How to Research a Patriot Ancestor

How to Research a Patriot Ancestor

Discovering your connection to the American Revolution is an exciting journey! If you want to find out if your family has a revolutionary legacy, follow these three simple steps using free historical databases.

Step 1: Talk to Your Family

Before diving into online databases, gather information from your parents, grandparents, or relatives.

• Write down full names, approximate birth and death years, and the states where your ancestors lived.

• Look for family trees, old family Bibles, or relatives who might already belong to the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) or SAR (Sons of the American Revolution). If someone in your family is already a member, your documentation process is nearly finished!

Step 2: Search Free Lineage Databases

You don't need expensive genealogy subscriptions to find a patriot. Use these excellent free resources:

• The DAR Genealogical Research System (GRS): This is the gold standard tool for finding revolutionary ancestors. You can search the public index by an ancestor's name to see their recorded military rank, state of service, and civil contributions. Explore the DAR Ancestor Search.

• The SAR Patriot Research System (PRS): Similar to the DAR database, this free system lets you search a registry of proven patriots and see lineage lineages previously verified by the Sons of the American Revolution. Look up records on the SAR Patriot Search.

• FamilySearch: A completely free family history website run by the Family Search organization. It allows you to build a tree backward until you connect to early American census records and military rosters. Create an account on FamilySearch.

Step 3: Identify Qualifying Service

A "Patriot" is someone who contributed to the cause of American Independence between April 19, 1775, and November 26, 1783. Qualifying service isn't limited to battlefield combat; it includes:

• Military Service: Soldiers and sailors in the Continental Army, Navy, state militias, or local minutemen units.

• Civil Service: Individuals who held public office, served as town selectmen, jurors, or postmasters during the war.

• Patriotic Service: Citizens who signed oaths of allegiance, manufactured firearms, provided food or horses to troops, or were prisoners of war.