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THE SPIRIT OF ’76

PUBLISHED BY THE DESCENDANTS OF THE SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE VOLUME 52 NO. 2 SUMMER 2018

Annual Congress in

The Society’s Annual Congress was held July 3-4, 2018 in Philadelphia, highlighted by the ceremonial tapping of the Liberty Bell by junior members of the DSDI.

The Board of Directors met on the afternoon of July 3, followed by a special tour of the Museum of the . The morning of July 4, DSDI’s 10 Tappers along with two new citizens were honored at breakfast before going to the Liberty Bell Bell Tappers preparing for the ceremonial tapping of the Liberty Bell July 4, 2018 for a practice session with former DSDI President-General Donald Ward Sr. The Bell Tapping occurred at 2 p.m., followed by reported 13 new senior members and 7 new At the dinner Saturday night, members heard the Annual Congress in the Long Gallery of junior members, for a total of 1,220 senior Abigail Adams (Kim Hanley) describe life in . members and 203 junior members. Fifty-six the era. scholarship recipients were announced and The Annual Congress, attended by 112 peo- Treasurer-General Johnny Alexander reported The meeting was coordinated by Gene and ple, was led by President-General R. Bruce on the Society’s finances. A slate of officers Carol Mayhew and the Tappers events were W. Laubach. Registrar-General Jim Alexander was elected for 2018-2019. coordinated by Stacy Clements.

s President-General’s Message Fall Meeting In Connecticut IN THIS ISSUE page 2 page 10 Annual Congress in Philadelphia Photo Collection DSDI Merchandise page 3-5 page 11 Bell Tappers History of the DSDI Biography Project page 6 page 12 Gifts and Contributions Treasurer-General Report page 7 page 13 DSDI Member Composes Song About DSDI Registrar-General’s Report Philadelphia, PA His Ancestor page 14 page 8 Scholarships page 15 DSDI Officers 2018-19 President-General’s Message Elected at Annual Congress Dear fellow Society members,

President-General Treasurer-General Everything is going well with the So- Robert Bruce Warden Laubach Johnny D. Alexander ciety. I’m happy to say we welcomed 3700 Shackleton Lane P.O. Box 425 Williamsburg, VA 23188 Salem, OR 97308 in 13 new senior members since our last meeting, five of which were ad- First Vice President-General Assistant Treasurer-General vancements from junior member. We Lucy Duke Tonacci Alyson Burnett-Rawitch 6821 Bond St. 7111 W 151st Street, Suite 11 also welcomed seven new junior St. Leonard, MD 20685 Overland Park, KS 66223-2231 members. It is always nice to bring in new members. It shows that the Soci- Second Vice President-General Secretary-General Cari S. Haimes Donald Crosset Ward, Jr. ety is growing and, of course, new ju- 5224 Bantom Woods Bend 103 East Wells Street, Apt. C-131 nior members means more future Bell Tappers. Austin, TX 78724-6236 Baltimore, MD 21230

Registrar-General Assistant Secretary-General This year’s Fourth of July meeting turned into quite an adventure for all James Herbert Alexander, Jr. Sally G. Fridy who attended. For those of us who arrived on July 3, we were treated to 7157 SE Reed College Place 451 Darby-Paoli Road a tour of the Museum of the American Revolution, where the highlight Portland, OR 97202 Paoli, PA 19301-2005 was seeing the exhibit of General ’s tent. While in Assistant Registrar-General Chancellor-General the museum, a thunderstorm rolled through Philadelphia and, as we Wendy Davis-Bushey James S. Bainbridge Esq. were to find out, a lightning strike took out the load center for the 20 Maryland Ave, Unit 410 1250 Germantown Pike, Suite 203 Wyndham Hotel. Most of our members staying at the hotel decided to Rockville, MD 20850 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 tough it out and stay for the night. It took until 7:30 a.m. for emergency Historian-General Chaplain-General crews to restore power to the hotel. I do think the staff of the Wynd- Leroy Anderson Keller Eugene A. Mayhew ham went out of their way to accommodate us and tried to make the 9701 Fireside Dr. 17 E 5th St Glen Allen, VA 23060-6280 New Castle, DE 19720-5019 best of a bad situation. I cannot speak for all but, even though there was no power, but my room remained comfortably cool all night long. Assistant Historian-General I am glad that the power came on in time for the hotel to be able to Hart Mayhew Clements 8 College Ave prepare our Fourth of July brunch, and we were able to enjoy our meal Swarthmore, PA 19081-1423 in a nice air-conditioned room. We are a tough bunch of folks to put up with conditions not expected in our modern world. Just think of how our ancestors lived in the summer heat!

