We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...
Those words from the Declaration of Independence always give me a chill when I read them - as I imagine how scary and proud the men who drafted and signed it must have been. How terrifying and exciting to live during that time in American history. So many of us today with a family tree that stretches back to Colonial times can claim descendancy from someone who participated in the American Revolution, whether they bore arms (on either side), provided supplies, or helped with some other non-military service. Do you have a Revolutionary War ancestor in your family tree?
I have at least one ancestor who was a Rev. War soldier. I know very little about him except his name (Matthew Van Duyn), birth & death (1752-1837), and his descendents down to myself. I have started a blog on my family — both historical and relating to newly discovered siblings that I have yet to meet.
That was really interesting post, I liked it. Thanks.
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I have two Revolutionary War soldiers that I know of, Amos Travis (1746-1836) and Johnathan Abrams (1758-1829). My wife though is another story. She has so many I’ve lost count. The notables are Col. Alexander Hamilton, Gen. Phillip Schuyler, Gen. Nathaniel Woodhull, and Col. Pierre Van Cortlandt.
An interesting thing on my wife’s side is that I have traced about 30 lines back to the Revolution or earlier and their is not a single Tory among them. Most of these families were wealthy and had a lot to lose if the Revolution failed. She has always been proud of these families that pledged their lives, property and sacred honor to the cause of liberty.