The Remarkable Life of Gertie Davis, Harriet Tubman's Beloved Niece

The Remarkable Life

of Gertie Davis, Harriet

Tubman's Beloved Niece

Introduction:

Harriet Tubman, a former slave turned abolitionist, is a well-known figure in American history. Her bravery and determination in leading slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad have inspired generations of

people. However, less is known about her family and the impact they had on her life. In this blog post, we will focus on Harriet Tubman's niece, Gertie Davis, and the important role she played in Harriet's life.

Who was Gertie Davis?

Gertie Davis was born around 1874 in Auburn, New York. She was the daughter of Harriet Tubman's brother, Robert Ross, and his wife, Caroline. Gertie grew up in a

large family, with several siblings, including Ben, who later became Harriet Tubman's caretaker. As a child, Gertie had a close relationship with her aunt Harriet. Harriet, who was unmarried and had no children of her own, doted on her niece and nephew. She often took them on trips and taught them valuable skills, such as how to fish and hunt. Harriet saw Gertie as a second daughter and was deeply attached to her.

Life as a Domestic Servant

When Gertie was a teenager, she moved to New York City to work as a domestic servant for a wealthy family. She worked long hours and was paid very little, but she was determined to send money back home to her family. Gertie's experiences as a domestic servant would later influence her activism and advocacy for workers' rights.

Gertie Davis's Activism

In 1915, Gertie Davis joined the Women's Trade Union League (WTUL), a group that advocated for better working conditions and wages for women workers. Gertie quickly became an active member, organizing meetings and speaking out against injustice. She also helped to organize strikes and protests.

Advocating for the Rights of Black Workers

Gertie Davis was passionate about advocating for the rights of Black workers. She saw firsthand the discrimination and exploitation that Black workers faced, both in the North and the South. Gertie fought tirelessly to bring attention to these issues, speaking out at rallies and organizing protests.

Fighting for Women's Suffrage

Gertie was also a strong advocate for women's suffrage. She saw the fight for women's right to vote as part of a larger struggle for equality and justice. Gertie worked with other suffragists to organize rallies and marches, and she was a frequent speaker at meetings and events.

Gertie Davis and Harriet Tubman's Legacy

When Harriet Tubman died in 1913, she left behind a small estate that included a house in Auburn, New York. Harriet had no children of her own, so she left the house to her niece, Gertie Davis. The inheritance was significant, as it provided Gertie with a measure of financial stability and independence.

Preserving Harriet Tubman's Legacy

After Harriet Tubman's death, Gertie Davis became one of the primary guardians of her aunt's legacy. She worked tirelessly to ensure that Harriet's story was remembered and honored. Gertie participated in events and ceremonies honoring Harriet, and she also gave interviews and speeches about her aunt's life and legacy.

The Harriet Tubman Home

In 1944, Gertie Davis donated Harriet Tubman's house in Auburn, New York, to the AME Zion Church. The house was turned into a museum, which is now known as the Harriet Tubman Home. The museum is dedicated to preserving Harriet Tubman's legacy and educating people about her life and accomplishments.

Gertie Davis played a critical role in ensuring that the Harriet Tubman Home was established and maintained. She was deeply committed to preserving her aunt's legacy and making sure that future generations would be able to learn from her example.

FAQ:

Q: How did Gertie Davis become involved in activism?

A: Gertie Davis became involved in activism through her work as a domestic

servant in New York City. She saw firsthand the exploitation and mistreatment that workers faced and became passionate about advocating for their rights.

Q: What was Gertie Davis's relationship with Harriet Tubman?

A: Gertie Davis was Harriet Tubman's beloved niece. Harriet saw Gertie as a second daughter and was deeply attached to her. Gertie grew up with a

close relationship with her aunt and later inherited her house in Auburn, New York.

Q: What was Gertie Davis's role in preserving Harriet Tubman's legacy?

A: Gertie Davis played a critical role in preserving Harriet Tubman's legacy. She worked tirelessly to ensure that her aunt's story was remembered and honored. Gertie participated in events and ceremonies honoring Harriet, and she also donated Harriet's house in

Auburn, New York, to the AME Zion Church to be turned into a museum.

Conclusion:

Gertie Davis was a remarkable woman who played an important role in Harriet

Tubman's life and legacy. Through her activism and advocacy for workers' rights, Black workers, and women's suffrage, Gertie continued the legacy of her aunt and fought for justice and equality. Her dedication to preserving