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Alliance Chapter History
Boston Tea Party
Burgoyne's Surrender

In April 1904, eight women who lived for the most part on Elm and Green streets in Urbana met in the home of Mrs. George W. Busey to organize a Champaign-Urbana DAR Chapter.

Kate Baker Busey (1855-1934) was a woman ahead of her time endowed with a strong social conscience. In the 1880s, she traveled from Cobden, Illinois, to Virginia where she taught wood carving to the blacks at Hampton Institute. Later she became a teacher at Colorado Indian Reservation in Arizona. As a regent of Alliance Chapter, Mrs. Busey convinced chapters in the area and eventually the Illinois State Organization to mark the Circuit of the Old Eighth Judicial District traveled by Lincoln. Markers at county court houses and boundary lines can be seen today. She organized the first PTA in Urbana. She opened her home to house the first kindergarten with a professional teacher and involved herself in the work of building good county roads to make better education accessible to more children. She spent countless hours promoting the cause of the Woman's Suffrage Movement. We are indebted to this lady of vision who brought DAR to our community.

The name selected for the chapter, Alliance, was adopted from a popular novel of the day by Winston Churchill, "Richard Carvell," in which was recorded Capt. John Paul Jones' loss of his flagship Bonhomme Richard, and his transfer to the U.S.S. Alliance in 1799. The name became a symbol of an alliance of the two cities, Champaign-Urbana, and the University of Illinois.

It didn't take long for the chapter to ready the papers of 20 prospective members and send them to the 15-year-old National Society in Washington, D.C., for approval. All were accepted and a charter was granted designating June 14 as organization day. That date later became Flag Day giving the chapter a double reason to celebrate.

Early members were wives and daughters of prominent businessmen and University of Illinois faculty members. A look at the old yearbooks is like reading Champaign County history. Some of the recurring names were Busey, Cunningham, Baldwin, Waldo, Robeson, Lake, Willis, Dunlap, and Zorger, many of whom served as Alliance Chapter regents.

Alliance Chapter has had three historic gavels. At the second meeting of the chapter, Mrs. Frank L. Bills presented one made from a block of wood from the timber claim in Beatrice, Nebraska, at the site of the first homestead in the United States granted under the Homestead Act of 1862. Another was a gift of Mrs. J. S. McCullough and was made of wood from Abraham Lincoln's Home in Springfield obtained during a period of renovation. The third was made of wood from the famous ship, Old Ironsides, and was presented by Mrs. S. E. Huff.

By 1905, the publication of a "calendar" was in order because the chapter had grown to 40 members. The first "calendar" of the chapter's activities known to have survived is the 1906 edition. It is indeed probable that this 1906 publication was the chapter's first yearbook. The chapter had only two committees, music and "calendar." Special music was a part of almost every meeting and the chapter was blessed with several talented musicians. Early Alliance Chapter programs were almost entirely of an historical nature with special emphasis on women. Remember, Kate Baker Busey was a suffragette!

Flag Day picnics at the new Champaign County Fairgrounds, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving feasts, and elaborate George Washington's Birthday receptions and parties were among the chapter's social activities. The home of Senator and Mrs. Henry Dunlap, still standing and today a popular restaurant in Champaign, and the Warren Hill home in nearby Tolono were among the settings for these events. Mrs. George Busey also frequently opened her own home to the chapter.

Mrs. Samuel T. Busey served on the Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois and today her portrait hangs in Busey-Evans Residence Hall on the campus. A systematic search for Revolutionary War soldiers' graves was begun. The sum of $5.00 and "as much more as could be spared" was given to a local kindergarten. Contributions to underprivileged children of Appalachia, the University of Illinois YWCA, various organized charities in the twin cities, the new State Park at Fort Massac, and other DAR projects were among Alliance Chapter's early financial priorities.

As the chapter grew, contributions grew larger. When the National Society built Constitution Hall, the chapter gave $1,200. In 1927, chairs for the Illinois Box in the Hall were donated by Mrs. J. S. McCullough and Mrs. A. T. Hall at a cost of $150 each. The box holds six chairs and a $900 contribution from two individuals in those days was generous indeed.

