BY JACLYN ROSE –
The James K. Polk Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is a group of women with a direct bloodline to an ancestor that aided in achieving American Independence. These women meet once a month, for nine months out of the year, September through May, and work to preserve history in general, as well as the importance of women in history. The current local chapter of this national organization was chartered in December of 2009. However, a previous chapter with the same name had a local presence from 1937-1974.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a national group that was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in Washington D.C. There are 177,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the United States and internationally. Their motto is God, Home and Country and any woman who is at least 18 years of age, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, but that can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership.
The James K. Polk Chapter was named after the 11th President of the United States and is a small chapter with 31 members. Locally they sponsor an essay contest, for graduating seniors, that has a first place price of $100 and a second place prize of $50. For this contest, students are not allowed to use any source of reference, with the exception of a dictionary to check for spelling, they must instead use their own knowledge. The local DAR also contributes to the Marine Corps League Scholarship Fund.
Another area the DAR serves in Polk County is by helping to pay final respects to military veterans. Especially in cases where the veteran has outlived their family or their family is not in good health. They will stand a flag line at the entrance to the cemetery or the chapel.
“The ladies who are eligible for membership in DAR are not just ancestors of American Revolution Soldiers but anyone who worked toward our freedom, those who cooked for the soldiers or possibly provided a place for people to hide until the British got through town. Any connection to a patriot is accepted. I love that this gives us an actual connection to our national history. I can say, hey, my ancestor helped make this country what it is, it makes history come alive and provides a personal connection,” explained Kathy Hagler, 1st Vice Regent for the James K. Polk Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The DAR is always looking for new membership and anyone interested is welcome to attend a meeting, or contact Hagler at 479.216.9041. They will hold their next monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 15, at the Union Bank Community Room.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
I am Rita Ann Polk-Dutton, Dunlap of Newburgh, Indiana
I am a Descendant of Capt. Charles Polk of the revolutionary War. and his wife
Delilah who is also listed as a DAR Patriot because she ( in pregnancy ) with her 4 children were
captured by Indians at Bardstown, KY…where Polk Station was Burnt and the Captives taken to
Fort Detroit..where they were sold to the English for 30$ a person.
Delilah Tyler Polk delivered her little Charles Jr. in Captivity at Ft. Detroit and
I am a direct descendant of that baby. I am Honorary Regent of the Capt. Henry Vanderburgh
Chapter, NSDAR and would be honored to be an associate member of your Chapter.
I hope to hear from you.