Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad

HENRY BROWN wasn’t sure how old he was. Henry was a slave. And slaves weren’t allowed to know their birthdays.

Henry and his brothers and sisters worked in the big house where the master lived. Henry’s master had been good to Henry and his family.

But Henry’s mother knew things could change. “Do you see those leaves blowing in the wind? They are torn from the trees like slave children are torn from their
families.”

One morning the master called for Henry and his mother. They climbed the wide staircase. The master lay in bed with only his head above the quilt. He was very ill. He beckoned them to come closer.

Some slaves were freed by their owners. Henry’s heart beat fast. Maybe the master would set him free.