Sons of the Revolution℠ and Sons of the American Revolution

Sons of the Revolution (S.R.) was formed in New York City in 1883, from organizational plans launched in 1876. As contemporary reports indicate, in 1888, a group of New York members living in New Jersey proposed a New Jersey Society. In 1889, groups in several other states followed suit. Although they intended to effect union with the existing New York and Pennsylvania Societies as Sons of the Revolution, technicalities and some disagreements caused them to disassociate from S.R. In the same year, they formed a separate National organization which they called the Sons of the American Revolution. (A separate New Jersey S.R. was later organized in 1891.)

Regarding the differences between the two Societies, the aims and purposes of each are generally the same, but the requirements for membership differ. Both recognize lineal descendants of ancestors who participated in the Revolutionary War in a military or naval capacity, or an official or individual whose service on behalf of American independence was of sufficient importance to have rendered him liable for conviction of treason against Great Britain. The S.A.R. will also accept other services such as a justice of the peace, a member of a coroner's jury, surveyor of highways, associator, and other various types of patriotic or civil services. S.R. will not consider descendants who performed these services. National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has patterned its requirements after the S.A.R. Consequently, D.A.R. lineages cannot always be accepted by the Sons of the Revolution.

Over the years, as early as 1893, several attempts have been made by members of both organizations to consolidate under one name. Sound reasons have been advanced, both for and against consolidation, but there has always been enough opposition to forestall each attempt. Neither Society has wanted to lose its unique identity, and undoubtedly, both societies will continue to co-exist peaceably.

Adapted from: RICHARD ERLICH COE, General Vice President, General Society of Sons of the Revolution, c.1979