Who Were The Parents?
There’s so much you can do for this era to find parents' names. In genealogy research where each region has records reflecting its community and where each era and generation of records evolve, we are reminded daily that historical record searching is never static. Yet, there are still some basic guidelines to follow. Here is a sample of my strategy for identifying Revolutionary War Era parentage. It’s simple, but these six steps put me back in action when I’m paralyzed with the “Now What?” Syndrome.
1) County Formations of your state. Revolutionary War Era Research is Colonial Research. To learn more here is a link: Chasing Counties: Use County Formation Maps.
2) Tracing Land Inheritance using Deeds and Probate Records is another way to prove parentage. These records can show when and where the land was probated and to whom. Often the eldest son, if not a minor, inherited the land. However, the land could also be left to the wife. In the interest of minor children, names may be revealed showing kinship. Records can also show the relationship of siblings of other family members. Here is a good case of Researching Revolutionary War Veterans families of Virginia and Kentucky.
3) Territories had their own records prior to the state. This is tip really helps if your ancestor migrated west to a territory. Be sure to check out State Archives.
4) Church Records. During the Revolutionary War Era churches kept a lot of family records to include children baptism, christening, marriage banns, and licenses. You are doing a disservice if you haven’t researched these genealogical gems.
5) Guardianship Records. Mothers were not usually granted guardianship of their minor children during the Revolutionary War Era, but if they did, it usually was through the court system.
6) Newspapers 
Don’t forget old newspapers. Have you tried They may not be indexed, but you may get lucky with a local library or State Archive. Some of these repositories (like both the Mo. State Archives and the Kansas Historical Society), may have a surname index in their card catalog. Don’t underestimate the holdings at these repositories. At minimum, old newspapers are often preserved on microfilm at these repositories. What a great way to spend a bad climate day!
We love feedback. Feel free to drop us a note.
Kathleen Brandt
a3Genealogy
Don’t forget old newspapers. Have you tried They may not be indexed, but you may get lucky with a local library or State Archive. Some of these repositories (like both the Mo. State Archives and the Kansas Historical Society), may have a surname index in their card catalog. Don’t underestimate the holdings at these repositories. At minimum, old newspapers are often preserved on microfilm at these repositories. What a great way to spend a bad climate day!
We love feedback. Feel free to drop us a note.
Kathleen Brandt
a3Genealogy
