Mathias de Sousa
Mathias de Sousa | |
|---|---|
| Died | |
| Occupation | Indentured servant |
Mathias de Sousa was the first Black Marylander. A free man, Sousa was of African and Portuguese descent.[1]
Life
It is believed that Sousa's father was born in Portugal. Within colonial Maryland society, Sousa was defined as a "mulatto", a person of mixed African and European descent. Sousa worked as an indentured servant for Fr Andrew White, a Catholic priest in the Jesuits; Sousa is also believed to have been Catholic.[2] Following his indentured servitude, which ended in 1638, Sousa worked as a fur trader and a mariner.[1] In March 1641, Sousa was elected as a representative at a Maryland Assembly meeting. This proves that Sousa. was no longer a servant. He voted as a citizen.
Legacy
An historical marker has been erected in St. Mary's City in St. Mary's County, Maryland.[3]
References
- ^ a b "Mathias de Sousa". Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
- ^ Bogen, David (2001-01-01). "Mathias de Sousa: Maryland's First Colonist of African Descent". 96 Maryland Historical Magazine 68 (2001).
- ^ "Mathias de Sousa". Historical Marker Database. Retrieved 2022-09-29.