Did Benjamin Graves die at the Battle of Groton Heights?

I have an update to this 2021 post... Died at Groton Heights?               Descendants of Benjamin Graves, baptized in 1734 in East Haddam, Connecticut, have long claimed he died from wounds received in battle at the Battle of Groton Heights.[1] Yet, he is not included among those listed as killed and wounded.[2] Where and whenContinue reading "Did Benjamin Graves die at the Battle of Groton Heights?"

What’s the Hulks Act – and why did it matter to my Revolutionary ancestor?

The British government didn't only transport prisoners to Australia - they also sent prisoners to what was to become the United States in colonial period, particularly to Maryland and Virginia. The American Revolution closed off that option. In May 1776, the British government created another option: prisoners could be placed on ships. This act, commonlyContinue reading "What’s the Hulks Act – and why did it matter to my Revolutionary ancestor?"

Can I use my Revolutionary War ancestor’s military headstone as “proof” of their service?

The white marble military headstone is a powerful symbol of service and sacrifice. However, it doesn't date to the period of the American Revolution. The marble headstone came into being in 1873, as a way to mark the graves of the dead of the Civil War. As noted by the National Cemetery Administration, it wasContinue reading "Can I use my Revolutionary War ancestor’s military headstone as “proof” of their service?"

My ancestor supposedly loaned money to the Continental government. How do I find evidence?

An ancestor who loaned money to the Continental government during the American Revolution would be considered to have "patriotic service" by the Sons of the American Revolution or the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Daughters of the American Revolution has begun digitizing records of the loans made from Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.Continue reading "My ancestor supposedly loaned money to the Continental government. How do I find evidence?"