Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Bush Declaration!

March 22, 1775 - March 22, 2025

Please join us for a weekend of celebration in Bel Air, MD to celebrate and remember the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Bush Declaration.

Descendants of the Signers - Meet & Greet

Friday, March 21, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Liriodendron Mansion, 502 W. Gordon St., Bel Air

Enjoy the company of other descendants and view the actual document on display! Enjoy cocktails, live music, and hors d’oeuvres popular in Colonial times. Meet Joyce White, author of “Cooking Maryland's Way,” highlighting the cuisine of 1775.

Descendants of the signers will also be able to gather in small groups and add their signatures to pages dedicated to each signer.

Tickets $55 per person. For more information and to reserve tickets go to www.harfordhistory.org/bush-declaration


The Bush Declaration Celebration

Saturday, March 22, 9:30 - 11:00 AM. Bel Air Armory, 37 N. Main St. Bel Air

Experience a dramatic reading of the Bush Declaration by an actor portraying the first signer, Col. Aquila Hall. Learn about the document’s historical significance; enjoy patriotic musical selections.


Passport to History - Site Visits

Saturday March 22, 2025 - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM and
Sunday March 23, 2025 - 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Pick up your passport at the Historical Society of Harford County or any Harford library branch and visit selected local sites connected to the Bush Declaration. Learn from docents at each location and earn a stamp. Collect at least four stamps to earn a certificate and Junior Historian badge!


Historic Sites including:

  • Historical Society - View the actual Bush Declaration

  • St. George's Episcopal Church - Founded in 1671; The oldest Episcopal Parish in Maryland

  • Churchville Presbyterian Church - Founded in 1738; Learn about the church and the significance of Lower Cross Roads

  • Sophia's Diary - Beautiful Georgian home built in 1768 by Aquila Hall and his wife.

  • Edgeley Grove - Built by Bush Signer Samuel Calwell in 1780.

  • Hays House - Militia groups are preparing to defend their home and property. Join them in a Militia Encampment as they train for possible war!

  • Bush Hotel - Visit the last remaining building in the town of Bush and learn more about the town.

  • Broom's Bloom - This house dates from 1747. Learn about Isaac Webster and other men who did not sign the Declaration.

Please note: There are no bathroom facilities at these sites. Please look for public facilities nearby before entering.

These historic sites are only open to the public when docents are present on March 22-23. Private residences are not open at other times. Businesses, the Historical Society, the Hays House, church properties, and parks are only open during their published hours. Information on their connection to the Bush Declaration may not be available at these locations outside the celebration weekend.


Hereditary Order of the Signers of the Bush Declaration Annual Dinner

Sunday, March 23, 2025 - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Annual Dinner
Hereditary Order of the Signers of the Bush Declaration promises that this will be a great culmination to a full weekend of engaging events. You do not need to be a member of HOSBD to attend.

To make your reservation, download the HOSBD 21st Annual Dinner and Meeting invitation and response form.


Bush Declaration Bulletin

Written by members of the Bush Declaration 250th Anniversary Committee and published by the Historical Society of Harford County, this Bulletin tells the story of the revolutionary fervor in Harford County in 1774-1775 that led to the signing of the Bush Declaration on March 22, 1775. This meticulously researched collection includes the text of the Bush Declaration, biographies of the signers, and the story of the significant role Harford County played in the American Revolution.

The Bulletin will be available for purchase at the Anniversary Celebration in March. It will be available after February 28, 2025, and mailed and digital copies can be pre-ordered at harfordhistory.org/product/bush-declaration-bulletin.

Celebrate with us the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Bush Declaration

Learn more about our 250th Anniversary celebrations in our newsletter! or email BushDeclaration1775@gmail.com

History

The Historical Significance of the Bush Declaration

On March 22, 1775, thirty-four men gathered in a small tavern to sign the historic Bush Declaration. In this short text, these unique individuals pledged their lives and fortune to support freedom.

Genealogist General, Henry C. Peden, Jr. describes the historical context of the Bush Declaration in this way:

The Bush Declaration is a document signed by 34 duly elected citizens in Harford County, Maryland on March 22, 1775. At that time the county seat was Harford Town, or Bush (so named for its location in the "bush country" as compared to most colonial towns on the waterfront, that is, Chesapeake Bay). Harford County had been separated from Baltimore County just a year earlier and in the interim there was considerable patriotic fervor against the British and their blockade of Boston (and other problems, like taxation). This committee in Harford County decided to show their support for Boston and their disdain for King George by signing this document "at the risque of their lives and fortunes." It has been characterized as the first Declaration of Independence and was signed just three weeks prior to the Battles of Lexington and Concord which signaled the beginning of the American Revolution.

