Absalom Boston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Absalom Boston
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Absalom Boston
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| Born | 1785 |
| Died | 1855 Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA
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| Occupation | Mariner, entrepreneur, civic leader |
Absalom Boston (1785–1855) was an amazing American sailor. He made history in 1822. He was the first African-American captain to lead a whaling ship. What made it even more special? His entire crew was also African-American.
Early Life and Family
Absalom Boston was born in Nantucket, Massachusetts. His father, Seneca Boston, was an African-American man who had been a slave. His mother, Thankful Micah, was a Wampanoag Indian.
Absalom's uncle, Prince Boston, was also a very important person. Prince was a slave who worked on a whaling trip in 1770. When he earned money from the trip, he refused to give it to his master. Instead, he went to court. Prince won his earnings and his freedom. This made him the first Black slave to win his freedom in a U.S. jury trial. This was a huge step for freedom.
Starting His Career
Absalom Boston spent his younger years working in the whaling business. Whaling was a big industry back then. Ships would go out to sea to hunt whales for their oil. Whale oil was used for lamps and other things.
By the time Absalom was 20 years old, he had saved enough money. He used it to buy property in Nantucket. Ten years later, he got a special permit. This allowed him to open and run a public inn. An inn is like a hotel where people can stay and eat.
A Historic Voyage
In 1822, Absalom Boston became the captain of a whaling ship called the Industry. This was a very important moment. The Industry was the first whaleship to have an all African-American crew. This was a big deal because, at that time, it was rare for Black people to be in charge of a ship.
The journey lasted for six months. When the Industry returned to Nantucket, it had 70 barrels of whale oil. Even better, the entire crew came back safely. This showed everyone that an all-Black crew could be successful and skilled.
Life After the Sea
After his historic voyage, Absalom Boston stopped sailing. He decided to focus on business and helping his community in Nantucket. He became a leader in his town. He also ran for public office, which means he tried to get elected to a government job.
Absalom Boston worked with another captain, Edward Pompey. Together, they led the movement in Nantucket to end slavery. This movement was called the abolitionist movement. They fought for freedom and equal rights for all people.
He also helped start the African Baptist Society in Nantucket. He was a founding trustee of the African Meeting House. This was an important place for the Black community.
In 1845, Absalom Boston's daughter, Phebe Ann Boston, was not allowed to go to a public school. This was because of her race. Absalom took legal action against the Nantucket government. He won the lawsuit! This victory helped to make public schools open to all students, no matter their race. This was a major step towards equal education.
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