Chapter History The Marguerite McNair DAR chapter was formed October 9, 1969, and the first meeting held October 11, 1969. Our first officers were: The chapter was named after Marguerite McNair, wife of the first governor of Missouri back when the capitol was St. Charles. Marguerite McNair Marguerite Suzanne Reilhe McNair was born into a family of French nobility in St. Louis, Missouri, on January 29, 1787. Her father, Antoine De Reilhe, immigrated at an early age to engage in the mercantile business. Her mother died when she was only six years-old but her father devoted himself to the tutorship of his three children, giving them an excellent education and elegant manners. Marguerite was versed and fluent in English, French and Spanish. Her father died in 1802 when she was only 15 years-old, leaving her and her siblings orphans. After her father's death, the children lived with Mrs. Dodge, the maternal aunt of Alexander McNair. Marguerite married Alexander three years later in his aunt's home. McNair was elected to first governor of Missouri, beating General William Clark, the territorial governor for seven years. He was inaugurated September 18, 1820, served until 1824 then died of influenza in 1826, leaving Marguerite a young widow. In 1824, The Female Charitable Society of St. Louis was organized in Marguerite's home to relieve "distressed females and children" and help the poor. It was the first charity organized by women in St. Louis. Marguerite served as the first vice-president. Marguerite died in St. Louis on June 17, 1863, and is buried in Calvary Cemetery next to her husband. She was universally esteemed and beloved for her affability and charitableness. |
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We actively support our veterans by volunteering regularly at the Veterans Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, by donating care packages, and clothing and conducting food surveys quarterly. In the past, we've donated phone cards and supplies to soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
On May 5, 2011, our chapter represented the DAR for the first time at the annual Raytown Senior Expo, sponsored by the Raytown Council of Aging. Our exhibit included an eye-catching poster, brochures and three volumes of recognized American Revolutionary War patriots. We were very pleased with the response and interest.
On November 7, 2010, our chapter co-sponsored a "Tribute and Thank You to Our Veterans" program with the Raytown Arts Council, Raytown Council on Aging, and Raytown Retired Teachers Association at the Raytown High School Auditorium. To honor all military veterans of the United States and allied armed forces, the Tribute presented a military Color Guard, patriotic choral and band music, reflections by Raytown's Mayor, and a video presentation. Thanks also to Raytown Quality Schools, custodial staff, and photographer, Peggy Lawry. Click for photo slideshow on Flickr.
In 2009, our chapter was proud to be able to donate a United States flag and pole to the Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) property on 79th Street in Raytown, Missouri.
In December 2010, we donated cookies to the Missouri DAR Headquarter's Christmas Open House and had fun socializing with Daughters from other chapters, and touring the gorgeous Roslyn Heights mansion in Boonville, Missouri.
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Our chapter sponsors DAR scholarships to outstanding students in the Raytown School District, and presents Good Citizen's Awards to outstanding seniors from Raytown High School and Raytown South High School. We support Indian schools across the country, and present medals to honor cadets from the Northeast High School ROTC program. 
Marguerite McNair DAR |
