Sons of the American Revolution, perhaps the best known of American patriotic societies, has for its object the preservation of the memory and spirit of the men who achieved independence by the war of the Revolution, the encouragement in historical research relating to that historic conflict, the preservation of documents, records and relics, and to foster a spirit of patriotism. Any person descended from a Revolutionary soldier, sailor, marine officer, signer of the Declaration of Independence, or member of a Colonial Congress or legislature, is eligible to membership.

The official organ of the society for 1902 states that the pioneer society of the Sons of the American Revolution was organized on Oct. 22, 1875, in California, where it was known as the "Society of the Sons of Revolutionary Sires." Under its present name it was perfected on July 4, 1876.

The national society was organized in New York, April 30, 1889, the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of George Washington as president of the United States, in the room in Fraunce's Tavern where he delivered his farewell address to the officers of the Revolutionary army.

The Kansas branch of this society was organized at Topeka on March 31, 1892, with Avery Washburn, president; Dr. J. L. Furber, vice-president; Franklin G. Adams, secretary; George D. Hale, treasurer, and T. E. Bowman, registrar.

A similar order—the Sons of the Revolution—was organized in New York in 1875 by John A. Stevens and others. The practical work of this society consists in collecting and preserving manuscripts, records and documents relating to the Revolutionary war. The first Kansas chapter of this society was organized in 1897. Its members are men who trace their ancestry back to those who served their country during the war of the Revolution.