A beloved sisterhood

By Sherry Larson

People’s Defender

Daughters of the American Revolution is an organization “with more than 120 years of tradition, more than one million members admitted since its founding, a vast array of service work, a historic National Headquarters building with extraordinary collections, and countless activities locally, nationally, and globally.

DAR was founded in 1890 with the simple mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. These timeless, overarching principles keep the DAR strong and vitally relevant in this ever-changing world.

This nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education consists of over 190,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the world. These vibrant, active women are the heart of the organization.” (dar.org)

Meet Lucille Gelter of the DAR Sycamore Chapter formed in Adams County on November 9, 1912. Gelter is 98 years young and has been a member of DAR for nearly 75 years. “I’m from an old Adams County family – the Kincaid and O’Brien family,” said Gelter, who considers herself a member of DAR for longer than 75 years. She said, “My mother became a member when she was pregnant for me in 1926.” She continued, “I’m here because of mom,” fondly remembering attending DAR meetings as a child. Gelter said, “My mother took me. I always wanted to go because the refreshments were so good,” causing the other members to laugh in agreement.

Gelter considers herself a patriotic person from a patriotic family. She believes the DAR is the voice of America. “We are the daughters of the people who started this country and fought in the Revolutionary War.”

Gelter’s family came to Adams County in 1798. Sergeant Thomas Kincaid, a sharpshooter in Daniel Morgan’s Rifle Regiment, was in the Revolutionary War. His son was Colonel John Kincaid, who was in the War of 1812 and established the family farm in Liberty Township. He was granted a land grant that was signed by Andrew Jackson. His son was John H., and his son was Gelter’s grandfather Quincy. Her mother, Eva, was the next generation. Gelter’s father was Roby O’Brien.

There were several years when Gelter couldn’t participate actively in DAR because the meetings were on Saturday, and she worked on Saturday at the Ripley National Bank. After retiring, she started faithfully attending and relayed that she thoroughly enjoyed it. “I feel like they are my sisters in the DAR,” she said. Gelter has served as treasurer for 24 years and has never missed a meeting in all those years.

Teresa Montgomery, Gelter’s daughter and third-generation DAR member explained that the group is nonpolitical and nonprofit. Any young lady 18 years or older with a direct lineage to a Revolutionary War service member can apply to be a member. The group is recognized for its outstanding community service. “If it’s patriotic, we are there,” said Gelter, who turned in 100 community service hours on the day of this interview for her hours served since January.

Gelter hopes that Montgomery’s daughters, her granddaughters, will be the fourth generation in the family to join the DAR. They are currently in the application process.

The Sycamore Chapter was chartered in 1914 and has 23 active members who meet six times yearly.

Describing the fellowship she feels with her DAR sisters, Gelter said, “We are close. We feel like family.” Fellow member Linda Jacobs echoed, “We have a sisterhood.” Montgomery said if one goes back far enough into each member’s history, many are related and share the same revolutionary ancestor.

One favorite memory Gelter and other members shared was attending their springtime tea at Promont House in Milford, Ohio. Last year, they started having their tea locally at Ramblin Rose Tea Room in West Union. Gelter shared a humorous story about the Promont House’s steep and high staircase. She said, “Guess who went to the top story?” Of course, it was her, and the other members said they were having none of it. “She’s a trooper,” said Montgomery.

DAR member Linda Jacobs said of Gelter, “She’s a jewel. Anytime we need anything done, something presented, or forget things and need to go back in somebody’s memory – she can always pull it out.” Ethel Chambers, who has been friends with Gelter for a long time, said, “The DAR is like one big family. Dana Arey added, “Gelter is a wonderful person. We all have a love of our country and our constitution. That is something we all share.”

Gelter resides in Brown County but faithfully attends her DAR meetings in Adams County and loves being with her DAR sisters. She said, “My association with the DAR is very patriotic – but it’s also like coming home.”