Jonathan Hardin Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution met in the conference room of the Gibbs Memorial Library in Mexia. Madam Regent, Nancy McSwane opened the meeting with the DAR ritual followed with invocation given by Chaplain, Marsha Black. Regent McSwane read the President General’s message; Rise and Shine America, Help Your Chapter Shine.
Spring Johnson was introduced by registrar, Patti Gauntt. Ms. Johnson signed her application for membership after the meeting was adjourned. Billie Bournias introduced her daughter-in-law, Diane Bournias. After all guests were introduced, Aleece McBay was recognized as a committee member for the New Members course. Regent Nancy McSwane recognized Emery and Parker Black stating their affiliation in a state office as Children of the Republic of Texas.
Committee reports were given by Pam Stuver, Nancy Rula, Carol Ann Biggars, Nancy McSwane, and Aleece McBay. Mrs Stuver reported that all the American History Essay packets have been delivered to the schools that they cover two essay contests and one good citizen award. Mrs Rula gave the American Indian moment remembering Red Cloud, one of the most important Oglala Lakota leaders. Mrs. Biggars reminded the chapter of the importance of water; our consumption of it and how best to preserve it. Mrs. McBay spoke about our chapter’s participation with Kosse Kares in collecting donations for active military members. Regent McSwane shared about the Bob Hope Legacy Reading Program for USO kids and how to purchase and send books for this worthy program. McSwane also spoke for the Women’s Issue addressing the importance of women’s heath concerns for heart attacks and strokes.
Registrar Patti Gauntt reported that the Jonathan Hardin Chapter now has 186 members with seven new members since May. The new members are Terri Pryor, Diana Horton, Laura Penny, Christa Bruner, Vicki James, Cooper Tennent, and Molly Fryer. Three of the new members were present and participated in an induction ceremony given by Chaplain Marsha Black.
Mrs. Gauntt shared a “Patriot Moment” about Regent Nancy McSwane’s patriot ancestor, Uzal Bates and his connection to pioneer settler, Elder John Parker who was also a Revolutionary War patriot and ancestor of chapter member Cynthia Ann Sheram Allen.
Uzal Bates was the fifth great-grandfather of Regent, Nancy Brown McSwane. Uzal served as a soldier from New Jersey during the American Revolution. Uzal’s son was Seth Hurin Bates who served in the War of 1812 before moving his family to Cole County, Illinois, where he was a neighbor to Daniel Parker. In 1833, Seth and his son Silas traveled to Texas with the Parker group. Seth returned to Illinois where he made plans to return to Texas with his family. Seth’s daughter, Orpha Bates (fourth great-grandmother to McSwane), arrived in Texas, widowed. She married Elisha Anglin shortly after her arrival. The Parker group settled in present day Limestone County and built Fort Parker for protection against Indians. In 1835, Seth’s son, Silas Bates built a cabin near the Fort. Seth and Silas were working in the fields near Silas’ cabin when Fort Parker was attacked by the Comanche Indians on May 19, 1836. Elder John Parker, died in this attack. Seth Bates later served as a Texas Ranger and worked with a surveying crew that laid out the town of Springfield. He died on October 15, 1860 and is buried at Fort Parker Memorial Cemetery. A Texas historical marker was erected at his grave site in 1962.
The program for this month’s meeting was titled, “Memorializing Your Legacy”. The program was given by Cheryl Montague-Nolting via video. Ms. Nolting graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Radio/TV/Film and received her Master’s degree in Drama with a specialization in Arts Administration and Directing from Texas Women’s University. Ms. Nolting is currently the Regent for the Balcones Chapter of the DAR where she also served as 2nd Vice Regent. As she was not able to attend the meeting in person, she kindly pre-recorded her presentation. The program presented ways in which to preserve and memorialize one’s membership with DAR and the connection to our Revolutionary War ancestor. Upon a member passing, would their family members know what to do with insignia pins? Ms. Nolting shared through her presentation how to designate either through a will or through chapter membership, exactly how to preserve this legacy. By filling out the form, Forever DAR (Document No. NSDAR-2000) and returning it to your DAR chapter, you will be assured that your desires will be fulfilled. The NSDAR-2000 form covers a multitude of topics including your wish to continue your support of the chapter, wishes regarding your memorial service, an etching or marker for your gravestone, what to do with your DAR insignia pins and personal items, obituary information for your chapter and even an opportunity to state your wishes on what to do with your genealogical records.
Before the meeting was adjourned, members were reminded of the privilege and duty to celebrate Constitution week. This observance was originated by the society in 1955 as a period in which to study and consider the events leading to the framing of the Constitution and the means of preserving it.
The Jonathan Hardin Chapter will have their next meeting in the conference room of the Gibbs Memorial Library on October 13, 2021 at 10:30 am. The program will be given by Ann Gokey.
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
