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Home , Edwin Warfield, John Eager Howard, William Smallwood

Maryland Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

125th Anniversary April 20, 1889 – April 20, 2014 Annual Meeting April 12, 2014 Westminster,

By: Christopher T. Smithson, A.A.S. Historian, MDSSAR Founding of the Maryland Society

• Founded on April 20, 1889 in Annapolis in • President, Edward W. LeCompte; Vice-President, the Old Senate Chambers where Gen. Francis H. Stockett; Secretary, James W. Owens; Treasurer, James Howard; Registrar, Daniel R. gave his farewell Randall; Historian, Bradley T. Johnson; Delegates address. to National Convention, Dr. John G. Morris and J. C. Cresap. Board of Managers, The President, • 36 men founded the society. Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar and Historian of the Society ex officio, and also • The Society was founded under the name J. C. Cresap, J. M. Worthington, John Eager “The Maryland Society Sons of the Howard, and Frank H. Stockett, Jr. Revolution”. • On April 30, 1889 10 days later various State Societies met in the Long Room of Fraun’s Tavern in City on the 100th Anniversary of the Inauguration of George Washington at first President of the to organize the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution • On June 10, 1889 the Society met and changed its name to the Maryland Society, Sons of the American Revolution. • On May 16, 1892, the Society adopted the motto “Non Solum Nobis Sed Pro Patria”, “Not for Ourselves Alone but for our Country.”

The Seal of the Maryland Society

The Seal of the Maryland Society of the Sons of the American Revolution shall be the Calvert and Crossland Coat of Arms, quartered, as in the Maryland State flag, surrounded by a belt, inscribed with the words “Maryland Society of the Sons of the American Revolution”.

Monuments & Col. William Ridgely Griffith

In 1895 the Society placed a monument at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY.

In 1894 the Society placed a bronze tablet at the site of “Old Congress Hall” (Fite’s Tavern) at and Sharp Streets, where the Continental Congress met in Baltimore from December 20, 1776 to February 27, 1777. Today the tablet is on display at the Baltimore Arena.

In 1898 the Society placed a granite marker at

the grave of Gen. . The “Real Sons”

Rev. John Gottlieb Morris Born: November 14, 1803 – Died: October 10, 1895 SAR Number:1020 MDSSAR Number: 20 Patriot Father: John Morris (bef 1760-1808)

Rev. John Gottlieb Morris was born in York, Pennsylvania on 14 November, 1803. He died Oct. 10, 1895 in Baltimore Maryland. He was a charter member of the Society joining April 20, 1889. He was the son of John Morris who served in York Co, Pa and was born in Saxony as Johannes Gottlieb Moritz. He became Second Surgeon to the First Partizan Legion commanded by Armand Marquis de la Rouerie and served in 1782-1783 using the name John Morris. He was a member of the Society of Cincinnati as Gottlieb Morris.

Rev. Morris was a clergyman and graduated from Dickinson college in 1823,. He studied theology at Princeton theological seminary in 1823-'6 and at Gettysburg seminary in 1827, being a member of the first class in the latter institution, and was licensed to preach in 1827. He received the degree of D. D. in 1839, and that of LL.D. in 1873, both from Pennsylvania College in Gettysburg. Dr. Morris was the founder of Trinity English Lutheran church, Baltimore, Maryland, and its pastor in 1827-1860, librarian of , Baltimore, in 1860-1865, pastor of the 3d English Lutheran church, Baltimore, in 1864-1873, and since 1874 of a congregation at Lutherville, Maryland He has been lecturer on natural history in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, since 1834, on pulpit; eloquence and the relation of science and revelation in the theological seminary there since 1874, and has delivered lectures in Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. He was secretary of the general synod in 1839, president of the same body in 1843 and 1883, and president of the First Lutheran Church diet in Philadelphia in 1877. He has been a trustee of Pennsylvania College and director of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg for many years. With his brother he founded Lutherville Ladies' Seminary. In science he has devoted himself specifically to entomology and microscopy. He has been elected to membership in many scientific societies in this country and abroad, and has been chairman of the entomological section of the American association for the Advancement of Science. He was president of the Maryland Bible society and the Maryland Historical Society. During the year 1846 he travelled extensively in Europe, and in the same year he aided in establishing the Evangelical Alliance at London. He founded the Lutheran Observer in 1831, was its editor until 1833, and since then has been one of its contributors. He was the leader of the conservative party in the general synod, and its ablest representative. In addition, he translated many works, and wrote addresses, review and magazine articles, tracts, and scientific papers. He served as the first Chaplain of the Maryland Society and was Vice President General in 1889. Buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery, York, PA

The “Real Sons” Rev. Samuel Kramer Born: October 14, 1808 - Died: August 16, 1891 SAR Number: 1042 MDSSAR Number: 42 Patriot Father: John Jacob Kramer (bef 1760 – aft 1781)

Rev. Samuel Kramer was born October 14, 1808 in Bucks Co, PA. He died on August 16, 1891 in Washington D.C. He joined the MDSSAR on August 30, 1889. He was a druggist by trade as was his son Samuel Robert Kramer. He was a Navy Chaplain too for much of his career. He joined the Union Army in the during the Civil War in 1861 and was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg. He retired as a Major.

