Background
Absalom Boston was born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, to Seneca Boston, an African-American ex-slave father, and Thankful Micah, a Wampanoag Indian mother.
Absalom Boston was born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, to Seneca Boston, an African-American ex-slave father, and Thankful Micah, a Wampanoag Indian mother.
Boston spent his early years working in the whaling industry. By the time he reached 20, he acquired enough money to purchase property in Nantucket. Ten years later, he obtained a license to open and operate a public inn.
In 1822, Boston became the captain of The Industry, a whaleship manned entirely with an African-American crew.
The six-month journey returned with 70 barrels of whale oil and the entire crew intact. Boston retired from the sea after The Industry returned to Nantucket from its historic voyage.
He concentrated on becoming a business and community leader, and also ran for public office. Together with fellow captain, Edward Pompey, he led the Nantucket abolitionist movement.
He was also a founding trustee of Nantucket"s African Baptist Society, and the African Meeting House in Nantucket.
