Levisa River Chapter, NSDAR, was organized on October 7, 2000, with 25 members. The organizing regent was Patricia M. Hatfield.
In a letter dated November 17, 1999, the chapter was given permission by the National Society to form a new primary chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution in Buchanan County, Virginia. Several NSDAR members were living in Buchanan County at the time. Most were members of the Fort Maiden Spring Chapter, NSDAR, in Tazewell County. Before the November date, members had been meeting at the home of Brenda Ward in Patterson or the public library in Grundy. This was a lively group of women who liked to work on family history, but also enjoyed the idea of service to the schools and community.
Patricia M. Hatfield took the first step by notifying NSDAR that there were sufficient numbers of ladies who would qualify for membership. They next petitioned National for permission to organize. Three names were submitted for consideration as the official chapter name. The group was then notified that Levisa River Chapter, NSDAR, would be the official name. It was the name everyone liked the best.
On December 2, 2000, the National Society confirmed 25 organizing members in good standing. An installation ceremony was held at Buchanan First Presbyterian Church in Grundy. Members of Fort Maiden Spring Chapter, NSDAR, led by Betty Byrd St. Clair, helped install the new officers: Regent, Patricia Musick Hatfield; First Vice Regent, Grace Addison Ratliff; Second Vice Regent, Elsa Looney Cook; Chaplain, Mary Rife Salyer; Recording Secretary, Janie Layne Owens; Treasurer, Brenda Ward; Registrar, Linda Looney Smith; and Librarian, Elizabeth Susan Cox.
The chapter was off to a good start with 25 members and several more memberships pending. The chapter has sustained growth every year and has completed major projects since 2000, culminating in the most recent project “Wheels for Heath,” a project that raised over $35,000 for a special vehicle for Heath Calhoun, a local soldier who suffered major injuries in Iraq. Levisa River Chapter, NSDAR, continues to attract members who enjoy service to the community and a love of genealogy.
History of Levisa River Chapter, NSDAR, by Patricia M. Hatfield.