Nantucket honors Arthur Cooper's family and their fight against enslavement

In a poignant gathering at Nantucket's Historic Coloured Cemetery, community members and officials reflected on the rich and often tumultuous history of the island's African American residents. The meeting, held on June 2, 2025, served as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs faced by individuals who shaped Nantucket's legacy.

Among the stories shared was that of Arthur Cooper, a fugitive from enslavement who arrived on the island in 1820. His harrowing tale of survival unfolded when a bounty hunter, accompanied by a deputy marshal, sought to reclaim him and his family under federal law. On that fateful day in October 1822, the Cooper family found themselves in a desperate situation, hiding from the very forces that sought to tear them apart. A crowd gathered outside their home, determined to protect them, while inside, the family huddled in fear. Thanks to the quick thinking of local magistrate Alfred Folger and the support of the Society of Friends, the Coopers managed to escape, with Arthur disguised in a Quaker hat and coat, and his pregnant wife, Mary, giving birth to their fifth child while in hiding.

The meeting also highlighted the contributions of other notable figures, such as Joseph Lewis, who was involved in the whaling industry and served as a custodian of the nearby old mill. The stories of these individuals are woven into the fabric of Nantucket's history, illustrating the resilience and strength of the African American community.

As the meeting concluded, attendees reflected on the importance of preserving these narratives. In 2022, a memorial was dedicated on Angola Street to commemorate the bicentennial of the attempted kidnapping of the Cooper family, a testament to their enduring legacy. The gathering underscored the need for continued recognition and celebration of the contributions of African Americans to Nantucket's history, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten but rather honored and remembered for generations to come.