OHIO
SOCIETY SAR, HONORS OHIO's LAST DAR "REAL DAUGHTER"
OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
At age 13, John Jacob Storts volunteered to fight in the American Revolutionary War. He became a Patriot for independence. On Tuesday, July 15, 2003, his youngest daughter, Mariah Storts Allen, took her place in history.
During opening day of the Perry County Fair, an Ohio Bicentennial Historical Marker was dedicated to Mariah Storts Allen, near an old Log Cabin, which is located near the front Covered Bridge entrance to the Perry County Fairgrounds in New Lexington, Ohio. Mariah Storts Allen's distinction is that she was Ohio's last surviving DAR "Real Daughter" of an American Revolutionary War soldier.
Her father, John Jacob Storts, was a "Matross," with the Pennsylvania Artillery. A Matross positioned the cannon and readied it to fire. OHIO'S LAST DAR "REAL DAUGHTER," Mariah Storts Allen was born August 4, 1842, in Bearfield Township, east of New Lexington, Ohio. She was the youngest child of John Jacob Storts and his second wife Mary Ann Notestine / Storts.
Mariah married John Wesley Allen, on November 30, 1862. She became the mother of eleven children, eight of whom survived her. Mariah was a Religious lady, and on Jan. 26, 1886, she became a member of the New Bethel Christian Church. The Original Church was built out of Logs on land donated by the Storts Family. The Church was later named the Bear Run Bible Christian Church.
Mariah Storts Allen was accepted by the National Board of Management, as a "Real Daughter" of the National Society DAR, on June 26, 1918, and her National Number is 140153. Real Daughters were made Honorary members of the Society without dues of any kind.
Mariah was a lifelong resident of Perry County, Ohio. Late in life, she moved to New Lexington, and into the home of her youngest daughter Carrie, who helped take care of her until she passed away May 2, 1933.
Mariah
Storts Allen descended from Ohio's First Families. At the time of her death,
there were only five "Real Daughters" still living in the United
States.
Dedication Program
The Ceremony began with a combined OHSSAR and American Legion Color Guard, who presented the Colors. Commanded by Compatriot John H. Franklin, Jr., WRSSAR, Cleveland, Ohio. They were Dramatically led out of the Covered Bridge, by Piper Major, Robert L. Black, of Columbus, Ohio.
The Color Guard wheeled left and formed in front of the "Log Cabin," as the Piper Major continued to the right of the Cabin, and finished playing out of view.
David Snider, "Master of Ceremonies," gave a welcome and introduction. Several people wiped tears from their eyes as the "Signing Patriots," of New Lexington Middle School, performed the Pledge of Allegiance in sign language, accompanied by a Lee Greenwood rendition.
Compatriot Terry A. Whetstone, NSSAR Trustee, gave the Invocation, followed by Remarks from Janine Conrad, Mayor of New Lexington.
Bob Clark, representing US Congressman David Hobson, Ohio 7th. District, included this quote, "Mariah Storts Allen's death personified an end of an era in Ohio State History." Maureen Damiani, Operations Manager, of the Ohio Bicentennial Commission, and Kristina Markel, of the Ohio Historical Society, presented additional messages. James Meutzel, President of the Children of the American Revolution, and Larry R. Perkins, President of the Ohio Society SAR delivered brief remarks. Keynote speaker, Mrs. Marilyn Hohn Vaglia, State Regent of the Ohio Society DAR included this quote, "Such a short time ago Mariah's father, John Jacob Storts, took a chance that would affect his whole life, and the lives of his descendants. He became a Rebel, a Usurper, a Patriot. He joined the many men in the Colonies who took a chance for freedom. Most were ordinary men who became extraordinary because of what they did. They gave us America."
Quote: "The DAR, along with the Sons of the American Revolution, realize that to know who we are as Americans, we have to know who we were as Americans. This Marker reminds us, tells us, don't forget them, honor the Patriots who took a chance and gave us the great America we have today."
Following Mrs. Vaglia's Keynote Address, Compatriot; Robert N. Farling, Past President of the OHSSAR, as "Town Crier," read a "Tribute" to Mariah Storts Allen.
Quote: "A new nation was in the making. Her father told her about Washington. She lived in the period of Lincoln." Quote: "Many were charmed with Mrs. Allen, not because her father fought with Washington - that merely led them to her. They were charmed with her understanding, with her keen observations, and with her bright outlook on life. Mariah had a pleasing personality -- one that lifted you up, and gave you new hopes and courage!" Quote: "One could read the fortitude of the pioneer women and the sacrifice and devotion of a mother in her face. Mrs. Allen was a worthy daughter of the Revolution. Perry County and Ohio are proud of her. She occupied a humble place in life - but she made it beautiful and glorious"...
Mrs. Allen's Great Grandson, Keith H Kaufman, gave a formal dedication.
Quote: "Times Recorder", Newspaper - Zanesville, Oh. "In Kaufman's speech for the dedication, he told a story of when, as a child, he wrecked his father's Tractor. His father knew it was an accident and told Kaufman not to worry about it because in 100 years, no one would remember. Kaufman said by dedicating this marker, they were guaranteeing that in 100 years, people would remember Allen and her place in History."
Following Kaufman's dedication, Mr. Snider - Master of Ceremonies stated: "These Markers are like time capsules that are being passed on to people who have yet to be born."
