By Daniela Altimari
HARTFORD, Conn. โ Lying in repose beneath the rotunda of the state Capitol is an honor usually reserved for ex-governors and other prominent officials. But on Thursday morning, the bones of a slave from Waterbury were accorded the same honor.
An African-American man named Fortune was the legal property of a Waterbury physician. He died in 1798, perhaps of a broken neck or by drowning, and for many years his skeleton was used as an anatomical exhibit. It was later donated to the Mattatuck Museum, where the skeleton was one of the most popular exhibits.
But around 1970, Fortuneโs remains were removed from display and the movement to learn about his life and, ultimately, provide him with a respectful burial began to take shape, an effort that would culminate with Thursdayโs brief ceremony at the Capitol.
โMr. Fortune served as a slave all the years of his earthly life,โ said Steven R. Mullins, president of the Southern Union of Black Episcopalians. โWhat happened to Mr. Fortune should not happen to any human being in the world. โฆ This is our opportunity today โฆ to make up for that.โ
Mullins said Fortuneโs plight serves as a reminder that slavery existed in the North as well. He called the service a โteachable moment.โ Like the other speakers at the service, Mullins used the title โMr.,โ as a way of conveying respect.
The service began when a casket draped in purple cloth and carrying Fortuneโs bones was wheeled into the Capitol, where a small crowd of religious leaders, history buffs, officials and television crews had gathered beneath the ornate brass chandeliers. After prayers and remarks, it concluded with a powerful rendition of โThe Battle Hymn of the Republic,โ performed by Mullinsโ 9-year-old daughter, Nora.
Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman noted that Fortuneโs life was extremely challenging. โEven after death, he did not get the respect he should have as a man โฆ as a human being,โ she said. โThis state is welcoming him now โฆ Mr. Fortune, you are somebody (who) will not be forgotten.โ
Following the ceremony, Fortuneโs casket will be driven, with a police escort, to Waterbury. He was baptized in the Episcopal church and his funeral will be held at St. Johnโs Episcopal Church in Waterbury.
His remains will be buried at Riverside Cemetery, in the same section where many members of the cityโs 18th-century aristocrats are buried.
Mullins savored the irony. โTalk about contrasts. He is now good enough to rest in the same dirt as theyโre in.โ
ยฉ2013 The Hartford Courant (Hartford, Conn.)
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