3 Biogrphies,-Mary Todd Lincoln,Clara Barton, Eleanor Roosevelt-Women's History Month
Biographies
Mary Todd Lincoln
- Occupation: First Lady
- Born: December 13, 1818 in Lexington, Kentucky
- Died: July 16, 1882 in Springfield, Illinois
- Best known for: Wife and First Lady to President Abraham Lincoln
Mary Todd Lincoln
by Brady-Handy
Biography:
Where did Mary Todd Lincoln grow up?
Mary Todd Lincoln was born in Lexington, Kentucky on December 13, 1818. She grew up in a big house with lots of brothers and sisters. Mary attended Madame Mentelle's school for girls where she learned to speak French and how to dance. As she grew older, Mary became interested in politics. Her father was a state senator and the family often discussed politics and the government.
Meeting Abraham Lincoln
In 1839, Mary went to stay with her sister in Springfield, Illinois. There she met a tall young man named Abraham Lincoln. She really liked Abraham. He was smart and liked to talk about politics. Some of Mary's relatives didn't want her to marry Abraham because he was so poor, but Mary didn't listen to them. She loved Abraham and only cared that he was a good man. On November 4, 1842 she married Abraham and became Mrs. Lincoln.
Moving to Washington
Mary believed in her heart that Abraham would be a great man someday. She supported his political career and it soon began to take off. Abraham became known for his stance against slavery. He participated in many debates and speeches against slavery.
In 1847, Abraham was elected to Congress as a member of the House of Representatives. Mary moved to Washington D.C. for a time to be with Abraham and help him with his career.
Becoming the First Lady
When Abraham's term as a congressman ended, Mary and the family returned to Springfield. There Mary took care of the house while Abe worked as a lawyer. Things became very busy for Mary in 1860 while her husband was running for president. She helped him with his campaign and often spoke strongly to reporters about issues.
On November 6, 1860, Abraham was elected president. Mary was now the First Lady of the United States. The family moved into the White House. She was surprised to find that the White House was dirty and in disrepair. Mary decided to take on the job of fixing up the White House.
The Civil War
Mary's time at the White House wasn't all fun and games. Her husband's strong position on slavery caused many Southern states to secede from the United States and start their own country called the Confederacy. Soon the North was fighting the South in the Civil War.
The Civil War continued for several years. Rather than move to somewhere safe, Mary decided to stay by her husband's side. She visited troops with her husband, gave him advice, and even worked as a volunteer nurse.
Where did Mary Todd Lincoln grow up?
Mary Todd Lincoln was born in Lexington, Kentucky on December 13, 1818. She grew up in a big house with lots of brothers and sisters. Mary attended Madame Mentelle's school for girls where she learned to speak French and how to dance. As she grew older, Mary became interested in politics. Her father was a state senator and the family often discussed politics and the government.
Meeting Abraham Lincoln
In 1839, Mary went to stay with her sister in Springfield, Illinois. There she met a tall young man named Abraham Lincoln. She really liked Abraham. He was smart and liked to talk about politics. Some of Mary's relatives didn't want her to marry Abraham because he was so poor, but Mary didn't listen to them. She loved Abraham and only cared that he was a good man. On November 4, 1842 she married Abraham and became Mrs. Lincoln.
Moving to Washington
Mary believed in her heart that Abraham would be a great man someday. She supported his political career and it soon began to take off. Abraham became known for his stance against slavery. He participated in many debates and speeches against slavery.
In 1847, Abraham was elected to Congress as a member of the House of Representatives. Mary moved to Washington D.C. for a time to be with Abraham and help him with his career.
Becoming the First Lady
When Abraham's term as a congressman ended, Mary and the family returned to Springfield. There Mary took care of the house while Abe worked as a lawyer. Things became very busy for Mary in 1860 while her husband was running for president. She helped him with his campaign and often spoke strongly to reporters about issues.
On November 6, 1860, Abraham was elected president. Mary was now the First Lady of the United States. The family moved into the White House. She was surprised to find that the White House was dirty and in disrepair. Mary decided to take on the job of fixing up the White House.
The Civil War
Mary's time at the White House wasn't all fun and games. Her husband's strong position on slavery caused many Southern states to secede from the United States and start their own country called the Confederacy. Soon the North was fighting the South in the Civil War.
