Speakers Told Of Fine Opportunity

Arlene Eakle, nationally known genealogist and author, and her associate, Linda Brinkerhoff, were in the Pacific Northwest last summer. Coeur d’Alene was one of their destinations.

Brinkerhoff presented a terrific discussion, “Finding Proof to Join the DAR.”

She first asked, “Why join the Daughters of the American Revolution?”

Her reasons: 1, support a patriotic organization in its altruistic aims and endeavors; 2, honor our Revolutionary ancestors; 3, register our genealogical descent from that patriot; and, 4, be eligible for scholarships.

To learn if your ancestor served in any capacity in the Revolutionary War, first ascertain his age; if, in 1775, he was between 15 and 55, it’s likely he served. Next, check the many compiled histories for the Revolution in the library. And, check with other lineage societies: Daughters of the Cincinnati, Daughters of 1776, and Sons of the Revolution.

Investigate county histories where this ancestor lived. If he was a patriot, it will likely be mentioned. Look into colony, town and state records where he lived; many early colonial, town and state records have been published, making this search easier.

From 1774 to 1783, several colonies and towns conducted military censuses; check for these.

Check the pension lists for your Revolutionary War ancestors, and Virgil White’s books of pension and service abstracts, available in the Genealogy Section of the downtown Spokane Library and most larger genealogical libraries. The National Genealogical Society has published a list of such pensioners.

Other military-related records that might contain mention of your ancestor would be lists of deserters, those rejected to join (too old, too small, humpbacked, unfit in every way, etc.). Orderly books and muster rolls are worth checking, as are records of military hospitals, prisons, and prisoners of war.

Some areas had specialized name registers, such as the salt lists of the South. Salt was issued by the government to Southern families devastated by the war.

Brinkerhoff’s closing advice was to always be alert for newly published compilations and lists that might contain the name of your Revolutionary War ancestor. And when you do find his name, proving he aided the cause of American independence, consider joining with the other women who are Daughters of the American Revolution.

Besides her many books, Eakle has also produced two instructional videos, “Do Your Family Tree,” parts I and II.

Part I covers basic tasks, such as filling out charts, how to interview relatives, cemetery searching and using different sources. Part II explains using U.S. census records, and “Expanding Search Dimensions” (locality, relationships, surnames, evidence, documentation and strategies).

Each video costs $29.95, plus $5.50 postage, but both may be ordered for $53.00, plus $7.50 postage. Call toll free, (800) 377-6058, to order yourself an early Christmas gift. Also request her publications list.

A handout provided at Eakles workshop was a terrific pedigree relationship chart that makes paternal grandfather and great-aunt make sense. Send me a stamped, self-addressed envelope c/o this newspaper, and I’ll share a copy with you.

, DataTimes MEMO: Donna Potter Phillips welcomes letters from readers. Write to her at The Spokesman-Review, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. For a response, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Donna Potter Phillips The Spokesman-Review