Found a WWII Hero AND a Georgia Founding Father in My Family Tree

What’s good, folks? Brandon Washington here. I’m still shook. What started as me messing around on Ancestry on a Sunday afternoon turned into the wildest ride of my life. I found a legit World War II hero on my dad’s side… and then kept pulling the thread all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Y’all ain’t ready for this.

The WWII Legend: Arthur Bessent Jr.

Going through old papers with my dad, I found Arthur Bessent Jr. — my dad’s ancestor. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. That’s what the records show. No extra stories, just the truth: he put on the uniform, shipped out, and did his part. Finding his name in the family line like that? Hit different. Real soldier. Real sacrifice.

Then I Went FULL Rabbit Hole…

Couldn’t stop digging. Census rolls, church books from Savannah, DNA matches — took me all the way to the 1700s. That’s when I found Rev. Abraham Bessent, my direct ancestor and a founding father of Georgia.

Fought with the Georgia militia in the Revolution
Signed loyalty oaths to the new state
Helped shape early Georgia government
Got land grants and started churches

Man helped build the foundation of the state my family still call home.

I’m applying to Sons of the American Revolution

Putting together the full application — birth records, death records, Rev. Bessent’s pension file — and sent it to the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). If they approve me, that’s official proof my bloodline fought for this country from the jump. I want that recognition. My ancestors earned it.

The Land Fight Is Next

Waiting on SAR, and waiting on the state to deposit gold tied to old family estates. Once that money clears? I’m going hard — lawyers, courthouse runs, fighting for every acre my people were promised. Those Revolutionary land grants didn’t just vanish. Time to bring ’em back.

It’s time to take back what’s ours.

If you’re riding with me — if you get why this matters — help me keep the momentum.

🔗 Donate here: https://theroyalzap.com/make-a-difference/

I’ll update y’all soon as SAR responds, the gold drops, or we lock down the first piece of land. This ain’t just history — it’s family.

Got patriot blood in your line too? Let me know below.

Posted November 15, 2025
— Brandon
American born, American raised 🇺🇸

Royal Zap