ABOUT US

EARLY HISTORY OF THE KANSAS STATE SOCIETY

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN COLONISTS

1925 - 1955 and continuing to 1956 - 1959

The Kansas Society, Daughters of the American Colonists, was organized by Mrs. R. W. Neale, organizing Regent, on October 26, 1925 in the Pelletier Tea Rooms, Topeka, Kansas.

Pelletier's Department Store, Topeka, Kansas

Present to help organize the State Chapter was the National DAC President, Mrs. George Thacher Guernsey of Independence, Kansas. There were eleven Kansas Daughters present and three, as guests from Missouri.

Mrs. George Thacher Guernsey

Mrs. Guernsey (Sarah Elizabeth Mitchell) presented a clear explanation of the State and Chapter DAC organizations, also giving the purpose of the National Society and what had been accomplished as well as its plans for the future. She explained that the first State organization became Chapter No. 1 with the same officers acting for both until another chapter was formed. 

The following officers were appointed by State Regent, Mrs. R. W. Neale (Maude Vliet) on October 26, 1925:

Mrs. R. W. Neale

Mrs. Neale served as Regent, not only of her State but also for the Sarah de Rapalje Chapter (No. 1) for nearly ten years.

On February 3, 1931, Mrs. A B Seelye, Librarian, announced that the Kansas DAC Circulating Library was ready to function. There were 16 books in Box #1 and 14 books in Box No. #2. Then also, a list of books was kept on file of those books owned by DAC members who were willing to look up references in their books for other members.

The Anthony Morse DAC Chapter of Emporia, Kansas was organized January 31, 1931, by Miss Caroline Morse, organizing Regent, the second State Chapter to be organized.  The Chapter was named for the colonial ancestor of Miss Morse, ANTHONY MORSE, who settled in Newbury, Massachusetts in 1635, living in that town for more than fifty years. He was a weaver, a doctor and held offices as well as being a deacon in the church for forty years. Mrs. L L Hunter, National DAC, President was guest of honor and Mrs. George Guernsey, a charter member of the National Society and its first President, one of the twenty-six charter members, was present at the Chapter's organization service. Mrs. J Frank Imes, State Regent, was present also, to help install the new Chapter.

Succeeding Regents of the Anthony Morse Chapter have been: Miss Carolina Morse, Miss Beulah Altamn, Mrs. Jonas Eckdall, Miss Lucina Jones, Miss Adelaide Morse, Mrs. Alfred Koch, Miss Catherine Neill, Miss Eva Wilson, Mrs. Alfred Koch, Miss Adelaide Morse, Mrs. Edward G Jones, Mrs. Inez P Hoffman, Mrs. Edwin G Jones, Miss Nora Daniel.

The Chapter holds four regular meetings each year in October, November, February and May.

Kansas State Society formed on March 25, 1931; Since a second DAC Chapter was organized, it became necessary to change the State Chapter into the Kansas State Society and this change became effective on March 25, 1931, when the sixth annual conference of the Kansas DAC Society met at the Hotel Broadview at Emporia, Kansas, with Mrs. J Frank Imes, State Regent presiding.

Mrs. James Frank Imes

The present officers were re-elected for another year and State dues were set for one dollar. Mrs. Neale was elected an Honorary State Regent.  It was decided that the money in the Sarah de Rapalje State Treasury at the time should pass on to the Kansas State DAC Society and also that the former Chapter's Library should belong to the State Society.

On November 28, 1931, the State DAC Executive Board accepted Mrs. H J Sprinker's resignation as State Registrar and appointed Mrs. William Stepp of Manhattan, Kansas, in her place.   

The 1932 and seventh annual conference of the Kansas DAC Society met at the Sunflower Hotel in Abilene, Kansas, at 10:30 a.m. on March 29, 1932, with Mrs. Imes, State Regent presiding.

In April, 1931, Mrs. Imes had been elected to the office of National Historian and having accepted the honor conferred upon her, he resigned as Kansas State Regent at the 1932 State Assembly in Abilene and Mrs. Fannie McAdams, State Vice Regent, was then elected to fill the unexpired term. Mrs. Jonathon B. Carter was elected Vice Regent and Mrs. William Stepp was elected Registrar to take the place of Mrs. Sprinkler who had resigned.

The 1933 and eighth (8) Annual Conference of the Kansas DAC Society met in the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, Kansas on March 7th, 1933 with Mrs. Frances McAdams, State Regent, presiding.

Mrs. Frances "Fannie" Bristol McAdams

Officers elected for the ensuing three year term 1933-1935 were:

At this 8th State Assembly, Mrs. J. Frank Imes was elected Honorary State Regent,. The State Registrar reported a total of 75 members in the State Society, 32 in the Sarah de Rapalje Chapter and 43 in the Anthony Morse Chapter..

At the State Board of Management meeting on October 25, 1933, Mrs. McAdams, State Regent asked that some action be taken regarding the two rooms at old Shawnee Mission which had been granted by the State Historical Society to the Sarah de Rapalje Chapter on Sept. 29, 1932. The latter had graciously voted to relinquish their interest in the rooms to the State Society.

The State Regent announced that she had appointed a secret Committee of two, unknown to each other, to pass upon the gifts to be placed in our DAC rooms at Shawnee Mission. To be accepted the gifts must have been reported upon favorable by both members. Mrs. Guernsey emphasized that the Committee should insist that the contributions be given outright, not loaned.

Later the Kansas Historical Society ruled that anything placed in any of the Shawnee Mission rooms had to be approved by them. This ruling became necessary in order to prevent the Museum from becoming cluttered in a period of time.

It was announced that the State Historical Society would give our State DAC Society $50.00 if we would match it; so $50.00 was allowed and the State Regent, Mrs. McAdams appointed the following committee to have charge of the restoration of the rooms: Mrs. J.F. Imes, Chairman, Mrs. R.W. Neale, Mrs. G.T. Guernsey and Mrs. Effie Van Tuyl.