Board of Governors The rest of the activities on the Fourth went on as planned. This is my first time being able to observe the Bell Tapping from behind the podi- New Hampshire Lt. Col. Erin P. Hayde, USAF um. I not only got the chance to see our tappers up close, but I got to Massachusetts Marianne Brinker watch the faces of the proud parents and grandparents of our junior Rhode Island Elizabeth Urstadt members. Some were moved to tears of pride and joy at this unique Connecticut Elizabeth Urstadt opportunity of tapping the Liberty Bell. Another high point of the day New York Alan P. Zdimal was the naturalization of two new citizens, Azli Ipek Diker and Naz- New Jersey Philip Robert Livingston li Cicek Diker, from Turkey. It was interesting that when the INS agent Pennsylvania Donald Crosset Ward, Sr. presented them with their certificates of citizenship, she asked all of us Delaware L. D. (Morgan) Shank to repeat the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. I am sure it made Maryland Lucy Duke Tonacci this moment more meaningful for all of us. Angus S. Lamond

North Carolina Nancy McBride Wark Moving forward, I hope to see a lot of you at our next meeting in Litch- South Carolina Robin Leigh Rawl field CT, the weekend of September 28-30, 2018. Georgia P. Randolph Taylor

District of Columbia Laura Haines Belman Thank you,

DSDI WEB SITE: www.dsdi1776.com

R. Bruce W. Laubach President-General, DSDI, Inc.

2 SPIRIT OF ‘76 Annual Congress in Philadelphia (Photo Collection)

DSDI Bell Tappers 2018: Jackson Wolcott Flemming, Kalen T eresa Zdimal, Lauren Marie Bushey, Margaret Elizabeth Long, Pauline Louise Singer, Andrew Michael Devlin, Matthew Alexan- der Devlin, Alexander Grady, Roberts, Madeleine Elise George and Ryan Cooper George, joined by new citizens Asli Ipek Diker and Nazli Cicek Diker. DSDI members watch the Bell Tapping

DSDI members in the Long Gallery of Independence Hall President-General R. Bruce W. Laubach addresses the Annual Congress

Stacy Clements, coordinator of the Bell Tappers, with President-General R. Bruce W. Laubach Gene and Carol Mayhew, who coordinated events in Philadelphia

SPIRIT OF ‘76 3 Annual Congress in Philadelphia (Photo Collection)

Registrar-General Jim Alexander delivers his report at the Annual Abigail Smith Adams (Kim Hanley) recounts life in the Revolutionary period at the DSDI dinner Congress

Immigration Services Officer Alice Siplin presents certificates to two new citizens, Asli Ipek Diker and Cynthia MacLeod, superintendent of Independence Nazli Cicek Diker. National Historic Park, speaks to DSDI members

Catherine Petit, Butch Petit, Michelle Roberts, Alexander Roberts Bruce Morton, Laura Belman, Nancy Morton President-General R. Bruce W. Laubach addresses spectators before the Bell Tapping

4 SPIRIT OF ‘76 Annual Congress in Philadelphia (Photo Collection)

Alan Zdimal, Michelle Farrell, Barbara Zdimal, Kevin Farrell

Hunter George II, Patty George, Kathleen Cooper George, Ryan Cooper George, Madeleine Elise George Former President-General Donald Ward Sr. presents awards to the Bell Tappers

We welcome submissions If you have information you’d like to submit for publication in The Spirit of ’76, send it to:

Hunter George Cynthia MacLeod, superintendent of Independence Editor, The Spirit of ‘76 National Historic Park, speaks to DSDI members , [email protected]

Dues collections and second invoices As of July 15, 2018, the Treasury has collected annual dues from 309 members. In August, we will be mailing out second notices to those who have not paid.

Alexander Roberts, grandson of O.K. Alexander, Jim Alexander, Johnny Alexander

SPIRIT OF ‘76 5 BELL TAPPERS2018

Lauren Marie Bushey Andrew Michael Devlin Matthew Alexander Devlin Jackson Wolcott Fleming Madeleine Elise George

Ryan Cooper George Maggie Long Alexander Grady Roberts Pauline Louise Singer Kalen Teresa Zdimal s Lauren Marie Bushey 17, of Rockville, Mary- Hill High School East in the fall. Andrew with his brother Andrew and take part in the land is a descendant of Richard Stockton. enjoys math and science and hopes to Independence Day events in Philadelphia. She has just graduated from Richard study chemistry or chemical engineering Montgomery High School and is planning to in the future. Andrew received special Jackson Wolcott Fleming, 17, of New York major in Communication at the University recognition by the Johns Hopkins Center for City, is a descendant of . He of Maryland, College Park. In her final year Talented Youth for achieving top scores in attends the Browning School in New York of high school, Lauren completed the Inter- their testing program. Andrew is excited to City and will be a senior in the fall of 2018. national Baccalaureate Diploma Program, tap the Liberty Bell with his brother Matthew Jackson is interested in medicine and captained the girl’s varsity soccer team and and take part in the Independence Day hopes to pursue a career as a doctor. He completed her final ceramics project, a events in Philadelphia. enjoys photography, ceramics and SoulCycle. mosaic to be installed in her high school. In college, she is looking forward to studying Matthew Alexander Devlin, 10, of Cherry Madeleine Elise George, 17, of Fircrest, abroad, starting her seventh year learning Hill, New Jersey is a descendant of John Spanish, and finding a soccer team to play Washington is a descendant of John Hart. Hart. Matthew will be a 5th grader at She is a rising 12th-grader at Curtis Senior with. Lauren is grateful for the opportunity Joseph D. Sharp Elementary School in the to tap the Liberty Bell and celebrate her High School. She teaches swim lessons at fall. Matthew enjoys science, art, cooking the YMCA, has previously served as a volun- country’s inspiring beginnings before she and going on cruises with his family. He departs for a tour of South Korea. teer coach for a competitive cheerleading plays the clarinet in the school band. Mat- team, and has twice gone to Mexico with thew is an altar server at Saint Thomas Andrew Michael Devlin, of Cherry Hill, New her University Place Presbyterian Church More Roman Catholic Church in Cherry youth group to build houses for families in Jersey is a descendant of John Hart. An- Hill. He is excited to tap the Liberty Bell drew is 14 and will be a freshman at Cherry need.

6 SPIRIT OF ‘76 Ryan Cooper George, 9, of Fircrest, Wash- Alexander Grady Roberts, 13, of High on her middle school’s team, writing novels ington is a descendant of John Hart. He will Springs, Florida is a descendant of John and playing guitar. She is a straight-A be a 4th grader this fall as he enters his Witherspoon. He is a rising 8th grader at student in all honors classes. Pauline is second year in the Challenge program for High Springs Community School. He has volunteering this summer as an assistant advanced students. He is an avid reader been a member of the school FFA organi- camp counselor. who has read all of the Harry Potter and zation for two years, participating on the Percy Jackson novels multiple times. He Parliamentary Procedure Team and the Tool Kalen Teresa Zdimal, 9, of Morgantown, also loves soccer, baseball and swimming. ID Team. This year he received the Discovery Pennsylvania is a descendant of Philip This is the first trip to Philadelphia and Degree. Alex is also an active member of Livingston. She is a rising 3rd grader at Twin Washington, D.C., for Ryan and his sister Boy Scout Troop 88 where he serves as As- Valley Elementary Center in Elverson, Penn- Madeleine, and they are excited to learn sistant Senior Patrol Leader. Alex holds the sylvania. She is involved in several activities more about the founding of our nation. rank of Star and is a Brotherhood member at school including Girl Scouts, Girls on the of the Order of the Arrow. He and some of Run and a running club. In addition to her Maggie Long, 14, of Atlanta is a descen- his fellow Scouts are preparing for a 2019 school activities Kalen plays soccer, bas- dant of . She is a rising 9th backpacking trip to the Philmont Scout ketball and has participated in a summer grader at the Lovett School in Atlanta. At Ranch in New Mexico. He enjoys camping, track program. Kalen is also a member of school she plays her favorite instrument, the hiking, and is an avid gamer. the Church of St. Benedict Roman Catholic flute. Maggie loves to vacation at Kiawah Church in Mohnton, Pennsylvania. Kalen Island because she surfs and enjoys the Pauline Louise Singer, 12, of Knoxville, attends religious education classes and wildlife there. She enjoys playing tennis, Tennessee is a descendant of Richard recently received her First Holy Communion. cooking, playing with her adorable dog and Stockton. She is a rising 7th grader at West Kalen loves spending time with her friends being with family and friends. Valley Middle School. She is thrilled to join and staying active with all her clubs and her cousin Lauren Bushey, in tapping the sports. Liberty Bell. Pauline enjoys playing tennis

Delegates Constance Powers David B. Fultz GIFTS AND Col. George H.C. Berger Debra J. Rafferty Elizabeth Edmunds Grinnan CONTRIBUTIONS Elizabeth N. Gottwald James Herbert Alexander Elizabeth W. Nolan Edward Stockton Croft, III in honor of Erickson Family Laurence M. Croft Eugene A. Mayhew Annual Fund Drive Sons and Daughters of Liberty Fred Levenstein Gail Feaster Welch November 1, 2017 – May 31, 2018 Edward S. Croft, III George J. Olney, IV Hardin Gregory Hawes George J. Olney Johnny Dow Alexander The Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Inde- Gill Read Laura H. Belman pendence wishes to thank all of those who have so generously Hope Middleton Wood Timothy E. Coy participated in the Annual Fund Drive. Your gifts are most James S. Bainbridge important and will enable the Society to continue all its pro- Patriots Jamie M. Singer grams, including research and education while preserving the Jere Warthen Witherspoon A. Christian Burke Katherine Wilson McNeilly legacy of our forefathers. This report spans the Annual Giving Alan P. Zdimal Lawrence McMahon Croft program from November 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018, and Annalise M. Marcus Lynda Carol Dresser about $19,000 was received. Anthony Morris Lynn Sheppard Manger Caroline H. Davidson Martin Everard Mason Charles W. McNeilly Mary Louise Guertler Charlton H. Chatfield Michael Miller Clarence W. Senn, Jr. Nancy McBride Wark Constance Nelson Lane (continued on page 9)

SPIRIT OF ‘76 7 DSDI MEMBER COMPOSES SONG ABOUT HIS ANCESTOR By David Lewis s What do you get when you combine inspirational ideas from four different centuries?

