Cuffee "Kofi" Slocum

Cuffee Slocum "Kofi" 1718-1772

Cuffee Slocum, whose birth name was Kofi was a member of the Ashanti group from Ghana, Africa. Kofi was captured and was sold into slavery and arrived in Newport RI in 1728.

Ebenezer Slocum from Dartmouth Ma purchased Kofi in the 1728 and remained with Ebenezer for 15 years. On Feb 16 1742 Kofi was sold to John Slocum (Ebenezer's nephew) for 150 pounds. Kofi eventually earned his freedom and was finally freed in 1745. Kofi then took the name "Cuffee Slocum". Cuffee worked as a skilled carpenter, farmer and fisherman and also taught himself how to read and write.

In 1746 Cuffee married Wampanoag Indian Ruth Moses (?-1787). They had 10 children: David(1747), Jonathan(1749), Sarah(1751), Mary (1753-1804) Phebe(1755), John(1757), Paul (1759-1817),Lydia(1761), Ruth(1763), Freelove (1765).

Cuffee then moved to Cuttyhunk Island and began to raise his family. Cuffee and his wife remained as caretakers of the Slocum Farm. It's worth noting that Cuttyhunk Island was owned by Peleg Slocum then later his son Holder Slocum.

In 1766 Through hard work, Cuffee purchased a 116-acre farm in Westport Ma once owned by David and Grace Brownell.

It is important to note those of the Quaker (Friends) faith treated their slaves as servants. The slaves were educated, and brought to worship along with the other members of the household. (1)

Links

1. http://neprhauntedhistory.weebly.com/paul-cuffee.html
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Cuffee