HIS STORY SPEAKS TO US: HONORING BLACK REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIER OLIVER CROMWELL

Revolutionary War Soldier Oliver Cromwell had 14 children and a multitude of great grandchildren. Wednesday he will be honored at his home; the event will be is teeming with his descendants, modern day neighbors, and history enthusiasts. The City of Burlington and the New Jersey State Society Daughters of the American Revolution [DAR] will co-host the unveiling of the Commemorative Bronze Marker for the "Original Home of Revolutionary War Soldier - Private Oliver Cromwell" at 10am, Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at the 100 block East Union St in Burlington, New Jersey.

DAR’s mission is to raise the visibility of our Patriots creating interest in who they were and enthusiasm for what they accomplished. New Jersey DAR State Historian Deb Hvizdos has spent years researching American Patriots and their contributions to the founding of this great nation. With Private Oliver Cromwell she knew she found a man and his story that needs to be told.

Oliver Cromwell was born in 1753 in Burlington County, New Jersey and lived to be 100 still residing in the county. He served as a private in the 2nd New Jersey Regiment between 1777 and 1783 fighting in many of the battles that eventually lead to American victory and independence. His discharge papers note he received the badge of merit were signed by George Washington. During his later years he sat outside his home on East Union Street engaging with passerby and neighbors alike. It is at this home where the NJDAR honor him. The placing of this marker is in line with the Society's mission of Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism.

The City of Burlington is rolling out the red carpet, Main Street is lined with Oliver Cromwell banners and a Fife and Drum corps who will be performing during the day. The Daughters of the American Revolution will be represented by President General Denise VanBuren, New Jersey State Regent Bonnie Matthews and the NJDAR Board of Management. Speakers for the day include Secretary of the U.S. America 250! Commission Lynn Forney Young, DAR Historian General Laura Kessler, family members Jane Fox Long and Pastor Timothy Hutton.  

Revolutionary Patriot Ned Hector has sent word he looks forward to attending the ceremony honoring a fellow Patriot. The color guard representatives from the Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Revolution and the Rhode Island 14^th Regiment bring us back in time on historic Union Street.

Reisha Raney, host of Daughter Dialogues is speaking on the “Untold Histories from American Revolution Patriots’ Descendants of Color”. As a DAR member, Reisha works to perpetuate the legacy of all the men and women who achieved independence. The Daughters of the American Revolution is taking a leading role in researching and promoting how diversified participants assisted in the creation of our nation, including those who were African American, Native American and female. DAR is committed to better telling the stories of these Patriots, who have all too often been left out of the pages of history.

Additional information about Private Oliver Cromwell’s military service and history as well as other Patriots can be found on the Daughters of the American Revolution  Patriots of Color online genealogical research database as well as the online DAR exhibit “Remembrance of Noble Actions: African Americans and Native Americans in the Revolutionary War.”

Come out to Burlington, New Jersey join the celebration and learn about our collective American history.

Americans Forces Battled British and Hessian in Trenton: Final Score 2-0

New Jersey is under appreciated for their role in the American Revolution. The Battle of Assunpink Creek is a pivotal moment in that history. Twice during in the 10 Crucial Days of the American Revolution, American forces met their foe in Trenton and defeated them. After the famous Crossing of the Delaware, the Americans went on the offensive for the first time, attacking the garrison in Trenton, defeating the Hessians. Then on January 2, 1777, the Continental Army met British and Hessian troops on the banks of the Assunpink Creek in what is now Mill Hill Park. Three times the British tried to storm the bridge and were repelled with terrific losses. One Continental said of that night “The bridge looked red as blood, with their killed and wounded and their red coats.” This second battle in Trenton was the lynchpin of the offensive as Washington’s troops were able to defeat both British and Hessian troops that night. The Continental Army then marched to victory in Princeton at for the third and final battle of the campaign.

Bonnie Matthews, State Regent of the New Jersey State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NJDAR) and State Board of Managers are proud to announce the unveiling of the DAR America 250! Patriots Marker. at 2pm, Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Mill Hill Park in Trenton, New Jersey. This is a part of the DAR national initiative to raise public awareness about the men and women who achieved American independence.

