Sources

Five Tips to Make Researching Your Lineage Society Application Easier

You’ve done the basic inquiries; if necessary, received the invitation; and are starting on your application to the Sons of the Revolution, the Mayflower Society, or another lineage society. The process can be long and complex. Is there anything you can do make the process easier? If you haven’t already, find out what the societyContinueContinue reading “Five Tips to Make Researching Your Lineage Society Application Easier”

Why was this source created?: Knowing the history can help your research

When we first start researching, we’re often so delighted to find an ancestor listed in a source that we may not do much in the way of source analysis. If you’ve ever found an ancestor on a list of Revolutionary War veterans or a Mayflower passenger listed on a family tree, you probably know thisContinueContinue reading “Why was this source created?: Knowing the history can help your research”

My ancestors joined one lineage society. I’m joining another that doesn’t take the first society’s papers. Is there any value to obtaining a copy of their lineage society application?

This scenario is more common than you might expect. An ancestor joined one society (often DAR). You’re joining another society, who doesn’t take the first society’s paperwork as “proof.” Is there any value to obtaining your ancestor’s application? Maybe – and it depends on what you’re trying to “prove” or document on your lineage societyContinueContinue reading “My ancestors joined one lineage society. I’m joining another that doesn’t take the first society’s papers. Is there any value to obtaining a copy of their lineage society application?”

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 inContinueContinue reading “Did Connecticut pay the 1780 beef tax?”

What was the 1780 beef tax?

In order to furnish the Continental Army with supplies, the 1780 Massachusetts legislature passed a tax specifically designed to provide beef. This tax was allowed to be paid in either money or in cattle. Because this was a payment of tax specifically in support of the Revolutionary cause, it can be considered qualifying service forContinueContinue reading “What was the 1780 beef tax?”