The Dorothy Q Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, met at 2 p.m. June 18 in the Elston Memorial House, with Regent Rita Kirkpatrick presiding, as she welcomed 14 members, two new members, and one prospective member. Regent Kirkpatrick opened the meeting with the call to order then leading everyone in reciting, The Pledge of Allegiance, American’s Creed, and Preamble to the Constitution, followed by singing the National Anthem. Rachel Brown conducted us in singing our American Heritage song of the month, “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
New members oath of office was performed Regent Kirkpatrick as she recognized and welcomed Shannon Hudson and Laura Moffat, into Dorothy Q Chapter, NSDAR. Their eligibility for membership has been verified, patriotism is the foundation of our Society. Regent Kirkpatrick presents the new members with a yearbook and welcome packet.
Gloria White read President General, Denise Doring VanBuren’s Message; “Serving With the Most Amazing Women in America” We should all 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 limit our effectiveness, DAR is fundamentally healthy and we can embrace a bright future. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your President General the last three years, I will always believe that we rose to the example of the women who went before us during World Wars, the Great Depression and horrors of terrorism to ensure that our National Society’s enduring mission continued for the benefit of those we serve. National Defender Report read by Ericia Church: June 14 is National Flag, this is a day we celebrate commemorating the American Flag. The American Flag was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777, to represent the united 13 colonies. Congress specified that the new flag would have 13 stipes of alternating red and white with a union (the upper left corner, the position of honor) of field of blue with 13 white stars. Flag Day was first observed nationally on June 14, 1877, the 100th anniversary of the Stars and Stripes and still continues today.
Patriot Story submitted by Susan Fisher and read by Rita Kirkpatrick; Captain John Lock, 1755-1818, A Patriot of the American Revolution for Maryland, enlisted May 4, 1775 serving for three years. Following the war, John Lock married Salome Sarah Bastian, and together they had seven children, they became one of the earliest settlers in Lewisburg, Preble County Ohio.
Patriot story submitted by Susan Fisher on Henry Tyson, 1742-1817, is the patriarch of the Tyson family in York County, PA. Married Sara (unknown) Tyson, they had nine children. Henry had a long line of public service, from serving as Township Assessor to Member of the House of Representatives of PA, by this; he was able to have dinner with President George Washington and his wife Martha in the Nation’s Capital in Philadelphia. Henry was Commissioned Justice of the Peace for the 12th district of York County, PA.
And another Patriot Story, submitted by Susan Fisher on George Gentry Sr. 1732-1810, who enlisted in Virginia to devote his Patriotic Service during the Revolutionary War. George Married Elizabeth Fontaine Gentry and they had 10 children. At the time of George Gentry’s death, he owned almost 1,000 acres of land in Louisa and Albemarle Counties, VA. The estate inventory included 27 slaves and personal property with a total value of 1,286 pounds.
Michele Borden read the May meeting minutes that were approved as read. Treasurer’s report given by Rachel Brown, and was filed for audit. Rachel further stated, we will have a future discussion regarding actions on securities.
Regent Kirkpatrick began with the Standing Committee Reports; Native American Indians: Nanyehi (Cherokee; One who goes about) Born on the southeastern border of Tennessee, and she was known in English as, Nancy Ward, 1738-1823. She was a beloved Women and Political Leader of the Cherokee. She advocated for peaceful coexistence with European Americans and late in life, spoke out for Cherokee retention of tribal lands. She is credited with introduction of cattle and dairy products that would sustain the Cherokee when hunting was bad. For her actions, the Cherokee awarded her the title of: Ghigau (Cherokee; Beloved Women) and made her the only female voting member of the Cherokee General Council. Commemorative Events – Michele Borden, states, each year we remember June 14 as National Flag Day! Project Patriot; Regent Kirkpatrick relayed, she had mailed out 1,542 manufacturer coupons, that were submitted by chapter members this last month. Service to America: Regent Kirkpatrick reminds everyone to enter your community service hours in the website by the deadline of June 27. The Flag: Erica Church tells of the event Feb. 23, 1945 — six marines hoisted an American flag on Iwo Jima’s highest point, and a second American Flag, which was larger, was raised on Mount Suribachi that same day, but unlike the first, this larger Flag could be seen by all of the men fighting on the island. DAR Women: “Women’s Veterans Day” is observed on June 12 in the United States, in an effort to honor the work of Women in the US Armed Forces and recognize the unique challenges that they face.
Chapter Members Cares and Concerns: Linda Busenbark shares of her bother, Dan Riley’s poor health and request prayers. Regent Kirkpatrick reminds everyone to keep our chapter members that are part of the Norton family, in our thoughts and continued prayers during their time of mourning.
Regent Kirkpatrick conveys information regarding the National Society of Children of the American Revolution (NSCAR) program, founded in 1895 by Harriett Lothrop, a member of DAR, as Harriett felt strongly that there needed to be an organization to teach children American history and patriotic values and love of County, she founded the NSCAR to accomplish these goals.
Patriot Story given by our new member, Laura Moffat on William Beasley Ward 1758-1833, born in Virginia to Benjamin Ward and Sarah Marlow, He married Verlinda Harrison in Maryland and they were the parents to 9 children. In 1826, William and Verlinda were living in Fountain County. Seven years later, at the age of 75, William died in Covington and buried in Ward Cemetery.
Unfinished Business: Terri Fyffe reports, the Elston Memorial Home’s cleaning supply list will be sent out to chapter members in August, these items then can be available for the cleaning staff in September. Michele Borden brings up a discussion; what is the price for the military banners. Janis Bridge made a motion regarding price for each Banner. Gay Eagleston second motion, motion carries.
New Business: Installation of incoming Officers for the 2022-2024 Dorothy Q Chapter administration. The oath of office ceremony administered by Regent Rita Kirkpatrick. The new officers for the two-year term are: Regent Michele Borden, First Vice Regent Susan Fisher, Second Vice Regent Gloria White, Recording Secretary Alexandria Southern, Corresponding Secretary Gay Eagelston, Treasurer Rachel Brown, Registrar Ericia Church and Historian Terri Fyffe. With dedicated officers working together I am confident we will achieve much success in the year ahead. As Regent, with the powers vested in me, now declare you installed in your respective offices. I give my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to each of you.
Announcements: Continental Congress is in Washington D.C. from June 29 through July 3. The Central West District Meeting will be Aug. 1 at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Lafayette. Registration due by July 22.
Regent Kirkpatrick extends her gratitude for support during the last two years and offered the benediction before adjourning the meeting to the dining room to enjoy summertime refreshments of homemade Strawberry Shortcake and chocolate confections, prepared by Terri Fyffe as Chair, Gloria White and Sonja Woodruff.
Next meeting chapter meeting will be at 2 p.m. Sept. 17, special program with Dan Taylor on “John Dickson & Signing of the Constitution.” Also, Mike Spencer will give a demonstration of The American Flag Folding Ceremony.
