wed in 1844 and their union lasted through the turbulent years of her escapes and abolitionist work. Although Harriet did not have biological children, she and John adopted a daughter named Gertie in 1874, further shaping her legacy as a protector and nurturer of family beyond blood ties.
| Relationship | Name |
|---|---|
| Spouse/Husband | John Tubman |
| Son(s) | N/A |
| Daughter(s) | Gertie (adopted) |
| Mother | Harriet Green |
| Father | Ben Ross |
| Boyfriend(s)/Girlfriend(s) | N/A |
Although Harriet Tubman endured immense challenges, her family connections were profound sources of resilience and motivation. Her husband John Tubman was a free man from Maryland, and their relationship was one of mutual support during times when slavery tore families apart. They did not have biological children but chose to adopt, reflecting Harriet’s commitment to family and care for others beyond her own immediate relations.
John Tubman
John Tubman was a free African American born with certain rights that were denied to enslaved people like Harriet. His status as a free man provided contrast to Harriet’s condition before her escape. Little is known about John’s profession or specific achievements, but as Harriet’s spouse, he represented a vital link to freedom and stability. His background in Maryland, the same state where Harriet was enslaved, highlights the stark realities of racial division. John Tubman’s life was woven into Harriet’s struggle to help others escape bondage, supporting her efforts as she navigated the dangers of abolitionist work.
Gertie Tubman (Adopted Daughter)
Gertie was adopted by Harriet and John Tubman in 1874. Although details about Gertie’s early life and background are sparse, her adoption reflects Harriet’s expansive sense of family. Gertie grew up under the care of one of the most courageous figures in American history and was influenced by the principles of freedom and justice. The Tubman household exemplified inclusivity and sanctuary, furthering Harriet’s lifelong devotion to protecting and nurturing others. While records of Gertie’s later life are limited, her place within the Tubman family symbolizes the extension of Harriet’s legacy beyond herself.
Harriet Green (Mother)
Harriet Green was the mother of Harriet Tubman, an enslaved woman of African descent living in Maryland. She worked tirelessly under the harsh conditions of slavery, and her strength no doubt influenced Harriet’s resilience. As an enslaved mother, Harriet Green’s achievements were expressed in her endurance and efforts to care for her family in the face of oppression. Her ethnic background was African American, and despite the dehumanizing conditions, she transmitted values of perseverance and courage to her daughter.
Ben Ross (Father)
Ben Ross was Harriet Tubman’s father, also enslaved in Maryland. He was known for his strength and wisdom, traits that Harriet admired and drew upon throughout her life. While his specific profession is undefined, as an enslaved man, his work would have included labor in the harshest of circumstances. His nationality and ethnicity were African American, shaped by the legacy of slavery. Ben’s influence is part of the foundation on which Harriet built her commitment to freedom, family, and justice.
