National Society United States Daughters of 1812

The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain. It involved several issues, such as the seizure of American sailors by the British navy, England’s ongoing conflict with France, and "War Hawks" in congress wanting to expand American territory into Canada. The War lasted from 1812 to 1815. Although the "Treaty of Ghent" (which was to officially end the war) was signed on December 24th, 1814, news of the treaty did not reach the U.S. for several months. During the interim, military struggles continued with Great Britain. The war finally ended in somewhat of a stalemate with neither side with an indisputable victory. However for the United States, it appeared to had given the county (as a whole) a spirit of unity. The sentiment that it could pull together and defend itself from outside forces created a common element around which it could rally.

Throughout history organizations and groups have been established or created around such events. In this tradition of commemorating events in history, the National Society United States Daughters of 1812 (U.S.D 1812) was organized on January 8, 1892 by Mrs. Flora Adams Darling. This date also marked the anniversary of the "Battle of New Orleans". Incorporated in 1901, the society’s mission is recorded as "…to promote patriotism, to preserve and increase knowledge of the history of the American people by the preservation of documents and relics, the marking of historic spots, the recording of family histories and traditions, the celebration of patriotic anniversaries, teaching and emphasizing the heroic deeds of the civil, military and naval life of those who molded this government between the close of the American Revolution and the close of the War of 1812, to urge Congress to compile and publish authentic records of men in civil, military and naval service from 1784 to 1815 inclusive, and to maintain at National Headquarters a museum and library of memorabilia of the 1784-1815."

In regards to resources of the U.S.D. of 1812, the Genealogy collection contains a few references that may assist you in locating ancestors who might have served in the war. One source for example is the 1812 Ancestor Index, 1892-1970: National Society United States Daughters of 1812. This text provides a roster of established ancestors who rendered military or other service during the close of the American Revolution until the end of the War in 1815. Service took the form of civil and/or military. Entries provide the name of the ancestor, their spouse, their children, and their children’s spouses. Also, individual entries may vary. For example, those entries with volume numbers listed indicate that future applicants must prove lineage to their ancestor.

Volume II of this index, lists the names of member’s ancestors. These individuals served in civil, military, or naval capacities during the War of 1812 and from periods between 1784 and 1815. The information given is type of service, birth place, birth date, death date, name of spouse, names of children, as well as the names of their spouses through which the lineage is traced.

Another resource that is available is the National Society United States Daughters of 1812 News-Letter. The newsletter provides a calendar of events, articles submitted by individuals, a membership roster, as well as news and updates. The Jacksonville Public Library has from volume 4 of June 1923 to August 2008. Check at the fourth floor Genealogy/Florida desk for location.

If you believe that you have ancestors who service in the war of 1812, you may wish to consider reviewing these resources. For more information about this lineage society and their endeavors, you may visit their website at http://www.usdaughters1812.org.