Our Minnesota Society Presidents
From the beginning, energetic women have stepped up to provide leadership to the Minnesota Society. Here is a bit of information about each of them. Click on each photo for a short biographical sketch.
Lois Mackin 2022- Lois Abromitis Mackin was born in California, daughter of a Naval officer, and grew up primarily on the east coast. She attended Brown University, where she earned three degrees in history, including her Ph.D. After leaving Brown, she lived in Virginia, California, and Rhode Island, working in the defense industry as an analyst, writer, and project manager. She segued into organizational performance assessment and non-profit management after moving to Minnesota in the 1990s. She is now a professional genealogical writer and educator. Lois became a member of the Lake Minnetonka chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2011, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Minnesota in 2014, and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants in 2015. She served as Registrar of her DAR chapter from 2012 to 2017 and is currently Registrar for the Minnesota State Society DAR. A past Registrar and First VP for the Minnesota Dames, she was included on the Roll of Honor in 2020 and became President in May 2022. While registrar, she led the NSCDA-MN’s effort to gather, scan and organize lineage papers for the organization’s 650+ current and past members. She is descended from Francis Cooke. Lois was a director of the Minnesota Genealogical Society from 2010-2012, chaired MGS’ Education Committee from 2009-2014, and served as 1st Vice President in 2013-2014. She is the 2011 and 2021 winner of the MGS North Star Award for research, writing, or education and received MGS’ Founders Award for visionary leadership in 2013. Lois has been writing, speaking, and researching professionally since 2010. She is a founding member of the Association of Professional Genealogists’ Northland Chapter, and recipient of APG’s Golden Chapter Award in 2016. In December 2016 she concluded her second term as Northland chapter President. Her message upon being elected President in May 2022: “As we emerge from the pandemic, we would like to offer more activities for Dames to engage and interact with each other. These might include popup gatherings, viewing parties for the food-centered webinars offered by the National office, more involvement with the Ramsey House, or a book club. The previous president revived our newsletter, a tradition I would like to continue. The past several Presidents have worked on policy and procedures, and I will continue that work as we evolve into a modern, professional organization.”
Susan Dunnavan 2020-2022. Susan's message to the Dames for Biennial 2020: Born in Minnesota, I left to study at the University of Oregon as an undergraduate, and did post graduate studies in Graphic Design at Portland State University. My experience has included working in special education, primarily at Pearl Buck Center in Eugene, Oregon, but mostly as a freelance illustrator/ graphic artist. After residing in Oregon for ten years my husband, Terry, and I moved to California to pursue career opportunities and spend time near his home town of Santa Clara, California. While there I worked as a freelance graphic designer for companies including Landor and Associates, Stanford University Press and Bank of America. Fifteen years and three children later, we rejoined my family here in Minnesota. While here, I volunteered for eight years in various positions at nonprofit called We Can Ride. It is a special educational program to pair young adults and children with horses for the purposes of therapeutic riding. My mother, a longtime member of the NSCDA/MN, fostered my interest in the Colonial Dames. I was Trustee for Sulgrave Manor for several years and have assisted on several programs. We were fortunate to host the Regional Convention in Minneapolis in 2011 for which I organized the tours.
Tammis McMillan 2018-20. Tammis’ message to the Dames in 2019: I’m honored to be representing Minnesota as its newest President. The Minnesota Society has an unusual position of joint stewardship of the Alexander Ramsey House and with our University of Minnesota International Scholarship (see eDispatch issue August 6, 2018 Region II: MN). Recently Minnesota Dames participated in Minnesota History Day, sponsoring two entries in the area of American Colonial History in addition to our continued support of our Veterans Home. As a history buff, I have always been fascinated with how individuals shaped history and particularly our country’s unique experiment in its being founded on ideals and beliefs. Being a Dame has only added to this passion. I’m excited to be a Dame at a time when our mission of preserving and educating about our nation’s story is even more meaning- ful and applying this mission to the future is even more needed and relevant now. Although a Minnesota native, it wasn’t until I returned to MN to raise my family after years East and abroad that I carried on the family “tradition” of becoming a Dame. I’m the mother of two adult sons. I attended the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Connecticut College before pursuing a career starting in NYC, trading with a private Swiss grain company and later, on Wall Street in global financial services in foreign exchange and risk management consulting. After returning to Minnesota, I continued work in global markets before becoming a financial advisor/financial planner. My community service both in New York and Minnesota has included youth activities, alumni and various non-profit boards; most recently, besides the Dames, I am involved with the Stevens Square Foundation, which gives grants to programs helping seniors remain independent.
