Emily Harvie Thomas Tubman (1794-1885)

Richmond County · dedicated 1994 · At 719 Broad Street in Augusta.

Born in Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia on March 21, 1794. Grew up in Kentucky under guardianship of Henry Clay. Visited Augusta in 1818, where she met and married Richard Tubman, wealthy merchant. After his death in 1836, she became interested in the teachings of Alexander Campbell and helped found the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Augusta. Provided funds for numerous churches in Georgia and Kentucky; supported foreign missions. Emancipated her slaves in 1837, providing them a subsidy to start a new life in Liberia. During the Civil War, she imported the first ice machine to relieve suffering soldiers. With other shareholders of Georgia Railroad, provided free transportation for Confederate soldiers. Supported restoration of Mount Vernon, VA. Endowed Tubman High School in 1874. Astute in business, she made wise investments; was major stockholder in John P. King Manufacturing Co. Entertained notable guests such as Marquis de Lafayette, Henry Clay, Alexander Campbell, Robert Toombs, Alexander Stephens. She established endowments for schools, scholarships, and the Tubman Home for the aged. Her philanthropy involved hundreds of thousands of dollars.

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