Under Mrs. Hand’s direction, the following were charter members: Caroline M. Baker, Elizabeth Patterson Handy, Josephine B. Graves, Annie W. Blair Harrison, Mary A. Horton, Katherine Douglas Putnam, Jennie M. Snow, Harriet Elizabeth Adams, Nettie Huntington Ware, Ruth J. Smith, Florence Woodbury Miller, Lucenna Bloefurr Mattoon, Mary White Cook, Miss Zu Adams, and Miss Isbella Marr Thompson. After many preliminary meetings and much assistance in putting their papers together, the organization was finally perfected at the home of Mrs. Mary A. Horton. Only the charter members were present. Mrs. Josephine B. Graves was already of member of the National Society. The charter was granted in September, 1896.

The membership increased slowly because the feeling had to be overcome that it was snobbish to pay attention to one’s ancestors and to teach the people the need of a patriotic society to care for Revolutionary history and relics. As other chapters were formed in the state, the interest grew. In 1899 Topeka Chapter entertained the other three chapters in the state and then organized the first Kansas State Conference of DAR.

For the 100th anniversary, Topeka Chapter members researched the charter members and chapter member, Peggy Boggs, wrote a play which the members acted out at one of their chapter meetings. This play won a National award. The anniversary celebration was held at Cedar Crest, the governor’s mansion, in Topeka. Most attendees wore period costumes; snacks served were recipes from 1896.