For the past year the Website Committee has been and continues to work on projects to enhance the DESSAR site’s research value.
The projects include:
1.) Publishing the Delaware Supply Tax Records, 1776 into 1782, and
2.) Linking Revolutionary War Soldiers buried in Delaware to the “Find-a Grave” database.
Delaware Supply Tax Records
There are several ways to prove an individual is a Revolutionary War Patriot, among them using Supply Tax Records from Delaware. These records, kept at the Delaware Public Archives, are on microfilm and can be viewed in person at the Archives. During the Revolutionary War money was raised to support the War effort through taxes. Laws exist defining these taxes and what portion of the tax was used to support the war. Currently supply taxes collected in each County, as well as the Hundreds in each county in which they were collected are listed on the site. At present, Supply Tax Records for Sussex and Kent Counties are available. Only supply tax records that can be used as proof of Patriotic Service are included. Patriotic Service is also one of the ways to prove a female ancestor is a Revolutionary War Patriot. The individual could have been a property owner, or inheriting an estate; in either case it can be used, when Supply Taxes were paid, as proof of Patriotic Service.
New Castle Supply Taxes records are expected to be posted by the end of 2022.
Revolutionary War Soldier Grave Records
The website has a list of known Delaware Revolutionary War graves; each year the Chapter tries to honor Patriots by placing a SAR marker at their grave. A gravesite ceremony is held where the SAR marker is then placed and Patriot’s biography is read. The intent is to mark at least two additional graves each year. Marking ceremonies are often quite moving and everyone is welcome to attend.
The website project will link known Patriot graves to the “Find a Grave” website, taking the ancestry researcher to the grave. Often the “Find a Grave” website includes names of spouses and children.
Feedback is Welcome
Feedback and suggestions are welcome; please let us know about any errors you might come across.
With appreciation,
The Website Committee
