Local Women Furnished Supplies to Support the Continental Army

March is Women’s History Month and this article honors a few of the known area women who furnished supplies for the Continental Army, which was in dire need of supplies, food, clothing, and shoes. The DAR recognizes ordinary citizens who gave Patriotic Service (PS) to the Revolutionary cause by providing supplies to their towns for the army.

The Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution celebrates America 250! In anticipation of the July 4, 2026, 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the 13 Colonies, the DAR wishes to remind everyone of the sacrifices and heroism of the men and women who fought for our freedoms that we enjoy today.

Hephzibah Nichols Burr is a verified Patriot (DAR Ancestor A202550) because she was paid for furnishing supplies when she sold the Army a gun and a gun lock on 14 Aug 1775. She was born on 15 Nov 1732 in Stratford and died 24 Oct 1810 in Stratfield. Hephzibah’s will divided her land among her children – sons John and Aaron and daughters Huldah, wife of Daniel Mitchell Curtiss (DAR Ancestor A028827); Sarah, wife of David Minott; Comfort Burr; and Hepsibah, wife of Philemon Sherwood. She left the care of her son Aaron (a special needs person) in the care of her son-in-law Philemon Sherwood. The oldest son, Elijah, was provided for in the distribution of his father’s estate. Her husband was Justus Burr who died suddenly on 13 Jul 1766 when his oxen crushed him in the doorway to his barn while driving a load of hay.

Sarah Silliman Seeley’s husband Samuel Seeley was killed at the Battle of Ridgefield on 27 Apr 1777. Both she and her husband are verified patriots (Sarah Seeley A211106; Samuel Seeley A101563). Sarah supplied a blanket for the Continental Army to the Town of Fairfield on 16 May 1777.

Two other women were named on the same list for providing blankets – Elizabeth Morehouse and Abigail Wilson. These two women qualify for Patriotic Service.

Christian (Hubbell) Silliman, baked and gave food to the soldiers guarding the coast on Long Island Sound at Fort Black Rock and the Battery for two or three years. She was married to Joseph Silliman, a verified Patriot (A214518). They lived on Grovers Hill, which was close to Fort Black Rock, the Battery and the Upper Wharf (also known as the Landing). The Silliman’s neighbors and relations were involved in the defense of the Fairfield/Stratford coast. Some of the soldiers stationed at the fort and battery were frequent visitors to her home. Even though Christian Silliman is not currently a verified patriot, she provided food to soldiers guarding the Coast at Fairfield, which is Patriotic Service (PS).

If you wish to research any CT relatives who may have provided service to the American cause, you should visit the FamilySearch.org website: Catalog for Connecticut Archives: Revolutionary War (Selected Papers), Series 1-2, 1763-1820. This is a free site https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/81258?availability=Family%20History%20Library

The DAR recognizes as Patriots not only soldiers, but also anyone who contributed to the cause of American freedom. DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to securing the independence of the United States of America. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join. The DAR is a non-profit women's service organization dedicated to historic preservation, education and patriotism. For more information about our chapter visit http://www.sarahriggshumphreysDAR.org

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution asks everyone to celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States of America and the Patriots that achieved American Independence. For more information visit https://honoringourpatriots.dar.org/