Julia A.J. Foote was the fourth child born to devout Christian parents in Schenectady, New York, in 1823. When she was 10, her parents, who were former slaves, sent her to live with and work for a wealthy white couple.
This couple acted as Julia’s patrons and enrolled her in an integrated country school, where she received a basic education. In 1836 she rejoined her family.
At age 15, Julia accepted Jesus as her Savior and joined an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church. Although she was filled with the joy that accompanied her conversion, Julia felt defeated in her Christian life.