John Benson Chapter History

The John Benson Chapter was organized March 12, 1913, with Mrs. Richmond Virginia Walton McCurry as organizing Regent. The chapter was named for John Blasingame Benson an early settler and influential businessman of Hartwell whose ancestry included Revolutionary War soldiers Thomas Benson and John Blasingame. The oldest patriotic organization in Hart County, the chapter has for 85 years distinguished itself by participating in civic, religious, and educational projects for the betterment of the entire county and its citizens.

Many of John Benson's descendants were among the chapter charter members: Miss Edna Benson, Mrs. Ethel Benson Matheson, Mrs. Fannie Benson McCurry, Mrs. Mary Benson Neese, Mrs. Mattie Benson Peek, and Mrs. Grace Benson Teasley. Other charter members include: Mrs. Bessie Webb Herndon, Mrs. Eloise McCurry Hodges, Mrs. Richmond Virginia Walton McCurry, Mrs. Daisy Webb McCurry, Mrs. Janie Conwell Mickel, Mrs. R Claire Dodd Thornton.

Other members who have held State Offices since the 1913 inception of the chapter are:

Juvernia Ward Hunter - State Constitution Week Chairman
Annette Hulme Johnson - American History, NE District Vice Chairman.
Elinor Fryer Kidd - State Flag Day Chairman
Ann Parker Parsons - State Magazine Chairman, State Volunteer Information Specialists Chairman, State Protocol Committee, State Vice Chairman Processional and Seating, National Vice Chairman, Junior American Citizens Committee South Eastern Division , National DAR Speakers Staff, State Treasurer; State Honor Roll Chairman
Mary Jon Giles Shubert - American History State Chairman, State Program Chairman, State National Defense Chairman, State Junior American Citizens Chairman, State Scholarship Chairman, National Insignia Vice Chairman, DAR Good Citizen Vice Chairman, NE

In addition to supporting the NSDAR and the GSSDAR, John Benson Chapter provides community service through the following projects.

Oglesby Education and Endowment Fund

Polly Richardson Cacchioli Scholarship
Hart County High School Senior

Hart County Library

Literacy Volunteers of Hart-Franklin County

Born Nancy Ann Morgan, March 1847, she was destined to become one of the outstanding women of the American Revolution. Nancy Ann Morgan married her husband Benjamin Hart in her early teens. The Harts lived on 400 acres Benjamin had received as a land grant on the Broad River, and he held other property in Burke County.

The part of Georgia in which the Harts lived was still the frontier. Benjamin frequently had to gather up stock and disappear into the canebrakes where the cattle thieves and Tories dared not follow. Benjamin had the utmost confidence that his masterful and resourceful wife could take care of family and self. She was a deadly shot with a musket. Had there ever been a contest she would most likely have out shot her cousin Daniel Boone.

Nancy Hart was a fierce patroit with an undying love and devotion for her country which she proved on many occasions. She served as a spy often going into the enemy camp to gain information. On one occasion, spies were sent out to learn of British troop movements and strength. This information was important for the attack against the British. Since no man could go into the enemy encampment, Nancy volunteered for the job. Through her many activities during the Revolution War, she earned a place in the pages of history and the hearts of the people of Hart County. She was an ardent supporter of Liberty who fought with courage and heroism alongside her husband and eldest son in the Battle of Kettle Creek.

Years later after Benjamin's death, Nancy joined other families on a wagon trail to Kentucky. Her journey ended in Henderson County, then known as the "wilds of the west."

 

Reprinted by permission of The Hartwell Sun and The Hart County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

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