I have a number of American Patriots in my genealogical lines. Maybe that’s why I love history and genealogy – “It’s in my blood.”
Off and on through the years I have thought of joining the DAR. I already knew that I have several American Patriots ancestors but I didn’t know if I could prove the connection through the proper paperwork. Last spring I was talking to a friend and our conversation turned to genealogy and I mentioned the desire to join the DAR. She said to go for it so I did a search for the local chapter and contacted them. The next meeting was coming up soon and I attended.
At the meeting I found a group of women with the same interests that I have in genealogy, American Patriotic history and service to the community. I found out what I needed to do become a member and set out writing out my various ancestral lines and obtaining various documents.
I didn’t realize how many of my ancestors fought or played a role in the American Revolution. All I needed now was proof that I was a direct descendant of one of them. Fortunately the registrar for the group is very talented when it comes to obtaining the proper proofs.
After several months my paperwork was submitted to the DAR headquarters for verification. A couple of months later I found out that I had been accepted and in December I became a member. My patriotic ancestor is Captain Joshua Gist (pronounced “Guest”) of the North Carolina Militia. He is my G-G-G-G-G-Grandfather and was born in Baltimore in 1739. He came from a very patriotic family. His father was General Nathaniel Gist, who was a redcoat in his younger days but later a patriot. Two of Joshua’s brothers were killed in the Battle of Kings Mountain. Several other brothers were patriots as well as uncles and cousins. One of his uncle was General Mordecai Gist. Sometime after the war Joshua moved to western Kentucky where over a hundred years later his G-G-G-Granddaughter, my Grandmother, was born.
If you would like information on how to join go to the DAR website and search for a chapter close to you. If you live in the New Port Richey area check out the local chapter, Pithlochaskotee.
– – Carolyn M
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