Left, Sara Hagen and Joanne Hagen of the Nay-osh-ing Chapter of the DAR in Plover.

For the City-Times

Nay-osh-ing  Chapter, Plover, Daughters of the American Revolution held their meeting at Shooters on March 12, 2014.

Joanne & Sara Hagen presented a most interesting program on the Revolutionary Blacksmith.  Their patriot ancestor was listed as a blacksmith and so they were eager to find out as much as possible about that role in the war.

She found a book from a Revolutionary Blacksmith demonstrator, written by Paw Paw Wilson, who found a journal and tool box from a blacksmith of the war.

It stated that a young man at that time would study his trade as an apprentice under a Master.  When his skills became solid, he would be promoted to journeyman and would be registered with the colony Magistrate.  He would then have the title of a Master Smith, and the book told the story of Master William Dunagen.

This young master had to provide his own tools including anvils, tongs, a variety of hammers, a vice and bellows.  The first thing needed was to set up a wagon for his portable shop.  All the tools were placed in a box and the women of the colony made bedrolls, blankets and packed food.

Soldiers would leave their families and businesses for six months, which was the standard time of service during the revolution.   Master Will would stand at the forge in the field keeping the soldiers’, wagons and horse shoes in good repair.

Since we had not thought about this part of the war it was very informative and interesting.

Trees From Home:   Again this year our Chapter will be supporting this important project.  We will be decorating 12” artificial Christmas trees which are shipped to soldiers serving overseas.   Also included in the boxes are tooth brushes, earphones, phone cards, etc.  The cost for mailing one box is $30 and we are looking for donations to fund this project.  If you are interested please send your contribution to Doris Dahlke, 3070 W State 153, Mosinee, WI 54455.

Any woman 18 years of age 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 in the DAR.  Additional information about Nay-osh-ing Chapter, Plover, is available from Betty Dean Andringa, Regent, 715-345-1019, [email protected]  or Hope Niedling, Registrar at 715-341-1996.

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