  • ...to show their support for Boston and their disdain for King George

    — Henry C. Peden, Jr., Genealogist General

The following is the language of the Bush Declaration dated March 22, 1775. Quoted from Walter W. Preston's HISTORY OF HARFORD COUNTY MARYLAND, published in 1901:

"We the Committee of Harford County, having most seriously and maturely considered the Resolves and Association of the Continental Congress, and the Resolves of the Provincial Convention, do most heartily approve of the same, and as we esteem ourselves in a more particular manner, intrusted by our constituents to see them carried into execution, we do most solemnly pledge ourselves to each other, and to our Country, and engage ourselves by every tie held sacred among mankind to perform the same at the risque of our lives and fortunes."

You can download the one page Bush Declaration or view the entire source documents on the Maryland State Archives website.

Interested in becoming a member of the The Hereditary Order Of The Signers Of The Bush Declaration? We encourage all individuals who can prove a blood relationship to a Signer within the second degree of kinship to apply. Get Started!

Original Bush Declaration Signed on May 22, 1775

The Signers

Learn about the Signers of the Bush Declaration

A critical prerequisite to membership in the Hereditary Order of the Signers of the Bush Declaration is proof of a relationship within the second degree of kinship to one of the original signers. To help prospective members identify this kinship, we have detailed here genealogical information arduously researched by current members.

We have also included an interactive learning tool using an image of all thirty-four signers. The mural was done by Marion Butler Ewald in 1934 (nearly 160 years after the signing). It depicts each of the 34 signers as they discussed the merits of the declaration. The mural is currently on display in the Harford County Circuit Courthouse in Bel Air, Maryland.

Note: the interactive elements of the image below is only accurate on larger screens, and will not work correctly on tablets or smart phones.

Note: the interactive elements of the image below is only accurate on larger screens, and will not work correctly on tablets or smart phones.

Note: the interactive elements of the image below is only accurate on larger, desktop screens, and will not work correctly on tablets or smart phones.

Hover over each individual in the mural to see more details.

John Taylor William Webb Greenberry Dorsey Col. Alexander Rigdon William Smith Richard Dallam Robert Morgan Edward Prall William Fisher Jr. Abraham Whitaker Daniel Scott John Durham Aquila Paca John Patrick Charles Anderson John Donahuy James McComass William Morgan Benjamin Bradford Norris Edward Ward Thomas Brice Robert Lemmon James Harris William Bradford Sr. Aquila Hall Jr. Samuel Calwell William Smithson Dr. John Archer James Lytle Aquila Hall Thomas Johnson George Patterson Francis Holland Josias Carvil Hall

Genealogical Relationships

Ancestral and Historical Information About Each Signer

The following is an alphabetical list of the signers with their corresponding ancestral record. You can enter the signers last name in the box below to narrow the list, or scroll down the page to view details about all 34 individuals. Please note that ages listed at the time of signing the declaration are approximate.


  • Charles Anderson

    b. 1734 - d. 1824 - Age at Signing: 41

    [b.1734 - d.1824, Green Co., PA] Charles’s (the Signer) parents were Charles Anderson & Grace Preston. Charles married Mary Mitchell. Their children were: Daniel (b. 1757, m. Rachel Worthington); Grace (b. 1758); Sarah (b. 1760); Charles (b. 1763, m. Margaret Eagon); Richard (b. 1765); James (b. 1767); William (b. 1769 - d. 1847) and Amos (b. 1772). His siblings were: Daniel (m. 1st Sarah [---], m. 2nd Rachel Wearin), Sarah, and Margaret. Charles' (the Signer) grandparents were: ----Anderson and wife Margaret----, James Preston, Sr and wife Sarah Scott. Margaret --- paternal grandmother of Charles Anderson, later married as her second husband Obadiah Pritchard and had the following children who are half aunts/uncles of Charles Anderson: Samuel (b. 1710, m. 1st Isabella Cotrell, 1735, m. 2nd Elizabeth [---]); Obadiah (b. 1711); James (b. 1713, m. Elizabeth Durbin, 1735); Obadiah (b. 1713, m. Elizabeth Litton, 1733); Sarah (b. 1715, m. Richard Deaver, 1735).

