REGISTER OF THE CALIFORNIA SOCIETY
OF THE
SONS OF THE AMERICAN
REVOLUTION
HISTORY OF THE CALIFORNIA SOCIETY
THE California Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is the pioneer organization of all the modern patriotic societies in the United States. To its influence and example the foundation of all of them may be traced. It was instituted in San Francisco, Cal., October 22 , 1875, under the name of the Sons of Revolutionary Sires. In the evening of that day Dr. James L. Cogswell invited a number of gentlemen, among them Dr. Peter Wilkins Randel, Dr. Emory L. Willard, Joseph Reed, Ira Root, Richard Rush Randel, Major Edwin Sherman, and several others whose names have not been preserved, to meet in his office on Kearny Street, to discuss the proposition of organizing a society of the descendants of the soldiers of the American Revolution. Major Sherman, who at that time was a resident of Nevada, suggested that when the proposed society was organized, it should be national in character. To this all agreed. After further discussion as to the details of the formation of this Society, this provisional meeting adjourned. Nothing more was done in the matter until nearly a year afterwards.
On June 26, 1876, the Centennial year of American Independence, the following note, written by a lady whose identity has never been discovered, was published in the daily Alta California, a San Francisco newspaper:—
"EDITOR Alta: Wouldn't it be a most novel but strikingly interesting idea in the program of the procession for our City Centennial Celebration, to
have represented our grandparents of the Revolution by the grandchildren now living, residents of this city? There might not be a single living son or daughter, but, no doubt, there might be a score or more of real grandchildren.
" Wouldn't it be splendid if enough could be found to represent every State in the Union, to ride in a car sufficiently large to carry them all, each one carrying a small flag with the name of the State they represent, and the car designated ' The Revolutionary Grandchildren? ' . . .
" All honor to our glorious, noble grandparents to-day. I could tell many, many incidents that they all have related to me, so green and fresh and heart-stirring to-day to me as when a child I heard them from their own lips, which I have told myself to many a dear little child in this city to try to explain what the 4th of July or Independence means. These things must be kept before the minds of our young and rising generation, for, from some of them, at least, must come the future support of the whole fabric so dearly won by those martyred heroes, whose cry—Liberty or Death—went up to the ears of a willing, merciful Father to relieve us from tyranny and oppression, making a home for all to worship as they choose, and to buy, sell, and get gain, and send it where they list.
"If the General of the day thinks anything of this—for I know you will let him see it—tell him I want to go and carry the old Bay State flag, my dear native home, which I have not seen for fourteen years. I am the poor widow of one of the victims of the privateers of our last war, living in obscurity.
" Yours, etc.,
Seeing this note, and also taking cognizance of the rapid development of patriotic spirit in San Francisco, Dr. Cogswell now felt that it was time to bring about a more permanent organization of the Society which had been planned and formulated in the previous October, 1875. He accordingly published the following call for a meeting, in the Alta Of June 26, 1876:—
REVOLUTIONARY DESCENDANTS.
"EDITOR Alta: The idea suggested by the granddaughter of one of our Revolutionary sires seems a capital one; and as I belong in the same category with your correspondent, being the grandson of one of the Revolutionary heroes, I shall be happy to have all who belong to this class call at my office, No. 230 Kearny Street, and organize for the occasion.
"[Signed] J. L. COGSWELL. " San Francisco, June 26, 1876."
A number of descendants of Revolutionary sires, in response to this call, met at his office, including some of those who had been present at the meeting in the previous year, and agreed to become members of the organization. They also agreed to participate in the celebration of the Centennial anniversary of American Independence, the preparations for which had been put into the hands of the committee of the leading citizens of San Francisco. Upon the request of those present at this meeting, the Grand Marshal issued the following invitation, which was published in the Alta:—
1776.
1876.
ATTENTION, DESCENDANTS OF REVOLUTIONARY PATRIOTS !
Headquarters Centennial Committee, 212 Kearny Street.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 28, 1876.
You are hereby requested to meet at the Headquarters of the Grand Marshal, No. 212 Kearny Street, at 8 o'clock P. M., on Thursday, June 29, for the purpose of making arrangements to participate in the celebration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Nation's Independence.
CHARLES L. WIGGIN, Chief of Staff to the Grand Marshal.
On the date of the issuance of the above invitation, the Alta, through its local column, called attention of descendants of Revolutionary sires to the approaching celebration, in these words :‑
" The descendants of the Revolutionary patriots in this city are requested to meet at Headquarters of the Grand Marshal, No. 212 Kearny Street, at 8 o'clock this evening, for the purpose of making arrangements to participate in the Centennial Celebration."
On that evening they assembled at 8 o'clock. Gen. A. M. Winn was called to the chair, and Dr. E. L. Willard was chosen Secretary. The Chairman stated that the meeting had been called for the purpose of participating in the celebration of the Centennial anniversary of American Independence. Those present were enrolled, and the assemblage adjourned to meet at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco on July 1, 1876.
On July 1, 1876, the organization met at the Palace Hotel; the selection of permanent officers was deferred until after the celebration of July 4. James P. Dameron was elected Treasurer, and W. S. Moses, Marshal pro tern. Thirty members signed the roll and paid their initiation fee. It was resolved that signing the roll should constitute membership, and was also to be taken as a pledge of honor that the signer was a regular descendant of an American Revolutionary patriot. For misrepresentation in this regard such person was to be disgraced by expulsion. The names and number of officers of the Society was also determined, but the duties they were to perform in their respective positions was left to the determination of the President.
The third meeting of the Society was held on July 4, 1876, at the Palace Hotel. Upwards of ninety members were present; all resolved to take part in the parade. Of this number ten were sons of Revolutionary fathers. When the procession was formed, it was found that not enough carriages had been procured to accommodate all the members of the Society. Accordingly, about fifty of them joined the procession on foot, carrying thirteen shields, representing the thirteen original Colonies, and about twenty-five, owing to advanced age, rode in the carriages provided. Everywhere along the line of march of the parade they were most enthusiastically received. On their return to the Palace Hotel, James P. Dameron delivered a short and patriotic address. At this time several others joined the Society.
