-
Birth
James Forten was born on September 2nd, 1766, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents were Thomas Forten and Margaret Forten. He was born a free black man in America. -
Worked as a privateer
At the small age of 14, James Forten's father died in 1773. After his father's death, he took over the job that Thomas had before his end. Forten had worked on the Royal Luis, one of the privateer ships during the American Revolutionary War. The British had taken James and put him in prison. -
Released from Prison
In 1782, Forten had been released from prison and returned to Philadelphia, continuing his goal of supporting his family. -
Work
In 1786, he started working at a sail lot. His superior was Robert Bridges, a white sailmaker. This situation made James Forten a larger deal as he gained more attention with his excessive amount of skill and work ethic. -
Owner of Sail lot
In 1798, after years of working under someone in the sail lot business, he had bought and owned the business from his higher up, Bridges. This made him one of the most successful and wealthy African Americans in Philadelphia. -
Invented Sail Handling Device
In the 1800s, he had invented a sail handling system device that impacted his business positively. This improved the success rate of his sail lot business. -
Active in Abolitionism
In 1813, he started to involve himself with abolitionist causes. This is what he can be most known for, as he worked very closely with many abolitionist activists like William Lloyd Garrison, Lucretia Mott, Robert Purvis, and more. -
Co-founded the American Anti Slavery Society
In 1833, Forten established and co-founded the American Anti Slavery Society. This society became the most influential and popular abolitionist groups in the United States. His name being associated with this cause made many African Americans realize what political role they play when it comes to creating the movement for emancipation and equal rights. -
Advocated African American Rights
In the years 1830-1840, Forten had advocated for African American rights. He had organized many abolitionist events in Philadelphia. William Lloyd Garrison's anti-slavery newspaper was supported by Forten. -
Death
James Forten had passed on March 4th, 1842, at the old age of 75. He had led a life full of a powerful legacy that his children Harriet Forten Purvis, Margaretta Forten, Sarah Forten, and James Forten Jr. had followed through.