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 revolutionary portrait of Harriet Tubman—told with the voice of history and the authority of family.

Harriet Tubman is one of the most iconic figures in American history. Yet much of her true story has remained fragmented, misunderstood, or deliberately incomplete. While countless books recount her courage on the Underground Railroad, none have fully explored the breadth of her strategic brilliance, her documented role as a Union Army scout and spy, or the African ancestry that shaped her extraordinary character.

Harriet Tubman: Military Scout and Tenacious Visionary sets out to correct the record — permanently.

Drawing on rare oral history passed through generations of the Tubman family — made possible through Rita Daniels, Tubman's great-great-great-grandniece — alongside deep archival research, Wiesen restores depth, truth, and humanity to a story that history has long fragmented for political convenience.

Inside, readers will discover:
How a childhood head injury silenced Tubman in early biographical interviews — and why the omissions persisted for over a century The full scope of her ancestral roots in Ghana among the Ashanti people — the heritage that forged her strength Her documented role as a Union Army scout, spy, and military strategist — arguably the most underrepresented chapter of her life Her tireless postwar activism: as a suffragist, community organizer, and founder of the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged A fully corrected biographical narrative, informed by family oral history and newly examined archival evidence
Praised by The New York Times Book Review as a biography that 'sheds light on Tubman's contributions to the Union Army and her later activism,' and by Kirkus Reviews for granting 'authoritative history and authentic humanity,' this is the definitive modern account of one of history's most consequential leaders.

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

“The retelling of Harriet Tubman’s life put forward by Jean Marie Wiesen and Rita Daniels blends the familiar story of an American hero with generations of oral history to create a vivid historical account. The question Daniels poses regarding her ancestor—what are we doing to continue Tubman’s legacy?—is one I think all Americans would do well to reflect upon. If you are looking for direction in how you should further Tubman’s lifework, this book is a good place to start.” Jim Himes, U.S. House of Reprsentatitves, Connecticut, 4th District

"Daniels, one of Tubman's descendants, imbues this corrective biography with humanity and family lore while shedding light on Tubman's contributions to the Union Army and her later activism in Auburn, N.Y." The New York Times Book Review 

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