Emanuel Lousada facts for kids

Emanuel Lousada (born December 26, 1783 – died December 14, 1854) was a successful merchant from London. He also held important public jobs. Lousada owned large sugar plantations in Jamaica and Barbados where many enslaved African people were forced to work.

From 1842 to 1843, he served as the High Sheriff of Devon. This was a very important role, and Emanuel Lousada was the first Jewish person to hold this title in a county outside of London. Another Jewish man, David Salomons, had been the Sheriff of London before him in 1835. Lousada was connected to a place called Peak House, Sidmouth. At the time the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 was passed, Lousada owned over 400 enslaved African people on his plantations in the British West Indies. He passed away a very rich man, leaving behind a large sum of money.

Early Life and Family History

Emanuel Lousada was born in London in 1783. His family was Sephardic Jewish, meaning they came from the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). His parents were Isaac Baruh Lousada and Judith Lopes Pereira d'Aguilar. They were married at the Bevis Marks Synagogue in 1771.

For many generations, Emanuel Lousada's family had been involved in the Atlantic slave trade. They owned sugar cane plantations in Jamaica and Barbados, where enslaved Africans were forced to work. His ancestors included "Antonio" Moses Baruch, who was born in Portugal in 1629. His grandmother, Abigail Lamego, was related to Manuel Rodrigues Lamego. Manuel Rodrigues Lamego had a special contract called the asiento. This contract gave him the sole right to provide African enslaved people to the Spanish Empire from 1623 to 1631.

Slave Ownership and Compensation

According to the Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slave-ownership at University College London, Emanuel Lousada received money after the Slavery Abolition Act 1833. This payment came from the Slave Compensation Act 1837.

The British Government took out a large loan to pay slave owners. This loan was paid off by British taxpayers over many years, ending in 2015. Lousada made five different claims for compensation. His biggest plantations were Carlisle and Banks in Jamaica, and Exchange in Barbados. He owned 424 enslaved people across these places and received a payment of £6,852.

Lousada's family had built their wealth over many generations through owning sugar plantations in the Caribbean. When Emanuel Lousada died, he left a large amount of money in his will.

Public Service and Development

Emanuel Lousada served as the High Sheriff of Devon from 1842 to 1843. This was a significant achievement, as he was the first Jewish person to hold this important position in a county outside of London. The High Sheriff was responsible for law and order in the county. He also played a role in developing Peak House, Sidmouth, in Devon.

Family Connections

Emanuel Lousada was married to Jane Goldsmid. She was the daughter of Abraham Goldsmid, who came from a well-known Jewish banking family. Some of Lousada's relatives in Jamaica had even received special titles of nobility. For example, in 1759, the King of Spain gave one family member the title Duke de Losada y Lousada. Another relative was made Marquis di San Miniato by the Grand Duke of Tuscany.

See also

• History of the Jews in Jamaica
• History of the Jews in Barbados