DAR learn the true role of woman in American history

Members of the Samuel Paul Dinkins Chapter DAR met at the Kilgore Library with Francye Phillips, Frankie Florey, Margie Morton, Sally Beane, and Susie Merritt serving as hostesses.

Carroll Bolton, first voce regent called the meeting to order and with the assistance of Martha Smith, Chaplin, led members in the DAR Ritual, the Pledge to the flag of the United States of America, the salute to the Texas flag, the American's Creed and the National Anthem.

A report on the Pledge of Allegiance was given by Dorothy Brooks, national defense chairman. In an article by Paula Spencer it was stated that the pledge is more than a national symbol; it inspires nationalism. It was written in 1892 and the phrase, "under God; was added in 1954. This addition was taken from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

"They Too Were There" was a program presented by Carroll Bolton, the study of early American history usually involves learning about generals and battles, dates and military strategies and women are generally assumed to have been sitting back home, wringing their hands and worrying about the fate of their menhusbands, fathers, brothers, and sweethearts. Whatever the cause of the image of women, it is far from accurate.

For one thing they were often forced to open their homes to soldiers and officers sometimes on the same side of the conflict and sometimes not. They spent weeks, even months, cooking, cleaning and caring for men they not only did not know but for whose cause they opposed.

The vast majority of colonists lived in the countryside and the women were left behind to do the sewing, cooking, baking, knitting, spinning, gardening, canning, and butchering. Some had businesses to run. Female printer, Katherine Goodard, of Baltimore, published the first signed copy of the Declaration of Independence. Blacksmith, Betsy Hagar, helped repair weapons and cannon for the Continental Army.

In Charleston, SC., which was British occupied and under siege in 1779, women smuggled food and supplies to the rebels. Their system worked pretty well for a while until a sharp-eyed British official noticed that women leaving the city were slim, but had bulging clothing upon returning a short time later.

Most women, however, followed the army to be near their husbands. Margaret Corbin did just that, following her husband, John into battle. When he was fatally wounded at the Battle of Harlem Heights in 1776, she took over his place as artillery gunner. She was wounded and never fully recovered. In July 1779, she was the first woman to receive a pension from Congress.

Women comforted the dying, nursed the sick and wounded and raised funds for Washington's Army. Those who remained at home faced actual dangers for they were often near the fire line. Others, disguised as men, actually took to the battlefield against the British.

"These were the times which tried women's souls as well as men's" but it was also a time in which female courage was displayed. During every conflict, and the peaceful years in between they too were there.

The next meeting will be at 6 p.m., April 15 at the First Christian Church in the Family Room. Dr. Warren Hunt, member of SAR, Longview will present the program.