By Judy Mathias
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution 78th Annual meeting of the Eastern District West Virginia State Society was held on August 16, 2025, at the Fountain United Brethren Church in Keyser, WV. Hosted by the Highlands of the Potomac Chapter of Keyser, WV the theme was “Bloom Where You Are Planted”. All seven chapters of the Eastern District were represented. Ten members of the South Branch Valley chapter were present. Judy Bowyer, Eastern District Director facilitated the meeting. She introduced JoeAnn Eye, Regent of the South Branch Valley chapter who described the plans for an American 250! Poster being developed for display in public libraries in the Eastern District to celebrate 250 years since the signing of the declaration. The poster will honor our diverse patriots, emphasizing their unique roles in the fight for independence. The poster aims to reflect the past, involve future generations, and serve as an engaging educational tool for students and community members who visit local libraries.
In new business, WV State Regent Sandra Isner-Johnson presented her goals for the next three years, incorporating NSDAR President General Ginny Storage’s theme to “Illuminate Our Legacy”. The three elements of Mrs. Isner-Johnson project are to promote education by encouraging all chapters to learn the Pledge of Allegiance through sign language, promote patriotism by telling the stories of women veterans and promote historical preservation by assisting with fundraisers to help fund the completion of the restoration of the front entrance of the Mother’s Day Shrine in Grafton, WV.
The afternoon session of the meeting was highlighted by Professor James Hoey from West Virginia University. His very informative presentation “Virginia and the Backcountry Rebellion” detailed “what the history books left out” about the American Revolution and the challenges faced by the people who lived at the “edge of the frontier” in Patterson Creek Valley, Virginia (now West Virginia). The awards ceremony then followed his presentation with all chapters of the Eastern District being recognized. South Branch Valley Chapter received the following awards:
1)Library Outreach Committee: Susan Garrett for Outstanding Service as State Chair
2)Lineage Research Committee: Bonnie Myers for Outstanding Support Team
3)Lineage Research Committee: Bonnie Myers for Outstanding Registrar
4)Patriot Records Project Committee: Judy Mathias for Outstanding Volunteer Service
5)Membership Committee: Zero drops or resignations
6)Membership Committee: Sparkle More in 24 Award
7)Membership Committee: Discover Treasured Gems Award
8)Project Patriot Committee: Outstanding Support to the Military
9)Lineage Research Committee: Lineage Research
10)Master Report Committee: Blue Ribbon for Chapter Achievement Awards for 50 members or less
11)Leadership Training Committee: Chapter Level Training Award: Twinkling Star
A memorial service was held at the end of the meeting to honor seven deceased members, including South Branch Valley Chapter members Marla Zelene Harman and Leone Eloise Evans Reynolds, both of whom passed away in the last year. Their dedication and service left a lasting impact on our community and will be fondly remembered.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a volunteer service organization dedicated to the preservation of history, promoting patriotism and the education of our children. Any woman eighteen years or older, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR volunteers are available and willing assist with guidance in genealogy research for women interested in becoming a member. For more information, visit the DAR website at www.dar.org, email inquiries to membership@dar.org or contact SBVDAR1@gmail.com.
