It's a beautiful fall morning and my voice has gone still. While the weather outside is delightful, I am, well, I am wordless. Am I quiet after spending a day shouting "Happy Constitution Day" yesterday, or am I just plain stuck?
I have to write a paper to try and prove that my beloved ancestor is who I think he is. All was well in the world until someone tried to use my dearly departed's information as their own. To be fair, the imposter descendant of my beloved didn't realize that she was only a cousin to my ancestor. You think she would have noticed that the odds of him serving in the American Revolution in Connecticut while living in New Jersey was a stretch. However, in this great world of folks just cutting, pasting and claiming on the internet, my ancestor is now torn in his roots.
I know who he was. I have followed the evidence. Now I have to prove it as best I can.
To try and accomplish this, I had to learn how to find all evidence from the Revolutionary War time that exists in New Jersey. That in itself was enlightening. After spending a few weeks digging through the web, I also sent off to New Jersey for other information which is not currently found online. Ah, ha. I am now thoroughly convinced I have my man. His was the only family name living in that county at the time, and we have successfully been able to follow the lines from there with primary evidence or very sound secondary evidence. All except for one generation, but that generation is not the one for which I am trying to prove at the moment.
There is a ton of secondary information to be found and now, I have to try and make sense of it all in writing for a genealogist to review. I have the sources, the websites, the history book pages, the oaths of allegiance for his dad and uncle, payroll information from the state of NJ for the American Revolution, etc. I just don't have the date of death, although I know where he was living when he died. I don't have his final resting place, although one source would lead me to believe it could be in the same family location as his older brother who still has a headstone back in that one county where they were the only family name living there. Why, oh why, didn't he have the wisdom to apply for a pension so I could find the definitive proof?
What I don't have are the words to put it all down in an understandable format. What I don't have is a thorough understanding of how to write a genealogical proof standard.
Many of the elements found in the GPS are now in my possession. I performed a reasonably exhaustive search, found the citations, resolved the conflict of evidence and arrived at a soundly reasoned conclusion. I just can't seem to get it down on paper. It is still swirling around in my head.
Perhaps the first step is just what I have done now. Put my frustrations down on paper- will that be enough to eliminate this wordless Wednesday? Words. I need words.
Ahh, genealogy. How much indirect evidence can I use? It's clear as mud.
©AS Eldredge 2013
Ahhh, genealogy. A glimpse of the past shows of what I am made.....
Showing posts with label revolution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label revolution. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
The American Contract Lives
Our nation has had a contract which we support, defend and protect everyday. It's something we Americans have done for the last 226 years. Yep, today is the 226th anniversary of the signing of our Constitution.
While I don't have any ancestors who signed the Constitution, I do have on both my maternal and paternal bloodlines patriots who have fought and died for America since the Revolution. I was thinking of today being Constitution Day and it occurred to me that every generation of my family has served America since the founding of our great land.
What do you know about the Constitution? Have you read it or studied since you were in high school or college? I am still amazed that the 55 delegates from the newly formed 13 states were able to debate, argue, and compromise over that long, hot summer in Philadelphia so many years ago. What they penned and what the 39 delegates who signed the Constitution did is so incredible. We have the longest surviving Constitution and the shortest in the world. Amazing.
Since I can't claim any genealogy fame to any signer of the Constitution, I guess I'll just have to thank those men who did sign it. Perhaps, I'll shout "Happy Constitution Day" to all I see today and then sit down and see what military records I can find on my beloved and brave soldiers and sailors in my bloodline. Seems fitting.
Just in case you need a fun fact about the Constitution-- The original Constitution (without the 27 amendments added at later dates) had something like 4400 words. Only one word is misspelled. Can you guess it? The state it was penned in--- Pennsylvania.
Ahh, genealogy. Gotta love it while we support, defend and protect our nation- one generation at a time.
©AS Eldredge, 2013
While I don't have any ancestors who signed the Constitution, I do have on both my maternal and paternal bloodlines patriots who have fought and died for America since the Revolution. I was thinking of today being Constitution Day and it occurred to me that every generation of my family has served America since the founding of our great land.
What do you know about the Constitution? Have you read it or studied since you were in high school or college? I am still amazed that the 55 delegates from the newly formed 13 states were able to debate, argue, and compromise over that long, hot summer in Philadelphia so many years ago. What they penned and what the 39 delegates who signed the Constitution did is so incredible. We have the longest surviving Constitution and the shortest in the world. Amazing.
Since I can't claim any genealogy fame to any signer of the Constitution, I guess I'll just have to thank those men who did sign it. Perhaps, I'll shout "Happy Constitution Day" to all I see today and then sit down and see what military records I can find on my beloved and brave soldiers and sailors in my bloodline. Seems fitting.
Just in case you need a fun fact about the Constitution-- The original Constitution (without the 27 amendments added at later dates) had something like 4400 words. Only one word is misspelled. Can you guess it? The state it was penned in--- Pennsylvania.
