J A Dubois

Sylvia Dubois, whose birth year is debated but likely around 1788-1789, was born into slavery in New Jersey. Her mother endured severe abuse and repeated attempts to gain freedom. Dubois herself experienced harsh treatment from her enslavers, including physical violence and separation from her mother. She worked in demanding roles, even performing tasks typically assigned to men, and was known for her strength and endurance.

Dubois eventually gained her freedom in 1808 after striking her mistress during an altercation. She then moved to New Jersey, where she lived with her children and later became involved in running a tavern. Her life, including her escape from bondage, was documented by physician C.W. Larison in the book "Silvia Dubois (Now 116 Yers Old) A Biografy of the Slav who Whipt Her Mistres and Gand Her Fredom." The historical accuracy and framing of her narrative have been subjects of scholarly discussion, with considerations given to oral history versus documented records.

Born on Sourland Mountain, New Jersey, Sylvia Dubois's early life was marked by the brutal realities of chattel slavery. While she claimed a birth year of 1768, historical accounts suggest she was born between 1788 and 1789. Her mother, Dorcas Compton, faced extreme abuse and hardship, including being forced back to labor shortly after childbirth and suffering severe beatings. Compton's repeated, unsuccessful attempts to purchase her freedom led to further separation from her daughter. As a child, Dubois moved to Pennsylvania to work in a tavern owned by Dominicus "Minna" Dubois. During her enslavement, she performed arduous tasks, including fieldwork and ferrying boats, and was described as physically imposing, enduring, and capable of heavy drinking, dancing, and fighting. Her mistress was notably abusive, inflicting scars and serious injury.

In 1808, a violent confrontation with her mistress led to Dubois striking her enslaver, an act she initially feared had fatal consequences. This incident became a catalyst for her escape. She fled but was eventually persuaded to return with the promise of freedom if she took her child to New Jersey. After fulfilling this condition, she reunited with her mother and settled in New Jersey. Later, she established her own homestead and took over her grandfather's tavern, known for its rowdy atmosphere. Her life was not without further legal troubles, as she and her daughters faced charges for disturbances and operating an unlicensed establishment. Her property was lost due to unpaid taxes, and she spent her final years in poverty. Dubois died during a blizzard in 1888, believed to be around 100 or 101 years old.

Physician C.W. Larison documented Sylvia Dubois's life story in "Silvia Dubois (Now 116 Yers Old) A Biografy of the Slav who Whipt Her Mistres and Gand Her Fredom." Larison, interested in local history, interviewed Dubois multiple times starting in 1883. He employed a unique phonetic spelling for the biography, which was later edited and translated by historian Jared C. Lobdell. The authenticity and interpretation of Dubois's narrative have been debated by scholars. Lobdell suggested the account blended history with folklore, while acknowledging its value for social history, and questioned her claimed age. Professor DoVeanna S. Fulton critiqued this approach, arguing it devalued oral history in favor of documented evidence.