The Story of Ona Judge - George Washington's Runaway Slave
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- čas přidán 5. 03. 2024
- Ona Judge was born into the misery of slavery on George Washington's Mt. Vernon Plantation. After being called to serve as Martha Washington's personal servant, she traveled with the Washingtons to Philadelphia to work in the first President's house. When circumstances became too unbearable, she ran away to the north. The Washingtons tried to recapture her several times. Would Ona be able to avoid them and remain free?
Thank you for sharing Ona’s story. Her bravery and determination to live as freely as she could considering her circumstances in those harsh times was remarkable.
Thank you for watching. She certainly was braver than I am.
....still one cannot help but feel sad for how her life ultimately ended.
After all she had been through she DEFINITELY deserved, better!!
@@wickyvanhistoryw
As someone who does research in Genealogy, it's amazing the amount of work that went into supplying all the information for this full length video. Your skills as an Orator reeled me in and I had no idea I was watching for almost an hour and a half! WELL DONE SIR! 🕵♂📚📰📜✏📓🗣
Thank you, Bonnie! I spent about a year working on it. :)
@@wickyvanhistory I've also been doing a genealogical project for the past year... recreating the lives of one family, and quite surprised at everything I have been able to unearth (on some). I also do side projects on things of interest at the time to help keep their lives in context. It is fascinating. My research focuses more on the second half of the 19th century.
I'm not quite halfway through your video yet, but totally enjoying the story! Your research does justice to such a courageous young lady! Thank you for all your hard work!
For anyone wondering the TRUE background of this story.....
I'm sorry to burst everyone's bubble. However, there's no way this story is ' new ', ' unheard of ', or some surprise ' discovery ' by this channel. NOT when you consider the fact that someone else had already, previously discovered / uncovered her story for the first time more than a decade ago !! Nobody. Not even mainstream writer's / nor armchair historians knew, much less had even heard of the name, "Oney Judge" before the creation of a book. Her story was uncovered by happenstance by someone who came across (I believe) a reference to an old newspaper clipping from that, era.
There's no way the book, "Never Caught: The Washington's Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave Oney Judge", written by Erica Armstrong Dunbar wasn't known to a degree by the creator of this video.
This book came out in Jan of 2018. It was debuted and reviewed by, scholars and the public at the GW Estate. It has since been named, a National Book Award Finalist and recognized as an intriguing literary work.
@@manuellubian5709 what bubble are you bursting? I think It’s pretty obvious to everyone that the creator wasn’t the first person ever to uncover this story. I never heard him claim that he was. Have you never seen a history video on CZcams before?
I am a carpenter and worked several times mid late 80's through early 2000's for a historian who studied George Washington's life for the Library of Congress to aid both Senators and Congressmen in fact finding. He shared stories and had acquired over the years several antiques that belonged to George including the chair that traveled many places through the long fought battles of George. I have always been intrigued by this part of American History which seems to be purposely lost over time. A CRIME for a country without history is not a country at all. Thank You for this ever so important story and your diligence to affirm its authenticity. So glad she evaded capture and wonder if US citizens will be able to do the same in the near future. God Bless America and all who fought and died for FREEDOM...🙏🏻 🙌🏻
♡❤♡
🌬💀🏴☠️
Most dont know he was a general on british side..born here..
I'm afraid u are right about our future 😢
Ona Judge’s story should be included in every American history textbook and emphasized because she was both an enslaved person AND a woman. What an inspiring story!
There are those who want to rewrite history and call slavery "unpaid labor".
@WindDancer435, that is exactly what slavery should be called. The slaves were not paid any wages or salary. They worked very, very hard under terrible conditions, for free. What a disgrace! Thank you so much for sharing this information.
@@Mathilda5xp Slavery and unpaid labor are two entirely different things and those who seek to call it "unpaid labor" are just minimizing the horrors of people who endured branding, shackles, lynching, the Fugitive Slave Act, whippings and denials of basic things like decent food, clothing, shoes and learning how to read and write.
And servant to the 1st First Lady...whose filthy drawers she washed.
Wow. Ona Judge [Stains]. Perhaps the first true American born in what would become the United States. She certainly understood the concept of freedom, at least what the lack of it meant. Fantastic presentation of such a fascinating, but difficult, life. R.I.P. Miss Ona.