Ahh, genealogy. Gotta love it while we support, defend and protect our nation- one generation at a time.
©AS Eldredge, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Homeland Security 1777 Style
Wednesday morning has arrived after a restless sleep last night. I am almost speechless as I try to understand the past. Almost a wordless Wednesday, but not quite.
Imagine the scene, if you will, of the events following our beloved country's 1776 Declaration of Independence from the super power across the pond. The early events in the blossoming war were not very successful for the Americans. In fact, in the fall of 1776, the British officers Richard Howe and William Howe issued a proclamation from New York City offering a pardon for treasonable acts to anyone who would take an oath of allegiance to the King.
The new states then issued a mandatory oath of allegiance to the new and present government in the spring and early summer of 1777. In looking at several states, it seems that all white men had to sign the oath of allegiance or be subject to imprisonment or forfeiture of their property or even being exspelled from the area of their residence. All allegiance to George the Third, King of Great Britain, had to be renounced. All those suspected of treason or conspiracies were to be made known to the government, as declared by Congress.
Until last night, it had not dawned on me that the oath was a forced oath of allegiance to the Americans. Gee, I wonder how that went over. Can you imagine the revolt today if we had to go to court and sign an oath of allegiance to a new government? Yikes.
Anyway--
Last night's research sent me to the Minutes of the Council of Safety of the state of New Jersey 1777-1778. (Many thanks to the kind volunteer who found the book for me online.) In reading many of the entries, I was stunned to see how people turned in their neighbors for being suspicious, or dangerous to the present government, or how Quakers were brought in to testify.
Here is a portion of one man's plight which I thought interesting. Was he one of the men who had accepted Howe's pardon?
Daniel Hendrickson, who was summoned to appear as a Person suspected of being disaffected and dangerous to the present Government, did accordingly attend, and on Examination acknowledged that he had recd a Protection from the Enemy, which he refused to give up when demanded by the Board....
He refused to take the Oath of Allegiance but was dismissed on account of his good behavior as he prepared for his next appearance before the next Court. I didn't follow up on this gentleman, so I am unaware if he changed his mind or went to prison for supporting the Crown.
And another one which caught my eye.
The petition of Benjamin Morgan, now in confinement at Morristown, was read, setting forth, That he is desirous to take the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance agreeably to Law, and is willing to be circumscribed in his Boundaries & laid under such Penalties as the Board may think necessary; and praying that he may be permitted to return home.
The one I for whom I was searching was found to have appeared July 8, 1777, on a demand of the Council with the charge of being "suspected." William Honeywell appeared and requested time to think about it. The Council agreed. Honeywell returned the next morning and signed the Oath of Allegiance to New Jersey and the United States. That afternoon, his brother, John Honeywell also appeared and signed the oath.
What must these men have thought? Their family had been in the colonies since the early 1600s and had never even been to England. They were born under the Crown, but lived as Americans for generations. Did they wonder if the Americans would, or could, win the battle against the Crown? Did they really care? Were their daily lives affected by all the troops around? I don't know the answer, but I do know that two of William's children were contacted by the militia to serve. One of the sons served in place of the other, so only one of his sons has a revolutionary war pension. So, William did support the American cause.
Even though I have known of the Oaths of Allegiance for many years, it never dawned on me that it was a forced oath of allegiance. If a man didn't sign it, he stood to lose everything. Of course, if the British had won the war, he would have most likely lost everything.
Ahhh, genealogy. William's declaration of wanting to think about signing the oath reminds me of that immortal classic song by Meatloaf. I've been humming, "Do you love me? Will you love me forever?....Let me think on it, baby baby. Let me think on it. I'll give you an answer in the morning."
And just like the song, grandpa William Honeywell said yes.
©2013 AS Eldredge
Imagine the scene, if you will, of the events following our beloved country's 1776 Declaration of Independence from the super power across the pond. The early events in the blossoming war were not very successful for the Americans. In fact, in the fall of 1776, the British officers Richard Howe and William Howe issued a proclamation from New York City offering a pardon for treasonable acts to anyone who would take an oath of allegiance to the King.
The new states then issued a mandatory oath of allegiance to the new and present government in the spring and early summer of 1777. In looking at several states, it seems that all white men had to sign the oath of allegiance or be subject to imprisonment or forfeiture of their property or even being exspelled from the area of their residence. All allegiance to George the Third, King of Great Britain, had to be renounced. All those suspected of treason or conspiracies were to be made known to the government, as declared by Congress.
Until last night, it had not dawned on me that the oath was a forced oath of allegiance to the Americans. Gee, I wonder how that went over. Can you imagine the revolt today if we had to go to court and sign an oath of allegiance to a new government? Yikes.
Anyway--
Last night's research sent me to the Minutes of the Council of Safety of the state of New Jersey 1777-1778. (Many thanks to the kind volunteer who found the book for me online.) In reading many of the entries, I was stunned to see how people turned in their neighbors for being suspicious, or dangerous to the present government, or how Quakers were brought in to testify.
