Our History

Sallie Newton Page was a “Founding Daughter” of the Great Bridge Chapter, NSDAR, at its founding in 1894. In her 1894 application, Sallie spoke about the bravery of her Patriot ancestor, Lydia Barrington Darragh.

“My ancestor’s services in the establishment of American Independence during the War of the Revolution were as follows:

William Darragh & Lydia Barrington Darragh living members of the Society of Friends were unified in the Friends Meeting House in Dublin Ireland Nov. 2nd, 1753, and soon afterward came to this country & settled in Philadelphia.

During the winter of 1777 – 78, General Howe the Commander of the British forces had his headquarters in Philadelphia at the Cadwalader House. On the opposite side of the church, was the private residence of William Darragh – (afterward altered into a hotel and called Loxley House).

The British, being pressed for rooms, compelled the Darraghs to give up one of their rooms to be used as a council chamber, the consequence of which, some of the children of the Darragh family had to be sent to stay with a relative in the country. On a certain morning, Mrs. Darragh was ordered by a British official to have all her family in bed at an early hour, as they wished to use her room on that night without any interference. She promised to do this, and after all had returned, she lay down herself, but could not sleep feeling a foreboding that some plan was being considered for attacking the American Army.

Hearing a discussion going on in rather loud tones, she crept into a closet adjoining the council chamber and overheard the commanding orders which were to march on a certain night and surprise and attack Washington’s Army encamped, not very far from the city. She quickly returned to bed when an officer knocked at her door to awaken her for the purpose of closing up the house.

Without telling even her husband what she knew, she left the city, ostensibly to visit her children and to obtain flour in the country. Using a pass she had for that purpose, she got through the British line. Then changing her course, she made a long journey on foot in the direction of the American camps. She met an officer whom she knew, and told him what she had learned, and then returned home.

On the night of the attack, she had the satisfaction of knowing the British had not accomplished anything . . . since the Americans were prepared, thanks to her timely information. She is credited with helping to save Washington’s Army*.”

Direct descendants of both Sallie Newton Page and her Patriot, Lydia Barrington Darragh, are still a part of our chapter. We are honored to have mother and daughter Lydia Page Strain and Darragh Walker continue their family’s tradition of service with us today.