supporting documents

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 forContinue reading “What was the 1780 beef tax?”

A Revolutionary War spy in Connecticut?

If your family has a story of an ancestor serving as a spy in Revolutionary War Connecticut, there is a source that can help you learn more. Mark Allen Baker’s Spies of Revolutionary Connecticut: From Benedict Arnold to Nathan Hale was published by the History Press in 2014. The text starts by outlining the basicsContinue reading “A Revolutionary War spy in Connecticut?”

New resource goes online: Fold3 has begun digitizing the final pension payment vouchers

When a Revolutionary War veteran died, the heirs were eligible to claim the pension’s last payment. In order to do so, they generally had to provide support of the veteran’s date of death and their connection to him. This could come from statements from the local probate court, civil registration, and more. Because the finalContinue reading “New resource goes online: Fold3 has begun digitizing the final pension payment vouchers”

I need vital records from Connecticut for a lineage society application. How do I start?

“How do I order the vital records for my application?” is one of the most commonly asked questions in lineage society research. Here’s what you need to know for Connecticut records: Rule of thumb: FamilySearch first and then the town. State only when all other options have been exhausted.

Can I use a county history for a lineage society application?

We’ve all seen them in our research – the beautifully compiled 19th century family history that includes profiles of prominent people in the community. They list our ancestor’s parents, grandparents, and more. Can we use them as a source for a lineage society application? Not alone. There are a few questions we need to askContinue reading “Can I use a county history for a lineage society application?”

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?”