Here is a portion of one man's plight which I thought interesting. Was he one of the men who had accepted Howe's pardon?
Daniel Hendrickson, who was summoned to appear as a Person suspected of being disaffected and dangerous to the present Government, did accordingly attend, and on Examination acknowledged that he had recd a Protection from the Enemy, which he refused to give up when demanded by the Board....
He refused to take the Oath of Allegiance but was dismissed on account of his good behavior as he prepared for his next appearance before the next Court. I didn't follow up on this gentleman, so I am unaware if he changed his mind or went to prison for supporting the Crown.
And another one which caught my eye.
The petition of Benjamin Morgan, now in confinement at Morristown, was read, setting forth, That he is desirous to take the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance agreeably to Law, and is willing to be circumscribed in his Boundaries & laid under such Penalties as the Board may think necessary; and praying that he may be permitted to return home.
The one I for whom I was searching was found to have appeared July 8, 1777, on a demand of the Council with the charge of being "suspected." William Honeywell appeared and requested time to think about it. The Council agreed. Honeywell returned the next morning and signed the Oath of Allegiance to New Jersey and the United States. That afternoon, his brother, John Honeywell also appeared and signed the oath.
What must these men have thought? Their family had been in the colonies since the early 1600s and had never even been to England. They were born under the Crown, but lived as Americans for generations. Did they wonder if the Americans would, or could, win the battle against the Crown? Did they really care? Were their daily lives affected by all the troops around? I don't know the answer, but I do know that two of William's children were contacted by the militia to serve. One of the sons served in place of the other, so only one of his sons has a revolutionary war pension. So, William did support the American cause.
Even though I have known of the Oaths of Allegiance for many years, it never dawned on me that it was a forced oath of allegiance. If a man didn't sign it, he stood to lose everything. Of course, if the British had won the war, he would have most likely lost everything.
Ahhh, genealogy. William's declaration of wanting to think about signing the oath reminds me of that immortal classic song by Meatloaf. I've been humming, "Do you love me? Will you love me forever?....Let me think on it, baby baby. Let me think on it. I'll give you an answer in the morning."
And just like the song, grandpa William Honeywell said yes.
©2013 AS Eldredge
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Thankful Thursday: DAR-ing to Dig Up the Proof
Genealogy buffs and searchers of family history generally love to dig in the past. Looking for the absolute definitive proof to prove a theory can be frustrating. Finding the proof is thrilling.
Many thanks will go the ladies of the Daughters of the American Revolution as their new project on proving the past takes root. The DAR has undertaken the task of reviewing the patriots whose either service,location or lineage has been questioned over the years.
These questions arose when an applicant tried to join the DAR using faulty information. The end result was the denial of the applicant or the patriot's line would be closed to future applicants. Those of us who have run across some of these old closed lines have pulled our hair out in vain. And, of course, there were those instances in the past when applicants were accepted in the DAR using bad information. Now, those are the cases that can really get under the skin of dedicated, diligent family history researchers.
I applaud the DAR for changing how applications were reviewed some 40 years ago. They have worked hard to identify problems with the information being sent to them by unsuspecting applicants.
Today, I applaud the DAR for their new project they call the Cold Closed Cases Project. Volunteers within the ranks of the DAR will be going back to take a look at these "questionable" patriot lines. Analysis of the old records will be used to try and determine what caused these patriots' lines to be closed.
Then, the fun begins. These wonderful women volunteers will spend countless hours researching these old patriots using the technology of today to dig up the definitive proof of the service or lineage. Hopefully, a new number of old patriot lines will be reopened for applicants. To date, some two dozen patriots of the American Revolution can once again have their daughters enter the DAR.
Ahh, genealogy. Ain't volunteers grand?
©2013 AS Eldredge
Many thanks will go the ladies of the Daughters of the American Revolution as their new project on proving the past takes root. The DAR has undertaken the task of reviewing the patriots whose either service,location or lineage has been questioned over the years.
These questions arose when an applicant tried to join the DAR using faulty information. The end result was the denial of the applicant or the patriot's line would be closed to future applicants. Those of us who have run across some of these old closed lines have pulled our hair out in vain. And, of course, there were those instances in the past when applicants were accepted in the DAR using bad information. Now, those are the cases that can really get under the skin of dedicated, diligent family history researchers.
I applaud the DAR for changing how applications were reviewed some 40 years ago. They have worked hard to identify problems with the information being sent to them by unsuspecting applicants.
Today, I applaud the DAR for their new project they call the Cold Closed Cases Project. Volunteers within the ranks of the DAR will be going back to take a look at these "questionable" patriot lines. Analysis of the old records will be used to try and determine what caused these patriots' lines to be closed.
