Over the years, it has been heard many times on the news were an actor or other personality in the public limelight states that if such and such legislation passes, or if so and so is elected to office that this person would move to Canada or some other country. I am not recall any of these public figures ever making good on their promise to move. However, this was not always the case. Prior to the Revolutionary War, not everyone agreed with the separatists. There were many living in the American colonies who held their loyalties to king and country, to England. They were know as Loyalists. There were other names as well, Tories, British Supporters, Turn-Coats, Red Coats, Tar Babies, and others. By any name, as supporters of the British, they were counted as part of the losing side of the American Revolution. The “patriotic blood” that runs through the hearts of most Americans, may not have started as patriotically as one may have thought. Millions of American descend from Loyalist ancestors.
As the war broke out, many Loyalists were run off their lands and out of their homes. Many, fled to the British held, and Loyalists strong hold, New York City. As the war came to a close, thousands fled to Canada, England, and other diverse locations and countries. Research Guide to Loyalist Ancestors: A Directory to Archives, Manuscripts, Published and Electronic Sources, details the locations of Loyalists records around the world. Sources are listed in the book geographically. For each location, a listing of the holdings is provided, along with a bibliography of published sources for each geographic region.
The book also contains contact information for Loyalist historical and genealogical society. To discover one’s Loyalist ancestors should be considered an honor. Many stood for their beliefs, while their historically favored rebellious neighbors took to the streets in revolt. Consider the action on both sides as courageous and take charge in finding your Loyalist ancestors.
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1 What! I Descend From a Loyalist!
Chapter 2 Canadian Sources
- National Archives of Canada
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Cape Breton
- Prince Edward Island
- New Brunswick
- Quebec
- Ontario
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Yukon Territory
- Northwest Territories
- The United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada
- the Canadian Heraldic Authority
- Internet sources for Canadian Records & Loyalists Materials
Chapter 3 USA
- The National Archives, Washington, D.C.
- Library of Congress
- The Hereditary Order of Descendants of The Loyalists and Patriots of the American Revolution
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Rhode Island
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
- New York
- Delaware
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Florida
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Miscellaneous United States Archive Locations for Inquiries
Chapter 4 Other Countries Loyalists Settled At
- England
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Sierra Leone
- Jamaica
- Dominica
- Islands of St. Vincent
Chapter 5 Loyalist Book Publishers & Books
- Book Publishers
- Books & Materials
Chapter 6 Laws & General Miscellaneous Loyalist Notation
- The Godfrey–Millken Bill
- American Indian Loyalist–Joseph Brant’s Volunteers
- Lord Dorchester’s Proclamation
- Notable Dates in Loyalists History
Chapter 7 Miscellaneous Loyalist Internet Sources & Locations
To help uncover your Loyalist ancestors, obtain a copy of Research Guide to Loyalist Ancestors: A Directory to Archives, Manuscripts, Published and Electronic Sources from Family Roots Publishing; Item #: HBB1425, Price: $18.62.