American Monthly Magazine

VOL. XXXII.

WASHINGTON, D. C., MARCH, 1908. No. 3.

THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Mrs. H. V. Boynton.

Although a state organization was not perfected until 1903, the District of Columbia has been represented on the National Board since July, 1891, when the appointment of Mrs. Maria Green Devereux, as regent of the District, was confirmed and she took her seat among the national officers and aided in the general work, all of which devolved upon the Board, there being no clerks or secretaries. After several months she resigned and was appointed honorary regent for the District.

Mrs. Beverly Kennon was appointed by the Board to succeed her as District regent. She was a white-haired lady of the "old school." Her stately courtesy and gracious kindliness made her a great favorite and her advice was often sought by members of the Board who loved to call at her fine old place in Georgetown, where they were always received with a quaint politeness which seemed to belong to revolutionary days. But delicate health and advancing years prevented active work on her part and her resignation was sent in to the congress of 1893.

During this congress, Mrs. Sallie K. Alexander was elected in her place by the delegates from the District chapters. There were three chapters in Washington, the third having been organized just in time to be recognized by the congress. To Mrs. Alexander belongs the double honor of being the first elected and first working regent. Her strong personal interest in the society and fine executive ability laid the foundation for the later growth of the chapters.

Mrs. Kate Kearney Henry was the next state regent. Three chapters were formed during her administration and the membership of the society increased in the District to 418. Mrs. Henry is a general favorite. She was state regent (represented the District) during the fourth and fifth congress and is at present regent of the Mary Washington Chapter. She is also president of societies in other organizations.

Miss Virginia Miller was District regent during 1896 and 97. District membership increased to 500 before she finished her term. At this time the state regents were not limited to one term and the chapers would have re-eleced her but she declined longer service.

Through 1898, the year of the war with Spain, Mrs. Simon Newcomb filled the office. Here the Daughters proved nobly that however full of heated controversies and stinging repartee their congresses may be, their patriotism overrides everything else when occassion calls for it. The District chapters forgot

all petty differences, they cut and served material for the hospitals, they gave $52.00 to the war fund, and $132.00 to the hospital corps, they sent nurses to the field. It was a star year for the society. At its close there were ten chapters in Washington.

Mrs. Newcomb declining re-elec

tion, Mrs. Katherine R. Alden was elected to the office in 1899. She reported great activity among the chapters. The impetus given to patriotism by the war with Spain did not die out when the noise of battle ceased. Its outlet being shut off in that direction, the Daughters turned to their Memorial Hall which is to perpetuate the memory of woman's patriotism in 1776. A colonial entertainment was given, realizing $333.00. In 1900, eight of the chapters sent in $105.00, proceeds of a luncheon and sale of souvenirs-all for Continental Hall. Two chapters were formed during Mrs. Alden's terms of service.

Mrs. Mary S. Lockwood was elected in 1901 and served two years. In 1901 the chapters gave their first annual tea in honor of Washington's wedding day. They also united in presenting gold medals to the best students in American history,

in the Columbia College of George Washington University. This is an annual presentation. In October of this year, the District contributions to Continental Hall fund amounted to $1,822.00.

In November, 1902, the first state conference was held.