Well, when I tried that recently I ended up Nations, which he published in 1942. I Honor.” In recognition of the importance of composing a song honoring my ancestor, began by writing a jazz harmonization to Whittier’s words to the song’s message, I , as well as the other signers Sidney’s song, and then wrote a new melody decided to give my song the same title as of the Declaration of Independence. based on that harmonization. The new mel- the poem, One of the Signers. ody makes rather extensive use of Sidney’s From the 18th century I drew inspiration rising chromatic scale motif that he used to A recording of One of the Signers is available from the Declaration itself and the tremen- begin his piece. I sensed that the song’s on the DSDI web site. On the recording I dous sacrifices the signers made for the melody and chord structure had a certain play the piano and clarinet, my professor cause of freedom. From the 19th century I nostalgic feel, so I searched for words to Joe Whalen plays the bass, and my daughter was inspired by the residents of Amesbury, match this feeling. Rose Lewis provides the vocals. Rose is Massachusetts who erected a statue of their currently pursuing a Master of Music degree native son, Josiah Bartlett, on July 4, 1888, I was delighted to find the appropriate in Voice Performance from Boston Universi- and especially by Amesbury resident John spirit in selected verses from the poem ty. She is grateful for the support she has Greenleaf Whittier who wrote a poem to John Greenleaf Whittier wrote for the 1888 received from the DSDI scholarship program commemorate the event. In the 20th centu- Bartlett statue dedication in Amesbury. during her college career. ry my grandfather Sidney Lewis wrote a song Whittier’s verses include a nice mix of praise which provided valuable musical inspiration. for both Bartlett individually (“No firmer And finally from the 21st century I drew fingers held the pen which wrote for liberty DSDI member David Lewis is a retired computer pro- on the musical knowledge I acquired while or death”) and all of the signers collectively grammer from Wethersfield, Connecticut who recently working toward a Music Studies degree at a (“Not for their hearths and homes alone, earned his Associate of Arts degree in Music Studies from Manchester Community College. His primary in- local community college. but for the world their work was done”). I strument is the piano. He and his wife Donna recently retained the idea of collective praise when I visited Amesbury, Massachusetts to view the Bartlett The story of the song’s composition begins wrote the lyrics for the song’s chorus, which statue and learn a bit more about John Greenleaf Whittier. They found several interesting places to visit with its musical elements of melody and are directly inspired by the last phrase of the in Amesbury, including the Whittier Home. They also harmony. The genesis of the song’s melody Declaration, “…we mutually pledge to each discovered that the Whittier Birthplace in neighboring arose from my grandfather’s march, United other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Haverhill is well worth a visit.

8 SPIRIT OF ‘76 GIFTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS (continued from page 7)

One of the Signers Nancy Ware Hankins Boyle Laura Menegaz Niña Hill Hopkins Lauren N. Johnson R. Bruce W. Laubach Linda Coley Teare O Storied vale of Merrimac, Rieman McNamara, Jr. Lisa R. Moore, Jr. Rejoice through all thy shade and shine, Robert Mason Blake Marietta Edmunds Zakas Sally Gillespie Reed Virginia M. Zakas And from his century’s sleep call back Scott Richard Lewis Louis E. Zakas A brave and honored son of thine. Stevenson Weston Croft Elizabeth C. Zakas Thomas Lynch Adams, III Marsha H. Martin Among those picked and chosen men Thornton C. Lockwood Marshall A. Burke Than his, who here first drew his breath, Virginia I. Owens Mary S. Reid Walley Grover Francis Nancy King Waites No firmer fingers held the pen William Sutherland Strong Richard Lee Miller Which wrote for liberty or death. Richard Michael Scully Bell Ringers Sarah Elizabeth Rawitch-Clonts Sarah S. Drake Alice Ryden Sharon Marie Schmelling CHORUS: Allison N. Johnson Sheryll Pope Barnes Alyson Laure Rawitch They pledged their Lives, and their Fortunes, Shirley Diana Hunter Smith Anita Marion Davis Sonya V. Brittingham And their sacred Honor dear, Ann R. Clarke McAlister Susan C. Pasco Anne C. Heyward Declaring freedom, independence, Edward A. Pasco A. Heath Light Cabell C. Pasco Signing boldly without fear. James Blake Susan Jane Spalding Bull Taylor Blake Susan Rittenhouse Phillips Barbara T. Greeley Dewing Not for their hearths and homes alone, Brittney Kean Taylor Robert Blake But for the world their work was done: Carolyn B. Cooper Celeste Ramsey Watson Foundations On all the winds their thought has flown Daniel W. Bache Through all the circuit of the sun. Douglas Lane Gray The Mark C. Pope, III Foundation Douglas Macon Valentine And thou, O Land he loved, rejoice Elise Rutledge Bradford Matching Grant Elizabeth McIlvain Bausher That in the countless years to come, Ameriprise – on behalf Elizabeth Robison Cabell of Stevenson Weston Croft Whenever Freedom needs a voice, Emily S. Bagwill IBM International – on behalf Florence Mears Thompson These sculptured lips shall not be dumb! of Mel Livingston George Meredith Bergen Grace Keiper Staller 1776 Legacy Society Hunter Thompson George James Robert Blake These members have included Janet L. W. Nolan a gift to DSDI in their wills. Jean Wood Brydon John B. Bonsey Hope Middleton Wood John Glynn, III James Herbert Alexander Rieman McNamara, Jr. Karen L. Turner Roger M. L. Schmitt Katherine P. Payne Kimerlee Overton Johnson Landon Bell Lane, Jr.

