Nathaniel "Nat" Turner (October 2, 1800 – November 11, 1831) was born a slave who became famous for leading a slave rebellion in Southampton, Virginia on August 21, 1831, that failed and resulted in the death of 56 persons.  He was known as an intelligent man who taught himself to read and write. He learned religion from reading and developed a solid faith in a Christian God and a belief that his life had a special mission to free enslaved people. During the insurrection Turner escaped and was hunted, captured, jailed and eventually executed. While imprisoned he confessed his actions to Thomas R. Gray, who transcribed his statements. These were read at the courthouse during his trial along with an account of the resurrection, a list of the whites who were killed, and a list of the slaves involved. It was reported that he faced his execution by hanging calmly and peacefully and died motionless. His peaceful demeanor reportedly disturbed the audience, who expected him to struggle and fight.