I have a real problem and hope that some of the smart folks on this mail list can help. I have three men with the same name who are all related and whom were though to be Rev War soldiers from VA. Several of us ordered the three men's records from NARA and we all got the same man's records, the one whom we know had a pension. Thank goodness for that pension, because that record lets us know that indeed the 12 pay and muster records are for this man. Now why the records of the other two years he served were not get sent to us, I do not know. So, when one man, called "Old Capt" Thomas McClanahan, was requested, they said that records for service prior to the Am. Rev would be in the state records. How do I find out if there are any records in VA for him? I know a gread deal about this man. He was born ca 1730 in Cople Parish in either Westmoreland or King William Co. He married Margaret Strother in King George Co. about 1749-50. Someone sent this to me: Hennings Vol 7 page 229. 1756. To Col. Lee pay for Capt. Wm. Tabbs and Capt. Thomas McClanahan's Companies of militia to Aug. 30, 1756, incl. muster roll; VA Records by Crozier Vol. 5. p 96. Fauquier Co.. Capt. Thomas Mc Clanahan, 27 Sept 1759-26 June 1761. I have not seen these books but will try and locate them. Does this mean that there are records available as a *proof* that this man served in some capacity locally? He lived in Fauquier and Culpeper Counties and by 1780 was getting land in KY. There are several land grants and it is thought that he got this for military service. Did men get land for militia service? I would like to get copies of this kind of records if someone can point me in the right direction. Thank you for your help. gale To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html