Who was Private Cuff Liberty?

In 2020, the Daughters of the American Revolution launched the E Pluribus Unum Educational Initiative in order to increase awareness of under represented patriots, including indigenous, African American, and female patriots. Connecticut’s African American patriots are currently named in some of their publications, including Forgotten Patriots. Yet, there is much more to their stories. AccordingContinueContinue reading “Who was Private Cuff Liberty?”

Joining the Dames on an ancestor from Nantucket?

To join the Colonial Dames, you have to be descended from an ancestor that fulfilled a certain role or held a certain position. For two out of the three Dames societies, the roles and positions considered to make an ancestor “eligible” depend on the ancestor’s colony of residence. If your ancestor is from Nantucket, thingsContinueContinue reading “Joining the Dames on an ancestor from Nantucket?”

Did Benjamin Graves die as a result of wounds sustained at the Battle of Groton Heights?

The Daughters of the American Revolution GRS System lists an unusual death entry for Benjamin Graves of Connecticut. It reads: “Death: 9-6- 1781 WOUND REC IN BATTLE.” In other words, according to previous applications to the Daughters of the American Revolution, Benjamin Graves died 6 September 1781 of wounds received in battle. 6 September 1781ContinueContinue reading “Did Benjamin Graves die as a result of wounds sustained at the Battle of Groton Heights?”

What’s a “No Record Found” letter and why do I need one?

Most lineage societies have very specific requirements as to what documents need to be turned in for at least some generations. DAR generally requires birth, death, and marriage certificates for the applicant, parent and grandparent generations. Colonial Dames societies have similar guidelines. The General Society of Mayflower Descendants requires vital certificates or records for anyContinueContinue reading “What’s a “No Record Found” letter and why do I need one?”

How do I locate birth, death, and marriage records from Massachusetts for a lineage society application?

The Massachusetts State Archives has made the process of ordering vital records really easy. They have an excellent resource guide here. If a vital record exists, it’s generally best to locate and order or otherwise obtain it. Be aware: you do not need a certified copy of a record unless you cannot locate a copyContinueContinue reading “How do I locate birth, death, and marriage records from Massachusetts for a lineage society application?”