The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, published a book,in 2001, " African American and American Indian Patriots of the Revolutionary War", which took fifteen years of research and is very informative. It lists "Minority Revolutionary War Service" by states. In the 1790 (first U.S.) census, Virginia had the largest population of African American descent of any of the original states. There were 12,806 free blacks in Virginia in 1790.

I am listing one surname of men who served, of more than 450 names listed from Virginia, who served in the Revolutionary War. These 9 men are from the same county, except one.

( I note; Anita L. Wills' ancestors are listed, Ambrose Lewis, Spotsylvania County and Charles Lewis, Spotsylvania County, Va.)

1. Nickens, Amos, Northumberland County (listed as "other free")
2. Nickens, Edward, "able seaman", Lancaster County
3. Nickens, Hezekiah, seaman, Lancaster County
4. Nickens, James seaman, Lancaster County / Fauquier County "other free"
5. Nickens, John, Lancaster County, ("other free")
6. Nickens, Nathaniel, seaman Lancaster County
7. Nickens, Richard, "free Negro of Lancaster"
8. Nickens, Robert, Lancaster County, black, born Frederick County, living in Lancaster County, substitute, RAR
9. Nickens, William, Lancaster County, Essex County, ("other free")

I don't know this family, but I thought they may be of interest to some of you , especially Denise, because of the possible Fauquier County connection.
Then there is the "seaman" connection.
There was a Black Pilot also listed.
Lancaster County is at the tip of the "Northern Neck" of Tidewater Virginia and on the Chesapeake Bay about 35-40 miles by water to hampton and Norfolk. They were all "Watermen" and very skilled and useful. Maybe this will help someone. Lloyd