In the early 19th century, around 1801, within the picturesque landscapes of Montego Bay, Jamaica, a pivotal figure emerged whose destiny would intertwine with the transformative events that unfolded in the coming years. Sam Sharpe’s early life unfolded amidst the arduous and unforgiving conditions of plantation existence.
Born into Bondage
A Creole, Sharpe entered the world on a plantation owned by Samuel and Jane Sharpe. His parents, having arrived in Jamaica from Africa between 1787 and 1801, were part of the African diaspora that played a defining role in shaping the Caribbean during that era. The naming convention of the time reflected the influence of his enslaver, Samuel Sharpe, from whom Sam received his name. (Shepherd, 2005)
Educational Aspirations
Despite the harsh realities of slavery, young Sam Sharpe exhibited an intellectual curiosity that set him apart. Denied formal education, he embarked on a clandestine journey of self-education, absorbing knowledge from newspapers, abolitionist literature and discussions circulating within the slave community. This early thirst for knowledge would shape his future as a thinker and leader.
Remarkably, Sharpe’s owner permitted him to become formally educated as a young adult, an unusual privilege during a time when such opportunities were systematically denied to the enslaved population. This education, coupled with his intelligence, garnered him respect among his peers within the enslaved community. (Sam Sharpe Biography Part 1, n.d.)
Christianity and Faith
A foundational moment in Sharpe’s life occurred when he embraced Christianity. Converted to this faith, he found solace and purpose in the teachings of equality and justice. This newfound faith fueled his burgeoning desire for change and set the stage for his future role as a deacon in the First Baptist Church in Montego Bay.
In his own words, Sam asserted: “In reading my bible, I found that the white man had no more right to make a slave of me than I have to make a slave of the white man” (Sam Sharpe Biography Part 1, n.d.)
Through discreet gatherings under the guise of spreading the word of god, Sharpe harnessed the power of his sermons to disseminate knowledge and cultivate a collective consciousness among the enslaved masses. His efforts were not confined to the spiritual realm; Sharpe strategically employed his position to organize the enslaved, fostering a sense of unity and purpose toward the common goal of freedom.
Family and Marriage
Sam’s parents were kidnapped from Africa and endured the perilous journey of the Middle Passage to Jamaica by boat between 1787 and 1801. The identity of Sharpe’s father remains unknown and there is some uncertainty as to the name of his mother.
The Slave Return (also known as a Slave Register) of 1832 which documents Sam’s death, identifies him as “Archer” aka Sam Sharpe, son of Eve. Whereas the earlier Slave Return of Samuel and Jane Sharp from 1817 lists a 12 year old Archer, son of Juda Bligom and brother to siblings Joe (two years old) and Eliza (20 years old.) This discrepancy is likely due to the fact that most enslaved people carried two given names, one which they were called in official records, and one that was used by friends and family. (Samuel Sharpe, 2023)
According to Encyclopedia.com, Sam also had a brother, William who stood by his side when he turned himself in in 1832, and a nephew who worked at a printer’s shop in Montego Bay as well. Because so many records from his time were lost or inaccurate, it is unclear whether Joe and William are two different brothers, or perhaps one brother who went by two names.
Sharpe married a woman whose name is also lost to historical records, but it is known that her father was among the rebels who fought for Jamaica’s freedom. Though they were married, Sam’s wife lived on a neighbouring plantation. Despite being forced to live apart, they conceived and gave birth to a daughter whose name is also unknown. She went on to marry one Mr. Gaynor, with whom she lived in Montego Bay. (Shepherd, 2005)
