Cuffe, Paul

Cuffe, Paul (1759–1817) seaman, reformer; born in Cuttyhunk, Mass. His father was of African descent, and his mother was a Native American. While a seaman, he and his brother John appealed to the courts of Massachusetts to consider why those denied suffrage had to pay taxes (1780). Although unsuccessful at the time, their concerns were reflected in the act of 1783 by which African-Americans acquired legal rights and privileges in Massachusetts. Through a series of successful voyages, he became ship and property owner (1806), settling on the Westport River where he built a public schoolhouse and served as a minister among the Quakers. He founded the Friendly Society and led a voyage to help 38 African-Americans emigrate to Sierra Leone (1815), but died before he could make a second trip.