Sources of Service

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

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 legalContinueContinue 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 inContinueContinue reading “Wyoming Valley PA records during the American Revolution…”

How do I find a Connecticut privateer’s commission?

At it’s most basic level, privateering could be considered legalized piracy. Privateers were given a commission by the state government or Continental Congress to search for and attack merchant ships. This action benefited both the authorizing government, as it weakened the enemy’s supply chain, and the privateer, who received a portion of the proceeds fromContinueContinue reading “How do I find a Connecticut privateer’s commission?”

What’s the Minerva?

Owned by William Griswold, the Minerva served first in the Revolutionary Navy.[1] In August of 1775, it received a commission from the colony of Connecticut: […] that a certain brig, called the Minerva, belonging to Capt. Griswold and now lying in Connecticut River at Rocky Hill, is one proper vessel to be employed for theContinueContinue reading “What’s the Minerva?”