Remembering the Revolution and Beyond: The Phillips-Lynde Family of Brookfield

John Lynde was a Black Revolutionary War veteran who moved to Brookfield with his Native-American/Black wife Judith Phillips several years after the war. They farmed the land, raised a family here and two of their sons fought in the War of 1812. John and his sons voted in local elections. The grandchildren went to school and grew up in Brookfield, but as young adults most moved away, and the family was forgotten. Old documents found by local researcher Sue Nevins have allowed for the retelling of this relatable American story of the Revolutionary War and beyond.

Sue Nevins runs the Roxbury Historical Society, serves on the cemetery commission, and is a Justice of the Peace in Roxbury. She enjoys rescuing the stories of common people from dusty documents and old gravestones. Previously a long-time teacher, she now works as a Vocational Counselor with the state of Vermont. 

Brought to us by The Brookfield Historical Society