  • John Archer

    b. 5 May 1741 - d. 28 Sep 1810 - Age at Signing: 34

    [b.5 May 1741 - d. 28 Sep 1810, "Medical Hall", nr. Churchville, Harford Co., MD. Buried at Churchville Presbyterian Church Cem., Churchville, Harford Co., MD] John's (the Signer) parents were Thomas Archer (b. 1720, North Ireland d. 1 Aug 1772, Harford Co., MD) and Elizabeth Stevenson. He married Catherine Harris [daughter of Thomas Harris and Mary McKinney] (d. 1815), daughter of Thomas Harris and Mary McKinney. Their children were Thomas (b.1768 d.1821, m. Elizabeth Paca Phillips), Mary (b. 1770 d. 1777), Stevenson (b. 1772 d. 1779), Elizabeth (b. 1774 d. 1775); Robert Harris (b. 1775 d. 1857, m. Mary Stump), John (b. 1777 d. 1830, m. Ann Stump), James (b. 1779 d. 1815, m. Margaret Ann Ross), George Washington (b. 1781 d. 1800), Stevenson (b. 1786 d. 1848, m. Pamelia Barney Hays). John's (the Signer) paternal grandparents were John Archer (b. c1680, Rathmelton, Ireland d. 1774, North Ireland) and Esther Irwin. His paternal aunts and uncles were Nathaniel (b. 1722 d. 1724), Esther (b. 1724 d. 1808, m. John Hays) and James (b. 1726 d. ?, m. Katherine Mortimer [Moved to NC]). His half paternal aunts and uncles via Esther Irwin's marriage to Moses Ruth were Ruthia (m. McCandless), Joan (m. Thomas Blair) and Sarah (m. William Kirkpatrick).

  • William Bradford, Sr.

    b. 1739 - d.1794 - Age at Signing: 36

    [b. 1739 - d.1794] William's (the Signer) parents were William Bradford and Elizabeth Lightbody. His siblings were Joseph, John George, Susanna (m. John Norris), Mary and Martha (m. Joshua Amos). William Bradford (the Signer) married Sarah McComas in 1764 and had 11 children, one of whom was Samuel who married Jane Bond (their son Augustus W. Bradford was Governor of Maryland during the Civil War). William's (the Signer) grandparents were John Bradford and Mary Skinner.

  • Thomas Brice

    b. 1746 - d. ? - Age at Signing: 29

    [b.1746] Thomas's (the Signer) parents were James Brice and Mary Johnson. His siblings were Samuel, Christain, James, William, Alexander, Barnet, Margaret, John and Mary. Thomas' (the Signer) grandparents were Samuel Brice and unknown and Thomas Johnson and Alice Bond.

  • Samuel Calwell

    b. c1741 - d. 1799 - Age at Signing: 34

    [b. c1741 - d. 1799, Harford Co, MD] Samuel (the Signer) married Ann Richardson on 13 Nov 1764. Their children were Ann (m. Thomas Boyer); Sarah (m. William Askew/Asquith); Dorsey; Thomas (b.1765, d.12 Dec 1828, m. 1st Sarah Gallion and 2nd m. Nancy Kelso in Baltimore on 18 Mar 1813), James m. Polly Boyer (moved to Virginia, now Greenbrier Co., West Virginia) and William m. Mary Amoss (still living in Harford Co in 1800). Samuel also had a sister Druzilla m. William Taggart (moved to Virginia, now Greenbrier Co., West Virginia).

  • Richard Dallam

    b. 1743 - d. 1805 - Age at Signing: 32

    [b.1743 - d. 1805, Harford Co., MD] Richard's (the Signer) parents were William Dallam and Elizabeth Johnson. His siblings were Josias William and Elizabeth, a stepsister. His grandparents were Richard Dallam and Elizabeth Martin and Joseph Johnson and Ann Todd.

  • John Donahuy

    b. ? - d. ? - Age at Signing: 0

    John Donahuy or Donahey (the Signer) married Anne ---. He sold his land in 1779 and apparently left Harford Co, Maryland. No further record.

  • Greenberry Dorsey

    b. 10 Mar 1728/29 - d. by 9 Apr 1798 - Age at Signing: 47

    [b. 10 Mar 1728/29 - d. by 9 April 1798 Harford Co., MD] Greenberry's (the Signer) parents were Greenberry Dorsey (1710-1782) and Mary Belt (m.1726). He married 1st to Frances Frisby and 2nd to Sophia Clark (widow). His paternal uncle was John Hammond Dorsey (1718-1774) who married Frances Watkins in 1742. His paternal aunt was Comfort Dorsey. His paternal grandparents were John Dorsey and Comfort Stimpson (m.1702). Greenberry Dorsey (the Signer) mentioned 11 children in his will, but he did not give their names. One of his sons was John Dorsey. Frisby Dorsey and Edward Dorsey, probably his sons, were executors of Greenberry's will in 1798.

