Information was hidden among documents scattered on a table in Myrtle Beach on Monday. It’s research Jane Harvey, the chapter regent for “Daughters of the American Revolution” Myrtle Beach, has poured herself into to trace her family tree.
“My patriot became a soldier at a very young age just as soon as he turned 16 because his father had been killed by the tories. He had been killed in their home in front of his mother and so that was his motivation to be a soldier,” said Harvey.
So far, Harvey has proven 3 ancestors who all fought in the American Revolution but she said she’ll have 14 total if she pursues each one.
Her grandchildren motivate her to keep researching and she said it’s also a way to preserve her own little spot in history.
“My name will always be in the DAR database in Washington DC for any of my descendents and that’s true of any member,” said Harvey.
She’s not alone with a desire to learn about her past. Elaine Lilling said her mother was working on tracing back her genealogy before she passed away.
Lilling decided to finish what her mother started to honor her and she was amazed at what she found.
“He left his farm in the care of his younger son so that he could devote the next couple of years to fighting in the Revolutionary War,” said Lilling.
Both think of their heritage as they flipped through documents of the past on President’s Day and wonder what they would want to say to them if they were alive.
“You just appreciate everything that everybody that has gone before you has done,” said Lilling.
On Sunday, “Children of the American Revolution” will host an event in Myrtle Beach to celebrate George Washington’s birthday.
The event will take place from 3-5pm at the Hampton Inn at Broadway at the Beach. Organizers said there is no charge but space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 843-492-0061 or email car.longbay@gmail.com.
