The Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman DAR chapter is highlighting the stories of several ‘Real Daughters’ – women whose father or mother rendered material aid to the cause of American independence. A single generation removed from the American Revolution, she was a ‘living link’ to the historic conflict.
In the early years of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, more than 700 Real Daughters were admitted membership; in 1896 Connecticut had 20—and that number grew as more women applied; some had reached their 100th birthday! The Sarah Riggs Humphreys chapter had one Real Daughter, while the Mary Silliman chapter had three; these are glimpses into their lives.
Abby Holt was the first Real Daughter to be admitted to the Mary Silliman chapter, in 1895 at the age of 84. Her father Nathaniel Holt joined the Continental Army in 1778 in Norwich, was transferred to a Wethersfield regiment and marched to Peekskill. Abby was the youngest of 12 children, and just two years old when her father died. She outlived all her near relatives, and the Mary Silliman chapter supported her from 1898 until her death in 1905.
Caroline Pinto Hubbell was admitted to the Mary Silliman chapter in 1897, and was its last surviving Real Daughter. Her father William Pinto joined the war and was garrisoned at Fort Trumbull in New London. He escaped death during the fort’s 1781 massacre, since he was sent out early that morning with messages. Caroline was one of his 17 children; she was married twice, and her second husband was Harvey Hubbell; a letter from her great-grandson Harvey Hubbell IV – from 1989 – discusses Caroline.
Augusta Way Tuller was admitted to the Mary Silliman chapter in 1897 at 91 years old; her father, Isaac Way, joined the army in 1775 with other volunteers from his native Woodbury, CT. He was in the battle of Bunker Hill; he filled beef barrels with sand, positioning them on top of the hill to be rolled down on the British troops. He also marched to Ticonderoga, was in the battle of White Plains, and at one time was holding the reins of George Washington’s horse. Augusta was one of 13 children and was the 3rd wife of Nelson Tuller. She was widowed, and lived with her step-daughter in Bridgeport.
Eliza Wheeler Bailey lived most of her life in South Dakota, but wanted a CT chapter membership since her father, Hezekiah Wheeler was born – and later enlisted – in Stafford Springs, CT. Eliza’s granddaughter lived in Shelton; both ladies became members of the Sarah Riggs Humphreys chapter in 1898, three months shy of Eliza’s death in South Dakota. Hezekiah Wheeler enlisted when he was 15 years old, and served 5 years — including at Valley Forge during the 1777-78 winter. During that winter, he stood on his hat to keep his feet off of the snow and frozen ground.
The Sarah Riggs Humphreys and Mary Silliman chapters officially merged in 2009.
The historic Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman chapter, Inc was founded in 1893. The DAR is a non-profit lineage society; any woman who is lineally descended from an ancestor who aided the patriot cause during the American Revolution may be eligible to join. For more information, visit www.sarahriggshumphreysDAR.org or reach out to srhmsregistrar@gmail.com.