DAR chapter holds monthly meeting

The Pine Bluff-John McAlmont Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met on March 19 at Lakeside United Methodist Church Center.

Regent Julia Ann Beckham called the meeting to order and led the members in the DAR ritual. Secretary Rita Cash reported that the minutes for the February meeting had been approved. The treasurer’s report was given by DeeLois Lawrence, according to a news release.

Beckham reported that five members have registered to attend the state convention — Sharon Wyatt, Barrie Hardin, Jerrie Townsend, Susan Over and Beckham.

A report on the Tess Hill Scholarship given each year to a graduating senior from the local area schools was given by Wyatt. Over reported that she had sent applications for the scholarship to two seniors.

Betty Cole reported that the Southeast Arkansas College Scholarship had been awarded to Alicia Davenport, and that Alicia will attend the DAR April meeting to accept the award.

Certificates were scheduled to be given to the ROTC candidates as a reward for their service at each of the following schools: White Hall High School on April 3; Watson Chapel High School on April 4; and to Pine Bluff High School on April 25. Over will be presenting these certificates.

Janet Scherm was recognized for her work on the chapter scrapbook, The scrapbook was on display at the meeting.

Wyatt told the members of the recent death of a beloved member, Mary Dotson.

Cole, who had recently spoken to KarLynn Roberts, a member who now lives out of state, told the group that she was doing well and was living with her brother.

Sabrina Self introduced her guest and sister who is from Alabama and an active DAR member in her hometown.

George Mitchell presented a program, “War of 1812 and Dartmoor Prison.” Mitchell explained how the War of 1812, called the American War of 1812 in Britain, was fought by the United States and its allies against the United Kingdom and its allies. The leading causes of the conflict included British attempts to restrict U.S. trade, the Royal Navy’s impressment of American seamen and America’s desire to expand its territory. The ratification of the Treaty of Ghent on Feb. 17, 1815, ended the war leaving many contentious questions unresolved. Nevertheless, many U.S. citizens celebrated the war as “a second war of Independence,” according to the presentation.

Dartmoor Prison is located in the village of Princetown, county of Devon. The prisoners of the War of 1812 eventually totaled 6,553, of which 271 are known to have died. St. Michael and All Angels Church was built by American prisoners of the war. The Society of the Daughters of 1812 installed a stained-glass memorial window in honor of the American soldiers imprisoned there, and especially those who had died. A picture of this window is printed on the certificates of membership presented to each new member.

After the program, Beckham adjourned the meeting. Refreshments were served.