General Edward Hand Chapter was the fourth DAR chapter to be formed in Kansas, and was organized November 24, 1899. The name was selected to honor the Revolutionary ancestor of two of the charter members.
General Edward Hand, having had a distinguished career as a British officer, resigned from British service in 1774 and took residency near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He served as aide-de-camp and personal physician to General George Washington during the Revolution. Rock Ford, General Hand's home, is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
One of the chapter's early members, Mrs. Terressa Jane Emmons Hoyt, was a Real Daughter -- that is to say, she was the daughter of a Revolutionary Patriot. In the early days of the DAR, there were seven Real Daughters who were members in Kansas.
Of great importance to the chapter is preservation and marking of historical sites. The chapter was honored to be involved in moving the historic Dietrich Cabin from its location in Princeton, Kansas, to its current location in the City Park in Ottawa.
Through the years, the chapter has been very active in state and national projects and is proud to have provided leadership to the state society.
The chapter, working with the Betty Washington Chapter of Lawrence, placed a Santa Fe Trail marker near Baldwin City. A stone marking the grave of an early missionary was placed in the Ottawa Mission Burying Ground and a gateway was erected at the entrance where two striking bronze tablets were set to honor pioneers buried there.
The chapter holds regular monthly meetings September through May. Meetings are normally on the second Saturday of the month, at 9:30 a.m. Prospective members are welcome to attend. Please email us using the link below for more information.
For Membership Information
Visit KSDAR Website
Visit NSDAR Website
