Memorial Stone for Betsy Sawyer, a Former Enslaved Woman

This is the memorial stone dedicated to Betsy Sawyer, a freed former enslaved woman who ended her life living and working with the Murray family in Yeadon.

The stone reads: ‘To the memory of Betsy Sawyer, born in slavery in the island of Antigua, who through missionary labour was brought to the knowledge and enjoyment of true religion obtained her freedom whilst residing in the family of the Rev T Murray in whose service she lived loved and respected for 16 years. She departed this life on 24 November 1839 aged 65 years in the faith and hope of the gospel. As a mark of affection for her this memorial stone was erected at the expense of her friends in the Methodist Society of this town.’