NJDAR State Regent Matthews is hosting the event. The Sons of the American Revolution will post our Nation’s colors. Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) President General Denise VanBuren will give remarks. The marker unveiling ceremony of the “Revolutionary War Patriots – This marker commemorates the men and women who achieved American independence. These Patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to form a new nation. 1775-1783.” marker will involve DAR America 250 National Chair and Secretary of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission Lynn Forney Young, DAR Historian General Laura Kessler & NJDAR State Historian Deborah Hvizdos.

DAR Daughters work tirelessly to honor Revolutionary War patriots, engage youth through contests and educational programming, and support efforts to better tell the story of underrepresented and diverse patriots who helped to win the American War of Independence. To learn more about DAR membership, visit njdar.org or contact njdarstateregistrar@gmail.com.

The 10th President of the United States has a Grandson Still Living in 2020!

Cool Historical Fact Learned Today

10th US President John Tyler

The 10^th President of the United States has a grandson still living in 2020! President John Tyler [1790-1862] served as President from 1841-1845. Vice President John Tyler became President after William Henry Harrison’s death only one month into his presidency. While President, John married for the second time at age 54 to twenty four year old Julia Gardiner. President Tyler only served on term then moved he and Julia moved back to Virginia.¹ John and Julia had seven children:

David Gardiner Tyler [12 Jul 1846 - 5 Sep 1927]
John Alexander Tyler Jr [7 Apr 1848 - 1 Sep 1883]
Julia Tyler [25 Dec 1849 - 8 May 1871]
Lachlan Tyler [2 Dec 1851 - 26 Jan 1902]
Lyon Gardiner Tyler [24 Aug 1853 -12 Feb 1935]
Robert Fitzwalter Tyler [12 Mar 1856 - 31 Dec 1927]
Margaret Pearl Tyler [20 Jun 1860 -30 Jun 1947]²

President Tyler died in 1862 when Lyon was only eight. Like his father Lyon married twice. First to Anne Tucker, then at age 70, to Sue Ruffin. Lyon and Sue had three children:

Lyon Gardiner Jr. [3 Jan 1925 – 26 Sep 2020]
Harrison Ruffin Tyler [ 1928 - ]
Henry Tyler [18 Jan 1930 - 26 Jan 1930]³

Little Harrison was only seven when his father Lyon Sr died, his mother passed away when he was 25. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and great-grandfather, Harrison graduated from William and Mary in 1949 with an engineering degree. Cool side note, Harrison’s great-grandfather Virginia Governor John Tyler⁴ was college roommates with Thomas Jefferson. Father, Lyon Sr did not attend William and Mary however was the college’s President for 34 years from 1888 to1919. Back to current day, Harrison’s brother Lyon Gardiner Tyler Jr recently passed away in September 2020⁵, leaving Harrison, at age 91, the last of President Tyler’s grandchildren still living.

Sources:

1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/john-tyler/ 

2] https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Tyler-150

3] https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Tyler-149

4] https://www.wm.edu/as/history/news/news-archive/2001-2005_archive/harrison-ruffin-tyler-49-pledges-5-million-to-lyon-gardiner-tyler-department-of-history.php

5] https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/lyon-g-tyler-jr-grandson-of-president-john-tyler-dies-at-95/2020/10/10/6c5825c8-0a60-11eb-859b-f9c27abe638d_story.html

Review: Privy to the Dead

Privy to the Dead by Sheila Connolly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fiction and real life meet. In Sheila Connolly Privy to the Dead, construction at the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society uncover an old privy. What is found in the centuries old toilet leads the society staff to solve mysteries both current and historic. In real life the building of the new Revolutionary War Museum construction has uncovered a number of old privies that date back to the revolution. I wonder how many of those relics will find a home in the new museum.
http://www.history.com/news/historic-...


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Review: Fundraising the Dead

Fundraising the Dead by Sheila Connolly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sheila Connolly has created a series I just love. Based in Philly, Nell works in the nonprofit world at a historical museum, hello Cathy! Board member Marty Terwilliger, who is related to almost everyone in town, is the best friend a fundraiser can have. The museum staff is dedicated and interestingly quirky. The collections in the museum can provide fodder for many a story. The FBI connection is an interesting twist to the typical cozy format. I am thrilled to see the series is now available on Audible.

