File:The Negro in American history (microform) - men and women eminent in the evolution of the American of African descent (1914) (14597420138).jpg

Identifier: negroinamericanh00crom (find matches)
Title: The Negro in American history (microform) : men and women eminent in the evolution of the American of African descent
Year: 1914 (1910s)
Authors: Cromwell, John W. (John Wesley), b. 1846
Subjects: African Americans -- History African Americans Slavery -- United States
Publisher: Washington : The American Negro Academy
Contributing Library: New York Public Library
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN

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s father, who had obtained his freedom and bought a farmof one hundred acres, died when Paul was about fourteen. Whenhe was sixteen, Paul began the life of a sailor. On his thirdvoyage he was captured by a British brig and was for threemonths a prisoner of war. On his release he planned to go intobusiness on his own account. With the aid of an elder brother,David Cuffe, an open boat was built in which they went to sea;but this brother on the first intimation of danger gave up theventure and Paul was forced to undertake the work single-handed and alone, which was a sore disappointment. On hissecond attempt he lost all he had. Before the close of the Revolutionary War, Paul refused topay a personal tax, on the ground that free colored people didnot enjoy the rights and privileges of citizenship. After con-siderable delay, and an appeal to the courts, he paid the taxunder protest. He then petitioned to the legislature whichfinally agreed to his contention. His efforts are the first of 98
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—From nn Old Print. YORK PUIiiiC LiBKAKY ASTOB, LE.NOX AND TTLDiJN FOlSUATUiNaii PAUL CUFF:^ 99 which there is any record of a citizen of African descent makinga successful appeal in behalf of his civil rights. On reachingthe age of twenty-five, he married a woman of the same tribeas his mother, and for a while gave up life on the ocean wave;but the growth of his family led him back to his fond pursuiton the briny deep. As he was unable to purchase a boat, withthe aid of his brother he built one from keel to gunwale andlaunched into the enterprise. While on the way to a nearby island to consult his brotherwhom he had induced once more to venture forth with him,he was overtaken by pirates who robbed him of all he possessed.Again Paul returned home disappointed, though not discouraged.Once more he applied for assistance to his brother David andanother boat was built. After securing a cargo, he met againwdth pirates, but he eluded them though he was compelled toreturn and repair his bo

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