Revolutionary War history

Danbury, the American Revolution, and missing Connecticut records…

If you go to review the Danbury, Connecticut records on FamilySearch , you’ll note that many of the records seem to begin in the late 18th century even though the town was settled by Europeans in 1685. There is records loss in records typically held by the town clerk. Why? According to the town clerk’sContinueContinue reading “Danbury, the American Revolution, and missing Connecticut records…”

Ships of the Continental Navy

Did an ancestor serve in the Continental Navy? This is a partial list of the known Navy ships: Alfred Columbus Andrew Doria Cabot Providence (built in RI) Hornet Wasp Fly Hancock (built in MA) Boston (built in MA) Warren (built in RI) Trumbull (built in CT, spent two years trapped on the sandbar in theContinueContinue reading “Ships of the Continental Navy”

Resources on the Continental Navy

Do you have ancestors who served in Continental Navy? These books can help you learn more about their experience: References: John Lehman, On Seas of Glory: Heroic Men, Great Ships, and Epic Battles of the American Navy (New York: The Free Press, 2001), 14, 32-33. Craig L. Symonds, The U.S. Navy: A Concise History (NewContinueContinue reading “Resources on the Continental Navy”

What is the Court of Appeal in Cases of Capture?

Privateers played a major role in American naval activities during the American Revolution. With permission from the government, privately owned ships could attempt to capture an enemy ship. If the capture was judged to be legal, the contents and ship would be sold – and the profits redistributed to the crew. At the start ofContinueContinue reading “What is the Court of Appeal in Cases of Capture?”

Common Migration Patterns

You’ve gotten your ancestor back to the 1820s – and gotten stuck. You’re pretty sure the family had ancestors who fought in the American Revolution. How do you find them? Pay attention to migration patterns. While it’s little discussed in our study of American history, your ancestors weren’t settling randomly. Instead, they were following othersContinueContinue reading “Common Migration Patterns”