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Review: The Fifth Assassin

The Fifth Assassin by Brad Meltzer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Fifth Assassin is the second book in Brad Metzler's Culper Ring series. I highly recommend reading the series in order starting with The Inner Circle. Archivist Beecher White and the Culper Ring continue their mission to protect the presidency of the United States. For fans of AMC's TURN, it is a kick to know the spy ring has survived and is still active.

In this installment we meet another one of Beecher's childhood friends, Marshall Lusk, wondering is he now a friend or foe. The author switches from present day to childhood throughout the book telling parallel stories. Towards the end of the book this jumping around gets distracting. The murders of the priests storyline is tied up at the end of the book. The ongoing struggle between Beecher and the President and why the residents and actions of a small town in Wisconsin 20-30 years ago play such a pivotal role in that struggle is still a mystery. I'm looking forward to reading The President's Shadow to find out.


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Review: Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President

Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Prior to reading Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President, James Garfield was just a name on the list of Presidents. A man born in poverty he became a educator, father, lawyer, Civil War General, Congressman and President.

Although he only served a few brief months, his death helped change medical world as we know it. It is often said necessity is the mother of invention. Alexander Graham Bell's early versions of metal detectors was an effort to help find the bullet lodged in President Garfield. Dr Lister's antiseptic surgery finally gained respect and acceptance after the autopsy on the President. It showed the massive infection that finally killed him came from his doctors inserting unsterilized fingers and instruments into the wound.

A proponent of black suffrage President Garfield appealed to southerners with the belief that the way to repair the south was through education and supporting southern commercial and industrial interests. Following the assassination attempt and the agonizing months until his death allowed the country to connect in a way it hadn't found in decades. President Garfield's brief presidency helped finally unite the country.

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Be Wise, Focus on the Future with Education

The Ferro-Monte Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, will welcome New Jersey Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent Cornelia B. Olde to their November meeting. The meeting will highlight the Daughters of the American Revolution commitment to education and the DAR Schools at Roxbury Township Free Public Library 103 Main St, Succasunna, NJ on November 14 at 10:15am. 

Ferro-Monte Chapter meetings are held on the 2nd Saturday of the month from October - May. Prospective members are always welcome. If you have an interest in learning about your family tree, we can help you; maybe we can even find a Patriot among your leaves. For information the Ferro Monte Chapter: like us at Facebook.com/FerroMonteChapterNSDAR, visit our website FerroMonteDAR.org or email NJDARFerroMonte@aol.com.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation's children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit DAR.org

Happy Constitution Week

AMERICA CELEBRATES U.S. CONSTITUTION

DAR Promotes Constitution Week Awareness

Constituition Week Display
@ Roxbury Library

Mayor Jim Rilee
with Sue Anderson

At the September 8^th Roxbury Town Council meeting, Mayor Rilee presented members, Linda Smith, Sue Anderson and Kim Armstrong, of the Ferro Monte Chapter, NSDAR with a Constitution Week proclamation. September 17, 2015, begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s least known official observances. Our Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those inalienable rights to every American. Ferro Monte Chapter members Sue Anderson (Roxbury) and Melvina Annis (Rockaway) have created a Constitution exhibit in the lobby of the Roxbury Library. The Constitution exhibit including the Town Council proclamation will be on display throughout September. In addition, the Roxbury Township Public Library will be distributing Preamble to the Constitution bookmarks courteous of the Ferro Monte Chapter.

 

DAR Promotes Constitution Week Awareness

September 17, 2015, begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s least known official observances. Our Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those inalienable rights to every American. 

The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are to (1) emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity; (2) inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and (3) encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787. 

The United States of America functions as a Republic under the Constitution, which is the oldest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of a people. This landmark idea that men had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and live their lives under their own governance was the impetus of the American Revolution.  Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world. 

“Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document which is the safeguard of our American liberties,” states DAR President General, Lynn Forney Young. “We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to reflect on our heritage of freedom and come together to Celebrate America!”

DAR has served America for 125 years as its foremost cheerleader.  In 1928, the Daughters began work on a building as a memorial to the Constitution. John Russell Pope, architect of the Jefferson Memorial, was commissioned to design the performing arts center, known as DAR Constitution Hall. Today, DAR Constitution Hall is one of the only structures erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America.  

Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has over 180,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 13 foreign countries. The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children, and programs for new immigrants. For more information about DAR and its programs visit www.dar.org

A Brave Ride to Warn the Patriots the British Are Coming

Surprise, this is not the story of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, rather it is a story of a young Conneticut girl helping  the Continental Army and her father in 1777. On the night of April 26, 1777 a man came to the home of Colonel Henry Ludington of the Continental Army bringing news of the burning of Danbury Connecticut along with the request that the Colonel’s regiment make haste to Danbury to aid in its defense. Enter sixteen year old Sybil. 

Sybil Ludington's Ride by Berton Braley

Listen, my children, and you shall hear

Of a lovely feminine Paul Revere

Who rode an equally famous ride

Through a different part of the countryside,

Where Sybil Ludington's name recalls

A ride as daring as that of Paul's.

In April, Seventeen Seventy-Seven,

A smoky glow in the eastern heaven

(A fiery herald of war and slaughter)

Came to the eyes of the Colonel's daughter.

"Danbury's burning," she cried aloud.

The Colonel answered, “‘Tis but a cloud,

A cloud reflecting the campfires red,

So hush you, Sybil, and go to bed."

"I hear the sound of the cannon drumming"

“‘Tis only the wind in the treetops humming!

So go to bed, as a young lass ought,

And give the matter no further thought."

Young Sybil sighed as she turned to go,

"Still, Danbury's burning-that I know."

Sound of a horseman riding hard

Clatter of hoofs in the manor yard

Feet on the steps and a knock resounding

As a fist struck wood with a mighty pounding.

The doors flung open, a voice is heard,

"Danbury's burning-I rode with word;

Fully half of the town's gone

And the British-the British are coming on.

Send a messenger, get our men!"

His message finished the horseman then

Staggered wearily to a chair

And fell exhausted in slumber there.

The Colonel muttered, "And who, my friend,

Is the messenger I can send?

Your strength is spent and you cannot ride

And then, you know not the countryside;

I cannot go for my duty's clear;

When my men come in they must find me here;

There's devil a man on the place tonight

To warn my troopers to come-and fight.

Then, who is my messenger to be?"

Said Sybil Ludington, "You have me."

"You!" said the Colonel, and grimly smiles,

Sybil's Ride

"You! My daughter, you're just a child."

"Child!" cried Sybil. "Why I'm sixteen!

My mind's alert and my senses keen,

I know where the trails and the roadways are

And I can gallop as fast and far

As any masculine rider can.

You want a messenger? I'm your Man!"

The Colonel's heart was aglow with pride.

"Spoke like a soldier. Ride, girl, ride

Ride like the devil; ride like sin;

Summon my slumbering troopers in.

I know when duty is to be done

That I can depend on a Ludington!"

So over the trails to the towns and farms

Sybil delivered the call to arms.

Riding swiftly without a stop

Except to rap with a riding crop

On the soldiers' doors, with a sharp tattoo

And a high-pitched feminine halloo.

"Up! Up there, soldier. You're needed, come!

The British are marching!" and then the drum

Of her horse's feet as she rode apace

To bring more men to the meeting place.

Sybil grew weary and faint and drowsing,

Her limbs were aching, but still she rode

Until she finished her task of rousing

Each sleeping soldier from his abode,

Showing her father, by work well done,

That he could depend on a Ludington.

Dawn in the skies with its tints of pearl

And the lass who rode in a soldier's stead

Turned home, only a tired girl

Thinking of breakfast and then to bed

With never a dream that her ride would be

A glorious legend of history;

Nor that posterity's hand would mark

Each trail she rode through the inky dark,

Each path to figure in song and story

As a splendid, glamorous path of glory to
prove, as long as the ages run,

That "you can depend on a Ludington."

Such is the legend of Sybil's ride

To summon the men from the countryside

A true tale, making her title clear

As a lovely feminine Paul Revere!

First Families

"I believe the dead rely on us to tell their stories and that leave is up to you and me." ~ Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote

My 2nd great-grandfather has been inducted into the First Families of Blair County, Blair County in Pennsylvania was formed in 1846 from parts of Hunterdon and Bedford County. The county seat is Hollidaysburg, but the largest most recognized town is Altoona, originally home to the Pennsylvania Railroad. John saw the birth of that railway, the nation torn apart by civil war and the the introduction of automobiles making his saddlery business obsolete.

