Gandy shares Darlington history with NSDAR
Brian Gandy, director of the Darlington County Historical Commission, was guest speaker for the Samuel Bacot Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), during their monthly meeting held at Florence Country Club.
“We in the Darlington area are honored to claim Samuel Bacot, a soldier of the American Revolution, as one of our historical gems,” said Gandy. “His ability to successfully seize a military advantage and flawlessly execute his charge contributed to our success in achieving our independence.”
The NSDAR chapter was named in honor and memory of Samuel Bacot, who served as lieutenant under Gen. Francis Marion in 1782. He was a native of Christ Church Parish, S.C., born near Goose Creek, in 1745. After his marriage to Sarah Margaret Allston he lived in the Darlington area and was a farmer and plantation owner.
On Jan. 18, 1908, a meeting was held at the Gregg residence on South Coit Street, Florence, and the Samuel Bacot Chapter NSDAR was organized with the following as charter members: Eliza Helen Bacot, Mary Hart Bacot, Elizabeth Ashby Brunson, Maria Bacot Brunson, Martha McBee Brunson, Susannah Woods Brunson, Catherine Smith Gregg, Annie Brunson Hepburn, Lalla Hepburn, Hannah Waring Malloy, Alma Chase McNeill, and Marie Bacot Brunson Willcox. Martha Brunson was elected regent.
Most of these 12 members were direct lineal descendants of Samuel Bacot.
Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has over 170,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries. The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children and programs for new immigrants. For more information about DAR and the local Samuel Bacot Chapter, visit dar.org or scdar.org/Samuel_Bacot.