All My Ancestors

Today I am mailing in my husband’s SAR application.

I am both thrilled to be sending it in and chagrined that it has taken me so long.

When we first started researching his family, we discovered there were no Spindles registered as Patriots in the National Society for the Sons of the American Revolution.

My husband is not a joiner. Those of you who know him know that is probably the understatement of the century.

But he has wanted to be an SAR member for a very long time. I have worked through three different chapter registrars–one of them is now deceased. Sad, but true.

But through my work at the library at the Oklahoma Historical Society I met the most helpful man who was willing to do the bit of hand-holding that I needed.

And it was so much easier than I ever imagined. (Of course it’s not accepted yet but I’ve been given hope.)

I had the line back to John Spindle, Jr. who furnished beef and brandy to the Continental Army. What I did not have was a piece of documentation for each date and line on the application.  Documentation of John Jr’s marriage to Mary Barbee Sears has taunted researchers for years, for example.

Turns out, I may not need it. The application for SAR says very clearly, “Proof is needed only for individuals in the bloodline.” Between birth and death records, wills and census records and probates for each of the 7 Spindle generations back to John, Jr., it’s not difficult at all to document.

Another SAR member filed a Supplemental Application back in 1997, so while we aren’t the first to get John Spindle, Jr. on file as a patriot, here’s hoping what I’m sending in will work for Hubbo to finally get his wish.

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