The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) is a non-profit, non-political, volunteer women's service organization.  The Priscilla Alden Chapter, NSDAR, is based in the west-central Iowa town of Carroll and serves the communities in Carroll, Crawford, Shelby, Sac, Calhoun, and Greene Counties.

Our chapter was formed in 1904, and is named after Priscilla Alden, who is the heroine of the classic poem, The Courtship of Miles Standish. The poem was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), about the courtship of Miles Standish and Priscilla Mullins, and later the marriage of Priscilla Mullins and John Alden. It is a fictional poem written in 1858, and not a historical document.

Our chapter works hard to maintain the mission of the DAR, which is to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

Yearly, the Priscilla Alden Chapter, NSDAR, raises money for state and national DAR projects, provides a display about Constitution Week in local libraries, and works with local school administrators to award outstanding students with the DAR Good Citizens Award. The Priscilla Alden Chapter, NSDAR, sponsors the Loess Hills Society Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) and a JAC (Junior American Citizens) after-school program for the Glidden-Ralston Community School District. Two of our members are certified genealogists.

Land Grant to Lincoln Marker

Captain Abraham Lincoln was granted 120 acres of Crawford County land in 1856, for his service during the Black Hawk War of 1832. This land was still owned by Lincoln when he was assassinated and was sold by his son as a part of the Lincoln estate. The marker was placed by the Denison Chapter, NSDAR, in 1923. It is located on State Highway 39, five miles north of Denison, Iowa.

The marker reads:

Land grant made to Abraham Lincoln for services rendered in the Black Hawk War 1832. Marked by Denison Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, 1923

Site of Fort Purdy Marker

Fort Purdy is where early settlers gathered for shelter and protection from Indian attacks during the raids of 1856. The site of Fort Purdy has a large granite monument standing on a brick planter that is seasonally filled with flowers. The site was marked by the Denison Chapter, NSDAR, in 1914.

The marker is located on the north part of Denison, Iowa. From U.S. Highway 30, turn onto 20th Street. Drive north until the street angles to the right and becomes Ridge Road. Fort Purdy once stood at this site. The marker is in front of the church.

Real Granddaughter

Delight Howe Boylan Phelps was a member of the Priscilla Alden Chapter, NSDAR, and was the granddaughter of Revolutionary War patriot, Private Joseph Jeffers. Private Jeffers entered the Continental Army in 1775, at the age of 15, and fought in many battles, such as Saratoga (Stillwater) and the Battle of Monmouth. He was one of the light infantry selected for the storming of Stony Point under General Wayne. He was promoted to corporal shortly after and served until 1779.

On May 30, 1937, a bronze plaque was placed at her grave site in the Carroll Cemetery.