The next meeting was held on July 11, 1876, at Dashaway Hall. About fifty members were present. Gen. Winn was called to the chair and made an address, in which he spoke in part as follows:—
" This Society is organized to unite the descendants of our Revolutionary fathers, by enrolment and reunion, perhaps from one to four days each year, thus giving an opportunity for fathers, mothers, and children to become acquainted with each other and enjoy the pleasures of such entertainment. As more young people enter the list, more frequent meetings may become necessary, which in all probability will be the case. Until then it will perhaps be best to leave the management of our affairs to a Board of Trustees or Directors.
" To keep up an organization with regular meetings, there must be form, ceremony, and regalia to attract and dignify; such things have become essential in conducting the affairs of societies organized for social purposes or mutual benefits; young people must indulge in ornament and show, while older ones are not exempt from a desire to witness such exhibition.
" This is a glorious undertaking, commenced at the right time, in the right place, and under the most favorable circumstances. I hope the diffusion of its principles may be universal and its branches established in every part of the United States."
On this occasion Secretary William B. Eastin also spoke in part as follows :—
" In contemplating the formation of this Society I have been deeply impressed with the grandeur of this organization. You have laid here foundations composed of the enduring records of our country's earliest history, cemented by the blood of Revolutionary sires. Upon this rock we propose to build our house, a temple of beauty, beneath whose ample dome its builders shall be gathered, ever to feel the sacred influence- of revered and cherished memories, and which shall stand as a living monument to the memory of the heroes of 1776."
" If in the other world the soul holds dear
Aught of the things most loved and hallowed here."
"Although it is but the embryo of what we hope to see, a strong organization is seen in the distance, now no larger than a man's hand. If we are only true to ourselves and true to the principles we have the honor to represent, we shall yet have the unspeakable pleasure of seeing this tree of liberty bring forth fruit which shall be for the healing of the nation, and when the Centennial dawn of 1976 shall burst upon this fair land, may you who shall have been gathered within the ranks of that honorable army of sires, be able to look with approval upon a free, united, and happy Republic."
The officers were then constituted a Committee on Constitution, By-laws, and Articles of Incorporation, with instructions to report at the next meeting.
On August 2, 1876, the Society again met at the Palace Hotel, with President Winn in the chair, and William B. Eastin, Secretary. The Committee on Constitution, By-laws, and Articles of Incorporation reported. The President made the following remarks, which are at this date of particular historical significance:—
" In the Revolutionary War, as in all others, when a battle is fought or some great deed of patriotism is accomplished, the commander or leader is recorded by name, while those of the rank and file are merely incidental. Perhaps their names are found on the Sergeant's roll, for the convenience of knowing whether they were present or absent; the roll wears out, the Sergeant is killed, or something else prevents the handing down of even the names of those who bared their breasts to storms of shot and shell, and lost their lives for their country's good.
"A hundred years have passed since our grandfathers left their offices, fields, and shops to win for posterity this glorious country; they are called patriotic Revolutionary fathers, without a seeming thought that they had some other name, like Washington, of which their descendants are just as proud as if they were titled heroes embalmed in the hearts of their countrymen.
" In the very nature of things it could not be otherwise; the newspapers could not herald all the men by name, and if they did so the generals and leading officers were all the great mass of the people wanted to know about. But the mother knew her son fought and was killed; the wife knew that her husband had gone to the bloody field and did not return; she told it to her children; they told the same story to theirs; and so the deeds of private soldiers and officers of inferior rank have been handed down from mouth to ear for one hundred years.
"It is natural that we should be proud of such ancestry; it is right that we should collect tradition and. make history speak of the glorious deeds, sealed with the seal of patriotic blood. It is for this purpose we have organized the 'Sons of Revolutionary Sires.'
"Each of the members will tell us what they can about their ancestral line, and we will write it down, perhaps to bring forth the oft-repeated traditional stories of individual patriotism. We will find the parent stock of Revolutionary fame, and trace it down to the youngest of the line, making a record from which our descendants may start and follow up to the end of time.
"You have commenced a glorious work; you have formed an association that will spread throughout the land. Your committee of officers have considered well the help needed in the progress of our labors; they have provided for a 'Historic Council,' to make history of tradition; a ladies' auxiliary, from which we expect valuable assistance; a young men's auxiliary, that we may have them trained. for the work we propose to commence, and will soon leave them for management and control. We have thought well of the subject matter, and are directed to report a Constitution, By-laws, and Articles of Incorporation, which we now present for your consideration."
At the conclusion of the foregoing address, the Society proceeded to adopt a Constitution and By-laws which had been prepared for it. This Constitution is of peculiar interest, for two reasons, first, because it was the first of its kind, and, second, because of the wide field its purposes embraced. It is set forth in full elsewhere, and will amply repay the perusal of any one interested in the development of the idea of the modern American patriotic society.
With its Constitution and By-laws adopted, the new Society entered upon the fulfillment of the objects for which it had been organized. Steps were at once taken by the Historical Council to collect data of the ancestry of the various members with a view to publishing genealogical volumes, embracing the members and their Revolutionary ancestry.
Provision was made for the organization of branches in California and in other states, and it was proposed that there should be a representative body as soon as a state had branches enough to require it. Commissions were issued to organize branches of the Society at San Luis Obispo, California; Mason City, Illinois; Granby, Oswego Co, New York; Eureka, California; Lynn, Massachusetts; Hillsborough, Illinois; Staunton, Illinois; Bangor, Maine; Chariton, Iowa; Cedar Falls, Iowa; and at Washington, D. C.
In order to develop the social side of the organization, the Society undertook, by monthly literary and social entertainments, to interest and unite its members.