The Civil War continued for several years. Rather than move to somewhere safe, Mary decided to stay by her husband's side. She visited troops with her husband, gave him advice, and even worked as a volunteer nurse.
The Lincoln Family
by Currier & Ives
A Divided
Family
Mary's home state of Kentucky was a border state. Although the state remained loyal to the Union, many people in Kentucky supported the South. Three of Mary's brothers actually joined the Confederate Army and fought for the South. Two of them were killed in battle. Even though Mary supported the North, she was deeply saddened at the loss of her brothers.
Abraham is Killed
In the Spring of 1865 the Civil War finally came to an end. Mary was looking forward to being the First Lady during a time of peace. On April 14, 1865, Mary and Abe went to the theatre to enjoy a play and celebrate. Unfortunately, her husband was shot by an assassin and died the next day.
Later Life and Death
After her husband was killed Mary was never the same. She had also suffered the death of a child earlier and was grief stricken. At one point she was even admitted to an insane asylum, but was later released.
Mary died on July 16, 1882 at her sister's home in Springfield, Illinois. She was buried alongside Abe at Lincoln Tomb.
Interesting Facts about Mary Todd Lincoln
Mary's home state of Kentucky was a border state. Although the state remained loyal to the Union, many people in Kentucky supported the South. Three of Mary's brothers actually joined the Confederate Army and fought for the South. Two of them were killed in battle. Even though Mary supported the North, she was deeply saddened at the loss of her brothers.
Abraham is Killed
In the Spring of 1865 the Civil War finally came to an end. Mary was looking forward to being the First Lady during a time of peace. On April 14, 1865, Mary and Abe went to the theatre to enjoy a play and celebrate. Unfortunately, her husband was shot by an assassin and died the next day.
Later Life and Death
After her husband was killed Mary was never the same. She had also suffered the death of a child earlier and was grief stricken. At one point she was even admitted to an insane asylum, but was later released.
Mary died on July 16, 1882 at her sister's home in Springfield, Illinois. She was buried alongside Abe at Lincoln Tomb.
Interesting Facts about Mary Todd Lincoln
- Mary called her husband "Mr. Lincoln" and he called her "Molly."
- She often suffered from headaches and mood swings.
- She got into trouble for spending too much money on redecorating the White House.
- Mary and Abe had four sons including Robert, Edward, William, and Thomas ("Tad").
- Mary was over a foot shorter than Abe. She was 5'2" and he was 6'4".
- Occupation: Nurse
- Born: December 25, 1821 in North Oxford, Massachusetts
- Died: April 12, 1912 in Glen Echo, Maryland
- Best known for: Founder of the American Red Cross
Biography:
Where did Clara Barton grow up?
Clara was born Clarissa Harlowe Barton on Christmas Day in 1821 in Oxford, Massachusetts. Her father, Captain Stephen Barton, was a veteran of the Indian Wars and owned a farm. Her mother, Sarah, was a firm believer in women's rights and taught Clara that all people should be treated equally.
Clara grew up the youngest of five children. She had two older sisters, Sally and Dorothea, as well as two older brothers, Stephen and David. They taught her how to read and write while she was still young and Clara did very well in school.
Growing up on a farm Clara learned about hard work. She had lots of chores from milking the cows early in the morning to chopping wood and taking care of sick animals. She liked to ride horses as well.
Her Brother Gets Hurt
When Clara was eleven years old, her brother David fell off the roof of a barn. He became very sick. Clara spent the next two years taking care of David. The doctors didn't hold out much hope for David, but, with Clara's help, he eventually got better. It was during this time that Clara discovered that she enjoyed taking care of others.
Working as a Teacher
At the young age of seventeen, Clara began to work as a schoolteacher teaching summer school. She had no training, but was very good at her job. Soon schools wanted to hire her to teach during the winter as well. They offered to pay her less than the men teachers were making. She said she would not do a man's work for less than a man's pay. They soon agreed to pay her the full wage.
Eventually Clara decided to get a degree in education. She went to college in New York and graduated in 1851. At first she went to work at a private school, but then decided to work on opening a free public school. She worked hard to get the school built, and by 1854 the school had six hundred students.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Clara moved to Washington D.C. and went to work for the patent office. However, as a woman she was not treated well. At one point she, and all the other women employees, were fired just because they were women. Clara worked to get her job back. She also fought for the rights of women to be treated equally in the work place. She even got President Abraham Lincoln on her side.
