WITH A passion for service and a love for community, the Franklin County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) serves as a meaningful reminder to the enduring power of heritage, education, and patriotic service. Among its devoted members are Regent Jessica Neese and Vice Regent Wendy Moore, whose personal journey began with a deep desire to uncover whether one of their ancestors had rendered aid or service to the troops who fought so valiantly for the liberties we cherish today. Neese and Moore’s heartfelt mission is clear: to help the current generation grasp the profound significance of those sacrifices that secured our freedoms.
For Neese and Moore, involvement in the DAR is a way to honor their heritage while investing in the future through service, education, and civic engagement.
Reflecting on the significance of their involvement, they shared, “It’s an honor to be part of something so deeply rooted in the values of lineage, historical preservation, and national heritage.”
To these women, the DAR is a sacred legacy characterized by courage, sacrifice, and commitment to liberty. Membership means joining a sisterhood devoted to remembrance and service, united under the enduring motto: “God, Home, and Country.”
The Franklin County DAR Chapter exemplifies these ideals through its ongoing engagement in both genealogical research and community outreach. Its members champion a culture of active patriotism by supporting local veterans and service organizations, such as the Fisher House and the Veterans Hospital in Murfreesboro. Through tangible acts of kindness, offering gift cards, supplies, and companionship, they honor those who have borne the cost of freedom.
In addition to the DAR’s philanthropic outreach, the chapter invests in education and historical preservation. Each year, they award the DAR Good Citizen scholarship to one senior from Huntland High School and one from Franklin County High School — a long-standing initiative led by two devoted members to foster civic virtue and support of students. The chapter has also assisted two local teachers in securing $500 Helen Pouch Memorial Fund grants to enhance classroom resources. Furthering its commitment to preservation, the chapter supported two local museums, Cowan Railroad Museum and Sam H. Werner Museum, in applying for operational funding through the Tennessee Society DAR. Most recently, it presented the DAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Award to Dr. Gerald Smith, a retired University of the South professor; Jerry Limbaugh, Franklin County Historian; and the Sam H. Werner Military Museum in Monteagle, recognizing their enduring contributions to safeguarding local history.
In collaboration with American Legion Post #44, the chapter has taken a particularly meaningful step to commemorate its local Revolutionary War history. The two groups have secured Betsy Ross flags to honor the 33 identified Revolutionary War soldiers who died in Franklin County, ensuring their legacies are remembered with dignity.
When asked how the chapter helps Franklin County residents reconnect with their roots, Neese and Moore highlight the indispensable work of the chapter registrar. “She devotes countless hours to genealogical research,” they explained, “assisting individuals in tracing their ancestry and discovering whether they may qualify for DAR membership.”
One of the chapter’s most remarkable achievements was the commissioning of a bronze plaque to honor the 33 identified Revolutionary War veterans who settled and died in Franklin County. Funded through generous contributions from members and a DAR grant, the plaque has been installed on the chapter’s monument at the Franklin County Courthouse. It is crucial to note that research is ongoing, and there is a strong possibility that additional Revolutionary War soldiers who settled and died in Franklin County may be discovered in the future.
In preparation for the monument’s dedication, the chapter has successfully traced numerous descendants of the honored soldiers. These individuals are being personally invited to attend the upcoming ceremony — a central event in Franklin County’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. To date, the DAR has 24 chapter members who descend from one or more of the 33 identified soldiers. Neese and Moore note that Franklin County’s Revolutionary heritage distinguishes it from other regions in Tennessee. Its unique history as one of the state’s earliest established counties, founded in 1807, just 11 years after Tennessee achieved statehood, quickly became a beacon for Revolutionary War veterans seeking opportunity in a new land.
Tucked away in a fertile valley nourished by the Elk River, the county provided abundant resources: rich farmland, hardwood forests, and wildlife-filled hills within the Highland Rim. These natural assets made it a desirable destination for veterans eager to forge a new life after the trials of war. The community’s historical character is even reflected in its name — both the county seat and the DAR chapter honor James Winchester, a Revolutionary War officer whose memory continues to inspire local patriotism.
Yet remembrance is not merely passive; it demands action. As Neese and Moore emphasized, “We honor our nation’s founding generation through tangible efforts: erecting monuments, supporting patriotic parades, preserving historic documents, participating in ceremonies like Wreaths Across America, and sharing their stories through publications and public education.”
Through these meaningful acts, the Franklin County DAR Chapter ensures that past sacrifices remain vivid and formative for the present. The DAR urges a broader reflection that invites every American to remember the ideals that gave birth to the nation.
With the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration on July 4, 2026, the DAR’s work takes on added urgency and significance. The chapter’s initiatives aim to ensure that this milestone is not merely marked by fireworks and fanfare, but by a renewed understanding of the courage, vision, and resolve of America’s founders.
In all these endeavors, the Franklin County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution offers more than historical preservation — it extends an invitation to remember, honor, serve, and, above all, never forget that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured by ordinary citizens who rose to extraordinary acts of bravery. GN
