How can Revolutionary War claims help me document my ancestor’s service?

The American Army had limited resources going into the Revolutionary War. They borrowed goods, supplies, and even food. People had their homes and business damaged by the American Army - or the British. Many of those who lost money or property as a result later filed claims against state governments. These Revolutionary War claims filesContinue reading "How can Revolutionary War claims help me document my ancestor’s service?"

What’s an SS-5 and how does it help my lineage society application?

Depending on where you lived, if you were born before the 1910s, you may not have had a birth certificate. New England required them as early as the 1640s. In the South, it was much later. Yet, lineage societies request "proof" of an individual's birth. An SS-5 can often be submitted instead of a birthContinue reading "What’s an SS-5 and how does it help my lineage society application?"

Professional v. Volunteer: Do I need to hire help with my lineage society application?

Another one of those questions no one wants to ask: "Do I need to hire professional help with my lineage society application?" First of all, what's a lineage society? A lineage society is a membership based organization that determines membership based on the activities of an applicant's ancestor. These societies are also referred to asContinue reading "Professional v. Volunteer: Do I need to hire help with my lineage society application?"

A substitute for Lyme, Connecticut’s missing records?

Lyme, Connecticut's town meeting records for the Revolutionary era are missing, making it a challenge to document the activities of town residents in that period. The records of the Lyme Public Hall Archives may offer resources to help fill in the gaps. Housed in the Lyme Public Library, the collection includes several manuscripts that appearContinue reading "A substitute for Lyme, Connecticut’s missing records?"