The Civil War Begins
Near the start of the Civil War a number of wounded soldiers arrived in Washington D.C. Clara and her sister Sally did what they could to help the men. They found out that the soldiers had little in the way of basic supplies to take care of their wounds. Clara decided to do something about this. She soon organized a way to get needed supplies to the soldiers on the front lines.
Throughout the Civil War, Clara traveled from battle to battle, doing what she could to nurse the soldiers back to health. She was brave enough to go right up to where the fighting was taking place. Many soldiers were comforted by her presence and she became known as the "Angel of the Battlefield".
Medicine During the Civil War
Medicine during the Civil War was not like it is today. Doctors didn't sterilize their medical equipment or even wash their hands before working on a patient. Conditions were so bad that nearly 60% of the deaths during the war were from disease.
The American Red Cross
While traveling overseas Clara learned of an organization called the International Red Cross. This group helped wounded soldiers during war. They hung a flag with a red cross and a white background on the outside of their hospital tents. After working for the Red Cross in France, Clara wanted to bring the organization to America.
It took a lot of hard work, but, after four years of lobbying, Clara founded the American Red Cross on May 21, 1881. Since then, the American Red Cross has helped people recover from all sorts of disasters from floods to fires to earthquakes. Today the Red Cross runs a major blood donation program that helps hospitals stay supplied with much needed blood.
Fun Facts about Clara Barton
Where did Clara Barton grow up?
Clara was born Clarissa Harlowe Barton on Christmas Day in 1821 in Oxford, Massachusetts. Her father, Captain Stephen Barton, was a veteran of the Indian Wars and owned a farm. Her mother, Sarah, was a firm believer in women's rights and taught Clara that all people should be treated equally.
Clara grew up the youngest of five children. She had two older sisters, Sally and Dorothea, as well as two older brothers, Stephen and David. They taught her how to read and write while she was still young and Clara did very well in school.
Growing up on a farm Clara learned about hard work. She had lots of chores from milking the cows early in the morning to chopping wood and taking care of sick animals. She liked to ride horses as well.
Her Brother Gets Hurt
When Clara was eleven years old, her brother David fell off the roof of a barn. He became very sick. Clara spent the next two years taking care of David. The doctors didn't hold out much hope for David, but, with Clara's help, he eventually got better. It was during this time that Clara discovered that she enjoyed taking care of others.
Working as a Teacher
At the young age of seventeen, Clara began to work as a schoolteacher teaching summer school. She had no training, but was very good at her job. Soon schools wanted to hire her to teach during the winter as well. They offered to pay her less than the men teachers were making. She said she would not do a man's work for less than a man's pay. They soon agreed to pay her the full wage.
Eventually Clara decided to get a degree in education. She went to college in New York and graduated in 1851. At first she went to work at a private school, but then decided to work on opening a free public school. She worked hard to get the school built, and by 1854 the school had six hundred students.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Clara moved to Washington D.C. and went to work for the patent office. However, as a woman she was not treated well. At one point she, and all the other women employees, were fired just because they were women. Clara worked to get her job back. She also fought for the rights of women to be treated equally in the work place. She even got President Abraham Lincoln on her side.
The Civil War Begins
Near the start of the Civil War a number of wounded soldiers arrived in Washington D.C. Clara and her sister Sally did what they could to help the men. They found out that the soldiers had little in the way of basic supplies to take care of their wounds. Clara decided to do something about this. She soon organized a way to get needed supplies to the soldiers on the front lines.
Throughout the Civil War, Clara traveled from battle to battle, doing what she could to nurse the soldiers back to health. She was brave enough to go right up to where the fighting was taking place. Many soldiers were comforted by her presence and she became known as the "Angel of the Battlefield".
Medicine During the Civil War
Medicine during the Civil War was not like it is today. Doctors didn't sterilize their medical equipment or even wash their hands before working on a patient. Conditions were so bad that nearly 60% of the deaths during the war were from disease.
The American Red Cross
While traveling overseas Clara learned of an organization called the International Red Cross. This group helped wounded soldiers during war. They hung a flag with a red cross and a white background on the outside of their hospital tents. After working for the Red Cross in France, Clara wanted to bring the organization to America.