Members gave of their time, effort, and money during the two world wars, both through the chapter and as individuals. During World War I, contributions to the Red Cross especially were generous. Dr. C. F. Newcomb organized the Champaign County Red Cross Chapter and served as chairman during the war years. Mrs. F. K. Robeson served on the executive, finance, and membership committees and on the board of directors. World War II also provided an outlet for members' energies. The minutes tell of participation in Red Cross drives, the USO, Travelers Aid, salvage drives, and Gray Lady volunteer efforts.

In 1920, Shemauga Student Chapter was organized on the University of Illinois campus. Young women at the U of I who were daughters of DAR members comprised the membership. The chapter was officially recognized by U of I President Dr. David Kinley, following a musicale at Morrow Hall on campus. Many attempts were made to build a residence on campus to house these students. Unfortunately, the chapter survived only about 15 years and was disbanded in the mid-1930s.

In the early days, Judge J. O. Cunningham of Urbana, who had traveled the old Eighth Judicial Circuit with Lincoln, was always available for legal advice and to speak on county history. It was the judge's dream to see markers placed on the highway traveled by Lincoln as he rode the circuit. On November 11, 1914, Judge Cunningham spoke on "The Real Lincoln Highway" in the home of Mrs. Busey. Present were officers from the Hoopeston, Danville, and Decatur chapters. Mrs. Busey called Judge Cunningham's idea to the attention of the Illinois State Organization and markers were placed in the 1920s. The Alliance Chapter marker still stands in front of the Champaign County Court House in Urbana and was rededicated November 10, 1989, after cleaning and refurbishing.

Since the 1940s, many changes have taken place. Programs are centered on the three goals of the National Society—educational, patriotic, and historical. Contributions are made to the two DAR-supported schools, Tamassee in South Carolina and Kate Duncan Smith in Alabama, as well as Bacone College for American Indian students in Oklahoma and to several other DAR-approved schools. Ongoing projects of the chapter are services to veteran patients and contributions to student loan and scholarship funds in American History, nursing, medicine, and occupational therapy; awards for Good Citizens who are outstanding high school seniors; and sponsorship of an American history essay contest.

The chapter's golden anniversary was celebrated at a Flag Day luncheon in 1954 at the Champaign Country Club. A prize-winning float, "Birth of Our Nation's Flag," was an anniversary entry in the Champaign County Freedom Celebration Parade on July 4 that year. The chapter also sponsored a Bicentennial float in the 4th of July Parade in 1976 and continues the project each year. The 75th anniversary was celebrated with a luncheon at the Ramada Inn, Champaign, in 1979. Honorary President General Mrs. Wakelee Rawson Smith was the speaker. The chapter's 85th anniversary was celebrated June 10, 1989, with a luncheon at University Inn. Mrs. Virgil V. Clary, State Regent, and several other state officers were honored guests. President General Mrs. Eldred Martin Yochim sent greetings.

From genealogical books for the Archives Room at the Urbana Free Library to flags of the United States of America for the Champaign County Historical Museum, Alliance Chapter has continued its service to God, Home, and Country. By 1958 the chapter had grown to an all-time high of 416 members—then the largest chapter in the state.

A very special relationship characterizes Alliance Chapter and Piankeshaw Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. Together the two organizations celebrate Constitution Week in September and honor Good Citizens in February. Each society helps the other to obtain members.

The chapter encourages William Penn Society, C.A.R., providing both financial support and senior leadership. Several of our members wear the C.A.R. National Endowment Pin, the Illinois Patriot Pin, the Prairie State News Pin, or are State and National Supporters.

Our 90th birthday was celebrated in 1994 by planting nine trees in Lake of the Woods Park near Mahomet, Illinois. As suggested by our conservation chairman, each tree represents a decade in the life of Alliance Chapter. The area in the park is known as "DAR Grove." Additional donations allowed us to plant three more trees. We also marked the grave of Alliance Chapter founder, Kate Baker Busey, in Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana, Illinois, and a wreath was placed in Clements Cemetery to honor the three Revolutionary War veterans buried there, as well as a fourth interred on private property.

A chair was given for the Illinois booth in Constitution Hall in addition to making our designated contribution to the restoration of our National Headquarters.

In 1996, a Red Oak tree was planted in "DAR Grove" at Lake of the Woods Park to honor Mrs. Ruth Jones who died that year and had been a long-time supporter of DAR and National Defense.