The Annual Giving Fund begins November 1, 2017 and ends October 31, 2018

SPIRIT OF ‘76 9 FALL MEETING IN CONNECTICUT s The DSDI Fall meeting will be held in Windsor 10 a.m. Afterward, we will travel by bus to Con- Yorktown in Wethersfield in May of 1781.) The and Litchfield, Connecticut Sept. 28-30. It will necticut’s northwest hills. Litchfield, founded Buttolph-Williams house, one block away, is be the Society’s first visit to the area, where in 1719, is a quintessential New England town the setting for Elizabeth George Speare’s book, we will learn about the Wolcott family. Oliver that flourished during the American Revolution “The Witch of Blackbird Pond.” Open on the Wolcott, one of the four signers from Connecti- and in the years following the war. Benjamin weekends is the Cove Warehouse, which was cut, grew up in Windsor and then moved to Tallmadge and his wife, Mary Floyd (daughter part of the West Indies trade (1650-1830). Litchfield, 40 miles west, where he began his of Signer ) lived in Litchfield as life of public and military service. did Lyman Beecher and his family. Two presti- Our hotel will be the Hilton Garden Inn on gious academic institutions were established – Corporate Drive in Windsor, Connecticut. (group This year marks the 375th anniversary of a law school (1784) and the Litchfield Female code DSDI4). Just nine miles north of Hartford, Windsor’s settlement. In September 1633, the Academy (1792) – that enrolled students from Windsor is a charming town, easily accessible first English community in the Crown Colony of many states. by major highways and Amtrak (WND). Bradley Connecticut initially established a trading post International Airport is about nine miles away situated at the confluence of the Farmington Following a box lunch in the town library, part in Windsor Locks. and Connecticut Rivers, nine miles north of the of which is the former home of Oliver Wolcott Dutch settlement in Hartford. Jr., (George Washington danced in the ballroom Look for the Fall meeting invitation in your on the second floor), staff members from the mailbox soon. On Friday, Sept. 28, at 12:45 p.m., we will Litchfield Historical Society will take us on a gather at the Windsor Historical Society, walking tour along South Street. We will visit located on historic Palisado Avenue. The staff the fascinating Tapping Reeve House and Li- will show us two of the homes on the Green tchfield Law School (the first law school in the depicting different eras in Windsor. For those country) and the Litchfield History Museum. SOME PLACES TO who wish to explore, across the street is The The Apple Harvest Festival, open to all, will be First Church (1633) and the graveyard where in full swing in the meadow behind the Tapping SEE & LOCAL EVENTS several Wolcotts are buried. Reeve House. • The Vintage Radio and Communications Museum, Windsor

We will continue up the road 1.6 miles to the Our bus is scheduled to depart around 4:30 • New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks Oliver Ellsworth Homestead (1781), known as p.m., returning us to the hotel in time for our • Brown’s Harvest Farm Stand, Windsor, W-Sn, 10-6 Elmwood. Ellsworth helped draft the United traditional cash bar and dinner buffet (black States Constitution, served as the third Chief tie, business attire, or Revolutionary costume). • Thursday Farmer’s Markets: Windsor and Justice of the United States, and was a United Wethersfield, 3-6 p.m. States Senator from Connecticut. He married If members have the time on Thursday or • Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre, Wethersfield Abigail Wolcott, a cousin of Oliver Wolcott. Sunday, another nearby historical town to • Hartford: Mark Twain House and Museum, (George Washington visited Elmwood on visit is Wethersfield, about six miles south of Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art, Connecti- October 21, 1789.) Around 4 p.m., the Board Hartford on the Connecticut River. This town cut Science Center, Butler-McCook Homestead will meet while tours of the home will begin. A was settled in 1634 and today incorporates (Hartford’s oldest remaining house, built in 1782)

