6. He Was Able to Escape his Shackles – Only to Return to His Master Within a Month
At the age of 21, Turner saw fit to start quietly rebelling on his own. One night, following in his father’s footsteps, he managed to escape from his owner and couldn’t be found.
However, after 30 days of living on his own off the land in the surrounding woods, Turner shocked everyone by returning to his slave owner. Once he resettled into life on the plantation, he later admitted that a spirit appeared to him during his time away, convincing him that returning to his master was his true purpose.
5. He Incited the Rebellion After an Apparent Sign from the Divine Prophecy
Following the divine instruction to return to his master was only the first message Turner apparently received from the Heavens. He also claimed that he was susceptible to visions, encouraging him to avenge slavery and lead other fellow slaves out of their confinement.