Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution inducted four new members on March 5, 2024, at the Webster Parish Library’s Stewart Center. Each member was introduced and presented with a gift bag. We are also working with 11 prospective members to complete their documentation and applications. Our new members are:
Elaine Burns is a descendant of Thomas Everett who was born in 1742 in Virginia. He served as a Private during the Revolution from 1775 through 1780. At the age of 91, he applied for a pension and received $62 per year until his death in 1837 at the age of 97.
Cindy Walker and her daughter Cara Buie are descendants of John Richardson, born 1753 in South Carolina. He served as an Ensign in Gregory’s Company, 10th Regiment. The 10th Regiment became part of the Continental Army in 1777, and after participating in several battles the remaining members disbanded at Valley Forge.
Lydia Pruitt, daughter of our member Kay Pruitt, is a descendant of John Chambliss who was born before 1730 in Virginia. In 1773, he received a land grant of 250 acres in Craven County, South Carolina. John was too old to serve in the military, so he supported the Revolution by providing beef and ammunition to the local troops.
This month’s speaker was Dorcheat-Bistineau member Linda Watson, who gave a presentation about Marquis de Lafayette. He was from one of the wealthiest families in France, and at the age of 17 he used his money to purchase and outfit a ship, recruit men, and sail to the colonies to support the Revolution.
Our chapter members participate in a nationwide DAR project called Service to America, where members participate in community service projects. Maggie Salter assisted with Club Day at Glenbrook. She helped students make valentine cards to deliver to 3 veterans’ homes.
Hostesses for this month’s meeting were Linda Watson and Libby Watkins. Our April meeting will be held at the Moreland House in Homer. This home was built in 1852 and has recently been restored by Dr. John Moreland and Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage in Minden. They will tell us about the history of the house and give us a tour. This will be the first time the public has been allowed to tour the restored home. Our chapter will also host Claiborne Chapter DAR, and our tour will be followed by lunch in Homer. Dr. John Moreland and Dorcheat-Bistineau members Cindy Madden, Ashln Benamati Thompson, Judy Reese, Jamie Fortenberry, Harol Thompson, Sue Kinsey, and Liz Custer are all descendants of Joseph Benson Moreland and Mary Amanda Phillips Moreland who built the house. There are many other descendants from Claiborne Chapter DAR as well.
Dorcheat-Bistineau DAR is a vibrant, growing service organization which meets in Minden. Any woman age 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence from Great Britain during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) is eligible to join DAR. For more information, contact Cindy Madden, Regent of Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter at darcindymadden@gmail.com. Please like our Facebook page: Daughters of the American Revolution – Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter.