Over the last few years I’ve learned much more about the 1776 US Declaration of Independance than I had in any history class.
I’ve read books on some of the founding fathers, proven 12 Revolutionary War Patriots, have two waiting on approval with Daughters of the American Revolution Headquarters and a few more in the queue once the current applications are approved. I’ve even been able to prove lineage for both my mother and my mother-in-law to approved DAR patriots.
So far, everyone I’ve found who has ties to the revolution fought against the British. There are two people who maybe had Loyalist leanings, but so far no proof on their participation either way. Neither moved to Canada as many Loyalists did, but that doesn’t mean they supported the rebellion. Cory however, does have some proven Loyalists in his tree which adds a bit of diversity.
It’s been fun to learn about some of the ways my ancestors contributed and learn some specifics of where they were and what they did. I have one who was part of the Lexington Alarm, one who was at the battle of Bunker Hill, some who supported in various community roles and some who were aged enough that paying supply taxes and providing supplies was their contribution.
I have a hint (no proof) that one of Cory’s ancestors was at Valley Forge with General Washington – that will be fun to prove when I can get to that point.
So far, everyone I’ve found in my lineage has survived the war, so that’s also quite a feat!
It’s always so interesting to think about a little colony that somehow managed to defeat the British Army when on paper their chances of success were so unlikely.
I also ran across this twitter post talking about what happened to the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Things were rough for them to say the least. Who knows if they regretted their decision, but they were brave enough to take a stand.
Happy Indpendence Day everyone!
Cory and Nicole Family History 