Solomon Northup's life journey from a free individual to a kidnapped and enslaved man for twelve years is a harrowing tale of survival and resilience. Born free in New York, Northup was educated and skilled. His abduction in 1841 led to years of hardship in Louisiana. His memoir, 'Twelve Years a Slave,' after regaining freedom, became a crucial abolitionist document, and his pursuit of justice and advocacy against slavery marked his later years.
Show More
Solomon Northup was born in 1808 to a free woman of African and European descent and a father who had gained his freedom from slavery
Education
Despite being uncommon for African Americans at the time, Northup received an education due to his free status
Marriage
In 1829, Northup married Anne Hampton and they had three children
In 1834, Northup and his family moved to Saratoga Springs where he worked as a carpenter and his wife as a cook
In 1841, Northup was tricked into traveling to Washington, D.C. where he was drugged, kidnapped, and sold into slavery
As a free man unlawfully enslaved, Northup was transported to Louisiana and subjected to inhumane conditions under several enslavers
William Ford
Initially owned by Ford, who was comparatively humane, Northup was later sold to John Tibeats due to financial issues
John Tibeats
Tibeats was cruel and after a violent altercation, Northup was sold to Edwin Epps
Edwin Epps
Known for his brutality, Epps was Northup's final enslaver during his twelve years of enslavement
After his emancipation in 1853, Northup was able to reunite with his family
Northup worked with Wilson to publish his memoir, "Twelve Years a Slave," detailing his experiences and the atrocities of slavery
Legal Proceedings
Northup initiated legal proceedings against those responsible for his kidnapping in both Washington, D.C. and New York
Challenges Faced
Northup faced significant challenges, including laws that barred him from testifying against white defendants
00
______ ______ was a free-born individual in ______, ______, hailing from ______, ______.
Solomon Northup
July 1808
Minerva
New York
01
In the year ______, Solomon tied the knot with ______ ______ and the couple was blessed with ______ offspring.
1829
Anne Hampton
three
02
Solomon Northup's status before 1841 kidnapping
Free man and violinist
