Jonas Mohammed Bath facts for kids

Jonas Mohammed Bath was an important community and religious leader in Trinidad during the 1800s. He was born in West Africa and was sadly forced into slavery, brought to Trinidad around 1804 or 1805.

Jonas Mohammed Bath managed to buy his freedom. After that, he became a strong leader for the Mandingo people in Trinidad. People called him the "chief priest and patriarch" of all the Muslims in the colony. He tried twice, in 1833 and 1838, to ask the British government to help his community return to Africa, but his requests were not approved.

Jonas Mohammed Bath's Early Life

Jonas Mohammed Bath was born in West Africa. This was likely in the area between the Senegal River and Gambia River, a region then known as Senegambia. He probably spoke a Mande language, and might have been from the Susu people.

He could read and write Arabic. He was also educated in Islamic law, which means he likely came from an important family. Bath even said he was a sultan and a prince by birth.

How Jonas Mohammed Bath Became Enslaved

Jonas Mohammed Bath was captured by slave traders who were not Muslim. He was then taken to Trinidad in 1804 or 1805. This happened just before the 1807 law that ended the slave trade.

Instead of being sold to a farm, Bath was bought by the government. He was put to work building Fort George. The British governor, Thomas Hislop, wanted the fort built quickly. He was worried the French might attack Trinidad. When Hislop found out Bath was an important person, he made him the foreman. A foreman is like a supervisor for the group of enslaved people building the fort.

A Leader for the Mandingo People

By 1812, Jonas Mohammed Bath had bought his freedom. He was recognized as a leader and a judge for the African Muslim community. Historians describe him as the "chief priest and magistrate" of the Mandingo community. People at the time called him the "chief priest and patriarch" of the African Muslim community in Trinidad.

In the Caribbean, the word "Mandingo" was used for many people. It wasn't just for the Mandinka people. It included anyone from the Senegambia region, especially if they were Muslim.

It was hard for Bath to buy his freedom directly. This was because there was a high demand for workers and not enough people. So, he had to buy another enslaved person for $500. This person would then work for the government in his place.

The Mandingo community worked together to buy the freedom of other enslaved Mandingo people. Historian Bridget Brereton estimated they freed between 50 and 70 enslaved people. This was a huge achievement because the price of enslaved people was very high in Trinidad. Another community member, Mohammedu Sisei, said it cost between $300 and $700 to free one person. By the time slavery ended in 1834, the free Mandingo community had 140 people. Bath said that "few, if any" of them were still enslaved.

From at least 1812, Bath was treated like a judge for the Mandingo community. Henry Fuller, who was the Attorney General of Trinidad from 1812 to 1832, allowed Bath to settle disagreements among his community members. Fuller often had Bath sign official statements. This was because the Mandingo people would make their statements in Arabic and swear oaths using the Qur'an.

Attempts to Return to Africa

In 1833, Jonas Mohammed Bath asked the British government for help. He wanted his community to return to Africa. Even though the slave trade had ended, slavery was still legal. Bath asked for the British Navy's help to travel home safely. However, his request was turned down.

In 1838, Bath asked the Colonial Secretary again for help to return to Africa. He pointed out that their knowledge of English and their loyalty to Britain made them "ideal agents." This meant they could help bring British culture and civilization to Africa. The Governor of Trinidad met with Bath to talk about the request. But in the end, it was rejected.

Jonas Mohammed Bath passed away in September 1838. After his death, Muhammadu Maguina became the new leader of the Mandingo community.