John Stark Society History
Our society is named after the Patriot General John Stark. John was born in Londonderry, NH on August 28, 1728 and died May 8, 1822. When he was 8 years old he moved to Derryfield (Manchester), NH where he lived for the remainder of his life. He and his wife, Molly Stark, had 10 children, five boys and 5 girls.
John is recognized as New Hampshire's most famous soldier. He was a hero at the Battles of Bunker Hill and Bennington. In addition, he was an integral member of the Continental Army under George Washington. George Washington utilized Stark's unique ability to rally support in the New England area. His life encompassed the whole revolutionary period and he was instrumental in the events that produced a free and independent nation. "Live Free or Die. Death is not the worst of evils."
John Stark is one of New Hampshire's most well-known and colorful Revolutionary Patriots. His words have lived on and inspired many. His motto of "Live Free or Die" was adopted as New Hampshire's state motto in 1945.
This local society of the N.S.C.A.R. was organized under the sponsorship of the New Hampshire State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution on May 20, 2000 with Hans Jackson as the Organizing Senior Society President and Alexander Preece as Society President.