Ona Judge: Self-Emancipated from the Presidential Mansion

Ona Judge, born into slavery on George Washington's plantation, was trained as a maid for Martha Washington. At 16, she moved with the Washingtons to New York and Philadelphia, separating her from her family. In Philadelphia, she learned about self-emancipation from free black Americans. In 1796, to avoid being given as a wedding gift to Martha's granddaughter, Ona escaped to Portsmouth, NH. Despite the Washingtons' efforts to recapture her, Ona lived freely, marrying Jack Staines and having a daughter. After George Washington's death, Ona lived a long life, sharing her story with abolitionist newspapers, highlighting the contradictions of early American liberty.

What significant change occurred in Ona Judge's life when she moved to Philadelphia?

• She was given to Eliza as a wedding present.

• She was reunited with her family.

• She became a free woman.

• She met a network of free black Americans.

Why did Ona Judge decide to escape from the Washingtons?

• She feared being given to Eliza, who was known for mistreatment.

• She was promised freedom by George Washington.

• She wanted to join her family in New York.

• She wanted to travel to Europe.

What was the Washingtons' response to Ona Judge's escape?

• They sent a letter asking her to return.

• They accepted her decision and let her go.

• They offered a large reward for her capture.

• They immediately went to court to reclaim her.

How did Ona Judge manage to avoid capture after George Washington's attempts?

• She changed her identity.

• She was warned by a sympathetic senator.

• She hid in the mountains.

• She moved to another country.

What impact did Ona Judge's interviews have on the understanding of early American ideals?

• They led to immediate changes in laws.

• They were ignored by the public.

• They highlighted the contradictions in early American ideals.

• They showed the harmony between ideals and reality.