Oaths of Allegiance During the American Revolution
During the American Revolution, the Second Continental Congress required oaths of allegiance from all personnel serving in the Continental Army and Navy. The requirement of swearing or affirming loyalty to the newly formed United States was then extended to all free men. For genealogists, locating an ancestor’s oath can help provide proof of patriotic service. It also places a man in a particular geographic location, frequently lists his occupation, and provides a signature or mark. This presentation discusses the background of oaths of allegiance in America and provides hints on locating surviving oaths and lists.
Speaker: Kathy Petlewski, M.A., M.S.LS.S
My educational background is firmly centered around American history with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in that area. In addition, I received my Library Science degree and became a reference librarian specializing in local history and genealogy.
With the advent of computers in libraries, I assumed the roll of Electronic Resources Librarian and became proficient in website design and maintenance. Combining historical research with online resources is my passion and drives me to find elusive materials for my projects. In June, 2018 I stepped down from my full-time position at the library and am now devoting my time in private research projects and presenting genealogy workshops and talks throughout southeastern Michigan.
My genealogy work began over fifty years ago in Augusta, Georgia at the feet of my Irish grandmother who passed down the oral history of her family as well as providing me with family documents and photos. For half a century I’ve been traveling around the country to courthouses, libraries and cemeteries. While so many of these places have now digitized their collections and placed them at our disposal 24/7, I still have fond memories of the joys of discovering family papers hidden in the files at old courthouses.
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