The 1934 and ninth (9th) Annual State DAC Assembly met at the Jayhawk Hotel in Topeka, Kansas on March 10, 1934 with Mrs. McAdams, State Regent presiding. The following recommendations of the Executive Board were read and accepted:

  1. That Mrs. Neale be appointed to secure, if possible, something from Shawnee Mission, that could be converted into a gavel for the use of the State Regent.
  2. That the main objective of the Kansas Chapters for the year, be the restoration and furnishing of the two rooms at Shawnee Mission.
  3. That the Historian be authorized to purchase a suitable scrapbook in which items of historic interest and the publicity of the State Society be placed.

The 1935 and tenth (10) Annual State DAC Assembly met at the Jayhawk Hotel in Topeka on March 9, 1935 with Mrs. McAdams, State Regent presiding. Mrs. Carter, State Vice Regent, on behalf of the Sarah de Rapalje Chapter presented the State Society with a gavel made of wood from the home of Mr. Thomas Johnson, original owner of the caretaker's home at Shawnee Mission.

Mrs. Louis Bixler of Atchison presented to the State Society, a picture of Camp Sanders for our rooms at Shawnee Mission, and Miss Blanche Edwards of Abilene presented a chair of the 1870 period. It was announced that a picture of George Washington had been presented by Mrs. Jonathon Carter for our rooms.

Mrs. McAdams reported the confirmation by the National Executive Board on June 16, 1934 of the appointment of Mrs. Harry B. Tasker of Topeka as organizing regent of a new DAC Chapter in Topeka, Kansas.

It was voted that the two State Chapters be asked to pledge themselves to raise the equivalent of one dollar per member - the sum to be used in making the draperies for the windows in the DAC rooms at Shawnee Mission.

On November 11, 1935 a State Executive Board meeting was held in the DAC rooms in Shawnee Mission and a bill was allowed for $23.75 which was the cost of lining, the fringe and the making of the draperies which had been hung at the windows of the rooms. The Board expressed its appreciation of the reasonable price in contrast to the original esteem of $70.90.

The State Treasurer, Mrs. Frank L. Hagaman, reported that the floral tribute which was sent by the State Society to Mrs. Robert W. Neale, Honorary State Regent of the Kansas Society, on Sept. 10, 1935, was a beautiful bouquet of pale yellow and blue flowers in a yellow vase.

The one big shadow falling upon the Kansas Society was when she lost her beloved organizing State Regent, Mrs. Robert V. Neale. The Kansas Society DAC owes Mrs. Neale their deepest thanks for a pioneer work well done.

It was voted at this meeting that the minutes of the State Society for the first ten years of its organization, be bound.

The Margaret Dunning Chapter of Topeka was the third to be organized in the State Society. It was organized February 15, 1936 by Mts. Harry B. Tasker, organizing Regent with Mrs. Fannie McAdams installing the Chapter. This Chapter was named in honor of Mrs. Tasker's ancestress, Margaret Dunning pioneer mother in Brunswick, Maine 1740-1814. Dunning is an old Anglo Saxon clan name mentioned in the 12th century records; and Margaret was the first of the Dunning line born in America. Of her 13 children, 11 grew to maturity, a good record for that day and age.

Margaret Dunning Chapter was organized with 24 charter member. Mrs. Hary Tasker, organizing regent of the Chapter, passed away January 27, 1937.

The Chapter holds five yearly meetings: October, December, February, April and May. Succeeding Chapter Regents have been: Mrs. Harry Tasker, Mrs. John H. Bell, Miss Ruby Kistler, Miss Elma Holmes, Miss Mabel Jones, Miss Tippia Gist, Mrs. Ralph Pollard, Mrs. Sherman Burcher, Mrs. A.P. Batchelor, Mrs. James Dansey and Mrs. Franklin Corrick.

The 11th Annual State DAC Assembly met at the Jayhawk Hotel in Topeka on March 7, 1936 with Mrs. McAdams presiding. Officers elected for the ensuing three years, 1936-1939 were:

Miss Caroline May Morse

The 12th Annual State DAC Assembly met at the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka on March 27, 1937, with Miss Caroline Morse presiding.

The restoration and furnishing of the DAC Shawnee Mission rooms continued to be the project of prime importance before the State Society. In the summer of 1837 the State Society purchased a Fireplace Set from Representative James Strong's home near Washington, Kansas for $15.00. Quoting the minutes of the State Executive Board meeting on October 16, 1937, "The day was rainy and a bit chilly but in our room a warm cheerful fire was waiting for us and we enjoyed a splendid lunch."

The 13th Annual State Assembly met at the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka March 5, 1938 with Miss Caroline Morse, State Regent presiding. At this meeting the Margaret Dunning Chapter presented the State Society, frothier Shawnee Mission rooms, an old iron cooking pot which was brought to America on the Mayflower by Miles Standish and given to the Society by a descendant, Fred B. Munson, of Marysville, Kansas. The pot had been passed on to his Mother, Harriett Standish Munson.

t the April 30, 1938 Executive Board meeting, the resignation of Miss Lucinda Jones, State Vice Regent, was accepted as she had been elected to the Regency of the Anthony Morse Chapter. Mrs. I.M. Platt of Junction City was elected to replace her as State Vice Regent. The office of Registrar becoming vacant by Mts. Platt's election, Mts. A.J. Berger of Arkansas City was elected Registrar.

At the Executive Board meeting of October 15, 1938, Mrs. L.W. Bixler presented our Society with three hooked rugs (heirlooms) for our Shawnee Mission rooms. After this meeting, those present drove to Memorial Park Cemetery, Kansas City, Kansas where a memorial tablet was dedicated to Mrs. Robert Neale. Mts. Neale's family, friends and members of the Sarah de Rapalje Chapter and the Mary Ball Washington Chapter were also present at this dedication.

A lovely mahogany secretary over 100 years old was loaned to the DAC Shawnee Mission rooms by Mrs. Edith Neale Regier in memory of her mother, Mrs. Maude Neale - through the Sarah de Rapalje Chapter in October 1938.

