Emanuel Fortune facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emanuel Fortune
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| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the Jackson County district |
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| In office 1868–1870 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | January 3, 1833 near Marianna, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | January 27, 1897 (aged 64) |
| Resting place | Old City Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
Emanuel Fortune (born January 3, 1833 – died January 27, 1897) was an important political leader in Florida after the American Civil War.
Fortune was born into slavery but became a free man and worked to help his community. He represented Jackson County, Florida in the state government but had to move to Duval County, Florida because of the challenges he faced. He served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1868 to 1870.
Early Life and Family
Emanuel Fortune was born in 1833 on a plantation near Marianna, Florida. During this time in American history, many African Americans were enslaved and not considered free. Emanuel's mother, Dorah Russ, was the daughter of a mixed raced enslaved woman and a Seminole Indian. His father, Thomas Fortune, was Irish. Thomas was killed in a duel when Emmanuel was 6 months old.
On June 2, 1866, Dora married John Pope. Following Emancipation, John Pope became a prominent figure in the county, serving as its leading AME Minister and a member of the school board. He was the father of Madison and Hammon, who were step-brothers to Emanuel.
Emanuel learned to read before the American Civil War, and he later learned to write in 1867.
As a young man, Fortune worked as a shoemaker. He was also a respected member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Political Career
After the Civil War ended and slavery was abolished, Fortune started a new life. In 1868, he was chosen to represent Jackson County, Florida. He was one of four people from his county to join the 1868 Florida Constitutional Convention. This convention's main goal was to write a new constitution for the state's government. Emanuel Fortune helped shape the new laws for Florida. From 1868 to 1870, he served in the Florida House of Representatives. This is where elected officials make laws for the state.
Emanuel Fortune faced many difficulties because of his race and political work. Some people were angry about the new rights given to African Americans. Fortune believed his life was in danger from groups who wanted to stop progress. Because of these threats, he had to leave Jackson County and move to the city of Jacksonville, where he finished his term in office.
After moving to Jacksonville, Fortune continued to be a leader in his new community in Duval County. He held several other local government positions there.
In November 1871, Fortune traveled to Washington, D.C., to speak before a special committee of the United States Senate. He bravely testified about the problems that African American families were facing in the South, including harmful actions by groups like the Ku Klux Klan in places like North Carolina and Florida. Fortune also told the government leaders about the unfair treatment and the difficulties Black farmers had in trying to buy their own land.
Death
Emanuel Fortune passed away on January 27, 1897. He is buried at the Old Jacksonville City Cemetery in Duval County, Florida.
Personal life
On June 5, 1866, Emanuel Fortune married Sarah Jane Miers. Their son, Timothy Thomas Fortune, grew up to be a famous newspaper editor. Timothy also became a strong activist for the rights of African Americans. He was known as a Radical Republican, a group that pushed for big changes after the American Civil War.
Legacy
Fortune's life and work are remembered as important parts of Florida's history. A picture of Fortune can be found in a book by Canter Brown Jr. called Florida's Black Public Officials, 1867-1924. This book highlights the contributions of many African American leaders.
| Article contributor: Lynn Humphrey. Lynn is an archivist, researcher and librarian at the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center. |
