Memoirs of a Blind African Slave: The Remarkable Journey of Jeffrey Brace

Jeffrey Brace, originally known as Boyrereau Brinch, was born in West Africa in 1742 and led a peaceful life among his community until the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade changed his destiny forever. His memoir, The Blind African Slave, recounts his extraordinary journey from freedom in Africa to the harsh realities of slavery, military service, and ultimately freedom in America.

Memoirs of a Blind African Slave: The Remarkable Journey of Jeffrey Brace

When Jeffrey Brace was just sixteen, his life changed forever. While swimming with a group of friends, he was captured by 30 to 40 european slavers who preyed on unsuspecting communities. Of the 14 who had gone swimming, 11 were captured, while 3 managed to flee. The captured group was hurried onto a boat, and after a grueling four-day journey, they were placed aboard a slave ship bound for Barbados.

The journey across the Atlantic was marked by inhumane conditions. Brace and his fellow captives were confined in cramped spaces that only allowed them to sit or lie on their backs and were fed twice daily with just enough food to keep them barely alive.

Upon arriving in Barbados, Brace and the other captives were placed in a seasoning house, a place where newly acquired African slaves were brutally conditioned for a life of servitude. Here, they were subjected to starvation, brutal beatings, and relentless torture designed to break their spirits.

Around 1760, Brace was sold to Captain Isaac Mills, who trained him in military skills under the supervision of William Burke. Brace served aboard Mills’ vessel during the Seven Years’ War (known in America as the French and Indian War). He fought bravely despite his status as an enslaved soldier-sailor and sustained five wounds during a battle with a Spanish ship near Havana, Cuba.

However, his military service did not shield him from further oppression. After the war, he was sold again, beginning a cycle of mistreatment under a series of cruel owners.

Jeffrey Brace’s life took a turn when he became a slave to Mary Stiles, a widow in Milford, Connecticut. Unlike his previous owners, Mary treated him with kindness and encouraged his education. She taught him to read, write, and speak English—a transformative gift that would later allow him to tell his story to the world.

When the American War of Independence broke out in 1775, Brace enlisted and served three terms, enduring a leg wound in the process. His service in the war earned him his freedom in 1783, granted by Benjamin Stiles, Mary’s son.

In 1784, Jeffrey Brace settled in Poultney, Vermont, becoming the town’s first African-American citizen. As a free man, he embarked on a new chapter of his life, purchasing land and working hard to cultivate it despite numerous challenges. He married Susannah Dublin, an African widow, and together they built a life and raised a family.

Life in Vermont was difficult for the Brace family, as they faced constant harassment and racism. One of their neighbours, Jery Gorman, driven by jealousy and spite, made their lives particularly challenging. He repeatedly let his cattle loose to trample their crops, causing significant damage to their livelihood. He also tapped their maple trees without permission, stealing resources that the family depended on.

Eventually, the relentless difficulties in Poultney became too much to bear. The Braces decided to leave and move to Sheldon, Vermont. After some time, they relocated again, settling in Georgia, Vermont, in search of a better life and a fresh start away from the harassment they had endured.

Later in life, Jeffrey Brace faced yet another challenge when he gradually lost his eyesight and became blind. Despite this setback, in 1810 he channeled his experiences and knowledge into writing his memoirs, which he titled “The Blind African Slave or the Memoirs of Boyrereau Brinch Nicknamed Jeffrey Brace.” In his memoirs, Brace chronicled his life story, shedding light on the harsh realities of slavery and his quest for freedom.

Jeffrey Brace lived to be approximately 85 years old, leaving behind a legacy of courage and perseverance. His life is commemorated today by institutions like the University of Vermont, which awards scholarships in his name to students. This prestigious award, valued at $500, is presented to students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and a dedicated commitment to achieving social and economic justice.

Memoirs of a Blind African Slave: The Remarkable Journey of Jeffrey Brace

In 2008, a historical marker honoring Jeffrey Brace was erected in Poultney, Vermont, ensuring that his story remains a part of the region’s history.

Source:

https://uwpress.wisc.edu/books/2584.htm

Nkwocha Chinedu
Nkwocha Chinedu
Nkwocha is an enthusiastic writer with a deep passion for African history and culture. His work delves into the rich heritage, traditions, and untold stories of Africa, aiming to bring them to light for a global audience.

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