Gertie Davis: The Remarkable Family of Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated figures in American history. Known as the "Moses of her people," she dedicated her life to fighting against slavery and helping others escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. However, there is one important aspect of her life that often goes overlooked: her family. In particular, her sister Gertie Davis played a significant role in shaping Harriet's life and legacy. In this blog post, we will explore the life of Gertie Davis, her relationship with Harriet Tubman, and the impact that their family had on American history.

Who was Gertie Davis?

Gertie Davis was born in 1825 in Dorchester County, Maryland, just like her famous sister Harriet Tubman. She was the second of nine children born to Harriet's parents, Ben Ross and Harriet Green. Like many African Americans of that time, Gertie was born into slavery and spent much of her early life working on a plantation.

In 1844, Gertie married a man named John Davis. While little is known about John, it is clear that he and Gertie had a loving and devoted marriage. They had four children together: Amanda, Eliza, William Henry, and Simon.

Gertie's relationship with Harriet Tubman

Gertie and Harriet were very close growing up. They shared a deep bond and relied on each other for support and comfort in the face of the many challenges they faced as slaves. Harriet often spoke of Gertie as one of the most important people in her life, describing her as "my other self" and "the friend of my childhood."

As adults, Gertie and Harriet remained close even as their lives took very different paths. While Harriet became a famous abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad, Gertie remained in Maryland with her family. Nonetheless, they wrote to each other frequently, and Harriet often visited Gertie and her family when she could.

Gertie's impact on Harriet's life and legacy

While Harriet Tubman is undoubtedly a remarkable historical figure in her own right, it is important to remember that she did not achieve her accomplishments alone. Gertie Davis, along with the rest of their family, played an instrumental role in shaping Harriet's life and legacy.

For one thing, it was Gertie who introduced Harriet to her future husband, John Tubman. The two had met while Harriet was working on another plantation, and Gertie saw that they had a connection. She encouraged Harriet to pursue a relationship with him, and the two were eventually married.

Furthermore, Gertie and her family provided Harriet with a sense of love and stability that she desperately needed throughout her life. Growing up as a slave, Harriet experienced trauma and abuse that would have broken many people. However, she was able to draw strength from the support of her family, who never wavered in their love and loyalty to her.

Perhaps most importantly, Gertie and her family served as a source of inspiration and motivation for Harriet's work as an abolitionist. Seeing the suffering and injustice that her family and friends experienced firsthand motivated Harriet to fight against slavery with every fiber of her being. In this way, Gertie and her family played a key role in shaping Harriet's sense of purpose and commitment to social justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was Gertie Davis's role in the Underground Railroad?

A: While Gertie Davis did not play a direct role in the Underground Railroad like her sister Harriet, she did provide support and encouragement to Harriet in her efforts to help others escape slavery. Gertie and her family also provided a safe haven for escaped slaves who made their way to Maryland, and they were known to help them on their journey to freedom.

Q: Did Gertie Davis ever escape slavery herself?

A: It is not clear whether Gertie Davis ever escaped slavery herself. While her sister Harriet Tubman famously escaped to freedom and became an abolitionist, Gertie remained in Maryland with her family. However, it is likely that Gertie played a role in helping others escape, as her family was known to be supportive of the Underground Railroad and other abolitionist efforts.

Q: What was life like for Gertie Davis as a slave?

A: Like most slaves of her time, Gertie Davis was forced to work long hours under harsh conditions. She and her family were owned by different people over the years, which meant that their living and working conditions varied. However, they all experienced the trauma and violence that came with being enslaved. Despite these hardships, Gertie remained strong and resilient, and her love for her family helped her to endure.

Q: What happened to Gertie Davis after the Civil War?

A: After the Civil War, Gertie Davis and her family remained in Maryland. While the end of slavery brought about many changes, life was still difficult for African Americans in the South. Gertie and her family continued to support each other and build a life together, and they remained close with Harriet Tubman until her death in 1913. Gertie herself passed away in 1888.

In conclusion, Gertie Davis was a remarkable woman in her own right, and her role in shaping Harriet Tubman's life and legacy cannot be overstated. While Harriet is often celebrated as a lone hero, it is important to remember that she was part of a larger network of family and community support that enabled her to achieve what she did. Gertie and her family were instrumental in providing that support, and their legacy continues to inspire us today.