After the demise of the Northampton Association, Samuel L. Hill and others founded the factory village of Florence. With Hill's help, Sojourner Truth bought her own home on Park Street. Unable to read or write, Truth dictated her story to a neighbor. The Narrative of Sojourner Truth was published in 1850. She became well-known as an orator, singer, evangelist, abolitionist, and reformer, selling her Narrative and photographs of herself throughout the nation. Although she moved to Battle Creek, Michigan in 1857, she was fondly remembered in Florence, where her wisdom and wit were especially valued. Samuel Hill noted that his long acquaintance with Sojourner Truth confirmed her "title to the name you have chosen and its record in humanity's 'Book of Life.'"

Photo: Marc Posner