Dames & Daughters

Daughters of the American Revolution

Our family's approved DAR ancestors include Ensign Job Todd, Capt. Stevens Woolford, Roger Woolford, Levin MacNamara, and Whittington Johnson. All are from Maryland's Eastern Shore: four from Dorchester and one from Somerset.

Jane Dunnock Brewer Amann-Jones was a charter member of the John Alexander Chapter, NSDAR organized May 17, 1932. Other founding members included Rebecca Lloyd Smoot Seaman (a cousin) and Marion Moncure Duncan. Mrs. Duncan would become the first Virginia Daughter to be President General.

Those young women in 1932 had the vision of projects that they could do to help preserve the history of Alexandria - long before it was a popular idea or viewed as a polite past time for young ladies.

The Chapter was named by Eleanor Washington Howard (last child born at Mt. Vernon) for John Alexander, founder of the City of Alexandria in 1749. The Motto, "Youth - Now and in the Future," appropriately emphasizes a keen interest in future citizens. The Chapter restored, furnished, and maintained the Female Stranger's Room at Gadsby's Tavern. Restoration of City court records is an ongoing project for the Chapter.

The DAR Library has large and venerable walnut reading tables. These were refinished with donated funds and donor plaques placed on each. The plaque on one reads: Jane Brewer Amann-Jones, John Alexander Chapter, 1932 -1987

Lineage has been submitted and accepted by a number of hereditary societies. Supporting information will be freely shared with family members - just ask.

Colonial Dames, 17th Century - Several of Edna's aunts and cousins were early members of the National Society of Colonial Dames, 17th Century. Her grand daughter has continued the tradition and established a new ancestrial line for Roger Woolford, II grandson of Levin Denwood and son of Roger Woolford of Hungars Parish. Lines have also been approved for Elizabeth Ennalls, Bartholomew Ennalls, Levin Denwood, and Arthur Whitely and others for 18 in all.

Daughters of the War of 1812 - A new ancestrial lines have been established: Corporal Zachiariah Brewer was killed in the line of duty serving in the 14th Infantry Division. His grandson was Henry Fenton Brewer (1st) -- Whittington Johnson, his son Hambleton; William Woolford and Levin MacNamara. These men all served to protect our Eastern Shore.

United Daughters of the Confederacy - The service of Captain Oliver Perry Johnson in the Virginia 32nd has been established. He was the elder brother of Cornelius W. Johnson.

Jamestowne - Captain James Davis first sailed from England for the VIrginia Company from England in 1607. He again sailed for Virginia on the "Virginia" on June 8th 1609 from Falmouth, England, the largest fleet ever sent over to Virginia, full of people and provisions. He was in command of the "Virginia" one of nine vessels of the fleet known as the "Third Supply" which assembled at Falmouth and proceeded to Virginia by way of the Azores. It carried with it the new Charter of the Virginia Company, which had been drafted by Sir Francis Bacon and signed by King James I. James Davis is an ancestory of Sarah Brooks Woolford. The Muster of 1621 shows Edmund Chisman (Cheeseman) with his brothers. Edmund is the ancestor of Mary Levin MacNamara Johnson. The Jamestowne Society is open to men and women.

Daughters of American Colonists - DAC lineage has been accepted for Roger Woolford through Sarah Brooks Woolford and her descendants.

Society of the Descendants of Early Quakers - Levin Denwood and his immediate family were acknowldeged as Friends. From Levin, lineage has been accepted in this Society. It is open to men and women.