When he made it there, he sent for Anna Murray, and they were soon married. Historian Leigh Fought argues that Douglass might have used Murray’s money to purchase a ticket to New York City. Douglass was enslaved.Īnna Murray helped Frederick escape bondage by sewing him a sailor’s costume. Historians disagree on how exactly the couple met, but one thing is sure: Murray was relatively financially secure after years of working and saving money. When Anna Murray met the man who would later be known as Frederick Douglass, he was still using the surname 'Bailey.' It was 1838, and Murray, the daughter of enslaved parents in Maryland, was the first of her siblings to be born into freedom. In her biography, 'My Mother As I Recall Her,' Rosetta Douglass Sprague, the eldest of the Douglass’ five children, writes, 'I am publishing this little booklet that the world may learn some thing (sic) of the noble woman who was the wife of a great man, well known - and the mother of his children.'ĭouglass Sprague continues, writing, 'Too often are the facts of the great sacrifices and heroic efforts of the wives of renowned men overshadowed by the achievements of the men and the wonderful and beautiful part she has played so well is overlooked.' The Backstory: There is more to the Frederick Douglass story. to the success of his endeavors, and shed light on the underreported efforts of modern Black women as they work towards building a better future.' The online event features a panel during which people will 'uncover the 'hidden' contributions of Douglass's daughter and wife. 10, when 540WMain hosts 'The Douglass Women: Another Look at Anna Murray and Rosetta.' But Anna Murray Douglass, Frederick Douglass’ first wife, is largely left out of discussions of her husband.įind out more about Anna Murray and Rosetta Douglass Sprague from 5 to 7 p.m. Her devotion and effort helped him gain his freedom, her diligence and love are what sustained him during his career and her body is eternally entombed next to his at Mt. To date, it is still one of only a few texts dedicated to Anna Murray Douglass, in stark contrast to the wellspring of literature devoted to her famous husband.

It is in this way that Rosetta Douglass Sprague began an essay about her mother, an early effort to ensure she received the recognition she deserved and deserves. It was a story made possible by the unswerving loyalty of Anna Murray.' 'The story of Frederick Douglass’ hopes and aspirations and longing desire for freedom has been told - you all know it. Watch Video: Vandalized Douglass statue replaced

Frederick douglass my bondage