I’ve heard this come up as a point of confusion often recently… New York State has restrictions on the access to vital records. (NY City has its own records system.) A lineage society requires that vital records be provided for the applicant, their parents, and their grandparents. The parents are deceased. The applicant is toldContinue reading “My lineage society says I need vital records from NY. Do I need a court order?”
Tag Archives: documentation
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”
Why does my ancestor’s residence matter?
Most Revolutionary War companies were recruited locally. Although a regiment may have contained companies from multiple towns or counties, a company was generally organized from residents of one locale. This makes knowing your ancestor’s residence key… Why? If your ancestor didn’t reside in the county or town from which the company was recruited, it’s unlikelyContinue reading “Why does my ancestor’s residence matter?”
Militia or Continental Line?
Land was the biggest driver behind your (non-officer) ancestor’s decision to serve in the militia versus on the Continental Line. In the colonies, land ownership was heavily tied to agriculture. Farming requires oversight, especially New England’s smaller farms. A farm owner would have wanted to onsite as much as possible. Militia service demanded – atContinue reading “Militia or Continental Line?”
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…”
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 ofContinue reading “What is the Court of Appeal in Cases of Capture?”
County or no county?
“Shouldn’t you be listing the county on the lineage society application?” This question has been coming up a lot recently as I’ve been preparing applications. Under the current guidelines for most societies, the answer is yes – but only if the document lists the county. Here’s the reasoning. The listing of counties was standard upContinue reading “County or no county?”
I’m ordering vital records for my lineage society application. Do I need a certified copy?
The answer to this one is straightforward: no. Some states require you to purchase a certified copy every time you want to request a certificate. However, it’s not required by any lineage society of which I’m aware. If an information copy is offered, go ahead and get it… And before you order anything, be sureContinue reading “I’m ordering vital records for my lineage society application. Do I need a certified copy?”
What does this word being used by my lineage society mean?
Lineage societies have a vocabulary of their own. If you’re in the process of applying, knowing what the terms mean can make your life much easier! Here are a few common terms: Lineage Society: Also called a hereditary society, this is an organization that decides membership based on the actions of an applicant’s ancestor. QualifyingContinue reading “What does this word being used by my lineage society mean?”
Can I use the results of a mitochondrial DNA test in a lineage society application?
First of all, what’s a mitochondria? For those of you who don’t recall your high school biology class: a mitochondria is a structure within the cell. It’s often referred to as a cell’s “energy center.” There’s a really good explanation here. Mitochondria have their own DNA, so they can be tested separately. It was longContinue reading “Can I use the results of a mitochondrial DNA test in a lineage society application?”
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