Massachusetts, Biographical Directory of Loyalists - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
This collection is an index and images from a published book entitled, "Divided hearts, Massachusetts loyalists, 1765-1790 : a biographical directory." The book contains a preface and key to the genealogies for many of the loyalists. These images are courtesy of the New England Historic Genealogical Society.

Record Content
The records may include any of the following:


 * Full names of ancestors
 * Birth dates and places
 * Christening dates and places
 * Marriage dates and places
 * Death dates and places
 * Burial dates and places
 * Names of other family members such as parents, spouses and children
 * Relationships
 * Residences
 * Other biographical details

How to Use the Record
To begin your search it is helpful to know:


 * Your ancestor’s name.
 * Other identifying information such as residence, birth date, names of other family members and family relationships

Search the Collection
To search the collection by name fill in your ancestor’s name in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about those in the list to what you already know about your own ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person.

If you did not find the person you were looking for, you may need to search the collection by image. ⇒Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select the appropriate "Book Title" ⇒Select the appropriate "_____________" ⇒Select the appropriate "_____________" which takes you to the images.

Look at each image comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination.

With either search keep in mind:


 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.
 * Your ancestor may have used different names or variations of their name throughout their life.

For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line article FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors. For example use the event dates and places to find family in census, church, military and land records.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names.
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby localities.
 * Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor.

Related Websites

 * New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS)
 * Loyalists of Massachusetts
 * NEHGS Massachusetts Genealogies

Related Wiki Articles

 * Massachusetts Genealogy
 * American Loyalists
 * Loyalist Ancestors in the U.S. Revolutionary War
 * Revolutionary War Loyalist Records
 * Québec American Loyalist Settlers (National Institute)
 * New Brunswick Loyalist Settlers and Records (National Institute)
 * New Brunswick Additional Loyalist Settlers and Records (National Institute)
 * Massachusetts Genealogy Guide
 * Massachusetts Online Genealogy Records

Citations for This Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.

Collection Citation:

Record Citation (or citation for the index entry):

Image Citation: