The Thomasville Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) welcomes new member Marie Bradley who just celebrated her 102nd birthday on February 25, 2021. 

Bradley’s ancestors from Germany and England settled in Virginia by 1750 and included a major, a lieutenant colonel, a private and an ancestor who provided supplies during the American Revolution. She joined DAR to honor their service and memory. She proved her lineage from her ancestor, James Birdsong, who resided in Brunswick County, Virginia during the American Revolution. 

Bradley’s daughter Gayle said that John Birdsong, who died in 1785, was the first Birdsong in their lineage to arrive in America and resided in the York County Province of Virginia. His German name was Vogelsong, which means Birdsong.

“It has been a joy and privilege to work on Marie Bradley’s DAR application,” said Pamela Tucker, registrar of the Thomasville Chapter DAR. “Miss Marie and her daughter, Gayle Bradley Mato, have been dear friends for a long time, and I treasure their friendship. I feel sure that everyone who has known Miss Marie can say it has been a pleasure to know her, listen to her humble wisdom, enjoy her gracious manner and quick wit.”

Drucilla Bennett, chaplain of the Thomasville Chapter DAR said, “I was honored to deliver a birthday card and flag from DAR to Marie for her 102nd birthday. On Marie’s 96th birthday, she and her daughter Gayle joined my daughter, Pamela, and I for dinner and she wanted to bring dessert. We enjoyed a delicious pound cake that Marie made! I have enjoyed each of our visits, soaked in her wisdom and have admired her humility, keen mind, and sense of humor.”

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. More than one million women have joined the DAR since it was founded. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org.

For more information about the Thomasville Chapter DAR, visit thomasville.georgiastatedar.org or the Chapter’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ThomasvilleChapterNSDAR.