Jeffrey Brace

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. 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."

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.