Mary Little Deere - Fort Armstrong Chapter, NSDAR
Moline, Illinois
Moline, Illinois
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) was founded in 1890 to promote Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism across the United States. DAR offers an opportunity to meet people with similar interests, develop friendships, and join others who cherish the priceless heritage enjoyed by all while promoting the ideals of patriotism and love of country.
The Mary Little Deere - Fort Armstrong Chapter, NSDAR, invites you to find out who we are and what we do by attending one of our chapter meetings as our guest. If you would like more information about DAR, would like to attend a meeting, or have questions about joining, please contact us.
Our chapter is involved in a variety of projects dedicated to ensuring that our nation's history is preserved for generations to come.
DAR members are passionate about education, promoting DAR Good Citizens, and providing scholarships and awards to outstanding students.
Our Namesake
On August 9, 1841, Mary Little Dickinson Deere was born in Newbury, Vermont, to Gideon Dana Dickinson and Judith Atkinson Dickinson. The family had strong New England roots, though the Dickinsons relocated to Chicago, Illinois early in Mary’s childhood. Mary wed Charles Deere, son of John Deere, in 1862. The couple was likely introduced by her uncle Charles Atkinson, a prominent figure in Moline's history.
They raised two daughters, Anna (Deere Wiman) and Katherine (Deere Butterworth), to carry on the Deere family legacy. After their marriage in 1862, the couple settled near downtown Moline, Illinois. It wasn't until 1872 that their final residence was built on the hill overlooking Moline. Mary Deere lived at Overlook (Deere-Wiman House) until her death in 1913.
Mary could trace her ancestry to several early colonial governors, and as such, she became heavily involved with the DAR National Society, founding the Moline, Illinois, chapter in 1894. Later, she was elected the Illinois State Regent of the DAR and an honorary Vice President General of the national organization in 1912.
Mary was also a philanthropist, starting the Y.M.C.A.’s Building Fund Campaign and laying the essential groundwork to persuade the Illinois Legislature to appropriate funds for the Campbell’s Island monument in Rock Island County, Illinois. She also contributed to the establishment of various schools and educational programs for women, young girls, and immigrants in and around Moline, Illinois. She was an amateur artist and, as such, collected artwork, furniture, and other decorative items extensively on her trips abroad.
Our local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, established in 1894, still proudly bears her name. Today, the Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House continues to honor that legacy by supporting service, culture, and education throughout the Quad Cities community.
