Proclamation

She essentially ended slavery in Massachusetts by suing for her freedom in 1780

Elizabeth Freeman, also known as “Mum Bett” was born into slavery around 1742 in Claverack, Columbia County, New York.

Her owner, Pieter Hogeboom, gave her to Sheffield, Massachusetts, resident John Ashley when he married Hogeboom’s daughter Annetje. He was known to be one of the most prominent and respected men in western Massachusetts.