A digital collection covering Connecticut in the American Revolution

Thanks to the Connecticut Historical Society, a collection of Revolutionary War era manuscripts are now available for viewing on the Connecticut Digital Archive. This diverse collection includes images of several orderly books, hospital records, correspondence, muster and pay rolls, and more. Of particular interest is a document attesting that Backus Fox, a man held inContinue reading "A digital collection covering Connecticut in the American Revolution"

I joined the Daughters of the American Revolution. How do I find a qualifying ancestor for another society?

Many people start the lineage society application process with the Sons of the American Revolution or the Daughters of the American Revolution. The fact that these societies allow applicants to reference previously submitted applications makes that first application seem manageable for most. But when it comes to doing a second application for a pre-Revolutionary WarContinue reading "I joined the Daughters of the American Revolution. How do I find a qualifying ancestor for another society?"

Why am I being asked for my spouse’s certificates?

You're joining a lineage society yourself, but you're being asked for vital records for your spouse. Why? This is a question we get all the time. The basic answer: the societies are looking ahead to your children and grandchildren who may be interested in membership. Anything they already have on file, your descendants do notContinue reading "Why am I being asked for my spouse’s certificates?"

Why is it so challenging to document a female patriot?

Women supported the American cause during the Revolutionary War. Yet, most of the available records address men. Why - and how does it impact our research? In a word: coverture. Wikipedia's explanation of the legal principal is quite clear (and detailed, for those interested in the history). As the listing indicates, coverture is "a legalContinue reading "Why is it so challenging to document a female patriot?"

Wyoming Valley PA records during the American Revolution…

...may not be where you'd expect. Between 1750s and 1782, both Connecticut and Pennsylvania attempted to claim the area. The conflict resulted in a war prior to the American Revolution, referred to as the Yankee-Pennamite War. By 1776, Connecticut had control of the region. Appointments and commissions to Revolutionary era positions can be found inContinue reading "Wyoming Valley PA records during the American Revolution…"