Cuffe, Paul, 1759-1817

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African American ship owner, political activist and founder of the Friendly Society to promote emigration to Africa.

From the description of Letter to W. Roper, 1816 August 24. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 34689946

From the description of Letter to W. Roper [manuscript], 1816 August 24. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 647879761

Colonist and seaman.

From the description of Biography and remarks concerning Paul Cuffe, undated. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 79450064

Seaman and civil rights leader.

From the description of Papers of Paul Cuffe, circa 1742-1963. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71067707

Paul Cuffe, a black seaman and shipowner, was born off the coast of New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1759. In 1780 he and his brother brought a case before the courts of Massachusetts which was instrumental in the passage of the act of 1783. This act granted blacks legal rights and privileges in that state. As early as 1788 Cuffe had been prominent in suggesting an exodus of blacks to Africa. He sailed to Sierre Leone and formed a Friendly Society in Freetown to encourage further immigration of free blacks from America. He planned to make yearly trips to Sierre Leone but his health failed and Cuffe died in 1817.

From the description of Cuffe collection, 1765-1963 (inclusive), [microform]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122513553

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Cuffe, Paul, 1759-1817. Biography and remarks concerning Paul Cuffe, undated. Library of Congress
referencedIn Garland, William S. Letters to Edwin Wetmore, 1888-1889. Connecticut Historical Society
creatorOf Cuffe, Paul, 1759-1817. Letter to W. Roper, 1816 August 24. University of Virginia. Library
creatorOf Cuffe, Paul, 1759-1817. Cuffe collection, 1765-1963 (inclusive), [microform]. Yale University Library
creatorOf Cuffe, Paul, 1759-1817. Papers of Paul Cuffe, circa 1742-1963. Library of Congress
creatorOf Cuffe, Paul, 1759-1817. Letter to W. Roper [manuscript], 1816 August 24. University of Virginia. Library
referencedIn Notes on the Rotch family papers, 1789-1906. Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College
referencedIn Francis Family Papers, 1783-1901, (bulk 1783-1838) Rhode Island Historical Society
referencedIn Zebulon Cooper ledger, 1796-1861, 1805-1817 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Congdon, James Bunker, 1802-1880. person
associatedWith Cooper, Zebulon person
associatedWith Cuffe, John, 1757-1830. person
associatedWith Francis family
associatedWith Garland, William S. person
associatedWith Hero (Bark) corporateBody
associatedWith Roper, W., person
associatedWith Roper, W., person
associatedWith Rotch, William, 1759-1850. person
associatedWith Slocum, Cuffe. person
associatedWith Traveller (Brig) corporateBody
associatedWith Wainer family. family
Place Name Admin Code Country
Africa, West
United States
Sierra Leone
Africa
Subject
African American merchant mariners
African Americans
African Americans
African Americans
Back to Africa movement
Freedmen
Shipping
Ship's papers
Thank-you notes
Occupation
Civil rights leaders
Colonists
Sailors
Seamen
Activity

Person

Birth 1759-01-17

Death 1817-09-09

Information

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Ark ID: w6w09kgm

SNAC ID: 28623116