Preface

 The American Revolutionary War began on April 19, 1775 at the North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts with the "shot heard 'round the world". The last major battle was Yorktown October 19, 1781 with the British surrender. The war officially ended with the treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783. As we approach the  250th anniversary I want to explore my ancestors who may be patriots of the American Revolution. There are two organizations who have researched and delineated this information: The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

According to SAR, Revolutionary War Patriots "include those persons who fought in the military or militia, who provided supplies to the American cause, who served on political bodies supporting the Revolution, or who signed oaths of support and similar acts." This is spelled out in detail here: https://www.sar.org/how-to-apply/

According to DAR, "In applying for DAR membership, women must document their lineage back to an ancestor who aided the cause of American independence. These efforts may come through military, civil or patriotic service and must occur during the period between 19 April 1775 (Battle of Lexington) and 26 November 1783 (withdrawal of British Troops from New York)." This is delineated in detail here: https://www.dar.org/national-society/accepted-revolutionary-war-service