General Marion Chapter, NSDAR, was organized June 3, 1907. Mrs. Mabel Greydene-Smith was the organizing regent. The chapter number is 760, the seventh chapter to be organized in Colorado. The charter members were: Ruth Lewis, Wilma Durkee, Ada Wright Arthur, Ethel Scott Thomas, Jean Blair Whipple, Estelle Beach Davis, Abbie Bowlby Galley, Jessie Anne Peabody, Hattie Averill Thomas, Helen Weaver Wilson, Mabel Greydene-Smith, Selina Bowlby Biggs, and Elizabeth Bowlby Smith.
The first officers were: Mabel Greydene-Smith (Mrs.), regent; Selina Bowlby Biggs (Mrs. Clinton), vice regent; Hattie Averill Thomas (Mrs.), recording secretary; Wilma Durkee (Mrs. Charles G.), treasurer; Ethel Scott Thomas (Mrs.), historian.
Canon City’s DAR chapter chose a name not closely associated with Colorado History. The name was suggested by State Regent Mrs. John Campbell at a preliminary meeting in January 1907. General Francis Marion (1732-1795) was a courageous general and a famous strategist of the Revolutionary War. He was known as “The Swamp Fox” because of his skill in retreating – Indian fashion – to swamps and forests after quick, effective raids on the British Forces. The name honors a devoted patriot who fought to make America free.
In 1910, the Colorado State Conference was entertained in Canon City, and again in 1920. Miss Ruth Lewis was state registrar when Mrs. Maria Bleeker Wheaton was state regent. She was a charter member and is still a member of this chapter. Mrs. Clyde Dawson served the State Conference as recording secretary in 1912, and later Mrs. W.T. Little held the same state office. Mrs. W.C. Thomas headed a state committee in 1923-1925.
Excerpt taken from “DAR in Colorado 1894 -1953” printed by the Colorado State Society.