Yarrow Mamout: From Slavery to Financier

They say a picture speaks a thousand words, but when US artist Charles Wilson Peale painted a portrait of this man, he heard a fascinating tale, because Yarrow Mahmood's life story was unlike most in US history. Their paths first crossed in Washington, DC, where Peale had been commissioned to paint US President James Monroe. What really captured his imagination, however, was the story of a local man said to be around 134 years old. That man turned out to be Mahmood, who agreed to have his portrait painted. Over two days he recounted his extraordinary story, which Peale recorded in his diary. Born in Guinea, West Africa around 1736 and raised as a Muslim, Mahmood was sold into slavery when he was 16 years old. Arriving in Annapolis, Maryland in 1752, he was purchased by plantation owner Samuel Beale, and later worked for his son in Georgetown. Noted for his good business sense, Mahmood was lent out to work for other people, and was allowed to keep some of his earnings in return. Mahmood was freed at approximately 60 years of age. With his savings, he bought his son's freedom. He continued to work for prominent families, and eventually saved enough money to buy a home. He became a shareholder in the Columbia Bank and lent money to both black and white businessmen. He died in 1823, and was around 87 years old. Not quite the 136 that had been widely rumored. In the portrait, Peale highlights Mahmood's knit kufi cap, a symbol of his Muslim faith. He accented the humor, wisdom, and steadfastness reflected in his eyes. Thanks to Peale's diary and his remarkable portrait, which can be seen at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we can celebrate the extraordinary life of a self-made man who transcended the religious and color barriers to help others achieve their dreams. If you could meet Mahmood today, what questions would you ask him?