Historical Figures

Rose Fortune, business woman with character

Canadian born into slavery, Rose Fortune (1774 – 1864) distinguished herself by setting up a successful business and becoming the first female police officer in Canada.

From slavery to freedom

Rose Fortune was born into slavery in Philadelphia (United States) on March 13, 1774. Her family will be subsequently taken to Virginia by the Devones family. At the end of the American Revolutionary War, when Rose was at least ten years old, her family was evacuated to Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia (Canada), with the United Empire Loyalists. .

Little is known about her childhood in Canada, except that she and her parents crossed the border as a free family. In the Annapolis Royal registers are indeed mentioned "Fortune and his wife", accompanied by a child over ten years old and listed as "Free Blacks".

Rose gets married and has at least three children, traces of which have come down to us in particular through their marriage:Jane, John and Margaret. She will have at least eight grandchildren.

Lewis Transfer

In 1825, Rose Fortune began working as a porter, transporting luggage between the docks and neighboring homes or hotels using a wheelbarrow. She set up a wake-up service to remind latecomers of their ship's time. Strong and strong-willed, it vigorously protects its business, establishing a monopoly. Gradually, his business grew and became known as Lewis Transfer . In 1841, horse-drawn carts replaced wheelbarrows.

Along with her business, Rose sees herself in charge of the protection of property and order on the docks and warehouses of Annapolis Royal. Considered the first female police officer in Canada, she is renowned for keeping the city's youth on the straight and narrow.

A character from the city

Rose Fortune becomes an essential character in town. In 1852, when she was 78 years old, Lieutenant-Colonel Sleigh of the 77th Regiment spoke of an encounter with her in these terms:

“I was aided in my hasty efforts to quit the abominable inn by a curious old Negro woman, rather stunted in growth…. and dressed in a man's coat and felt hat; she had a small stick in her hand which she applied lustily to the backs of all who did not jump instantly out of the way. Poor old lady! She was evidently a privileged character.”

(I was aided in my hasty efforts to leave this abominable inn by an inquisitive old black woman, stunted…and dressed in a man's coat and felt hat; she had a small stick in her hand which she applied vigorously to the backs of anyone who did not stray from her path. Poor old lady! She was obviously a character in town.)

Rose Fortune died in February 1864, in her small house in Annapolis Royal. His descendants take over his business and maintain it until 1960. One of his descendants, Daurene Lewis, will be the first black woman elected mayor in Canada.