The Jane Peebles Sexton Chapter of Wichita was the fourth to be organized within the State Society. It was organized November 12, 1938 by Mrs. Loren Edgar Rex, organizing Regent, with 18 members and it was named in honor of her great grandmother.

The organization meeting of the Chapter was set for Nov. 11, 1938 but was postponed one day because the State Regent could not attend on the 11th. Jane Pebbles Sexton was born on Nov. 11, 1811 and her father was Patrick Peebles of Scotch Irish stock, who was an experienced surveyor and a man who ranked high in citizenship. He was sent out from Massachusetts shortly after the Revolution to survey the wilds of VA.

The organization meeting was held in the home and birthplace (now 310 East Elm) of the organizer and first Regent, Leda Ferrell Rex, who remembered a visit in this home from her great grandmother, Jane Sexton; and at lunch, silver was used that had belonged to Jane Peebles Seton. The honorary National President, Mrs. Guernsey was the guest of honor and the State Regent, Miss Morse was present. Succeeding Chapter Regents have been - Mrs. Loren Rex, Mrs. Charles Humphreys, Mrs. Vernon McArthur, Mrs. G.G. Anderson, Mrs. Max Wyman, Mrs. David Jackman, Mrs. Will K. Jones, Miss Stella B. Haines, Mrs. E.E. Tippin. The Chapter holds 4 yearly meetings in October, January, March and May.

The 14th Annual Assembly of the Kansas DAC Society met at the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, on March 4, 1939 with Miss Morse, State Regent presiding. Membership of 87 reported. Tribute was paid to the late Mrs. George Thatcher Guernsey, National Organizing Regent and member of the Kansas Society, who passed away Feb. 28, 1939 - a great loss to the Kansas Society Daughters of the American Colonists.

It was announced at this meeting that one thousand copies of the Souvenir booklets, complied by the Kansas Society for the Centennial Celebration of Shawnee Mission in 1939, had been printed and were ready for distribution at a cost of $154,56. Miss Lucina Jones of the Anthony Morse Chapter was Chairman of the Shawnee Mission Souvenir Booklet Committee along with Mrs. A.E. Fraser, Mrs. Frank Hardesty and Mrs. June Morgan. The profit from the sale of the books after all bills were paid was to be placed in a special fund for the furnishing of the DAC rooms at Shawnee Mission.

State Officers elected for the ensuing three yrs. 1939-1942 were:

Mrs. Irving Montrose Platt

The executive Board meeting on June 3, 1939, the resignation of Mrs. A.J. Berger, Vice Regent was accepted. Mrs. Roy V. Shrewder of Ashland was elected to fill the vacancy of Vice Regent, at the Board meeting of March 16, 1940. Miss Caroline Morse was elected Honorary State Regent at this meeting. It was voted to purchase a flag for the DAC rooms at Shawnee Mission. The Kansas State Society erected and dedicated a DAC marker on the crypt of Mrs. Guernsey in Independence, Kansas on March 8, 1940, in her honor.

The Major John Mason Chapter of Pittsburg was the fifth in the state to be organized. t was organized, with a membership of 12, on Mar. 9, 1940 with Mrs. Irving Platt of Junction City, State Regent and Miss Caroline Morse, acting Chaplain, as installing officers.

The name of Major John Mason was chosen for the ancestor of the organizing Regent, Mrs. C.M. Paris, of Pittsburgh. Mr. Mason was an immigrant from England in 1635; and was the commander-in-chief of the military forces in the Pequot Indian War 1637. He was Lieutenant-Governor of Connecticut and was a founder of Windsor, Saybrook 1647 and Norwich 1659. Major John Mason Chapter holds yearly meetings in October, January, March and May. Past Chapter Regents are: Mrs. C.M. Paris, organizing Regent 1940-1942; Mrs. I.D. Gray, 1942-1944; Mrs. G.W. Weede, 1944-1946; Mrs. F.D. Bethel, 1946-1948; Miss Rose Buchmann 1947-1948; Mrs. E.W. Jones, 1948-1950; Mrs. H.D. Van Deman, 1950-1951; Mrs. G.W. Weede 1951-1952; Mrs. F.J. Foresman, 1952-1954; Mrs. F.H. Fret, 1954-1956.

The 15th Annual Assembly of the Kansas DAC Society met at the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka on March 16, 1940, with Mrs. I.M. Platt, State Regent presiding and she also presided at the 16th Annual Assembly at the same place on March 8, 1941. Registrar reported 112 members March 1, 1941--- Anothony Morse 27; Jane P. Sexton 31; Major John Mason 14; Margaret Dunning 23 and Sarah de Rapalje 17.

At the later Assembly, two "Children of the American Colonists" Kansas Chapters were confirmed, having been organized in 1940 - the Jane Peebles Sexton CAC Chapter, Jane Gray, organized by Mrs. Loren Rex, State CAC Organizer and State President CAC and the Robert Coe CAC Chapter, organized by Miss Lucinda Jones of Emporia. While the "Children of the American Colonists: is considered an independent National Society, its Advisory Council is chosen from DAC members.

Mrs. Shewder's resignation as Vice Regent was accepted at the 16th Annual Assembly and Mrs. Garland Ferrell was elected to fill that office. Miss Lucinda Jones was elected Historian to take Mrs. Ferrell's place.

The 17th Annual State Assembly met at the Woman's Club in Topeka on March 7, 1942 with Mrs. I.M. Platt, State Regent presiding. The following State officers were elected to serve for the three years, 1942-1945:

Mrs. Garland P. Ferrell

Miss Lucinda Jones, Emporia, was elected CAC State President for two years. She served two terms 1942-1946.

At the March 5, 1942 Executive Board Meeting, it was voted that the State Society purchase a State Regent's pin for the use of each succeeding Regent; also it was voted that the State Society take as its major project the furnishing of the sun room in the Winter General Hospital in Topeka, the approximate cost to be $200.00.

