This post first appeared on this blog on July 3, 2010.  It has been slightly modified.

In honor of Independence Day, I thought I’d write a post about my ancestors who are Revolutionary War patriots.

Robert Parks

Robert PARKS is the patriot I went in under for membership to National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).  His service is listed as a private serving under Captain Benager Leffingwell.  Robert is my sixth great-grandfather.  He was born 4 December 1737 in Voluntown, Connecticut and died in 1810 in Windham, Connecticut.  Following is my direct line to him (in bold):

  1. Me
  2. Joseph CAHILL (1945-1989), m. Jean MILLER (living)
  3. Joan Garrison McMAHON (1927-1980), m. John Francis CAHILL (1922-1984)
  4. Emma Jane GARRISON (1901-1970), m. John Ward McMAHON (1902-1962)
  5. Sarah Jane MULLIGAN (1870-1947), m. James Manly GARRISON (1861-1909)
  6. Sarah Norton WEBSTER (1828-1894), m. James MULLIGAN (1812-1879)
  7. Betsey PARKS (1801-1856), m. Calvin Price WEBSTER (1802-1856)
  8. Robert PARKS (1776-1863), m. Mary “Polly” Wheeler SMITH (1781-1844)
  9. Robert PARKS (1737-1810), m. Elizabeth HALL (?-?)

I’m pretty sure that Robert’s father, Joseph, is also a patriot.  Even if he didn’t serve, I’m sure he contributed in some way that qualifies him as a patriot.  Still working on this one.

Jonathan Webster

Jonathan WEBSTER took the Oath of Fidelity in October 1777 at Glastonbury, Connecticut.  Jonathan in my seventh great-grandfather.  He was born 5 October 1705 in Hartford, Connecticut and died 14 November 1781 in Glastonbury.  Following is my direct line to him (in bold):

  1. Me
  2. Joseph CAHILL (1945-1989), m. Jean MILLER (living)
  3. Joan Garrison McMAHON (1927-1980), m. John Francis CAHILL (1922-1984)
  4. Emma Jane GARRISON (1901-1970), m. John Ward McMAHON (1902-1962)
  5. Sarah Jane MULLIGAN (1870-1947), m. James Manly GARRISON (1861-1909)
  6. Sarah Norton WEBSTER (1828-1894), m. James MULLIGAN (1812-1879)
  7. Calvin Price WEBSTER (1802-1856), m. Betsey PARKS (1801-1856)
  8. Aaron WEBSTER (1775-1823), m. Sarah NORTON (1780-1823)
  9. Ashbel WEBSTER (1733-1801), m. Rachel PRICE (1737-1813)
  10. Jonathan WEBSTER (1705-1781), m. Mabel RISLEY (1718-1871)

Solomon Norton

Solomon NORTON is apparently my sixth great-grandfather, although I have not been able to prove this through actual records.  According to NSDAR, he is a patriot, having served as a private under Captain Bostwick in New York.  There are three members listed that have gone in under his supposed daughter Sarah, but again, I have not proven this connection through any records.  By all accounts, Solomon was born 12 May 1751 in Farmington, Connecticut and died after 1837 probably in Villanova, New York.  Following is my direct line to him (in bold), assuming Sarah is his daughter:

  1. Me
  2. Joseph CAHILL (1945-1989), m. Jean MILLER (living)
  3. Joan Garrison McMAHON (1927-1980), m. John Francis CAHILL (1922-1984)
  4. Emma Jane GARRISON (1901-1970), m. John Ward McMAHON (1902-1962)
  5. Sarah Jane MULLIGAN (1870-1947), m. James Manly GARRISON (1861-1909)
  6. Sarah Norton WEBSTER (1828-1894), m. James MULLIGAN (1812-1879)
  7. Calvin Price WEBSTER (1802-1856), m. Betsey PARKS (1801-1856)
  8. Sarah NORTON (1780-1823), m. Aaron WEBSTER (1775-1823)
  9. Solomon NORTON (1751-after 1837), m. Sarah REXFORD (1757-?)

When I wrote this back in 2010, I wasn’t able to prove whether Sarah Norton was the daughter of Solomon.  Unfortunately, I’m no closer to an answer.  But, I have found Solomon’s pension papers.  The copy of the original can be found here, and a transcription can be found here.  In 2011 I wrote a two-part post about Solomon, including a research plan.  Part 1 can be found here, and Part 2 can be found here.

A big salute to all those who have served or are currently serving our country.

Also, a reminder that anyone can access the NSDAR’s Genealogical Research System to search for patriots.   Celebrate the 4th of July by doing a little research on your Revolutionary War patriots.