Organized on May 10, 1988, and named for the first Illinois Secretary of State, Elias Kent Kane, our chapter quickly established traditions which include emphasis on researching and marking gravesites; on awarding local students with scholarships; on volunteering; and on serving at the district, the state, and the National levels of DAR.

Our researched and marked gravesites include that of Kane County Revolutionary War soldier Pvt. William Bennett on May 11,1996, and that of William Smallwood Wynn in the state of Ohio on July 13, 1996. In conjunction with four other genealogical organizations, we marked the grave of John Gowdy of Connecticut, buried in Batavia, Illinois' East Side Cemetery, on July 3, 2004. In 2009, we again traveled to Ohio to mark the grave of Martin Henry Keever.

Elias Kent Kane Chapter guides the Shabbona Beeler Society, C.A.R., organized on February 9, 1991. Our chapter presents an annual scholarship to the local high school senior who wins its Americanism Essay Contest, which is funded by a savings account we established for this purpose. We offer history awards; we present pins, certificates, and monetary awards in the DAR Good Citizens Program; and in an annual presentation, we honor a local student for outstanding conservation work.

In 2002, we tied for first place award at Continental Congress with most new members by application, by chapter size, and by division. We also received first place awarded by the National Lineage Research Committee for chapters by size with the most lineage research volunteers. In 2008, we tied for the silver tray at the Illinois State Conference for the most new members recruited in 2007. In 2001, in conjunction with the Illinois State Organization, the chapter compiled and published the Roll Call of Illinois Daughters.

Since 1991, fundraising has been an integral part of our planning in order to support the many activities undertaken by the chapter. In 1991, members sold voices for a doll and quilt and we created eight ink drawings of Kane County scenes that were printed on note cards and subsequently sold to provide more funds. In 2007 through 2008, we sold autumn theme candy turkeys and handmade soaps with great success. We have donated clothing and personal items to Tamassee School and to homeless veterans, as well as to our troops serving overseas. Our members volunteer to promote literacy and to support local community events. Elias Kent Kane Chapter members continue the traditions with which we began, working to promote DAR values for God, Home, and Country.