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United States Daughters of 1812

Located in Grand Rapids, MI


Our Motto: "Liberty, Fraternity and Unity

PURPOSE OF THE UNITED STATES DAUGHTERS OF 1812

The purposes of this society shall be to promote patriotism, to preserve and increase knowledge of the history of the American people by the preservation of documents and relics, the marking of historic spots, the recording of family histories and traditions, the celebration of patriotic anniversaries, teaching and emphasizing the heroic deeds of the civil, military and naval life of those who molded this government between the close of the American Revolution and the close of the War of 1812, to urge Congress to compile and publish authentic records of men in civil, military and naval service from 1784 to 1815 inclusive, to maintain at National Headquarters a museum and library of memorabilia of the 1784-1815 period and to assist in the care and maintenance of our "Real Granddaughters" in every way that will add to their comfort and happiness.

It is our goal to preserve their history forever.


CHAPTER ORGANIZATION

Our chapter was founded by Organizing President Mrs. Robert (Ann) Preston Koeze in 1996. We have members from all across West Michigan from Traverse City south to Saugatuck. We are proud that one of our chapter members Mrs. Margaret Doud (Peggy) Christie of Traverse City served as President National of the Society 2003-2006.

Our chapter meets three to four times a year in the Greater Grand Rapids Area.

OUR CHAPTER NAMESAKE

Stephen Preston was born in Bedford Co., Virginia. He is listed in the Bedford County Order Books as an ensign in the Bedford Co Militia during the War of 1812. He married Frances Turner on 1 Feb 1831 and subsequently had nine children. Their family home was built on a little knoll near Glade Hill, VA and is still standing today.

Stephen was 6 ft. 1" tall and had blue eyes and curly sandy colored hair. He was a merchant and a farmer during his lifetime.


MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

President - Judy Hull
Registrar - Claudette Darling


    2012 Grand Rapids Veterans Home

December 18, 2012 Pine Island Elementary School students made Cards and Placemats for our veterans who reside at the the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. In past years the students made Christmas cards but this year added placemats. A big thank you to our junior members who helped get this projected started several years ago and to all the students who continue to help with this worthwhile project.

December 1, 2012 Stephen Preston Chapter members decorated a Christmas Tree at the Grand Rapids Veterans Home. Our Chapter Veteran Chairman C. Darling placed gifts under the Veterans Christmas Tree for two Veterans who reside at the home. Afterwards, it was off to lunch. Happy Holidays to all our Veterans!

November 2012 Stephen Preston Chapter Delivered Placemats to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans on behalf of our Chapter and General Alexander Macomb Chapter.


    2012 JROTC AWARDS

May 16, 2012 Stephen Preston Chapter awarded a JROTC Award to a Ottawa High School recipient. Congratulations to Mandria!

May 10, 2012 Stephen Preston Chapter awarded a JROTC Award at Union High School for two recipients. Congratulations to this years winner!

May 23, 2012 Stephen Preston Chapter awarded a AFJROTC Award at Garden City High School. Congratulations to Miss Potter!


    FUNDRAISERS

Fundraisers are a way for us to earn money to support Chapter, State and National projects. This funding helps us preserve history and honor our patriots and ancestors.

Stephen Preston Chapter fundraisers are Polo Shirts, T-Shirts, Insignia Pouches and Scarves. We also offer Embroidered Linens. The Michigan State Society fundraiser is luggage tags with a tall ship image on it.

Stephen Preston Chapter fundraiser questions

Polo Shirt Order Form T-Shirt Order Form Scarves Order Form Insignia Pouch Order Form Embroidered Linen Towels Order Form Luggage Tag
Order Form


PAST GRAVE DEDICATIONS
May 28, 2012 Orrin Potter Headstone Dedication

October 16, 2010 Joshua Briggs Headstone Dedication

April 30, 2011 Peter Spitzer Headstone Dedication

May 20, 2011 Rollin Pelton Headstone Dedication

July 23, 2011 John Harris Headstone Dedication

September 24, 2011 Grave Dedication of Civil War Veterans


CHAPTER MEETING
April 20, 2013
  • Place: Arnie’s Restaurant, 34 Squires St. Square, Rockford, MI 49341 (616-866-4306)
  • Time: 10:30 AM
  • Bring: Minutes and Agenda
  • October 19, 2013
  • Place: TBA
  • Time: 10:30 AM

  • CALENDAR OF EVENTS

    Michigan State Council
    May 19, 2012 Michigan State Council
    Congratulations to all of you for helping make this a successful and fun event!

    April 27, 2013
    114th Michigan State Council: hosted by General Alexander Macomb Chapter
    Embassy Suites: 19525 Victor Pkwy., Livonia, MI 48152, 734-462-6000
    When reserving your room, ask for"US Daughers of 1812"


    LINKS

    United States Daughters of 1812

    General Alexander Macomb Chapter, U.S.D.1812

    Michigan State Society U.S.Daughters of 1812

    Henry S. Jenks Chapter NSDU 1861- 1865

    Fort McHenry

    The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House

    National Museum of American History


    Tuesday, 19-Mar-2013 17:32:31 MDT
    Web Page Design - Judy Hull