Because Dinwiddie County suffered a near-total loss of colonial-era records, these Revolutionary Public Service Claims are one of the few surviving windows into the lives of our ancestors during the struggle for independence. These certificates (vouchers) were issued between 1780 and 1785 to local citizens in exchange for vital supplies provided to the Continental Army and Virginia Militia.
In exchange for horses, beef, corn, and labor, citizens were issued handwritten certificates (vouchers). These certificates served as receipts for future reimbursement. Because many of Dinwiddie’s colonial records were destroyed during the Civil War, these claims are often the only surviving proof of a person's residency and "Patriotic Service" during the war—a key requirement for membership in the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and SAR (Sons of the American Revolution).
This project is a major effort to restore the "burned" history of Dinwiddie. If you found an ancestor here, please let us know! Your success stories help us prioritize the next sections for transcription.
💡 Note on Methodology: The data in this index consists of original transcriptions performed directly from the handwritten 18th-century certificates. While a printed version of these claims was published by Janice L. Abercrombie and Richard Slatten, this digital index is an independent project designed to link researchers directly to the visual primary source for verification of signatures, weights, and auditor endorsements.
Last updated: January 6, 2026
If you have questions, contributions, or problems with this site, email:
Coordinator - Ed Olsen
State Coordinator - Jeff Kemp
If you have questions or problems with this site, email the County Coordinator.
Please do not ask for specific research on your family. I am unable to do personal research.
