Revolutionary War Research: Tracing Patriot and Loyalist Ancestors
Nearly 250 years ago, America declared its independence from the British Empire, changing the course of history. For those of us with ancestry in the American colonies from that period, we want to know if our ancestor served the cause—and on what side. This five-week online course will delve into the many primary and published records that exist to document your ancestors’ role in the American Revolution, be it as a Patriot or a Loyalist.
Image Credit: Surrender of Cornwallis, by James S. Baillie. Courtesy of the National Museum of American History.
April 2 – Class 1: Getting to Know Your Revolutionary War Ancestor, Sheilagh Doerfler
This first class will provide a brief, historical overview of the American Patriots and those who remained loyal to the British Crown, offering definitions of key terms, statistics, demographics, motives, and the general movement of people during and after the way. We’ll also look at how muster rolls, manuscript materials, published histories, lineage society databases, and more can help you establish your ancestor’s service and explore their role in the American Revolution.
April 9 – Class 2: Researching Service to the Cause, Melanie McComb
Your ancestor may not have served on the battlefield, but still supported the war by furnishing supplies or medical aid to troops, signing petitions or oaths of fidelity, and more. This class will explore the many records that may shed light on an ancestor’s patriotic or loyalist leanings and their support. We will also examine women’s roles during the Revolutionary War.
April 16 – Class 3: Using Revolutionary War Pension Records, David Allen Lambert
Both Patriot and Loyalist pension records exist, and they offer a goldmine of information for family historians. This session will discuss who was eligible to receive a pension, where to find them, what information is provided, how to navigate these records, and offer strategies for getting the most out of these important records.
April 23 – Class 4: Using Revolutionary War Land Grants, Melanie McComb
Many patriots and loyalists received land grants following the American Revolution. From 1789 to 1833 the United States awarded bounty-land warrants to veterans of the Revolution. Likewise, the British government compensated United Empire Loyalists with lands in Canada. These grants very well could have affected your family’s movements. This class will discuss who was eligible to receive land grants, what records exist, where to find these resources, and ultimately determine if your ancestor received a warrant.
April 30 – Class 5: Applying to Revolutionary War Lineage Societies, David Allen Lambert
Now that you have confirmed your ancestry to a participant of the American Revolution, you may wish to apply for a lineage society. In this final class, David Allen Lambert provides a step-by-step look at applying to these organizations including the general application process and tips for when you can’t find vital records. The lineage societies covered in this presentation will include National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Revolution, The Society of the Cincinnati, The Order of the Founders and Patriots of America, and the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada.