Blair County Townships Map

Below is my mini-biography submitted to the First Families of Blair County:

John L Ritts was born 30 Mar 1833 to Thomas and Catherine Lower Ritts in North Woodbury, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The Thomas Ritts family which included son John and daughters, Catherine, Elizabeth, Martha, Mary and Lydia all resided in what became Blair County in 1846. John married Mary Shoenfelt in 1856 shortly after Taylor Township formed. John who followed in his father’s footsteps as a saddle and harness maker settled with his bride a few doors down from his parents in the new township. 

John and Mary had six children:

Catherine Jane (11 Sep 1857 - 28 Nov 1937) m. Peter Grove
Sarah Anne (27 Mar 1859 - 28 Apr 1943)
Albert S (27 Mar 1861 - 09 Jul 1951) m. Janet Butler
Harry Samuel (Apr 1863 - 04 Jul 1949) m. Elizabeth Hudson
Luria (1869 – bef 1880)
John Elmer (03 May 1871 – bef 1949) m. Rose Hardman

John served briefly in the Civil War as a Private. John and Mary were married for 48 years. While on the way to visit her sister, Susan Tipton, wife Mary was tragically killed as the trolley she was riding jumped the tracks plunging into the Juniata River. In a subsequent trial against Altoona and Logan Valley Railroad, John was awarded $1200. 

A lifelong resident of Blair County, John L Ritts passed away at age 78 of heart disease on 6 Jul 1911. He is buried in Antis Cemetery along with his son Harry’s family.

Wondering what is the DAR?

What's the Daughters of the American Revolution? We share a common bond of ancestors who contributed to securing the Independence of the USA. Come find out more on Saturday, October 11 at the Ferro-Monte Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution's New Member Social at Roxbury Township Free Public Library 103 Main St, Succasunna, NJ at 10:15am. The New Member Social is a wonderful time to meet new friends, catch-up with old friends and learn about our Revolutionary Patriots. If you have an interest in learning about your family tree, we can help you; maybe we can even find a Patriot among your leaves. Prospective members are always welcome. For information, email: NJDARFerroMonte@aol.com. 

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation's children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.

Suffrage Amendment Ratified, Women Have Vote

The above was the headline in the New York Times on August 25, 1920 announcing the cerfication of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The privilege of voting has always been important to me. I remember the distress of not being able to vote in the 1980 Presidential election along with the rest of my dorm because I didn't turn 18 until nine days later. Following in my Grandma Armstrong's footsteps, I have worked as a poll worker on Election Day for over 20 years. As a woman of the 21st century, it is hard to believe that less than 100 years ago, women in the United States did not have the right to vote. By 1920 when the country finally granted women the right to vote my Nana Burket had survived growing up with nine brothers, lived through a world war, married and given birth to her first child. Unfortunately Nana died in 1981 long before I had grown out of the “it's all about me” teen stage. I missed out what would have been a profound discussion of what it was like to have gained the fundamental right of a citizen... to participate in government by our vote.

Women’s Suffrage Timeline

1787: The Constitutional Convention places voting rules in the hands of the states. Only New Jersey granted women the right to vote

1807: Women lose the right to vote in New Jersey

1848: The Seneca Falls Convention proposes women’s suffrage by Elizabeth Cady Stanton

1861-1865: The American Civil War. The suffrage movement was largely on hold during the conflict

1867: Susan B Anthony forms the Equal Rights Association

1869: The 1^st US territory, Wyoming grants unrestricted suffrage to women

1870: The 15th amendment to the US Constitution is adopted granting voting rights to former male African-American slaves

1872: Susan B Anthony registers and votes in Rochester, New York, stating that the 14^th Amendment to the US Constitution gives her the right to vote

1874: The Supreme Court in the case of Minor vs. Happersett rules that the 14^th Amendment to the US

1875: Women begin winning the right to vote in school election starting with Minnesota and Michigan

1878: A federal amendment to the Constitution granting women the right to vote is introduced by Senator A.A. Sargeant of California