The ladies also formed an auxiliary. The younger men—those under forty years of age—did likewise, and proceeded to identify themselves actively with the parent organization.
Among all classes, and especially among those who were fortunate enough to be entitled to membership, the Society and the ideas for which it stood met with a most favorable reception. Everywhere citizens went to work to look up their ancestry with a view to becoming members. From the very first the requirements were exceedingly broad. Any one of good moral character was entitled to membership who could trace his descent from a Signer of the Declaration of Independence, a Judge, State Legislator, Town Councilman, Minister to Foreign Country. The farmer who raised grain, or the mechanic who made the shoes, the guns, the clothing, the ammunition, and everything necessary to support and give efficiency to the army in the struggle for Independence; the preacher who prayed for the cause; the teacher who incited in the mind of the youth the principles of Republican Government, and the mothers and daughters who made clothes for the soldier, that all-important and useful patriot, each in their sphere did their part, and their descendants were alike, according to the ideas of the founders, entitled to membership in the Society of Revolutionary Sires.
At the seventh regular meeting, General Wynn, the President, proposed to convert the Society into a secret order. His reasons for favoring this change were that open meetings had not been advantageous to the organization's welfare, and that it was an admitted principle in all great organizations of men and women that secrecy was necessary to insure progress and harmony. This proposal was vigorously combated by some of the more prominent members. The idea got abroad that the Society was undertaking to interfere with religion and politics, and it was vigorously attacked in the public press. The proposal was ultimately defeated, but not until the Society had suffered a good deal. In addition to these difficulties, it also became heavily involved financially, and internal dissensions arose. From this time on many who had been most zealous in forwarding its interests, allowed their zeal to lag and to finally abate altogether, while some withdrew from the Society entirely.
In the meantime the Historical Council had been meeting with many difficulties in procuring from the various members the data for the proposed genealogical volumes. The ladies' auxiliary also had trouble in keeping its members interested. Nevertheless, the Society went on holding monthly meetings as before, at which the
attendance was about the same. During the first year, Washington's birthday and the Fourth of July were celebrated in fitting style.
At the meeting of July 25, 1877, it was proposed to establish a military department, to be known as " The Knights of Seventy-seven," but this proposition was never adopted.
It was about this time that the President and mainstay of the Society, General Winn, removed from San Francisco to Sonoma County. Several others of the more active members, including Col. A. S. Hubbard, were also called away from the State, and as a result interest in the Society generally abated. Meetings were called less frequently and at irregular intervals, and from the latter part of 1878 until 1881, the Society practically lay dormant.
In September, 1881, Col. A. S. Hubbard, having returned to California after a one year's absence, again took up the active work of the Society. He gathered together a few of the more prominent, active, and enthusiastic members, held meetings, appointed delegates to the various Revolutionary anniversary celebrations which were being held at that time throughout the United States, sent to the more prominent members of other patriotic societies bulletins and accounts of the proceedings of this Society, and by his unselfish devotion in every way contributed to the welfare and permanency of the organization. Principally through his efforts and the efforts of those who collaborated with him, the Society received a new impetus, and it took a fresh start.
Nor has Col. Hubbard ever suffered his interest in the Society and its work to abate, and to-day it is deeply indebted to him for the excellent work he has done and is doing as its registrar. Through his efforts an almost complete genealogical record of all its members, besides many interesting and valuable papers, letters, and documents from other patriotic societies and prominent members of the order, are preserved.
In recognition of his long, devoted, and valuable services to both the National Society and the State Society, the following resolution was adopted September 3, 1892, and spread on the records of this Society:—
" Resolved, 1. That the Society places on record that its existence to-day is due to the zeal, untiring devotion, and unceasing labors of Past President Col. A. S. Hubbard, who aided in its inception, and has almost single-handed brought the Society, through trials and discouragements which beset all new societies, to its present prosperous condition; therefore it recognizes him as the founder of the California Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and, therefore, founder of the Society at large.
"Resolved, 2. That the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is earnestly requested in its proceedings and publications to recognize Col. A. S. Hubbard as the founder of the California Society, and thereby founder of the Society at large, an honor which by his patriotic labors he has merited, and to which he is justly entitled.
"Resolved, 3. That a copy of these resolutions, also a copy of said report as finally engrossed, be transmitted to Gen. Horace Porter, President-General, also to the Secretary-General, with the request that they be incorporated in a supplementary form in the Proceedings of the Third Annual Congress.
"Resolved, 4. That the Hon. Lucius P. Deming, the Society's Delegate at Large, is respectfully requested to use his official and personal influence to bring the above properly before the National Society, and that he deposit a copy of the action of the Society taken this day in the National archives.
"Resolved, Finally, that in appreciation of the long-continued and valuable services rendered to the California Society by Past President Hubbard, there be appropriated from the Treasury a sum sufficient to purchase a badge of the first class, with the following words engraved thereon":—
PRESENTED TO
COL. A. S.
HUBBARD
Founder of the California Society
S. A. R.
By His Compatriots of the Society
July 4, 1892.
When the call was issued to form a National Society, California promptly responded by appointing delegates to the proposed convention. At a meeting of the directors held April 25, 1889, Hon. Hamilton Fish, of New York City, N. Y., Col. A. S. Hubbard, and Col. David Wilder, of San Francisco, were elected as the Society's delegates; and Gen. R. B. Hayes, of Fremont, Ohio; Hon. Chas. F. Denison, of Portland, Me., and Chas. James King of William, of San Francisco, were named as alternates. None of the aforesaid gentlemen were, however, able to attend the proposed convention, but the Society was represented by Major George Blight Halstead, of New Jersey, who was by telegraph appointed as the Society's delegate when it became known that the delegates and their alternatives would not be able to attend the convention. An account of the proceedings of this convention and of California's part in the work of forming a National Society, is related elsewhere in this book.
From the first suggestion of the idea of forming a National Society, California supported the movement with enthusiasm. At a meeting of its Board of Directors, held March 22, 1890, the name of the Society was changed to "The California Society Sons of the American Revolution," and a committee was also appointed to draft a new Constitution and By-laws. Steps were taken to have the Society incorporated under the laws of California, and delegates were elected to the first convention of the National Society.
On October 19, 1891, a new Constitution and By-laws were adopted. Operating under this Constitution, the Society has held meetings and reunions commemorating the various national anniversaries and participating in the various conventions and work of the National Society.
On anniversary occasions it has been its custom to celebrate with banquets, at which members and outsiders have delivered addresses befitting the occasion.
In 1894 permission was given to Daniel Cleveland and others to form a branch society at San Diego, Cal. In due time the organization was perfected and entered upon its work. It has actively participated in developing the purposes of its formation, and up to the present time has been in active existence.
In 1900 the Constitution was amended so as to permit the formation of local Chapters of the Society in various parts of the State. These local branches are to be composed of members of the State Society residing within the district allotted to such Chapters. Among the privileges enjoyed by them are the right to recommend persons for membership in the State Society and to have anniversary celebrations and gatherings within the district. Ten or more members of the State Society residing within any district may organize a Chapter. This arrangement is yet too recent to warrant any expression of opinion as to its success, but if it is taken hold of in California with the same spirit with which it is in other States where it has been tried, there is no reason but that it will result in good to the Order.
During the entire period of its existence, this Society has kept constantly in view the purposes of its founders. It has sought, by act and by example, to arouse in all citizens, young and old, a decent and proper respect and regard for our American institutions and for those who were instrumental in their foundation and upbuilding. Its influence for good is daily broadening, and, as the years pass, we feel confident that its usefulness can only increase and expand.
Sons of the American Revolution
Constitution
of the
Sons of Revolutionary Sires
ARTICLE I.
NAME AND OBJECTS.
SECTION 1. The name of this Society shall be "SONS OF REVOLUTIONARY SIRES."
SEC. 2. Its objects are, to unite the descendants of Revolutionary patriots; perpetuate the memory of those who took part in the American Revolution and maintained the independence of the United States of America; to promote social intercourse, mental improvement and mutual benefit of its members; to organize auxiliaries, co-equal branches and representative bodies, at such time and place as the Directors may determine.
ARTICLE II.
HISTORIC COUNCIL.
SECTION 1. Not less than thirteen members, each over forty years of age, shall constitute an auxiliary of the Society, to be known as " Historic Council," who shall be nominated by the Board of Directors and confirmed by the Society. They shall organize by passing By-laws for their own government, and elect such officers as they deem proper. To that body all matters of biography, history, and relics shall be referred for arrangement, record, and preservation; and it shall recommend from time to time such measures as they may deem necessary and proper for the good of the Association and its members.
ARTICLE III.
MEMBERSHIP.
SECTION 1. To be a member, the applicant must be a person of fair repute in society, and the regular descendant of a patriot who took part in the Revolution against England, which resulted in the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, October 19, 1781, and the final establishment of the United States of America as a Republic. Honorary members may be elected as the Society may determine.
ARTICLE IV.
OFFICERS.
SECTION 1. The Officers shall be a President, three Vice-Presidents, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Marshal, and three members of an Executive Committee, who shall be elected annually by ballot, hold office until their successors are qualified, and be a Board of Directors to manage the affairs of the Society as may be required by the State laws and company By-laws.
SEC. 2. The officers shall each perform the duties incident to their respective positions, which may be defined in By-laws, and in the absence of such definition, as the President may from time to time direct.
ARTICLE V.
BY-LAWS.
SECTION 1. To carry out the objects of the Association, as set forth in the Constitution, By-laws may be passed, by majority vote, at a regular meeting of the Society, which may be altered, amended, or suspended, by a two-thirds vote of those present. Provided, however, that suspensions shall only last for one evening.
SEC. 2. " Order of Business " and "Rules of Order" shall not be deemed By-laws, and may be adopted and changed as the Society shall determine, at any regular meeting, by a majority vote.
ARTICLE VI.
AMENDMENTS.
SECTION 1. The Constitution may be amended at a regular meeting by a two-thirds vote, after the amendment has been proposed in writing and voted for, at three separate, distinct meetings, by a majority of those present. The proceedings of the Society, on each separate vote, shall fully appear on the minutes, and on the final vote the roll shall be called, and the ayes and nays recorded.
By=Laws
ARTICLE I.
MEMBERSHIP.
SECTION 1. Application for membership must be made in writing, stating the name, age, place of residence, and from what patriot descended; which shall be referred to the Board of Directors; if they do not report favorably, the candidate is rejected; if favorable, to be reported to the Society as members, where they must be confirmed by a viva voce vote, and sign the roll; if then rejected the name shall not be presented again for six months.
ARTICLE II.
TRIALS.
SECTION 1. A member may be tried, fined, suspended, or expelled, on conviction of crime or any conduct unbecoming a gentleman. In all cases charges must be preferred in writing, stating the specific cause of complaint, on which the President shall appoint a committee of five to inquire into it, who shall have power to admit council on each side, summon witnesses, and take down relevant testimony, which they shall report to the Society in writing, signed by a majority of the committee; whereupon the Society shall try the case and determine the mode and measure of punishment. The decision when spread upon the minutes shall be final, but may be reopened for good cause shown in writing.
ARTICLE III.
HONORARY MEMBERS.
SECTION 1. Honorary membership may be conferred upon distinguished individuals for services rendered in the Army or Navy of the United States, or for contributions to the Society, who shall not be subject to dues or entitled to vote or hold office, but may take part in debate and be entitled to the honors of reunions and celebrations.
SEC. 2. Members may resign if their dues are paid and they are not under charges of any kind, or subject to charges under the second Article of the By-laws.
ARTICLE IV.
MEETINGS.
SECTION 1. The regular meetings shall be on the first Wednesday evening of each month. The annual meeting, the first Wednesday after the 4th of July. The reunion meeting, on the 19th of October. The celebrations, on the 4th of July and the 22d of February, at such time and place as the Directors may determine. The President may call special meetings at pleasure, and shall do so when ten members demand it, in writing, or when required by a vote of the Board of Directors.
SEC. 2. Thirteen members, in good standing, and entitled to all the rights, privileges, and benefits of the Association, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
SEC. 3. In the absence of special parliamentary rules, approved by the Society, the "Manual of Parliamentary Practise," embracing the rules of proceedings and debate in deliberative assemblies, by Luther S. Cushing, shall be controlling authority in all proceedings of the Association or its auxiliaries.
ARTICLE V.
ELECTIONS.
SECTION 1. At the election of officers, the President shall appoint three tellers to receive and count the ballots, and a majority of all the votes cast shall be necessary to a choice. If only one candidate is in nomination, the vote may be taken viva voce.
SEC. 2. No person shall be eligible to an office unless he has been a member more than six months, and his dues paid up, nor shall a member be allowed to vote who is in arrears for three months, or under fourteen years of age.
SEC. 3. The officers may be installed, as the Society shall direct, either in public or private. When public installation is ordered, it shall be opened with religious ceremony, and an oration by some member, under the superintendence of the President, as the Directors may determine, when the wives and children of the members shall be invited, and assigned seats distinct from the balance of the audience.
ARTICLE VI.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS.
SECTION 1. The President shall preside, preserve order, sign warrants drawn on the treasury for the payment of audited accounts, and. all other papers ordered by the Society; have general powers of supervision over the Association; see that the officers perform their duty, enforce the Constitution, By-laws, rules and regulations of the Society; appoint all committees not otherwise provided for; give the casting vote when a tie occurs; examine and announce all ballotings; direct the Secretary to call special meetings, and make full report with recommendations at the monthly meetings and at the end of his term of office.
SEC. 2. The Vice-Presidents, in the order of their rank, shall perform the duties of President in his absence or inability. They shall be the Auditing Committee; examine and act upon all accounts referred to them, and keep a regular account thereof, showing when presented, by whom, the amount, what for, and the amounts by them allowed. They shall be ready, at every meeting, to show their books, which shall be open at all times for the inspection of members.
SEC. 3. The Recording Secretary shall keep a regular account of the proceedings of the Society and Board of Directors, in a book to be kept for that purpose. He shall draw all warrants on the Treasury for the payment of accounts, when allowed by the Auditing Committee, present them to the President for his signature, and have accounts receipted before delivering the warrants to the owner or agent. He shall sign and affix the seal to all documents ordered by the Society, keep the papers properly backed and filed, ready for inspection at any time; notify members of special meetings when ordered by the President; at the end of his term to make a report showing the number of members elected, rejected, initiated, suspended, reinstated, expelled, withdrawn, resigned, and died, with dates and occupations; the number of contributing members, the amount of receipts, amount expended, amount on hand; and within one week after his term expires, deliver to his successor all books and papers, together with all other property of the Society, and take a detailed receipt for the same.
SEC. 4. The Financial Secretary shall keep a record book, showing the names of members, when admitted, when born, and their place of residence; collect dues, keep a regular account thereof; at each meeting pay the same to the Treasurer, take his receipts, and return them as vouchers in settlement; to notify all members when three months in arrears, and at the end of his term to make a full report, and deliver to his successor in office within one week after his term expires, all the books and other property belonging to the Society.
SEC. 5. The Treasurer shall receive, receipt for and disburse all money belonging to the Society, and keep a regular account thereof. He shall deposit the money in such banks as the Directors may determine, and never keep in his hands more than twenty dollars at one time. When a warrant is presented to him properly signed, he shall endorse it, on which the bank will pay, and not otherwise. No bond shall be required of the Treasurer, but for defalcation or violation of the Constitution or By -laws he may be expelled. He shall make a report of receipts and disbursements at every regular meeting of the Society.
SEC. 6. The Marshal shall be the commander of processions, with power to appoint his assistants; call the roll at every parade, note the absentees, and report them to the Society. He shall have charge of the meeting-room and furniture, keep it in order, secure meetings from intrusion, carry messages, introduce candidates for membership, obey the orders of the Society, the President and Board of Directors, and generally perform the duty of Sergeant-at-Arms.
SEC. 7. The Executive Committee shall examine and report upon the books of the officers at least once in six months, or as often as the President may direct, compare the vouchers and records, see that they correspond with collections and disbursements, and make a plain, intelligible report to the Society at the next regular meeting after the examination. All resolutions or questions of doubt referred to them, they shall examine carefully and report thereon at the next meeting after reference, being subject at all times to the orders of the President.
ARTICLE VII.
CORPORATION.
SECTION 1. The Board of Directors is the legal corporate body of the Society, subject to its By-laws and laws of the state. The officers of the Society shall be the officers of the Board of Directors and known as "Directors of the Sons of Revolutionary Sires."
SEC. 2. The Board of Directors has power to fix the duties of officers not otherwise determined; provide them with the necessary books, stationery, etc.; fill vacancies in the Society offices; appoint messengers or other subordinate officers as they may deem necessary, and remove them at pleasure.
SEC. 3. The Board shall appoint an Assistant Secretary on the recommendation of the Secretary, and two Sentinels on the recommendation of the Marshal, who shall perform such duties as their respective chiefs may require.
SEC. 4. The Board shall appoint an Invitation Committee of thirteen, whose duty it shall be to find out who are eligible to membership and report their names and residences to the Secretary, who will present them to the Board of Directors for further action.
ARTICLE
VIII.
AUXILIARIES AND BRANCHES.
SECTION 1. A Ladies' Auxiliary shall be organized by the Board under such By-laws, rules, regulations, and officers as they may deem necessary and proper, the ladies having the right to elect their own officers, under the direction of the President or other members of the Board.
