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Margaretta Forten (1815-1875)

Margaretta Forten was an abolitionist and educator born in 1815 in Philadelphia, the daughter of James Forten. “She taught in the Philadelphia school founded by Sarah Mapps Douglass before founding her own private grammar school for black students in 1850. (Time-Life Book 67).

She was a keen businesswoman and helped to take care of her father’s estate after his death. The many people who came to visit her parents attracted Forten into the abolitionist cause. Her father helped establish the American Anti-Slavery Society. Because full membership was denied to women, she and others founded the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society. She spoke against slavery and promoted equality between races.”
(http://cghs.dadeschools.net/slavery/anti- slavery_movement/women.htm)

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