About Us

In June of 2011, the seed to create a new chapter for Texas DAR was planted. A month later, Leta Koch and Gay Hilbert of Pottsboro, Margaret Alverson of Denison, and Joy Vian Martin of Sherman came together to plan the first invitational meeting.

Two genealogy workshops were held that summer, at which time any woman interested in joining NSDAR was given individual help in tracing her family lines to search for an American patriot. Trained DAR volunteer genealogists assisted the women in their research.

On December 10, 2011, ninety-seven prospective members and guests gathered at Tanglewood Country Club for a formal dinner and meeting. During the meeting, Texas DAR Division II Chairman Marcy Carter Lovick installed the chapter’s first officers: Organizing Regent Joy Vian Martin, Vice Regent Lisa Lettie, Chaplain Michelle Alverson, Treasurer Margaret Alverson, Registrar Luanne Sbarbaro, Recording Secretary Ann Nikirk, Corresponding Secretary Gay Hilbert, Historian Ocia Jeffries, and Librarian Clara Landers. TXDAR State Registrar Margaret (Peggy) Jones installed thirty-three women into NSDAR to become the organizing members of the chapter. The last event of the evening was the announcement of the new chapter’s name, Preston Trail.

The chapter was named in honor of William Gilwater Preston, a young commanding officer for the Republic of Texas. He was responsible for building a road from Preston to Austin, Texas and this road ran through present day Pottsboro. Originally surveyed in 1840, this road became one of the greatest cattle drive trails from Texas to Missouri and Kansas, and was the principal immigrant route into northern Texas.

Our Chapter Home | Our Chapter Officers | Our Chapter Events | Contact Us | NSDAR | Become a Member