Paul Cuffe

["Quaker Merchant", "Abolitionist", "Pan-African Pioneer"]

Born Jan 17, 1759

Cuttyhunk Island, United States

Passed Away Sep 07, 1817 Westport, United States

Lifespan 58 years old

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Notice / Correction

"I have done what I could to promote the happiness of the African race."

Archival Overview

African-Wampanoag ship captain, Quaker merchant, and civil rights pioneer who built his own fleet, founded integrated schools, and led early emigration to Sierra Leone.

Biographical Record

Paul Cuffe was born to a freed Ashanti father and a Wampanoag mother on Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts. Becoming a master navigator and whaler, he built his own shipbuilding and maritime trading enterprise, becoming one of the wealthiest men of color in the Atlantic world.

In 1780, Cuffe petitioned the Massachusetts Legislature against taxation without representation for free Black citizens, establishing legal equality in the state. He built an integrated school at his own expense and financed the first voluntary emigration expedition of thirty-eight free Black families to Sierra Leone in 1815.

Key Life Milestones

Taxation Petition

Civil Rights Legal Petition

Filed a landmark petition establishing equal taxation and voting rights for free Black citizens in Massachusetts.

Sierra Leone Voyage

Expedition to Sierra Leone

Financed and captained his brig Traveller carrying 38 free African American settlers to Freetown.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Friends Meeting House Cemetery
Westport, United States

                         GPS: 41.5372, -71.0772                    

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