Nathaniel Drake's father, Isaac, died in 1759. Upon his death, Cate, the female slave was granted her freedom. The three male slaves were granted their freedom after 10 years of additional service to the Drake Family. Provisions were made in Isaac's will for the estate to provide for the slaves after their manumission.
Cesar, the only male slave to remain with the Drakes after being granted his freedom, served with the Continental forces at the Post at Trenton, March 1, 1780. He was a teamster, and handled a four horse team. The Conductor of the Brigade was William Davison, and the other teamsters were: Robert Bart, Rulif Covenhoven, Jacob Skillman, John Hubbert, Martin Moore, John Allen,
Benjamin Gulish, and Joseph Vanpelt.
At the time of his service, Cesar war 78 years old. He lived to be 104, and is buried in Scotch Plains Baptist Church Cemetery. Nathaniel, who was a deacon of the church, is also buried there, along with Nathaniel’s two wives and many family members.
Cesar, the only male slave to remain with the Drakes after being granted his freedom, served with the Continental forces at the Post at Trenton, March 1, 1780. He was a teamster, and handled a four horse team. The Conductor of the Brigade was William Davison, and the other teamsters were: Robert Bart, Rulif Covenhoven, Jacob Skillman, John Hubbert, Martin Moore, John Allen,
Benjamin Gulish, and Joseph Vanpelt.
At the time of his service, Cesar war 78 years old. He lived to be 104, and is buried in Scotch Plains Baptist Church Cemetery. Nathaniel, who was a deacon of the church, is also buried there, along with Nathaniel’s two wives and many family members.
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