Truth, Sojourner, c.1797–1883, American abolitionist, a freed slave, originally called Isabella, b. Ulster co., N.Y. Convinced that she heard heavenly voices, she left (1843) domestic employment in New York City, adopted the name Sojourner Truth, and traveled throughout the North preaching emancipation and womens rights. A remarkable personality, she spoke with much effectiveness even though she remained illiterate.

See O. Gilbert, Narrative of Sojourner Truth (1878, repr. 1968) biographies by A. H. Fauset (1938, repr. 1971), H. E. Pauli (1962), E. B. Claflin (1987), C. Mabee and S. Mabee Newhouse (1993), and N. Painter (1996).