A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, a Native of Africa, but Resident above Sixty Years in the United States of America, Related by Himself

by Venture Smith

"A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture" was written in 1798. Venture Smith (1729-1805) was an African captive brought to the American colonies as a child. His history was documented when he gave a narrative of his life to a schoolteacher, who wrote it down and published it under the title "A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, a Native of Africa: But Resident above Sixty Years in the United States of America, Related by Himself." Venture Smith was born Broteer Furro in a place he recalls as Dukandarra in "Guinea"--a term that at the time referred to much of West Africa. Clues in the narrative make it clear that he was from the savannah region-and the fact that he was sold at the seaport of Anomabu, in modern Ghana, suggests that he was probably originally from somewhere in modern Ghana, Togo, or Benin. He was the son of a prince who had several wives. As a young child he was kidnapped by a tribe of Africans who were employed by slave dealers. The young boy was purchased by Robertson Mumford for four gallons of rum and a piece of calico. Mumford decided to call him Venture because he considered purchasing him to be a business venture. Venture's ship then set sail for the island of Barbados. Later in his life, Venture managed to earn enough money on the side to buy first his own freedom, then that of his wife and children. "A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture" is his inspiring story.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Biography, Africa

28 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1798

About the author

1729?-1805

Reviews

[beefyblast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Venture Smith's autobiography begins in Dukandarra, Guinea, where he takes on his original name of Broteer Furro. A contention between Broteer's parents causes his mother to abandon him with a farmer, under whom Broteer tends sheep. A year later, upon his father's request, Broteer returns home, only for invaders "instigated by some white nation" (8) to murder his father and lay waste to the country six weeks later.

After being subsequently captured by the enemy and witnessing their "remarkable success in destroying the country wherever they went" (11), six-year-old Broteer is bought by Robertson Mumford "for four gallons of rum and a piece of calico and called Venture on account of his [master's] having purchased [him] with his own private venture" (13).

From there, Venture recounts his experiences in enslavement and his journey toward purchasing the freedom of not only himself but his wife and children and becoming a successful farmer and businessman in Connecticut. It should be noted that Venture's adopted last name, Smith, came from the man he purchased his freedom from.

What an honor to have read the earliest autobiography by an African American. This book was a fascinating and insightful read into the life of a truly remarkable man.

Here are my favorite parts from the book:

“…I continued to wear the chain peaceably for two or three days, when my master asked me with contemptuous hard names whether I had not better be freed from my chains and go to work. I answered him, No. Well then, said me, I will send you to the West-Indies or banish you, for I am resolved not to keep you. I answered him I crossed the waters to come here, and I am willing to cross them to return.” (20)

"Perhaps some may enquire what maintained me all the time I was laying up money. I would inform them that I bought nothing which I did not absolutely want. All fine clothes I despised in comparison with my interest, and never kept but just what clothes were comfortable for common days, and perhaps I would have a garment or two which I did not have on at all times, but as for superfluous finery I never thought it to be compared with a decent homespun dress, a good supply of money and prudence. Expensive gatherings of my mates I commonly shunned, and all kinds of luxuries I was perfectly a stranger to; and during the time I was employed in cutting the aforementioned quantity of wood, I never was at the expense of six-pence worth of spirits. Being after this labour forty years of age, I worked at various places, and in particular on Ram-Island, where I purchased Solomon and Cuff, two sons of mine, for two hundred dollars each." (26)

“I am now sixty nine years old. Though once strait and tall, measuring without shoes six feet one inch and a half, and every way well-proportioned, I am now bowed down with age and hardship. My strength which was once equal if not superior to any man whom I have ever seen, is now enfeebled so that life is a burden, and it is with fatigue that I can walk a couple of miles, stooping over my staff. Other griefs are still behind, on account of which some aged people, at least, will pity me. My eye-sight has gradually failed, till I am almost blind, and whenever I go abroad one of my grand-children must direct my way; besides for many years I have been much pained and troubled with an ulcer on one of my legs. But amidst all my griefs and pains, I have many consolations; Meg, the wife of my youth, whom I married for love, and bought with my money, is still alive. My freedom is a privilege which nothing else can equal. Notwithstanding all the losses I have suffered by fire, by the injustice of knaves, by the cruelty and oppression of false hearted friends, and the perfidy of my own countrymen whom I have assisted and redeemed from bondage, I am now possessed of more than one hundred acres of land, and three habitable dwelling houses. It gives me joy to think that I have and that I deserve so good a character, especially for truth and integrity. While I am now looking to the grave as my home, my joy for this world would be full—IF my children, Cuff for whom I paid two hundred dollars when a boy, and Solomon who was born soon after I purchased his mother—If Cuff and Solomon—O! that they had walked in the way of their father. But a father's lips are closed in silence and in grief!—Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!” (31)

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd never heard of this before it was mentioned in another book I'm listening to. Since it's only an hour long, I took a little detour to listen to it. I'm surprised it's not better known, since it's pretty remarkable. American slave narratives by those who remember their lives in Africa must be exceedingly rare, so you'd think we'd prize them more highly. Granted, this account doesn't have the depth or eloquence of Frederick Douglass's or Booker T. Washington's autobiographies, so it makes sense that those are more popular, but Venture Smith was an honorable man who deserves to be better known.

Reader was solid.

[Nicholas Seders · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I assumed would be a verbose autobiography turned out to be a fascinating story (at least in the first two parts of the piece). This is the account of a truly remarkable figure of both African and American history; "A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture" is, regardless of what you might be told, much more than a slave narrative!

