Our Founding

The Oldest Chapter in Washington State

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890. Just four years later, a group of women formed the Mary Ball Chapter in Tacoma, Washington.
“This little band of patriotic women, in the far northwest corner of these United States, remembered that the Mother of Washington had once borne another name in the days of her girlhood. So this Chapter of DAR in the State of Washington had the honored privilege of taking the name… “Mary Ball” and the Chapter, like the Mother of Washington of sterling worth, has even been foremost in the good works of patriotism and charity… a worthy model and guide for the chapters following.” From the 1924 WSSDAR History & Registrar, p.28.

Charter Members: Clara Jacobs, Martha Griggs, Mary Stallcup, Evelyn Sherman, Fannie Hale,
E.D. Foster, Mrs. John Gowey, Jane Harvey, Julia Hardenbergh, Elizabeth Lehman,
Nallie Allyn, Mrs. Hugh Wallace and Jennie Grimble.

Martha Gallup Griggs, Mrs Chauncey W. Griggs, Charter Member and First Regent, Mary Ball Chapter

Today our Mary Ball Chapter is comprised of members of all ages and from many different backgrounds. We have members born and raised in Tacoma and many others who have adopted the Pacific Northwest as their home. We have members who work outside the home, professionals in many fields, students, homemakers, young mothers, active duty service members, veterans, military family members, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and retirees.

We preserve historic buildings and artifacts; provide educational contests, awards, and scholarships; support schools, the military, veterans and first responders; and develop good citizens while celebrating the exceptional events in our American history.

Art by Mary Ball member Beverley Bills

Mary Ball Washington

Mary Ball was born in 1706 in Virginia.
In 1731, at age 23, she married Augustine Washington and became stepmother to his three children. Her first child, George, was born in 1732.
By the age of 33, Mary had relocated twice with her husband; the family and had six children under the age of eight.
Mary became widowed at 38, and she never remarried.
Mary died in 1789, just before her son was inaugurated as the first President of the United States.
The monument marking her grave was the first erected by the infant DAR in 1891. It reads simply: MARY, MOTHER OF GEORGE WASHINGTON.

"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."
-George Washington