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This vignette is an educational moment in American history. It is about those who made a difference during the Revolutionary War era and how they served our country.
Carter Braxton was born to a notable family on Sept. 10, 1736, at the Newington Plantation, Va. His mother, Mary Carter, died a few days after giving birth, and his father died when he was 13. The Braxton family had accepted land grants from King George II and had a history of owning profitable businesses and holding public office.
Braxton continued his family’s distinction by graduating from the College of William & Mary and marrying Judith Robinson. Carter was devastated when Judith died giving birth to their second child. Depressed, he traveled to England to grieve and recover.
Not long after returning to America, Carter married Elizabeth Corbin in 1761 and eventually had a family of 18 children. During this time, Braxton became active in politics and countered British actions that negatively impacted his business and financial affairs.
In 1769, Braxton supported Patrick Henry and others as a House of Burgesses member. Together, they shunned the Stamp Act, rejected other constraints, and discussed colonists’ rights.
Braxton also signed the Virginia Resolves and “the Virginia Association of Non-importation
Agreement.”
In 1770, when Braxton was the high sheriff, he resigned due to a disagreement with Gov. Lord Dunmore’s orders. Later, during the Second Continental Congress, an issue arose about confiscated gunpowder. Leading a military company, Henry marched to Williamsburg to force Dunmore to replace the explosives. Using his calming and negotiating skills, Carter silenced the situation, saving Williamsburg from
devastation.
In Congress, Braxton continued hoping for a peaceful resolution with Britain. During the spring of 1776, Braxton circulated his publication countering John Adams and others concerning their political doctrine and slander toward his in-laws. Eventually, Braxton supported independence by signing the Declaration of Independence on Aug. 2, 1776. This action made Braxton a part of a significant milestone in our country’s history.
The Virginia Convention retaliated against Braxton’s brash actions by reducing the number of representatives in Congress, eliminating his seat. Continuing in office as a member of Virginia’s legislature, Braxton advocated abolishing slavery via “patriot forces.”
He also provided the military with funds, food and clothing. Until his death, Braxton served in Virginia’s government. During this time, he and Gov. Patrick Henry made amends and served in his cabinet.
Braxton loaned and gave large sums of money to support the war effort. He was never reimbursed, and failing shipping endeavors left him in debt, never to recover.
Carter Braxton, patriot extraordinaire, avoided debtors’ prison by dying at 61 from a stroke on Oct. 10, 1797. Braxton was interred near Richmond in the Chericoke Family Cemetery. Braxton County, W.Va., is named in his honor.
Visit your local Charters of Freedom setting at Konehete Veterans Park, 699 Connahetta St. in Murphy. A Charters of Freedom setting consists of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. They are on permanent display analogous to the Charters of Freedom in the National Archives in Washington. Visit FoundationForward.com to learn more about our existing settings. Email david.streater@mymail.barry.edu for paired educational materials.
Dr. David Streater is the director of education for Foundation Forward, a 501(c)(3). He is a retired college instructor/administrator and a retired probation and parole officer/administrator.