Tag Archives: Connecticut

Prince Mortimer of Middletown (purportedly 1724-1834): Examining Claims of Revolutionary War Service

                 Since the 2006 release of Denis Caron’s A Century in Captivity: The Life and Trials of Prince Mortimer, a Connecticut Slave, discussion of the life of Prince Mortimer of Middletown has largely centered around the trial for attempted murder that resulted in Mortimer’s imprisonment in Old New-Gate Prison.[1] Yet some studies of Mortimer haveContinue reading “Prince Mortimer of Middletown (purportedly 1724-1834): Examining Claims of Revolutionary War Service”

Rethinking the Historical Approach: Using Genealogy to Tell the Story of a Veteran of Color, Pvt. Sharp Liberty, Connecticut Continental Line

Rethinking the Approach In recent years, scholars of Connecticut history have begun to grapple with the prior discussions of the participation of Connecticut soldiers of color in the American Revolution. As one historiographical study notes, the easy accessibility of two problematic texts on the subject online poses potential issues to future research. The author describesContinue reading “Rethinking the Historical Approach: Using Genealogy to Tell the Story of a Veteran of Color, Pvt. Sharp Liberty, Connecticut Continental Line”

5 Crucial Dates in 17th Century Colonial Connecticut History That May Impact Your Genealogy

The records of your ancestors are shaped by what was happening around them. Sometimes that was changes in law; sometimes changes in politics; sometimes warfare; something else. Here are five crucial dates in the history of 17th century colonial Connecticut that may impact your genealogy research: What else was happening in this period? King Philip’sContinue reading “5 Crucial Dates in 17th Century Colonial Connecticut History That May Impact Your Genealogy”

Land Records: Key Part of Colonial Connecticut Research

Land records are often the last record a genealogist checks. They can be challenging to navigate, and there’s a significant chance they do not indicate relationships. Yet, especially in colonial Connecticut, they are a must check document for one simple reason: land was key to a family’s survival. In an agrarian society, land was aContinue reading “Land Records: Key Part of Colonial Connecticut Research”

What is coverture, and why does it matter?

Coverture or coverture is a legal principle of English common law that was commonly applied in colonial America: it essentially made a married woman a part of her husband’s legal entity. Connecticut did not begin to chip away at the principle until the mid-19th century. Prior to that point, a married woman was subject toContinue reading “What is coverture, and why does it matter?”

Resources for researching the history of your Connecticut Home

Historic homes were witnesses to Connecticut’s history. Connecticut’s oldest known home dates to 1639. Other buildings saw the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and more. Telling the history of your home can help place it in the context of your community. It may even earn you tax credits! Land Records: Architectural Resources Tax Credit Programs:

Starting Your Holiday Shopping? Favorite Connecticut Genealogy Database Providers…

Database subscriptions are always a popular gift for genealogists. So which ones do I use most? Actually, my favorite site for Connecticut research is free! FamilySearch requires registration but does not charge. The site hosts older land records, images of church records, pre-1900 vital records, probate files, and more. Ancestry is great for Connecticut’s probateContinue reading “Starting Your Holiday Shopping? Favorite Connecticut Genealogy Database Providers…”

What was the 1780 quota act – and why does it matter?

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the several towns within this State shall forthwith choose a committee who shall divide all the inhabitants thereof, who give in a list or are included in any militia roll, either of the trainband, alarm list or companies of horse, into as many classes accordingContinue reading “What was the 1780 quota act – and why does it matter?”