Happy American Independence Day!
The War of Independence took on new meaning for me when I started researching my ancestors. Beforehand, it was nothing more than a subject I had studied in school. Today, I have identified five ( proudly-confirmed) male ancestors who served in the Continental Army. In remembrance of their service to our country and with deep gratitude, here are their names:
- James Joyce
- Jonathan Stone
- Joseph Greenwood
- Martin Trantham (III)
- Williamson “Wilson” Rogers
Just yesterday, I was perusing a collection of un-indexed records on Family Search. This quarantine has given me a lot of free time and it’s too hot outside to do anything else. Collections like these are usually hit or miss, more often they are more miss than hit.
But I got lucky. Buried in a collection of early public records from Shenandoah County, Virginia was a sales receipt from 1781. My 6th great grandfather, Daniel Hackney, was compensated for selling 325 lbs. of beef to the Continental Army.
I have no idea if they paid him market rates or if he cut them a deal; but, I do know that he helped feed the troops that fought for our independence. It’s a reminder that supporting the war effort did not always mean picking up a gun; and, I am sure there are countless others whose names have been forgotten but who contributed however they could.