Bazabeel Norman facts for kids

Bazabeel Norman (born July 12, 1750, died July 17, 1830) was an important American figure. He was a soldier, a farmer, and owned land. He is known for fighting in the American Revolutionary War.

His Many Names

Bazabeel Norman had many different names! His birth name was Basil. Back in the 1700s, people didn't always spell names the same way. So, he was also called Bazabeel, Bazaleel, Bazel, Bazil, Bazael, Bazzell, and Bazlo. It's like having many nicknames!

A Soldier in the Revolution

Bazabeel Norman was a free man of mixed race. He bravely served as a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. He was part of the 7th Maryland Regiment. He fought under Colonel John Gunby. His service lasted from June 6, 1777, to July 31, 1783.

His mother, Jane, was an indentured servant. This meant she worked for someone for a set time. She had both British and African family. His grandmother, Elizabeth, also came to America as an indentured servant from Great Britain. Bazabeel's father was a free man of mixed race. Bazabeel himself was also an indentured servant until he was 21. But he was never enslaved, and neither were his children or grandchildren.

Bazabeel Norman was a very important person in Ohio. He was the second person of color to own land there. The first was Richard Fisher. Richard Fisher's daughter, Mary Anne Fisher, later married Bazabeel's son, Aquila.

Headstone of Basil's son Aquila Norman (July 11, 1797 - January 12, 1852) in Rainbow Cemetery. Photo by Wilbur Norman.

Family's Military Legacy

Bazabeel's family continued to serve their country. His direct descendant, Major Henry A. Norman, was a Tuskegee Airman. He flew planes and fought in World War II.

Many of Bazabeel's family members were also important in arts and music. He is the great-great-great-grandfather of opera singer Maria Ewing. He is also the great-great-great-great-grandfather of actress Rebecca Hall. Jazz musician Wilbur L. Norman was also a sixth-generation descendant.

Sadly, at least three of Bazabeel's descendants died from injuries in the U.S. Civil War. These brave men were Azariah Norman, Henry L. Norman, and Horace Norman.

Honoring a Hero

A special bronze plaque honors Bazabeel Norman. It is in Mound Cemetery in Marietta, Ohio. The Daughters of the American Revolution placed it there. It remembers his service in the Revolutionary War.

In 1825, General Lafayette visited Marietta. He was a French hero who fought with Americans. He spoke highly of the veterans there. He said, "I knew them well. I saw them fighting the battles of their country." He added, "They were the bravest of the brave. Better men never lived."

Battles and Land

Bazabeel Norman fought in at least five major battles. He wrote about them himself. He was in the Battles of Monmouth, Camden, Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse, and Eutaw Springs.

For his service, he received land in western Allegheny County. This land was given out by a lottery. His plot, Lot #1281, had a stream and a waterfall. Today, this land is part of a State Park.

His Final Days

Bazabeel Norman passed away on July 17, 1830. An article about his death was in the American Friend & Marietta Gazette newspaper. It said he left his home to watch for deer. When he didn't return, his family searched for him. They found him after he had an accident near some rocks. He was about 73 years old. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and received a pension.

Seven years after his death, his wife, Fortune Stevens Norman, received his military pension. It was $9.00.