SEC. 2. The Historic Council shall be called together and organized by the Board, in accordance with Article II of the Constitution. The members appointed by the Directors shall be and remain in office until rejected by the Society, and their council labors shall extend to all branches of the Association.
SEC. 3. The Board may organize Auxiliaries composed of young men between fourteen and forty years of age, under such rules and regulations and at such time as in their opinion may be necessary and proper, giving to members the right to elect their own officers and pass such By-laws as may be necessary for their good government. The principal object shall be to concentrate the youth in societies for social intercourse, mental improvement, and necessary instruction in rules of etiquette and the principles of gentlemen.
SEC. 4. The officers of a branch shall be known as a Board of Trustees, and the officers of an auxiliary shall be known as a Board of Managers. Such societies may be chartered by the President and Secretary, when ordered by the Board of Directors. The Constitution, By-laws, Rules and Regulations of the Society shall apply with equal force to all its branches and auxiliaries, except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors.
SEC. 5. The Board may establish a library and museum under such rules and regulations as they shall adopt. They shall receive, receipt for, and return thanks to persons who may contribute books, maps, money, or other property, and provide a well-bound book in which the names of contributors shall be entered, with the character and value of donations made, and preserve it as a permanent record.
ARTICLE IX.
THE ROLLS.
SECTION 1. A book shall be kept by the Recording Secretary, in which the members shall, as they join, write their names, their age, and name of the Revolutionary patriot from whom descended. Also a roll, with the places of residence opposite their names, so as to know where to find them. Also a Roll of Honor so lined as to show when each member was present or absent, from which the Society will determine awards for prompt attendance.
ARTICLE X.
DUES AND FINES.
SECTION 1. The admission fee shall be one dollar. Monday dues, fifty cents, payable in advance, and those who fail to pay for six months shall stand suspended from all the rights and privileges of the Association; but the dues may be remitted by the Society for inability to pay, or a member may reinstate himself by paying his back dues.
SEC. 2. Members of committees shall, for neglect of duty, be subject to fine, in a sum not exceeding five dollars, for each offense, but may be excused for good cause.
SEC. 3. All fines shall be assessed by the President and entered by the Financial Secretary, which shall stand as dues against the member, unless excused by a vote of the Society.
ARTICLE XI.
GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall provide a well-bound book as a family record, in which the name of each Revolutionary patriot shall be entered, and the family line traced briefly to the member claiming him as an ancestor, after which the names, date, and place of birth of the member's children shall be briefly entered, together with their places of residence, and all other historical particulars that may be necessary to keep a record reference for future generations.
ARTICLE XII.
THE SEAL.
SECTION 1. The Seal shall be two inches and a quarter in diameter; around the edge a border of thirty-eight stars, representing the States now in the Union; next circle, "Sons of Revolutionary Sires, organized July 4, 1876;" inside of that the segment of the globe with thirteen stars, representing the thirteen original States; on top of that a coiled rattlesnake with thirteen rattles, ready to strike; over that "One Hundred Years of Freedom," and beneath it, "Don't Tread on Me; " at the bottom of the globe segment, "United States of America;" to be engraved on brass and set in a strong seal press.
Historic Council
BY-LAWS.
SECTION 1. This auxiliary of the "Sons of Revolutionary Sires," deriving its power from the second Article of the Constitution, declares its organization for the purposes therein named.
SEC. 2. The officers shall be a President, three Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant-at-Arms, to be elected annually on the first Thursday in August of each year, and hold office until their successors are elected and qualified.
SEC. 3. The officers shall perform duties defined in the By-laws of the Society for similar officers, as far as they will apply, the three Vice-Presidents being the Auditing Committee and the Assistant Secretary, ex-officio Financial Secretary.
SEC. 4. Each member of the Society shall write out, or have written, the history of his family, including his Revolutionary ancestor from whom he claims to descend, and file it with the Secretary of the Society, who shall make a note of it in the minute book and hand it to the Secretary of the Council.
SEC. 5. A member presenting his genealogical statement with the Secretary of the Society shall pay the Financial Secretary ten dollars before filing, and cents per folio after the manuscript has been prepared for the press, which money shall be paid into the Treasury and deposited in bank as the "Historic Fund," and kept to pay the expenses of the Historic Council. All bills are to be first allowed by the Council, then by the Board of Directors of the Society, after which they will take the course of other bills.
SEC. 6. When a sufficient amount of manuscript has been prepared to make a volume of about three hundred and fifty pages, the council shall have it published, with the photographic likeness of each member at the beginning of his family record, and furnish two copies to each recorded member if his dues are paid up. Preference shall be given to publishers on the Pacific Coast where there is evident fairness in quality and cost of material and workmanship.
SEC. 7. The electrotype pages of each volume shall be preserved, that extra copies may be printed at pleasure, and sold to the members at a reasonable price, or to the public at such prices as may be agreed upon.
SEC. 8. The profits arising from the sale of books or other printed matter shall go into the Treasury of the Society and be kept as the Historic Fund, and used only for the payment of expenses in that department, as provided by Section V of these By-laws.
SEC. 9. When any relic, biography, or historic matter comes before the Council, the President shall refer it to a committee of three, whose duty it shall be to thoroughly examine it, report upon its validity, and prepare it for the press.
SEC. 10. Room is to be procured, where relics of all kinds shall, upon approval of the Council, be filed away in such manner as may be deemed right, for safety and public information, having always in view perpetual security of the articles.
SEC. 11. Whenever a member, by dissipation or other objectionable conduct, shall become annoying to the Council, it may, by a majority vote, drop him from the roll and ask the Directors to appoint another to fill the vacancy.
SEC. 12. Frequent neglect of duty shall be deemed good cause for dropping the name of a member, and we declare it a duty of a member who can not attend to present his resignation, which he may do at any time without reproach or inquiry into his reasons.
SEC. 13. Resolutions or motions adopted at any meeting where a quorum of seven members are present, shall have the force and. effect of By-laws.
Sons of the American Revolution
Constitution and By=Laws
of the
California Society of the Sons of the
American Revolution
Preamble
CALIFORNIA SOCIETY Of THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Instituted October 22, 1875. The first body in inception, institution, and organization, to unite the descendants of Revolutionary patriots and perpetuate the memory of all those who took part in the American Revolution and maintained the Independence of the United States of America. It was fully and completely organized on the 4th of July, 1876, under the name of " SONS OF REVOLUTIONARY SIRES." On the 30th of April, 1889, a number of similar co-equal Societies of different States formed a general Society under the name of "THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION," in which movement this Society heartily cooperated and changed its name to the California Society of the Sons of the American Revolutio
n, under which latter name it has been since known.
Constitution
ARTICLE I.
NAME.
SECTION 1. The name of this Society is " THE CALIFORNIA SOCIETY or THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION."
ARTICLE II.
OBJECTS.
SECTION 1. The objects of this Society shall be to unite and promote fellowship among the descendants, and perpetuate the memory of the men who, by their services or sacrifices during the War of the American Revolution, achieved the independence of the American people; to inspire among the members of the Society and the community at large a more profound reverence for the principles of the government founded by our forefathers; to encourage historical research in relation to the American Revolution; to acquire and preserve the records of the individual services of Revolutionary patriots, and documents, relics, and landmarks connected with the war; to mark the scenes of the Revolution by appropriate memorials; to celebrate the anniversaries of the prominent events of the War; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to carry out the injunctions of Washington in his farewell address to the American people.
ARTICLE III.
MEMBERSHIP.
SECTION 1. Any man shall be eligible to membership in this Society, who, being of the age of twenty-one years or over, and a citizen of good repute in the community, is the lineal descendant of an ancestor, who, while at all times unfailing in his loyalty, rendered actual service in the cause of American Independence, either as an officer, soldier, seaman, marine, militiaman, or minute-man, in the armed forces of the Continental Congress, or of any one of the several Colonies or States; or as a Signer of the Declaration of Independence; or as a member of a Committee of Safety or Correspondence; or as a member of any Continental, Provincial, or Colonial Congress or Legislature; or as a civil officer, either of one of the Colonies or States, or of the National Government; or as a recognized patriot, who performed actual service by overt acts of rebellion against the authority of Great Britain.
ARTICLE IV.
OFFICERS.
SECTION 1. The officers of the Society shall be a President, a Senior Vice-President, a Junior Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Registrar, a Marshal, and a Board of Managers, consisting of the above mentioned and six other members, who shall be elected by a vote of the majority of the members present at the annual meeting of the Society, and who shall hold office for one year, or until their successors shall be elected.
SEC. 2. Delegates and alternates to the Congress of the National Society shall be elected at the same meeting.
ARTICLE V.
MEETINGS.
SECTION 1. The regular meetings of the Society shall be on the second Tuesday in January; on the nineteenth of April, " Lexington day; " on the seventeenth of June, " Bunker Hill day; " on the third of September, the anniversary of the Treaty of Paris, whereby King George III acknowledged the United States of America to be free, sovereign, and independent States; on the 19th of October, the anniversary of the surrender of the British army to the allied armies at Yorktown, except when either of these dates shall fall on Sunday, in which case the meeting shall be held on the day preceding.
SEC. 2. The meeting of the second Tuesday in January shall be the annual meeting, at which, in addition to the transaction of general business, the election of officers for the ensuing year shall take place, who shall hold office for one year, or until their successors shall be elected, and shall enter upon their official duty immediately.
SEC. 3. Special meetings may be called by the President or Board of Managers at any time.
SEC. 4. The President shall call a special meeting whenever requested in writing so to do by five or more members.
SEC. 5. No business shall be transacted at any special meeting excepting that for which the meeting was called, unless by a two-thirds vote of the members present.
ARTICLE VI.
AMENDMENTS.
SECTION 1. Amendments to this Constitution must be submitted in writing at a regular meeting of the Society, but shall not be acted on until the next or a subsequent meeting.
SEC. 2. A copy of every proposed amendment shall be sent to each member, with a notice of the meeting at which the same is to be acted on, at least one week prior to said meeting.
SEC. 3. A vote of two-thirds of those present shall be necessary to the adoption of any amendment.
By=Laws
SECTION 1. All applications for membership in this Society shall be made in duplicate upon blanks prescribed by the National Society, to which the applicant shall have made oath that the statements of his application are true, to the best of his knowledge and belief, and shall be accompanied by the membership fee for the current year within which the application is presented, which shall be returned if the applicant is not accepted.
SEC. 2. No application for membership shall be received wherein the applicant does not clearly establish direct lineal descent from an ancestor who participated in establishing American Independence, as required by Article III of the Constitution.
SEC. 3. Applications for membership shall be received by the Secretary, submitted to the Registrar for examination, and shall be reported by the latter to the Board of Managers for action. When approved and elected by said Board, the applicant shall become a member of the Society. One copy of each application shall be retained by the Registrar for preservation, and the duplicate forwarded to the Registrar-General of the National Society.
SEC. 4. 1 The membership fee shall be ten (10) dollars, and the yearly clues shall be at the rate of twenty-five (25) cents per month. The payment of fifty dollars by a member at any one time, or the payment of annual dues for thirty consecutive years, shall constitute the person paying such sum a life member, and he shall thereafter be exempt from the payment of annual dues.
2. Annual dues shall be paid in advance to the Secretary, on or before the day of the annual election. Any member in arrears for dues for two years shall be liable to suspension and may be dropped by the Board of Managers, but may be reinstated on payment of all arrearages and one (1) year's additional dues, provided he has been suspended for twelve months or more, and provided there are no charges unbecoming a gentleman recorded against him remaining undetermined, or determined finally against him.
