Our Chapter History
The Alexander Doniphan Chapter was formed in Liberty on March 6, 1909.
Charter members were Mary Garth (Campbell), Katherine Raymond, Louise Stogdale, Mrs. Enfield
Stogdale Lincoln, Ozelle Miller (Graves), Mrs. May Wilson Wallace McClintic, Mrs Bessie Miller
Day, Mabel Eaton (Llewellyn), Mary Miller (Smith), Mrs. Ida Miller Dye, Mrs. Martha M. Griffith, Irene
Raymond, and Edna Withers (Jones).
The Chapter was named for Col. Alexander William Doniphan, orator, jurist, statesman and
soldier. He was the leader of the famous march to Mexico known as the longest overland march
made by any military group. Alexander Doniphan was a strong supporter of all educational
endeavors. In 2000 the chapter dedicated a marker to Col. Alexander Doniphan near the
Presbyterian church on Main Street in Liberty, the site where his home once stood. The marker
states, "A Native Kentuckian, Alexander Doniphan lived at this site for 30 years. He defended the
Mormons and was one of the founders of William Jewell College. During the Mexican War
1846-47 he command the First Regiment Misssouri Mounted Volunteers in the longest march
ever made by an American Military organization. During this expedition he became known as
'The Hero of Sacramento.'"
In 1912, it was through the efforts of the Alexander Doniphan Chapter that the United States flag
was hoisted above the Clay County Courthouse for the first time in more than 50 years. They
also placed a flag at the public school the same year.
The Alexander Doniphan Chapter was placed on the Honor Roll of the Missouri State Society
DAR for its leaders in home service during World War I, including the Chairman of the Clay
County Woman's Committee Council of Defense, the chairman of Woman's work in the Red
Cross, Women's Registration Chairman, and the heads of other departments of war work.
Plans for celebrating the Clay County Centennial in 1922 were launched by members of the
Alexander Doniphan Chapter. An exhibit of historical relics and treasures of bygone days was
assembled and displayed by the chapter. They won first prize in the historical section of the
centennial parade and wrote and edited a book, Clay County Missouri Centennial Souvenir
1822-1922, which was published by the "Liberty Tribune" in 1922. A second edition was
published in 1972.
In 1924, the chapter contributed a bronze tablet engraved with the American's Creed for the then
new Liberty High School. The chapter helped furnish a room in a dormitory at William Jewell
College. In 1927 the members put on a play, "The Silver Cord," to raise money to floor the Big
Shoal Church. In 1950 the Junior Committee of the chapter presented "Fashion Flashbacks,"
a program showing twelve periods of dress from Colonial Times to 1950. A marker was placed
in 1969 at the old Liberty Spring stating that the town of Liberty was founded around this
inexhaustible spring July 1, 1822, and is dedicated to the Pioneer Settlers of this area.
Throughout the years, Alexander Doniphan Chapter has had enthusiastic
members who have served the Liberty, Missouri, community with great pride and carried out the
National Society DAR ideals of patriotism, education, and historic preservation. The chapter looks
forward to future accomplishments.
|
