Venture Smith

Venture Smith was born Broteer Furro in 1729. He was the eldest son of a West African Prince and spent his early years in what would be present-day Guinea. At age six, an enemy tribe attacked Broteer Furro and his village in present-day Guinea. The attackers murdered his father and then kidnapped Broteer and the remaining survivors. Afterwards, they were sold into slavery and brought to New England. Upon arrival, Broteer's name was changed to Venture. He then began his long struggle for freedom against the powerful American institution of slavery. Venture Smith’s tale of hard work, tenacity and ingenuity makes him a role model for Haddam and its citizens.

Illustration from Ruby Zagoren's An African Yankee