General William Maxwell Chapter, NSDAR

Who are the General William Maxwell Chapter, NSDAR, Daughters

Members of the General William Maxwell 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.

Today's DAR

"Whereas, the Daughters of the American Revolution is an organization with a deeply rich history while also being truly relevant in today's world. More than one million women have joined the organization since it was founded over 125 years ago They became members to honor their heritage, as well as, make a difference in their communities across the country and the world; and Whereas, in October, 1776, Colonel Wäliam Maxwell, while living in Warren County, New Jersey, was elected Brigadier General by the Congress of the United States, He was later put in command of four battalions that became known as "Maxwell's Brigade" General Maxwell continued to serve with distinction throughout the revolutionary war; and Whereas, the General William Maxwell Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized in Belvidere, Warren County, New Jersey on December 21, 1931, Now, Therefore, Be It Proclaimed that the Mayor, Town Council and citizens of the Town of Belvidere hereby honor and show our deep appreciation to the members of the General William Maxwell Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution for their ninety years of service to our community." Joseph Kennedy, Mayor Town of Belvidere

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.

Members from the General William Maxwell Chapter, NSDAR, Belvidere, New Jersey, presented “Thank You For Your Service” tote bags to the Veteran’s Haven North residents on October 3, 2022. Each bag was filled with snacks, pocket calendars, note pads, reusable grocery bags, personal care items, playing cards, and water bottles.
(New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photos by Ashlee Wolfinger).

Become a Member

The members of the General William Maxwell Chapter, NSDAR, welcome you to attend our meetings whether you are a visitor or a prospective member.

Contact the Regent

The General William Maxwell Chapter, NSDAR, restored the grave of our chapter namesake, General William Maxwell and the adjacent graves of his two brothers; Captain John Maxwell, Lieutenant Robert Maxwell and their wives.
The graves of these Revolutionary War Patriots are located in the Greenwich Presbyterian Cemetery, Stewartsville, New Jersey.

Who was General William Maxwell?

In October of the year 1776, Colonel William Maxwell, while living in Warren County, New Jersey, was elected Brigadier General by the Congress of the United States. He was later put in command of four battalions that became known as "Maxwell's Brigade."

In 1779, his Brigade was placed in the division of the American Army under General Stephens' command. This Division marched through Pennsylvania and Delaware during that summer. In the early fall, a part of the "Jersey Line" opened the Battle of Brandywine. The entire command distinguished themselves in the fight. In fact, General Maxwell's Brigade took part in many key battles of the Revolution. His Brigade spent most of the winter at Valley Forge and later was joined by other Continental Troops. The entire force, under General Lafayette, engaged in harassing the enemy.

In 1778, the Jersey Brigade took part in the Battle of Monmouth. While stationed at Morristown, General Maxwell's men were in great need of provisions and threatened to resign if they did not receive food to keep from starving. Provisions were finally obtained through military force, and the Brigade eventually remained in service.

New Jersey, and the country can well be proud of the fine American Revolutionary War Patriots who served their country so well under General William Maxwell.

Image from Inside Warren

The chapter’s namesake, William Maxwell, was appointed a brigadier general on October 23, 1776. He resigned his commission on June 25, 1780. After the war, he was elected to the New Jersey Legislature. General George Maxwell died on November 12, 1798. He is buried, along with 19 other Revolutionary War Patriots, in Old Greenwich Cemetery in Stewartsville, New Jersey.