By Mary Baughan Martin
The first meeting of The Colonel Abram Penn DAR Chapter was in the home of my grandmother, Annie Sue Fulton Clark, in February 1950. At the time of organization, thirteen of the eighteen original members were descendants of Colonel Abram Penn.
My grandmother became the Organizing Regent. My mother, Barbara Clark Baughan, was one of the organizing members as well and served this chapter for over 67 years. The three of us are descendants of Colonel Abram Penn, for whom this chapter was named. We were able to join the DAR due to his military service during the Revolutionary War.
Abram was the son of George and Ann Penn. He spent his childhood in Caroline County, Virginia, and grew up in Albermarle (now Amherst). On March 3, 1767, he married Ruth Stovall, daughter of James and Mary Cooper Stovall.
As a militia captain under General Andrew Lewis, Penn fought at Point Pleasant in Dunmore’s War, 1774. After moving to Pittsylvania (later Henry) County, Abram served on the Committee of Safety in both counties as Delegate to the General Assembly from Henry.
In the county militia, Penn advanced to colonel, and during the winter of 1780-1781 organized the only body of Revolutionary troops from Henry and adjoining counties. He led this regiment to join General Nathaniel Greene in North Carolina and to oppose Lord Cornwallis at Guilford Courthouse (March 1781). In May 1781, Penn’s regiment joined General Greene again in defense of the Carolinas, fought in Battle of Eutaw Springs and continued in service through the surrender of Yorktown.
Abram Penn settled in his “Poplar Grove” home before Patrick County was organized in 1791. Penn, commissioned by the Governor, administered State and Federal oaths to the officers of Patrick County at its first court in June 1791. During the early years of the county, Abram Penn and seven of his nine sons served as “Gentlemen Justices”.
The Colonel Abram Penn Chapter is a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, which was founded October 11, 1890, and has headquarters in Washington, DC.
Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. NSDAR is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization. Help researching and proving your lineage can be provided by the chapter. The objectives of the DAR are historical preservation, promotion of education, and encouragement of patriotic endeavor.
If you are interested in learning more about DAR and/or becoming a member, please contact our Regent, Mrs. Ann McConnell by email at nammcconnell@yahoo.com.
Editor’s Note: The Enterprise is pleased to partner with the Colonel Abram Penn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to present My Patriot Ancestor, an ongoing series highlighting Revolutionary War patriots through the stories of local DAR members and their families.
