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Paul Bogle
Personal Information
Full Name: Paul Bogle
Birth Date: Unknown
Place of Birth: [St. Thomas]??
Died on: October 24 1865
List of accomplishments: National Hero
Life Story
Paul Bogle was born before slavery was abolished in Jamaica. It is not known where or when he was born but it is thought to be sometime between the years 1822 to 1825. He grew up in [St. Thomas]? and was known as a Deacon serving in [Stony Gut]? who advocated peace. A firm believer in the Bible he promoted charity, fairness and endurance. He was also a political proponent, a strong follower of George William Gordon and a registered voter, one of only 104 in St. Thomas at the time. His actions lead to the establishment of just procedures in the courts of Jamaica. He is credited with a attitude change in officials that took into consideration the poor and made officials focus on trying to improve the lot of all Jamaicans
The Morant Bay Rebellion
Poverty and injustice were obvious in the society but the courts and Government were slow and corrupt. George William Gordon spoke out against the injustices and called on the poor blacks of Jamaica to make their feelings known to those ruling them. Paul Bogle gathered a collection of people who would regularly march from [Stony Gut]? into Morant Bay to watch the trails that took place at the courthouse. On one occasion Paul Bogle and his group marched over 40 miles to [Spanish Town]? to speak with the Governer. In protest Paul Bogle organized and lead a march on the Morant Bay court house on October 11 1865. The crowd demanded to speak to the Governer at the time [Edward James Eyre]?. The meeting broke down and in the aftermath 500 people were killed in confrontations between the crowd and the authorities. Paul Bogle was hung on October 24 1865.
The actions of Paul Bogle forced the British and Jamaican Governments to look into how Jamaica was being run and the state of the citizens. The changes made brought closer equality to the races of people living here and a system of government that attempts to hold those at the top responsible for their actions. For this Paul Bogle was made a National Hero in 1969. A bust of Paul Bogle stands in the [National Heros Park]?. His face has been on the 2 dollar bill and is currently on the 10 cent coin.