Lucy Wolcott Barnum Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, attends dedication of Gov. Charles Croswell’s portrait

Portrait of Governor Charles Croswell. Photo courtesy of Betty Cummings.

submitted by Betty Cummings, Regent of Lucy Wolcott Barnum Chapter, DAR 

Members of the Lucy Wolcott Barnum Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, attended a dedication ceremony celebrating the unveiling of the portrait of Charles Miller Croswell, 17th Governor of the State of Michigan, on Monday, November 13, at the Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing. The chapter owns Croswell House on Broad Street--his former residence. Governor Croswell dedicated the present capitol building as his first official act after being sworn in for his second term as governor on January 1, 1879. He was the first governor to work in the building.

Valerie Marvin, Michigan Capitol Historian, described the Governor's long career in public service and his dedication to fiscal solvency, stronger election laws, judicial reform, and greater access to education. He was an energetic, wise, and patriotic man. His great granddaughter, Priscilla Croswell Grew, a long-time member of the Lucy Wolcott Barnum Chapter, described the personal side of her famous relative and made the family come alive as she interjected information about them. For example, it was Priscilla's grandmother, Lucy, who survived the fall down the stairs of Croswell House when she was two years old. Her mother perished as a result of her injuries. Priscilla closed by reading Governor Croswell's 1877 Thanksgiving Proclamation.

The mission of the Daughters of the American Revolution is to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The Society supports several schools, offers scholarships, and is involved in the community. The Lucy Wolcott Barnum Chapter was founded in Adrian on April 19, 1909.

Chapter members l to r: Pat Wilkins (Chapter Librarian, Adrian), Kris Eschedor (Hudson), Linda Hartley (Hudson), Jeanne Laser (Waldron), Betty Cummings (Chapter Regent, Manchester), Priscilla Croswell Grew (great granddaughter of Governor Croswell, Lincoln, Nebraska ), Maxine Smith (Adrian), Margaret Beach (Tecumseh), and Paula Osburn (Chapter Recording Secretary, Onsted). Photo courtesy of Betty Cummings.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.