Harriet Ross Tubman, was the most famous "conductor" of the "Underground Railroad." Born into slavery around 1820 in Maryland, she received no schooling, worked very hard, and was often a victim of severe punishment. In 1848, she escaped to Philadelphia via the "Underground Railroad." Later she returned to the South 18 times to help hundreds of slaves escape to freedom. She was never caught, although rewards for her capture once totaled $40.000. Despite her fame and the honors bestowed upon her, she spent her last years in poverty. Proceeds from her biography were given to her by Sarah Bradford, author of the book, to help ease her financial distress. She died in 1913. A postage stamp with her portrait was released in 1978.