Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom

Early in their journey, William and Ellen traveled by steamer ship. Ellen pretended to be a wealthy white man named Mr. Johnson, while William acted as Mr. Johnson’s enslaved companion. During their journey, they were carefully observed by a man with a gold pocket watch. This man felt there was something off about Mr. Johnson, and one of his friends remarked that Mr. Johnson was “either a woman or a genius” (67). Later, the man with the watch learned that both descriptions were true. Woo makes it clear from the beginning of the text: William and Ellen belong in the canon of history as one of the most intelligent and brave individuals in history. The key to their successes—escaping slavery, lecturing around New England and abroad, and securing freedom for countless others—was their ability to exploit and subvert the biases of others. Ellen passed as a white enslaver because of her comprehensive understanding of how biases shape how others see the world. She and William used the expectations of others to make them see what they wanted to see: a wealthy white enslaver and a doting enslaved caretaker.

Woo explains that the carefully crafted plan was likely constructed by Ellen. She had traveled more than William and knew what they needed and where they needed to go. She had meticulously watched white people and understood their mannerisms and the subtle messages sent by their clothing and behaviors. William and Ellen heard stories of people trying to escape from slavery via the Underground Railroad or under the shadow of night. They had a different idea: People wanted to belief in the false and glittering image of American slavery, so that was what they would give them. By traveling in plain sight and playing on the biases of others, they landed safely in the free city of Philadelphia.

While lecturing, William and Ellen used the biases of others to further advance the abolitionist movement. Audiences were shocked by Ellen’s light skin; she stood in contrast to what they believed about American slavery. Although Ellen was uncomfortable with being categorized as white, she stayed by William’s side. She had a profound effect on both Black and white audience members.

In addition to exploiting biases, William and Ellen subverted them. They escaped slavery and defied those who suggested that they would have been happier had they remained in the South or that submitting to the Fugitive Slave Act was the moral choice. William and Ellen believed in the urgency of their cause and had faith that God was on their side. Every aspect of their lives subverted white supremacy. They pursued education when learning was denied to anyone who was not white. They lectured, challenged, and pushed the envelope, even though Black people were expected to remain silent. When American newspapers spread lies about Ellen, she wrote her own statement and published it, publicizing both her stance and her literacy. William and Ellen lived defiant lives that opened eyes about the nature of bias and racism. Woo explains that their story is one that continues to offer important insight into systemic racism and white hegemony.