He was the son of John Jacob Kramer and Clarissa Bassett who married in 1805. He saw service in Pennsylvania and was commissioned an ensign July 12, 1776 in Bucks Co Associators under Col Philip Gehr and promoted 2nd Lt. May 13 1777 and promoted 1st Lt. on July 8 1778. He retired Jan. 4, 1781 per Official Register of Officers of the 1775-1783 by Francis Heitman. Family tradition says Lt. Kramer was one of Washington’s Body Guards.

OBITUARY: Death of Rev. Samuel Kramer. Washington, August 16 - Rev. Samuel Kramer, formerly of Baltimore died today at his residence on A street southeast, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Mr. Kramer was a native of Baltimore but left there at the breaking out of the war to enter the federal army. He rose to be a major and served afterward as a chaplain in the navy. After the war, he established the navy yard, and acted as the pastor for a number of years. His remains will be buried in Baltimore. Obituary Date: 1891-08-17 Sun Newspaper. There is a microfiche at the Latter Day Saints library of a manuscript by William B. Matchett "Maryland and the glorious Old third in the War for the Union" with reminisces of Militant Chaplain Samuel Kramer. This is a contemporary Senate record which provides details into the life of Rev. Kramer’s work:

Secretary of the Navy. Hon. John F. Miller. Member of the Committee on Naval Affairs, . Memoranda in the case of Rev. Samuel Kramer, an applicant for appointment and retirement as a chaplain in the U. S. Navy.

The Rev. Samuel Kramer (an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church) performed the duties of chaplain at the navy-yard, Washington, without pay, for many years. On the 3d of July, 1880 (after the death of the chaplain in the Navy on duty in the yard), the Secretary of the Navy (Hon. R. W. Thompson) informed the commandant of the yard that Mr. Kramer should receive compensation for his services at the rate of $75 per month. He continued on duty, and to be so paid (out of the appropriation, "contingent Navy") until May 15, 1882, when, on account of want of funds, he was, with others, notified that his services would not be required after June 30, 1882. During this time there was no regular chaplain on duty at the yard.

Mr. Kramer is strongly recommended by the commandant of the yard (Commodore Pattison), who states, May 23, 1882, that "he has been a faithful chaplain, and is highly spoken of by everybody who knows him. As he has served as a seaman in the Navy, he is invaluable as a chaplain. Seamen will listen to him when they will not to the general run of preachers. He. is located in the seamen's library in this yard, attends the sick in the hospital, and officiates at funerals of deceased seamen and marines, and distributes Bibles and tracts." This letter is accompanied with a testimonial letter signed by all the officers of the yard.

February 1, 1881, Commodore A. A. Somines, Commander R. D. Evans (then in command of the training-ship Saratoga}, Commander J. D. Graham, commanding the receiving ship at the yard, and Lieut. D. (S. McRitchie (then in command of the Talla- poosa), joined with Commodore Pattison in asking the appointment of Mr. Kramer as a chaplain in the Navy, and that he be assigned to duty at the Washington navy- yard. These officers state that Mr. Kramer "has in our opinion obtained the love and respect of officers and men who have listened to his exhortations. For many years he has performed the duties of chaplain at this yard without pay, to the entire satisfaction of the officers and men on board the vessels of the on which he has held divine service, and we are of the opinion that there is more good derived from the preaching of a converted sailor to sailors than from anyone who has never been to sea." (Sir. Kramer was too old for appointment, the law fixing the ago between 21 and 35 years, and Mr. Kramer was over 60 years old.)

