Elizabeth Forsyth Land Owner in 1577 Scotland

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On September 30, 1577, a royal charter issued at Holyroodhouse confirmed lands in Echeris (Strathisla, Banffshire) to Joanni Langmure and his heirs.

What makes this record special to us?
It names Eliz. Forsyth—Elizabeth Forsyth, mother of the grantee—as an occupant of part of the lands. 🌿

She held 2 bovates (a medieval land measure) of the Netherthird of Echeris, with grazing rights and shared pasture.

This rare mention is a glimpse of a Forsyth woman in a land transaction, showing that the Forsyths weren’t just witnesses or landholders—they were respected residents in royal records.

📖 Source: Register of the Great Seal of Scotland, Vol. 4, Item 2726 (1577)

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The Most Famous Forsyth of the Revolutionary War

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One of the most famous Forsyths of the American Revolutionary War is Robert Forsyth—a true patriot who lived a life of duty and honor.

🪖 He enlisted in the Continental Army after the war began, and just three years later, received a commission as Captain in the Corps of Partisan Light Dragoons under the legendary "Lighthorse Harry" Lee.

⚔️ In 1781, Robert was promoted to Major of the First Virginia Legion—leading with courage through the Southern campaigns.

📜 After the war, President George Washington appointed him as U.S. Marshal of Georgia.

💥 In 1794, Major Forsyth became the first U.S. Marshal to die in the line of duty, forever remembered for his service both in battle and in building the young United States.

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William Forsyth & The American Revolution

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William enlisted as a private for one month in Feb 1778 with Capt William Lathan and then again in March 1779 under the same officers.  They manned the artillery at Fort Griswold.  He was awarded a pension in 1831.  Records on Fold3 confirm his service and his marriage to Prudence.

🪦 William passed away on November 6, 1843, and is buried in Wood Cemetery in Ledyard, New London County, CT.
His tombstone still stands today and can be seen on Find A Grave—a lasting marker of a life devoted to liberty.

📖 His story is a powerful reminder of the many Forsyths who helped shape the foundation of the United States.

Latham Forsyth of Connecticut

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As we continue our month of July honoring Forsyths who served in the American Revolution, we recognize Latham Forsyth of Connecticut, a proud descendant of Gilbert Forsyth.

🪖 Records from Fold3 confirm his service during the Revolutionary War—and tell the story of a life rooted in duty and legacy.

💍 Latham was married to Abigail, who—after his passing—received a pension and bounty land as his widow, a lasting testament to his sacrifice and service to the young nation.

From the battle lines of Connecticut to the pages of American history, Latham Forsyth stands as another example of how our name helped shape liberty.

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John Forsyth and Cristine Reid

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📜 A Wee Bit of Forsyth History 📜

In 1576 John Forsyth and his wife Christine Reid were granted lands and rights, read more about this

On May 16, 1576, King James confirmed a charter issued by the Abbot of Kinloss to Master John Forsyth and his wife Cristine Reid.

The Forsyths were granted lands in Sauchiewotoun, Wyndishillis, and Nether-sait of Bochkerts, along with the mill at Newlandis, located in the barony of Strathisla (modern Banffshire).

🛠️ They were even given rights to build and maintain a mill — a clear sign of their standing and responsibility within the region.

This document reflects the growing influence of Forsyth families in northern Scotland during the 16th century—trusted, educated, and land-holding.

📍From the barony of Strathisla to the royal registry at Halyruidhous (Holyrood), the Forsyth name was already making history.

📖 Source: Register of the Great Seal of Scotland, Vol. 4, Item 2566

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Keeper of the Keys

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On March 26, 1557, Queen Mary confirmed a land grant to Patrick, Bishop of Moray, involving estates in the Highlands—from Balblair to Terebechrache—and recorded it at Edinburgh.

Witnessing this royal transaction was John Forsyth, identified as "claviger" — Latin for Keeper of the Keys of Rothesay 🔑

This early record places a Forsyth in a position of responsibility and trust, serving as a royal or administrative officer in 16th-century Scotland. His role as claviger suggests he held authority over access to a key location—possibly a castle or royal estate.

🗓️ A small note in history, but a big moment for the Forsyth name

📖 Source: Register of the Great Seal of Scotland Vol 4

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Declaration of Arbroath

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The Declaration of Arbroath, signed by Scottish nobles to assert their independence from England, laid the philosophical groundwork for liberty and self-rule. Over 450 years later, those same ideals inspired the Declaration of Independence in America on July 4, 1776.

📜 What’s the Forsyth connection?
Our ancestors were part of this spirit of independence. As loyal Scots, Forsyths stood for sovereignty, identity, and the right to self-govern—principles carried across the Atlantic by Scots-Irish immigrants who helped build the foundations of a new nation.

🔗 The Declaration of Arbroath wasn’t just about Scotland—it echoed through history and helped shape the very soul of America.

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REVOLUTIONARY WAR - Jonathan Forsaith→

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A search of Fold3 military records reveals that many Forsyths served in the American Revolutionary War—answering the call for liberty.

One such patriot was Jonathan Forsaith, son of Matthew Forsaith and Ester Graham of New Hampshire.

In June 1777, Jonathan enlisted for three years—or the duration of the war—serving in a company commanded by Captain Blodgett. His service is a proud part of our Forsyth legacy.

A descendant of this New Hampshire family is an active participant in our Forsyth Y-DNA Project. If you are a direct-line male from this family—or from any Forsyth branch—we encourage you to join. Your participation can help expand our understanding of Forsyth lineage through the power of genetic genealogy.

Sources: Fold 3 and FamilySearch

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WOMEN OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR - Mary Forsyth

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We don’t often think of women serving in the American Revolutionary War, but the records tell a different story.

A search of Fold3 military archives reveals Mary Forsyth, who enlisted in the 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment—a rare and remarkable find.

Further evidence from FamilySearch Revolutionary War records shows that on 13 May 1776, Mary was paid for nursing a soldier in Captain Bayard’s company—a powerful reminder of the essential roles women played in supporting the war effort.

Though often overlooked, Mary Forsyth’s service shines a light on the quiet strength and dedication of women in the Forsyth family legacy.

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