Susie King Taylor: Remarkable Woman

Here is the story about a woman who, despite huge odds, overcame them.

SUSIE KING TAYLOR (1848-1912)

Nurse, educator, domestic

She was born a slave on the Isle of Wight off the coast of Georgia and was taught to read and write by white school children and slave neighbors. She used her skills to endorse counterfeit passes for other slaves.

During the Civil War, she became free when her uncle took her to Saint Catherine Island, South Carolina, which was under Union control. Her talent soon became evident and at age 14, she was teaching black children to read and write by day and adults at night.

In 1862, she joined the 33rd United States Colored Troops under Lt. Col. C.T. Trowbridge where she served as a nurse, laundress, teacher and cook. She later married Sgt. Edward King of the regiment.

After the war, she wrote a book "Reminiscences of My Life with the 33rd United States Colored Troops, Late 1st S.C. Volunteers."

The story of a remarkable woman.

I'm Impressed. --B-R'er