This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Holmes Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/VRB.2ACE/2494 Message Board Post: Revolutionary War pension records show that a John Holmes of Columbia County enlisted with Captain Fowler's Company in the second New York Regiment Commanded by Col. Philip Van Cortlandt. Pay records put his birth in or about 1745. It appears that he may have lived in Ulster County for a period before and after the War. However, he may have moved back to Columbia as a John Holmes is listed in the 1800 census in the township of Canaan. I am trying to prove that this man is the father of my 3rd great grandfather, George Holmes. George's birth date, as given in a family Bible, was February 7, 1798. He gave his birth place in the 1865 NY census as Dutchess county (perhaps near the Columbia border??). Has anyone come across any information on a John Holmes in Columbia that coincides with what I've outlined above? I know that, if the dates I have are right, this John was getting up there in years by the time my George was born...but there are a number of other facts that match nicely with the family lore regarding George's heritage. Any information or guidance would be appreciated.