Emily Harvie Thomas Tubman 1794-1885
Born in Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia on March 21, 1794. Grew up in Kentucky under guardianship of Henry Clay. Visited Augusta in 1818, where she met and married Richard Tubman, wealthy merchant. After his death in 1836, she became interested in the teachings of Alexander Campbell and helped found the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Augusta. Provided funds for numerous churches in Georgia and Kentucky; supported foreign missions. Emancipated her slaves in 1837, providing them a subsidy to start a new life in Liberia. During the Civil War, she imported the first ice machine to relieve suffering soldiers. With other shareholders of Georgia Railroad, provided free transportation for Confederate soldiers. Supported restoration of Mount Vernon, VA. Endowed Tubman High School in 1874. Astute in business, she made wise investments; was major stockholder in John P. King Manufacturing Co. Entertained notable guests such as Marquis de Lafayette, Henry Clay, Alexander Campbell, Robert Toombs, Alexander Stephens. She established endowments for schools, scholarships, and the Tubman Home for aged. Her philanthropy involved hundreds of thousands of dollars.
GHM 121-52 GEORGIA HISTORIC MARKER 1994
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: Ken Moser.