People start genealogy researching their family history for many different reasons. Mine was pretty simple. I wanted to join the Daughters of the American Revolution. I wasn’t sure when I started if it would be possible; my mom told me it wasn’t going to happen through her family line. This left my dad’s family as the only possibility. What I didn’t realize was how long the process was going to take. I think I’ve been researching this between 8-10 years.
My mom had researched the Lightcaps and thought that line looked promising. Unfortunately, this promising line is still that – promising. Acceptable lineage documentation eludes. There’s speculation, and then there’s proof. The DAR are sticklers about documentation.
So earlier in this year, after years of no success with the Lightcaps, I decided to start researching the parents of Mary Smith, wife of my ggg-grandfather Levi Lightcap. I did not expect success since I was researching Smith. Not only Smith, but MARY Smith.
I mean, really, Mary Smith?
Nothing says RESEARCH FAILURE like Mary Smith.
Fortunately, I knew a bit about her parents, Christian and Rebecca Smith. I knew that Christian served in the War of 1812. Through some out-of-the-box thinking combined with careful research, I figured out Rebecca’s maiden name: Firestone. From there, it was fairly easy to connect the dots since there has been a lot of research on the Firestones.
So I spent years researching a relatively unique name in Lightcap with no success in finding the appropriate documents; it took a few months of Smith research to find the documentation. Both funny and tear-my-hair-out irritating at the same time.
I’m very excited to be the first person in the DAR to prove lineage to Daniel Firestone. Daniel is Rebecca’s father, making Daniel my 5th great-grandfather. Daniel Firestone (DAR ancestor # A208114) served in the Revolutionary War, as a substitute for Adam Krill guarding British prisoners in 1781. He served Captain Andrew Ream, 3rd & 6th Battalion in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 1782-1783.
Forgotten History 
Hi, lol I know what you’re feeling and going thru. My Great Grandmother’s name is Adams! I’m sure you can figure out my dilemma, good luck!!
How long did it take to hear back after submitting your application and fee? I’m wondering if it’s taking a while for me because there weren’t any meetings over the summer – or if it just takes some time to process – or if one of my proofs wasn’t enough for them.
Two months and no word on my application. Is that unususk?
I’m two months in and haven’t heard a thing.