donnaheck1(a)comcast.net writes:
This brings up an interesting question. Does anyone know what the DAR
does
in a case where the info submitted for membership either is questioned or is
later proven to be in error? Just curious.
Donna
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The central thing
that must be proven for DAR membership is that the named
ancestor served and the direct line of descent from the patriot to the
applicant. The people in Washington DC NSDAR Headquarters who do the investigations
have access to all public records, so a copy does not have to be sent except for
record of service. Example, if census, probate, etc. are used, the applicant
only needs to give details such as book and page number, roll number or
whatever. If a Bible Record, unpublished cemetery record or that type record is used,
a copy (sometimes witnessed or notarized) and a photograph of headstone if
available must be sent.
If the submitted record conflicts with records already on file and/or the
military record is not on file at the Nat'l Archives, much more investigation is
done before the application is accepted. A number of old records (before 1940,
for instance) have since been closed and must be re-proven before that
ancestor can be used. These records were submitted before Xerox copies, film, etc.
were available so actual records were sent and later returned to applicant. I
know of cases where someone wanted to disprove or improve information in an
old record - such as correct the name of the wife, date or birth or something of
that sort. It takes a lot of paper work but can be accomplished.
We are not lucky in the case of this Henry Cagle. In the space for service
record, it only shows that he served as a soldier in the Militia of Wilmington
District, NC and says copy attached. Sometimes it gives the Indent Number,
Pension Number, etc. When you order a record - all you get is the approved
application form. The attachments or enclosures are on microfilm and filed in the
patriot's folder in the NSDAR Library in Washington.
The names of children are not rerquired although requested if known.
Dana