Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution
Many of our Skillman ancestors served as soldiers in the Revolutionary War, either in the Continental Army or the various militias. Many who did not serve in military units supported the cause of America’s independence in other ways, such as service in local municipalities or other acts that supported the cause of the Revolution. Many paid local taxes or otherwise made monetary contributions to support the army, and many gave supplies such as horses and wagons, leather, cattle and wheat. My 4th great grandfather, John4 Skillman of Kingston, NJ, was a tanner who gave sides of leather to the Continental Army. His tannery was discovered by the British and burned to the ground, for which my 4th great grandfather is considered a Patriot.
The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are lineage societies whose members are descended from a Patriot who either fought or supported the cause of America’s independence is some verifiable way. The websites of the SAR and DAR have a list of Patriots who have already been recognized by these organizations as meeting the qualifications of membership. Since our Skillman lineage dates back to Thomas1 Skillman, the first Skillman who arrived in America four generations before the Revolutionary War, it is quite likely that many members of the Skillman Family Association qualify for membership in the SAR or DAR.
I have been a member of the SAR since 2004 and am currently the President of the Tampa Chapter in Florida. I am experienced in the process and paperwork required for membership in both societies and would be glad to help any member of the Association who wishes to join either the SAR or the DAR. (You can find my contact info in the Membership Directory.) Both are very patriotic societies whose purpose is to preserve the values and history of the Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States of America. As with membership in the Skillman Family Association, membership in these societies is another way to honor our early ancestors.
There are many other lineage or heritage societies for members whose early ancestors may have been recognized for specific events. Included among them are the Society of Mayflower Descendants, the Jamestowne Society, Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge, and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. All of these organizations have websites which explain their purpose and membership requirements.
John E. Skillman III
President
The author between two other Color Guardsmen of the Virginia Society, SAR