Divided Loyalty: Four Sons of the Revolution

by Mark Crawford, Audra Gerber (Editor)

1771. The inevitable American Revolution looms, with deep division in the colonies over fealty to the distant British Crown. Brothers and neighbors Robert, Archibald, James, and John Crawford scratch out a living as farmers in Pound Ridge, New York. The sons of immigrants, they share deep family roots and loyalty. But like many, they hold radically different views of the British Empire. The four sons pledge neutrality, but family secrets make it impossible to remain on the sidelines.

Divided Loyalty is based on the true story of a family ripped apart by the American Revolution. Trapped in the “neutral ground” between warring armies, the Crawford clan face daily attack and plunder from all sides. Through a decade of war, their gripping story paints an authentic portrait of the life, death, joy, and heartbreak that devastated families across the young nation.

Can the brothers survive deeply divided loyalties?

In the midst of civil war, which loyalty comes first, family or nation?

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2022

Reviews

[Jara · Rating 5 out of 5]

How exciting to be able to trace your family history back to the time of the American Revolutionary War and understand their role in the political situation and the battles fought too close to home.

I was really interested in how the family was torn in half by the American Revolutionary War. Although the four brothers agreed to stay united, they each had their own opinion as to which side to support: the Loyalists or the Patriots. At one point, each man had to make his stand publicly: two supported the King and the other two supported the Patriots. Why they made the choices they did, and what suffering each choice brought, made for fascinating reading.

This book would make excellent reading to accompany the textbook study of the American Revolutionary War. Mr. Crawford spoke about this book and his genealogy research to our Book Club.

[Pat Trattles · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband bought this book because it contains the story of some of his ancestors. He thoroughly enjoyed it and encouraged me to read it. I was not disappointed. Although parts of the book were somewhat repetitive, the story was well researched and gives readers a glimpse into the effects of the American Revolution on individual families. The four Crawford brothers had always been close, settling land adjacent to each other in Pound Ridge New York. But when war broke out the choices they made would forever change the family dynamics. Two brothers supported the Patriots and the other two were loyal to the King. One brother was killed in the war, and two moved to Canada after the war and apparently never saw their other brother again. 4 stars.

[Barbara Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at different points of view surrounding the American Revolution. Four brothers are united in family but divided by their choices to remain loyal to the crown, or support the fight for independence, or seek the neutral ground. Best of all, this story is based on the author's 18th century ancestors. Well done!

[Gerrie Baarson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A folksy walk through American history

Thoroughly enjoyed the style of writing about his family’s history. Certainly drew you into the characters right from the start. Amazing how little I knew (or remembered) of the Revolutionary war. Looking forward to his next book

[Alysha Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

It was a great reminder of what our country has been through and I especially loved learning about how the parts of New York got their names. Wonderful story!

[Becky Carr Guite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed research led to me to my 6th great grandfather, Archibald, which led me here. Loved the history, the writing, the facts woven in. I’ve sent the book name far and wide!