It took a lot of hard work, but, after four years of lobbying, Clara founded the American Red Cross on May 21, 1881. Since then, the American Red Cross has helped people recover from all sorts of disasters from floods to fires to earthquakes. Today the Red Cross runs a major blood donation program that helps hospitals stay supplied with much needed blood.
Fun Facts about Clara Barton
- Clara was giving a soldier a cup of water when he suddenly died. She then noticed a hole in her sleeve from a bullet that narrowly missed her and killed the soldier.
- After the Civil War, Clara worked to track down missing soldiers. The army had kept little record of lost soldiers.
- After leaving the Red Cross in her 80s, Clara traveled the country teaching people first-aid skills.
- There are numerous elementary schools and high schools throughout the country that are named after Clara Barton.
- She never married nor had children. She said she considered the soldiers to be her family.
- Occupation: First Lady
- Born: October 11, 1884 in New York City, New York
- Died: November 7, 1962 in New York City, New York
- Best known for: Being an active first lady who worked for human rights.
Biography:
Where did Eleanor Roosevelt grow up?
Eleanor Roosevelt was born in New York City on October 11, 1884. Although she grew up in a fairly wealthy family, she had a tough childhood. Her mother died when she was eight and her father when she was only ten.
While her parents were alive, her mother treated her poorly, calling her "Granny" because she thought Eleanor was so serious and old-fashioned looking. Eleanor had few friends her age and was a quiet and frightened child. Her father was more encouraging, but wasn't around much. He would send her letters that she kept for the rest of her life.
Going to School
When Eleanor turned fifteen her grandmother sent her boarding school near London, England. At first Eleanor was scared, however the headmistress took a special interest her. By the time she graduated, Eleanor had gained confidence in herself. She had learned a lot about herself and life. She returned home a new person.
Marrying Franklin
Upon her return to the United States, Eleanor began to date her distant cousin Franklin Roosevelt. He was a handsome young man attending Harvard University. They spent a lot of time together and Franklin fell in love with Eleanor. They were married on March 17, 1905. Eleanor's Uncle Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States, gave away the bride in the wedding.
Once married, the couple began to have children. They had six children including Anna, James, Franklin (who died young), Elliott, Franklin Jr., and John. Eleanor kept busy running the household and taking care of the children.
Franklin Gets Sick
Franklin had become a famous politician. His goal was to become president. However, Franklin became very sick one summer with a disease called polio. He nearly died. Although Franklin lived, he would never walk again.
Despite his illness, Franklin decided to stay in politics. Eleanor was determined to help him in any way she could. She became involved in a number of organizations. She wanted to help poor people, black people, children, and women have better lives.
A New Kind of First Lady
Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated as President of the United States on March 4, 1933. Eleanor was now the First Lady. The job of the First Lady had always been to host parties and entertain foreign dignitaries and political leaders. Eleanor decided she could do more than this.
At the start of Franklin's presidency, America was in the middle of the Great Depression. People around the country were struggling to find jobs and even to have enough to eat. Franklin created the New Deal to try and help poor people recover. Eleanor decided to travel around the country to see how people were doing. She traveled thousands and thousands of miles. She let her husband know where people needed help and where his programs were and weren't working.
World War II
When Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor, Franklin had no choice but to declare war and enter World War II. Eleanor didn't stand still or stay at home in safety. She went to work for the Red Cross. She traveled to Europe and the South Pacific to visit the sick and the wounded and to let the troops know how much they were appreciated.
Where did Eleanor Roosevelt grow up?
Eleanor Roosevelt was born in New York City on October 11, 1884. Although she grew up in a fairly wealthy family, she had a tough childhood. Her mother died when she was eight and her father when she was only ten.
While her parents were alive, her mother treated her poorly, calling her "Granny" because she thought Eleanor was so serious and old-fashioned looking. Eleanor had few friends her age and was a quiet and frightened child. Her father was more encouraging, but wasn't around much. He would send her letters that she kept for the rest of her life.
Going to School
When Eleanor turned fifteen her grandmother sent her boarding school near London, England. At first Eleanor was scared, however the headmistress took a special interest her. By the time she graduated, Eleanor had gained confidence in herself. She had learned a lot about herself and life. She returned home a new person.
