Part 4
Sojourner's Amazing Life ... And Beyond
The Sojourner Truth Biography

Sojourner: Then Until Now

1884 -- Frances Titus publishes the final edition of the Narrative, including the "Memorial Chapter, giving the particulars of her last sickness and death."

1890 -- Frances Titus collects $44 from Truth's friends around the country, along with funds from Battle Creek community leaders, and uses the money to erect a monument on Truth's gravesite. The inscription reads, "Born a slave in Ulster Co., New York in the 18th century, died in Battle Creek, Mich., Nov. 26, 1883, aged about 105 years. -- 'Is God Dead' --" The incorrect age cited on the tombstone has been the source of confusion over the years.

1892 -- Frances Titus commissions Albion artist Frank Courter to paint the meeting between Truth and president Lincoln.

1894 -- Truth's traveling companion and biographer, Frances Titus, dies.

1935 -- Memorial stone to Sojourner Truth is placed in the Stone History Tower in Monument Park, downtown Battle Creek.

1946 -- New grave marker is erected in Oak Hill Cemetery by the Sojourner Truth Memorial Association. The original inscription is copied onto the new monument.

1961 -- An historical marker, commemorating the members of Truth's family who are buried with her in the Oak Hill cemetery plot, is erected by the Sojourner Truth Memorial Association, at the urging of local historian Berenice Lowe.

1976 -- As part of the nation's bicentennial celebration, the Calhoun County portion of state highway M-66 is designated as the "Sojourner Truth Memorial Highway."

1981 -- Truth is inducted into the national Woman's Hall of Fame in Seneca Fall, New York.

1983 -- Truth is in the first group of women inducted into the Michigan Woman's Hall of Fame in Lansing.

1986 -- A commemorative postage stamp is issued in February. Actress and Truth re-enactor Alice McGill was chosen to represent Truth on the stamp.

1987 -- Truth is the sixth Michigan citizen chosen to honored by the State Bar of Michigan with a Michigan Milestone Marker, recognizing her contribution to the legal system.

1987 -- A marker is erected by the Battle Creek Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs. This is part of a state-wide theme trail developed by the Michigan Women's Studies Association, honoring twenty-one women from all around the state for their contributions to society. The Battle Creek Club also sponsors an annual Sojourner Truth luncheon and award program to recognize dedicated students and civic leaders.

1997 -- Sojourner Truth honored with a Mars probe of the same name. Read more.

1997 -- A community-wide, year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary of Sojourner Truth's birth is held in Battle Creek. The observance culminated in the Battle Creek National Woman's Conference held during the Week of Truth from October 12 - 18. Scholars and leaders on women's issues from around the country led a week-long symposium on Sojourner Truth, her issues and her legacy. In addition, a larger-than-life size monument of Sojourner Truth is commissioned from artist Tina Allen. The statue is scheduled to be dedicated in the fall of 1999.

Previous Segment