Love your commitment to visiting the location where she thrived and was buried. Please continue your work. You'll become one of the great ones❤
Thank you so much. I will definitely tell more stories. :)
Wow, what a brave lady Ona Judge was and you tell her story so well. I understand her desire for freedom. I could never be a slave either.
Thank you so much for this well researched accounting of Ona Judge's story. This is the most complete telling I have come across so far. Her mother's background and life, the political atmosphere in the northern states, the personal ideals of those involved - all add to a well-rounded history. Not just Ona's history, but our country's history. I particularly appreciate that you ended on the site of the Jack home. Very appropriate and respectful. Thanks again!🙂
Thank you for watching the video! I tried to keep it well-rounded, and I'm pleased you appreciated that. I'm still struck by the experience of standing where these women all once stood.
What a great story, she was free from the moment that she left out the door. What an amazing woman. Sad that her kids passed so young.
A great... and sad... story, indeed.
Bless you for taking us on this journey with you to honor the life, bravery, and determination of Ona Judge. She was amazing. As are you.
Ona was a journey worth taking for me. Thank you for watching and for your comment. :)
What a story of courage, will help me appreciate and be grateful more, born free because those before us faught so hard....thanks for sharing this with the world ❤
Ona is a valuable reminder to be grateful for the present, for sure. :)
I would rather live in squalor than to be a slave. I don’t care how comfortable I am or how well I’m treated as a slave. I doubt that they treated their slaves well enough to equate to freedom. Sugarcoat it however you please. I still appreciate the info though.
I agree!
The idea that living/working in the Big House meant better treatment is laughable! Close proximity meant higher risk of SA from the men and physical assault from the women mad about it.
The idea of living in the Big House meant a better life is laughable. Closer proximity meant more opportunities for SA from the men and physical abuse from the women mad about it.
@@YUWannaKnow3 Good point.
Right
I was fascinated and intrigued by this story and surprised that I hadn't heard of Ona Judge's life story before.
You did great research.
Thank you
What a wonderful work you have done on a difficult, difficult story.
Thank you so much!
Never heard this story before. Good story telling.
Thank you.
Great job telling this story! Olna Judge was an amazing woman. I’ve never heard of Olna despite visiting Mt. Vernon, Philadelphia and New York many times. Human beings should be born free and equal in rights and dignity.
😮not "should",
But-->MUST
Thank you! :)
We're Definitely born free...and then we encounter the idiocy of this world we're born into.
Doesnt matter who owned her. She was a slave and wanted freedom. Nothing wrong with that!
Can you wrap your head around being owned by one of your parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Handed down staying in the family like an heirloom. The what’s man slept with generations if black women and had many many children. Now those children eventually become white enough to pass as white and escape scrutiny. Now 2024 so called maybe white Americans have the nerve to fear the browning of America. What a joke. George and Martha were aware that many of their slaves were related to them
Why not leave her alone. Why was he so hell bent on finding her, who did they want her to have kids by. The mixed races began as soon as women of color became the sexual property of white men. So horrible. Remind me again how many people did George and Martha own? And who sewed the American flag? Betty? Onas mother. Many many black women were desperate to not be used sexually by white owners
This was evil
Speaking of child birth black womenfolk had more survivors.
How many black peoples today are still the property of a white person estate
Thank you for sharing , we need to hear this and taught this..
Most definitely!
"Give me liberty or give me death" -Patrick Henry
Washington,the General, fought the english for liberty of his countrymen/women,could not conceive Ona Judge felt this deeply. She wanted to be free no matter the cost.
Good quote for Ona. She was courageous, indeed. :)
Washington was a brit soldier,he was fighting against us..see documenentary on s3ries..u will see...born in this country,,a gen e ral,,want3d 2 fight..his superiors held him back..look on history channel..u 2ill see..whst story is..how he b3came 1st pr3sident.....
...he felt shame /fear that his decision to rely on slave labor may be one nation news. Also I believe he felt it's better to be his slave and part of a family by force than to be free or to be a slave for some worse plantation. Such amazing details. Sd that none of her children survived this courageous woman.
Freedom for me and not for thee was the motto back then.
great job telling the story of this amazingly beautiful soul 💖
Thank you for watching. She was fun to learn about. :)
Great story Ona was a strong woman. Im very happy she stayed free.❤
Yes!
How dare he say she had no knowledge of freedom.. or political conversation.. it was all black slaves talked about.. and she knew everything that was spoken in that house .. she just couldn't speak on it in mixed company..
