A New Daughter of the American Revolution
WESTERVILLE, OH—I am elated to announce that on September 29, 2014 my application for membership in the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was accepted and I received my National Number on October 7th. The genealogist of the Worthington Chapter NSDAR notified me of the acceptance and confirmed my chapters official ceremony will be held December 13, 2014 at the Worthington Hills Country Club. I am forever grateful to Tracy and George Simmons for their assistance with the entire process and forging the path.
Why Join DAR? I’ve had this question posed to me by several people since the DAR’s history is less than perfect when it comes to the inclusion of minorities. Though, to bring about change we must push for inclusion and recognition of our ancestors contributions. We must participate to change opinions and encourage others to join so our presence is no longer an oddity. Minority membership is growing and I am happy to be a part of the change. But to answer the question, it’s simple, I’m proud that my 4th great grandfather, James Cornutt played a role in the founding of our country, that’s a legacy that anyone should be proud of. Our family has earned the right to have our history recorded, recognized and preserved for future generations.
The level of strength, passion and perseverance that began with our patriot ancestor has been passed along through the generations. For example James’s son, my 3rd great grandfather, John Cornutt had four children with his slave Rebecca, then went against the prevailing societal norm by acknowledging his children and freeing his family. He ensured their freedom and safe passage to Ohio where my family line was given birth. John’s son Tate Cornute, my 2nd great grandfather fought in the Civil War for the freedom of our enslaved people which laid the ground work for the freedoms we enjoy today. Tate’s son William Cornute, my great grandfather was an entrepreneur and owned the largest barber shop in Ohio where he employed family as well as other African American barbers during the early 1900’s.
Today our vast family members are business owners, professionals, government and community leaders, medical professionals, in the military, college students and much more. We are continuing the legacy by contributing and making a difference in our communities and our country.
On a more personal note, my mother who is now 91 asked me four years ago to find proof of the verbal histories that had been passed down, so I set out to fulfill her wish. I, like many budding genealogist, joined Family Search and Ancestry to begin my investigation. Slowly I found records, proof of our family history! It was through Ancestry that I met Tracy Simmons and began sharing information. I’ve connected and shared information with several people on this journey. Needless to say my mother and siblings are pleased but they keep pushing for more. My daughter will be 18 next year and is excited to pursue joining too.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a patriotic society organized October 11, 1890, and chartered by Congress December 2, 1896. Membership is limited to direct lineal descendants of soldiers or others of the Revolutionary period who aided the cause of independence.
The DAR, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children.
As one of the most inclusive genealogical societies in the country, DAR boasts over 175,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the United States and internationally.
Encompassing an entire downtown city block, DAR National Headquarters houses one of the nation’s premier genealogical libraries, one of the foremost collections of pre-industrial American decorative arts, Washington’s largest concert hall, and an extensive collection of early American manuscripts and imprints.
I am excited to work with DAR and support their goals of preserving history and promoting education and patriotism. They have one of the largest genealogical libraries for researching family history and I have so much more to learn.
When I received confirmation of membership I felt great pride as well as a sense of responsibility and I hope more family members join!
