Tag Archives: documentation

Who was Private Cuff Liberty?

In 2020, the Daughters of the American Revolution launched the E Pluribus Unum Educational Initiative in order to increase awareness of under represented patriots, including indigenous, African American, and female patriots. Connecticut’s African American patriots are currently named in some of their publications, including Forgotten Patriots. Yet, there is much more to their stories. AccordingContinue reading “Who was Private Cuff Liberty?”

Joining the Dames on an ancestor from Nantucket?

To join the Colonial Dames, you have to be descended from an ancestor that fulfilled a certain role or held a certain position. For two out of the three Dames societies, the roles and positions considered to make an ancestor “eligible” depend on the ancestor’s colony of residence. If your ancestor is from Nantucket, thingsContinue reading “Joining the Dames on an ancestor from Nantucket?”

What’s a “No Record Found” letter and why do I need one?

Most lineage societies have very specific requirements as to what documents need to be turned in for at least some generations. DAR generally requires birth, death, and marriage certificates for the applicant, parent and grandparent generations. Colonial Dames societies have similar guidelines. The General Society of Mayflower Descendants requires vital certificates or records for anyContinue reading “What’s a “No Record Found” letter and why do I need one?”

How do I locate birth, death, and marriage records from Massachusetts for a lineage society application?

The Massachusetts State Archives has made the process of ordering vital records really easy. They have an excellent resource guide here. If a vital record exists, it’s generally best to locate and order or otherwise obtain it. Be aware: you do not need a certified copy of a record unless you cannot locate a copyContinue reading “How do I locate birth, death, and marriage records from Massachusetts for a lineage society application?”

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”?”

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 inContinue 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 likelyContinue 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 promisedContinue reading “I’m researching a patriot of color in Connecticut. Should I check militia records?”

Ever dreamed of finding a secret stash of your family’s papers?

If your ancestor was a member of a lineage society, that dream may be more real than you’ve imagined. While it’s not the case for every society, many store the applications and supporting documents of members – sometimes back to the society’s founding. Those older documents can be a true goldmine, containing family records thatContinue reading “Ever dreamed of finding a secret stash of your family’s papers?”