Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-04-06
S. A. R. TO OBSERVE
4OTH ANNIVERSARY
Series of Events Starting
April 19 Planned by
District Society.

Some interesting data concerning the
movement that resulted in the forma-
ton and early growth Of the District OF
Columbia Society, Sons of the American
Revolution, is revealed in the records
of the society, which is arranging 10
celebrate its fortieth anniversary the
evening of April 10.
In the early part of 1890 several
Washingtonians Of international repu-
tation and who were descended from
Revolutionary ancestors, decided to or
ganize for patriotic reasons. An or
ganizing committee was appointed OF
which Admiral David D. Porter, U. S. N,
was chairman and DR.. F. 0. st. Clair
was secretary. The roster of members of
the committee contained such dis
tinguiShed names as those of Gen. w.
S. Rosecrans, DR.. G. Brown Goode, Prof.
Harry King, Alexander D. Anderson,
DR.. j. M. Toner, Gen Cecil Clay, Col
Marshall Mcdonald, Gen. A. w. Greedy
and Gen. Marcus j. Wright.
Organized in 1890.
Under the guidance of this commit
tee the District of Columbia Society,
Sons Of the American Revolution, was
organized on April 10, 1890, the 115th
anniversary of the battle of Lexington.
In order to become members of the
society each applicant was obliged to
prove that "he is 1enial descendant OF
an ancestor, who was at all times I'M
failing in his loyalty to and rendered
actual service in the cause Of American
independence"
The preparation and examination of
papers presented by applicants for adj
mission to the society consumed several
weeks and it was not until June Is, 1890,
that the first list of members was elect
ed. This list contained 102 names and
was headed by David D. Porter, who was
followed by j. L. Worden, M. c. MeigS
S. P. Langley and John Sherman.
During the remainder Of the year 1890
the roll was increased to 1873 and Of this
number are still on the active men,
bership roll
Only three of the seven, however,
continue to have their residence In
Washington.
Several Events Planned.
In commemoration of the fortieth an
niversary of the organization of the
society 1t is proposed this year to hold
several events, beginning on the evening
Of Saturday, April 10. On that date and
under the auspices of the publicity COM
mittee of the society an address by Dr.
William Knowles Cooper, who is the
president of the society, will be broad
cast through Station WMAL.
On Thursday evening, April "a. a
commemorative meeting of the society
will be held in the italian garden of the
Mayflower Hotel. A short program will
be presented consisting of musical num-
bers and brief historical talks relative to
the founding, growth, achievements and
future plans of the society. This will
be followed by refreshments and the
evening will close with dancing.
In May outdoor meetings of the So
Ciety will be held to dedicate five grave
markers, which have been placed on the
graves of Revolutionary soldiers during
the past year.
On Saturday, June A. the observance
will close with a pilgrimage by the
society to Mount Vernon, at which time
q wreath will be placed on the Tomb of
Washington and an appropriate pro-
gram will be rendered.