The 18th Annual State Assembly met at the Jayhawk Hotel, in Topeka on March 6, 1943 with 24 members present, Mrs. Garland Ferrell, State Regent presiding. The Registrar reported 188 members. At this meeting, Mrs. Loren Rex was unanimously endorsed by NSDAC for National President at the NSDAC election in April 1943.

Mrs. I.M. Platt was elected Honorary State Regent at the June 16, 1943 Board meeting

The resignation of Miss Blanche Quick as Treasurer was accepted at the Executive Board meeting of October 9, 1943 and Mrs. O.P. Dellinger was elected to fill the office. Mrs. Ferrell Reported that the DAC State Chapters responded so promptly in the matter of the Hospital sun room furnishing that the idea became a reality in three months.

The 19th Annual State Assembly of the Kansas DAC Society met at the Lassen Hotel in Wichita on March 23, 1944 with Mrs. Garland P. Ferrell presiding.

A recommendation of the Board that a history of the State Society be compiled to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its founding and an effort be made to complete it by October 25, 1945, the anniversary date, was voted. So it seems that our History is a little late, 10 years in fact, but the job is finally done.

Mrs. Dellinger was unanimously elected Treasurer at this Assembly. Among the Resolutions offered at this 19th Assembly, was one that the NSDAC recommend to the National Society at the General Assembly that their contemplated marker commemorating their 25th Anniversary, in 1946, be placed in Kansas.

The 20th Annual State Assembly met at the Jayhawk Hotel in Topeka on March 31, 1945 with Mrs. Garland Ferrell presiding.

The following State Officers were elected to serve for the next three years, 1945-1948;

Mrs. Leon Campbell

The State Delegates to the General Assembly on April 12-14, 1945 were given authority by State to give $25 to the National Society.

Mrs. Ferrell was elected an Honorary State Regent at this meeting.

It was acted upon to fulfill the State Historical Society's request for Vol. VI of the DAC Lineage Book to complete their files, as well as giving Lineage Books No. IV to the Major John Mason and Margaret Dunning Chapters.

It was voted at this 20 Assembly that the purchase of a portable organ, the refreshing of furnishings of Winder General Hospital and a fund for reading matter and art material would be the State Society's War Project.

In the revision of the State Bylaws adopted at this 1945 meeting was an amendment that added the "3 Shawnee Mission Directors" to the State Officers.

The October 8, 1945 Board voted that the State Society give $30.00 to the National Society for the Lineage Book project; with other contributions. including $35.00 given the Jane Peebles Sexton Chapter. $100.00 total was given by the Kansas Society for the project.

Miss Lucinda Jones of Emporia served as President General of CAC 1945-1948.

The 21st Annual State Assembly met at the Hotel Jayhawk in Topeka on March 9, 1946 with Mts. Leon Campbell, State Regent presiding. The Registrar, Mrs. McArthur reported a membership of 139 on March 1, 1946, for the State Society. It was at this Assembly that it was voted that the State Board of Directors have a list compiled of the articles in our Shawnee Mission rooms. The Margaret Dunning Chapter offered to sponsor the marking of the articles and the job was done with Mrs. Mary Naylor Brown of Topeka acting as chairman.

At this 21st Assembly, the July 21, 1945 Executive Board's action was ratified, recommending that KSDAC pay for a page in the National Supplemental Book in honor of Mrs. Guernsey. Also the Board's action was ratified in presenting the name of Mrs. John Reece for the National office of Chaplain. It was voted for the State Society to give $50.00 toward the Winter General Hospital Library.

The State Regent announced at this Assembly that thereafter, the Assemblies would meet in Topeka on the second Saturday in March.

The State Regent, Mrs. Leon Campbell appointed a "Fact Finding Committee" to find some worthwhile project for the State DAC Society which would help to increase publicity. Mrs. Edith Naylor was appointed Chairman of the Committee to serve with Mrs. Mary Naylor Brown, Mrs. McArthur, Miss Adelaide Morse and Mrs. O.P. Dellinger.

State CAC Officers were elected at this meeting for a two-year term with Mts. J. Robert Jennings of Overland Park as President ('46-'48).

The "Fact Finding Committee" reported at the 22nd Annual State Assembly on March 8 ,1947 held at the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka with Mrs. Leon Campbell, State Regent presiding. The Committee's recommendation was ratified, that the State Society give $100 to the Logopedics Institution at Wichita and that the Chapters make a contribution of least $1.00 per capita as their share toward this project. Other Board action which was approved: Allowing $50.00 to Winter General Hospital; $50.0o0 to the St. Francis Boy's Home and acceptance of the gift of an old spinning wheel form Mrs. McCabe to the State Society through the Margaret Dunning Chapter.

The Jane Peebles Sexton Chapter of Wichita won first prize for the greatest increase in membership (16) and the Margaret Dunning Chapter won second with an increase of 14 members.

It was voted to change the date of the Annual Assembly from the second Saturday in March to the first Saturday in March, to be held in Topeka, Kansas.

The 23rd Annual State Assembly met at the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka on March 6, 1948 with Mrs. Leon Campbell, State Regent presiding and 57 in attendance. The following recommendations of the Board were ratified: that the State Society give $100 to the St. Francis Boy's Home, $25.00 to Kenmore and $25.00 to the Logopedics Institute at Wichita.

Mrs. Leon Campbell was elected Honorary State Regent at this assembly. A total membership, on March 1, 1948, of 181 Daughters was reported by the State Registrar. Margaret Dunning Chapter won the prize for the most supplementals.

The following State Officers were elected to serve for the next three years, 1948-1951:

Mrs. Conrad P. Traxel

Bylaws amended 1945 to include 3 directors to officers.

State CAC officers of the State Advisory Council were elected at this meeting for a two year term, with Miss Lucina Jones of Emporia as President.e 24th Annual State Assembly met at the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, on march 5, 1949, with Mrs. Conrad P. Traxel, State Regent, presiding.

