For a time, my grandmother and great Aunt Alice were card-carrying members of the Daughters of the American Revolution. I haven’t ruled out joining, myself. A nonprofit women’s organization that promotes patriotism, the preservation of American history, and the improvement of education is something I can get behind.
I knew, therefore, I had descended from Revolutionary War veterans, but never learned much about who they were. After focusing on May 5–11, 1775 for my This Week in History series, I traveled down a fascinating rabbit hole in Ancestry.com’s Revolutionary War database.
After confirming that at least four of my sixth-great-grandfathers did, in fact, fight in the American Revolutionary War, I gathered some facts about them. Here’s what I learned about the first three. (I plan to research each of these gentlemen in more detail soon.)
Lt. Col. Zephania Leonard
January 18, 1736-April 11, 1814
Zephania Leonard was from Raynham, Massachusetts, and served in the Revolutionary War as a lieutenant colonel of the Bristol County Militia in the Siege of Boston, which the Patriots won. I also found documents stating he was sheriff of Bristol County for 32 years, and served as an esquire of Raynham for an undisclosed period of time.
Col. John Wade Hampton
December 22, 1761–June 18, 1837
John Wade Hampton was from Abbeville, South Carolina, and served in the Revolutionary War as a private for South Carolina’s District Ninety-Six. I had heard he might be related to Gen. Wade Hampton, who served as a Confederate general during the Civil War (1861-65), but I’ve not yet been able to confirm this.
Capt. James Shields
1747–1779
James Shields was from Sandy River in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and served in the Revolutionary War as a private in the 2nd Virginia Regiment. That’s all I know about him, so far.
While researching the last sixth great-grandfather, I came upon an interesting document. But first, his story:
Capt. Jonathon Maltbie III
December 17, 1744-February. 11, 1798
Jonathon Maltbie III was born in Stamford, Connecticut, and spent most of his life in nearby Fairfield and at sea. His father died when he was 1. Two years later, his mother was struck by lightning, orphaning him at age 3. (Wow!) Maltbie was placed in the custody of his paternal grandfather, Jonathan Maltbie Senior.
Before, during, and after the war—until his death, actually—Capt. Maltbie served as a sailor and Naval officer. Before becoming a military captain, he was involved in the East Indies trade.
While reviewing other Ancestry.com members’ trees, I came across this photo of his home in Fairfield, which has been preserved and still stands today.
The story goes that during the British invasion of Fairfield, the Red Coats attempted to set fire to Maltbie’s home three times, but an elderly servant who had been upstairs put out the flames and saved the house from destruction. Burn marks are rumored to remain inside to this day. At some point, the front door was relocated to the side and a large window was installed in its place.
I discovered other documents relating to Maltbie’s life and work as a sea captain, but the one you’re about to see stopped me in my tracks.
The letter below, dated March 21, 1791, contains an appointment signed by President George Washington himself. It assigns Capt. Maltbie as a Master (captain) of the United States Revenue Cutter Argus—a sloop built in New London for service along Connecticut’s and Rhode Island’s waters, and one of our country’s first cutters. A text transcription follows.
The document reads:
George Washington
President of the United States of AmericaTo all who shall see these Presents, Greeting
Know ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity, Diligence and good Conduct of Jonathan Maltbie, of Connecticutt [sic]. I do appoint him Master of a Cutter in the Service of the United States, for the protection of the Revenue, and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfill the Duties of that Office, with all the rights and Endowments thereto legally appertaining unto him the said Jonathan Maltbie during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the Time Being.
In Testimony whereof I have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the United States to be herewith affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Philadelphia, the twenty first day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the Fifteenth .
G Washington
By the PresidentThos (Thomas) Jefferson (Secretary of State)
The U.S. Revenue Cutter service was the predecessor of the U.S. Coast Guard. Capt. Maltbie served as the Argus’ first captain, and died while still in command of it on February 11, 1798. I’m proud to have descended from one of our country’s earliest Patriots, whose boss just happened to be our country’s first president.
Maybe it’s time to fill out that DAR paperwork.
Very interesting! Thanks! These ancestors fought for our freedom!