  • John Durham

    b. 22 Feb 1737/8 - d. 1801 - Age at Signing: 38

    [b. 22 Feb 1737/8, Baltimore Co, MD - d. 1801, Harford Co, MD] John (the Signer) married Elizabeth Smithson, daughter of Thomas Smithson, Jr. and Mary Grafton, in 1759. His parents were Samuel Durham and Eleanor Smithson. His grandparents were John Durham and Jane ----, and Thomas Smithson and Ann Scott. His siblings were Samuel (m. Ann Smithson), John, Sarah (m. Thomas Thompson), James, Mordecai, Aquila, Joshua (m. Sarah Thompson), David (m. Sarah Smithson), Daniel, and Hannah. John's (the Signer) children were Cynthia (m. 1st Edward Thompson and 2nd William Hays), Elizabeth (m 1st. a Hughes and 2nd Richard Lawrence), Amelia (m. Thomas Nelson Binns), Susanna (m. Alexander Hillen or Hellen), Cassandra (m. Whitefield Hughes), and Celia.

  • William Fisher, Jr.

    b. 1740 - d. 1835 - Age at Signing: 35

    [b.1740 - d.1835, Harford Co, MD] William's (the Signer) parents were William Fisher,Sr. and Sarah Deal. His siblings were James, Robert and Elizabeth (m.John Jolley) William's (the Signer) grandparents are unknown at this time.

  • Josias Carvil Hall

    b. 7 Jul 1746 - d. 1814 - Age at Signing: 29

    [b. 7 Jul 1746, Baltimore Co, MD - d. 1814, Harford Co, MD] Josias' (the Signer) parents were John Hall (b. 1701 d. 1774) and Hannah Johns (b. 1711 d. 1782) and his grandparents were John Hall (b. c1658 d. 1737) and Martha (Beedle) Gouldsmith. Josias' (the Signer) siblings were John Hall, Jr. (b. 1737 d. 1790), Josiah Hall (b. & d. 1739), Aquila Hall (b. 1742 d. 1743), Benedict Edward Hall (b. 1744 d. 1822), Martha Hall (b. 1735, m. John Rumsey), and Mary Hall (b. 1740, m. Benjamin Rumsey). Josias married Jane or Janet Smith (b. 1752 d. 1812, daughter of William Smith, [b. 1728 d. 1814), of Baltimore Town) by 1775. Their children were Benedict William Hall and Hannah Elizabeth Hall. Josias' (the Signer) first cousins were Aquila Hall (b. 1727 d. 1779,[a Signer]), Martha Hall (m. Walter Tolley), Blanche Hall (m. John Beale Howard), and Sophia Hall.

  • Aquila Hall

    b. 1727 - d. 1779 - Age at Signing: 48

    [b.1727, Baltimore Co, MD - d.1779, Harford Co, MD] Aquila's (the Signer) parents were Aquila Hall (b. 1699 d. 1728 of "Cranberry Hall" and Johanna Kemp (b. ? d. 1735), widow of James Phillips (b. ? d. 1720). He married Sophia White (b. ? d. 1780), daughter of Col. Thomas White and Sophia Hall. Their children were Thomas (b. 1750 d. 1804, m. Isabella Presbury), James White (b. 1754 d. 1808), Aquila (b. 1754 d. 1754), William (b. 1756 d. 1818), Charlotte (b. 1758 d. 1838, m. Nathaniel Ramsay), Mary (b. 1760 d. ?, m. Richard K. Heath), John (b. 1762 d. 1804 [Never Married]), Edward (b. 1763 d. ?), Sophia (b. 1765 d. ?, m.Philip Key), Martha (b. 1768 d. ?, m. John McHenry), Elizabeth (b. 1770 d. ?) and Benedict (b. 1771 d. ?). Aquila's (the Signer) siblings were John (b. 1722 d. 1768, m. Cornelia Holland), Aquila (b. 1724 d. 1724), Aquila (b. 1725 d. 1725), Martha (b. 1725 d. 1725). His grandparents were, paternal, John Hall (b. c1658 d. 1737) and Martha Beadle. His paternal aunt and uncles were John (b. 1701 d. 1774).

  • Aquila Hall, Jr.

    b. c1750 - d. 1815 - Age at Signing: 25

    [b. c1750, Baltimore Co, MD - d.1815, Baltimore Co, MD] Aquila (the Signer) was the nephew, not the son, of Col. Aquila Hall (the Signer). His parents were John Hall and Cordelia Knight. His siblings were Susanna (m. James Heath), William (b.1749), Cordelia (b.1758, m. Edward Carvill Tolley), Sarah (b.1760 m. John Beedle Hall), Martha (b.1760, twin of Sarah), Parker (b.1765 m. Ann ). Children: Walter Tolley Hall, Charles G. Hall, William H. Hall, Robert L. Hall, Susan Hall (m. Henry Hale), Charlotte Hall and Maria Hall.

