Oath of Fidelity and Support

The Oath of Fidelity and Support was an oath swearing allegiance to the state of Maryland and denying allegiance and obedience to Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. As enacted by the Maryland General Assembly in 1777, all persons holding any office of profit or trust, including attorneys at law, and all voters were required to take the oath no later than March 1, 1778.^[1][2] It was signed by residents of every county, including 3,136 residents of Montgomery and Washington counties,^[3] and 9,000 residents of the Eastern Shore. ^[4]

Being a direct female descendant of a signer of the oath is sufficient condition to join the Daughters of the American Revolution.

References

1. John Thomas Scharf, History of Maryland from the Earliest Period to the Present Day. Published by J. B. Piet, 1879
2. Carothers, Bettie S.; Maryland Oaths of Fidelity; ISBN 1-58549-401-1
3. Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine, Daughters of the American Revolution, Published by R.R. Bowker Co., 1916 v.50 1917 Jan-Jun
4. 9,000 Men Who Signed the Oath of Allegiance and Fidelity to Maryland During the Revolution, Vol. 1 (Eastern Shore), Bettie Stirling Carothers, Lutherville, Maryland