The Wayne County Genealogical and Historical Society, (WCGHS) and the Ceredo Kenova American Legion Post 93 is challenging Wayne County 7th grade students to a contest.
The contest is to see how many students can research and trace their heritage to Revolutionary War Soldiers. The society has identified 158 soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War and settled in this area after the war. Students may trace their ancestry to these soldiers. If a students last name is not listed among these, he or she can still be a descendant. “For example, I have personally traced myself to seven of them and my name (Peters) is not listed among any of them.” You may (Google “wcghs.com” and click on the menu & then Revolutionary War Soldiers for a list of the names.
We are also challenging the students to identify the greatest number of their ancestors who have served in wars going back to the Revolutionary war. We are now in the tenth war since the Revolutionary War.
The purpose of the contest is to enrich student knowledge and interest while paying tribute to the patriots from the Revolutionary War. This tribute extends to the brave men and women who have fought in all wars to keep our freedom. The Bill of Rights and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July, 4th 1776 established a nation like no other in this world. Some made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
“We believe this researching by students will enrich and inspire our future leaders to better understand their heritage and give them a real and better connection to our history”. The contest will require the cooperation and support of everyone, specifically the educators, parents, grandparents and community. This could be a great learning experience for everyone. This might also inspire the students to some day become a member of the prestigious DAR or SAR (Daughters or Sons of the American Revolution).”
The Wayne, Kenova, Fort Gay and Lawrence Co. KY Public Libraries all have ancestry.com and many other resources to assist the students in researching.
The Genealogy Society will assist in authenticating the research and lineage and presenting of certificates and monetary awards as proof of their lineage.
John Jarrett Peters, Vice President (WCGHS) Phone 304 429 2033 Address 5766 Hubbards Br. Huntington, WV 25704