casual dinner buffet and talk will follow at 6 Old Wethersfield, Connecticut’s largest historic • West Hartford: Noah Webster House p.m. district, about two square miles. The houses • Farmington: Hill-Stead Museum, Stanley-Whitman of the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum (https:// House (1720) On Saturday, Sept. 29, our day will start with webb-deane-stevens.org) provide three differ- an early breakfast at our hotel followed by ent stories about the 18th century. (George • Oliver Wolcott Library the General Meeting of the Society from 9 to Washington visited and planned the battle of

10 SPIRIT OF ‘76 DSDI MERCHANDISE

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SPIRIT OF ‘76 11 HISTORY OF THE DSDI BIOGRAPHY PROJECT s The Board of Governors of the DSDI authorized the initiation of a • The family history of the signer, in the old world as well as the new Biography Project at the October meeting in 2006. The Board asked • Signer quotations, thoughts and views on his road to Jim Alexander and Thorny Lockwood to manage the Project. The independence biographies appearing on our website, for each of the 56 signers, are • The appearance, reputation and behavior of the signer among the result of this project. his peers • Signer memorials—homes, graves, statues, plaques, inscriptions, Several decades earlier, in the 1970s, the DSDI created brief sketch- and other memorials es and testimonials for the 56 signers of the Declaration of Indepen- • A bibliography of the signer’s biographies for further information dence, but had never undertaken biographies. Over the succeeding These findings indicated that a Biography Project was worth decades, short biographies were published, and new ones appeared pursuing. The decision was made that the enterprise would be on the internet. These biographies were of variable length, content conducted on an all-volunteer basis, relying upon the interest and and value. special knowledge of individual DSDI members.

Leading up to the centennial year of the DSDI in 2007, there were Sources of information on the content areas were identified, and a frequent Board discussions about creating biographies of the guidelines document was prepared, including helpful hints on how to signers for the Society. These deliberations concerned funding and get started. procedure issues. Who would write them? What subjects should these biographies address? What should be emphasized? Would a A vigorous search for volunteer authors took place over the next DSDI Biography Committee be the way to go? If the Society hired a several years—at DSDI meetings and using recruitment advertising professional writer, what would it cost? What instructions would the in the Spirit. At the October 2006 launch meeting of the project, six writer be given? By whom? Despite much discussion, no viable plan volunteers stepped forward, leaving 50 more to go. was forthcoming. The active management of the project was handled by Jim and Thorny Lockwood began researching the state of the current biogra- Thorny. Thorny acted as author recruiter, provider of guideline phies available to see whether new DSDI biographies would provide information, the “go to” source for answering questions, and as “first value. To generate simply “me too” versions of existing signer biogra- responder” to biography submissions. At times he also served as phies did not seem worth the effort. Unless the DSDI versions could editor, seeking out additional information on a particular signer to bring to the table new and different perspectives and information on amplify the five content areas. the signers, there seemed to be little purpose in undertaking what would be an arduous and time-consuming enterprise. Jim served as publisher of the biographies. After passing his scrutiny, the biographies were posted on the DSDI website, and were later Thorny’s research identified five biography content areas that had published on the Centennial CD. All 56 biographies now reside on been largely or totally ignored by other short biographies available in the DSDI website—“dsdi1776.com.” print or on the internet:

12 SPIRIT OF ‘76 Many of the volunteer biographers were DSDI members who wrote Two distinct legacies were established by the Biography Project. The biographies of the signer from whom they were descended. Four- project directly supported and enhanced the first objective of the So- teen signers had no descendants, but volunteers stepped forward ciety, “to perpetuate the memory” of the signers. The second legacy to write for them. Some volunteers were spouses or friends of DSDI belongs to each of the individual volunteer authors. Because of their members. Several volunteers wrote more than one biography. Each contribution to this project, their names will live forever in the annals volunteer signed at the end of his/her biography. All 56 biographies of the DSDI—on the DSDI website and on the CD. contain unique information not available on any other published biographies, in print or on the internet. We take this opportunity to express our fervent thanks and gratitude to all of those volunteer authors who made this project possible. John Glynn joined the management group as a co-chairman, provid- ing valuable assistance in recognizing the contribution made by our James Alexander, Co-chairman volunteer authors. Johnny Alexander, then DSDI Historian-General, John Glynn, Co-chairman deserves special commendation by arranging for proper final editing Thornton Lockwood, Co-chairman of the text—spelling, paragraphs, syntax, etc.

