What was the 1780 beef tax?

In order to furnish the Continental Army with supplies, the 1780 Massachusetts legislature passed a tax specifically designed to provide beef. This tax was allowed to be paid in either money or in cattle. Because this was a payment of tax specifically in support of the Revolutionary cause, it can be considered qualifying service forContinue reading "What was the 1780 beef tax?"

Did my Connecticut ancestor swear allegiance to the Revolutionary cause?

Many Connecticut towns and organizations required a public statement of support for the cause. The statements, issued in the form of an oath, were considered binding. Even better for the Revolutionary cause, they had public relations value. After you'd just sworn in front of the entire town to support the cause, public pressure was likelyContinue reading "Did my Connecticut ancestor swear allegiance to the Revolutionary cause?"

I’m researching a patriot of color in Connecticut. Should I check militia records?

The simple answer: yes. It seems to have been more common for patriots of color to serve on the Continental Line. Due to longer enlistments, the financial benefit of joining the Continental Line was greater. A Continental soldier could have an enlistment bounty in addition to his regular pay. Enslaved soldiers may have been promisedContinue reading "I’m researching a patriot of color in Connecticut. Should I check militia records?"

A Revolutionary War spy in Connecticut?

If your family has a story of an ancestor serving as a spy in Revolutionary War Connecticut, there is a source that can help you learn more. Mark Allen Baker's Spies of Revolutionary Connecticut: From Benedict Arnold to Nathan Hale was published by the History Press in 2014. The text starts by outlining the basicsContinue reading "A Revolutionary War spy in Connecticut?"

New resource goes online: Fold3 has begun digitizing the final pension payment vouchers

When a Revolutionary War veteran died, the heirs were eligible to claim the pension's last payment. In order to do so, they generally had to provide support of the veteran's date of death and their connection to him. This could come from statements from the local probate court, civil registration, and more. Because the finalContinue reading "New resource goes online: Fold3 has begun digitizing the final pension payment vouchers"