The Dorothy Q Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, met at 2 p.m. May 21 in the Elston Memorial House, with Regent Rita Kirkpatrick presiding, as she welcomed 13 members.
Regent Rita Kirkpatrick opened the meeting beginning the call to order leading us in reciting, The Pledge of Allegiance, American’s Creed and Preamble to the Constitution, followed by singing the National Anthem. Rachel Brown led us in singing our American Heritage song of the month, “America the Beautiful.”
Before the business meeting, a special program presentation given by Terri Fyffe and assisted by Susan Fisher, unveiling the newly framed printed copy of Dorothy Q, the Chapter’s namesake for NSDAR; “Who is Dorothy Q?” Oliver Wendell Holmes was inspired by a canvas portrait of his great-grand mother; he penned “Dorothy Q. A Family Portrait” in the year 1871. Dorothy Quincy was born in 1709 into one of Massachusetts most distinguished families, her father Judge Edmund Quincy was elected as Massachusetts House of Representatives and Council. During the Siege of Boston their home was occupied by British Officers, while Dorothy’s portrait was hanging in the house, a Redcoat officer “amused himself” by stabbing poor Dorothy’s canvas portrait near her right eye as his swordsmanship would serve him to do it. Thus, the ode to this portrait Dorothy Q, a portrait containing musings on this young girl’s life and their family’s connection through time.
Gloria White read, NSDAR President General, Denise Doring VanBuren’s “In Gratitude” Message “Serving With the Most Amazing Women in America” We should be immensely pleased that our National Society accomplished important and substantive things during this administration, and equally proud that we refused to allow the global pandemic to shape our destiny or limit our effectiveness. We can embrace the future with great enthusiasm and continued confidence due to your resiliency and commitment.
The National Defender Report was read by Ericia Church on “Armed Forces Day” May 21, held annually on the third Saturday in May. This event honors everyone currently serving in the U.S. military forces. Memorial Day, a federal holiday is observed the last Monday in May, and honors military members who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Michele Borden reads a story of her Revolutionary War Patriot; Robert Weir born in Northern Ireland 1752, a man who revered his freedom of religion. The multiple wrongs inflicted upon the people of Ireland by their rulers and their suffering caused many Irish Patriots to turn to the American Colonies that offered secure peace for themselves and their children. Weir came to America with a college chum, leaving from Edinburg, Scotland to the asylum offered by America. When arriving in Philadelphia, Robert then the age of 25, entered the Revolutionary army in the year 1777, serving with Cumberland County PA Mil, with the last two years of his service as a recruiting sergeant. Then at the age of 48 with his eldest son, Alexander they came to Montgomery County, Indiana the year 1828 and built a log home on a plateau overlooking acres of sandy bottom land, then bringing his wife and eight children and settled in the south western part of Montgomery County, (still sending letters of correspondence to his father Robert, regarding land sales) The Weir family decided this was the place, with rugged hills and clear running streams, thick stand of good timber, abundant game and fowl for food, so reminded Alexander Weir of the description his father had given him many times of his childhood home of “My beloved Balhinch” in far off Ireland. The Weir family, today believe the name Balhinch is derived from Celtic language of Scotch/Irish - Gaelic. This area in southwestern Montgomery County today, is still referred to as Balhinch!
Rita Kirkpatrick reads a Patriot story on behalf of Barbra Taylor; John Rardin, born in 1730 in Ireland to Captain Josiah & Susan Rardin. John came to America with three brothers and a sister. At the age of 30 married Nelly Elinor Stephens, together they had three children. During the Revolutionary, John served as a Frontier Ranger and died at the age of 66 in Allegheny County Pennsylvania.
Secretaries report given by Michele Borden, Terri Fyffe noted an error regarding information on Revolutionary War veteran John Hardee buried in Montgomery County, the information was received from a gentleman in Chicago; correction made. The meeting minutes then approved as read.
Rachel Brown gave the treasurer’s report, stating the Chapter sold five Dorothy Q ornaments, six DAR magnets during the house tour. The treasurer’s report was then approved and filed for audit. Also, Rachel brings up the discussion, that it is a tradition the Chapter purchase a new lapel pin as a token of appreciation for Regent Kirkpatrick’s two years of devoted service to this Chapter. Barb Taylor makes a motion and Sharon Southern second motion, members gave a unanimous vote of yes, the motion was carried.
Regent Kirkpatrick begins with the Standing Committee Reports: Relaying the Native American Indians; Delaware Chief William Anderson, whose mother was a Delaware Indian and his father was of Swedish descent. Chief Anderson’s Indian Name was Kikthawenund, meaning “making a noise” but often went by his Anglo nickname, Chief Anderson. In the 30-year span from ascension as Chief of the Delaware from 1801 until his death in 1831, Chief Anderson inspired peace and tolerance in time of war. The settlers coming into Anderson referred to the village as “Anderson Town” in 1844; the name was shortened by the Indiana Legislature to “Anderson.” Commemorative events: Michele Borden reflects; Decoration Day is a day of Remembrance for those who have died in Service for the United States, this is now a National Holiday known as Memorial Day! Inspired by the poem wrote in 1915 “In Flanders Fields” Moina Michael wrote her own version:
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That Grow on Fields where Valor Led,
It seems to signal to the skies,
That Blood Heroes never die.
