Great John Mathis Chapter, NSDAR

Today's DAR

Who are the Great John Mathis Chapter, NSDAR, Daughters

Members of the Great John Mathis 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 volunteer in Veterans Administration (VA) medical centers and non-VA facilities, offer support to America’s active-duty service personnel through care packages, sponsor programs promoting the U.S. Constitution, and participate in naturalization ceremonies. 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.

Great John Mathis Chapter, NSDAR, event celebrating America.

Become a Member

The members of the Great John Mathis Chapter, NSDAR, welcome you to attend our meetings whether you are a visitor or a prospective member.

Contact the registrar

Who Was John Mathis?

Great John Mathis (Mathews) was born in 1690 and came to America, as a youth, with his brother Charles. John settled in Little Egg Harbor Township, having come from Long Island. In 1713, he purchased what was known as Biddle’s Island, which was later renamed Daniel Mathis Island. John later became the largest land speculator in the township, owning up to four square miles.
He married Alice Andrews-Higbee in 1716. Six sons and a daughter were born to them. John and his son, Micajah, established a thriving business in shipbuilding, operated fisheries, and lent money to individuals and the American Government during the Revolutionary War. However, loans repaid by the government in currency of depreciated currency resulted in heavy losses to his estate. John Mathis died October 23, 1779, in Tuckerton, at the advanced age of 88. His old homestead is now owned by Viking Yacht Company, Route 9, New Gretna, New Jersey. Several of our charter members, and at least six current members, are descendants of Great John Mathis.

The marker was placed by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
for the female Patriot Margaret Berrien, burial site unknown.