Chapter History
The Ursula Wolcott-Black Swamp Chapter, NSDAR, was created by the June 6, 1998, merger of two chapters: The Black Swamp Chapter, NSDAR, and the Ursula Wolcott Chapter, NSDAR.
Ursula Wolcott Chapter NSDAR History
In 1894, Mrs. W. H. H. Smith made a visit to her sister living in Cincinnati and through contact with the Cincinnati chapter, which had been formed in 1893, became much interested in the aims and ideals of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
When she returned to her home it was with the determination that Toledo should soon organize a chapter. It was not difficult to find twelve people in this city who were both eligible and enthusiastic, and on January 12, 1895, at Mrs. Smith's residence on Madison Avenue, the Ursula Wolcott Chapter, NSDAR, was formed.
The State Regent, Mrs. Howard Hinkle, presided and the following chapter members were present: Mrs. W. H. H. Smith, Mrs. J. H. Doyle, Miss Elizabeth Doyle, Mrs. Grace Doyle, Mrs. A. J. Spitzer, Mrs. Birchard Hayes, Mrs. Helen Dimick, Mrs. Alice Bowman, Mrs. Fanny Bowman Bodman, Miss Alice Waite, Miss Maria Waite, and Mrs. Matilda Campbell.
There are no records of the earliest meetings, but we know that the first election of officers was held on March 9, 1895, and that Mrs. W. H. H. Smith was chosen as regent and Miss Maria Waite as secretary.
It was at this meeting that the name of Ursula Wolcott Chapter, NSDAR, was given. It was the only name proposed, and it was the suggestion of Mrs. Helen Wolcott Dimick. This was a particularly fitting choice inasmuch as nine of the twelve members were closely related to Ursula Wolcott and the remaining members later traced their kinship to this patriotic woman.
Black Swamp Chapter, NSDAR History
The Black Swamp Chapter, NSDAR, was established on February 27, 1928, and chartered on February 1, 1929.
Organizing members were Irene Ross Avery, Gretchen Fast Overman, Rhoda Coveney Sutton, Winifred Wood Warner, and Merle Saylor Wood. Charter members at that time were all of the preceding, plus Grace Strong Donahey, Helen Mae Phelps, and Margaret O'Carroll Rider. The chapter was organized on February 27, 1928, in Bowling Green, Ohio and chartered on February 1, 1929.
Ursula Wolcott
Grave of Ursula Wolcott Griswold,
Old Lyme, Connecticut
Photo courtesy of brianz190,
findagrave.com.
Ursula Wolcott was born on October 30, 1724, in Windsor, Connecticut, to Governor Roger Wolcott and Sarah (Drake) Wolcott.
She married Matthew Griswold on November 10, 1743, at age 19 in Windsor, Connecticut. They had four children.
Ursula passed away on April 5, 1788, at age 63 in Old Lyme, New London, Connecticut.
Ursula has the distinction of being the daughter of a governor, aunt of a governor, sister of a governor, wife of a governor, and mother of a governor; all of the Colony/State of Connecticut. Her brother Oliver signed the Declaration of Independence. She was known as a woman of sparkling wit and was famed for her graceful hospitality.