The   Mary  Isham  Keith   Chapter,  NSDAR   was  organized  June  15, 1898,  by Mrs. Elizabeth Douglas Keith Bell.  The following ladies were charter members:   Mrs.  Elizabeth Douglas Keith Bell, Mrs. Roberta  Flournoy Andrews, Mrs. Martha Reed  Fountaine  Flournoy,   Miss Mary Alice Waller,   Mrs. Mary  Burney   Jordan Groves,     Mrs.  Lortah  K.  Stanberry,     Mrs.   Mary  Dullen  Taylor,    Mrs.  Minnie Colburm   Naylor,   Mrs. Susan  Polk  Raynor,  Mrs.  Sallie  Polk  Raynor  Hyman,  Mrs. Emma Stockman Hendricks, Miss Elizabeth B. Mims, and Mrs. Rose Bradson Bullard.

Mrs. Mary Isham Keith was  the daughter  of  Thomas Randolph  and his wife, Judith  Fleming.   She was born in Fauquier County, Virginia.  In 1730,  she was  married to James Keith, a native of  Scotland and a clergyman of  the Church of England who  came to  America in 1717.   To  James Keith  and  his wife  were  born eight children.   Their  five sons,   three sons-in-law,  and  eight  grandsons  fought  or gave service in the Revolutionary War.   Many of the descendants of Mary Isham Keith proved worthy of their heritage, attaining distinction as lawyers, ministers, statesmen,  editors,  authors,  educators,  doctors,  scientists, businessmen, and soldiers.

OBJECTIVES

To  perpetuate  the  memory  and  spirit  of  the  men  and  women who achieved American Independence by the  acquisition and protection of historic spots and the  erection  of  monuments;   by  the  encouragement  of  historical research in relation  to the Revolution  and the publication of its results; by the preservation of   documents   and  relics   and  of   the  records  of  the  individual  services  of Revolutionary  soldiers and patriots; and by the promotion of celebrations of all patriotic anniversaries.

To  carry   out   the   injunction  of  Washington   in  his  farewell  address  to  the
American people, " To promote,  as an object of primary importance, institutions for the  general  diffusion  of knowledge,  thus developing an enlightened public opinion,  and  affording  to  young  and old such advantages as shall develop in them the largest capacity for performing the duties of American citizens."

To  cherish,  maintain, and extend the institutions of American freedom to foster true  patriotism  and  love  of  country,  and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

The DAR insignia is the property of and is copyrighted by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.