Over two hundred years ago, American colonists, sacrificed their lives and fortunes to "establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty" and in doing so, left a legacy to the American people. Membership in the DAR will allow you to perpetuate their legacies through supporting the efforts of the National Society by promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children.
Any woman 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible to join the DAR. This means that your ancestor could have provided food for soldiers, served in the military, served their town as sheriff, or provided medical aid to the wounded.
Joining the DAR does not require an interest in genealogy, but it helps to have knowledge of your ancestry. To determine your eligibility, you will need to gather documents for yourself, your parents, grandparents, and possibly great-grandparents. With 94 chapters in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (PSSDAR) has volunteers who can assist you if you need help with your research.
Please visit the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution "How to Join" page.
The Tah Gah Jute Chapter, NSDAR, was founded in Danville on October 12, 1991. The founding regent was Vera Grove Rishel.
Tah Gah Jute was named for the youngest of Chief Shikellamy's four sons. In 1728, Chief Shikellamy was the deputy for the Iroquois Confederacy and a firm friend of the white settlers. Tah Gah Jute was of impressive stature, spoke English, and was best known in history as the Mingo Chief. Like his father, he was a friend of the whites.
The English Settlers named him James Logan, in honor of the Secretary of the Provincial Council. Logan was known for the most eloquent speech ever given by an Indian. It was delivered to the Governor of Virginia before the Treaty Meeting at Chillocothe, Virginia. This was held for the purpose of putting an end to Lord Dunmore's War, during which all of Tah Gah Jute's family were massacred. "I appeal to any white man to say, if ever he entered Logan's cabin hungry, and he gave him not meat; if ever he came cold and naked, and he clothed him not. During the course of the last long and bloody war Logan remained idle in his cabin, an advocate for peace. Such was my love for the whites, that my countrymen pointed as they passed, and said 'Logan is the friend of white men.' I had even thought to have lived with you, but for the injuries of one man, Colonel Cresap, the last spring, in cold blood, and unprovoked, murdered all the relations of Logan, not even sparing my women and children. There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins of any living creature. This called on me for revenge. I have sought it; I have killed many; I have fully glutted my vengeance; for my country I rejoice at the beams of peace. But do not harbor a thought of mine is the joy of fear. Logan never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his life. Who is there to mourn for Logan? Not one."
Tah Gah Jute was murdered in October 1781 as he sat before his campfire. Colonel Cresap was proven innocent. Benjamin Sappirton and his party from Washington County, Pennsylvania, headed by Daniel Greathouse, were the murderers of Logan's family.
The chapter meets the third Tuesday evening of each month, except for the months of March and December, when we have a luncheon on Saturday. Meetings are held in Danville. Members participate in the local Memorial Day Parade and the Flag Day ceremonies. Tah Gah Jute Chapter, NSDAR, supports efforts for DAR Project Patriot and for the veterans at the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Administration Hospital.
