Mammy Kate facts for kids
Mammy Kate was a brave woman who was enslaved by Stephen Heard. Stephen Heard later became the Governor of Georgia. Kate lived in what is now Elbert County, Georgia.
In a letter from 1820, Mammy Kate was described as a very tall and strong woman. She was known as a kind and loyal friend to Colonel Heard and his family. She was of African descent and even said she was the daughter of a great king.
A Time of Trouble
During the American Revolution, Stephen Heard faced many difficulties. People called Loyalists caused him much hardship. His wife and young adopted daughter died because of harsh weather. Later, British soldiers captured Stephen Heard. He was then sentenced to be executed.
Kate's Daring Rescue
Mammy Kate was determined to help Stephen Heard. She followed him to the prison where he was held. One morning, she arrived at the prison with a large basket on her head. She told the guard that she was there to collect Colonel Heard's laundry. The guard let her into his cell.
Inside the cell, Kate helped Heard, who was a small man, hide inside the basket. She then calmly walked past the guard with the basket balanced on her head. No one suspected that Stephen Heard was hidden inside!
Escape to Freedom
The night before, Kate had secretly hidden two of Heard's fast Arabian horses, named Lightfoot and Silverheels. She hid them near Augusta, where Heard was imprisoned. After getting Heard out of the prison, she took him to the horses. They both rode away to safety.
It is said that during their escape, Stephen Heard offered to give Mammy Kate her freedom. But Kate bravely replied that he could set her free, but she would never set him free. This showed her deep loyalty to him.
Life After the Rescue
Stephen Heard kept his promise. He gave Mammy Kate her freedom. He also gave her a piece of land and a four-room house. Even after gaining her freedom, Mammy Kate chose to continue working for the Heard family. When she was close to the end of her life, she asked the Heard family to care for her children.