Then, the fun begins. These wonderful women volunteers will spend countless hours researching these old patriots using the technology of today to dig up the definitive proof of the service or lineage. Hopefully, a new number of old patriot lines will be reopened for applicants. To date, some two dozen patriots of the American Revolution can once again have their daughters enter the DAR.
Ahh, genealogy. Ain't volunteers grand?
©2013 AS Eldredge
Monday, May 07, 2012
Facing Court Martial Twice and Still a Great Believer
How many military personnel have faced a court martial over the years? While I don't know the answer, I do find it interesting that my 4g-grandpa was under the command of a soldier who lived it, not once, but twice.
In searching for more information on the duties of one of my American Revolution patriot grandpas, I stumbled across an interesting story on his commander.
Just to set the scene, let's go back to the year 1779 and the Second Pennsylvania Regiment. My 4g-grandpa was a private in this company during the Revolution and is mentioned as being present at Valley Forge.
As history has taught us, while there were no battles at Valley Forge, the winter of 1777-78 was a time of hardship for the American patriots. My grandpa is just one of the many who was sick (according to the muster rolls) during his stay there. Much has been written on Valley Forge, and it is fascinating to read the stories.
The Captain of my grandpa's regiment was one Jacob ASHMEAD(1742-1814) who was from Germantown, PA. When he assumed command of the 2nd PA Regiment, he was charged with recruiting soldiers and forming a light infantry company.
During the attack on Stoney Point, the men of the Light Infantry Brigade were to maintain silence. ASHMEAD apparently felt his adrenaline go high, and shouted. For this he faced a court martial and was found guilty of disobeying an order. One of the other leaders on the fateful night at Stoney Point was "Mad" Wayne ANTHONY, who received a medal for the victory of that battle.
ASHMEAD was also later arrested and faced a second court martial for disobeying an order, of which he was acquitted. Interesting in itself as both charges originated with the same man.
In reading the entry which was in the Orderly Book, I find it interesting to note that another officer tried to "excite" the soldiers under ASHMEAD's command and have them not obey the orders. I wonder what reaction my grandpa had. Did he fall in to the trap set by the other officer or did he believe in ASHMEAD and his patriotic zeal for America? While I don't know the answer, and never will, I do know that my grandpa fought under his command. Can I imagine the scene? Sure.
Part of being a family history seeker is to learn all there is about the time and place where ancestors lived. Learning a bit more about my grandpa's commander makes my grandpa come more alive as I imagine his struggles with wondering which was the right course to take with the Continental Army's commanders. Did he stand up and shout support for his commander? I like to think so.
Learn more about Captain Jacob ASHMEAD and his involvement in the Continental Army at the NWTA, the Northwest Territory Alliance. There is a wonderful 2008 article in the NWTA Courier which provides the details of the court martials.
Also of interest is that there is a definite tie between an ASHMEAD family of Germantown from that era and Dr. Benjamin RUSH, who signed the Declaration of Independence. I haven't taken the time to determine how Jacob ties in to Benjamin.
For more reading on Jacob ASHMEAD, go to the Historical Society of PA and look at their collections.
Ahh, genealogy. Those early believers in freedom just make me warm and fuzzy all over.
Sources:
FindaGrave http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=20768108
Moran, Donald, The Storming of Stony Point, Sons of Liberty Chapter, NSSAR, http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/stonypoint.html
VandePolder, Brian, Captain Jacob Ashmead has a Very Bad Year 1779, NWTA Courier, Sept/Oct 2008, pg 6-7
PA Archives
Orderly Book of Captain Robert Gamble, 1779 http://www.newrivernotes.com/va/gamble1.htm
©2012 AS Eldredge
In searching for more information on the duties of one of my American Revolution patriot grandpas, I stumbled across an interesting story on his commander.
Just to set the scene, let's go back to the year 1779 and the Second Pennsylvania Regiment. My 4g-grandpa was a private in this company during the Revolution and is mentioned as being present at Valley Forge.
As history has taught us, while there were no battles at Valley Forge, the winter of 1777-78 was a time of hardship for the American patriots. My grandpa is just one of the many who was sick (according to the muster rolls) during his stay there. Much has been written on Valley Forge, and it is fascinating to read the stories.
The Captain of my grandpa's regiment was one Jacob ASHMEAD(1742-1814) who was from Germantown, PA. When he assumed command of the 2nd PA Regiment, he was charged with recruiting soldiers and forming a light infantry company.
During the attack on Stoney Point, the men of the Light Infantry Brigade were to maintain silence. ASHMEAD apparently felt his adrenaline go high, and shouted. For this he faced a court martial and was found guilty of disobeying an order. One of the other leaders on the fateful night at Stoney Point was "Mad" Wayne ANTHONY, who received a medal for the victory of that battle.
ASHMEAD was also later arrested and faced a second court martial for disobeying an order, of which he was acquitted. Interesting in itself as both charges originated with the same man.