  • James Harris

    b. ? - d. 1777 - Age at Signing: 0

    [d. 1777, Harford Co., MD] (unmarried). James' (the Signer) parents were Elizabeth (still living in 1777) and William (probably had died by 1777). His siblings were Jean (probably m. Samuel Fulton), Sarah, Dorothea and Susannah (m. Matthew McClintock). His paternal grandparents were Robert Harris and Dorothy Wiley. His paternal aunts and uncles: Thomas [b.1695, Ireland - d. 1801, m. Mary McKinney].

  • Francis Holland

    b. 11 Aug 1745 - d. by 30 Jul 1775 - Age at Signing: 30

    [b. 11 Aug 1745, Baltimore Co, MD - d. by 30 Jul 1775, Harford Co., MD] Francis' (the Signer) parents were Francis (d.1746) and Cordelia Holland. His sister was Frances Holland (m. Thomas Gassaway Howard). Francis married Hannah----circa 1770. His children were Francis Utie Holland (b. 1771, m. Syball West), John (b. 1773), Thomas and Robert (m. Eliza C. Bond).

  • Thomas Johnson

    b. 1726 - d. ? - Age at Signing: 49

    [b.1726] Thomas's (the Signer) parents were Thomas Johnson, Sr. and Alice Bond. His siblings were William, Barnett, John and Mary. His grandparents were Robert Johnson and Hannah Lusby and William Bond and Mary Westbury.

  • Robert Lemmon

    b. c1740 - d. 1817 - Age at Signing: 35

    [b. c1740, Ireland - d. 1817, Somerset Co., MD] Robert (the Signer) immigrated to Harford County, MD before 1775. He moved to Baltimore by 1776. Robert married Nancy Nelms (widow of John Nelms, of Somerset County, MD) by 1790. His children were Richard and Maria (m. Joseph King).

  • James Lytle

    b. 1752 - d. 1809 - Age at Signing: 23

    [b. 1752 - d. 1809, Harford Co, MD] James' (the Signer) parents were Guy Lytle (aka Little) and Elizabeth Webster Ruff (widow of Daniel Ruff). His siblings were Ann Lytle (m. Wm. Osbourne), Nathan Lytle, George Lytle (m. Elizabeth McComas), Hannah Lytle and Jacob Lytle. James' (the Signer) grandparents were George Lytle ([aka Little] b. abt 1699 d. 1757), wife unknown and Michael Webster (b. 1684 d. 1754) and Elizabeth Giles.

  • James McComas

    b. 1735 - d. 1791 - Age at Signing: 40

    [b.1735 - d. 1791, Harford Co., MD] James' (the Signer) parents were Daniel McComas and Martha Scott. His siblings were Elizabeth (m.Moses McComas),Wm. (m.Elizabeth Scott), John, Sarah (m.Wm. Bradford), Martha (m.Robert Amos), Daniel III, Mary, Hannah and Aquilla. His grandparents were Daniel McComas and Elizabeth (possibly later wife of Stephen Gill) and Daniel Scott, Jr and Elizabeth Whitaker.

  • William Morgan

    b. 14 Mar 1743/44 - d. Nov 1795 - Age at Signing: 31

    [b. 14 Mar 1743/44, Baltimore Co., MD - d. Nov 1795, Deer Creek, Harford Co., MD] William's (the Signer) parents were Edward Morgan and Sarah Simmons. His siblings were Martha (m. William Prigg), Samuel, Elizabeth (m. ? Lyon), Edward, Mary, Sarah (m. ? Wiles), James and Abraham. His grandparents were ? Morgan and Abraham and Martha Simmons. He married Cassandra Lee. Their children were Elizabeth (m. Thomas Sheredine Bond), Sarah (m. Joseph Hopkins), Edward, Ellinor (m. John Hopkins), James Lee (m. Susanna Wheeler), Mary (m. Ephraim Hopkins), Cassandra ( m. Zacheus Onion Bond), Martha and Margaret.

  • Robert Morgan

    b. 24 May 1755 - d. aft. 13 May 1822 - Age at Signing: 20

    [b. 24 May 1755, Baltimore Co., MD - d. aft 13 May 1822] Robert's (the Signer) parents were Edward Morgan and Sarah Simmons. His siblings were Martha (m. William Prigg), Samuel, Elizabeth (m. ? Lyon), Edward, Mary, Sarah (m. ? Wiles), James and Abraham. His grandparents were ? Morgan and Abraham and Martha Simmons.