3. In extreme cases the Board of Managers may by vote remit the unpaid annual dues of a delinquent member.
SEC. 5. Sons of those who actually participated in the War of the Revolution, and thereby assisted in establishing American Independence, as referred to in Article III of the Constitution, may be admitted to full membership in this Society without payment of membership fees or yearly dues, they having complied with all the other requirements of those belonging to a later generation.
SEC. 6. Honorary membership may be conferred upon the Governor and ex-Governors of the State of California and upon distinguished individuals for services rendered in the Army or Navy of the United States, or for contributions to the Society, who shall not be subject to dues or entitled to vote or hold office, but may take part in debate and be entitled to the honors of reunions and celebrations, provided they are eligible to membership in the Society.
SEC. 7. The President, or in his absence the Senior Vice-President, or in his absence the Junior Vice-President, or in his absence a Chairman pro tempore, shall preside at all meetings of the Society and of the Board of Managers. He shall enforce a strict observance of the Constitution and By-laws, and perform such other duties as custom and parliamentary usage may require.
SEC 8. 1. The Secretary shall receive all moneys from the members and pay them over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same. He shall conduct the general correspondence of the Society, shall have charge of the seal, certificate of incorporation, by-laws and records, and, together with the presiding officer, shall certify all acts of the Society.
2. He shall keep fair and accurate records of all proceedings and orders of the Society, and shall give notice to the several officers of all votes, orders, resolves, or proceedings affecting them or appertaining to their respective duties.
3. He shall notify all members of their election, and shall, under the direction of the President, give due notice of the time and place of all meetings of the Society, and attend the same.
4. He shall keep a true account of his receipts and payments, and of the accounts of the members with the Society; and at each annual meeting shall report the same, at which time a committee shall be appointed to audit his accounts.
SEC. 9. The Treasurer shall receive from the Secretary all moneys belonging to the Society, giving his receipt for the same; these funds shall be deposited in a reliable bank or savings institution in the city of San Francisco, to be designated by the Board of Managers, to the credit of "The California Society of the Sons of the American Revolution," and shall be drawn thence on the check of the Treasurer for the use of the Society only, as directed by vote of the Society or by the Board of Managers, upon the order of the Secretary and the certificate of the President. He shall keep a true account of his receipts and payments, and at each annual meeting shall report the same, at which time a committee shall be appointed to audit his accounts.
SEC. 10. 1. The Registrar shall keep a roll of members, and in his hands shall be lodged all proofs of membership qualification, and the historical and genealogical papers—manuscript or otherwise—of which the Society may become possessed; and under the direction of the Board of Managers shall keep copies of such similar documents as the owners thereof may not be willing to leave permanently in the keeping of the Society. He shall receive all applications for membership and proofs of membership qualifications from the Secretary, shall carefully scrutinize and verify all statements of the Revolutionary services of ancestors that may be made in the applications, and shall report his findings in each case to the Board of Managers.
SEC. 11. 1. The Board of Managers shall consist of thirteen members, viz., the President, Senior and Junior Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, Marshal ex-officio, and six Others, elected as provided by the Constitution.
2. They shall judge of the qualifications of the candidates for admission to the Society and elect the same, two negative votes rejecting the applicant.
3. They shall recommend plans for promoting the objects of the Society, shall digest and prepare business, and shall authorize the disbursement and expenditure of unappropriated money in the treasury for the payment of current expenses of the Society. They shall generally superintend the interests of the Society, and perform all such duties as may be committed to them by the Society.
4. They shall have power to fill any vacancy occurring or existing in the Society, and an officer so appointed shall act until the following annual election or until his successor shall be chosen.
5. At each annual meeting of the Society the Board shall make a general report.
6. At all meetings of the Board of Managers five or more shall be sufficient for the transaction of business.
SEC. 12. The seal of this Society shall be the same as that of the " National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, organized April 30, 1889," with the addition of an inner circle, three-sixteenths of an inch wide, bearing the following legend: "California Society, S. A. R., organized July 4, 1876."
SEC. 13. No alteration or amendment of the By-laws of this Society shall be made unless openly proposed at a previous meeting and entered in the minutes with the name of the member proposing the same, and shall be adopted by a majority of the members present at a meeting of the Society.
SEC. 14. Whenever ten or more members residing in any county of the State of California shall make application to be chartered as a local Chapter in such county, the President may grant such application, thereby creating such Chapter, to be designated by any name embodied in the application. Such Chapter may receive as active members any member of the State Society who may reside in the county where the same is organized, and as honorary members any member of the order, and no other person shall be permitted to become a member of any Chapter. Every Chapter shall elect a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and such other officers as may be provided by its By-laws. It may adopt such By-laws as it may deem best, not inconsistent with the Constitution and By-laws of the State or National Societies. But no such By-laws shall have any binding force until they shall have received the approval of the Board of Managers of this Society, duly certified in writing by the State President and Secretary.
No application for membership in the State Society from any person residing within the jurisdiction of any Chapter shall be acted upon by the Board of Managers of this Society until the same has been referred to the officers of such Chapter and been by them recommended; but if such recommendation is refused, the Board of Managers may nevertheless approve of the application if it deems best so to do, but the applicant shall not thereby become a member of the Chapter.
All applicants for membership who shall receive the recommendation of a local Chapter as heretofore prescribed, and shall have been elected to membership by the Board of Managers of this Society, shall thereby become members of the Chapter recommending them.
Members of local Chapters shall pay to their Chapter such dues as the By-laws of such Chapter may provide, but the membership fee shall be paid to the State Society.
Each local Chapter shall on or before the first day of January of each year, send a report of its membership to the State Society, which report shall show the number of members of such Chapter in good standing upon the first day of January, and likewise the names of all persons who have become delinquent during the past year. All such reports shall be accompanied by a sum of money equal to $1.50 for each member in good standing in the Chapter as shown by such report. A failure to forward the report herein referred to, together with the money required, before the holding of the annual meeting of this Society upon the second Tuesday in January, shall be sufficient cause for revoking the charter of the Chapter so failing.
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.