Born around 1774 into slavery, since slavery status followed her mother’s line was Ona Judge. At the tender age of 10, she began serving Martha Washington the wife of the first President of the United States, George Washington.

When Martha’s husband was elected president of the United States, Judge and her family moved to Philadelphia where their official residence was. Oney, as she was known to George and Martha Washington, was one of nine enslaved African Americans who served in the President’s House in Philadelphia from 1790 to 1796.

Ona and two other slaves, Austin and Hercules were allowed to leave by themselves and enjoy certain events like the circus and the theater. While out and about they brushed shoulders with rapidly increasing free black community. The free black community was quickly increase because of the Gradual Abolition Act which allowed slaves in Pennsylvania freedom and residency after six months. Spending time with these elite individuals expanded Ona’s thought process.

There are records of George Washington’s plot to ensure his slaves did not take advantage of the Gradual Abolition Act through a loophole in the system. Right before his slaves completed their six month residency his plan was to send them to a friend for a “trip.” Just one day away from Pennsylvania deemed them ineligible to be freed. Word of his plan got back to his slaves and Ona fled as the family was preparing their return to Virginia between Congress sessions for a short trip.

Many runaway advertisements of her escape from the President’s House were placed in Philadelphia newspapers and a reward promised to anyone who would bring her back to the Washington’s. She had good clothes therefore blending in with free blacks was not hard. A friend of the Washington’s saw her and George ordered customs to return her which was illegal, he would have had to go through the federal courts to retrieve her.

The collector of customs was warned to proceed with caution and complied with his commander in chief.

Following an investigation the collector found that many of Washington’s statements as to why Judge left were untrue and did not return her. Of course this infuriated George but there was nothing he could do.

Although until their deaths they continued to search for Ona and tried to illegally return her to slavery they were unsuccessful. Ona got married and had three children. She was asked if she regretted leaving such a comfortable life to live in poverty. She did not have a single regret. Learning to read and write were important to her and having achieved that goal for her was priceless.