TREASURER-GENERAL REPORT

BALANCE SHEET INCOME EXPENSE The fair market value of our assets on June Our ordinary income represents income asso- Our ordinary expenses for the 2-month period 30, 2018 was $1,470,043 and represents ciated with membership and general adminis- ending on June 30, 2018 was $14,726, for an an increase in assets since March 31, 2018 tration. Total ordinary income for the 2-month ordinary total income of $12,949. of $9,823. period ending June was $27,675

Assets as of June 30, 2018 2 Month Income as of June 30, 2018 2 Month Expenses as of June 30, 2018

Contributions Wells Fargo Dues and $5,965 Program Service Membership $26,724 Life Fund 21.55% Applications 1.82% $658,711 $15,390 $5,297 $6,170 44.81% 55.61% 35.97% 41.90%

Sustaining Fund General & Administrative $248,091 Scholarship Fund Meeting Receipts $2,065 Meeting Expenses 16.88% $536,517 $6,320 14.02% $1,194 36.50% 22.84% 8.11%

SPIRIT OF ‘76 13 DSDI REGISTRAR-GENERAL’S REPORT PHILADELPHIA, PA July 3, 2018

13 New Senior Members 3556LM Hunter McCollough Clements* John Hart - 11 8 College Ave Swathmore, PA 19081-1423 3557 Madison Taylor Wessells - 9 15363 Fletcher Rd J1555 Ella Grace Edwards - 11 Bloxom, VA 23308-2479 PO Box 42 Gallatin, TN 37066-0042 3558 Madelynne Elizabeth Hunter* - 10 6678 Avalon Blvd J1556 Phoebe Chieko Hoskins John Hart - 11 Avon, IN 46123-7180 106 Abington Rd Rochester, NY 14622-2610 3559 Christine Marzuke Thomas Oliver Wolcott - 8 114 James St J1557 Hayden Kemmer Edwards William Hooper - 11 Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706-3900 PO Box 42 Gallatin, TN 37066-0042 3560 Harrison McCollister DeLong* - 9 3070 Greendale Dr NW Atlanta, GA 30327-1609 9 Upgrades to Life Membership 3561LM Cosima Serra Di Cassano* - 9 # Name Date Signer Ch. Des Charmilles 9 Chateau d’Oex VA Switzerland 3546 Laura H. Hayes d19 Jun 2018 Mathew Thornton 3562LM Sydney Nicole Burke John Hart - 10 2977 David Birkett 19 Jun 2018 John Hart 112 Mawney St. Haimes East Greenwich, RI 02818-3213 3402 Dustin Thomas 23 May 2018 William Hooper 3563LM Abigail Mildred Gleason John Morton - 9 Snyder 303 Selway View Rd 3343 Dalton Bryant 23 May 2018 William Hooper Corvalis, MT 59828-9390 Snyder 3564 Courtney D’Evereux Marshall Matthew 3435 Delores Faye King 23 May 2018 William Hooper 37 Briarfield Ln Thornton - 8 Snyder Huntington, NY 11743-3847 3050 David Wolcott 26 May 2018 Oliver Wolcott 3565LM Monica Page Laubach* Thomas Sturgeon 3700 Shackleton Ln Nelson, Jr. - 9 3277 Christina Marielle 26 May 2018 Oliver Wolcott Williamsburg, VA 23188-8803 Sturgeon 3566 Russell Elliott Edwards William Hooper - 10 2977 David Birkett 6 Jun 2018 John Hart PO Box 42 Haimes Gallatin, TN 37066-0042 3546 Laura Kelly 7 Jun 2018 Thomas Nelson, Jr. 3567 Matthew David Edwards William Hooper - 10 Henderson Hayes PO Box 42 Gallatin, TN 37066-0042 4 deaths reported this period; 3568 Margaret Fisk Genvert - 10 # Name Date Signer 1111 Cotton Patch Island 1316 Thomas R. Dew, Jr. 2 Jun 2018 Salisbury, MD 21801-7494 3395 Prescott Evarts, III 28 Aug 2017 Roger Sherman * Junior Upgrade 2785 Charles Taylor 18 May 2018 John Penn 7 New Junior Members Lewis J1551 Anna Susanne Thomas Oliver Wolcott - 9 3360 Winsor Chase 18 May 2918 John Hart 114 James St Schmidt Jr. Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706-3900

J1552 Caitlin Elise Thomas Oliver Wolcott - 9 New Senior Member Applications by Signer: 114 James St Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706-3900 Abraham Clark 1 Thomas Nelson, Jr. 1 J1553 Madeline Grace Thomas Oliver Wolcott - 9 George Clymer 1 Benjamin Rush 1 114 James St John Hart 2 Roger Sherman 1 Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706-3900 William Hooper 2 1 J1554 Naomi Gabrey Croft William Hooper - 9 10690 Branham Fields Rd E Arthur Middleton 1 Oliver Wolcott 1 Duluth, GA 30097-2094 John Morton 1 John Morton 1

