or his writing projects and speaking engagements. In 1881, he published the third of his autobiographical volumes, Life and Times of Frederick Douglass. In August 1882, Anna Douglass died after a long illness. Douglass observed a traditional year of grieving, but he was hardly ready to settle into the life of a widower. He had never shrunk from controversy, and his next act upset both black and white society. In early 1884, Douglass announced that he was marrying Helen Pitts, a white woman who was nearly 20 years younger than he was. Douglass enjoyed 9 years of marriage to Helen Pitts, on February 20, 1895, Douglass was struck by a massive heart attack and died at the age of 77. As news of Douglass's death spread throughout the country, crowds gathered at the Washington church where he lay in state to pay their respects. Black public schools closed for the day, and parents took their children for a last look at the famed leader. His wife and children accompanied his body back to Rochester, where he was laid to rest. No one has struggled more resolutely for the rights of his people than Frederick Douglass. Born at a time when strong voices were desperately needed to cry out for freedom, he established himself as a powerful speaker for all men and women. Chronology -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- February 1818 Born Frederick Baily near Easton, Maryland 1824 Works for Captain Aaron Anthony 1826 Travels to Baltimore, Maryland to work for Hugh Auld March 1833 Returns to Anthony farm to work for Thomas Auld January 1834 Works for Edward Covey 1835 Works for William Freeland 1836 First escape plan fails; is imprisoned; sent back to Hugh Auld 1837 Meets Anna Murray September 1838 Escapes to New York; sends for and marries Anna Murray; changes name to Frederick Douglass August 1841 Asked to speak at American Anti-Slavery Society meeting; invited to go on lecture tour May 1845 Narrative of the Life...
