Welcome

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR), is a volunteer women’s service organization. As members of the Mecosta Chapter, NSDAR, we focus on preserving history and promoting education within the communities of Mecosta County, Michigan.

History

The Mecosta Chapter, NSDAR, in Big Rapids, Michigan, was organized in June 1959 with Frances Chapman (Mrs. Lowell) as the organizing regent. The National Society approval of the chapter’s charter was on March 3, 1960. It was named for Chief Mecosta, a signer of the Washington Treaty of 1836. The probable meaning of the name is bear cub.

A Real Daughter, Mrs. Minerva Blake Bovay, wife of John Bovay, was born in 1825. Her father, Francis Blake, was born about 1756 in France and was an American Revolutionary War soldier, thus making her a Real Daughter of the NSDAR. Mrs. Bovay was admitted to the National Society DAR on November 4, 1908. She died on August 9, 1909, and is buried in the Chippewa Lake Cemetery, Mecosta County, Michigan.