About Our Chapter
The John Marshall Chapter of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR), in Louisville, Kentucky, was organized January 12, 1892. On March 14, 1892, Charter No. Four was granted by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The founders chose the name John Marshall to honor the 4th Chief Justice of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1835.
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The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political, volunteer women’s service organization comprising 3,000 chapters and over 185,000 members. The DAR, and John Marshall Chapter, NSDAR, are committed to promoting education, historic preservation, and patriotism.
Chapter History
John Marshall Chapter, NSDAR, organized in 1892, has a long-standing history in both Louisville and Kentucky. In March 1892, the chapter was granted National Charter No. 4.
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There were sixteen organizing members of the John Marshall Chapter. The first officers were: Regent, Mrs. Henry L. (Sallie Marshall Ewing) Pope; Secretary, Miss Elvira Sydnor Miller; Treasurer, Mrs. W.A. (Attia Porter) McKnight; and Registrar, Mrs. Ewing (Somerville Hayes) Eaches.
Chief Justice John Marshall
John Marshall Chapter, NSDAR, was named for the Patriot John Marshall (1755-1835). He was the fourth Chief Justice of the United States and served on the Supreme Court from 1801-1835. He was the Supreme Court’s most influential Chief Justice, responsible for constructing and defending judicial power and American Federalism. While he was Chief Justice, John Marshall participated in over 1,000 decisions, of which over 500 he wrote himself. His most influential decisions were Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, Dartmouth College v. Woodward, Cohens v. Virginia and Gibbons v. Ogden.
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Prior to his service on the Supreme Court, he served as Secretary of State under President John Adams and in the House of Representatives. He also served under General George Washington in the Revolutionary War during the harsh winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge. During his time in the military he rose to the rank of Captain.
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Many of the charter members were his descendants.
Today's John Marshall
John Marshall Chapter, NSDAR, is the largest chapter in Kentucky with over 425 active members. We are involved in the Greater Louisville community in many different ways.
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We strive to take an active role in the community, furthering the mission of the NSDAR through service hours in everything from education to animal rescue.
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We support our military and its veterans, educate children in classrooms about American history, and help to preserve historic buildings in the Louisville area.
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Our chapter follows the NSDAR philosophy of volunteerism, receiving the National Gold Honor Roll for over 20 consecutive years.
Our chapter holds regular monthly meetings during the day, where we conduct chapter business and have varied programs of interest to our members. To find out more about our meetings, time and place, contact our chapter representative.