Muffy MacMillan 2015-18. Her 2017 message to the Dames: I am a proud 3rd generation Colonial Dame on both sides of my family. We trace our lineage on my mother’s side to Thomas Wells, Governor of Colonial Virginia. I have been a member of the MN Society for the last 10 years and could not be more excited about what we are doing. Along with our work at the Alexander Ramsay House, Minnesota Dames participated for the first time in Minnesota History Day, sponsoring two entries in the area of American Colonial History. I am also excited to be working to make sure as many Dames as possible are active in celebrating our 120th year as an Associate Society of the NSCDA. Heritage and family have always been the utmost priority to me. I returned to the Minneapolis suburbs after graduating from Connecticut College. I continue to live in Long Lake where I have raised my 5 children. When I am not with my children or the Dames, I am active socially and philanthropically. I serve as a member of the Cargill Foundation Board of Directors. Cargill, Inc., is the largest private business in the U.S. and my family business. This year we are celebrating our 150th anniversary. Other current and recent community involvement includes serving on various local and national boards such as American Federation of Arts (New York), Opportunity Inter- national, Financial Company Bank (Colombia), President of the Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation, the Economic Club of Minnesota, PACER Center, Minnesota Children’s Museum, Children’s Hospital of Minnesota, the Children’s Theatre of Minnesota, Walker Art Center, the Minnesota International Center and multiple local and regional garden clubs. This past year I was honored to be a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations.
Marnie Hensel 2013-14. Marnie’s message to the Dames in 2013: I've been a member of the Dames since 1985. I think I inherited my love of genealogy from one of my grandmothers who was in the DAR. I am delighted that both of my daughters are also members. I was the Minnesota Lady of Dumbarton house for several years and was the Chairman of the Region II meeting in May of 2011. The current membership of the Minnesota Dames is 94, but we have 10 candidates working on their papers. One of the primary objects of our society here in Minnesota is to increase our membership. Other projects for our society are maintaining the parlor of the Ramsey House in St. Paul, the Victorian home of Minnesota's first territorial governor. We have four meetings a year and this year our National President, Marcy Moody is coming to Minnesota to be the speaker at our first meeting. I graduated from Smith College, married and moved to Minnesota over fifty years ago and I've taught aerobics for over twenty-five years. My other interests include my 13 grandchildren and 5 great grands, downhill ski racing, tennis, traveling and making new friends with like-minded women.
Priscilla Brewster 2011-13. Priscilla Brewster’s message to the Dames in 2012: I am the granddaughter and niece of Connecticut Dames and I have been a member of the Minnesota Society since 1985. Holding the positions of Registrar, Second Vice President and First Vice President kept me active and involved. In 1999 I was asked to be the state representative on the Board of Regents of Gunston Hall. I served 10 years on the board: four of them as First Regent. I graduated from Scripps College in Claremont, California with a B. A. In English Literature. Before I began my volunteer career, I worked for Dreyfus Corporation and William Doyle Auction House in New York City. I also had a brief career doing television commercials and am a member of SAG and AFTRA. I have been involved with many boards: the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Junior League of St. Paul, the St. Paul Garden Club among them and am currently the founding president of the board of a new nonprofit the St. Paul Parks Conservancy. Our Minnesota Society numbers about 100, and we are a small but mighty group. Our society maintains the parlor in the Alexander Ramsey House. We also fund a scholarship for foreign students at the University of Minnesota. Our membership meetings are four times a year and the programs involve lectures on historical figures, visits to historic sites or theatre programs usually with a historical theme. This year we are working on a membership survey and a long range plan so we can better meet the interests and needs of our members.