These people really believe that there were nice slave masters what a terrible oxymoron
Yes. Wording is very important. I appreciate the story telling but the sanitizing of slavery is an abomination. Slaves did not have consensual relationships with white men. She was called to service? No, her masters took their Slave with them to NYC.
They're so certain that we're dumb...that wouldn't occur to him.
@viv4843 THANK YOU! That's what I was saying but people got "butt hurt" about it. No the narrator doesn't have/need to show "vitriol" towards HIStories villians, but it's time to showcase the slaves pov over and far and above the slave masters!
I totally get what y’all saying and it is very true. There is another way others may look at it. During that time being titled as a family member was a privilege and provided protection. Not condoning anything just saying what it was. The reality is that we are looking at to levels of horrifying treatment but there is a difference. I think the phrase “call to serve” was showing respect to her contribution to America and not to denote how she was classified. As for the house slave, like the whole situation it’s all a “double edge sword” in both cases you are subjected to ill treatment but one place has better living conditions. Again it’s all f***ed up but there are distinctions. I thank God for the contribution and sacrifices our ancestors made for us. I pray that we do a better job of showing our appreciation for their loss of life, freedom, and suffering.
So enjoyed your narritive and history of a runaway slave...
There are many people still in slavery all over the world...unfortunately!
Great research and reporting on thank you!
Thank you for watching the video!
To many freedom was more precious then life itself. For even the threat of death or servere punishment would not stop some slaves.For many slaves a life without freedom was no life at all.I thought your documentary of Ona was excellent. I learned a lot.🙏🌹🌹
It's appropriate that she ended up in New Hampshire, where the state motto is, "Live Free or Die." I am glad you enjoyed her story. :)
The horror! Of being in a house under their evil eyes...yeah... you'd run and I would too.
I love this. So educational.
Thank you for watching my video. I'm happy you enjoyed it. Ona can teach us so much. :)
Lord, please let this become a GREAT MOVIE!!!
Definitely!
thank you for this fantastic and well researched essay of love. I cried at the end, but in power.
Ona's life is powerful. When I was standing near those gravestones, I felt it too.
@@wickyvanhistory Thank you for letting us be involved in that moment! I'm sure I speak for many when I say that it impacted us through the screen
I never thought about George Washington having slaves. He seems to see their kind attitudes as children needing adult protection. Well he sure did value his freedom! Glad it's over!
I loved your narration
and presentation ❤🙏🏽
I'm blushing.
Thank you for your hard work and journey to tell the brave story of Ona Judge. I took a tour of Mt. Vernon but at the time was not aware of the brave enslaved woman. Thank you for sharing and I hope you share more of others lives.
Thank you. I first learned about Ona while on a history tour in Portsmouth, NH.
She most likely wasn't the only one to get away. I also read that Washington once sold a male slave for a bottle of liquor.
Very grateful to hear once again of Ona Judge, her family and friends.
Great story teller you are! Love it❤
It's a great story to tell!
Excellent presentation.
Thank you for watching. It's an excellent story to present. :)
This is such an interesting story!
Was in Portsmouth, NH and learned this story. Bought a book that told her story. POV on slavery always amazes and upsets me. How could people think it was okay to own another person? I still don’t get it.
Absolutely amazing! What a brave, strong woman! So glad that she escaped, like so many others...I can't help being angry at the Washingtons though. Good treatment in slavery is still slavery. Thank you for investigating this story. Sad that she had no descendants to celebrate her, but glad all of us do! Just a magnificent story. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio...a strong stop on the Underground Railroad. I feel positive that God called people to help rescue slaves and pass them along to free lives. Thank you for your time and knowledge! Glad I found you and I will follow.
😂😂😂😂
By the same time, the so-called "god" allowed Bad people, who were also Christian people, to own slaves.
Contradictions, no??? 😂😂😂😂😂
All of your comments... spot on!
I read the book ‘Never Caught’ all about Ona Judge. It came out in 2017.
I read that book too. Its a good one.
Thank you for this story. It came to me on the very day I was notified that the man who killed my husband died in prison. My husband was John Langdon. The universe heard me saying that name and .....both he and I are finally free.
So very sorry for the loss of your husband! 😥🌹
@@bonniemoerdyk9809 Thank you, it has been a long time waiting for the ultimate justice.
