Revolutionary War

I have Revolutionary War ancestors. What lineage societies might I qualify for?

A lineage society – also called a hereditary society – determines its membership by descent from an ancestor who participated in certain activities. There are multiple societies covering ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War era. Typically, societies are only open to one gender. Women’s Societies: National Society Colonial Dames of America: As NSCDA acceptsContinueContinue reading “I have Revolutionary War ancestors. What lineage societies might I qualify for?”

Can this source be used for a lineage society application?

As a professional genealogist who helps with lineage society applications, I often spend time sorting through an applicant’s prior research to determine what sources can or cannot be submitted. Here is some guidance to get you started on that process for your own work: Birth, death, and marriage certificates: Yes! Societies tend to prefer theseContinueContinue reading “Can this source be used for a lineage society application?”

How old were those who fought in the American Revolution?

To identify “service” during the American Revolution, we generally look at those born between the 1710s and the 1760s. However, that’s all types of service. If we narrow it down to military service, what ages are involved? Militia service requirements provide a good guideline for the Army. Connecticut required men to serve between ages 16ContinueContinue reading “How old were those who fought in the American Revolution?”

How can Revolutionary War claims help me document my ancestor’s service?

The American Army had limited resources going into the Revolutionary War. They borrowed goods, supplies, and even food. People had their homes and business damaged by the American Army – or the British. Many of those who lost money or property as a result later filed claims against state governments. These Revolutionary War claims filesContinueContinue reading “How can Revolutionary War claims help me document my ancestor’s service?”

Revolutionary War taxes, Boston

The Boston Public Library has digitized tax lists for 1780, 1782, and 1783. Although these tax lists are from the Revolutionary War period, they can’t automatically be used as “proof” of service for the Sons or Daughters of the American Revolution. Why? Because we don’t know when and how the tax money was employed. ToContinueContinue reading “Revolutionary War taxes, Boston”