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Year:1798​

Who: James Forten (1766 – 1842)​

Where: Philadelphia​, Pennsylvania

What: James Forten (1766–1842) was a pioneering African-American businessman, inventor, and abolitionist whose contributions to both industry and social justice left a lasting legacy. Born in Philadelphia, Forten was the son of Thomas and Sarah Forten, and his life story is deeply intertwined with the struggle for freedom and equality. Raised in a time when slavery still dominated much of America, Forten was fortunate to be born free, the grandson of enslaved individuals who had gained their liberty.

At age 14, Forten served as a powder boy on the privateer Royal Louis during the American Revolution, where he experienced the hardships of war firsthand. Captured by the British, he was imprisoned in a British prison hulk but was eventually released in a general prisoner exchange. Upon returning to Philadelphia, Forten apprenticed under sailmaker Robert Bridges, where he worked diligently, honing his skills. By 1786, Forten had risen to the position of foreman at the sail loft, and in 1798, he took ownership of the business after Bridges’ retirement, with a loan from his former employer.

Forten’s sail loft became highly successful, in part due to his innovative contributions to the industry. He is credited with inventing a sail-handling device that helped his business grow, though he never patented his invention. The success of his business allowed Forten to accumulate a substantial fortune, one that he used not only for personal gain but also to fund abolitionist causes. He devoted a significant portion of his wealth to the emancipation of enslaved people, financed the anti-slavery newspaper The Liberator by William Lloyd Garrison, and even opened his home to serve as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Forten's work in both business and social justice exemplified his commitment to improving the lives of African Americans and fighting for their freedom. His legacy as a successful entrepreneur and a dedicated abolitionist continues to inspire generations. He passed away in 1842, leaving behind a powerful testament to the ability of one individual to affect both industry and society.​

Sources:

Books:

  • James, P. P. (1989). The Real McCoy: African American Invention and Innovation, 1619–1930. Anacostia Museum and Smithsonian Institution Press, pp. 33–35.

​Websites:

Address

Johns Hopkins University
2800 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218

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