Harriton House Tour and Patriot Grave Marking Ceremony for Charles Thomson – October 12, 2024

As part of the 250^th Anniversary of America celebrations being held by the Sons of the American Revolution, one man of prominence that was honored for his patriotism was Charles Thomson.  Often considered a Forgotten Founder of America, Thomson is best known for being secretary to the Continental Congress.

His story is one of rags to riches, having come to America alone after his family passed away, taking an unenthusiastic apprenticeship as a blacksmith, and receiving a crowd funded education from the local town.  Thomson’s abilities soared; he was an avid reader, learned multiple languages, translated the Bible from Greek, and used his new political position to maintain peaceful relations with local native tribes.  The Lenape welcomed him and his honest intentions and gave him the name “The-man-who-speaks-the-truth.”

He served as secretary to almost all the major meetings during the founding of America, signing all the important documents, and his last political agenda was to ride to Virginia to inform George Washington that he had won the election for President of the United States.  In his retirement at the Harriton House, he invested in some business avenues and agricultural sciences.

The tour of the Harriton House as well as the Patriot Grave Marking Ceremony were hosted by the Pennsylvania Society SAR and the Philadelphia Continental Chapter SAR.  Members of the state societies from the original thirteen colonies were in attendance.  The presentation of wreaths, the ceremony, and Color Guard performance all took place during beautiful weather.

Compatriot Jacob Lemon attended both the tour and grave marking ceremony and has said they were very enjoyable and honorable experiences.  The number of SAR Colorguardsmen in attendance at the cemetery was limited, so the Color Guard Commander offered Jacob the opportunity to present the Pennsylvania flag during the ceremony.

Following the Patriot Grave Marking ceremony of Charles Thomson, the 250^th Anniversary celebration officially kicked off in historic Philadelphia at Carpenters’ Hall, the meeting location of the First Continental Congress in 1774.  At this meeting, patriots like Patrick Henry, John Jay, Charles Thomson, George Washington, and John and Samuel Adams, among others, from all thirteen colonies except Georgia met in secret to establish the Articles of Association.  They refuted the Intolerable Acts, called for a boycott of British goods, and set in plan an embargo of exports. These men, while committing high treason with such a meeting, were laying further groundwork  of a revolution.

The tour of Carpenter’s Hall was well attended; the staff and local Park officials informed visitors of many intricate details to aspects of the building, the meeting of the rebels, as well as why they chose to meet there.  The 250^th Anniversary ceremony was hosted by the Pennsylvania Society SAR and the Philadelphia Continental Chapter SAR.  Members of the state societies from the original thirteen colonies, including George this time, were in attendance.  The beautiful weather from earlier in the day continued throughout the presentation of wreaths, the ceremony, and Color Guard performance.  The event was open to the public and attended by several bystanders.

A special thank you to the Pennsylvania Society SAR and the Philadelphia Continental Chapter SAR for their incredible organization and planning of these activities.  An additional thank you goes to Steven, who guided us on the tour of the Harriton House and provided a rich history of Patriot Thomson, to the staff at the Laurel Hill Cemetery East, and to Michael Norris, Executive Director of the Carpenters’ Company, who guided us on the tour of Carpenters’ Hall and provided a rich history of the structure and history of the First Continental Congress.  Thank You!

This event offered opportunities for the Patriot Grave Marking Medal, 250th Anniversary Medal, and Color Guard.