Throughout #BlackHistoryMonth, the DAR Library has been sharing stories of Black Patriots from the American Revolution! Some of the highlighted Patriots include: Samuel Sutphin, Edward “Ned” Hector, James Dew, Agrippa Hull, Asaba, and Henry Bakeman. Explore more of their stories by clicking through the links below, and searching their names in the DAR Patriots of Color Database. Samuel Sutphin was born into enslavement and served in the Colonial Army as a substitute for his enslaver. After buying his freedom, NJ Legislature ratified an act "For the Relief of Samuel Sutphen of Somerset" and awarded him an annual state pension, which he held until his death on May 8, 1841. https://honoringourpatriots.dar.org/patriot-profiles/samuel-sutphin/ Edward "Ned" Hector was born a free Black man circa 1744 in Pennsylvania. During the Revolution, he served as a bombardier in the 3rd PA Artillery and saw action at the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown. https://nedhector.com/edward-hector-research-documentation/ James Dew, a free Black man, enlisted in 1778 in Queen Anne's County, MD and served as a private in the 5th Maryland. After service at the siege of Yorktown, James Dew was discharged on November 15, 1783. In 1821, Dew's pension stated he was living with his 4 children- Enock, John, Rachel, Serena. https://intranet.dar.org/DAR_Research2014/search_adb/default.cfm Agrippa Hull was born to freed bondsmen in Northampton, MA on March 7, 1759. During the Revolution, Hull served as an engineer building defenses at West Point, NY under Col Tadeusz Kosciuszko. In his later life, Hull became a well-known real estate buyer and was the largest African American landowner in Stockbridge, MA when he died on May 21. https://www.nps.gov/nisi/learn/historyculture/african-american-patriots-at-the-siege-of-ninety-six.htm Asaba was an enslaved man who served alongside his enslaver, Lt. Thomas Grosvenor, at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Their service is commemorated in John Trumbull's famous painting of The Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775 (shown above) where the men are pictured in the lower right corner. Not much is known of Asaba's post-war life but researchers believe Asaba was likely a freedman living in the Grosvenor house based on the 1790 census. https://www.nps.gov/people/tg-asaba.htm Henry Bakeman was born circa 1765 in New Jersey. It is unclear if Bakeman was enslaved or free, but in April 1781, about 6 months after British troops destroyed Stone Arabia, he joined the New York Militia. After the war, Bakeman moved to Oswego Falls where he operated a ferry, married, and ran a farm. To honor his service, the DAR placed a memorial stone in Mt. Adnah Cemetery, Fulton, NY. https://www.nps.gov/people/henry-bakeman.htm Explore more stories on DAR’s E Pluribus Unum Educational Initiative website at the link below! DAR Patriots of Color Database: https://intranet.dar.org/DAR_Research2014/search_poc/?Tab_ID=14&Tab_ID_Sub=8&Action=search DAR E Pluribus Unum: https://honoringourpatriots.dar.org/e-pluribus-unum-main/ (fb)

In 2024, DAR set a record number of volunteer service hours logged in a year—7,405,634! We are proud of each member who dedicated their time and talents to our Service to America volunteer service initiative. Members’ commitment to honoring our mission through acts of service has made a difference, and we celebrate your efforts! From supporting veterans to preserving history and assisting those in need, thank you for your unwavering dedication—your service truly sparkles! (fb)