1882: The US House and Senate appoint committees on women's suffrage

1884: The House of Representatives debates women suffrage

1886: The suffrage amendment is defeated in the Senate

1887: The Supreme Court strikes down the law that gave women the right to vote in the Washington territory

1887: Women win the right to vote in Kansas municipal elections

1893: Colorado votes for women suffrage as western states and territories continue to lead the charge on women’s right to vote 

1912: Theodore Roosevelt's Progressive Party includes women suffrage as a part of its platform

1913: The Senate votes on a women suffrage amendment, but again it does not pass

1916: Woodrow Wilson and the Democratic Party Platform pledge to endorse women suffrage

1916: The first woman is elected to the US Congress. Montana sends Jeannette Rankin to the House of Representatives

November 14th, 1917: The "Night of Terror” suffragist prisoners are beaten and abused

1917: The New York becomes the 1^st Eastern state to grant women full suffrage

1918: The House of Representatives passes the women’s right to vote

1918 Women suffrage is once again struck down in the Senate

1918: President Wilson declares his support for women suffrage

1919: The National American Woman Suffrage Association becomes the League of Women Voters

June 4, 1919: The Senate finally passes the women suffrage

August 18, 1920 Tennessee ratifies the suffrage amendment

August 26, 1920: The 19^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, stating, "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation," becomes law.

The suffrage fight took over 100 years to result in women gaining the right to go into the voting booth. The least we can do is get out and vote every first Tuesday of November.

Richard Henry Lee Introduces a Resolution for Independence

Richard Henry Lee

"That these United Colonies are, and of right out to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; that measures should be immediately taken for procuring the assistance of foreign powers, and a Confederation be formed to bind the colonies more closely together." Richard Henry Lee to the Continental Congress June 7, 1776 in Philadelphia.

His resolution was seconded by John Adams. During the ensuing debate it became clear the Congress and public at large needed a document codifying why breaking with England was necessary and just. The document, the Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson was presented to the Continental Congress on June 28^th and was passed unanimously on July 2, 1776. 

So who was Richard Henry Lee? He was a public servent from a distinguished Virginia family of public servants. There is a interesting biographic sketch on the American History site. The 1776 musical also delves into the Lee Family in this fun song. 

Honoring Our Mothers Ferro-Monte Chapter, NSDAR

Saturday May 10th the Ferro-Monte Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will be touring the historic sites of Ledgewood in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Mother’s Day. They will be visiting the King Canal Store and Homestead. The Daughters will honor Gold Star and Blue Star mothers as well as their own at a tea in the Silas Riggs Saltbox House. 

Ferro-Monte Chapter meetings are held at Roxbury Township Free Public Library 103 Main St, Succasunna, NJ at 10am the 2nd Saturday of the month from October - April. Prospective members are always welcome. If you have an interest in learning about your family tree, we can help you; maybe we can even find a Patriot among your leaves. For information, email: NJDARFerroMonte@aol.com. 

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation's children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.

Fág an Bealach! Morris County Resident to Discuss the Irish Brigade

Clear the way! Mine Hill resident Andrew Bermingham fought at the Battle of Antietam as a part of the Irish Brigade. Hear Civil War chronicler Steve O’Neill recount the story at the Ferro-Monte Chapter, NSDAR on Saturday February 8th at 10am.  

Ferro-Monte Chapter meetings are held at Roxbury Township Free Public Library 103 Main St, Succasunna, NJ at 10am the 2^nd Saturday of the month from October - April. Prospective members are always welcome. If you have an interest in learning about your family tree, we can help you; maybe we can even find a Patriot among your leaves. For information, email: NJDARFerroMonte@aol.com.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation's children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.