Kathleen "Kitty" Winsor Petit 2008-2011. Kitty’s message to the Dames: I was born in St. Paul, MN and grew up on Lake Minnetonka 12 miles west of the Twin Cities. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA degree in Art History. I have been active in volunteer work since retiring from working in libraries and bookstores for 25 years. My interests are reading, gardening and bicycling. My goals are to continue to travel the world and to enjoy friends and family as long as I can! When my father passed away in 2002 my mother asked me whether I would like to help research my father’s family. Together we wrote a book on my ancestor Joshua Winsor who came to America in 1634 and joined Roger Williams and 11 other colonists in signing the Providence Plantations Compact for what later became the state of Rhode Island. Soon after, my mother had lunch one day with a friend, Elizabeth Dunnavan, a Minnesota Dame. My mother related the story of our book. Elizabeth told my mother it sounded as if Kitty could qualify for the NSCDA. The rest is history! Since joining in 2005 I have held the positions of Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and President. During my time as president of the NSCDA-MN we worked very hard to recruit new members and had success with 11 new members in one year. In 2011 we hosted the NSCDA Regional Conference in Minneapolis which was a huge undertaking for our small society. With the work of a terrifically talented committee of Minnesota Dames the conference went off without a hitch and is still thought of as one of the best ever! In 2012 I was elected to the NSCDA National Executive Committee as Recording Secretary, a position I held for two years. It was a wonderful experience getting to know the inner workings of the organization and meet Colonial Dames from around the country. They are truly women who take to heart the preservation of our national history, historic properties and who sense the duty of patriotic service. Involvement with the NSCDA has been one of the highlights of my volunteer life!
Nancy Bergerson 2003-08 & 2014-15. Nancy served as President on several occasions, stepping up again when needed. Here is Nancy’s message to the Dames in 2014: Having joined the Dames in the 1990s, I have been fortunate to serve as President. I learned to love genealogy listening to stories from my Grandmother. We had relatives in the DAR. I have now been the Minnesota Lady of Dumbarton House and previously National Recording Secretary. The quality of our NSCDA members is memorable! The current membership of the MN Dames has grown to 103, and we have several candidates working on their papers. One of our primary goals is to increase our membership. We have instigated a quarterly Newsletter to assist in this goal. When the Alexander Ramsey House was left to the MN Historical Society, the owner, who was an NSCDA member, designated that we have 3 of the 5 Board members to help preserve the House and grounds. This Victorian home descended from MN's first territorial Governor. We now also do individual supportive things for one home in our Veterans Association. We are discussing further individual projects, one of which is a History of our Minnesota Ancestors who helped establish MN's viability. When National President Marcy Moody came to Minnesota to speak to our group, her remarks re-invigorated our Society.
Joan Herfurth 2001-03. Born in Joliet, Illinois in 1927, she was the daughter of Harriet and Dudley Stockwell. Joan moved to Minneapolis with her family during the war. She graduated from Washburn High School, attended Lawrence College and graduated with a degree in Art History from the University of Minnesota, where she was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. At the University she met her husband, Fred Herfurth, and they were married from 1949 until his death in 1983. For most of her adult life she worked as a portrait artist, especially known for her wonderful pastel portraiture of children. She loved classical music, especially opera. She was an avid reader of history. She loved travel, skiing, the Colorado mountains, and bridge. She was involved with the Minnesota Opera, the Minnetonka Art Center and the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra, most notably as chair of the WAMSO Symphony Ball in 1975.She died in 2009.
Ruth Huss 1998-2001. Ruth was born in St. Paul, the daughter of Henry and Jean Putnam. She graduated from Summit School and Smith College. She married A. John Huss in 1972. Ruth has served on the Executive Council of the Minnesota Historical Society and the boards of the Minnesota Opera and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. She and John serve on the President’s Advisory Council of the Ordway Performing Arts Center in St. Paul. Ruth has been a member of the St. Paul Garden Club and St. Paul Junior League. She joined the Dames in 1981 and served as Regent of Gunston Hall and then as President of the Minnesota Society from 1998-2001. Ruth was awarded the Distinguished Alumnae Award from SPA and Summit School in 2018. She, with her husband John, was named 2011 Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year in 2011 by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and by the Association for Fundraising Professionals. She is descended from Thomas Prence of Massachusetts.
Harriet "Kandi" Osborn 1995-1998. Harriet (Kandi) was born in Evanston. Illinois. She married S. Bartley Osborn in Rye, New York in 1978. Kandi was President of the NSCDA-MN from 1995-1998 and felt fortunate to serve as President during the organization’s 100th anniversary. For that occasion, a trip to Washington DC and Virginia was organized, a special visit by the executive director and noted historian from the New England Historical and Genealogical Society was welcomed, and a trip on the Mississippi River by historic paddle wheel boat was enjoyed by Dames and families. Kandi went on to become President of the Lake Minnetonka Garden Club and continues as a judge for the Garden Club of America. She also continued her work for the NSCDA, becoming a Regent of Gunston Hall and leading the successful effort to meet the DeLeo matching gift challenge to create an endowment fund for the Alexander Ramsey House in 2012.
Elizabeth Wyman 1993-95. