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Jeffrey Brace

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Jeffrey Brace
Bornc. 1742
Boyrereau Brinch, Kingdom of Bow-Woo, West Africa
DiedApril 20, 1827
Other namesBoyrereau Brinch
Occupation(s)slave, sailor, soldier, farmer, author
SpouseSusannah Dublin (Susanna)
Military career
Allegiance United Kingdom,  Connecticut,  United States
Service / branchRoyal Navy (1756-1763), Continental Army (1775–1781)
Battles / warsFrench and Indian War American Revolutionary War

A former slave, taken from West Africa, around 1750 and a veteran of the American Revolutionary War, Jeffrey Brace became the first African-American citizen, of Poultney, Vermont.[1] Brace became blind, in his later years and published his memoirs under the title The Blind African Slave or the Memoirs of Boyrereau Brinch Nicknamed Jeffrey Brace. The faculty union, at the University of Vermont, now offers a $500 book award, in his name, giving it "to students who exemplify academic excellence and an active commitment to achieving social and economic justice."[2]

Early life

Jeffrey Brace was born c. 1742, a free African, in Boyrereau Brinch, Kingdom of Bow-Woo, West Africa and was later captured and sold into slavery.

Military service

Jeffrey Brace, as a slave sailor, fought for the British Royal Navy, during the French and Indian War. Later, Brace would also, fight as a slave soldier, in the American Revolutionary War.

Post-war years

Following the war, Jeffrey Brace, received his freedom, from his former master, in Connecticut.

Death

Jeffrey Brace, died on April 20, 1827, in Georgia, Vermont.

References

  • Brace, Jeffrey. The Blind African Slave or the Memoirs of Boyrereau Brinch Nicknamed Jeffrey Brace.
  • Nell, William Cooper. The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution, With Sketches of Several Distinguished Colored Persons: To Which Is Added a Brief Survey of the Condition And Prospects of Colored Americans.