Ann-Elizabeth Fossett Isaacs facts for kids

Ann-Elizabeth Fossett Isaacs (1812-1902) was an African American woman who was born into slavery at Monticello. Monticello was a large farm, called a plantation, owned by former president Thomas Jefferson. Ann-Elizabeth lived there until she was about fifteen years old. Her mother was a cook, and her father was a blacksmith. She had nine brothers and sisters.

Later, Ann-Elizabeth was sold to a new owner. Eventually, she became free. She moved around, living in Ohio and Charlottesville, Virginia. Finally, she settled in Ross County, Ohio. In Ohio, she and her family played an important part in the Underground Railroad.

Ann-Elizabeth's Early Life

Ann-Elizabeth was the fourth of ten children born to Edith Hern Fossett and Joseph Fossett. Her mother, Edith, worked as a chef at Monticello. She also cooked at the White House when Thomas Jefferson was president. Ann-Elizabeth's father, Joseph, was the main blacksmith at the plantation for twenty years. He was allowed to keep a small part of the money his shop earned. This was very rare for enslaved people at Monticello.

We don't know much about Ann-Elizabeth's exact jobs at Monticello. However, it was common for enslaved children to care for younger children and do tasks inside the house until they were about ten. After that, they might work in textile shops, in the fields, or continue working in the house. People were seen as full workers only after turning sixteen. Ann-Elizabeth left Monticello before she reached that age.

Life After Monticello

After Thomas Jefferson died in 1826, his family had many debts. Because of this, Ann-Elizabeth, her mother, and six of her siblings were sold at an auction in 1827. This was a common and sad practice during slavery.

Ann-Elizabeth gained her freedom in 1837, thanks to her father. Around that time, she married a man named Tucker Isaacs from Charlottesville. He was of African and Jewish descent. After becoming free, Ann-Elizabeth and Tucker moved to Ohio with their children and other members of the Fossett family.

Later, they moved back to Charlottesville for a while. They both had family there, and some were still enslaved. After some time, they made a final move back to Ohio. This time, they settled there permanently.

Helping the Underground Railroad

In Ohio, Ann-Elizabeth and her husband, Tucker, lived on a large 158-acre farm in Ross County. This farm became very important. It was used as a safe stop on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped many enslaved people escape to freedom in the North.

The Isaacs' farm offered a safe place for many people during a very difficult time. Ann-Elizabeth and Tucker's children and grandchildren continued to use the farm as a station for the Underground Railroad.

Ann-Elizabeth and Tucker had nine children. One of their children was the mother of William Monroe Trotter. He later became a famous civil rights leader.