Aaron Brister

Aaron Brister in the Revolutionary War

Aaron Brister is recorded to have signed up for the Revolutionary War in the Spring of 1777 in his home county of Prince William, Virginia. It was during his time in the war when Aaron married Betsey in 1777 or 1778. During the war and still as a soilder, it is recorded by, "Black Revolutionaries: African-American Revolutionary War Pensioners in the Early Republic, 1780-1850 [Nansemond County, Virginia references on Pages 74, 75 and 84]" on archives.org, Aaron would return home to visit Betsey, "...Brister not only served in the military but would return to his wife Betsy for a few days and then return to his company." During the American Revolution it was normal for some soldiers to visit family during between battles as long as the solider displayed no evidence for desertion from the army.

 Aaron is recorded in the 3rd Virginia Regiment raised February 1776 at Alexandria and Dumfries; George Weedon was the second commander - between August 13th, 1776 and February 27th, 1777; promoted to brig. general; Thomas Helm one of the lieutenants in the regiment and also Aaron's master's relative.

Below is a quote of his service,

"1st Lt. Thomas Helm, commission 8 Mar 1776 in Capt. Philip Francis Lee's Co - resigned 27 Nov 1777."

Aaron enlisted in the town of Dumfries in Prince William Co., Virginia, in company commanded by Captain Thomas Helms in the 3rd Virginia Regiment, commanded by Colonel Weadon for two years in 1776, and he continued to serve in the said corps until the expiration of the aforesaid term of time where he was discharged from service at Philadelphia; he was in the Battle of York Island and White Plains;

It is speculated that Aaron was between fourteen to sixteen when he was in the war, though since he married Betsey while serving, it is more likely he was closer to sixteen.

After serving, Aaron developed problems with both his knees which affected him for the remainder of his life.