Harriet Tubman

Military Scout and Tenacious Visionary: From Her Roots in Ghana to Her Legacy on the Eastern Shore

Jean Marie Wiesen Rita Daniels

A fresh portrait of this iconic American—and the first to involve a Tubman family member since Harriet herself was interviewed in 1886.

For all Harriet Tubman’s accomplishments and the myriad books written about her, many gaps, errors, and misconceptions of her legendary life persist. One such fallacy is that Sarah H. (Hopkins) Bradford is to blame for omitted information in Harriet Tubman: The Moses of Her People and that she ended her second book too soon. But according to the Tubman family, it was Harriet’s physical disability, the result of a head injury she incurred as a child, that left her unable to complete the necessary lengthy interview process with Sarah and properly flesh out the work.

Harriet Tubman: Military Scout and Tenacious Visionary sets out to rectify these omissions and many others. As recognition and tributes to Tubman’s remarkable contributions to American history and civil liberty continues to grow, the time is right for a new biography with the involvement of her family, who have been the caretakers and stewards of her legacy for generations.

Just who was this remarkable woman? We might know the outlines of her story, but the deep research of Jean Marie Wiesen and rich family memory of Rita Daniels combine to form a nuanced and vibrant portrait of a historic figure we all thought we knew. Uncovering Harriet's ancestral roots in Ghana and exploring her time on the underground railroad, as a military scout, suffragette, and more, Harriet Tubman is an inspiring and illuminating narrative about a key figure in our history.

Jean Marie Wiesen, a noted investigative author and mystery crime writer, is author of Case of the Missing Look Alikes and Case of the Mouse Trap Legend. She attended Art Center College of Design in Southern California, where she majored in Still Photography and minored in Creative Writing. The author continued polishing her writing craft under the tutelage of British author Robert Pollock.

Rita Daniels, the great-great-great grandniece of Harriet Tubman, is the President and Founder of the Harriet Tubman Learning Center (HTLC) based in Powder Springs, Georgia. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education and Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources (Cum Laude) at Trident University International. Rita’s mission is to promote the education of underserved children, so no child suffers the humiliation of illiteracy, as Harriet did.

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Endorsements & Reviews

This biography of Harriet Tubman is coauthored by Tubman's great-great-great-grandniece, and Daniels pours her family stories into the work. She and Wiesen also provide fresh insight into the family’s ancestry in Ghana as part of the Ashanti tribe in Accra. Written in a simple, straightforward manner with short chapters, this book is an excellent choice for both adults and teens wanting to learn more about this courageous woman. Booklist

"A comprehensive overview of Tubman’s life and work, co-authored by one of her descendants. Wih Daniels—Tubman’s great-great-great-grandniece—as co-author, familiar aspects of Tubman’s story are accentuated and expanded with what she has gleaned from family lore. Character traits and sensibilities, like Tubman’s famed curative skills as an herbalist, are placed within a powerful context, linked not only to an abridged American narrative, but also to a family’s African roots and her descendants’ ongoing work. Having had a front-row seat to the many ways Tubman has been studied, dissected, and honored both in the United States and beyond, Daniels grants both authoritative history and authentic humanity to a story frequently segmented for political expediency or specialized study, leaving readers with a fuller understanding of Tubman's unique bravery, fortitude, and leadership." Kirkus Reviews

“An intriguing, compelling, ambitious and well-researched book that gives insight into a world most of us have not encountered. Daniels and Wiesen go to remarkable depths to tell Harriet Tubman’s true story. It resonated with me to such profound levels that it sometimes moved me to tears.” Anni Domingo, author of Breaking the Maafa Chain

“Harriet Tubman takes the reader on a journey to witness the life of Tubman not just as an icon but as a real-life woman who faced very real, unfathomable obstacles. Daniels, a descendant herself, begins with Tubman’s origins and her Ashanti heritage and takes us to her final home in Auburn, NY. This unique approach endeared me to the book at the very start, as I believe it is important for African Americans to connect to their original identity. Harriet Tubman gives us insights into the stock of which Harriet was made and the internal fortitude that propelled her. A great read and a fresh look at the story you thought you knew.” Pat Snipes, founder of the Before Slavery Museum

“In a world sorely lacking for genuine heroes, Harriet Tubman stands out. This book illuminates the origins and personal adversities suffered by Harriet Tubman, bringing her to life for the first time. We are inspired by Harriet’s character and courage. My thanks and appreciation to Rita Daniels and Jean Marie Wiesen for making this contribution to American history.” Lisa Wexler, Radio Host, The Voice of Connecticut, WICC 95.9

“As the first African American Selectman of Weston, it was with great pride that the keynote speaker on Junteenth was Rita Daniels. Jean Marie Wiesen’s extensive research, coupled with Rita’s riveting testimonies, give a different perspective and deeper insight into my hero, the fierce Harriet Tubman.” Martin Mohabeer, Former Selectman, Town of Weston

"I had the distinct pleasure of personally meeting Rita Daniels, the great, great-great grandniece of Harriet Tubman. I listened intently while she elaborated on oral history passed down through the generations, telling the rich story of one of America’s most beloved iconic figures. At last, she and Jean Marie Wiesen have put these stories on paper, filling in numerous gaps and correcting many longstanding errors from previous biographies. This book should be read by every American to fully appreciate the remarkable legacy of Harriet Tubman." Richard Blumenthal, United States Senator, State of Connecticut

“At Weston’s inaugural Juneteenth celebration, the vibrant atmosphere created a sense of unity and it became clear that this celebration was more than just a commemoration; it was a catalyst for dialogue about history and progress and fostered a deeper understanding of the significance of freedom and equality.” Samantha Nestor, First Selectwoman, Town of Weston