The Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR met for their February meeting on February 9, 2022 at the Gibbs Memorial Library. The meeting was called to order by Regent, Nancy McSwane. Invocation was given by Chaplain Marsha Black. Regent McSwane led the chapter in the DAR Ritual. The pledge to the American flag and the Texas flag was led by Regent McSwane. Regent McSwane opened the meeting by reading the President General’s Message.
Registrar Patti Gauntt read a Patriot Moment on female patriot Martha McFarlane McGee Bell. Mrs Bell was quite a heroic and brave woman who was known for her act of standing up to Lord Cornwallis during a brief stop he and his British troops made to her home. They were in desperate need of grain. Mrs Bell swore that she would burn the mill to the ground if any of the troops touched her daughters. Lord Cornwallis promised to protect Mrs Bell and her daughters. There is a monument at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse National Military Park commemorating the courage of Mrs Bell.
Regent Nancy McSwane, Linda Mullen and Diane Pullin.
Treasurer, Diane Pullen announced Linda Mullens as the recipient for the Jonathan Hardin Chapter award for Historic Preservation. This is also a state approved award. Mrs Mullens was honored for her great work she has done and continues to do for the Freestone County Historical Museum. She was presented with a certificate and medal. Linda’s love of local history motivates her to thoroughly and accurately research the historical facts concerning Freestone County. She has published numerous historical books and has served on the board of the Freestone County Historical Museum for eight years with the last six years being board president. She has volunteered countless hours going above and beyond the call of duty to the museum.
Regent Nancy McSwane and Sarah Woodward.
Regent Nancy McSwane introduced Junior member, Sarah Katherine Woodward who has been chosen as outstanding Junior member for the year and will be receiving a certificate in the near future. Regent McSwane also recognized DAR member, Norma Thornburg from Mart, a member of the Elizabeth Gordon Bradley chapter in Waco. Mrs Thornburg presented a flag to the Jonathan Hardin Chapter as a gift from her chapter to give to a deserving veteran.
Chaplain Marsha Black, Kenda Eckols and Regent Nancy McSwane.
Jonathan Hardin Chapter welcomed Kenda Johnson Eckols as a new member. She was inducted by Chaplain Marsha Black. Mrs Eckols, who previously presented a program to the chapter on “Women in the Military”, became interesting in joining DAR. She immediately began gathering her documents and signed her application at the December meeting.
Sarah McReynolds presented the program, “Rachel Plummer, The Forgotten Captive”. Mrs McReynolds presented the program from the voice of Rachel Plummer herself. She told the very sad story of her capture during the raid on Fort Parker as well as her existence among her captors. Anyone wishing to learn more of Rachel Plummer and her story can purchase the book at the Old Fort Parker gift shop. A Parker descendant, Tom Parker, was present and a guest of Sarah McReynolds. There were several Parker descendants present.
Sarah McReynolds portraying Rachel Plummer. (Submitted Photos
Jonathan Hardin Chapter will soon be celebrating its 100th Anniversary. Committee chair, Kay Alston is working with her committee preparing for this event. The date set for the Anniversary Tea will be March 27th at Springfield Hall. It will be a grand event.
Veteran Jerry Pickens has been awarded the State National Defense Recognition and will be receiving a certificate at the State Conference in Houston this March.
The next meeting for Jonathan Hardin will be March 9, 2022 at the Gibbs Memorial Library. The program, “National Medal of Honor Day” will be presented by Jeannie Deakyne, State Curator.
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.