The Board's recommendation that a memorial book be obtained for the names of deceased members, and placed in the DAC rooms at Shawnee Mission, was ratified and the duty of recording these names was delegated to the State Chaplain. In addition, the Board's recommendation was ratified that $50.00 was to be given to the State Regent to help defray her expenses when she attends National Assembly in Washington. Also it was ratified that the State give $75.00 to the Logopedics Institute at Wichita, and $20.00 to the St. Francis Boys Home; and that Mrs. Ozment be reappointed by the Organizing Secretary, Mrs. Holcumbe to complete the organization of a new Chapter at Manhattan.

Mrs. G.G. Anderson's appointment as Corresponding Secretary by the Board to fill the vacancy brought about by Mrs. Nies' resignation, was also ratified by this Assembly.

Chapter awards were given to the Margaret Dunning Chapter for showing the greatest gain in membership for the year (ten new members) and the Jane Peebles Sexton Chapter, who won first with the largest number of Supplemental papers (fourteen).

Mrs. C.B. Bundy of the Sarah de Rapalje Chapter, was elected to the office of Shawnee Mission Director for a three year period.

The Elizabeth Knapp Chapter of Manhattan, the sixth Chapter to be organized in Kansas, was confirmed by National on October 11, 1949. It was installed on December 3, 1949 at Manhattan, in the Sun Room of the Gillett Hotel, bu the State Regent, Mrs. C.P. Traxel, with Mrs. B.H. Ozment, organizing Regent as the first Chapter Regent, with seventeen organizing members. Mrs. Ozment, through whose efforts the Elizabeth Knapp Chapter came to be organized, presented to the Chapter as documentary proof of the existence of Elizabeth Knapp, for whom the Chapter was named, a framed photostatic copy of letters of administration granted to her great sixth Grandmother, following the death of her husband, Aaron Knapp, dated October 24, 1674. Elizabeth Knapp came from England as a bride in the Second Plymouth Colony in 1638; together with other colonists, settled southwest of Plymouth - - and by popular vote, named the town Taunton after their native place in England.

Succeeding Chapter Regents have been Mrs. Ozment, Mrs. Herbert Woldt, and Mrs. J.W. McCracken. The Chapter holds five yearly meeting in September, November, January, March and June.

The 25th Annual State Assembly met at the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, on March 4, 1950, with Mrs. Conrad Traxel, State Regent presiding. The Board's recommendation was ratified that the State Society accept a Shawl, one of the 1865 era, offer4ed by Mary Barkley of Topeka, and have it framed for the DAC Shawnee Mission Rooms.

State Officers for the State CAC Advisory Council were elected for the two year term, with Mrs. Charles Tucker as President.

The State Bylaws as revised by the Committee, Mrs. J.F. Imes, Mrs. C.F. Eckelman and Mrs. V.E. McArthur, were adopted, and it was voted that they be printed and a copy sent to each member of the State.

Margaret Dunning Chapter won both awards which were presented to the Chapter having the greatest increase in membership, and the one with the largest number of supplementals.

It was voted that the State Society give $25.00 to the National Headquarters, and $50.00 to the Institute of Logopedics in Wichita.

Mrs. H.B. Peery of the Elizabeth Knapp Chapter was elected Shawnee Mission Curator for a three year term.

The November 9 ,1950 Board recommended that the State Society publish a Directory for Kansas, and publish 200 books, having each Chapter underwrite it, prorating as to Chapters, The Board's action was approved by the the 26th Annual Assembly. It was also voted that members be permitted to attend the Board dinner, and excused prior to the Board meeting.

The John Pound Chapter, of Lawrence, Chapter No. 7, was organized on February 19, 1951, with sixteen members, by the Organizing Regent, Mrs. W.W. Summers, who served as Chapter Regent until 1954. The State Regent, Mrs. C.P. Traxel Duphorne acted as the installing officer.

Mrs. Summers, for whom the Chapter was named, was the sixth great granddaughter of John Pound. John Pound, born in England, was among the early settlers of Piscataway Middlesex County, New Jersey, where he died in 1690. He and his family were ardent Tories, supporting the English monarchs for many generations, until the British sent over the German Hessions to join the Indians in fighting the Colonists. It was then that all the men in the Pound family took up muskets and marched to New York to join the Revolutionary Army. Part of the original Pound house still stands at Poundridge, New Jersey, though additions and repairs have been made.

The Chapter hold five yearly meetings, in October, December, February, April and June.

Mrs. C.C. Winsler is the present Regent.

The members of the 26th Annual Assembly, which met at the Jayhawk Hotel in Topeka, on March 3, 1951, approved the Board's recommendation that gates be placed at the doors of our DAC Rooms in Shawnee Mission, and that the Curator contact Mr. Mecham, Secretary of the Kansas State Historical Society, regarding the matter. The bill of $40.80 for the gates was allowed at the September 17, 1951 Board meeting.

Due to the expense of placing the shawl, previously voted on for Shawnee Mission, in a shadow box, the Board's recommendation was approved that the motion relative to the shawl, be rescinded. Also it was ratified that the Kansas Society endorse Mrs. Traxel for National Treasurer. Then it was voted that in the absence of Chairmen, Chapter Regents and Vice Regents at Annual Assemblies, that their reports be filed and not read.

The Margaret Dunning Chapter won the award for the greatest increase in membership for the year, and the Jane Peebles Sexton Chapter won the award for the most supplementals.

It was voted that the Kansas Society present a binding or cover for a book to hold the pictures of our past State Regents.

Also the State Society voted to allow $50.00 to the Logopedics Institute, and $25.00 to National Headquarters; also voted to have a loud speaker hereafter.

The following State Officers were elected to serve for the next three years, 1951-1954:

Mrs. Oris Polk Dellinger

Since 1951 marked the 30th anniversary of NSDAC, the following gifts from Kansas to the Headquarters Fund were made at the General Assembly:

The Henry Champion Chapter of Northeast Johnson County was the eighth to be organized within the Kansas State Society. It was organized with twenty-six member December 6, 1951, by Mrs. Robert W. Bender, organizing Regent, Mrs. C.P. Dellinger, State Regent, and Mts. H.A. Richeson, State Chaplain, instituted the new Chapter and installed its Officers.

The Chapter was named in honor of Mts. Bender's Colonial ancestor, Henry Champion, who came to Connecticut from Hartforshire, England in 1647. He was an original landed proprietor, and a founder of the towns of Lyme and Saybrook, Connecticut.

The Chapter holds nine yearly meetings from September to May, inclusive. Former Chapter Regents have been Mrs. Bender, Mrs. A.D. West, Mrs. E.P. Sanders, Mrs. Chauncey Cox, Mrs. F.R. Freeman and Mrs. Don Carlos Peete.

The 27th Annual State Assembly met at the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka on March 1, 1952, with Mrs. B.H. Ozment, Vice Regent, presiding in the absence of Mrs. Dellinger, State Regent.

The State Society voted to allow $150.00 for improvements to the DAC Rooms at Shawnee Mission; plastering, curtains, etc.

The Registrar, Mrs. Eckelman, reported a membership of 286 for the year, an increase of 39 over last year. The Margaret Dunning Chapter again won the awards for membership and supplementals.

Mrs. Robert Bender was elected the third Shawnee Mission Curator.

The State Society voted to give $50.00 to the Institute of Logopedics, and $25.00 to the St. Francis Boys' Home.

State Officers of the CAC Advisory Council were elected, with Mrs. F.L. McAleavy as President.

The 28th Annual Assembly was held at the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, March 7, 1953, with a registration of 91, Mrs. O.P. Dellinger, State Regent, presiding.

The Board's recommendation that the Kansas Society make Shawnee Mission their financial project for the coming year for necessary redecorating was ratified. Also the recommendation that the lineage books, volumes 7, 8, & 9, omitted from the State Historical Library files, be supplied before the end of the present administration.

It was voted to donate $10.00 toward the fund for microfilming of the 1850 Census of Illinois, provided that the fund needed for the project be supplemented by other State patriotic organizations.

Also the Board's recommendation was ratified, giving $25.00 to National Awards, $25.00 for National Defense, and $25.00 to the Institute of Logopedics; and copies of "Constitution be Damed" to be given to the Chapter Regents, and two copies in DAC Library; and one copy each of "The Constitution of the United States", and "Undermining the Constitution" be given to the National President and State Regent, and the remaining copies of each to be placed in the State Library for use of members.

Mrs. Marcel Duphorne was voted an Honorary State Regent at this meeting.

The John Pound Society won the award for the most supplementals and the Jane Peebles Sexton Chapter for the largest number of new members.

The 29th Annual State Assembly met in the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, on March 5 1954, with Mrs. O.P. Dellinger, State Regent, presiding.

The following Board's recommendations were ratified: that the State Society purchase the necessary number of plaques to attach to the DAC antiques in our Shawnee Mission Rooms; that $25.00 be allowed the State Regent to give to the National Headquarters Fund at General Assembly; that Mrs. C.B. Ozment, Vice Regent, be given $50.00, since she attended the 1953 General Assembly in place of the State Regent; that the State Society contribute $70.00 toward a microfilming the 1850 census of Illinois, which would complete the gift of $100.00

The State Society voted to purchase a file for filing the DAC records, to be kept with the Kansas Historical Society in Topeka. It was voted to give $25.00 to to the Institute of Logopedics, and $100.00 to National Headquarters.

State Officers of the CAC Advisory Council were elected, with Mrs. E.E. Gladish as President.

The Margaret Dunning Chapter and the Jane Peebles Sexton Chapter won the awards for membership, and the Elizabeth Knapp Chapter the award for supplementals.

The following State Officers were elected to serve for the next three years 1954-1957:

Mrs. Harry M. Ives

The William Hilton Chapter, with members from Kansas City, Kansas and Johnson County, was the ninth Chapter to be organized within the State Society. The Chapter organization meeting and installation was held at the home of Vice Regent, Mrs. Charles C. Hassig, May 23, 1954, with 13 organizing members. Mrs. Harry M. Ives, State Regent, and Mrs. Frank P. Day, State Chaplain, were the installing officers.

The Chapter was named for the ancestor of the organizing Regent, Mrs. Ben Wade Friedel. William Hilton, born in England in 1585, came to America, Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621, on the Fortune. He later founded Dover, New Hampshire, then went to Maine.

The Chapter holds nine yearly meetings. Mrs. Charles Hassig is the present Chapter Regent.

The 30th Annual State DAC Assembly was held at the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, on March 5, 1955, with Mrs. Harry M. Ives, State Regent presiding.

The dedication of a new DAC Banner for the State Society was given by a Committee, composed of Mrs. P.M. Krall, Mrs. William Crawford, and Mrs. L.B. Naylor. As a surprise the Chairman, Mrs. Krall, presented her personal check for the amount not given previously by her Chapter (Sarah de Rapalje) as a gift from and in honor of the Sarah de Rapalje Chapter.

The following recommendations of the Board were ratified:

Miss Stella B. Haines' resignation as State Historian was accepted by the Board at their July 23 meeting, and she was elected State Vice Regent to fill the vacancy of Mrs. Saner's resignation. Mrs. Chauncey Cox was then elected State Historian - both to take office September 1st.

Mrs. Ben W. Friedel was elected Shawnee Mission Curator at this meeting.

Miss Mabel Jones reported that the steel cabinet for filing past State DAC records had been purchased, at a cost of $51.87, and was already placed in the Historical Society's Rooms.

