Full Name
Date of Birth
September 2, 1766
Date of Death
March 4, 1842
Place of Birth
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Place of Death
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Education
Spouse’s Name
Children Names
Known Affiliates Names
- Richard Allen 1 (co-founder of the Free African Society)
- Absalom Jones (co-founder of the Free African Society)
- Anthony Benezet (educator)
Affiliated Organizations’ Names
- Free African Society (founding member)
- Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society (co-founder)
Major Events
- American Revolutionary War (served on privateer ships)
- Abolitionist Movement
Brief Biography
James Forten, born on September 2, 1766, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an American abolitionist, businessman, and sailmaker. He was born free to Thomas and Sarah Forten and attended Anthony Benezet’s Quaker School for African American children. Forten began working as a sailmaker at the age of 14 after his father’s death. He eventually became a foreman and later bought the sail loft when his boss retired. Forten’s sailmaking business became highly profitable, employing both black and white workers. He was a founding member of the Free African Society, established in 1787 under the leadership of Richard Allen 1 and Absalom Jones. Forten was also involved in the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society, which was the first integrated women’s abolitionist organization. He passed away on March 4, 1842[1][2][3][4][5].
Citations: [1] https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/forten-james-1766-1842/ [2] https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/james-forten-facts/ [3] https://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/forten__james [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Forten [5] https://www.amrevmuseum.org/james-forten-discovery-cart