Marrying Franklin
Upon her return to the United States, Eleanor began to date her distant cousin Franklin Roosevelt. He was a handsome young man attending Harvard University. They spent a lot of time together and Franklin fell in love with Eleanor. They were married on March 17, 1905. Eleanor's Uncle Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States, gave away the bride in the wedding.
Once married, the couple began to have children. They had six children including Anna, James, Franklin (who died young), Elliott, Franklin Jr., and John. Eleanor kept busy running the household and taking care of the children.
Franklin Gets Sick
Franklin had become a famous politician. His goal was to become president. However, Franklin became very sick one summer with a disease called polio. He nearly died. Although Franklin lived, he would never walk again.
Despite his illness, Franklin decided to stay in politics. Eleanor was determined to help him in any way she could. She became involved in a number of organizations. She wanted to help poor people, black people, children, and women have better lives.
A New Kind of First Lady
Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated as President of the United States on March 4, 1933. Eleanor was now the First Lady. The job of the First Lady had always been to host parties and entertain foreign dignitaries and political leaders. Eleanor decided she could do more than this.
At the start of Franklin's presidency, America was in the middle of the Great Depression. People around the country were struggling to find jobs and even to have enough to eat. Franklin created the New Deal to try and help poor people recover. Eleanor decided to travel around the country to see how people were doing. She traveled thousands and thousands of miles. She let her husband know where people needed help and where his programs were and weren't working.
World War II
When Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor, Franklin had no choice but to declare war and enter World War II. Eleanor didn't stand still or stay at home in safety. She went to work for the Red Cross. She traveled to Europe and the South Pacific to visit the sick and the wounded and to let the troops know how much they were appreciated.
Flying
from the National Park Service
from the National Park Service
After Franklin
On April 12, 1945 Franklin died of a stroke. Eleanor was sad, but she wanted to continue their work. For seven years she represented the United States at the United Nations (UN), which was created in large part by her husband. While a member, she helped to write the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which described that people throughout the world should be treated fairly and had certain rights that no government should be able to take away.
Eleanor also wrote a number of books including This is My Story, This I Remember, On My Own, and an Autobiography. She continued to fight for equal rights for black people and women. She served as chair for the Commission on the Status of Women for President Kennedy.
Eleanor died on November 7, 1962. She was buried next to her husband Franklin. After her death Time Magazine called her the "world's most admired and talked about woman".
Interesting Facts about Eleanor Roosevelt
- She was born Anna Eleanor, but went by her middle name.
- Franklin asked Eleanor to dance when she was fifteen at a family Christmas party.
- President Harry Truman once called her the "First Lady of the World".
- While First Lady she wrote a newspaper column called "My Day" where she told about the daily life in the White House.
- Eleanor often carried a handgun with her for protection.
- While touring the south to lecture against segregation, the FBI told her that the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) had put out a $25,000 reward for her assassination.She was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize
Harriet Becher Stowe
by Francis Holl
- Occupation: Author
- Born: June 14, 1811 in Litchfield, Connecticut
- Died: July 1, 1896 in Hartford, Connecticut
- Best known for: Writing the book Uncle Tom's Cabin about slavery
Where did Harriet Beecher Stowe grow up?
Harriet was born on June 14, 1811 in Litchfield, Connecticut. She grew up in a big family with five brothers and three sisters. Her mother died from tuberculosis when Harriet was just five years old. Her father, Lyman, was a minister who wanted all of his sons to be ministers as well.
Harriet loved to read as a child. One of her favorite books was The Arabian Nights. She went to school at the Hartford Female Seminary where her older sister Catharine worked. Eventually, Harriet began to teach at the school as well.
Moving to Ohio and Getting Married
In 1832 Harriet and her family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where her father became president of the Lane Theological Seminary. Harriet got another job teaching and began to write professionally.
Harriet became close friends with Eliza and Calvin Stowe. Eliza became one of her closest friends, but soon became sick and died. After Eliza's death, Harriet and Calvin fell in love and married in 1836. They eventually had seven children together including four boys and three girls.
Learning About Slavery
Growing up in Connecticut, Harriet had little contact or knowledge with the reality of slavery in the Southern part of the United States. However, Cincinnati, Ohio was just across the river from Kentucky where slavery was legal. Harriet began to see firsthand how poorly slaves were treated. The more she learned, the more horrified she became.