In reading the entry which was in the Orderly Book, I find it interesting to note that another officer tried to "excite" the soldiers under ASHMEAD's command and have them not obey the orders. I wonder what reaction my grandpa had. Did he fall in to the trap set by the other officer or did he believe in ASHMEAD and his patriotic zeal for America? While I don't know the answer, and never will, I do know that my grandpa fought under his command. Can I imagine the scene? Sure.
Part of being a family history seeker is to learn all there is about the time and place where ancestors lived. Learning a bit more about my grandpa's commander makes my grandpa come more alive as I imagine his struggles with wondering which was the right course to take with the Continental Army's commanders. Did he stand up and shout support for his commander? I like to think so.
Learn more about Captain Jacob ASHMEAD and his involvement in the Continental Army at the NWTA, the Northwest Territory Alliance. There is a wonderful 2008 article in the NWTA Courier which provides the details of the court martials.
Also of interest is that there is a definite tie between an ASHMEAD family of Germantown from that era and Dr. Benjamin RUSH, who signed the Declaration of Independence. I haven't taken the time to determine how Jacob ties in to Benjamin.
For more reading on Jacob ASHMEAD, go to the Historical Society of PA and look at their collections.
Ahh, genealogy. Those early believers in freedom just make me warm and fuzzy all over.
Sources:
FindaGrave http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=20768108
Moran, Donald, The Storming of Stony Point, Sons of Liberty Chapter, NSSAR, http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/stonypoint.html
VandePolder, Brian, Captain Jacob Ashmead has a Very Bad Year 1779, NWTA Courier, Sept/Oct 2008, pg 6-7
PA Archives
Orderly Book of Captain Robert Gamble, 1779 http://www.newrivernotes.com/va/gamble1.htm
©2012 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Dotting the I's, Crossing the T's and Reading Ye Olde Documents
True genealogy buffs know what it is like to struggle to read old documents. Not only can the microfilm be scratched or faded, the writing can be akin to a different language. I've seen "s" written as "f". And the slant? Oh my, however did they read their own writing?
Just when you're ready to throw your hands up in the air and run out to purchase even more eye drops for the inevitable eye strain, there's hope in our wonderful age of technology.
Did you realize you can get rid of the neck cricks from angling your head to one side as you try to decipher the old handwriting? Tis easy, I say.
Let's take this document as our example.
This is an 1852 affidavit of William Shaw providing details of Robert COLEMAN and his wife, Prudence. The lovely widow Prudence had applied for a Revolutionary War pension and this document is part of the packet held by NARA. You will note it's easier to make out some words if your squint and hold your head to the left.
Now, take a look after a little stroke of the keyboard.
The effect used on the document is found on Photoshop. After opening Photoshop, go to image on the toolbar. Go to "transform" in the drop down menu and choose "skew." Then, grab the top of the document and head left until you are happy with the slant. This is a great tool to use. I image that other photo editing programs also allow for skewing.
What fun this is, and just think how much it will save you on eye drops and aspirin!
Ahh, genealogy. Reading old documents is a sure fire way to find your past, one skew at a time.
©2011 AS Eldredge
Just when you're ready to throw your hands up in the air and run out to purchase even more eye drops for the inevitable eye strain, there's hope in our wonderful age of technology.
Did you realize you can get rid of the neck cricks from angling your head to one side as you try to decipher the old handwriting? Tis easy, I say.
Let's take this document as our example.
This is an 1852 affidavit of William Shaw providing details of Robert COLEMAN and his wife, Prudence. The lovely widow Prudence had applied for a Revolutionary War pension and this document is part of the packet held by NARA. You will note it's easier to make out some words if your squint and hold your head to the left.
The effect used on the document is found on Photoshop. After opening Photoshop, go to image on the toolbar. Go to "transform" in the drop down menu and choose "skew." Then, grab the top of the document and head left until you are happy with the slant. This is a great tool to use. I image that other photo editing programs also allow for skewing.
What fun this is, and just think how much it will save you on eye drops and aspirin!
Ahh, genealogy. Reading old documents is a sure fire way to find your past, one skew at a time.
©2011 AS Eldredge
Monday, November 14, 2011
Confirmed: Grandpa Fought with Francis Marion
Revealing new evidence of rumors gone wild can be frustrating or it can be a shot of adrenaline. As a teenager, I remember seeing the evidence from my dad's bloodline that documented a patriot in the American Revolution. That name and line was drilled into my memory banks. At the time, my mother also said her family fought in the American Revolution as well and, it was under Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox.
Fast forward to the present. I had followed my mother's bloodline and not found any evidence to support this wild rumor. Sure, her family lived in the general area of the Swamp Fox and they were certainly there at the time, but that was it.
Until a couple of weeks ago....
I was looking at her family once again just because I hadn't for some time. I have found that stepping back and giving time to the many thoughts can sometimes assist me in opening my eyes. Opening eyes and new ways of thinking can also lead to new evidence.
Viola!
