Death of a Remarkable Woman

This text is part of the Teaching Hard History Text Library and aligns with Key Concept 6.

Death of a Remarkable Woman. — The Philadelphia Post announces the death in that city of Harriet Miller, mulatto, aged 85, who leaves an estate valued $100,000, and says she was born in one of the Southern States of slave parents. While living in South Carolina she became the property of Mr. Purves, to whom she was most faithful. Purves was a single man and at one time a conspiracy was formed among a band of desperadoes to take his life. His faithful slave got an inkling of the conspiracy, and she advised her master of the plot, and by so doing saved his life. He shortly afterward gave her her freedom and made her his wife. Four children were the result of the marriage, Robert Purves being of the number.— They lived happily together for many years, and were finally separated by the death of Mr. Purves. During his lifetime he amassed a large estate, of which his wife inherited a portion, her children receiving their share. Mrs. Purves removed to this city some forty years ago, and purchased the house on Seventh street, in which her spirit took flight. She afterward married the Rev. Mr. Miller, a colored clergyman, who died a few years ago. They never had any children born them. A short time since she went to Charleston, S. C., to see an aged sister, and as she was returning to Philadelphia, was seized with paralysis on the cars.