The Jonathan Hardin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met for their monthly program with Regent Nancy McSwane presiding. The meeting was held on Wednesday, September 9th in the conference room of the Parkview Regional Hospital Annex building on Tyler Street in Mexia.
Regent McSwane called the meeting to order and welcomed members, speakers, and guests. The invocation was given by Chaplain, Marsha Black. Regent McSwane led the members in the DAR Ritual followed by the reading of President General’s message.
Leigh Ann Steen gave the National Defense report recognizing September 13th as “Uncle Sam Day”. The day commemorates the man behind the iconic image, Sam Wilson, who earned the nickname “Uncle Sam” during the War of 1812 while supplying barrels of beef to the United States Army.
New members, Candace Scott and Patricia Tate were sworn in by Chaplain, Marsha Black and were presented with their new member packets by chapter Registrar, Patti Gauntt. Prospective members are Donnette Bonner, Beth Harrison, Sissy Ivy and Julia Martin. Sissy Ivy and Beth Harrison were present to sign their completed applications following the program. The other two applications are expected to be completed in the near future.
Regent Nancy McSwane introduced the program and each of the speakers as they came forward to give their book reviews. The first speaker was Marshall McSwane, husband of our Madame Regent. Mr McSwane presented his book review for the book “The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton 1775-1777”, volume one of The Revolution Trilogy by the Pulitzer prize winning author Rick Atkinson. This book recently won the DAR Excellence in American History Book Award. Mr McSwane gave this book a positive review and highly recommended it to the members of the Jonathan Hardin Chapter. He stated that the book was professionally researched and written in such a way that brought the characters to life. Mr McSwane has kindly donated the book to the Groesbeck Public Library.
Emory Black, daughter of Chaplain Marsha Black gave a splendid review of “Abigail Adams: Witness to A Revolution” by Natalie S. Bober. Emory is an avid reader and an Abigail Adams enthusiast. She enlightened the chapter members and guests with her description of this wonderful book. Using previously overlooked documents from numerous archives, Abigail Adams shows to have been far more charismatic and influential than historians have realized. Miss Black wanted to share her love of this great book by donating a copy for a door prize drawing. The winner was Registrar Patti Gauntt who was delighted.
Member and chapter historian, Pamela Stuver gave a review of the book, “Boy Soldiers of the American Revolution” by Caroline Cox. Mrs. Stuver brought to our attention the vast number of young boys who served in the American Revolution. When researching our patriots we often are looking for those who were aged eighteen years or older, but we now know that there is a possibility that our ancestors who were a younger age during the Revolutionary War could have participated. Mrs. Stuver read an excerpt from the book revealing some boys as young as ten years old were participants. While some of these young children willing fought for the cause, others were sent as a substitute for ones who were not willing or perhaps able to go themselves. This is an eye-opening book and one Mrs. Stuver highly recommends.
Chapter member Jackie Tidwell, another enthusiast about both reading and history, gave book reviews for two Revolutionary period books, “Martha Washington: An American Life” by Patricia Brady and “Mary Beall Washington” by Craig Shirley . Mrs. Tidwell’s enthusiasm for these books showed as she gave her reviews and read excerpts from “Martha Washington”, which revealed the First Lady in a new light. Mrs. Tidwell revealed that this book was very well researched and shines light on the marriage of George and Martha Washington, society of the time and the precedents Martha established for future First Ladies.
Parker Black, daughter of Chaplain Marshal Black, presented the final book review with a book sponsored by the chapter librarian, Billie Bournias; “We the People: The Story of Our Constitution” by Lynne Cheney. Miss Black not only gave an impressive and enthusiastic review of this book, but enhanced her presentation with a display board featuring quotes from the book. She showed the books’ beautiful illustrations as well. This presentation was in perfect timing with Constitution Week designated for September 17-23 each year.
Before adjourning the meeting, Regent Nancy McSwane encouraged members to bring book donations for the Literacy Promotion committee. She expressed a deep desire for getting books into the homes for children who may not have the choice of having a book to read.
The meeting came to a close with Chaplain Marsha Black giving the benediction.
Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR will have their next meeting in the conference room of the newly remodeled Gibbs Memorial Library on October 14, 2020 at 10:30 am. The program will be given by Marcy Carter Lovett, “A Woman Ahead of Her Time”.
Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American Independence is eligible for membership. For more information about joining the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR please contact Regent Nancy McSwane at 254-359-4620 or Registrar Patti Gauntt at 903-388-5677
