Who is eligible to join the Sons of the American Revolution?

Any male at least 18 years of age who can prove lineal descent from a patriot ancestor who actively supported American independence between April 19, 1775 and November 26, 1783. Open to men of any race, religion, or ethnic background.

Can a father and son join the SAR together?

Yes. Boys under 18 can join the SAR as Junior Members using the same patriot ancestor as their father or grandfather. A father and son can apply together and be inducted at the same chapter meeting — same night, same ceremony.

Where does the Robert Forsyth Chapter SAR meet?

The Robert Forsyth Chapter meets the second Thursday of every month at Golden Corral, 2025 Market Place Blvd, Cumming, GA 30041. Dinner at 6:00 PM, meeting at 7:00 PM. Visitors always welcome.

America 250 is the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, culminating July 4, 2026. The Robert Forsyth Chapter SAR is actively participating in Georgia and Southeast regional events.

What are the annual dues?

Annual dues are $95, due November 1st each year. Renew online at gasocietysar.org/register.

Is Mike Rowe a member of the SAR?

Yes. SAR President General John Dodd personally inducted Mike Rowe, his father, and his producer into the SAR during a recording of Mike Rowe's podcast (episode 364).

Our Chapter

About the Robert Forsyth Chapter, GASSAR

Q: Who was Robert Forsyth?

Robert Forsyth (c.1754–1794) was a Captain of Light Dragoons under General Henry Lee. In 1789 President Washington appointed him the first U.S. Marshal for Georgia. On January 11, 1794 he was killed in Augusta — the first federal officer killed in the line of duty in American history.

Named for America’s first fallen federal law enforcement officer — a Revolutionary War hero who served under Light Horse Harry Lee — our chapter carries a proud legacy rooted in patriotism, honor, and service.

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Our namesake · The SAR · Our chapter

Who Was Robert Forsyth?

Robert Forsyth was a man of extraordinary courage who served his country in two capacities — as a soldier and as an officer of the law. Born in Scotland and settling in Virginia before the Revolution, he rose to become a Captain of Light Dragoons under General Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee during the Revolutionary War.

In 1789, President George Washington personally appointed Robert Forsyth as the first United States Marshal for the District of Georgia — making him one of the nation’s original federal law enforcement officers.

On January 11, 1794, while attempting to serve civil court papers in Augusta, Georgia, Forsyth was shot and killed by Beverly Allen — becoming the first federal law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty in American history.

Robert Forsyth is buried at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Augusta, Georgia. Forsyth County, Georgia — the county our chapter calls home — is named in his honor.

Captain Forsyth gave his life in service to the law and to the ideals of the republic he helped create. His courage defines our chapter’s character.

Robert Forsyth at a Glance

Service: Captain, Light Dragoons, Lee’s Legion
Appointed: First U.S. Marshal, District of Georgia, 1789
Appointed by: President George Washington
Died: January 11, 1794 — first federal officer killed in the line of duty
Resting place: St. Paul’s Cemetery, Augusta, GA

What Is the Sons of the American Revolution?

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is the largest male lineage organization in the United States, with more than 34,000 members in 50 state societies, hundreds of local chapters, and several international societies.

Founded in 1889, the SAR is dedicated to promoting education and a broader understanding of American history, preserving our constitutional principles, and honoring the patriot ancestors who sacrificed everything to secure liberty for future generations.

Membership is open to male descendants — in any generation — of an ancestor who actively supported the American cause of independence during the Revolutionary War period (April 19, 1775 through November 26, 1783).

How to Join

Our Chapter

Our Location

Cumming, Georgia

Based in Cumming, Georgia — the seat of Forsyth County — our chapter draws members from across North Georgia, including Cherokee, Dawson, and Hall Counties.

Monthly Meetings

Second Thursday of Each Month

We gather on the second Thursday of each month at Golden Corral, 2025 Market Pl Blvd, Cumming. Dinner begins at 6:00 PM; meeting at 7:00 PM. Guests are always welcome.

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Our Bylaws

Constitution & Bylaws

The Robert Forsyth Chapter operates under a formal constitution and bylaws approved by the Georgia Society SAR.

Download the Constitution & Bylaws (PDF)

Chapter History

The Robert Forsyth Chapter was chartered on July 27, 2013, with sponsorship from the Piedmont Chapter. Fifty-three charter members were recognized at the charter banquet at Reid Barn.

We partner with Patriots of Liberty C.A.R. and Colonel William Candler DAR in honoring our shared heritage.

Chapter Leadership

The Marshal Newsletter

In Memoriam

We remember with gratitude our compatriots who have passed:

Kenneth Eugene Hannel
Don Harston
Joseph Smith Moses Jr.
Paul Eugene Bryant Jr.

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Carry the Legacy Forward

Descendants of Revolutionary War patriots are welcome. Our Registrar will help you trace your lineage at no charge.

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