Born from a shared love of genealogy, cemeteries, and local history, this work explores the lives of Dighton’s patriots—many of whom appear in the Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War.
 
Who were these men, and what ties did they have to Dighton? Pat and Robin will guide you through their research journey, offering a glimpse into their methods and highlighting several compelling examples of what they uncovered along the way.

 

Patricia Gailes has been an active member of the MSOG Bristol Chapter for many years. Her involvement has supported her ongoing genealogy research and given her opportunities to share her findings with family and friends. From 2013 to 2019, she served as the Chapter’s Vice President.  As a resident of Dighton, Massachusetts, Pat is deeply committed to preserving the town’s history. She currently serves as Vice President of the Dighton Historical Society, where she oversees all genealogy records and inquiries. In addition, she is the Chairperson of the Dighton Historical Commission and leads Dighton’s 250th Anniversary of America Committee. Across all her roles, Pat brings together her passion for genealogy and her dedication to documenting Dighton's historical events.

 

Robin LaCroix has been an active member of the MSOG Bristol Chapter for many years, as well. She served as the Chapter’s Vice President from 2019 to 2023, Secretary from 2023 to 2025, and Special Projects Coordinator from 2025 to present. She has been a lifelong enthusiast of genealogy and specializes in DNA research to find missing persons, and documenting Veterans’ service. Her two current projects are documenting Dighton Cemeteries and collecting World War II Veterans’ biographies from Bristol Chapter members. Also a resident of Dighton, she has joined Pat Gailes on Dighton’s 250th Anniversary of America Committee, and together they are gathering Dighton’s Revolutionary War Veterans’ biographies and raising money for a Revolutionary War Memorial for Dighton.