Nero Hawley: Trumbull Slave, Revolutionary War Hero, Freed Man

If you have been to our museum lately, you have probably noticed a small glass case next to the entrance that houses several hand-made bricks. Below it reads a signs stating that they were made by Nero Hawley, a freed slave.  How did he become free? Was he respected by other residents in town? Were there many slaves in Trumbull?

We don’t often think of there being slaves in Connecticut. Nero’s story gives us a glimpse into what it was like to be a slave in 18^th century Trumbull, known then as North Stratford. You might recognize the name “Hawley.” Nero was presented as a gift to Daniel Hawley by Peter Mallet, when he married his daughter Phebe Mallet. Daniel Hawley owned a gristmill in town, as well as a cider mill, brick making business and sawmill. While working for his master, Nero became skilled laborer, which would serve him later in life.

In the mid 1700’s, Trumbull residents were attending church in North Stratford.  It was quite a distance for those living in what is now Trumbull Center like Daniel Hawley. (The Daniel Hawley house still stands next to the entrance to the Riverside Cemetery.) Everyone went to church including slaves. While at church Nero met and fell in love with Peg, a servant of Reverend James Beebee. They were married in 1761 and Nero joined her at Beebee’s home. Nero still worked for Daniel Hawley as well as on Beebee’s land.

In 1777, the Revolutionary War was well underway. Both slaves and free men journeyed to Danbury to enlist in the Continental army. Nero, like many slaves, enlisted in place of his master, Daniel Hawley. Nero joined the 2^nd Regiment under Colonel Charles Webb along with other Connecticut slaves. There were about 5,000 blacks serving under George Washington, some free, some serving in the place of their masters. The small army was well integrated as it depended upon the large number of black soldiers who enlisted.  During his service he was paid $6.67 a month. Each day, Nero received one pound of beef or pork, one pound of bread, a few vegetables and some whiskey.  He fought in the Battle of White Marsh and spent the winter of 1777 at Valley Forge. We are all familiar with the horrors of that brutal winter, where most of Washington’s men and horses starved or froze to death. Nero was one of several black men to survive that winter. Captain James Beebee, Reverend Beebee’s son, was with him at the camp. Back home in North Stratford, the people gathered together supplies and money to send to the troops at Valley Forge.  Nero also fought in the Battle of Monmouth, NJ in 1778. He continued to serve for the next few years along the Hudson River, being honorably discharged in 1791.

At the age of 41, Nero received his freedom from Daniel Hawley in the form of a document dated November 4, 1782. In 1801, he then freed his children: Obidiah, Clary, Slome and Dina. As a free man, he continued to work with Daniel Hawley at the saw mill and brick making businesses. He was able to purchase his own land in the Daniels Farm area along the Pequonnock River.  His house still stands as the second building at 49 Daniel’s Farm Road as a red one and a quarter story saltbox.  Several of the bricks he made, once part of an exhibit in Washington D.C. on African Americans in the Revolution are now on display in our museum.

Nero continued to receive a pension from the government of about $8.00 per month until his death. He died on January 30, 1817 at the age of 75. He was laid to rest near his home in the Riverside Cemetery.

We thank you Nero Hawley, for your service to our country and our town.

The information in this article was taken from E. Merrill Beach’s book From Valley Forge to Freedom, and  American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm by Gail Buckley. Thanks to Tom Pieragostini for his research.

I have created a new children’s program at the museum based on Nero Hawley’s story. I feel that it is a fascinating and important tale in Trumbull’s history. Children ages 7 and up can join us April 20^th at 2pm for our new program. We will learn about Nero Hawley’s life and the Revolutionary War, and then explore this story through crafts and games. I feel that it is important for us at the Historical Society to offer programs for our children. The cost is $5 for members, $10 for non members. Please email Trumbullhistory@gmail.com to register or call (203)377-6620.