Harriet Jacobs - The Kansas City Repertory Theatre

THE AUTHOR
HARRIET JACOBS -TIME LINE
Harriet Ann Jacobs is born in Edenton, N.C. to Delilah and
Elijah Jacobs.
John S. Jacobs, Harriet’s brother, is born.
Harriet’s mother dies. At age six, Harriet goes to live with her
mother’s white mistress, Margaret Horniblow, in Edenton.
Through Miss Horniblow’s tutelage, Harriet learns how to
read and write.
Margaret Horniblow dies. Harriet is bequeathed to the woman’s three
year-old niece, Mary Matilda Norcom. Harriet and her brother John
move into the house of Dr. James Norcom. Over the years,
Dr. Norcom’s unwanted sexual advances and his wife’s vindictive
jealousy torment Harriet.
Harriet’s father dies.
When Dr. Norcom forbids Harriet to marry a free black carpenter, she
enters into a liaison with Samuel Treadwell Sawyer. Harriet is expelled
from the Norcom house and goes to live with her freed grandmother,
Molly Horniblow. Joseph, Harriet’s son by Samuel Treadwell Sawyer,
is born.
Louisa Matilda, Harriet’s daughter by Samuel Treadwell Sawyer,
is born.
Harriet is sent to the Norcom plantation several miles outside of
Edenton, N.C. In June, when she learns her children will soon
arrive to be “broken in,” Harriet runs away. She conceals herself
in a small attic above a storeroom of her grandmother’s home.
Her brother John and her two children are jailed until September
and then sold to a trader acting for Samuel Treadwell Sawyer.
The children go to live with Harriet’s grandmother in Edenton.
John goes to Sawyer’s plantation outside Edenton.
HARRIET JACOBS
LEARNING GUIDE | 2010
Dr. Norcom's house in Edenton, North Carolina.
Dr. James Norcom, Sr.
This historical marker is located on North Broad
Street in Edenton. It was originally erected in
1987.
Kansas City Repertory Theatre: Harriet Jacobs | 9