Tag Archives: Connecticut

Research and resources on Connecticut’s patriots of color

This list will be updated. Please check back for updates! “Jack Congo,” E Pluribus Unum (https://honoringourpatriots.dar.org/patriot-profiles/jack-congo/: accessed 10 March 2023). Jamie H. Eves, ““Faithfully to Serve”: Jesse & Job Leason, African American Soldiers in the Revolutionary War,” Windham Textile and History Museum (https://millmuseum.org/job-jesse-leason/: accessed 10 March 2023). Mary Harrell-Sesniak, “Hammet Achmet: Washington’s Waiter & RevolutionaryContinue reading “Research and resources on Connecticut’s patriots of color”

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’sContinue reading “Danbury, the American Revolution, and missing Connecticut records…”

Would receipt of property in the suffers’ lands be considered evidence of qualifying service for the Sons or the Daughters of the American Revolution?

Maybe, with many caveats, including that acceptance of service is at the discretion of the organization. First of all, what were the Suffers’ Lands? In 1792, the state of Connecticut acquiesced to repeated petitions from those who had lost property due to damage by the British and granted them a share of the Connecticut WesternContinue reading “Would receipt of property in the suffers’ lands be considered evidence of qualifying service for the Sons or the Daughters of the American Revolution?”

A digital collection covering Connecticut in the American Revolution

Thanks to the Connecticut Historical Society, a collection of Revolutionary War era manuscripts are now available for viewing on the Connecticut Digital Archive. This diverse collection includes images of several orderly books, hospital records, correspondence, muster and pay rolls, and more. Of particular interest is a document attesting that Backus Fox, a man held inContinue reading “A digital collection covering Connecticut in 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 fromContinue reading “How do I find a Connecticut privateer’s commission?”

Was the Connecticut Continental Line Segregated?

Short answer: no. The integration of military units during the American Revolution is a question that has largely yet to be touched by scholarship. Many accounts mention only that Washington banned recruitment of African American soldiers in 1775; that British Commander Lord Dunmore offered freedom to those who joined his “Ethiopian” unit in November ofContinue reading “Was the Connecticut Continental Line Segregated?”

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 theContinue reading “What’s the Minerva?”

Was my Connecticut ancestor a Loyalist?

It’s often forgotten today, but in 1775 and 1776, most American colonists didn’t start out with the goal of gaining independence. They wanted concessions from Britain about how the colonies were run. When they didn’t get them, many moved towards declaring independence. For others, it was just too far. “Loyalist” is a term used toContinue reading “Was my Connecticut ancestor a Loyalist?”

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 purchasedContinue reading “Where else can I find sources of service in Connecticut records?”