The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1898-04-15
STORY OF THE :. A. R.
History of a Noble Society of
American Patriots.


Societies and the hfove Toward Amalga-
mation-Prominent Members of the
Order-The Coming Convention of the
National Society at Morristown.
The annual meeting of the National
Society of the Sons of the American
Revolution will be held on April Both,
in Morristown. Our city is indebted
! for this honor to the ardent desire long
| felt by this patriotic association to meet
| in a locality so rich in Revolutionary
memories, and SO dear to the hearts of
men descendants of the heroes who
aided in the establishment of American
Independence. This desire is now to be
realized, and we will soon have among
us the distinguished gentlemen who give
tone and character to this organization.
The New Jersey Society was so instru-
mental in the formation of the national
association that it seems eminently
proper that some mention of its history
should be made, especially at this time,
when our citizens will soon be called
upon to welcome the representatives of
the national organization.
In 1876 an association, similar to the
State society, was formed in California
under the leadership of Col. A. S.
Barnard, with precisely the same
objects. not, however. under the
same name, but calling itself
the sons of the Patriots of 1776. The pa
triotic impetus which impelled the for
nation of the California Society arose
from the Centennial Anniversary of the
Declaration of Independence. This or
ganization had little influence beyond
the bounds of the State in which it first
had its origin.
In 1888 society, taking the name of
the Sons of the American Revolution,
was formed in the State of New York,
following in the footsteps Of that of
California, but it languished and almost
died of inanimation. Then in 1889 came
the Centennial Anniversary of the in
auguration of George Washington as
first President of the United States. A
wave of patriotism of magnificent pro-
portions swept over the whole Republic,
all classes felt its influence and many
looked about for the establishment Of an
institution, which should commemorate
the time and the occasion. AS one of
the results the New York Society sprang
into full vigorous life, began new exis-
tence and assumed proportions which
have given it force and enabled it to be-
come power in the community. To-
day it is one of the largest and most in
fuential of all the the patriotic societies
in the land. This patriotic impulse iu-
vaded New Jersey, reaching the hearts
OF few of its citizens, five or six of
whom, including our fellow townsman,
Paul Revere, determined to form a So
ciety, at first intending to make it aux
iliary to that of New York, which then
arrogated TO itself the position of a
parent organization claiming the right
to open charters to societies which might
be formed in other states.
These gentlemen applied to New York
for charter but were repulsed with the
answer that it would be as convenient
for the New Jersey members to attend
meetings in New York as for the mem
bers of that state. This did not suit the
independent Jerseymen and they pro-
ceeded to the formation of a society dis
connected from that of the Empire State
but took the same name, that Of the
Sons of the Revolution. Objection was
made to this and the adjective American
was interjected into the title, so that the
New Jersey Association became the
New Jersey Sons of the American Revo-
luton and this was the origin of the title
which has since given rise to some con-
troversy when the question of Union
has been mooted. Almost Immediately
after its formation the need was felt of
cohesive bond between the different
state organizations, of which it was fore
seen many would arise and so this New
Jersey Society took measures to create a
National society which should be COM
posed of delegates from the different
state organizations. The body of dele
gates who will honor as with their pres
ence on the Both instant. compose this
National institution which owes its exis-
tence to the efforts of the members of
the N. j. Society. The wisdom of these
efforts have been fully manifested by the
excellent results which have followed
the establishment of this national So
Iciety. Thirty six State societies are
now in full union with each other, all
looking to the body composed of dele
gates from the State associations for
care and guidance. The State associa-
tions comprise among their members
many of the most distinguished citizens
of the Republic. In New Jersey, Vice
Chancellor Pitney and his distinguished
son, Mahlon, Hon. Franklin and William
Fl. Murphy are found; Chauncey M.
Depew leads the New York society;
! Senators Hoar and Lodge come from
Massachusetts; Senator Lindsay from
Kentucky; Hon. Philip Lindsly, de-
scendant of Morris county hero, from
Texas; Gen. j. G. Breckenridge of the
/ u. S. Army, from the district of Colum-
bia; Col. Anderson, also of the Army,
from Washington. Other names Of dis
tinction, and of national fame, come
from other States.