Later Years
Tubman spent the rest of her life in Auburn, New York. She had various jobs to support her parents, and took in borders for extra money. Civil War veteran Nelson Davis, one of the borders, worked as a bricklayer in town. The two soon fell in love, despite Harriet being 22 years older then Nelson. They spent the next 20 years together, and in 1874 they adopted a daughter who the named Gertie.
During her last years, Harriet earned many admirers.
During her last years, Harriet earned many admirers.
Harriet in 1911, at the age of 91.
DeathDuring the late 19th century and early 20th century, Harriet became involved with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Auburn, New York. In 1903, she gave some of her land to the church, under the instruction that it be made into a home for "aged and sick colored people." The home did not open for another five years, and Harriet was unhappy when she learned the church had ordered residents to pay a $100 entrance fee. Harriet was frustrated by the new rule but was the guest of honor when the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged opened on June 23, 1908.
As Harriet grew older, the suffering from her childhood head accident continued to bother her. In the late 1890's, she had brain surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. She had no anesthesia for the surgery and reportedly chose instead to bite down on a bullet, as she had seen Civil War soldiers do when their limbs were amputated. By 1911, her body was so frail that she had to be admitted into the rest home named after her. Surrounded by friends and family members, Harriet Tubman died of pneumonia in 1913. |
Harriet (far left), with her husband (seated, with cane),
their adopted daughter Gertie (beside Harriet), Lee Cheney, John Alexander, Walter Green, Sarah Parker, and great-niece, Dora Stewart at Harriet's home |