Lineage Societies

What if I can’t find a document that names my ancestor’s parents? Can I still join a lineage society?

Lineage societies generally want one original document that names an ancestor’s parents to make a parent-child connection, such as the child’s birth certificate. Yet, not every ancestor has such a document. In that case, can you still join a lineage society? Most societies allow the submission of what they call an analysis to make aContinue reading “What if I can’t find a document that names my ancestor’s parents? Can I still join a lineage society?”

What’s an SS-5 and how does it help my lineage society application?

Depending on where you lived, if you were born before the 1910s, you may not have had a birth certificate. New England required them as early as the 1640s. In the South, it was much later. Yet, lineage societies request “proof” of an individual’s birth. An SS-5 can often be submitted instead of a birthContinue reading “What’s an SS-5 and how does it help my lineage society application?”

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?”

What’s a whaleboat – and why does it matter to my Revolutionary War ancestors?

Used in whaling, a whale boat was a small vessel of about 30 ft with a crew of 6. The New Bedford Whaling Museum has an excellent description. During the American Revolution, they were used not for whaling but for raiding. The best know examples occurred between Connecticut and Long Island. Sometimes called the WhaleboatContinue reading “What’s a whaleboat – and why does it matter to my Revolutionary War ancestors?”

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?”