Cambridge Chapter of the DAR to celebrate 100 years
CAMBRIDGE − The Guernsey County Anna Asbury Stone Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will celebrate its 100 anniversary this month.
The DAR is a volunteer women's service organization that honors and preserves the legacy of American patriot ancestors. The DAR recognizes patriots not only as soldiers but as anyone who contributed to the cause of American freedom.
The group was founded on Oct. 11, 1890, during a time that was marked by a revival in patriotism and interest in the beginnings of the United States of America. Women were typically excluded from men's organizations like the Sons of the American Revolution, which perpetuated the memory of those who fought for independence. A group of women in the nation's capital formed their own organization and the DAR has carried the torch of patriotism ever since, with its motto of God, home and country.
The Anna Asbury Stone Chapter was formed on May 18, 1923, in Cambridge. The organizing Regent was Mary Augusta Stone. Twenty-three members signed the official papers on a table made by Samuel Bassett of Keene, New Hampshire, a revolutionary-era ancestor of Stone. Anna Asbury Stone, who was the great-great-grandmother of Mary Stone, rode on her horse, Nellie, loaded with all the provisions she could carry, for 200 miles in the dead of winter to Valley Forge where her husband and three brothers were wintered. The chapter unanimously chose the name Anna Asbury Stone for its title.
The chapter will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Saturday with a luncheon at the Cambridge Country Club. Ohio State Regent Susan Leininger and Vice State Regent Christina Nehring will be in attendance. Historic papers and archives will be on display and a slide show has been created by Sheila Ellenberger. Two awards are scheduled to be given.
Stephen Gaydos, a senior at Caldwell High School, will receive the Outstanding American History citation for his interest in Revolutionary War history and his volunteer efforts at the Noble County Historical Society. He is the son of John and Tammy Gaydos of Caldwell.
The second award is the Women in American History citation and it will be awarded to Tracy Lawson. Lawson is the sixth great-granddaughter of Anna Asbury Stone and a member of the chapter. Her book "Answering Liberty's Call" tells of how Anna Stone delivered the supplies and a message to General George Washington. She will be a featured speaker at the luncheon.
The group meets the first Wednesday of the month at Theo's Restaurant in Cambridge, with the exception of January and July. Any interested women can attend. Any woman 18 years or older who can prove a lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. For more information about the DAR can be found on the chapter's website or by email emailing Sharon Miller at wildflower55741@gmail.com.
Submitted by Sharon Miller with the Anna Asbury Stone Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Cambridge Chapter of the DAR to celebrate 100 years