14 SPIRIT OF ‘76 Eason Mahone Thomas Nelson Jr. University of Wyoming Seniors Juniors Rebecca Manthorpe John Hart Drexel University 1211 Total Active Membership, Last Report 201 Natalie Marcus George Clymer Columbia University 8 New Members (does not include Junior upgrades) 7 Melissa Marcus George Clymer Lehigh University New Supplements (does not increase # of Members) Lynsey McClintock John Witherspoon Northern Arizona University 5 Junior Transfer to Senior -5 Kristen Nelson Thomas Nelson Jr. University of Houston Law Center Patrick Nugent John Hart College of the Holy Cross -0 Resignation/Drop or non-transferring Juniors -0 Sheila Olney General William Floyd Fairfield University 0 Converted to Inactive 0 Louisa Pendergast Roger Sherman University of Washington 0 Reinstatement 0 Sayde Perry Carter Braxton International School Nido de Aguilas -4 Deaths 0 Matson Roberts University of Virginia John Scully John Hart Drexel University 9 Total Net Added This Report 2 Dustin Snyder William Hooper Delta State University 1220 Total Membership, This Report 203 Davis Snyder William Hooper Mississippi State University Dalton Snyder William Hooper Mississippi College Total Life Members as of this report: Seniors = 789, Juniors =49, Total = 840. Keitt Trammell V Troy University John Witherspoon John Knox Witherspoon North Carolina State University Respectfully Submitted, Miles Works St. John’s University School of Law Benjamin Wrobel John Penn Virginia Tech Jim Alexander Stephanie Wynia John Hart Calvin College Timothy Wynia John Hart Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Elizabeth Zakas Benjamin Henry HarrisonFurman University Stephanie Zdimal Philip Livingston SUNY Oswego SCHOLARSHIPS

Winners Signer College Anneke Belman , , Oliver Wolcott SUNY Purchase Taylor Blake John Witherspoon The University of Tennessee Knoxville Peyton Burke Thomas Nelson Jr. Utah State University Leah Bushey Richard Stockton Willamette University Luke Clements John Hart University of Pennsylvania Hunter Clements John Hart Washington College Sarah Cooper Thomas Nelson Jr. Berry College Dalton Cousin General William Floyd Georgia Southern University Lee Croft William Hooper Georgia State University Ryden Crowther Thomas Nelson Jr. Utah State University Akaela Crowther Thomas Nelson Jr. Brigham Young University-Hawaii Kenneth Daily John Hart Northeastern University Leah Delahoussaye John Hart Utah State University Harrison DeLong Arthur Middleton University of South Carolina Kevin Durkin Josiah Bartlett Springfield College A thank-you note Brennan Erickson Oliver Wolcott University of Maryland Kathryn Farrell Philip Livingston Bates College I am writing to convey how deeply grateful I am for the educational Madigan Farrell Philip Livingston Providence College opportunities DSDI’s scholarships have given me. I graduated from Skylar Flechsig John Morton Elon University the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in May with a Bachelor of Kyle Flechsig John Morton University of North Carolina- Wilmington Science Degree in Environmental Science: Conservation, Biodiversity, Abigail Gleason John Morton Arizona State University - Polytechnic Campus and Natural Resources — debt-free, and I am now able to pursue my Ryan Gottwald Thomas Nelson Jr. Virginia Tech career goals without the burden of financial stress. I am currently Mitchell Gray John Hart Indiana University School of Medicine following my passion for conservation restoration, as a reintroduction Lucy Grinnan Benjamin Harrison V Middlebury College biologist assistant at the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Insti- John Homans Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania tution. This photo was taken during a break while I worked on our Emily Hubbard John Witherspoon University of Virginia latest reintroduction project, releasing 279 Southern Appalachian Madelynne Hunter Abraham Clark Purdue University Brook Trout into the Cherokee National Forest. Brooklyn Johnson George Clymer New York University Lauren Johnson Oliver Wolcott Lafayette College With much appreciation and gratitude, Hooks Johnston Benjamin Harrison University of Michigan Rose Lewis Josiah Bartlett Boston University Alexandra Miles Risa Lewis Josiah Bartlett University of Connecticut William Macfarlane William Ellery Point Loma Nazarene University

SPIRIT OF ‘76 15 DSDI member Laura Belman passed along this photo of her granddaughter, Anneke Erin Belman, who visited the Belmans in Paris recently. She posed at the statue of Thomas Jefferson near the Musee D’Orsay. Anneke is a ballerina, headed for her final year at SUNY Purchase, with a DSDI scholarship.

D.S.D.I. Presort Standard James H. Alexander U.S. Postage 7157 SE Reed College Place PAID Portland, OR 97202 Upper Darby, PA Permit No. 114 Address Service Requested