The Betty Martin Chapter, NSDAR, was organized by Mary Gatlin Cooke (Mrs. Huling P.) Robertson and 16 other members on April 6, 1904. The eleventh chapter organized in Texas, it was named in honor of the great grandmother of Mrs. Robertson’s Revolutionary War Patriot, Richard Caswell (1729-1789). Betty Martin, born Elizabeth Martin in 1685, lived in Hereford County, Maryland, and was a famous belle of the ante-Revolutionary War days. A young woman with a long line of suitors at her doorstep, she became the subject of a famous song.

Two of her illustrious grandsons became revolutionary governors and both were members of the Continental Congress: Governor William Paca of Maryland, and Governor Richard Caswell of North Carolina. Mistress Betty Martin lived to a marvelous old age and witnessed the birth of the new nation, its adoption of a constitution and flag, and its establishment among the world powers for freedom and peace. She died in Calvert, Maryland, December 31, 1778.

Mrs. Robertson served as regent of Betty Martin Chapter, NSDAR, from 1903-1909, and from 1911-1913. She was also Texas State Society DAR, Vice Regent 1908-1909. She held the position of teller at two national DAR elections. She remained a member of the Betty Martin Chapter, NSDAR, until her death in 1938.

The chapter today has nearly 200 members from Temple, Texas, and surrounding towns. Our membership includes women of all walks of life and ages; and is open to any woman who has proof of lineal descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution. We have monthly meetings from September to May as well as two annual teas. We join together to promote historic preservation, education, patriotism, and honor our Revolutionary War ancestors.

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Interested in Membership?

Guests are always welcome at our meetings. Click on the email link and someone will contact you with information about our next meeting.

• Attend a Betty Martin Chapter, NSDAR, meeting or event to meet our Daughters and explore what we do.
• Gather your family history documentation to identify an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence between April 19, 1775 (Battle of Lexington) and November 26, 1783 (withdrawal of British Troops from New York).
• Work on and complete application.

If you are interested in membership, please email our Chapter Regent. To prepare for your first meeting with our membership committee, please review our "How to Join" page provided by the National DAR. You can also continue on the "Genealogy" page and work on filling out a Pedigree Chart (pdf). If you don't know where to start, do not worry! We are here to help you! Our chapter has an active membership committee of women who will be happy to help you get started on your research, documentation and application paperwork, as well as introduce you to other chapter members, activities and let you know about our meeting times.

Contact Us | Webmaster | Last Updated: May 25, 2022
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