Family History and Genealogy wasn’t always a hobby of mine. About 2010 I started thinking about Family connections, stories, and old photographs and how I might preserve them. I was sitting in the audience at my son Jacob’s JROTC annual award program and a woman stood up at the lectern and presented awards for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, Luiseno Chapter. As I sat listening to her talk about the formation of the DAR and its mission “to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism.” little did I know It would be the beginning of this journey for me.
Later, while talking to my mother about this organization and its mission, I was informed that we had a “Patriot” in our family who had served in the Revolutionary War. Dewalt Bonebrake (Beinbrech) and his family lived in Pennsylvania. He and his five brothers along with his father had fought for our country’s independence. I was intrigued not only to learn more about him but also determine if I could join this lineage society. My mother also had in her possession a very large book about Daniel Beinbrech and his descendants including Dewalt.
Daniel Beinbrech His Ancestors and His Descendants written by Mary Rizek Bonebrake copyright 1990.
This book started me on my journey not only to become a member of the DAR but also my journey into family history and genealogy. I started this blog originally to share some of my thoughts and issues with elusive ancestors but hopefully it becomes a place to connect family, share family history, and preserve their memories for future generations. Dewalt Bonebrake was my first patriot proven for acceptance into the DAR and so far I have found another 8 ancestors whom I am working on proving my lineal decent. If you are family, or interested in tracing your family history to see if you are eligible for membership into a lineage society. I would love to connect with you. I am the self-elected family historian and lover of all tales big and small.