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I AM
SOJOURNER
TRUTH
A Memory Book
By THOMAS MCCLIECHEY
Edited by T. A. Terga

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Preface
The following is the unpretending narrative of the life of a
remarkable and meritorious woman – a life which has been
checkered by strange vicissitudes, severe hardships, and singular
adventures. Born a slave and held in that brutal condition until the
entire abolition of slavery in the State of New York in 1827, she has
known what it is to drink to the dregs the bitterest cup of human
degradation. That one thus placed on a level with cattle and swine,
and for so many years subjected to the most demoralizing
influences, should have retained her moral integrity to such an
extent, and cherished so successfully the religious sentiment in her
soul, show a mind of no common order, while it heightens the
detestation that is felt in every humane bosom, of that system of
oppression which seeks to cripple the intellect, impair the
understanding, deprave the hearts of its victims – a system which
has subjected to its own foul purposes, in the United States, all
that is wealthy, talented, influential, and reputedly pious, in an
overwhelming measure!
O the “fantastic tricks” which the American people are “playing
before high Heaven!” O their profane use of sacred name of
Liberty! O their impious appeals to the God of the oppressed, for
his divine benediction, which they are making merchandise of his
image! Do you blush? Nay, they glory in their shame! Once a year
they take special pains to exhibit themselves to the world,.

SOJOURNER TRUTH
1797-1883
Former slave who became a celebrity, the most
fascinating woman Harriet Beecher Stowe ever met,
an illiterate who knew the Bible by heart, she was one
of the most ardent and effective speakers for the
abolition of slavery and the cause of women’s rights.

Born a slave in Ulster County, New York,
Sojourner Truth was called Isabella. When
she was about nine, her master died, and she
was sold with a lot of sheep.

Add a suHer new owners beat her because
she only spoke Low Dutch and didn’t
understand English. John Dumont bought
her when she was 13.

A slave marriage was arranged for her, and
she had five children. Dumont promised to
free her a year early. When he broke his
promise, Bell left with her baby.

Bell walked to the home of Isaac Van
agenen, a Quaker. Dumont followed her, but
Van Wagenen paid him for her and the baby’s
services. Bell was free at last!

Bell’s only son had been sold and taken
South, though it was against State law.
Bell went to court, and the law returned
her son to her.

Bell went to New York and joined a
strange religious cult. A scandalous
story was printed about her. She sued
for libel and won $125 in damages for
her good name.

Add aIn 1843 Bell heard the voice of God. She took
the name Sojourner because God had told her to
sojourn across the land, and Truth because it was
another name for God. He had told her to go East;
so, she went to Connecticut and Massachusetts.
She found a talent for preaching.
subheading

In 1843 Bell heard the voice of God. She
took the name Sojourner because God
had told her to sojourn across the land,
and Truth because it was another name
for God. He had told her to go East; so, she
went to Connecticut and Massachusetts.
She found a talent for preaching.

Add a suOnce Douglass made a very
bitter speech and Sojourner asked from
the front row. “Frederick. Is God dead?”
The crowd cheered her.

She was ill in the early years of the Civil
War, but in 1864 she went to
Washington to meet Mr. Lincoln. He
signed her autograph book.

Nearly 70, she worked hard in a refugee
camp, and later in Freedmen’s Hospital.
In her spare time, she integrated
Washington’s streetcars.

After getting over a stroke at age 81, she
spoke in 36 towns and went to the
national women’s rights convention. At
82, she went to Kansas to see the
Freedmen settled.

Her family was with her when she died
in Battle Creek in 1883. She said death
would be, “Like stepping out into the
light. Won’t that be glorious.”