Rose Fortune

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Fortune, Rose
Rose Fortune, entrepreneur (b at Virginia, 1774; d at Nova Scotia 20 February 1864). Rose Fortune, a black LOYALIST originally from the US, is best-known for her talent as a businesswoman at a time when neither women nor black people were encouraged to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities (see BLACKS) and when the feminist movement in Canada was decades into the future. Born during the US Revolutionary War period as the daughter of slaves, Fortune emigrated to Canada at age ten. Her family settled in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, a popular destination for black Loyalists.

Although they were granted freedom from SLAVERY, earning a living was difficult for black Loyalists who came to Canada. Yet, over time Fortune developed two lucrative businesses in the area. She began working as a baggage carrier, transporting luggage and provisions from ships, which she would deliver in her wheelbarrow. Later, she implemented a rudimentary "wake-up call" service in which she would alert people at nearby inns in danger of missing departing ships. Fortune also imposed and enforced curfews at the wharves and the surrounding area, hence enforcing the law at early ANNAPOLIS ROYAL. Many consider her the first policewoman in Canada.

In time, Fortune's entrepreneurial pursuits became lucrative. Her baggage company became known as Lewis Transfer in 1841, and horse-drawn wagons replaced wheelbarrows. Fortune's grandchildren carried on the family business for the next 100 years.

Fortune's legacy continues today. The Association of Black Law Enforcers have created a scholarship in her name, and her descendant Daurene Lewis became the first black female mayor in North American. Numerous descendants still work in the shipping and trucking business.

Fortune, Rose
Fortune, Rose
Black Loyalist and entrepreneur, Rose Fortune (courtesy Nova Scotia Museum).


Links to Other Sites
Rose Fortune and Peter C. Butler III
Brief profiles of the first Canadian black law officers, Rose Fortune (1774-1864) and Peter C. Butler III (1859-1943.) From the Association of Black Law Enforcers. A PDF file.

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