From letters and statements on file in the Navy Department it appears that Mr. Kramer followed the sea for many years; was in the United States Navy, serving on the Dolphin and Jirandyifine in 1829. After leaving the service he entered the church, and has given more than twenty years' service, without pay, to the cause of seamen, building the Sailors' Bethel church in Baltimore, Md. He served as chaplain of the Third Regiment of Maryland (Union) Volunteers. At the battle of Antietam he acted as major of the regiment (in place of the major, who had been killed in a previous battle), and after that battle was, at the request of the colonel, commissioned as major. He was honorably discharged in August, 1863, on account of disability incurred in the line of duty. He is indorsed and recommended by Bishop E. G. Andrews, Rev. H. R. Naylor, Rev. John Lanahan, Rev. B. Peyton Brown, and Rev. W. W. Hicks, all of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Rev. W. A. Leonard, of St. John's (Episcopal) Church, Washington j Thomas L. Tnllock, and Matthew G. Emery (ex-mayor), of Washington, and Chaplain M. J. Gonzales, U, S. Army.

The “Real Sons”

Capt. Edward Waples Born: January 17 1825 - Died: November 8, 1912 SAR Number: 24256 MDSSAR Number: 555 Patriot Father: Lt. Samuel Waples (1755-1834)

OBITUARY: Waples, Edward B., Capt. - Date of Death; 8 Nov 1912 - Aged; 87 - Of Onancock - He was 87 years old the 17th of January - He was a real son of the Revolution, his father, Lieutenant Samuel Waples, having done valiant service in the cause of freedom. - He married twice, first Miss Sarah Finney , then Miss Agnes West, who survives him. - Survived by 5 sons, Capt. Samuel T., John S., and E. B. Waples, of Onancock, Jennings Wise Waples, of Cape Charles and Charles S. Waples, of Philadelphia - Interment in Onancock Cemetery - Capt. E. B. Waples - Peninsula Enterprise 16 Nov 1912.

OBITUARY: Waples, Edward B., Capt. - Date of Death; 8 Nov 1912 - Born; 17 Jan 1825 - Of Onancock - Interment in Onancock Cemetery - Son of Capt. Samuel Waples, who was a prominent figure in the Revolutionary War, being Lieutenant in the command of General Green - Mother, was Mrs. Sabra Polk Waples, was half sister to the mother of the late Judge Benj. T. Gunter, and half sister to the father of Mrs. Sally Weaver, wife of the late James C. Weaver and also, half sister to Mrs. Sally Bayley, mother of James H. Bayley, Sr. of Cashville. Married twice, 1st, Miss Sarah A. Finney, daughter of Capt. Thomas W. and Fletcher Finney, whom he married 27 Nov 1851 - From this union were 6 children, of whom 5 sons survive him, Samuel T., Edward B. and John S. Waples, of Onancock, Jennings W. Waples, of Cape Charles and Charles S. Waples, of Philadelphia - Married 2nd, Miss Agnes West, 20 Apr 1889, daughter of Revell and Elizabeth West, who survives him. - A charter member of Onancock Baptist Church, which was organized in 1856. Capt. Edward B. Waples - Accomack News 16 Nov 1912.

OBITUARY: Waples, Edward B., Capt. - Date of Death; last Friday - Aged; 87 - A Confederate veteran, commander of a company of Virginia Troops in the Civil War, also, a real son of the Revolution, his father, Lieut. Samuel Waples - Married twice, first Miss Sarah Finney, then Mrs. Agnes West, who survives him - Survived by 5 sons, Capt. Samuel T., John S., and E. B. Waples, of Onancock, Jennings Wise Waples, of Cape Charles and Charles B. Waples, of Philadelphia - Capt. Edward B. Waples Dead - Eastern Shore Herald (Eastville) 15 Nov 1912. OBIT: Waples, Eliza - Aged; 36 - Wife of Edward B. Waples, Jr. - Peninsula Enterprise 17 Nov 1894.

1900 - 1909

1901 – In 1901 the Society placed a Monument at Mount Royal Plaza in Baltimore City. 1902 – Gen. served as President General of the National Society. Later in 1904 as . 1908 – Hon. Henry Stockbridge served as President General of the National Society. 1909 – Maryland Society hosted the 21st Congress of the National Society from April 30th to May 2. 1910 - 1919

On May 13, 1911, the Society placed a stone at the grave of , former Governor of Maryland and signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1913 the Society changed its Annual meeting to April to coincide with the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. In 1915 the Society placed a tablet at Washington Monument in Baltimore during the centenial laying of its cornerstone. Later that year placed a marker at the grave of . In 1917 Maryland Society member, William Tyler Page, a descendant of Carter Braxton wins the contest of the writing of “The American’s Creed”. 1920 - 1929

The chapters of the Maryland Society were first organized in 1920 under the leadership of State President & President General James H. Preston • September 10, 1920 ~ Colonel Aquila Hall Chapter, Harford County. • October 14, 1920 ~ An application for a chapter charter in Baltimore County was presented, signed by 6 members and discussion was made but never granted. • November 30, 1920 ~ Sgt. Lawrence Everhart Chapter, Frederick County. • April 14, 1921 ~ Registrar presented an application for a charter for a chapter to be In 1926 the Society along with the located in St. Mary’s County with its Sgt. Lawrence Everhart Chapter headquarters at Leonardtown. Motion was carried and so ordered. erected a monument During Preston’s term the Society had the largest commemorating the visit of Gen increase in membership with 129 members Marquis de Lafayette at Jug Bridge receiving the Syracuse Traveling Banner for the largest membership increase in one year. near Frederick, Maryland in 1824.

