From left are Linda Kuzara, Brenda Johnson, Bonnie Larkin, Elizabeth Sedlmayer, Barbara Pietro and Myra Johnston. Not pictured is Deborah Langebartel.

The Benjamin Prescott Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met recently and elected officers for the coming uear.

There were 14 members present.

The opening ceremony was conducted by Regent Brenda Johnson. Johnson then summarized the President General’s Message. It stressed that we should celebrate Veterans Day on November 11. If anyone would like to read the entire article, it can be found online at the national website.

The DAR National Defense Article was read by Kari Wendel. This article was from the Evening Star (Washington D.C.) of November 11, 1921. It told of the unknown American Soldier who was buried in Arlington Cemetery. Selected by chance from the many unidentified soldiers, he was a private soldier of the American army who died while fighting for our country. He is now “the nation’s most honored hero.”

Johnson mentioned the Christmas Party. It will be held at Webb’s Captain’s Table Restaurant in Mayville on Saturday, Dec. 4, at noon. Reservations are due to Bonnie Larkin by Nov. 24. Instead of exchanging gifts, it was decided to give a donation to the Western New York Heroes, which helps veterans.

Johnson reminded members that on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the group will attend services at the American Legion in Fredonia. Members are asked to arrive by 10:45 a.m. After the services, the chapter will place white roses on the garden memorial for the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Members were also informed of two other Veterans Day services. On Friday, Nov. 12, at 3:30 p.m., the State University at Freedonia will be holding services. The flag ceremony will be led by the Dunkirk ROTC. Elizabeth Sedlmayer also said the Chautauqua County services will be held at the Brocton Legion on Sunday, Nov. 14, at 1 p.m.

Johnson said five members attended the District VIII Meeting in October at the Buffalo Club hosted by the Katherine Pratt Horton Chapter NSDAR. During the meeting, the guest speaker from the Buffalo Historical Society spoke about the day President McKinley was shot. After the meeting, a tour of the chapter house was given.

Johnson said she had spoken to Joan Sinclair, District VIII director, about ordering new shirts for members. The polo shirt may no longer be available but a T-shirt with the same graphics may be. More information will be forthcoming as there was an interest in buying new shirts.

Johnson mentioned that perhaps during the winter or spring months the chapter could meet to get paperwork and other things organized and put together in one place. Members were asked to consider possible sites for storage.

Ideas for field trips for next year were discussed. Some ideas were to visit Gettysburg, the Dunkirk Lighthouse, Buffalo Military and Naval Park, Erie Canal, Buffalo History Museum, take a boat tour on the Buffalo Canal, and enjoy teas and fashion shows at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.

The next item on the agenda was the voting for new officers. The Nomination Committee presented its slate of candidates, members voted, and the results were as follows: Regent: Bonnie Larkin; Vice-Regent: Brenda Johnson (for one year only); Secretary: Linda Kuzara; Treasurer: Deborah Langebartel; Chaplain: Elizabeth Sedlmayer; Historian: Myra Johnston; Registrar: Barbara Pietro. The installation of the officers was then conducted by Regent Johnson.

Elizabeth Sedlmayer gave a speech on the life of Mary Smith Lockwood, a native of Hanover. Lockwood was one the four founding members of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. On October 11, 1890, Lockwood, along with Eugenia Washington, Mary Desha, and Ellen Hardin Walworth, met at her home and started the society.

Lockwood was the first historian of the society and pushed for a building in which to hold the many historic items. Lockwood was also a supporter of women’s rights and was friends with Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. She lived long enough to see the NSDAR grow. Lockwood died at the age of 91 and is buried in Washington, D.C. In 1940, the dedication of a stone in memory of Lockwood took place at the four corners in Smith Mills, New York.

Those who had an ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary War and would like to join the Benjamin Prescott Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, call Barbara Pietro at 716-392-1166 or email jbpietro@gmail.com.