Chapter History
The Samuel Frazier Chapter, NSDAR, was organized by Ida Reynolds Lonas on December 19, 1951, in Bearden, Tennessee. When Bearden was annexed into Knoxville, the Samuel Frazier Chapter, NSDAR, became a Knoxville Chapter.
The chapter was named Samuel Frazier to honor Mrs. Lonas’ great-great-grandfather who was born in Scotland in 1749 and came to America with his parents when he was young. Samuel Frazier fought at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse and the Battle of Kings Mountain. He later moved to what would become the state of Tennessee and helped frame the Constitution of this new state. Samuel Frazier was the first state senator from Greene County. Six charter members of the Samuel Frazier Chapter, NSDAR, were descendants of this American Patriot.
Mrs. Lonas served as the Chapter’s first regent, with Miss Carrie Brice serving as vice regent. Over the years, the chapter has been led by many regents who have helped the chapter grow and fully support the NSDAR’s mission of historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The chapter has won several State and National DAR awards for the chapter newsletter, membership growth, volunteer hours, and more. Plus, in 2017 one of our chapter members received the Outstanding State and National Member of the Year Award from the America Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Committee for a Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremony she organized and led at her school.
The Samuel Frazier Chapter, NSDAR, has a long rich history and continues to grow and flourish as it serves God, Home, and Country. If you would like more information about how you can become a part of our growing chapter, visit our Contact page.
