Jeffrey Brace was born in West Africa with the name Boyrereau Brinch. At sixteen he was captured by European slave traders, shipped to Barbados, sold to a ship's captain, and eventually arrived in New England. Some years later, while still enslaved, Brace enlisted in the Continental Army and he won his freedom fighting in the Revolution. At the war's end in 1784 he settled in Poultney, in newly formed Vermont - the first state to prohibit slavery. He met an ex-slave, married, and they raised their family here. In 1810 he published his life story, one of the most unique and important anti-slavery memoirs written in America.
Jeffrey Brace was born in West Africa with the name Boyrereau Brinch. At sixteen he was captured by European slave traders, shipped to Barbados, sold to a ship's captain, and eventually arrived in New England. Some years later, while still enslaved, Brace enlisted in the Continental Army and he won his freedom fighting in the Revolution. At the war's end in 1784 he settled in Poultney, in newly formed Vermont - the first state to prohibit slavery. He met an ex-slave, married, and they raised their family here. In 1810 he published his life story, one of the most unique and important anti-slavery memoirs written in America.
Erected 2008 by Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
Location. 43° 31.568′ N, 73° 12.36′ W. Marker is in East Poultney, Vermont, in Rutland County. Marker is on E. Main Street (Vermont Route 140), on the left when traveling east. Marker is in front of the 1896 Schoolhouse across the street from the Green. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: East Poultney VT 05741, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2012, by John Arsenault of Middletown Springs, Vermont. This page has been viewed 878 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on October 29, 2012, by John Arsenault of Middletown Springs, Vermont. 2, 3. submitted on October 26, 2015, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