This time, I found a pension for the lovely widow, Prudence COLEMAN (d. 1841). Now, I've known about Prudence for some years as she is my 4g-grandmother. I had painstakingly traced the lines back with as much documentation as I could locate. I have yet to find her maiden name, but there is still hope in my heart.
There it was from NARA. A pension applied for by the widow of Robert COLEMAN (1755-1825). Who knew this process would continue after her 1841 death? The record group is No. 15, W23858. This wonderful pension supplied the date of marriage and verified the names of the children. Yipee, this confirms my research.
According to the affidavits found in the pension application, grandpa Robert served the American interests under the command of Captains Simonds and Witherspoon. He also served in Brandon's Regiment in Marion's brigade. He was in several skirmishes including the memorable Battle of Fort Moultrie near Charleston. Grandpa was also sent by Francis Marion as a scout in pursuit of the British and Tories around Monck's Corner.
With my blood soaring again, I read each page of the pension application and used it to further document the line. How much more fun can a genealogy buff have?
Another day, another super find. Mama's words are proven true yet again.
Ahh, genealogy. If only I could hear them from her lips again.
©2011 AS Eldredge
Fast forward to the present. I had followed my mother's bloodline and not found any evidence to support this wild rumor. Sure, her family lived in the general area of the Swamp Fox and they were certainly there at the time, but that was it.
Until a couple of weeks ago....
I was looking at her family once again just because I hadn't for some time. I have found that stepping back and giving time to the many thoughts can sometimes assist me in opening my eyes. Opening eyes and new ways of thinking can also lead to new evidence.
Viola!
This time, I found a pension for the lovely widow, Prudence COLEMAN (d. 1841). Now, I've known about Prudence for some years as she is my 4g-grandmother. I had painstakingly traced the lines back with as much documentation as I could locate. I have yet to find her maiden name, but there is still hope in my heart.
There it was from NARA. A pension applied for by the widow of Robert COLEMAN (1755-1825). Who knew this process would continue after her 1841 death? The record group is No. 15, W23858. This wonderful pension supplied the date of marriage and verified the names of the children. Yipee, this confirms my research.
According to the affidavits found in the pension application, grandpa Robert served the American interests under the command of Captains Simonds and Witherspoon. He also served in Brandon's Regiment in Marion's brigade. He was in several skirmishes including the memorable Battle of Fort Moultrie near Charleston. Grandpa was also sent by Francis Marion as a scout in pursuit of the British and Tories around Monck's Corner.
With my blood soaring again, I read each page of the pension application and used it to further document the line. How much more fun can a genealogy buff have?
Another day, another super find. Mama's words are proven true yet again.
Ahh, genealogy. If only I could hear them from her lips again.
©2011 AS Eldredge
Friday, March 18, 2011
Searching for Ancestors with Revolutionary Online Databases
The Daughters of the American Revolution have been collecting genealogy data since its 1890 beginnings. Women who have proven blood descent of American Revolution patriots have been working nonstop to digitize many of their records.
The general public can easily search DAR databases to locate names of known patriots, descendants, and documentation of over 20,000 typescript records, which have been donated by DAR members.
Begun in 1913, the collection of genealogical records consists of Bible, cemetery, county histories, and other types of genealogical records. By entering a name and state, titles of reports are displayed online. The details are available for a small fee.
In addition, volunteers are busily engaged in transcribing all DAR applications. The Analytical Card and Revolutionary War Pension indices have been digitized, thus providing a valuable resource not found elsewhere.
Growing daily with volunteer efforts, these databases can provide patriot names, descendants, land records, or other genealogical documentation useful to researchers.
The DAR is a great source to augment your genealogy research and record copies are available for purchase. Go to www.Dar.org. Click on genealogy to begin your search in their records. Who knows? You just may find revolutionary news of your own.
Ahh, genealogy. Did you know that over 2 million women have served in the defense of America since the times of the American Revolution? Do you have one in your line? I do. Perhaps it's time to honor her story.
2011 AS Eldredge
The general public can easily search DAR databases to locate names of known patriots, descendants, and documentation of over 20,000 typescript records, which have been donated by DAR members.
Begun in 1913, the collection of genealogical records consists of Bible, cemetery, county histories, and other types of genealogical records. By entering a name and state, titles of reports are displayed online. The details are available for a small fee.
In addition, volunteers are busily engaged in transcribing all DAR applications. The Analytical Card and Revolutionary War Pension indices have been digitized, thus providing a valuable resource not found elsewhere.
Growing daily with volunteer efforts, these databases can provide patriot names, descendants, land records, or other genealogical documentation useful to researchers.
The DAR is a great source to augment your genealogy research and record copies are available for purchase. Go to www.Dar.org. Click on genealogy to begin your search in their records. Who knows? You just may find revolutionary news of your own.
Ahh, genealogy. Did you know that over 2 million women have served in the defense of America since the times of the American Revolution? Do you have one in your line? I do. Perhaps it's time to honor her story.
