The Special Collections Research Center was pleased to host a meeting of the Colonel Joshua Fry Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists (NSDAC) on September 16, 2013.
The chapter is based in Charlottesville and is the newest Virginia chapter of the NSDAC, established in 2007. Colonel Joshua Fry (1699-1754) was a surveyor, adventurer, mapmaker, soldier, and member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Born in England, he came to Virginia at an early age and eventually became a professor of natural philosophy at the College of William & Mary. After moving to what is now Albemarle County, Virginia in the 1740’s, he collaborated with Peter
Jefferson, the father of Thomas Jefferson, to create the influential Fry-Jefferson map of Virginia and Maryland in 1753. Colonel Fry was given command of the Virginia regiment in the early days of the French and Indian War and ordered to take Fort Duquesne. While en route, he fell off his horse and died of his injuries. He was succeeded in command by George Washington.
In addition to lunch and a business meeting, the nine chapter members were able to browse a display of selected treasures held in Special Collections, including papers by and about Colonel Joshua Fry, such as various surveys, plats, and letters concerning his death and burial place.
The chapter also made a generous donation towards our efforts to preserve and acquire materials relating to the history of the American colonial era. Thank you for the donation and wonderful visit.