  • Benjamin Bradford Norris

    b. 1745 - d. 1790 - Age at Signing: 30

    [b.1745 - d. 1790] Benjamin's (the Signer) parents were John Norris and Susana Bradford. Benjamin married Elizabeth Richardson. His siblings were John (b. 1747, m. Sarah Richardson), William (b. 1749, m. Martha Amos), Martha (b. 1750, m. Vincent Richardson), Susannah (b. 1753, m. George Taylor), Jacob (b. 1753, m. Avarilla Gallion), Sarah (b. 1756, m. Aquila Norris), Thomas (b. 1756, m. Sarah Ann Billingsley), Alexander (b. 1759, m. Rebecca Moore) and Mary (b. 1759, poss. m. John Stocksdale). [Note: There were three sets of twins in this Norris family]. Benjamin's (the Signer) grandparents were Benjamin Norris and Sarah Whitacre and William Bradford and Elizabeth Lightbody.

  • Aquila Paca

    b. 21 Jun 1738 - d. 26 Feb 1788 - Age at Signing: 37

    [b. 21 Jun 1738, Baltimore Co., MD - d. 26 Feb 1788 in Harford Co., MD] Aquila's (the Signer) parents were John Paca (c1712-1785, son of Aquila Paca and Martha Phillips) and Elizabeth Smith (daughter of William Smith and Elizabeth Martin). Aquila married 1st to Elizabeth Franklin (daughter of Thomas Franklin and Ruth Hammond Ingram) on 8 Dec 1763 and he married 2nd to Hellen Tootell (daughter of Dr. Richard Tootell and Elizabeth Frazier [of Annapolis]). Aquila Paca's children were John, William, Elizabeth (m. Samuel H. Baker), Priscilla (m. Richard B. Dallam), Ann (m. A. Guest), and Frances (m. John Josias Middlemore Dallam, son of Richard Dallam [1743-1820]). Aquila Paca's siblings were William (1740-1799, Governor of Maryland 1782-1785), Mary, Elizabeth, Martha (m. James Phillips), Susannah, and Frances (m. Richard Dallam, 1743-1820).

  • John Patrick

    b. 1742 - d. bef. 10 Oct 1805 - Age at Signing: 33

    [b. 1742, Lancaster Co., PA - d. bef. 10 Oct 1805, Baltimore Co. MD] John's (the signer) parents were Hugh Patrick (b. 1708, Edinburgh, Scotland - d. 1778, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania) currently his mother's name is unknown. His parental grandparents were Hugh Patrick and Mary Campbell of Edinburgh, Scotland. John (the Signer) married Elizabeth Cummings (d. 1786) on 11 March 1765 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. His Children were John, Mary (b. 12 Jul 1775, m. Basil Brook), Elizabeth (b. 12 Jul 1775, twin of Mary, m. Joshua Harvey), Martha (b. 1780, m. William Thomas) and Samuel Cummings (m. Mary Kipp), Hugh (m. Nancy Gill), Ann (m. Joshua Wilkinson).

  • George Patterson

    b. 1748 - d. 1808 - Age at Signing: 27

    [b.1748 - d. 1808, Harford Co., MD. Buried at St. George's Parish Cem., Perryman, Harford Co., MD] George's (the Signer) parents were Robert Patterson and Jane Little (aka Lytle).His siblings were Sarah (b>1739), Cynthia (b.1741), and John (b.1745). His grandparents were George Little (aka Lytle) and wife unknown.

  • Edward Prall

    b. 1734 - d. 1803 - Age at Signing: 41

    [b.1734, NJ - d.1803, Harford Co., MD] (unmarried). Edward's (the Signer) parents were Aaron Prall and Mary Whittaker. His siblings were James, Cornelius, Elizabeth, Benjamin and Jemima. His grandparents were Peter Prall and Maria Christopher.

  • Alexander Rigdon

    b. 1743 - d. 1820 - Age at Signing: 32

    [b.1743 - d. 1820, Harford Co, MD] Alexander's (the Signer) parents were Thomas Baker Rigdon and Ann Lacy. His siblings were Stephen, Benjamin, Margaret, Elizabeth, Ann, Thomas and William. His grandparents were George Rigdon and Elizabeth Baker.