Uncle Tom's Cabin
In 1851, Harriet began writing a story about slavery. She wanted to help people in the North to understand better the realities of slavery. Initially, a new portion of the story came out each week in a newspaper called the National Era. The story became very popular and the installments were published as an entire book called Uncle Tom's Cabin in 1852.
The Story
Uncle Tom's Cabin told the story about a kind slave named Tom. Tom is sold a few times between masters until he ends up being owned by plantation owner Simon Legree. Simon Legree is an evil man who likes to beat his slaves. Tom's kindness toward his fellow slaves only makes Simon angrier. When two women slaves escape, Simon tries to force Tom to tell him where they went. Tom refuses and is eventually beaten to death by Simon.
Reaction
The book became a national best seller. It was not only popular in the United States, but also around the world. People in the North who had not really thought about slavery before, began to understand just how horrible it was. Many people joined the abolitionist movement as a result of reading the book. They wanted slavery outlawed throughout the United States.
The Civil War
Although there were many issues and causes to the Civil War, there is no doubt that Uncle Tom's Cabin educated people on the horrors of slavery and had an impact in helping Abraham Lincoln get elected. It was certainly one of the causes that led to the Civil War.
Interesting Facts About Harriet Beecher Stowe
Harriet was born on June 14, 1811 in Litchfield, Connecticut. She grew up in a big family with five brothers and three sisters. Her mother died from tuberculosis when Harriet was just five years old. Her father, Lyman, was a minister who wanted all of his sons to be ministers as well.
Harriet loved to read as a child. One of her favorite books was The Arabian Nights. She went to school at the Hartford Female Seminary where her older sister Catharine worked. Eventually, Harriet began to teach at the school as well.
Moving to Ohio and Getting Married
In 1832 Harriet and her family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where her father became president of the Lane Theological Seminary. Harriet got another job teaching and began to write professionally.
Harriet became close friends with Eliza and Calvin Stowe. Eliza became one of her closest friends, but soon became sick and died. After Eliza's death, Harriet and Calvin fell in love and married in 1836. They eventually had seven children together including four boys and three girls.
Learning About Slavery
Growing up in Connecticut, Harriet had little contact or knowledge with the reality of slavery in the Southern part of the United States. However, Cincinnati, Ohio was just across the river from Kentucky where slavery was legal. Harriet began to see firsthand how poorly slaves were treated. The more she learned, the more horrified she became.
Uncle Tom's Cabin
In 1851, Harriet began writing a story about slavery. She wanted to help people in the North to understand better the realities of slavery. Initially, a new portion of the story came out each week in a newspaper called the National Era. The story became very popular and the installments were published as an entire book called Uncle Tom's Cabin in 1852.
The Story
Uncle Tom's Cabin told the story about a kind slave named Tom. Tom is sold a few times between masters until he ends up being owned by plantation owner Simon Legree. Simon Legree is an evil man who likes to beat his slaves. Tom's kindness toward his fellow slaves only makes Simon angrier. When two women slaves escape, Simon tries to force Tom to tell him where they went. Tom refuses and is eventually beaten to death by Simon.
Reaction
The book became a national best seller. It was not only popular in the United States, but also around the world. People in the North who had not really thought about slavery before, began to understand just how horrible it was. Many people joined the abolitionist movement as a result of reading the book. They wanted slavery outlawed throughout the United States.
The Civil War
Although there were many issues and causes to the Civil War, there is no doubt that Uncle Tom's Cabin educated people on the horrors of slavery and had an impact in helping Abraham Lincoln get elected. It was certainly one of the causes that led to the Civil War.
Interesting Facts About Harriet Beecher Stowe
- Harriet met President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. Upon meeting her, Lincoln remarked "so this is the little lady who made this big war."
- When writing Uncle Tom's Cabin, Harriet did her own research visiting a plantation with slaves. She also met with former slaves and had them verify that the events in her story were accurate and realistic.
- After people in the South said that the story was inaccurate, Harriet wrote a book called A Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin where she documented the real events that occurred on which her story was based.
- The term "Uncle Tom" has become a epithet meaning someone who "sells out" against their own people in order to help themselves. The Uncle Tom in the book is not like this at all. He is a hero in many ways. However, the story of Uncle Tom got twisted in plays and movies until the name "Uncle Tom" became an insult.
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