So hundreds of years ago, my family lived in the colonies of America. Settled in New Jersey was the Boudinot family. Reaching back to 9 generations ago lived Elias Boudinot, my 7th great grandfather. He was a lawyer, statesman, and early abolitionist and women’s rights advocate. Alongside all of those, he became one of the Presidents of the Continental Congress 1782. Another thing was him being the commissary general for prisoners and a colonel for the Continental Army.
His brother in law, Richard Stockton, is a name that is not well known, but exists in a place many take awe of. He is one of fifty six delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence. He also served in the Continental Congress alongside Elias.
My discovery of this information is from the Gateway to Belonging class we have to take here at OU. My professor has us figure out about our ancestors and write about something interesting relating to the family. My grandmother told me about how the family extends back to the 1700’s and what they all did.
I think it was so crazy to read about how my family was such an active role in the American Revolutionary War so many years ago. They lead the country to a direction that created the American Dream. While not being totally famous to the creation of the country, they lead in many important ways that helped form the ideals and laws of the country. I cannot speak on behalf of their dreams, but they did achieve some of the highest honors you can have in the country.
Another thing I think is crazy is finding letters between one of my direct ancestors and George Washington about his presidency. Being a kid who watched and still listens to Hamilton, I was so giddy about seeing him write “I have the honor to be with every Sentiment of Esteem & Friendship Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & most Hble Servt” E. Boudinot.