Rodney French facts for kids

Rodney French was an important American figure. He was an abolitionist, which means he worked to end slavery. He was also a politician and a merchant. French served as the Mayor of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Early Life and Family

Rodney French was born on May 2, 1802. His hometown was Berkley, Massachusetts. His parents were Samuel and Celia (Crane) French.

Rodney's father, Samuel French, was also active in politics. He held several jobs in Berkley. These included Town Clerk, a member of the board of selectmen, and the School Committee. He also represented Berkley in the state government.

Fighting Slavery and Politics

Rodney French was a strong opponent of slavery. In 1836, he helped start a group called the New Bedford Young Men's Anti-Slavery Society. He was elected its president.

In 1838, French tried to hire Frederick Douglass to work on one of his ships. Douglass was a famous formerly enslaved person and abolitionist. However, white workers on the ship refused to work with him.

French was a very radical abolitionist. At a meeting in 1841, he wanted to declare that churches and clergy who supported slavery were like "thieves." This idea was very controversial and was not approved.

Early Political Roles

In 1841, French served on New Bedford's board of selectmen. This group helped manage the town.

In 1843, President John Tyler wanted to appoint French to a government job. This job was Collector of Customs for the Port of New Bedford. But when the President learned French was against slavery, he changed his mind. The Senate then refused to approve French for the job.

French was first a member of the Whig Party. However, the party leaders did not always agree with him. Later, he joined the Free Soil Party. This party was against the expansion of slavery. He supported Martin Van Buren in the 1848 presidential election.

Standing Up to the Fugitive Slave Act

After the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was passed, French took a strong stand. This law made it easier to capture and return enslaved people who had escaped. French suggested that people should use force against slave catchers. Many moderate abolitionists disagreed, but his idea passed.

French also helped gather signatures for a petition. This petition asked for the Fugitive Slave Act to be canceled. Women from New Bedford collected 1,729 signatures. This petition was sent to U.S. Representative Horace Mann.

In 1851, French heard that a U.S. Marshal planned to raid New Bedford for escaped slaves. He saw an unknown ship coming into the harbor. French quickly rang a bell in Liberty Hall to warn the African-American community.

Other Activism

Besides fighting slavery, French also supported the temperance movement. This movement worked to reduce or stop the drinking of alcohol. Some people thought he was too disruptive at meetings. Charles W. Morgan described him as "verbose & violent." This means he talked a lot and was very intense.

French was not popular with the wealthy families in New Bedford. They saw him as an outsider.

Running for Mayor

Rodney French ran for Mayor of New Bedford six times. In 1853, he won the election. He defeated William J. Rotch by a small number of votes. He was reelected in 1854. However, he lost his bid for a third term.

French also ran for the United States House of Representatives in 1852. He was the Free Soil candidate.

In 1869 and 1870, French served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He helped with laws about roads and bridges.

Later in his life, French joined the Prohibition Party. He ran for the U.S. House of Representatives again in 1878 and 1880.

Commodore of the Stone Fleet

In November 1861, French led a special group of ships called the "Stone Fleet". This happened during the American Civil War. Twelve ships sailed from New Bedford to Charleston Harbor. Their goal was to sink their ships there to block the harbor.

French was chosen as the leader by the other captains. He was given the title "Commodore of the Stone Fleet." His ship, the Garland, was the last to arrive. The ships were sunk on December 19 and 20, 1861. When French returned, he showed off items he had found in the South. These included shells and pieces of a palmetto tree.

Business Life

Rodney French was a merchant and trader. He owned a chandlery store in New Bedford with Charles D. Burt. A chandlery sells supplies for ships.

He also owned a successful gold mine near Black Hawk, Colorado. French managed the mine himself for some time. Later, he leased it out to others.

In 1853, a credit report described French as a "ranting politician" who "owes everybody." This suggests he might have had financial struggles or a reputation for being outspoken.

Death and Legacy

Rodney French passed away on April 30, 1882. A road in New Bedford, Point Road, was renamed French Avenue in his honor. It is now called Rodney French Boulevard. This road was opened to the public when French was mayor.