Aaron Commodore

Aaron Commodore (born 1819 or 1820, died June 24, 1892) was an African-American businessman, politician, and formerly enslaved person. He served on the Virginia House of Delegates from 1875 to 1877.

Early life Not much is concretely known about Commodore's early life. He was born into slavery around 1819 and 1820, possibly in Essex County, Virginia. He took two wives. Commodore married his first wife, Lettie (or Letty), while still enslaved; she died at some unknown point in time. By 1870, he was recorded as being married to Catherine (or Katherine).

Commodore was described as a large man with a strong presence and was known for his leadership qualities. This reputation led him to be selected for jury duty when Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase called for respectable African-Americans to serve on the grand jury.