Mum Bett, later known as Elizabeth Freeman, was born to New York slaves in Claverack, New York, circa 1742. At the age of six months she and her sister were sold to John Ashley of Sheffield, Massachusetts, who she served until 1780. During that time she married and had a child. Her husband was killed in combat during the Revolutionary War. In 1780, Mum Bett prevented her mistress from striking her sister Lizzy with a heated shovel and was struck instead. Wikipedia
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