Samuel Fraunces - Racial Identity

Racial Identity

Another puzzling question is that of Samuel Fraunces’ racial identity. Fraunces was nicknamed “Black Sam”, leading to the assumption by many that he was black. Other than the appearance of this nickname, there are no known 18th century references where Fraunces is described as a black man.

The use of “black” as a prefix to a nickname was not uncommon in the 18th century and did not necessarily indicate African heritage of an individual. For instance, Admiral Richard Lord Howe (1762- 1799), one of Britain’s best known and respected seamen – and a white man – was commonly called “Black Dick,” a nickname his brother Sir William Howe gave to him as descriptive of the Admiral’s swarthy complexion. The nickname continued into the 19th and 20th centuries including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ father, a white man with a swarthy complexion, who had the nickname “Black Jack” Bouvier.

The issue of Samuel Fraunces’ racial identity is still a passionate topic of discussion to this very day. As debate rallies on for conclusive evidence, the actual truth is that we may never know for sure. Similar unknowns exist in countless ways for many other people, communities, and elements in the study of the past. Books such as Phoebe the Spy and those by the Collier brothers are wonderful works of historical fiction to get a sense of what life was like in early America, but it should be remembered that they are fictional in regards to specific aspects of many characters, places, and things in the storylines. When using teaching materials such as these pieces for young audiences, it is important to articulate this point so students are not quick to accept these aspects at face value. Additionally, full knowledge and understanding of these stories’ elements can bring a positive sense of empowerment to students by encouraging them to ponder their own “what if’s” in history and perhaps pursue these questions through creative writing or historical research in the future. For all of us, this emphasizes the need for never ceasing to wonder and inquire about the past.

— Jennifer Patton, Director of Education, Fraunces Tavern Museum, New York City.