Alliance Chapter presented a Community Service Award to Mr. Fred Manthei who had repaired several tombstones in various cemeteries, as well as assisted in the repair of the Lincoln Markers.

The poor condition of the Lincoln Marker on the Champaign-DeWitt county line was brought to the chapter's attention by member Roberta Persons. Several businesses and organizations around Deland, Illinois, donated money to help with the restoration and enough money was collected to also repair the marker on the Champaign-Piatt county line. The restorations were noted at a ceremony in 1999 that was organized by Julia Woller and Teri Bricker. Principal speaker was Judge John Shonkwiler, Chief Justice of the 6th District, who read his grandfather's speech. The judge's grandfather, Judge Francis Shonkwiler of the 8th District, first gave the speech in 1920.

Alliance Chapter continues to keep up with traditions as well as addressing the present-day needs of our members.

American Revolutionary War heroines - Lydia Darrah - This anecdote is given in the first number of the American Quarterly Review, and is said to be taken from Lydia's own narration. It is mentioned or alluded to by several other authorities, and in letters written at the time. The story is familiar to many persons in Philadelphia, who heard it from their parents; so that there appears no reason to doubt its authenticity.

On the second day of December, 1777, late in the afternoon, an officer in the British uniform ascended the steps of a house in Second Street, Philadelphia, immediately opposite the quarters occupied by General Howe, who, at that time, had full possession of the city. The house was plain and neat in its exterior, and well known to be tenanted by William and Lydia Darrah, members of the Society of Friends. It was the place chosen by the superior officers of the army for private conference, whenever it was necessary to hold consultations on subjects of importance; and selected, perhaps, on account of the unobtrusive character of its inmates, whose religion inculcated meekness and forbearance, and forbade them to practice the arts of war.

The officer, who seemed quite familiar with the mansion, knocked at the door. It was opened; and in the neatly furnished parlor he met the mistress, who spoke to him, calling him by name. It was the adjutant-general; and he appeared in haste to give an order. This was to desire that the backroom above stairs might be prepared for the reception that evening of himself and his friends, who were to meet there and remain late. "And be sure, Lydia," he concluded, "that your family are all in bed at an early hour. I shall expect you to attend to this request. When our guests are ready to leave the house, I will myself give you notice, that you may let us out, and extinguish the fire and candles."

Having delivered this order with an emphatic manner which showed that he relied much on the prudence and discretion of the person he addressed, the adjutant-general departed. Lydia betook herself to getting all things in readiness. But the words she had heard, especially the injunction to retire early, rang in her ears; and she could not divest herself of the indefinable feeling that something of importance was in agitation. While her hands were busy in duties that devolved upon her, her mind was no less actively at work. The evening closed in, and the officers came to the place of meeting. Lydia had ordered all her family to bed, and herself admitted the guests, after which she retired to her own apartment, and threw herself, without undressing, upon the bed.

But sleep refused to visit her eyelids. Her vague apprehensions gradually assumed more definite shape. She became more and more uneasy, till her nervous restlessness amounted to absolute terror. Unable longer to resist the impulse - not of curiosity, but surely of a far higher feeling - she slid from the bed, and taking off her shoes, passed noiselessly from her chamber and along the entry. Approaching cautiously the apartment in which the officers were assembled, she applied her ear to the key-hole. For a few moments she could distinguish but a word or two amid the murmur of voices; yet what she did hear but stimulated her eager desire to learn the important secret of the conclave.

At length there was profound silence, and a voice was heard reading a paper aloud. It was an order for the troops to quit the city on the night of the fourth, and march out to a secret attack upon the American army, then encamped at White Marsh.

Lydia had heard enough. She retreated softly to her own room, and laid herself quietly on the bed. In the deep stillness that reigned through the house, she could hear the beating of her own heart - the heart now throbbing with emotions to which no speech could give utterance. It seemed to her that but a few moments had elapsed, when there was a knocking at her door. She knew well what the signal meant, but took no heed. It was repeated, and more loudly; still she gave no answer. Again, and yet more loudly, the knocks were repeated; and then she rose quickly, and opened the door.