God bless all concerned ❤
It seems that John Langdons tend to be good men. I am happy you found this video (or the video found you) on a day that it would have special meaning. The universe knows you and is on your side.
Thank you for this recount of history, I didn’t know it and it’s so hard to imagine what she went through. How any human being can be alright with owing another, will never cease to amaze me. When she passed away, I know she went home to rest.
Hard to imagine, indeed.
Thanks so much for sharing Ona’s story. What an incredible life she had. How very brave & resilient she was. Much less respect for the Washington’s now.
It's my pleasure to share her story... brave, indeed.
What a wonderful tribute to a strong black woman
Intelligent and brave Black woman..with a decent husband! Yet...they would gladly destroy her family and think nothing of it.
I had never heard this story before… Thank you so much for telling it!!! It’s hard to imagine that things were that difficult.. I know they were…and your telling of the story made it come to life!!! My heart ached for these people… but we still have a ways to go.. even in todays world… Keep the stories coming.. A wonderful presentation!!!
The story definitely tugs the heartstrings. I am glad you found it worthwhile.
Thank you for sharing her story... ppl dont realize the fact that these ppl and events are real.... great story...
She is a good example of what make history worth paying attention to, for sure.
This would make a great movie
No doubt!
No, no, no...enough slave movies. The conversation has to advance.
Very good, very well done. What a great story. Thank you for doing this work, and sharing her story and her history with us. Inspiring.
Deepest gratitude for sharing Ona’s story. 🙏💙
One of the very best history I’ve ever read in my life.well written.
Thank you for sharing Oney Judge life and connecting her history.
Love learning about Ona Judge. You did a beautiful job !! Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much!
Thank you for Honoring Ona Judge, you did a FANTASTIC job!!
Thank you. This was so interesting.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very well done
:)
Excellent story and masterly told. Thank you.😊
Thank you 🙂
Thanks. This story is awesome.
The movie would be all about them and little pieces of Ona...
It is amazing to see your vision of your home come into focus. AMAZING!!
I agree that the clear, concise factual information is..let's just say it..excellent. My issue is the "framing" that emphasizes too much the P.O.V. of the slave masters dilemma to the detriment of the narrative of Ona, her escape, and why. It actually gets frustratingly annoying as I was trying to focus in on the revealing details shared. HIStory much?
G.W. wrote daily diaries, ledgers, and letters. Unfortunately, there isn't much of a historical record from Ona's perspective.
@wickyvanhistory
Yes. That is an unfortunate fact(re: historical record). It is also a fact that hindsight is 20/20 and by now, looking back on HIStory of slavery in the U.S. needs all its "whitewashing" removed.
Just sayn'.
Otherwise,real nice work. I learned lots of new things and I appreciate!
I found this to be well balanced, presenting the point of view of each person involved. A well-told story does not have to be presented with vitriol against persons the reader considers villains. Never once did the author justify the institution of slavery.
Yep...that self importance is relentless. Thanks to New Hampshire in this instance.
Never heard of Ona Judge. Definitely heard of Richard Allen, Ll resident of Philly. Did know he was a cobbler. It's nice to learn something new, thanks
Yes, he founded several churches in Philly, I believe.
Wonderful presentation. I also enjoyed the presenter. What a great job! Thanks for this.
Thank you! :)
How terrifying life choices were for Ona. One can only imagine the heart-pounding moments after she snuck out the back door. I applaud her courage to pursue life and family on her terms, such as they were, but I'm sorry living free was such a struggle for her. Had she landed in a more cosmopolitan city she might secured gainful employment as a seamstress.
So true.
Thank you for this excellent documentary.
You have a new subscriber.
Thank you, sir!
" The Black's in this family" preferred freedom instead, President Washington! !!!
REPARATIONS NOW!
thanks for sharing, Wicky Van 👑💯♥️
Wonderful! Truly enjoyed it
Thanks for watching the video!
Domestic servant? No a slave sir
I grew up in Mount Vernon Va..just a walk from the plantation. What a great area to learn.
I interviewed for a job in Williamsburg once. I didn't get it, but I was thinking the same thing!
Excellent!
:)
I truly enjoyed every minute of the video I've learned a little bit more of truth history as a black African American freed man thank you for sharing such great power and determination of such a young black woman of those times,IF YOU WANT SOMETHING SO GREATLY NEVER GIVE UP OR IN DETERMINATION AND FAITH AND BRAVERY GO A LONG WAY,THANK YOU!!!🙏✨☀️😊
I now have a new "shero!" Thank you for posting Ona's story. I am flabbergasted and amused at George's and Martha's "offense" to Ona's desire to be free!
Those were the times. Can you imagine what they would feel and think if they popped into our world as we did theirs.
Me too!
Thank you for sharing this incredible documentary!
Thank you.
This was absolutely riveting and emotional.
You are doing a great job of keeping the memory of these brave people alive , even sending across the world to educate we Brits etc.
Your visit to the site at the end was interesting. I had a mental image of Ona and imagined her life out there.
New subscriber here.
Thank you for subscribing. It was quite an emotional experience for me, when I was standing there.
There have been slaves of all colours since the beginning of time and will continue to be.
Thank you. Time for Truth!! Wonderfully done. You good Soul.
You too!
If slavery was still a part of American history, and Washi ton was still living; he would still be looking for her. My research revealed that he once traded one of his slaves for a keg of molasses.
Good for Ms Ona
Yes!
What a story. Beautifully told. Thank you!
And, thank you!
An excellent and perfect presentation.😊
😊
Thank you sir for all of the hard work envolved in this extremely interesting story. I thoughly enjoyed it and you have a new subscriber from Spain.
Gracias, señora! Me encanta Espana!
Excellent!!! Thank you for this wonderful historical account of Ona Judge & George Washington. I had no idea he had no biological children. Thank you so much!!!
He did have biological children by several of his female indentured servants (domestic maid servants); some were Indigenous women who were enslaved on his plantation. He has some descendants by them, even though he did not father any children by his wife. There exists an organization of Washington descendants. This is more history that has been denied and hidden.
Thank you so much for sharing Ona's story.❤
An interesting view into the way life was conducted at that period of the seventeenth hundreds... Thank you Mr. Narrator... Your American accent is very acceptable. Valérie.
1:16:45
Thank you, Valerie!
Beautiful story
Great story!
Thank you for taking the time to tell this story. I truly enjoyed and learned .
Glad you enjoyed it!
Geo Washington man of his times, but should have been a better person! Fighting for independence for all human beings not just one color 😢
Definitely true.
WOW!
Thank you for an EXCELLENT documentary!!
Ona spoke to your spirit!!!
Thank you for this very interesting documentary. Very well done.
I really appreciate you watching my video!
This was well done. Thank you!
Loved the attention to detail that went into the making of this historical recalling of the adventures of Ona. I’ve never heard of her before watching this video. I appreciate the narrator’s perspective and the way he did his best to relay this story from her point of view. Thank you for this excellent video.
Thank you. I really loved telling this story. :)
I think this documentary was done very well. I like when videos move forward and don't drag on or get repetitious, interesting too!
Thank you very much!
What a courageous, determined young woman!!
God bless to the descendants.
:)
Madame Ona Judge: defeated 1st U.S. president & his sycophants. Brava! Her name, imprinted into "Her-Story"[history]; Hope 'ol George & Cornwallis[ surrendered 2 Washington ] R spinning in their graves. Bravissima Ona!👍🏽👏🏽💪🏽
Ona resilience is inspiring. :)
I think Ona would NOT like to being described as a "Victim" - - She was in control of her destiny and lived a full life as a FREE woman and that is what she would want people to do, aspire to a higher path ...
She had to face adulthood as do we all. Only exception was she was a slave at the time.
Life is a difficult proposition. Thankfully, Ona's kind of slavery is no more.
I love how you told Onas story. What an amazing one. I admire her so much. The Washingtons are a different matter, but you handled the subject very well, leaving us hope there was change made.
Thank you for this most excellent documentary.
Thank you for watching, and for your comment. :)
Wow 👌 beautifully done. Very interesting. Glad she could share her life with the abolitionists. She might hav remained with the Washingtons forcthe rest of her life but when was given as a wed gift to Washington gr daughtr....that was the breaking point. Ona then believed it was time to flee.
Thank you for providing an awesome informative account of “Oney Judge” and her family. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video.
I'm glad you enjoyed the story. :)
I've never heard of Ona Judge. Good information and history. Thank you for 😊sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Amazing video very thorough and done with ao much respect and a wealth of information! You've gained a new subscriber❤
Amazing, Thk you
Thk you for watching!