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Aaron Brister in the Revolutionary War
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 1778. During the war and still as a solider, 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.
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.
Example of American Americans in the Revolutionary War
1st Rhode Island Regiment at the Battle of Rhode Island (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
Macedon Banner Project
Macedon Banner Project
On Saturday, April 25th, Macedon held a Hometown Heroes banquet to honor veterans from Macedon, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. The banquet was held at Crooked Pines Golf Club for the Macedon Banner Project. Senator Pamela Helming, along with Brian Manktelow was there in support.
The veterans being honored were granted banners with their names and service listed, along with their photos when available. Since most of the soldiers were not around to be photographed art of what the soldiers of the time would have looked like were used instead. Of the over twenty banners created, five were from the Old Baptist Cemetery. The following men were given banners that are scheduled to be displayed on Macedon's Main Street along Route 31: Private Ephraim Green, Corporal Jacob Spear, Sergeant Lemuel Spear, Private Aaron Brister, and Private Levi Wood.
For more on Aaron Brister and his wife, Betsey Brister, personal lives click on the green button------>
Sources for information on Aaron and Betsey Brister (Sources are not listed in order of usage)
15. The Courier-Gazette, March 3rd, 1989 "Bicentennial Biography" about Aaron and Betsey Brister
16. Ontario County Revolutionary War Pension Application Affidavits
17. Free African Americans in the Revolution: Aaron's Military history on Mircofilm by Paul Heinegg
18. genealogical abstracts of revolutionary war pension files
19. Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States, 1845-1846
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