Infamous Trailblazer Anne Hutchinson

Anne returned to
Boston in 1922

Anne Hutchinson was a trailblazer. As expected of anyone who carves out a new way, her life was never easy. She was the daughter of an English minister, well versed in the Bible and the Church of England. After her father’s death, her spiritual journey led her to the teachings of John Cotton. Anne felt compelled to follow her preacher to the New World. In 1634, Anne and her family arrived in Boston where she quickly drew the ire of John Winthrop and the Puritans that governed the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Anne began holding gatherings in her home to discuss the individual’s intuition as a means of reaching God and salvation, rather than the observance of institutionalized beliefs and the precepts of ministers. Winthrop and the Puritans accused Anne and her followers of antinomianism—the view that God’s grace has freed the Christian from the need to observe established moral precepts. After three years of animosity with claims and counter claims by both groups, Anne was put on trial for her offenses. She and her followers were banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

The banished which included, the Hutchinson family, William Coddington, John Briggs and John Clarke fled south to Rhode Island. In Rhode Island Mrs. Hutchinson and her friends founded the towns of Portsmouth and Newport. The group signed the Portsmouth Compact which established a new independent colony with non-sectarian governance. It has been called the first instrument for governing as a true democracy. Alas, true democracy is never easy. Political strife amid the community created a rift with some of the group settling Newport. During this time, William Coddington, the original Governor of Portsmouth, moved to Newport. Will Hutchinson, Anne’s husband became the new Governor of Portsmouth. Eventually, the two groups worked out their differences and reunited.

After her husband's death and amid threats from John Winthrop of Massachusetts taking over Rhode Island, Anne felt compelled to move totally outside the reach of Winthrop moving further south to the lands of the Dutch. In recounting Thomas Cornell’s trek to New York, Henry Crapo explains, "There can be no question that he was loyal to the distinguished exile, since after the death of her husband in 1642 he and his family went with her to Manhattan and there again attempted to start a settlement. It was in the autumn of 1642 that Anne Hutchinson, Thomas Cornell, John Throckmorton, and others with their families, removed to Manhattan 'neare a place called by seamen Hell Gate,' a designation which seemed most appropriate to the Boston divines. Governor Winthrop was evidently interested in following their fortunes since in 1642 he notes, 'Mr. Throckmorton and Mr. Cornell, established with buildings, etc., in neighboring plantations under the Dutch.'

The Dutch government, in fact, granted Thomas Cornell and his associates some thirty-five families in all, permission to settle 'within the limits of the jurisdiction of their High Mightinesses to reside there in peace.' In 1643, Cornell and Throckmorton procured a survey and map of the country they had taken up which was about eleven miles from New Amsterdam.”¹

Anne Hutchinson, had a friendly relationship with the Narragansett people in Rhode Island. When settling in New Netherland she assumed she would establish the same type of relationship with the Siwanoy. Anne and her followers had been friendly to Siwanoy but following their mistreatment by the Dutch, the tribe retaliated against New Netherland colony in a series of incidents known as Kieft's War. A tribal elder visited with the Hutchinsons and Cornell families warning them that Chief Wampage was planning to attack them. Thomas Cornell took the warning to heed, removing his family from the area. Anne Hutchinson maintained her belief that she had nothing to fear from the Siwanoy and with her family remained on their farm.“The Siwanoy warriors stampeded into the tiny settlement above Pelham Bay, prepared to burn down every house. The Siwanoy chief, Wampage, who had sent a warning, expected to find no settlers present. But at one house the men in animal skins encountered several children, young men and women, and a woman past middle age. One Siwanoy indicated that the Hutchinsons should restrain the family's dogs. Without apparent fear, one of the family tied up the dogs. As quickly as possible, the Siwanoy seized and scalped Francis Hutchinson, William Collins, several servants, the two Annes (mother and daughter), and the younger children—William, Katherine, Mary, and Zuriel.”²

Anne Hutchinson is a key figure in the development of religious freedom in England's American colonies. Her legacy is one of freedom of religion, the right to free assembly and women's rights.  She has been called the most famous, or infamous, English woman in colonial American history.

[1] Henry Howland Crapo, Certain Comeoverers, 2 Vol. (New Bedford, Mass.: 1912), 1:235, of 235-41

[2] LaPlante, Eve (2004). American Jezebel, the Uncommon Life of Anne Hutchinson, the Woman who Defied the Puritans. San Francisco: Harper Collins. ISBN 0-06-056233-1. Pg 237

Happy 4th of July

Sunday is the 4^th of July, a time to celebrate with family & friends the start of this great nation. I’ll be celebrating by watching one of my favorite movies 1776. 234 years ago, the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. 1776 is a musical comedy that recreates the days leading up to the signing. It reminds me that We the People can unite to create an amazingly special country.