Interview with Marion T Lane - Patriots of African Descent in the Revolutionary War

When writing about an historic event, it takes more than just a paragraph. It takes more than just a book. It takes many books to describe and analyze one event within another event. The end result is that something is always left out and important people get ignored. It is sad, but it is up to those that have a passion for history to uncover the treasures hidden within history. Marion T. Lane has done just that in her book, Patriots of African Descent in the Revolutionary War.

In this book, a young African American boy is learning about the American Revolution. During dinner, he discovers from his great-grandfather that his own family played a part in the War for Independence. Now, history is not as boring as it was earlier in the day. History becomes alive and personal.

I was honored to interview the author of this book, Marion Lane. Here is what the talented author had to say:

The story emanated from the following course of events. Initially, my father informed me that I had grandfathers that served in both the Civil War And the Revolutionary War. However, it was not until I viewed the PBS Special “African American Lives” in February 2006 that featured my family, the Brown Family of Charles City County, Virginia as a free black family dating back to colonial times, that I decided to research the family roots.

I requested information about my grandfathers from a cousin, Virginia Maxine Alves, who volunteered once a week at the Charles City County History Center. She provided copies of Wills; Pension Records; access to the Charles City County Register of Free Negroes and Mulattoes; and access to the Charles City County Revolutionary War Roster. The Volunteer Coordinator of the History Center, Judith Ledbetter, informed us that we qualify for membership in the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Led by a desire to make a difference, I decided to approach the Bucks County Chapter to seek membership. To my surprise, I was welcomed and treated with support and respect. The first meeting I attended was held at the David Library of the American Revolution located in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, not far from my home.

I asked the librarian to assist me in ascertaining the service record for one of my grandfathers. I was able to obtain copies of his payroll and muster roll sheets for each month for over 2.5 years of his service. To my amazement, he had been a Sergeant and served at Valley Forge, during the Encampment.

I officially became a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in October 2006. In addition, I serve on the Board of the Friends of Valley Forge National Historical Park and serve as the Commander in Chief (National President) of the Society of Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge. Also, I am a member of the National Gavel Society. My father has joined the Sons of the American Revolution and The Sons of the Revolution.

On January 27, 2008, more than 200 people gathered in Old Elam Cemetery, Charles City County, Virginia, for the unveiling and dedication of a monument recognizing 26 men of color who were known to have taken part in the Revolutionary War, either as soldiers or contributors of goods. These men were among the 5,000 to 20,000 men of color who took part in the war.

I retired in June of 2008 after 38 years of public school service. During my career, I served as teacher, supervisor, principal and Special Education Director. (Not in that order). I also served in the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, as a policy and liaison advisor for two years.

As a child, my sister and I always played school and on Sunday we played Sunday school. The aspiration to teach was a perfect fit for me. It was also my duty, as an educator, to write this story.

Since most of the traditional history textbooks marginalize the contributions and involvement of people of the African diaspora in the American Revolution, educators and parents will find this picture book of interest.

This is a book that children and adults can enjoy reading. There is so much to learn in these pages. I highly recommend that you read the book.

Read my review at BellaOnline.com history site.

And don't forget to purchase your copy of the book at Amazon.com.