It was the adjutant-general, who came to inform her they were ready to depart. Lydia let them out, fastened the house, and extinguished the lights and fire. Again she returned to her chamber, and to bed; but repose was a stranger for the rest of the night. Her mind was more disquieted than ever. She thought of the danger that threatened the lives of thousands of her countrymen, and of the ruin that impended over the whole land. Something must be done, and that immediately, to avert this wide-spread destruction. Should she awaken her husband and inform him? That would be to place him in special jeopardy, by rendering him a partaker of her secret; and he might, too, be less wary and prudent than herself. No, come what might, she would encounter the risk alone. After a petition for heavenly guidance, her resolution was formed; and she waited with composure, though sleep was impossible, till the dawn of day. Then she waked her husband, and informed him flour was wanted for the use of the household, and that it was necessary she should go to Frankfort to procure it. This was no uncommon occurrence; and her declining the attendance of the maid-servant excited little surprise. Taking the bag with her, she walked through the snow; having stopped first at head-quarters, obtained access to General Howe, and secured his written permission to pass the British lines.

The feelings of a wife and mother - one whose religion was that of love, and whose life was but a quiet round of domestic duties, bound on an enterprise so hazardous, and uncertain whether her life might not be the forfeit, may be better imagined than described. Lydia reached Frankfort, distant four or five miles, and deposited her bag at the mill. Now commenced the dangers of her undertaking; for she pressed forward with all haste towards the outposts of the American army. Her determination was to apprise General Washington of the danger.

She was met on her way by an American officer, who had been selected by General Washington to gain information respecting the movements of the enemy. According to some authorities, this was Lieutenant-Colonel Craig, of the light horse. He immediately recognized her, and inquired whither she was going. In reply, she prayed him to alight and walk with her; which he did, ordering his men to keep in sight. To him she disclosed the secret, after having obtained from him a solemn promise not to betray her individually, since the British might take vengeance on her and her family.

The officer thanked her for her timely warning, and directed her to go to a house near at hand, where she might get something to eat. But Lydia preferred returning at once; and did so, while the officer made all haste to the commander-in-chief. Preparations were immediately made to give the enemy a fitting reception.

With a heart lightened and filled with thankfulness the intrepid woman pursued her way homeward, carrying the bag of flour which had served as the ostensible object of her journey. None suspected the grave, demure Quakeress of having snatched from the English their anticipated victory. Her demeanor was, as usual, quiet, orderly, and subdued, and she attended to the duties of her family with her wonted composure. But her heart beat, as late on the appointed night, she watched from her window the departure of the army - on what secret expedition bound, she knew too well! She listened breathlessly to the sound of their footsteps and the trampling of horses, till it died away in the distance, and silence reigned through the city.

Time never appeared to pass so slowly as during the interval which elapsed between the marching out and the return of the British troops. When at last the distant roll of the drum proclaimed their approach; when the sounds came nearer and nearer, and Lydia, who was watching at the window, saw the troops pass in martial order, the agony of anxiety she felt was too much for her strength, and she retreated from her post, not daring to ask a question, or manifest the least curiosity as to the event.

A sudden and loud knocking at her door was not calculated to lessen her apprehensions. She felt that the safety of her family depended on her self-possession at this critical moment. The visitor was the adjutant-general, who summoned her to his apartment. With a pale cheek, but composed, for she placed her trust in a higher Power, Lydia obeyed the summons.

The officer's face was clouded, and his expression stern. He locked the door with an air of mystery when Lydia entered, and motioned her to a seat. After a moment of silence, he said -

"Were any of your family up, Lydia, on the night when I received company in this house?"

"No," was the unhesitating reply. "They all retired at eight o'clock."

"It is very strange" - said the officer, and mused a few minutes. "You, I know, Lydia, were asleep; for I knocked at your door three times before you heard me - yet it is certain that we were betrayed. I am altogether at a loss to conceive who could have given the information of our intended attack to General Washington! On arriving near his encampment we found his cannon mounted, his troops under arms, and so prepared at every point to receive us, that we have been compelled to march back without injuring our enemy, like a parcel of fools."

It is not known whether the officer ever discovered to whom he was indebted for the disappointment.

But the pious Quakeress blessed God for her preservation, and rejoiced that it was not necessary for her to utter an untruth in her own defence. And all who admire examples of courage and patriotism, especially those who enjoy the fruits of them, must honor the name of Lydia Darrah.

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