The above condensed thirty year history of the Kansas State Society Daughters of the American Colonists 1925 - 1955 was complied by:

Mrs. C. Chauncey Cox, State Historian

~ Continued ~

HISTORY OF THE KANSAS STATE SOCIETY

DAUGHTERS of the AMERICAN COLONISTS

1956 - 1959

The thirty-first Kansas State Society Daughters of the American Colonists State Assembly convened in the Florentine Room of the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, Kansas, March 3, 1956.

Mrs. Fannie B. McAdams, only charter member of the Kansas Society now living in Kansas with National member #504 and an Honorary State Regent brought greetings and introduced the following Honorary State Regents:

Honorary State Regents

Photo taken on March 3, 1956 at the Thirty-First Kansas DAC State Assembly

(l-r) Mrs. Oris Polk Dellinger, Mrs. Garland P. Ferrell, Mrs. Ruth Troxel Duphorne, Miss Caroline May Morse, Mrs. Frances "Fannie" Bristol McAdams, Mrs. Irving Montrose Platt

Recommendations from the Board Meeting held on March 2, 1956:

  1. A committee be appointed to investigate the matter of a memorial for Mrs. Leda Ferrell Rex and the committee be authorized to act.
  2. That a previous motion made in 1951 that a suitable binding for the State Regent's pictures now in our rooms at Shawnee Mission be carried out.
  3. That the chapters be instructed to type the genealogical records on three holed note paper 8.5" x 11" with 1 1/2: margin on the left side.

The Historian reported the the National Society had requested a state flag 12 X 18 inches for the National Society and that she had written the chapters for donations for this, but that Mrs. Ives had found she could purchase one at a great savings from the State of Kansas as a quantity had been ordered at the time of the Centennial Celebration of the state. Mrs. Ives stated the flag had been purchsed for $2.25 and sent to the National Society, so donations would not be needed.

Miss Ruby Kistler, Chairman of Credentials gave a partial report of thos registered as 83 members and guests.

Mrs. Marcel Duphorne, National Treasurer and Honorary State Regent was introduced and spoke on National DAC affairs stating our present membership was about 9000.

Mrs. C. Chauncey Cox presented a condensed form of the history she had compiled. "Thirty year history of the State Society"

Mrs. Ives congratulated Mrs. Cox for her work and the members rose expressing their appreciation.

Miss Lucina Jones moved that the three page history compiled by Mrs. Cox be mimeographed for members, seconded, and motion lost.

Mrs. Keeler moved that the fourteen page history be mimeographed for each chapter and one for the Historical Society, seconded. Mrs. Ainswroth amended the motion to read that one hundred copies be mimeographed striking out chapters and Historical Society, the last portion of the motion. The amendment was seconded and carried. Motion as amended that one hundred copies of the fourteen page history be mimeographed carried.

The Regent called for nominations for a First Vice Regent which had been filled by Miss Stella B. Haines since September when she was elected by the Board of Management. Miss Stell B. Haines was nominated. No other nominations, and Miss Haines was elected.

Miss Lucina Jones was nominated for Second Vice Regent. No other nominations, and Miss Jones was elected.

Mrs. C. Chauncey Cox was nominated for Historian, no other nominations, and Mrs.Cox was elected.

Mrs. L.A. Wells was nominated for Curator, no other nominations, and Mrs. Wells was elected.

Mrs. Doyle moved that the State Society pay for the binding of the nine Lineage Books and one Supplemental in the DAC Library, seconded, and carried.

The following three recommendations were read by the Secretary, each taken up, and each adopted by the assembly.

  1. Mrs. Dellinger moved that the Society give $25.00 to National Award and $25.00 to National Headquarters, seconded.
  2. Miss Lucina Jones moved to amend by adding national Award in honor of our State Regent, Mrs. Ives, and National Headquarters in honor of National Treasurer Mrs. Duphorne. Amendment seconded and carried. Motion as amended carried.

Edith C. Naylor, Recording Secretary

The thirty-second Kansas State Society Daughters of the American Colonists State Assembly convened in the Florentine Room of the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, Kansas, March 2, 1957.

Mrs. Harry M. Ives, State Regent called the Assembly to order. Mrs. Lou B. Naylor, State Recording Secretary read the recommendations from the Board of Management meetings.

  1. That the State Assembly donate $50.00 to be used in purchasing a rope bed for the DAC rooms at Shawnee Mission. This bed to be given in honor of Mrs. Helen Imes, past State Regent. Past National Historian, Mrs. Vernon AcArthur moved to accept recommendation, seconded, and carried.
  2. That the State Assembly go on record as opposed to the sale of Huron Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas for commercial purposes and that letters opposing such be sent to our congressmen and others interested in Indian Affairs, Mrs. R.W. Pearson, moved to accept, seconded, and carried.
  3. That the Assembly place $50.00 in the Permanent Headquarters Fund in honor of Mrs. Frank Garland Trau's visit to Kansas. Mrs. Marcel Duphorne moved this be done, seconded, and carried.
  4. That the price of the Directory be one dollar each, Mrs. Don Carlos Peete moved the price, seconded, and carried.
  5. That the Assembly give $25.00 to National Awards in honor of State Regent Mrs. Harry Ives, Mrs. Naylor moved the honor for Mrs. Ives. Miss Haines took the chair, the motion was seconded and carried. Mrs. Ives assumed the chair.
  6. That a committee of three be appointed to approve the minutes of the assembly within 30 days from the date of the assembly and that copied after approval be Mailed to all Board Members. Mrs. Winsler moved this be done, seconded, and carried.

The following were elected officers for the next three years:

Mrs. Duphorne presented the State Society for the rooms at Shawnee Mission two counterpanes, one fan and a human hair watch chain, the last named if it were old enough for the Mission. Mrs. Ives thanks Mrs. Duphorne.

Edith C. Naylor, State Recording Secretary

The thirty-third Kansas State Society Daughters of the American Colonists State Assembly convened in the Florentine Room of the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, Kansas, March 1, 1958. The Assembly was called to order by the State Regent, Mrs. Lou Blaine Naylor.