In Remembrance – They Gave their All!
Regent Kirkpatrick adds, General John Logan, the Commander-in-chief of the Union Veterans Group “Grand Army of the Republic” issued a decree that May 30 should become a nationwide day of commemoration for the more than 620,000 soldiers killed in the civil war and “No battle was ever fought on this day during the Civil War”.
Conservation Report: Sharon Southern advised proper disposal of oil-based paints, mix sawdust or cat litter into paint until all liquid has been absorbed, then wrap the container in newspaper and place in plastic bag and dispose. Regent Kirkpatrick advised the DAR Magazine, American Spirit — is a great Magazine to subscribe and don’t forget your Service to America and record your volunteer hours and update, forms available and Project Patriot — over 700 coupons this time, keep those coupons coming in to send out to our military bases, as the expiration dates get extended for their use. American Flag; Days to fly the American Flag Half Staff: Armed Forces Day-May 21, Memorial Day-May 30, Patriot Day-Sept. 11, October–Sunday during Fire Prevention Week, Veterans Day-Nov. 11 and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day-Dec. 7, only the President and state governors can decide when and how long the American flag should be flown at half-staff. DAR Schools; Rachel Brown gives handouts to members regarding Box Top for Education and the added food list and reminds everyone, the App store on your phone, and download the Box Top for Education App and scan your receipts, the DAR supports the Kate Duncan Smith School. Membership; Susan Fisher received a request for membership application from Patricia Crumrin that was already 98% complete, Sharon Hudson has been verified and Linda Miller’s submittal has been sent to America 250 Task Force. Women’s Issues given by Judy Fifer; May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, we need to raise awareness of those living with mental health issues and help recognize the importance of mental wellness and be mindful of others and shine a light on support.
Unfinished Business: Military tribute banners, Michele Borden began the discussion of how this Chapter can take an opportunity to recognize and honor those who served or are currently serving in the United States Military. Paying tribute to them in a special manner by displaying military banners on street light poles. With the public enthusiasm, the town officials of Crawfordsville have been very supportive and accommodating, we could begin the program. Rachel Brown makes a motion to proceed with the military tribute banner project and Ericia Church second motion, motion carries. A committee shall be formed to proceed with a new endeavor.
Terri Fyffe brings up the subject of cleaning the Chapter House a few times during the year as she has received a price bid and price for extra services as needed, Michele Borden makes a motion that the Chapter hires the cleaning service two times a year, Janis Bridge seconds motion, motion carried to hire the specified business for cleaning of the house twice a year. The members also discussed donations of cleaning supplies; Terri Fyffe stated she would compile a list of cleaning products needed for members to choose from.
Regent Kirkpatrick reads her Patriot Story on Nathan Baldwin an American Revolution Patriot from New Jersey son of John and Mary (Crane) Smith, born 1721 and passed in 1810 at the age of 89, buried in Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Union County New Jersey.
Time for Recognition: Regent Kirkpatrick would like to acknowledge Terry Fyffe for the article submitted to the Journal Review News and the Indiana DAR News, regarding the Elston Memorial Home Tours available to the public by appointment — through Montgomery County Historical Society and Montgomery County Visitors Bureau.
Regent Kirkpatrick extends her congratulations and presents a 10-year certificate to Sharon Southern for her dedicated membership to Dorothy Q Chapter NSDAR.
From State Conference Chapter Recognition Awards presented to Dorothy Q Chapter for significant achievements this year; National Defender Report precipitation, Three Juniors on Committee Chairs, (assisted by Rachel Brown and Susan Fisher) Promoting Native American Indians, DAR School donations, Service for Veterans across America Wreaths, Membership Recruitment, 100% participation for President Generals Message, Melody Davis for service in US Army, America 250 Marker on Chapter House and Patriots Stories submitted. Regent Kirkpatrick stated, how much she appreciated all the work the Chapter members have done this past year!
In closing, Regent Kirkpatrick reminds everyone of the 131st Continental Congress in Washington, DC is scheduled for June 29 through July 3. Save the Date for; Central West District Meeting on Aug. 1 at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Lafayette. Don’t forget your Revolutionary War Story for Project Patriot, sharing your ancestor who served in the Revolutionary War. Your story of the Patriot will then be submitted to state and ntionals to assist others joining NSDAR. Don’t for get to log in your hours for Service for America, and remember to bring in your coupons. Next month meeting is at 2 p.m. June 18 at the Elston Memorial Home for installations of officers.
Chaplin Sharon Southern offered a benediction and the meeting was adjourned to the dining room for a Spring Tea Tablespace with pastel floral centerpiece, gorgeous china pattern plates and gold flatware, serving scrumptious sweet teacakes and assortment of petite desserts. Thank you to our hostesses, Judy Fifer and Ericia Church.
