Harriet Beecher Stowe (c. 1870)
You probably recognize Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811 – 1896) as the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, but the writer and abolitionist did so much more than write on the agonies of slaves. Armed with her unshakable religious faith, Stowe condemned slavery as unchristian. Her world-famous book would propel her into public attention, using this platform to travel throughout America to simultaneously punt her works and speak against slavery. Despite abolitionism having made much progress at the time, women’s rights had sorely lagged behind. The history mentioned how: Stowe and her contemporaries were dissuaded from public speaking, especially in front of largely male crowds. Even with her status, Stowe was unable to discuss her book openly, ironically even at affairs arranged in her name. Rather, Calvin, her partner, or a male sibling, would take her place on the podiums.This picture is a piece from a bigger one taken in 1870 which she shared with Henry Ward Beecher, a minister, and Stowe, her brother.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Harriet Tubman (c. 1868)
Leaving her true name of Araminta Ross behind, Harriet Tubman (1822 – 1913) successfully fled from the yoke of slavery to become a nurse, a Union agent, and champion of suffrage. She was also named the “conductor” of an Underground Railroad which enabled the freedom of countless former slaves. Benjamin F. Powelson took this photograph somewhere between 1868 and 1869 in Auburn, NY. Emily Howland was the previous possessor of this iconic snap, featuring Harriet’s signature.
Harriet Tubman
