As we mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, there is no better time to look back at the foundations of our nation — and at the foundations of modern genealogy itself. This week, we honor Donald Lines Jacobus (1887–1970), widely regarded as the “father of American genealogy.”
Why Jacobus Matters to Genealogists
Born on 3 October 1887, Jacobus transformed genealogy from a hobby of collecting names into a professional discipline grounded in rigorous methodology. Before his influence, many family histories were little more than tradition, guesswork, or myth. Jacobus introduced source citations, careful analysis, and the demand for evidence — principles that remain the gold standard today.
He founded The American Genealogist in 1922, a scholarly journal still published today, and became the first person elected to the National Genealogical Society’s Hall of Fame. His insistence on accuracy over assumption permanently changed how we approach genealogy.
Applying Jacobus’s Lessons to Revolutionary Research
When we research ancestors who lived through the Revolutionary era, Jacobus’s standards guide us:
- Don’t stop at family lore. A story that “Grandfather fought at Saratoga” is just the beginning. The records — muster rolls, pension applications, or local militia lists — must confirm it.
- Seek original sources. Land grants, probate records, or court minutes often reveal details that compiled histories miss.
- Analyze carefully. Was the man of the same name in Georgia the same one who appears in a Virginia regiment? Only a chain of evidence proves it.
Jacobus taught us that genealogy is detective work, and the Revolutionary era requires our best skills.
Family History Month Challenges
In the spirit of Jacobus, consider these October research challenges:
- Re-examine a Revolutionary ancestor’s record. Look again at a pension file, deed, or court record. What did you miss the first time?
- Check the sources. If your lineage society application relies on a published genealogy, track down the original record.
- Write it out. Summarize one ancestor’s Revolutionary service in narrative form — not just dates, but their story in the context of war.
Why This Matters in 2026
As we approach America’s Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary), genealogy gives us a personal connection to history. Battles like Kings Mountain, Yorktown, and Brier Creek are not just events in a textbook — they were lived by our families. By applying Jacobus’s standards, we make sure their stories are told accurately, preserving them for generations to come.
Closing Thought
This Family History Month, let us celebrate both the ancestors who lived through the Revolution and the scholars who taught us how to study them. Donald Lines Jacobus reminded us that genealogy is not simply about names on a chart — it is about truth, evidence, and story.
So here’s your challenge: pick one Revolutionary ancestor, dust off their records, and apply Jacobus’s rigor. You may be surprised at the new details you discover.
Sources
https://americangenealogist.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Lines_Jacobus
https://blog.gale.com/who-was-donald-lines-jacobus-and-why-should-you-care