Many people know important African American figures who played a role in ending slavery in the South, but do you know of any significant African Americans who played a huge role in the end of slavery in Massachusetts? Though not many people know who Mumbet is, she plays an important but forgotten part in american history. Mumbet was one of the slaves that belonged to the Ashley family of Sheffield Massachusetts and she worked as a spinster for them. At this time, the Declaration of Independence was being written and John Ashley, one of Sheffield’s most prominent citizens, helped write it. Mumbet overheard them say phrases like “every man is born free and equal” and wondered why this law didn’t apply to her. Years of repeated abuse from Mrs.
