When we think of heroes who fought against the oppressive institution of slavery, names like Harriet Tubman often come to mind. Yet, lesser-known figures like Mariah Ritty Ross also hold an important place in this struggle. Mariah was Harriet’s older sister, and her life’s story is shrouded in mystery and heartbreak.
Early Life and Family Background
Mariah Ritty Ross was born in 1811, into a world where freedom was a distant dream for her and her family. Her parents, Benjamin “Ben” Ross and Harriet “Rit” Green, were enslaved people in Dorchester County, Maryland. Mariah was one of several children in the family, which included the future abolitionist icon, Harriet Tubman.
The Ross family, like many enslaved families, were subject to the whims and cruelties of their owners. Despite these hardships, they fostered a strong sense of unity and resilience within their family.
Life in Slavery
Mariah’s life, like millions of other enslaved individuals, was marked by the harsh brutality of slavery. From a young age, she was subjected to grueling physical labor, harsh discipline, and the constant fear of being separated from her family. This was the grim reality of her existence, a reality that she shared with her siblings, including Harriet.
Slavery was not just about physical labor; it was also about control and dehumanization. Enslaved people were stripped of their rights, their freedoms, and often their families. They lived their lives under the constant threat of violence and separation from their loved ones.
Separation from Family
At the age of 14, the worst fear of Mariah and her family came true. In 1825, she was sold away from her family, likely to the Deep South. This region was known for its brutal and intensive plantation system, where enslaved people were often worked to death.
The separation from her family was a devastating blow to Mariah and left the Ross family in a state of shock and uncertainty. The pain of this separation can only be imagined, as the family was left to wonder about the fate of their loved one, without any means of knowing what had become of her.
This was a common practice during the era of slavery, where families were often torn apart without any regard for their bonds or feelings. The separation of Mariah from her family is a stark reminder of the inhumane nature of the institution of slavery.
Harriet Tubman’s Efforts to Find Mariah
Life for the Ross family took a dramatic turn after Mariah’s sale to the Deep South. One member of the family, in particular, couldn’t accept this cruel fate. Her sister, Harriet Tubman, who we now know as a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement, was determined to reunite with Mariah.
Harriet’s determination to find her sister can be seen as the spark that ignited her role in the fight against slavery. Her tireless efforts to locate Mariah were met with numerous obstacles. The vastness of the South and the secrecy surrounding the slave trade hindered her attempts to track down her sister.
Even though Harriet had to face physical and emotional challenges, she never gave up on her quest to find Mariah. This relentless pursuit is a testament to the deep bond the Ross sisters shared and the unyielding spirit of a woman who would come to be known as “”Moses”” of her people.
Contradictory Accounts of Mariah’s Fate
Despite Harriet’s relentless efforts, the fate of Mariah Ritty Ross remains shrouded in mystery. There are conflicting accounts about what happened to her after she was sold to the Deep South.
Some historical sources suggest that Harriet never found Mariah and her fate remains unknown. These accounts paint a grim picture of Mariah’s life, one that was likely marked by hardship and sorrow.
On the other hand, there are narratives that suggest Mariah managed to escape slavery, reunited with her sister, and even became involved in the Underground Railroad and the Civil War. However, these accounts lack substantial historical evidence and seem to be more fiction than fact.
What is clear is that Mariah’s disappearance had a profound impact on her family, particularly on her sister Harriet. The uncertainty surrounding her fate continues to intrigue historians and readers alike.
The Impact of Mariah’s Disappearance on the Ross Family
The disappearance of Mariah Ritty Ross had far-reaching effects on the Ross family. Imagine the agony of not knowing what happened to your child, your sister, your loved one. The sale of Mariah was not just a transaction, it was a devastating event that left an indelible mark on her family.
The Ross family was left in a state of shock and uncertainty. The loss of Mariah served as a brutal reminder of the realities of their existence. It was a painful symbol of the dehumanizing aspects of slavery, where loved ones could be torn apart without a moment’s notice.
The impact of Mariah’s disappearance reverberated beyond the immediate family. It became a catalyst for Harriet Tubman’s involvement in the abolitionist movement. This tragic event played a significant role in shaping Harriet’s path, ultimately leading her to become one of the most revered figures in American history.
Legacy of Mariah Ritty Ross
Mariah Ritty Ross, though less known, is a significant figure in the narrative of slavery in America. Her life, marked by forced labor, heartache, and an abrupt separation from her family, speaks volumes about the harsh realities of slavery. However, Mariah’s story is not just a tale of adversity; it is a testament to resilience and survival in the face of immense hardship.
Her life serves as a potent reminder of the countless individuals whose lives were irrevocably altered by the institution of slavery. It forces us to remember that behind the statistics and historical accounts were human beings, each with their own stories, dreams, and families.
Mariah’s legacy is inseparable from the legacy of her sister, Harriet Tubman. Harriet’s relentless pursuit to find Mariah underscores the deep bonds of family and the desperate struggle for freedom that marked the lives of enslaved individuals. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the countless families torn apart by the brutal institution of slavery.
Mariah Ritty Ross in Historical Context
The story of Mariah Ritty Ross is a crucial piece of the larger narrative of slavery in America. To understand the magnitude of her life and the lives of countless others like her, it’s important to place her in the broader historical context.
In the early 19th century, when Mariah was born, slavery was an integral part of the American economy, particularly in the Southern states. The plantation system, based on the labor of enslaved people, was brutal and dehumanizing. Families, like the Ross family, lived under the constant threat of violence and separation from loved ones.
Mariah’s sale to the Deep South was a common practice during this era which resulted in millions of families being torn apart. The Deep South was notorious for its harsh plantation system, where enslaved people were often worked to death. The fact that Mariah, at the tender age of 14, was sold away from her family into this brutal system underscores the stark realities of slavery.
Conclusion
Remembering Mariah Ritty Ross is not just about recounting the tragedy of one individual. It’s about remembering the countless lives that were affected by the institution of slavery. It is about acknowledging the resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardship and cruelty.
Mariah’s story, like those of many others, has been largely forgotten in the annals of history. However, it’s important to remember her and countless others like her. For it is in remembering these stories that we can begin to understand the profound impact of slavery on the lives of individuals and families, and the lasting legacy it has left on our society.
As we remember Mariah Ritty Ross, we remember not just a sister of a famous abolitionist, but a woman who represents the struggle, the resilience, and the unspoken stories of millions. Her story forces us to confront the brutal realities of slavery, while also serving as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who endured it.
