National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Jonathan Dayton Chapter Collection

The National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) was founded in 1890. On July 13, 1890, Mrs. Mary Lockwood of Washington, D.C. was upset at the denial of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) to admit women into their society. She wrote an article in the Washington Post entitled "Women Worthy of Honor." The Registrar General of the SAR responded to her article July 21, 1890, proposing assistance in the structuring of a Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. On August 18, 1890, a notice appeared which outlined the Society's purpose and qualifications for membership. On October 11, 1890, the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution was official; it was incorporated by an Act of Congress in the District of Columbia on June 8, 1891.

The news spread rapidly and chapters applied in the hope to become one of the early associates. The formation of this type of society was unusual in the United States. Dayton formed a local chapter which was named for General Jonathon Dayton. The founder of the local chapter, Mrs. Silas Burns, was from Cincinnati where she helped with the formation of the Cincinnati chapter. Seventeen well known local women joined the newly formed chapter. The seventeen charter members were: Louise Latham Devereux Burns, Francis Louise Achey, Jesse Leech Davisson, Louise Achey Kennedy, Sarah Dechart, Mary Colby Thrasher, Flora Lewis Hughes Hodge, Sara Jerome Patrick, Anna Kimmel Welliver, Charlotte Reeves Conover, Anna Mathiot Dorsey, Hattie Mason Hooker Lytle, Harriet Snyder King, Martha Olivia Hawes, Emma Thompson Beaver, Mary Ellen Gebhart, and Hannah Follett Clark.

The chapter was organized February 4, 1896; the charter was granted April 8, 1896. Three of the charter members were "Real Daughters." These members had relatives who had fought in the American Revolution.

The DAR is a living reminder of the patriots of 1776. The goals of the society are to keep alive the spirit of the men and women who fought for American independence, to promote the development of an enlightened public opinion, and foster patriotic citizenship.

The Jonathon Dayton Chapter was named for General Jonathon Dayton who was a distinguished lawyer, senator, and soldier. As a statesman, he helped with the development of the U.S. Constitution and was Speaker of the House of Representatives; as a lawyer, he was a knowledgeable jurist; and as a soldier, he served under Lafayette. General Dayton never saw the town named for him.

Chapter activities over the years include: studies of U.S. History, marking of local historic places and graves, beautification of local parks, contributing to local charities, donating books and flags to local schools, the organization of the Mary Van Cleve Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution (CAR), student essay contests, and the sponsoring of ROTC activities and awards at two local high schools (Walter E. Stebbins and Fairborn Baker).