2011 AS Eldredge
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Southern American Revolution Patriots Pension Online Transcriptions
While reading the daily EOGN which is delivered to my inbox every day, I stumbled across a post on Revolutionary War Southern Campaign Pension Application Transcriptions Online. How cool is this?
After reading the posted American Revolution pension application for one Dan Alexander, I thought I'd wander over to the site, http://southerncampaign.org/pen/ , and see if I could locate a pension file from my maternal side.
Bingo! There it was! And, I'm excited to report this one pension contains the death date and the marriage date! So here 'tis just in case you share my maternal blood.
Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of John Poston W26923 Rebecca fn30NC
Transcribed by Will Graves 9/17/09
[Methodology: Spelling, punctuation and/or grammar have been corrected in some instances for ease of reading and to facilitate searches of the database. Also, the handwriting of the original scribes often lends itself to varying interpretations. Users of this database are urged to view the original and to make their own decision as to how to decipher what the original scribe actually wrote. Blanks appearing in the transcripts reflect blanks in the original. Folks are free to make non-commercial use this transcript in any manner they may see fit, but please extend the courtesy of acknowledging the transcriber—besides, if it turns out the transcript contains mistakes, the resulting embarrassment will fall on the transcriber.]
[fn p. 3 family record]
Peggy was Born the 9th day of February in the year 1782
Rebekah was born the 31st day May in the year 1783
Jenny was born the 17th day of October in the year 1785
Elizabeth was born the 30th day of January in the year 1786
Salley was born the 15 day of January in the year 1888 [sic]
Robert Postion [sic] was born the 28th of December in the year 1889 [sic]
Polley was born the 30th day of August in the year 1890 [sic]
Jno A. B. Poston was born the 7th day of November in the year 1894 [sic]
Nancy Poston was born the 9th day of April in the year 1897 [sic]
Send the Poston was born the 6th day of March in the year 1801
John Poston Senior departed this life August 22nd Day 1819
William Poston was born in the year of our Lord August 14th Day 1809
[fn p. 8] State of North Carolina Buncombe County
On this 4th day of July 1845 Personally appeared before the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions in and for the County aforesaid Rebecca Poston a Resident of North Carolina in the County of Buncombe aged seventy-nine years, Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows -- That she is the widow of John Poston who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution And who entered the service of the United States as a Drafted Soldier sometime in the year 1779 or 80 in the County of Roan [sic, Rowan], North Carolina and served out 13 months tour: soon after which he again volunteered or was drafted & entered the service of the United States in which he remained as she has often heard him say, until after the surrender of Cornwallis at which time he was present and saw Cornwallis surrender his sword to (she thinks) General Lincoln, the names of the Captains under which he mustered she does not Recollect: She however recollects to have heard him say that he was commanded by Generals McDowell and Davidson. She further Recollects that he was in the Battle at the Cowpens. She further declares that she was married to the said John Poston on the 25th day of April in the year 1782. That her said Husband the aforesaid John Poston Died on the 22nd day of August 1819, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794 (viz.) at the time above stated.
She further states that she has no Record proof of her said marriage, but that she has a Record of the ages of her children and of the Death of her Husband the aforesaid John Poston. That she was married to him the said John Poston at the time aforesaid in the County of Lincoln in the State of North Carolina. That she never has since been Death of her said husband again married. But that she still remains the widow of the said John Poston -- the Record of the ages of her children & of the death of her said Husband are here with remitted.
S/ Rebecca Poston, X her mark Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court on the day and date above written.
S/ N. Harrison, Clerk of the Buncombe County Court
[fn p. 11: On December 30, 1851 in Buncombe County North Carolina, Charles McFee, the administrator of the estate of Rebecca Poston filed a claim for pension due her as the widow of John Poston; in this application the affiant states that John Poston served in a company commanded by Captain John Work; that John Poston married Rebecca Balldridge in Iredell County, date unknown but prior to January one, 1794; that John Poston died August 22nd, 1819 survived by Rebecca Poston, his widow and the following children now living: Mary Davis, Jane Bryson, Rebeco [Rebecca] Bryson, Nancy Nicholas, Lusindia [Lucinda] Stines, Ruthy Smith & Robert Poston.]
[fn p.15: bond taken out by John Poston, Junior and John Poston, Senior, of Rowan County North Carolina dated April 24, 1782 to secure the marriage of John Poston to Rebecca Baldridge of Lincoln County.]
[fn p. 20: certificate dated September 30th 1851 issued by the North Carolina Comptroller's Office showing payments made to John Poston for services in the revolution including service under Captain John Work in January 1776 for 32 days in an expedition to Moore's Creek.]
My mom used to tell me that her kin had fought under General Francis Marion, and I've been itching to document that tidbit.
I looked around at some of the other surnames from my maternal side and checked them out as well. While it is possible a couple of them could be related somehow, there are others I could immediately rule out. Guess I'll keep searching for the name Marion used in conjunction with my blood kin who had migrated to that little area of South Carolina.
