-
James was born on September 2, 1766. He was born free as were his parents, his grandfather was a slave who had freed himself.
-
He was educated at the Friends African School. He also helped with his father's work as a cooper, working at Willing's Wharf. There, James met Robert Bridges, a man who would become very important in James's life.
-
When James was 7 years old, his father became ill and died, because of this, he could no longer go to work at the sailmaking shop.
-
After his father's dead. James continued going to school for two more years, but at the age of 9, he was forced to leave school to start working to help his family financially.
-
At age 14, James Forten joined the crew of the American privateers Royal Louis as a sailor. Privateers were privately owned ships authorized to capture British merchant ships during the American Revolution.
-
On his second voyage, The Royal Louis was overtaken by British warships and James was captured. He was held as a prisoner of war on the brutal British prison ship HMS Jersey for about seven months before being exchanged and allowed to return home at age 15.
-
After the war, James returned to sailmaking. He spent time in London but then came back to Philadelphia and apprenticed under sailmaker Robert Bridges. He became foreman and eventually in 1798, took over the sailmaking business.
-
James married Martha Beatte in 1803, but she died next year. In 1805 he married Charlotte Vandine and together they had nine children. Many of his children and descendants became prominent activists for abolition and women's rights.
-
James Forten died on March 4, 1842, at age 75. His funeral drew thousands of mourners of all races, showing the respect he had earned. His children and grandchildren continued his work fighting for civil rights, abolition, and women's suffrage.