History of Union Mission Chapter, NSDAR
The organizing meeting of the Union Mission Chapter, NSDAR, of Pryor, Oklahoma, was held on February 2, 1990, at the home of Amy Spark, the organizing regent. Oklahoma Society Daughters of the American Revolution (OSDAR) District 1 Director, Frankie Dunn, was the presiding and installing officer. State Historian, Vee Troxel, was also present.
The 19 charter members were: Judith Elaine Sparks Ball, Carolyn Ann Davis Brown, Bonnie Lucille Warnock Burns, Karen Joyce Willis Crockett, Mary Lu Harness Dodge, Frances Elizabeth Means Finch, Bonnie Lou Burns Johnson, Marguerite Marie Eichler Jones, Lucy Jean Gibbons Levy, Mary Ellen Redington Lindsey, Wanda Lee McQuiddy McGinty, Lillian Grace Bates Rozell, Dorothy Lou Connaly Settle, Judy Beth Burns Smith, Amy Means Sparks, Clara Louise Welch Terrill, Jo Catherine Sparks Thomason, Retha Marjorie Littlefield Willis, and Rosalyn Retha Willis Yarbrough. |
The chapter was organized around the National Society's three objectives: historic preservation, promotion of education, and patriotic endeavor.
Historic Preservation:
The United States government wanted the Osage tribe to be educated. Money was given to the United Foreign Missionary Society for this purpose. In 1819, the society sent Reverend Chapman and Reverend Vaill to locate a mission among the Osage. After the Osages gave permission, they returned to report to New York. Before the Missionary Organization members departed New York in April 1820, plans were finalized, and the organization was named Union Mission. Many hardships were encountered on the way.
Union Mission, the first Protestant mission in what is now Oklahoma, was organized and established on February 18, 1821, among the Osage by the United Foreign Missionary Society (Presbyterian Dutch Reformed). The mission was the location of the first white settlement. The first boarding school was opened in September 1821 at Union Mission (about 5 miles northeast of Mazie in Mayes County). Other Union Mission "firsts" include first protestant marriage, the first church, first printing press, the first book printed, first lime kiln, first brick made, site of first commercial saltworks, first Christian burial, first Osage Protestant baptism, and the first saw and grist mill (oxen powered).
All that remains of this important historical site is the cemetery, the original spring on the mission grounds, and the original Union Mission Journal, a handwritten account of daily life at the mission. It is housed in the Oklahoma Historical Society Archives in Oklahoma City. Our chapter was named Union Mission to reflect and emphasize the interest in preserving the mission's history and the cemetery's history, and its physical remains.
Union Mission, the first Protestant mission in what is now Oklahoma, was organized and established on February 18, 1821, among the Osage by the United Foreign Missionary Society (Presbyterian Dutch Reformed). The mission was the location of the first white settlement. The first boarding school was opened in September 1821 at Union Mission (about 5 miles northeast of Mazie in Mayes County). Other Union Mission "firsts" include first protestant marriage, the first church, first printing press, the first book printed, first lime kiln, first brick made, site of first commercial saltworks, first Christian burial, first Osage Protestant baptism, and the first saw and grist mill (oxen powered).
All that remains of this important historical site is the cemetery, the original spring on the mission grounds, and the original Union Mission Journal, a handwritten account of daily life at the mission. It is housed in the Oklahoma Historical Society Archives in Oklahoma City. Our chapter was named Union Mission to reflect and emphasize the interest in preserving the mission's history and the cemetery's history, and its physical remains.
A large grey granite historical marker bearing the Insignia of the NSDAR was erected in the old Union Mission Cemetery on November 7, 1992, and dedicated by the Union Mission Chapter, NSDAR. The State of Oklahoma presented a citation to the chapter recognizing this endeavor.
In 1994, the chapter sponsored the publication of a historical novel written by Juanita Cherry based on the Union Mission Journal. The book has been placed in area schools, libraries, the State Historical Library, and the DAR Library. The chapter won first place in the State competition for historical preservation sponsored by the American Historical Society Association. A typed transcript is kept at Pryor Public Library. |
In 2000, the chapter erected a granite marker at the Union Mission Cemetery commemorating the cemetery's placement on the National Historical Registry on September 10, 1971. All the known burials in this cemetery are listed on Find A Grave (Cemetery number 99698).
In 2002, tombstones (circa 1800) from the historic Chouteau Family cemetery were re-located to the Union Mission Cemetery with the family's permission to prevent further vandalism. A granite marker memorializing the event indicates that these stones were initially located southwest of the Union Mission Cemetery.
In 2007 and 2008, metal grave markers were placed in the Union Mission Cemetery for approximately 20 known graves. Six adults were buried from the late 1820s and 1830s, and the remaining graves belonged to children. Recently, an attractive wrought iron fence was erected along the boundary on either side of the entrance to the Union Mission Cemetery. The shelter at the cemetery was improved with a new metal roof, and beautiful porcelain tile was installed on the concrete floor. Each year, activities are planned to increase awareness of the historical importance of the Mission and the dedication and bravery of the Mission family. Additionally, the chapter oversees the maintenance of the cemetery. Learn more about our chapter's activities at the Union Mission Cemetery. |
Promotion of Education:
Every year, our chapter members participate in activities during Constitution Week, including library displays, area school activities, and community involvement in Constitution readings.
Our members support DAR schools by donations of money and needed personal items. We collect Box-Tops for Education and Campbell soup labels. Our chapter also donated to Oklahoma's Dollars for Scholars.
Every year our chapter recognizes individuals in our community for their citizenship and community service.
Our members support DAR schools by donations of money and needed personal items. We collect Box-Tops for Education and Campbell soup labels. Our chapter also donated to Oklahoma's Dollars for Scholars.
Every year our chapter recognizes individuals in our community for their citizenship and community service.
Patriotic Endeavor:
In 1994, Korean conflict ex-POW, Cletys Nordin, Union Mission Chapter's candidate for outstanding Veteran-Patient Volunteer won the NSDAR South Central Division competition after winning the Oklahoma State competition.
Fourteen hundred small pillows were made and sent to our troops. Forty wheelchair bags were made and sent to an area Veteran nursing facility. Seventy-five bags were made and sent for Christmas to an area Veteran's hospital. Numerous lap robes have been made and many other items including many teddy bears have been purchased and donated.
Our chapter participates in DAR Project Patriot with donations of money, collecting coupons, and sending lap robes to Germany for wounded veterans. Money and other items have been donated to the Blue Star Mothers.
Fourteen hundred small pillows were made and sent to our troops. Forty wheelchair bags were made and sent to an area Veteran nursing facility. Seventy-five bags were made and sent for Christmas to an area Veteran's hospital. Numerous lap robes have been made and many other items including many teddy bears have been purchased and donated.
Our chapter participates in DAR Project Patriot with donations of money, collecting coupons, and sending lap robes to Germany for wounded veterans. Money and other items have been donated to the Blue Star Mothers.
Other Highlights:
- Many handmade caps were given to children in area hospitals for "Caps for Cancer". Many bibs were made for area nursing homes.
- In 2001, Union Mission Chapter, NSDAR, placed a welcome sign declaring Pryor, Oklahoma, a DAR community.
- An Oklahoma Centennial bench with the NSDAR insignia for Union Mission Chapter, NSDAR, was purchased and placed in a park in Pryor, Oklahoma.
- Union Mission Chapter, NSDAR, has earned Level 1 in Chapter Achievement almost every year since it was organized in 1990.
- Our chapter has had three State Chaplains, two District Directors, and one Deputy Representative for VA that have served.
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