Ahh, genealogy. Another day, another unexpected find.
©2011 AS Eldredge
After reading the posted American Revolution pension application for one Dan Alexander, I thought I'd wander over to the site, http://southerncampaign.org/pen/ , and see if I could locate a pension file from my maternal side.
Bingo! There it was! And, I'm excited to report this one pension contains the death date and the marriage date! So here 'tis just in case you share my maternal blood.
Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of John Poston W26923 Rebecca fn30NC
Transcribed by Will Graves 9/17/09
[Methodology: Spelling, punctuation and/or grammar have been corrected in some instances for ease of reading and to facilitate searches of the database. Also, the handwriting of the original scribes often lends itself to varying interpretations. Users of this database are urged to view the original and to make their own decision as to how to decipher what the original scribe actually wrote. Blanks appearing in the transcripts reflect blanks in the original. Folks are free to make non-commercial use this transcript in any manner they may see fit, but please extend the courtesy of acknowledging the transcriber—besides, if it turns out the transcript contains mistakes, the resulting embarrassment will fall on the transcriber.]
[fn p. 3 family record]
Peggy was Born the 9th day of February in the year 1782
Rebekah was born the 31st day May in the year 1783
Jenny was born the 17th day of October in the year 1785
Elizabeth was born the 30th day of January in the year 1786
Salley was born the 15 day of January in the year 1888 [sic]
Robert Postion [sic] was born the 28th of December in the year 1889 [sic]
Polley was born the 30th day of August in the year 1890 [sic]
Jno A. B. Poston was born the 7th day of November in the year 1894 [sic]
Nancy Poston was born the 9th day of April in the year 1897 [sic]
Send the Poston was born the 6th day of March in the year 1801
John Poston Senior departed this life August 22nd Day 1819
William Poston was born in the year of our Lord August 14th Day 1809
[fn p. 8] State of North Carolina Buncombe County
On this 4th day of July 1845 Personally appeared before the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions in and for the County aforesaid Rebecca Poston a Resident of North Carolina in the County of Buncombe aged seventy-nine years, Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows -- That she is the widow of John Poston who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution And who entered the service of the United States as a Drafted Soldier sometime in the year 1779 or 80 in the County of Roan [sic, Rowan], North Carolina and served out 13 months tour: soon after which he again volunteered or was drafted & entered the service of the United States in which he remained as she has often heard him say, until after the surrender of Cornwallis at which time he was present and saw Cornwallis surrender his sword to (she thinks) General Lincoln, the names of the Captains under which he mustered she does not Recollect: She however recollects to have heard him say that he was commanded by Generals McDowell and Davidson. She further Recollects that he was in the Battle at the Cowpens. She further declares that she was married to the said John Poston on the 25th day of April in the year 1782. That her said Husband the aforesaid John Poston Died on the 22nd day of August 1819, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794 (viz.) at the time above stated.
She further states that she has no Record proof of her said marriage, but that she has a Record of the ages of her children and of the Death of her Husband the aforesaid John Poston. That she was married to him the said John Poston at the time aforesaid in the County of Lincoln in the State of North Carolina. That she never has since been Death of her said husband again married. But that she still remains the widow of the said John Poston -- the Record of the ages of her children & of the death of her said Husband are here with remitted.
S/ Rebecca Poston, X her mark Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court on the day and date above written.
S/ N. Harrison, Clerk of the Buncombe County Court
[fn p. 11: On December 30, 1851 in Buncombe County North Carolina, Charles McFee, the administrator of the estate of Rebecca Poston filed a claim for pension due her as the widow of John Poston; in this application the affiant states that John Poston served in a company commanded by Captain John Work; that John Poston married Rebecca Balldridge in Iredell County, date unknown but prior to January one, 1794; that John Poston died August 22nd, 1819 survived by Rebecca Poston, his widow and the following children now living: Mary Davis, Jane Bryson, Rebeco [Rebecca] Bryson, Nancy Nicholas, Lusindia [Lucinda] Stines, Ruthy Smith & Robert Poston.]
[fn p.15: bond taken out by John Poston, Junior and John Poston, Senior, of Rowan County North Carolina dated April 24, 1782 to secure the marriage of John Poston to Rebecca Baldridge of Lincoln County.]
[fn p. 20: certificate dated September 30th 1851 issued by the North Carolina Comptroller's Office showing payments made to John Poston for services in the revolution including service under Captain John Work in January 1776 for 32 days in an expedition to Moore's Creek.]
My mom used to tell me that her kin had fought under General Francis Marion, and I've been itching to document that tidbit.
I looked around at some of the other surnames from my maternal side and checked them out as well. While it is possible a couple of them could be related somehow, there are others I could immediately rule out. Guess I'll keep searching for the name Marion used in conjunction with my blood kin who had migrated to that little area of South Carolina.
Ahh, genealogy. Another day, another unexpected find.
©2011 AS Eldredge
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