Welcome to
The Tennessee Society
Sons of the American Revolution
Our Mission
Perpetuating the stories of patriotism, courage, sacrifice, tragedy, and triumph of the men and women who achieved the independence of the American people in the belief that these stories are universal ones of man's eternal struggle against tyranny, relevant to all time, and will inspire and strengthen each succeeding generation as it too is called upon to defend our freedoms on the battlefield and in our public institutions, including the stories of those brave men and women who came to this Tennessee wilderness with little more than their raw grit and determination and proceeded to claw out a gracious society of which WE are the recipients.
Become a member
We have more than 1,400 members across the state and you could become one. Membership is open to male lineal
descendants of a supporter of the American Revolution. We honor these ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving
out communities, and educating current and future generations about the founding principles of our nation.
Simply click the button, click on Tennessee on the map, and fill out the contact form. A representative of the
chapter nearest to you will contact you shortly.
TNSSAR
President's
Message
Greetings, Compatriots.
Last Saturday was an exciting day in Cleveland, TN. After a gloriously executed reception the night before, Saturday started at 8:00 am with the NSSAR Southern District Meeting, followed by the State Society Board of Governors (BoG) and Annual meetings. At the TNSSAR Youth Luncheon we honored several young people for their outstanding work, then NSSAR Genealogist General gave an exceptional Genealogy Session. The day was capped off with the TNSSAR President’s Banquet. It was an unforgettable day and I hope those members who did not attend will make plans to attend future BoG and other meetings. This is YOUR STATE SOCIETY, please take part in it and help make decisions and shape the society’s future to make it stronger and better.
Special thanks to the TNSSAR Ladies Auxiliary, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Col. Benjamin Cleveland Chapter who did a marvelous job putting everything together. They have already collected comments and suggestions in preparation for planning next year’s meeting in Middle Tennessee.
I released a new roster of our elected officers who were installed Saturday evening, as well as our Regional Directors, Committee Chairmen and Chapter Officers. Our Webmaster is going to keep a copy of the latest roster online in the Member Section of the tnssar.org website. One error I made in that list was that the National Trustee does not change until the July Congress each year. So Past President Fred Underdown is still serving as Trustee and David Chaffin is Alternate Trustee until July. I am sorry for my error and it was not intentional.
In the coming week I will be announcing some additional changes in our Committee Chair assignments. Also, I plan to add a feature to our website whereby members can volunteer for positions in which they are interested in serving, as well as submit other information to help us cultivate more leaders for the future of our society. We need you!
On March 3, 2024 a plaque was installed at The Hermitage in honor of the Jackson Family. The National Society paid for the plaque, but our State Society co-presented and has credit on the plaque, and the BoG felt it important for the state to share in the cost of the plaque. A suggestion was made to “pass the plate” for voluntary donations for a portion of the proceeds and then apply for a grant from the George Washington Endowment Fund (GWEF) for the balance. I commented that, “I have faith in my Tennessee Compatriots!” when the motion was made and I am thrilled to report that you did not disappoint. In less than two hours we had $1,550 pledged. Once Treasurer Will Adams receives the pledged money, we will make the application to the GWEF.
Thank you for affirming my faith in my Tennessee Compatriots! In the War of 1812 our state's patriots volunteered to march to New Orleans and run the British off of our continent once again. I know Absolum Davenport, Drury Spurlock, Cornelius Brandon, John Summers and Solomon Dodson's (just a few of my 1812 veteran ancestors) blood still runs through my veins and we all have our own list of Volunteers who inspire us to this day!
Thank you for rising to answer the call once again when the NSSAR expressed a need. Thank you. THANK YOU. THANK YOU!
Monuments and Patriot Grave Markers: We have some events on the calendar that we are still trying to raise money for. June 22, 2024 in Greenback, TN (Blount Co) we will have our BoG meeting in the morning immediately followed by a joint SAR/DAR/1812 Society event dedicating a monument for 10 Revolutionary War soldiers and 5 War of 1812 soldiers. If you would like to have "Role Credit" for financial support, you can send in donations of at least $60 for this monument and ceremony. This will qualify you for Patriot Grave Marking Medal Credit for 5 Patriots (1/3 of those required for a medal). Send your donations to: The Stephen Holston Chapter, P. O. Box 203, Rockford, TN 37853. Make checks payable to "Stephen Holston Chapter" with "Baker's Creek" in the MEMO line.
I would like to offer another bit of aid to the National Society. The Society has a backlog of about 700 Supplemental Applications they are trying to work through. Rob and Brett have volunteered to go to Louisville and help, but I would like to raise money to pay for their travel, lodging and meals for the three or four days they will be working at the national office. I appeal to you, if you are able and willing, to contribute to this special mission.
Tennessee has set a standard for the country in the past and I look forward to continuing that tradition as we work together to build our Society and honor our Patriots!
Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution Chartered 02 DEC 1889
(02 DEC 24 is our 135th Anniversary)