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 to… Continue reading Was my Connecticut ancestor a Loyalist?
Tag: Connecticut
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?
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 1781… Continue reading Did Benjamin Graves die as a result of wounds sustained at the Battle of Groton Heights?
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?
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?
I need vital records from Connecticut for a lineage society application. How do I start?
"How do I order the vital records for my application?" is one of the most commonly asked questions in lineage society research. Here's what you need to know for Connecticut records: There are limitations on access. Anyone can purchase a copy of a death or marriage certificate, although certain information may be blacked out. Birth… Continue reading I need vital records from Connecticut for a lineage society application. How do I start?
The Oliver Cromwell – A Connecticut Revolutionary War Source of Service
When we talk about someone having "military" and "patriotic" service in the American Revolution, we generally mean that the individual provided support for the American cause by supporting the American Army. But that wasn't the only option. Shoreline communities, such as Saybrook in Connecticut Colony, supported the cause by building ships. The Oliver Cromwell was… Continue reading The Oliver Cromwell – A Connecticut Revolutionary War Source of Service
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