free search of Daughters of the American Revolution applications?

Question

I used the DAR application form found at Ancestry as a source, but then i tried to look for a free source also.  By searching former G2G messages I was led to this: http://services.dar.org/public/dar_research/search/?tab_id=0

but when i enter the details into the search screen, i don't find my guy.  Is he there? am i just doing it wrong?

The DAR application quotes from a book Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the Revolutionary War which seems to be found at Ancestry .. Is there a free version of this book?  Is it considered a valid source?  

This is my first foray into DAR - I have very few American ancestors and they went UEL. I believe that Benjamin Cutter is an ancestor of Anne (Morrow) Lindbergh; i created his profile the other day while trying to link Anne to the tree (which was efficiently accomplished by David Hughey using a different line).  Just thought I'd better circle back and give Benjamin some sources... it would be great if there were some that weren't behind a paywall.

Comments

PS - is this question in the right category or should it be in Tree House??

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Nanette gave a good answer. It's important to remember, OP,  that the DAR database is not exhaustive - not every Revolutionary veteran is (or can be) listed. New Patriots are added all the time. In fact, I just submitted a supplemental on a new patriot about eight weeks ago. It'll take another 9 or so months before I know whether they buy off on it. :)

Answer 1

Massachusetts Soldiers  is a legitimate source.  It is a 17-volume set with volume 1 first published by the State of Massachusetts in 1896.  

You should be able to find the books on archive.org. Here is a link to volume 1: 

https://archive.org/stream/massachusettssol00mass#page/n41/mode/2up

Three Benjamin Cutters are listed in volume 4:

https://archive.org/stream/massachusettssolcdrymass#page/328/mode/2up

 

Comments

This looks like a great resource, but I cannot figure out how to navigate it. How does one locate other volumes of the set?

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In the upper right corner, enter the name in "search inside this book.  Check here for other volumes  https://archive.org/search.php?query=subject%3A%22United+States+--+History+Revolution%2C+1775-1783+Registers%22

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Several volumes of the set are available at Hathi Trust. See https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008555379 for details.

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Thanks. I was using the site search box above it and kept getting separated from the book.

Answer 2

Dear Shirlea,

   I looked at the DAR database of recognized Patriot Ancestors online.  Here is the link:  http://services.dar.org/Public/DAR_Research/search/?Tab_ID=1

There are two Benjamin CUTTERs recognized but neither seems to be your man.  Neither was born about 1756 and neither has Catherine Farnsworth as a listed spouse.

This means if you want to use your Benjamin Cutter for membership, you will need to prove his Rev War service as well as your line all the way back.  The book Mass Soldiers and Sailors should be a fine source to prove his service.    Good luck!  -NGP

Comments

Thanks so much Nanette!  

I'm not trying to join anything, just trying to source an unsourced profile.  These applications seem like a gold mine - to the extent that they are not just family stories.

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Dear Shirlea,

   The DAR has a team of research librarians and all applications are reviewed.  The newer the application, the more reliable the genealogical information is likely to be.  Some old applications and some patriot ancestors are marked as suspect.  If an applicant wants to use this information on a new application, complete supporting data must be included.  In this way "family stories" are expected to be proven through reasonable genealogy.   It's getting better all the time!  -NGP

Answer 3

Try these "Forgotten Patriots" publications

http://www.dar.org/sites/default/files/media/library/DARpublications/Forgotten_Patriots_ISBN-978-1-892237-10-1.pdf

http://www.dar.org/sites/default/files/media/library/DARpublications/Forgotten_Patriots_Supplement_2008-2001_ISBN-978-1-892237-13-2.pdf

and this  http://services.dar.org/Public/DAR_Research/search/?Tab_ID=14&Tab_ID_Sub=3&Action=search