Nat Turner (October 2,1800)-November11,1831) was an African American slave who led a slave rebellion in Virginia on August 21,1831 that resulted in 55 white deaths. At births on October 2, 1800, Turners owner recorded only his given name Nat. References to "Nathaniel" would appear in Civil War era sources, but not in contemporary documents. Turner had "natural intelligence and quickness of aprehension,surpassed by few. He learned to read and write at a young age. Turner was 22 years old when he ran away from his owner,but returned a month later after having such a vision. By early 1828, Turner was convinced that he "was ordained for some great purpose in the hands of the Almighty. "Beginning in Febuary11,1831 Turner came to believe that certain atmospheric conditions were to be interpreted as a sign that he should begin preparing for a rebellion against the slave owners.