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I searched for this when Percival Everett's character, James, mentioned it in the book by that title. This is a memoir of tragedy, grit, and overcoming incredible odds to survive slavery, swindlers, and lack of legal recourse to become a man of land and means able to purchase his wife and children. The final state of Venture, writing this as an old man is sad, bemoaning what has become of his sons: "O! that they had walked the way of their father. But a father's lips are closed in silence and grief! Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." An affidavit signed in 1798 in Stonington, Connecticut, certifies the authenticity of the account.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A story of hope and achievement against slavery, of right and wrong. It transcends race creed, class and national boundaries. A story that even two hundred years after Venture Smith's death still inspires the international fight for human dignity and human rights." (From the audiobook jacket.). See documentingventuresmith.org.
Fascinating to read while living in Stonington CT where he lived and worked as a slave to several prominent local families.

[Scott Sammons]

Well worth reading!

This is the original and very spare account of the author. I have no doubt that other volumes with annotation to put all claims in context are available or are seriously in need of writing. From the scaffold of this brief account a great novel could be built as well as a lifetime of study.

This story moved me in ways that others fail. I rarely read such short books but am very glad I did.

[Shane Newcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing

The content is intriguing. I’m so glad I read this (there is a YouTube video about his current day family and his grave site, watch it)

There are some places that the transfer has some spelling mistakes - the end mostly, there are some spots of “computer language” interrupting the original text.

[John Sgammato · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slender little pamphlet, just a few dollars at a museum shop, and worth every penny!
Venture was a son of a king captured into slavery in New England, and who through industry and persistence made of himself a very respectable free man and landowner in Connecticut.
It's a skinny little document, but every page has something of interest.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In reading this book, I was surprised to see the name of a distant relative, Thomas Stanton. I have visited his gravesite in Stonington. It was jarring, to say the least, to read this firsthand account that he owned slaves and to learn of his cruelty and that of his brother, Robert, towards Venture Smith.

[Scott W Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent historical narrative!

This was an excellent historical narrative from someone who lived it! It must, however, be understood in it's time and not through a 21st century lens.

[Rick Jung, Sr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Achieved So Much

Definitely a story of a very full life. Speaking from his memory and his heart, Venture tells of his most poignant and memorable life-events. Though the words are few his achievements are better than the average white or black man of his time.

[priya]

Wanted to read this after finishing James. Not really one for me to rate but very powerful to read… Venture’s life was one full of an integrity of character I can’t even fathom. We have so much work left to do, but I wish Venture could see some of the progress we have made.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an excerpt possibly, out of a college anthology. The true experiences of enslaved people is a subject I find very interesting.

[Josh Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really have no idea how to rate a narrative like this. It was interesting.

[Radhika Natarajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this short narrative, Venture Smith tells of his birth in Africa, his capture into slavery, and the years spent toiling to purchase the freedom of himself and his family.

[Aaren Grant · Rating 2 out of 5]

mid

[Daniel LeSaint · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel this should be considered mandatory reading/discussion, providing insights and perspectives of American slave history.

[Dan Herr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started 12,28,20
Finished 1.13.21

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Venture Smith's had me highly impressed. Venture Smith is a man who has been through so many different types of hell and back, but he’s persistent to live the type of life he wants no matter how many times he is done wrong by master, slave, or ship captain.
He had so much strength through his life, which helped him push forward. I think he gained this strength from his father. His father was Prince of the tribe, making him leader, therefore an even more authoritive figure in Venture’s life. Not only did he watch him lead the household, but he watched him decide for the welfare of the tribe. Venture’s father rather give up the supplies and staples of the tribe than watch their rights be taken from them. Then young Venture had to watch his father be beaten to death by their captors. Both Venture and his father made choices that they deemed were for the best. Also like his father, Venture made sure his children had rights no matter the cost. Most importantly like his father, Venture never gave up. When his father was captured he tried to hold his ground and fight when attacked. In life, Venture never backed down and fought for himself. Venture remembered his father and carried his memory with him through his actions there on out.
Venture Smith stays very consistent through the text and doesn’t show emotion at any point in time. He is bluntly honest while describing the incidences that happen in his life. That’s why I find the ending so touching because he expresses how happy he is to be so old, surrounded by his grandchildren and still have his wife there with him.

[Bill Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is obviously an important and rare historical document. It provides a missing link of sorts between the condition of absolute bondage and the modern institutional oppression existing today. Directly connected to issues of race is the picture of how theft in America has evolved from an informal system of direct theft where it’s easy to steal from someone with less standing in society, into the modern capitalist structure that has painted itself with a veneer of legitimacy in order to accomplish the same end.
Venture made it in a way not many did, but this isn’t a happy story.

[Anno Nomius · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short quick read. This book is an interesting story about slavery in new England and how one man brought his own freedom and freedom of others. Written in first person it is an interesting story of the life of an African American and his travel from Africa to the Caribbean and then to Rhode Island.

[Jason Brinkerhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief account of the life of a African slave who eventually purchased his freedom and found his fortune. This is by no means a lengthy or strenuous read. I would recommend this as essential American history.

[Serhiy · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I had already been sold three different times, made considerable money with seemingly nothing to derive it from, been cheated out of a large sum of money, lost much by misfortune, and paid an enormous sum for my freedom (ch. 2)

[Karen]

* Understanding Oppression: African American Rights (Then and Now)

A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, a Native of Africa: But Resident above Sixty Years in the United States of America. Related by Himself ~ Smith, Venture, 1729?-1805 #slavery