Namesake

​

WILLIAM CUSHING

​

In February 1905, with twelve charter members, the Chief Justice Cushing Chapter, NSDAR, was founded and accepted by the National Society. The name was chosen because of William Cushing's prominence in legal affairs in Colonial Massachusetts and as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. William Cushing (March 1, 1732 - Sep. 10, 1810) was born and died in Scituate, Massachusetts. In 1796, after the Chief Justice resigned, President Washington nominated William Cushing to become the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.  However, because of poor health, after one day, he declined. He is buried in Scituate, Massachusetts.

​

Founding Member

​

ELLA TURNER BATES

​

Founder and first regent (1905-1910) of Chief Justice Cushing Chapter, NSDAR. 

Born May 20, 1844, in Scituate, Massachusetts, Ella Bates attended nearby Derby Academy.  In 1866 she taught school in North Carolina for two years. Returning to New England, she became a teacher at the Newton Junior High School, later serving as principal of the Davis School for 15 years. She died in 1917 and is buried in the Grove Cemetery, Scituate, Massachusetts, where a DAR marker has been placed in her honor.