| In
the 135th year of our Independence, a small group of women
gathered in a new town on the Texas prairie to organize a DAR
chapter. These pioneers chose to honor their ancestors
who, with countless others, made that freedom possible.
Mary Margaret Grice Burnside
(Mrs. S. H.) served as the first regent and members chose to
name the chapter after her ancestor, Francis Grice, a Philadelphia
ship builder. He served in the Quartermaster Department
of the Army, where he attained the rank of Major. Captured
by the British in September 1777, he received his release in
1780.
The National Society
Daughters of the American Revolution, which celebrated its
centennial
year in 1991, is service oriented. Organized to perpetuate
the memory of those who achieved American Independence, it
also
promotes enlightened public opinion and fosters true patriotism
and love of country.
One member of our
chapter, Mrs. John Esten Hall, served as State Regent in
1961-64. Two other members served as state officers: Mrs.
E. T. Duff, State Treasurer, 1949-52; and Mrs. Jay Norwood,
State Curator, 1973-76.
Interest from our
scholarship fund at Midwestern State University has benefited
students for 70 years. This chapter awarded the first
scholarship in the history of the school. Principal
currently amounts to over $10,000.
To encourage outstanding
students, the chapter presents awards each year to DAR Good
Citizens from Wichita Falls high schools, as well as to students
from nearby communities. The chapter also honors top ROTC
students annually.
For many years, we have
participated in naturalization services for new citizens,
distributing
hundreds of copies of the DAR Manual for Good Citizenship.
Each year our chapter cooperates with the Texas DAR in presenting
Military Recognition Awards to two Sheppard Air Force Base
personnel.
Every other year, the
chapter honors the Regent with a seated Colonial Tea, to which
members invite friends from the community.
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