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Who is James Forten?
James Forten (September 2, 1766 – March 4, 1842) was an African-American abolitionist and wealthy businessman. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the prosperous owner of a sail loft and spent almost all of his life in or near the Philadelphia waterfront around what is now called Penn’s Landing.
What did James Forten do to help African Americans?
James Forten used his wealth from the industry to advocate for temperance, women’s suffrage, and above all, equal rights for African Americans. Forten believed Blacks should work to improve their situation in the United States and should be granted equal protection under the law.
How did James Forten feel about emigration?
James Forten was one of the important Black leaders who were entirely against any emigration movements. He firmly believed that Blacks should be allowed to play an equal role in the United States, proposing that it was far better to fight for an egalitarian US society rather than to flee the country.
How much did John Forten make from his business?
His business grew; some estimates suggest that he had a fortune of over $100,000 by the early 1830s. Forten used both his fortune and his fame to forward his agenda for the destruction of slavery.
James Forten was a Founding Father of the United States of America. Born as a free African American in Philadelphia, Forten was educated in one of the city’s Quaker schools, and he began working with his father as a sailmaker at the age of just eight.
Who were the parents of Thomas Forten?
His parents were Thomas and Sarah Forten. He was also the grandson of slaves . His formative years were spent in Philadelphia, and he attended Anthony Benezet’s Quaker school for African American children. By the time he turned eight years old, he was working for Robert Bridges’s sail loft.
What happened to Sir Thomas Forten?
As a powder boy, Forten carried gun powder from the ship’s powder magazine to the ship’s cannons. While serving, Forten’s ship was captured by the British, and he was at risk of being sold into slavery. Instead, Forten was transported to the HMS Jersey where Forten became a prisoner of war.
Where did John Forten live in Philadelphia?
Forten lived in Philadelphia for most of his life and operated his successful sail loft in Philadelphia just below Pine Street along the Delaware River. Forten lived near Independence Hall and heard The Declaration of Independence read aloud there for the first time when he was a boy.
How did John Forten become a privateer?
Born free in Philadelphia, Forten was largely self-taught: He dropped out of school at age 9 to work full-time to support his mother and sister. As a privateer on a ship that got caught by the British during the Revolutionary War, he escaped enslavement by impressing the captain, who ensured he was treated the same as white prisoners of war.
How many children did James and Charlotte Forten have?
James and Charlotte Forten had nine children: Robert Bridges Forten, Margaretta, Harriet, Sarah Louisa, Charlotta, William Deas, Mary Theresa, Thomas Willing Francis, and James, Jr. Robert and James Jr. succeeded their father in the family sail-making business. The children grew up in and committed to the abolition movement.
What would have happened to Forten if he had not befriended the captain?
Had he not befriended the son of the British captain, Forten, like many African Americans in his situation, might have been sent into slavery in the West Indies.
How old was John Forten when he left school?
By age nine, Forten left school to work full-time. He used his early experience at work as a measuring stick for the rest of his career and life. At the age of 14, during the Revolutionary War, Forten served on the privateer Royal Louis, captained by Captain Stephen Decatur, Sr.
What did John Forten do for the city of Philadelphia?
At Bridges‘ retirement in 1798, Forten bought the sail loft. By developing a tool to help maneuver the large sails, by 1810, Forten had built up one of the most successful sail lofts in Philadelphia. He created the conditions he worked for in society, employing both black and white workers.