In 1928 the Society placed a bronze tablet on the right of the entrance door to the Old Senate Chambers. 1930 - 1939

In the 1930 History of the Maryland Society stated that efforts were made to create chapters in Hagerstown and Cambridge, but efforts were not successful. In 1934, the Maryland Society hosted the 45th Annual Congress in Baltimore. In 1935, the Maryland conceived the idea of awarding a medal to enlisted men of the Maryland National Guard in honor of the . The medal was discontinued in 1941. Henry F. Baker was elected as President General of the National Society. In 1939, the 50th Anniversary of the Maryland Society was held at the old Senate Chamber in Annapolis. 1940 - 1949

In 1941, Greenbury Ridgely Sappington elected as the President General of the National Society. Joseph Noble Stockett elected President of the Society at age 83. In 1945, member Stanley D. Kolb was serving as a member of the Maryland Legislature introduced a bill making the Cross Botany aka Calvert Cross the official emblem for the top of pole which the Maryland Flag is displayed. In 1949, the formation of the Mid-Atlantic States District. Ernest Judson Clark, Jr. elected President of the Maryland Society age 40. 1950 - 1959

In 1950 the Maryland Society received the Freedoms Foundation Award for outstanding achievement in bringing about a better understanding of the American way of life by the 8th Annual Constitution Day radio drama. In 1954, the Society was instrumental in the rebuilding of Gen. William Smallwood’s home, “Retreat”. In 1956 Society President Cmdr. Myron W. Hutchinson, Jr. died while in office while attending a American Legion meeting in Detriot. In 1957 the Society lead in the preservation of the U.S.S. Frigate Constellation. In 1959 the Society created the Extension Committee, “to investigate the question of organizing Chapters throughout the State. 1960 - 1969

In 1961 was the first ever Patriots Ball started by President Laurence Sangston. The Maryland Society Color Guard was originally formed in 1961 by Harold Wilmoth. On May 30, 1968 the General William Smallwood Chapter was formed. In January of 1969, was the first time George S. Robertson in 51 years had missed a State Board Meeting. Serving as Secretary from 1918 to 1969. 1970 – 1979

On May 22, 1971 the Christian Ardinger Chapter was organized. In October, 1971 the Nicholas Ruxton Moore Chapter was organized. On November 30, 1971 the General Chapter was organized and later changed to Col. John Eager Howard Chapter. On July 22, 1972 the Chapter was organized. On March 26, 1973 the Col. Henry Hollingsworth Chapter was organized. On May 1, 1976 the Col. Tench Tilghman Chapter was organized. On November 6, 1976 the Col. Aquila Hall Chapter was reorganized. In 1977 Hon. Wilson King Barnes elected to serve as President General and on March 1, 1977 the Charles Carroll of Carrollton Chapter was organized. On February 25, 1979 the John Hanson Chapter was organized.

1980 - 1989

On October 30, 1982 the Capt. John Smoot Chapter was organized. In 1984, Carl F. Bessent elected to serve as President General. In March, 1985 the Westminster Chapter was organized. Dr. Cecil Massie who was the organizing President still serves as President of the Chapter. In April 1989, the Maryland Society celebrated its 100th Anniversary. A centennial book was compiled by member Henry C. Peden, Jr.

1990 - 2014

The following Compatriots from the Maryland Society served as Vice- President General’s in the last 25 years, Barrett McKown, Lester Foster, Jim Cafferty, Hall Worthington and R. Duane Tackitt. On March 30, 1991 the Thomas Stone Chapter was organized. In 1999 Robert Seay, who served as Commander of the Maryland Society Color since 1973 retires. Ed Dotter then serves as Commander. On July 15, 2000 the Little Meadows Chapter was organized. The Seal of the Maryland Society is changed to add a minuteman in honor of the . In 2006, the record was broken as Rev. Christos Christou, Jr. serves as the youngest President of the Maryland Society at age 39. On March 31, 2014 marked the first time the Society membership in one year had increased over 100 since 1921. Ending with 108 new members. On April 20, 2014 marks the 125th Anniversary of the organization of the Maryland Society.