The Colonel Abram Penn Chapter was organized on February 25, 1950, at the home of Annie Sue Fulton Clark (Mrs.J.Myron), in Stuart, with Mrs. Clark becoming Organizing Regent. Thirteen of the eighteen Charter members were descendants of Colonel Abram Penn for whom the chapter was named. The Chapter was in the Southside District but moved into District VII in 1957.  Abram (Abraham) Penn, for whom the chapter was named, was the son of George and Ann Penn, was born December 27, 1743, and spent his childhood in Caroline County, Virginia.

     Through the years, the members of the Chapter have contributed to restoration of Patrick County Will Book #1 and other Virginia court books, and have sent records from the Penn family Bible and other bibles, and "Patrick County Marriage Bonds, 1791-1850," to local libraries. Hanby family records and a copy of the 1791 Land Tax List for Patrick County have been sent to DAR Genealogical Records Committee and the Patrick County Library. The book, "Tombstone Inscriptions of the Cemeteries of Patrick County, VA," was sent to the NSDAR Library.

     The Chapter has sponsored a historical tour of Patrick County, presented a large America flag to the Patrick County Museum; made contributions toward purchase of a portrait of Patrick Henry for the Patrick County courthouse; and participated in dedication of a flag and flagpole in the courtyard of the courthouse. Markers were placed at the graves of chapter members and two Revolutionary War soldiers: Captain Hamon Critz, Jr. and Captain Jonathan Hanby, and Certificates of Honor were presented to the families of all Patrick County servicemen killed in Vietnam. The Colonel William Letcher Society, C. A. R. was sponsored by the Chapter, 1952-1961. Each year the Chapter presents a Community Service Award to an outstanding volunteer and a $100 Scholarship to the Good Citizen at the Patrick County High School. The restoration and maintenance of the Colonel Abram Penn Cemetery is a continuing special project of the Chapter.

     Mrs. J. Myron Clark served as State Chaplain and Director of Southside District. Mrs. James T. Leach served as State Librarian, State Registrar, Director of District VII, National Vice-Chairman of the Honor Roll, Eastern Division, Program, and Transportation Committees and State Chairman of nine committees . Other members of the chapter have served as State and District Committee chairmen.
 

updated  08-28-2008