Mariah, Caitlyn, and Haley Black, Great-Great-Great Nieces of Mrs. Allen, unveiled the Historical Marker. Miss Mariah Black, age 12, was named in Honor of Mariah Storts Allen.
Following the unveiling, a "Bagpipe Tribute - Amazing Grace," was performed by Piper Major, Robert L. Black. Followed by: The Retirement of the Colors. The Ceremony closed with a Benediction by Compatriot Terry A. Whetstone.
A Reception was held at the New Lexington - Masonic Lodge, where refreshments were served, along with Musical Entertainment and an Art Display. Followed by a Special "Sons of the American Revolution" Ceremony, celebrating Ohio's Bicentennial. This Ceremony included a Parade / Presentation of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, "Pledge to the SAR," followed by a "Musket Salute," then James Lochary, 1st. VP of the OHSSAR sang "America the Beautiful," which was followed by Dual "Cannon Volleys," compliments of: Bob Daniels and Ermil Shimp, "Battery A, First Ohio Regiment - Statehouse Battery."
As the smoke cleared ~ the SAR Recessional was read by Compatriot, Terry A. Whetstone, NSSAR Trustee, who served as "Master of Ceremonies." Followed by the Retiring of the Colors, along with "Fife and Drum," as they were led from the field by Commander, John H. Franklin, Jr., "Western Reserve Society, SAR."
A "Special Thanks" to all participating Chapters! Which include: Arthur St. Clair; Cincinnati, Ebenezer Zane, Ewings, General Henry Knox, George Rogers Clark, Lafayette, Rufus Putnam, and to the Western Reserve Society, SAR.
This story was written and submitted by compatriot Keith H. Kaufman, National No.152118. A Life Member of the Ohio Society SAR. Keith is a member of the George Rogers Clark Chapter and a dual member and president of the Rufus Putnam Chapter. Other memberships include "Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio," New Lexington Lodge # 250. And "Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry," Valley of Cambridge.
Ohio
Bicentennial Historical Marker
Dedication Ceremony - Photos
(Compliments
of Mrs. John (Betty) Franklin)
Photo
Gallery
(Compliments
of Joseph Prell)
Silent
Movie Clips
Ohio's last DAR Real Daughter
Mariah Storts Allen
Suzan
Zacharias ~ Editor/OGS News
"National Award - Winning Publication"
Man Shares Family History With Thousands
Ohio
The Crossroad of our Nation
Records and Pioneer Families
Volume XLV 2004 Number 2
Ohio
Records and Pioneer Families
History
submitted by Susan Dunlap Lee
O.R.P.F. Editor ~ Ohio Genealogical Society
Ohio's
Last "Real Daughter" of the
American Revolutionary Patriot is Honored
Ohio DAR News ~
May-June 2004
There were approximately 170 attendees, 40 of which were Descendants. The Event was covered by 3 Newspapers, and filmed by WHIZ - TV out of Zanesville, Ohio. It was shown on the 6 and 11 pm. News!
QUOTES:
Paul D. Schenck, President of George Rogers Clark Chapter, OHSSAR - ( 1 Aug. 2003 ) Quote: "Your effort to memorialize Mariah will produce fruit in the future! The Fact that her life experiences, real, or those recieved at the knee of her Patriot father, spanned the period of our countries history from George Washington to Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is remarkable and has now been preserved for posterity.
Maureen C. Damiani, Operations Director, Ohio Bicentennial Commission - In a letter written; July 17, 2003. Quotes: "Thank You for allowing me to participate in your Historic Marker event the other day. It was a great success". Quote: "Also, the number of Attendees was very impressive. I brought back for Nichola the copies of the Program and of all the PR and news coverage you were able to generate. Remarkable". Quote: "The day was a memorable occasion for everyone who was there to share it. You are to be commended for all your hard work, dedication to the cause, and perseverance to every detail. The marker itself will be there as an inspiration for generations to come. Thanks again for what you have accomplished as a fitting Bicentennial Legacy Project".
Terry A. Whetstone, NSSAR National Trustee. Past President, Ohio Society SAR, and G.R.C. Chapter. In a letter written 25 July 2003. Quote: "It was a pleasure and honor to participate in the dedication ceremony on July 15, 2003 for this special marker to remember Mariah Storts Allen where she lived all of her 90 years on this earth. It is not often that we in the SAR get to provide the Presentation of the Colors and participate when conducting a tribute to the life and example of such an individual. Quote: "On behalf of National Society SAR President General Raymond G. Musgrave and the Ohio Society SAR, we commend you for the diligence, planning, and your substantial time and effort to make this Ohio Bicentennial Historical Marker become a reality". 24 July 2003, Quote: "Thank You for the privilege of being able to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime ceremony that will have lasting impact on your community, Storts family members, and GRC Chapter in the finest traditions of the Sons of the American Revolution".
Joseph M. Prell, Cincinnati Chapter SAR, Ohio SAR and Central District SAR Webmaster, National SAR Web Advisory Board. Date: July 25, 2003. Quote: "The Mariah Storts Allen Historic Marker Dedication Ceremony was a very special event. It once again reminded me of the humble birth of our nation. To think that a boy of 13 would take up a rifle and fight for freedom and liberty is astounding! It proved his love beyond measure of the philosophy that all men should live free from oppression and tyranny".
The Allen Family
Front: Carrie
Middle: John - Cora - Mariah
Back: Etta - Jane - Sam - Caroline - Rebecca - Earl
National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)
National Society, Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR)
National Society, Children of the American Revolution (NSCAR)
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