Wednesday, September 21, 2011

James Hardcastle - Revolutionary War Patriot

One of the most significant facts of Hardcastle family history is that James Hardcastle (1755) was a Revolutionary War patriot.  He was a son of William Hardcastle (1714), who is the basis for my website, “The Hardcastle Family in America” http://www.hardcastlefamily.com/.

James Hardcastle migrated to Warren County, KY in the early 1800’s, and he died there about 1828.  Several of his descendants have established their credentials for DAR membership through his established Revolutionary War service.  He has many descendants today in Warren County, KY and many other areas of the country.

DAR records show his gravesite is located in Warren County, KY, about 10 miles east of Bowling Green, KY, in the James Willoughby Family Cemetery on Bailey Ford Road.  The significance of this discovery is that this would be the oldest known gravesite for a Hardcastle in America.  I believe that James Hardcastle was in the 2nd generation of Hardcastles born in America.

I have never seen any photographs taken at this cemetery, but I believe it is important that we preserve this site through photographs.  Hopefully, someone in that area will visit the cemetery and let us know whether there is a marker for the grave.  Obviously, we are anxious to post photos of this site on our website, since this is such a significant site in the history of Hardcastles in America. 

I have been in contact with the local DAR chapter in Bowling Green, and I appreciate their contributions to our quest to document and preserve this historic site.  I hope anyone with knowledge of this gravesite will communicate with me so the information can be posted on the website.       

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Beginning Blog - What this blog is all about

I created this blog as a forum for people to interact about Hardcastle family history.  There are many other surnames related to the Hardcastle name through marriages.  We will include those for discussion as they relate to the Hardcastle name.  Some of the surnames included are:

Black  -  Dillon  -  Harbour  -  Finton  -  Hogan  -  Lewis  -  Lyons  -  Reed  -  Shubert  -  Weeks, and many others.  For a complete listing of related surnames currently in our database, please go to my website and click on "Related Surnames" in the "Names" menu on the Home page.

Primary purpose of this blog is  to promote my website http://www.hardcastlefamily.com/.  The blog is a place where persons interested in Hardcastle family history can exchange information and get questions answered concerning their family's history.

I will also use it to make announcements about significant family history events.  I also plan to detail some of the unique experiences I've had over the years in researching our family's history.

Nearly all Hardcastles born in southern states can trace their lineage to William Hardcastle, who was born in Virginia, likely in 1714.  He moved to North Carolina about 1750.  His descendants spread to many states.  My ancestors came to Arkansas about 1830.

I encourage people who are interested in Hardcastle family history to participate in this blog.  Post questions about your ancestry, or answer questions that others have posted.

Check back often as I will be making regular updates to the blog.  Also, check out our Facebook page for other opportunities for interaction.

John P. Hardcastle
webmaster@hardcastlefamily.com