James Forten By Ashley_4327 1766 Born in Philadelphia to free Black parents. 1773 Attends a Quaker school but leaves after his father dies in 1779. 1781 Joins the Revolutionary War as a powder boy, gets captured, and is imprisoned for seven months. 1785 Starts a sailmaking apprenticeship under Robert Bridges. 1793 Takes over Bridges' sailmaking business, later becoming one of Philadelphia's most successful Black businessmen. 1800 Hires Black and white workers, promoting racial integration. 1813 Becomes an abolitionist, speaking against slavery and racial injustice. 1820 Fights for Black voting rights and opposes laws restricting free African Americans. Helps establish the American Anti-Slavery Society. 1830 Funds The Liberator, joins the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society, and continues activism. 1842 Passes away, leaving a legacy of business success and abolitionist leadership.