#OTD Nov 16, 1780: Businessman, whaler and abolitionist, Paul Cuffe petitioned the council of Bristol County, MA, claiming taxation without representation and demanding the right to vote. The petition was denied, but his suit was one of the influences that led the Legislature in 1783 to grant voting rights to all free male citizens of the state. At the time Cuffe operated a cargo ship from New Bedford to Nantucket. He went on to own a large fleet of ships, becoming most likely the wealthiest African American in the U.S.
#PaulCuffe #Businessman #Whaler #Abolitionist