See the guy in the middle of this group? That's General George Washington. No, I'm not related to him. At least I don't think so. However, I am related to one of the guys in the yellow pants. Those are his bodyguards and my 5th great grandfather, Joseph Moore, was one of them. Yup, I'm a Daughter of the American Revolution (even though I haven't actually applied for membership).
Joseph Moore (born Joseph Moor) was born in Southwick, Massachusetts around 1764. When he was 17, he traveled to West Point, NY. He planned to enlist in the Continental Army and was assigned to Capt. Amos Cogswell's company, 3rd Massachusetts Regiment.From there, he was assigned to be a bodyguard for General Washington. I found this when I was researching the position...
"A portion of Washington's general order from March 11, 1776, details his expectations for the men who would serve in his life-guard. 'Being desirous of selecting a particular number of men, as a Guard for himself, and baggage,...depends upon the Colonels for good Men, such as they can recommend for their sobriety, honesty, and good behavior; he wishes them to be from five feet, eight Inches high, to five feet, ten Inches; and good behavior; handsomely and well made, and as there is nothing in his eyes more desirable than Cleanliness in a Soldier, he desires that particular attention may be made, in the choice of such men, as are neat, and spruce.'"
That has to be one of the strangest things I've ever read.
Joseph was discharged from service December 17, 1783. He was 22 when he married Hannah Miller (October 28, 1784 in Granville, MA). Their oldest, Theron, was born in 1786, They had 12 children. That's a dozen! Theron, Hannah, Norman, Joseph Jr, Abigail (my 4th great grandmother), Sophia, Seth, John Henry, Ransom, Levi, Tirza (or possibly Theresa), and Macena.
After the war, America wasn't this shiny and bright utopia. They were actually in rough shape. Not only had they lost men to the fighting, but now they were a new country with new responsibilities. The economy was in a slump, there wasn't enough hard cash circulating, and the state governments were imposing taxes to get themselves back together. Did they really think the people who fought "no taxation without representation" were going to accept that? Not so much.
So, in 1786, Daniel Shays, along with other military veterans started an armed uprising and it became known as Shays' Rebellion. And guess what? Joseph Moore got involved in this too. The majority of the men were pardoned, including Joseph, and this rebellion led to some of the changes that were made to the Constitution.
Theron and Norman, Joseph's oldest sons, decided to head west into Ohio. At some point, Joseph packed up his family and followed them. They settled in Avon, Ohio. This isn't very far from Cleveland and only about 2 and half hours from my hometown of Monroe. My mom found information on where Joseph and Hannah were buried and our plans of a road trip began.We set out the Monday after Easter. Snacks, a full tank of gas, paper, dates, and cell phones. It was going to be a girl's only weekend filled with...research. (also thrift stores, Amish country, and the Smuckers Headquarters) We drove along Route 6, a twisty little road that follows Lake Erie with only a general idea where this cemetery was located. The cemetery was going to be our first stop.
It was only by God's grace that we found it. It's small and right on the lake. After we passed it we figured it wouldn't hurt to turn around and just check. This was the first of a million more turn-arounds. I eased over the curb and followed the path. Actually, I'm not sure I was really supposed to drive into the cemetery, but there wasn't anywhere else to park either, since the road was too narrow for parking. I almost think Joseph wanted to be found. We had barely gotten out of the car, when we saw his headstone.I can't begin to explain the feeling you get from finding someone. Most people think of cemeteries as sad or spooky places, but they really aren't. At least I've never felt that way. These stones tell a story. If you're lucky enough to find your ancestor, then they tell a piece of your story too.
Joseph received a pension for serving in the American Revolution. This also means that he was a veteran and is still given that respect. The local veterans group has a special marker at his grave and keeps a flag flying there as well.
He passed away at the age of 84 on February 19, 1846. His wife, Hannah, is buried next to him. It was a beautiful spot for a cemetery, Lake Erie on one side and beautiful homes on the other.
After we said farewell to 5th great Grandpa and Grandma, we went in search of the library. Most local libraries will have some records about the history of their area. It can be a genealogist's treasure trove. In this case, we found out more about his children and where he and the sons farmed. It always amazes me that records go back this far (and that someone cares enough to keep track of them). The Moore family is considered one of the founding settlers of Avon Lake and Lorain, Ohio. They even have a road named after them. (I think this might have been turn-around #267)After finding some of the family, Mom and I made our way a little south into the Amish Country and stayed overnight a couple of nights. It was great, and just the kind of relaxation I needed at the time.
And on our way back, we found the Smuckers Headquarters! Which was just cool because I had no idea it was down there.
We've been thinking about a trip to Massachusetts, since we had family names crop up over there. I'm thinking Connecticut is a must. I want to find the Miller's, the Hubbard's, and anyone else that's in that area. If we happen to visit Boston or Salem or the many other sights? All the better. Right?
It just so happens that Hannah's father also served in the Revolutionary war. Since we would be off to find him we could be Daughters of the American Revolution on a Road Trip!
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