  • Daniel Scott

    b. 1747 - d. 1828 - Age at Signing: 28

    [b.1747 - d. 1828, Harford Co., MD] Daniel's (the Signer) parents were Aquila Scott (siblings Daniel Scott [m. Hannah Butterworth], James Scott [m. Ann Wheeler], Hannah Scott [m. Edward Norris], Martha Scott [m. Daniel McComas], Elizabeth Scott [m. Thomas Bond, Jr.] and Mary Scott [m. Mordecai Amos]) and Elizabeth Potee. Daniel's (the Signer) siblings were Elizabeth Scott (m. William Smithson), Aquila Scott (m. Mary Preston), Martha Scott (m. Lemuel Howard), Rebecca Scott, James Scott, and Sarah Scott. His grandparents were Daniel Scott, Jr. and Elizabeth (Whitaker) Love (widow of Robert Love and daughter of John Whitaker). Daniel (the Signer) married Margaret Short and their only son Otho (b. 1797 d. 1864). married Louisa M. Boarman (b. 1797 d. 1840) in 1823. Their son Daniel (b. 1825 d. 1900) married Cornelia Norris (b. 1846 d. 1893).

  • William Smith

    b. c1720 - d. 1777 - Age at Signing: 55

    [b. c1720, Baltimore Co, MD - d. 1777, Harford Co, MD] William (the Signer) married Elizabeth--- on 23 Dec 1743. Their children were Elizabeth (m. a Henderson), Cassandra (b. 1747 d. 1754), Sarah (b. 1749 d. 1796, m. Josias William Dallam), Winston (b. 1750), William (b. 1752), Nathan (b. 1753), Thomas, John, Martha, and Harriet.

  • William Smithson

    b. 1745 - d. 17 Jan 1809 - Age at Signing: 30

    [b.1745 - d. 17 Jan 1809,"The Homestead",Bel Air, Harford Co, MD William's (the Signer) parents were Thomas Smithson (b. 30 Jan 1712 d. bef. 3 Oct 1795) and Mary Grafton (b. 1723 d. 6 Jun 1812). His siblings were Ann (m. Samuel Durham Jr.), Elizabeth (m. John Durham), Thomas (m. Sarah Bond), Daniel (m. 1st ?; 2nd Susannah Taylor), Nathaniel (m. Mary Bull), Margaret (m. James Barton), Cassandra (m. John Green) and Archibald. William's (the Signer) grandparents were, paternal, Thomas Smithson (b. c1675 d. Mar 1732) and Ann Scott, and, maternal, William Grafton and Margaret (---). His paternal aunts and uncles were Eleanor (m. Samuel Durham), Rachel (m. Henry Donahue), Rebecca (m. Samuel Wilson), Elizabeth (m. Robert Steele Clark), Daniel and Avarilla (mother of David Smithson, her illegitimate son). His maternal aunts and uncles were Christian (m. Morris/Maurice Baker), Ann (m. Daniel Preston) and William. William married Elizabeth Scott (1749-1818) on 11 Nov 1766, but they had no surviving children. Her parents were Aquila Scott and Elizabeth Poteet (Potee, Puttee)

  • John Taylor

    b. 24 Sept 1736 - d. aft. 1775 - Age at Signing: 39

    [b. 24 Sept 1736, Baltimore Co, MD - d. after 1775] John's (the Signer) parents were John Taylor and Keziah Simmons. His siblings were Charles (b. 1730, m. Elizabeth Standiford in 1750), Hannah (b. 1733), Thomas (1739-1762), and Elizabeth. John married Elizabeth Norris on 18 Oct 1757. Their children were John Taylor, Jr (1759-1783) and Susanna (m. Daniel Smithson in 1785).

  • Edward Ward

    b. 1709 - d. 1791 - Age at Signing: 66

    [b. 1709 - d. 1791, Harford Co, MD] Edward (the Signer) married Cassandra Wells (b. 1726, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Wells). Their children were Edward, Jr., Richard (b.1755, d. after 1802, m. Jane Smith in 1779), Avis (b. 1762, m. Richard Kenly in 1781), Mary (m. a Disney), Elizabeth and Margaret or Peggy (b. 1767, m. Robert Crawford in 1784).

  • William Webb

    b. 1732 - d. 1778 - Age at Signing: 43

    [b.1732 - d. 1778, Harford Co., MD] William's (the Signer) parents were Samuel Webb and Elizabeth Jane Weire. His siblings were Constance, George, Elizabeth (m.possibly John Hall of Joshua), Jane (b. c1741 d. ?), Faithful (b. 1743 d. ?, m. Jacob Forwood), Samuel (m. Margaret Tudor in 1764), Margaret (b. 1752 d. ?, m. --- Brierly) and Sarah(b. 1755 d. ?, m. ---Carroll). His grandparents were George Weir and Elizabeth Thomas. William (the Signer) married Elizabeth Lee on 12 Jul 1758. Their children were William, Margaret Lee (b. 1761 d. ?, m. Richard Downing, 1781) and Constance Priscilla (m. Samuel Downing, 1785); Rachel (m. Philip Albert).

