Emily Harvie Thomas Tubman facts for kids

Emily Harvie Thomas Tubman (March 21, 1794 – June 9, 1885) was an important American woman who helped many people. She was known as a philanthropist, which means someone who gives money and time to help others. Emily was born in Virginia. She later became a successful businesswoman in Augusta, Georgia. She was also a strong supporter of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Emily's Early Life and Family

Emily Harvie Thomas was born on March 21, 1794. Her birthplace was Ashland, Virginia. Her parents were Edmund and Anne Thomas. In 1798, her family moved to Kentucky. Her father worked as a registrar, keeping land records for Kentucky. Her brother, Landon Addison Thomas, was born there the next year. Emily spent most of her childhood in Frankfort, Kentucky.

In 1804, Emily's father passed away. A family friend, Henry Clay, became her legal guardian. A legal guardian is someone who takes care of a child and their property. Henry Clay later became a famous American statesman.

Moving to Georgia and Marriage

In 1818, Emily moved to Augusta, Georgia. She went there to spend the winter with the Nicholas Ware family. Later that year, she married Richard Tubman. Richard was from Maryland and owned a lot of land in Georgia.

Emily worried about getting yellow fever in Georgia. This was a common illness at the time. So, she spent her summers in Frankfort, Kentucky, for the rest of her life. Richard Tubman died in 1836. Emily then took charge of his large estate and many properties. Her brother, Landon, who had studied at Yale University, helped her learn about civil law. This helped her manage the family's business.

Emily's Generosity and Business

Richard Tubman's will included a gift of $10,000 to the University of Georgia. This gift had a special condition. The Georgia General Assembly had to allow the people Richard enslaved to be freed. However, the Georgia legislature did not agree to this. So, the gift was not made.

Instead, Emily became involved with the American Colonization Society. This group helped free African Americans move to Africa. Emily offered 144 people who had been enslaved by Richard the chance to move to Liberia. Sixty-nine people accepted her offer. Emily paid $6,000 for their journey. A town in Liberia was even named Tubman in her honor. Later, William Tubman, whose grandparents were among those Emily helped, became the 19th president of Liberia.

Supporting Her Church and Education

Emily Tubman became a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She was very interested in the ideas of Alexander Campbell, a leader in the Restoration Movement. She gave the building for the First Christian Church in Augusta, which started in 1835. In 1874, she donated new buildings when the church moved.

A few years earlier, in 1870, a fire damaged the First Christian Church in Frankfort. Emily spent $26,000 to repair the building. She also helped other parts of the Disciples of Christ church. She created a fund for Bethany College, which Alexander Campbell started. She also gave money to University of Kentucky. Emily donated $30,000 to the Foreign Christian Missionary Society. This was the largest donation they had ever received at that time.

Other Business Ventures and Legacy

Emily Tubman was also a smart businesswoman. She owned shares in the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company. She also had many stocks in a manufacturing company. In 1874, she provided money to start Tubman High School in Augusta. Today, a middle school in the city is named after her.

Death and Lasting Impact

Emily Tubman passed away on June 9, 1885. She was buried next to her brother Landon. Their family plot is in Frankfort Cemetery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

In 1994, Emily Tubman was honored. She was inducted into the Georgia Women of Achievement. This means she was recognized for her important contributions. That same year, the city of Augusta unveiled a statue of Emily Tubman. It stands near the First Christian Church, reminding everyone of her generosity.