Patsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patsey
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sketch from Solomon Northup's book
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| Born | around 1830 |
| Died | after 1863 |
| Known for | Twelve Years a Slave |
Patsey (born around 1830, died after 1863) was an African-American woman who was enslaved. Most of what we know about her comes from the book Twelve Years a Slave. This book was written by Solomon Northup, who was also enslaved.
Patsey's story has been shared in movies too. One film, Solomon Northup's Odyssey, came out in 1984. A more famous movie, 12 Years a Slave, was released in 2013. In the 2013 film, the actress Lupita Nyong'o played Patsey. She even won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her amazing performance.
Contents
Patsey's Early Life and Enslavement
Patsey's mother was said to be from Guinea. She was taken from her home and forced into slavery in Cuba. Later, she was sold to a family named Buford in the Southern United States. Patsey herself was likely born around 1830 in South Carolina.
In 1843, when Patsey was about 13 years old, she was sold. She was bought by a man named Edwin Epps in Louisiana. Solomon Northup described Epps as a harsh and unkind person. He said Epps had no sense of fairness or kindness.
Life on the Plantation
Epps rented a plantation called Bayou Huffpower. In 1845, Epps moved Patsey and other enslaved people to his own 300-acre farm. This farm was near Bunkie in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.
It was on this Epps plantation that Solomon Northup and Patsey became friends. Patsey was known for being an incredibly fast cotton picker. She could pick up to 500 pounds of cotton in a single day! Her owner, Epps, often praised her for this skill.
Northup called Patsey the "queen of the fields." He also said she was different from the other enslaved people. She had a strong spirit that never gave up. She used to be a "joyous creature" who laughed a lot. Patsey deeply wished to be free.
A Farewell to Freedom
Solomon Northup knew Patsey for nearly ten years. In 1853, Northup was finally about to gain his freedom. As he was leaving the Epps plantation, Patsey ran to him.
Patsey ran from behind a cabin and threw her arms about my neck. 'Oh! Platt [the name given to Northup by his kidnappers],' she cried, tears streaming down her face, 'you're goin' to be free—you're goin' way off yonder where we'll neber see ye any more. You've saved me a good many whipping, Platt; I'm glad you're goin' to be free—but oh! de Lord, de Lord! what'll become of me?
Northup then got into a carriage and left for his freedom. He never saw Patsey again. In 1854, his book Twelve Years a Slave was published.
Patsey's Escape
Almost ten years later, during the American Civil War, soldiers arrived. The 110th New York Infantry Regiment came to the Epps plantation in May 1863. Some of these soldiers had read Northup's book. They met Bob, one of the enslaved men mentioned in the book.
Patsey left the plantation with these Union soldiers. After that, what happened to her is not known. Her life after 1863 remains a mystery.
Patsey in Popular Culture
The 2013 film 12 Years a Slave was very successful. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Because of the movie, many people became interested in Patsey's story again. Historians are still researching to find out more about what happened to her.
See also
In Spanish: Patsey para niños
- People who disappeared