  • Abraham Whitaker

    b. 1737 - d. 1784 - Age at Signing: 38

    [b.1737 - d. 1784, Harford Co, MD] Abraham's (the Signer) parents were Charles Whitaker and Mary Kemball (widow of William Kemball or Kimball, and probable daughter of Humphrey Jones). Abraham married Elizabeth Wheeler on 31 Dec 1771. Their children were: Susanna (b. 1773); Abraham (b. 1776 - d. 1804); Thomas (b. 1778, m. Charlotte Durham, 1800); George (b. 1780 - d. abt. 1804); Josias (b. 1782 - d. 1802). His siblings were Lurany, John (m. Mary McComas), Charles, James (m. Mary Saunders), Mary (m. David Butler), Catherine and Isaac (m. Elizabeth Hill). His grandparents were John Whitaker/Whitacre and Catherine ?

    • About Us

    To Honor the Bush Declaration Signers

    The Hereditary Order of the Signers of the Bush Declaration (HOSBD) is dedicated to honoring the Signers of the Bush Declaration through education about this historical document, and the men who signed it.

    Foundation

    In the year 2002 a chapter of the Children of the American Revolution was formed in Harford County, Maryland and named the Bush Declaration Society. It soon became apparent that there was no organization in existence to honor the actual Signers of the Bush Declaration on March 22, 1775. Nearly 229 years after the signing of the Bush Declaration, in March 2004, Christopher T. Smithson and Henry C. Peden, Jr. decided to organize such a society, and recruited J. Andrew Calwell and William P. Smithson, fellow members of the Col. Aquila Hall Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, to work with them on this project.

    On June 4, 2004 The Hereditary Order of the Signers of the Bush Declaration was founded.

    Recognized by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

    National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

    Objectives

    The order is genealogical, historical and fraternal in its nature. Its membership endeavors to foster patriotism and to enlarge the knowledge of its membership through:

    • The collection of information concerning the Signers of the Bush Declaration.
    • The dissemination of such information to the Order’s membership, and eventually to other interested persons and organizations.
    • The building of a body of genealogical records showing descent from the Signers of the Bush Declaration, and their ancestors.
    • The creation of a spirit of good fellowship and friendship among members through meetings and other means, inherent in these purposes.

    Officers

    Below is a list of the The Hereditary Order of the Signers of the Bush Declaration (HOSBD) officers. Officers are elected at our annual meeting each year.

    President General

    James Schaub

    Vice President General

    Sandra R. Wallis

    Secretary General

    Laura A. Aiken

    Treasurer General

    Christopher T. Smithson

    Registrar General

    Henry C. Peden, Jr.

    Genealogist General

    Christopher T. Smithson

    Chancellor General

    Andrew Caldwell

    Chaplain General

    William Brandt

    Historian General

    Judith D. Lenane

    Committee of Observation

    Eileen F. Schaub (2022-2025)

    Committee of Observation

    Richard Earl Mainley (2022-2026)

    Committee of Observation

    Don Eberhardt (2022-2027)

    "The Signer" Newsletter

    HOSBD periodically publishes a newsletter for members. This newsletter is meant to inform members about upcoming events, and to continue our overall mission.

    Download Recent Newsletter

    Who Can Join? Those persons, male or female of the age of 18 years or more, who can prove a blood relationship to a Signer within the second degree of kinship.

    For a preliminary application and informational materials, please contact:

    Christopher T. Smithson
    Membership Developement Chair, HOSBD
    9502 Perry Hall Blvd., Apt. 104
    Baltimore, MD 21236-1388



    • Direct descent is self-explanatory. The applicant is lineally (directly) descended from the Signer.
    • Collateral descent (or 1st degree of kinship) means the applicant’s ancestor and the Signer have the same parents.
    • Consanguine relationship to the 2nd degree of kinship to the signer. Which would imply the applicants ancestor shares one of the four grandparents of the signer.

    Contact Us

    We Want to Hear From You!

    Please contact us for more information about HOSBD or if you are interested in becoming a member.

    HOSBD
    3818 Belmont Drive
    Jarrettsville, MD 21084
    Email Us!   BushDeclaration1775@gmail.com


    HOSBD