In addition to the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, the Daughters of the American Revolution classifies three types of Revolutionary War "service": military, civil, and patriotic. Clients often wonder how I know they've assigned the wrong service to their ancestor. There are actually profiles of the "typical" ancestor with each kind of service. If… Continue reading Profiles of Service: What role did my ancestor play in the American Revolution?
Category: Sources of Service
My ancestor has been red lined because of the “Last Act” policy. How do I get their status updated?
The Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution have a policy often referred to as the "Last Act" policy. In brief summary, that policy says that your ancestor's ability to be considered "qualifying" for either DAR or SAR is based on their documented last act - and that to qualify,… Continue reading My ancestor has been red lined because of the “Last Act” policy. How do I get their status updated?
Where else can I find sources of service in Connecticut records?
We've talked about military records, the Connecticut Archives, office holding, and more. Where else can you find sources of service? In one place many people think they've already checked... town meeting records. Town meeting records don't just record who was elected to hold what office. They also can include who has donated money or purchased… Continue reading Where else can I find sources of service in Connecticut records?
Was your ancestor a Connecticut minister during the American Revolution?
If so, his sermons or other activities in support of the American Revolution may be considered "qualifying service" for a Revolutionary War lineage society. A Washington Post article details such a sermon by Samuel Sherwood, the pastor of Norfield Congregational Church. Nathaniel Bartlett of Redding actually joined the Revolutionary Army as chaplain. How do you… Continue reading Was your ancestor a Connecticut minister during the American Revolution?
What’s “Connecticut Men in the Revolution”?
"Connecticut Men in the Revolution" is the shorthand used by many lineage society researchers for a publication authorized by the State of Connecticut in 1889 entitled The Record of Connecticut Men in the Military and Naval Service during the War of the Revolution. A derivative source, it draws from a number of original sources, including:… Continue reading What’s “Connecticut Men in the Revolution”?
What sources are available to document service for a female patriot from Connecticut?
For a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, documenting a female patriot can offer a special satisfaction. Not only are you putting a new ancestor on file, but you are documenting one whose history is little covered. What sources can help you complete her line? Due to coverture, it can be extremely difficult… Continue reading What sources are available to document service for a female patriot from Connecticut?
Did Connecticut pay the 1780 beef tax?
The simple answer: yes. "And be it further enacted That a tax of two shillings and six pence on the pound be and the same is hereby laid upon the polls and rateable estate of the inhabitants of this State upon the list aforesaid to be paid by the first day of December next in… Continue reading Did Connecticut pay the 1780 beef tax?
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 for… Continue 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 likely… Continue 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 promised… Continue reading I’m researching a patriot of color in Connecticut. Should I check militia records?
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