Mrs. Naylor presented two prizes of $5.00 each, one to John Pound for the most new members, and Margaret Dunning for the most subscriptions to the Courier, our National magazine.

Mrs. Wilepp gave the final credential report of the Assembly, 66 present and 51 voting members. Honorary State Regents - 1, State Officers - 10, Chapter Officers - 21. Delegates 14, Alternates (made delegates) 5 members, 8, guests 7.

Miss Jones nominated Mrs. Harry Ives for the State Children of the American Colonists, Senior President. There being no other nominations the vote was taken verbally and carried.

Mrs. E.E. Gladish, Secretary Pro Tem.

The thirty-fourth State Assembly, Kansas Society, Daughters of the American Colonists convened in the Florentine Room of the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, Kansas, March 6, 1959. The Assembly was called to order by State Regent, Mrs. Lou Blaine Naylor.

The opening ritual was observed followed by Recording Secretary, Mrs. Taylor's reading of the following recommendations from the Board:

  1. The State Treasurer be authorized to make up the difference between the National Headquarters Fund and 100% National Headquarters Fund, based on 1.1.1959 membership in case local chapters do not make up the difference.
  2. The new State Regent's picture be printed in the June copy of the "Courier" along with names of other new officers.
  3. That $50.00 be given in honor of our National President, Mrs. Wlm. M. Carrigan for her favorite national project, "Our Colonial Heritage."
  4. That $25.00 be given in honor of our state regent, Mrs. Lou Blaine Naylor, to be used for her favorite national project, "National Awards".
  5. That $25.00 be given to State Regent, Mts. Naylor to be used "at call" for National Assembly donations.

The first Candlelight Supper of the Kansas Society Daughters of the American Colonists was held in the Florentine Room of the Jayhawk Hotel at 7PM, March 6, 1959. The entrance march with music was followed by the invocation and the signing of the National Anthem. State Regent Naylor welcomed the following guests: Mrs. William M. Carrigan, National President; Governor and Mrs. George Docking; Miss Acena Booth, National Corresponding Secretary, and Miss Ada Montgomery of the Topeka Capitol; Honorary State Regents, Mrs. Platt, Mrs. Ferrell, Mrs. Ives and all State Officers. Governor Docking brought greetings to the Assembly. The Jane Pebbles Sexton Chapter, Regent, Mrs. McCarter, presented the Madrigal Chorus from the Topeka High School. National President, Mrs. Carrigan presented the program, "Patriotic Education" which was a splendid inspiration to all. The dinner meeting was adjourned and a "Get Acquainted Hour" ensued with beverages served at a punch table.

On March 7, 1959, the business session of the 34th State Assembly resumed in the Florentine Room of the Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, Kansas, at 9:30 a.m.

The following officers were elected:

Mrs. Lou Blaine Naylor was elected an Honorary State Regent.

Maxine Haviland Taylor, Recording Secretary

The thirty-fifth Annual State Assembly, Kansas Society Daughters of the American Colonists, convened in the Senate Room, Jayhawk Hotel, Topeka, at 2:00 p.m., November 6, 1959. The Assembly was called to order by the State Regent, Mrs. Roy V. Shrewder. The opening ritual was observed.

The Credentials Committee presented their report at 2:30 p.m. with total registrations of 56.

The recommendations from the State Board of Management were as follows:

  1. That the State Assembly meeting be continued the first week end in November for the remainder of this administration. Adopted
  2. That the Spring meeting of the State Board be held in Hutchinson, March 7, on Monday morning, with lunch to follow. Adopted.
  3. That the Kansas Society cooperated with the National Society plan to ask $1 per member for the Permanent Headquarters Fund. Adopted.
  4. That the State Board of Management be empowered to allocate funds to be used for request made at the National Assembly as is our custom. Adopted.

Mrs. Lou Blain Naylor was nominated for the office of State President, Kansas Society, Children of the American Colonists. She was elected unanimously.

The second Candlelight Supper of the Kansas Society Daughters of the American Colonists, Miss Lucina Jones presiding, was held in the Roof Garden at the Jayhawk Hotel at 7:00 p.m., November 6, 1959. The entrance of the officers with piano accompaniment was followed by the candlelighting ceremony. The invocation was given and the Assembly sang America. The speaker for the evening was Mrs. Howard Whipple Green, speaking for the Headquarters Program of the National Society. A plaque with the DAC insignia in which wood from the Council Oak with Kansas Historical significance was presented as a gift to Mrs. Green from the Kansas Society. Mrs. Esterre M. Sevin accompanied by Mrs. Charles N. McCarver gave a music program. Both Mrs. Sevin and Mrs. McCarver were from Wichita. Following the close a time of visiting was enjoyed. The punch table hostesses were by the Assembly Hospitality Committee made from the Margaret Dunning and Major John Mason Chapters.

The business meeting of the 35th State Assembly resumed in the Senate Room of the Jayhawk Hotel on November 7, 1959 at 9:30 a.m. Mrs. Roy V. Shrewder called the meeting to order. Nominations were in order for members of the Nominating Committee with the following being nominated and elected:

  1. Mrs. R.O. Kerr
  2. Mrs. W. H. Miller
  3. Mrs. W. S. Hancock

The State Treasurer, Mrs. E.E. Gladish announced that chapter dues are payable. She announced that new Rituals are available at $.50; also a few 1959 State Directories at $.25 each. The meeting was recessed for the Memorial Service.

Lunch was served at 12:45 p.m. in the Roof Garden of the Jayhawk Hotel. The theme of the luncheon table decorations was "Golden Acorns" by the Major John Mason Chapter. The speaker was Senator Wilford Riegle of Emporia. The Senator's program was on the Kansas Centennial. The State Regent declared the State Assembly adjourned.

Mrs. Daniel J. Bailey, Recording Secretary

The above condensed history of the Kansas State Society Daughters of the American Colonists 1956 - 1959 was complied by:

Jane E. Groves Riddell Hurt, Honorary State Regent

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Kansas State Society Daughters of the American Colonists

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