Church and Cannon Chapter, NSDAR

Who are the Church and Cannon Chapter, NSDAR, Daughters

Members of the Church and Cannon Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR), are women a lot like you. Our common bond is our lineal descent from Patriots of the American Revolutionary War. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove this lineage is eligible to join. For more information about membership in this historic and vibrant organization check out Become a Member on the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution website. We will be pleased to assist you with the membership process and help you find ways to document your lineage.

What We Do

New Jersey Daughters, descendants of ordinary women and men who achieved extraordinary things, share a common bond of ancestry and are proud of their heritage and the role of their ancestors, who risked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor in establishing our great country. We honor their sacrifices through the volunteer work of our members in the mission areas of DAR.

Patriotism

DAR members support American veterans and active-duty military personnel by providing many hours of volunteer service and financial support, along with award-winning handmade quilts. Care packages, phone cards, letters, and cards are sent to servicewomen and servicemen abroad, in support of DAR Project Patriot.
Learn more about how DAR members support patriotism.

Education

DAR members are passionate about education through the promotion of the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), DAR Good Citizens, and Junior American Citizens. The National Society DAR and New Jersey State society DAR also provide scholarships and awards to outstanding students, teachers, and members who work tirelessly to support their local schools. Learn more about how DAR members support education.

Historic Preservation

DAR members support historic preservation efforts through awards, grants, and contests.
Members participate in various projects to help preserve the cultural heritage of the United States, including preserving documents, buildings, and placing markers at locations of historic significance, most importantly our state house the Isaac Watson House. Learn more about how DAR members support historic preservation.

Become a Member

The members of the Church and Cannon Chapter, NSDAR, welcome you to attend our meetings whether you are a visitor or a prospective member.

Contact THE REGENT

Wreath laying ceremony honoring all the unknown soldiers killed during
the Battle of Springfield, June 23, 1780.

The Benediction

Information table at our wreath laying ceremony.

On June 23, 1780, General George Washington and his army were camped in Morristown, New Jersey. The British army had crossed over from New York to Elizabethtown and was planning to march to Morristown to take Washington by surprise. Their route would be over the New Jersey Turnpike, which passed through Springfield and Hobart's Gap, the latter being one easy access through the Short Hills. Washington had directed that a cannon, and a tar barrel on a pole, be placed on the highest point at the Gap. The flaming tar barrel at night was the "call to arms". By day, the responding echo of the cannon warned all within earshot that the British were coming. On June 23, the militia and farmers had gathered in response to the cannon fire and put up such stiff resistance that the well-trained British soldiers and their Hessian mercenaries were forced to retreat, burning homes and buildings as they left. They never reached Hobart's Gap but were turned back between the cannon on the hill, and the Presbyterian Church which the British also burned. This battle marked the last of the British efforts to invade New Jersey. The story of this historic battle is not complete without mentioning the courageous Parson Caldwell who replenished the supply of paper wadding for the guns by using the Watts Hymn books from the Presbyterian Church, stripping the pages from them, and saying to the soldiers, "Give 'em Watts, Boys." On Hobart Avenue in Summit, New Jersey, can be found a bronze plaque, located on a huge boulder, which marks the spot where the cannon and lighted tar barrel sent out their alarm. This plaque is about one hundred yards from the Morris Avenue Turnpike.

Part of the battleground has been protected, and thanks to the Sons of the American Revolution, it is now the property of the Church And Cannon Chapter, NSDAR. The Cannon Ball House, 126 Morris Avenue, one of the four buildings left standing after the retreat, is now owned and cared for by the Springfield Historical Society. (Excerpt from History of Chapter Names of the New Jersey State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, 1891-1985. pp. 13-14)