Harriet Tubman Harriet was born to enslaved parents and was originally named Araminta Harriet Ross. Her mother, Harriet Green was owned by Mary Pattison and her father Ben Ross was owned by Anthony Thompson. Harriet Tubman's birth is unknown but around 1820 - 1825. In 1849, Harriet Tubman escaped to Maryland leaving behind her husband, brothers, parents, and sisters. She returned to south at least 19 times to lead her family and hundred of other slaves to the Underground Railroad. The bounty hunters were trying to capture her for a reward,