Jeffrey Brace

Jeffrey Brace was a former slave who was taken from West Africa around 1750 and a veteran of the American Revolutionary War. He 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 "to students who exemplify academic excellence and an active commitment to achieving social and economic justice."[2]

Boyrereau Brinch
Bornc. 1742
West Africa
DiedApril 20, 1827 (84-85)
Georgia, Vermont, US
Other namesBoyrereau Brinch
OccupationSlave, Sailor, Soldier, Farmer, Author
Spouse(s)Susannah 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
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Early life

Jeffrey Brace was born in West Africa circa 1742 as Boyrereau Brinch. A free African, he was later captured and sold into slavery.

Military service

As a slave sailor, he fought for the British Royal Navy during the French and Indian War. Brace later fought 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
  1. "Jeffrey Brace: First African American Citizen of Poultney - Poultney Vermont Historical Society". Poultney Vermont Historical Society.
  2. "United Academics: The Brace Award". unitedacademics.org. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  • 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.
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