Libertad Chapter, NSDAR Celebrates 75th Anniversary

LIBERTY, November 6, 2009 - The Libertad Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of their founding by marking the grave of Mary Ellis Pickett, the Organizing Regent. The ceremony will take place Friday, November 20th, at 10:00 a.m. at the Catholic Cemetery at the corner of Bowie St. and Grand Avenue. For more information, please contact AdaFay Delaney Schmidt at 936-336-2225 or email: adafay2@sbcglobal.net

Mrs. Pickett was the wife of Ernie W. Pickett, long-time Liberty County Clerk. The Libertad Chapter was originally named for Mrs. Pickett’s Grandmother, Sophia Lee Harrison, who had traveled to Texas from Virginia with her husband in 1839.

Mrs. Pickett, an avid gardener, was responsible for the chapter’s planting of 1,000 native oaks along the Old Spanish Trail in Liberty County, as well as redbud trees within the city and crepe myrtle trees along the highway. Three of her four sisters were also founding members of the chapter: Gladys Ellis, Stella Ellis Johnson, and Bertha Lee Ellis Dillon.

The National Society extends membership to any woman over the age of 18, who can prove direct descent from a Revolutionary Patriot, or from an ancestor who provided aid and/or support to the Revolution.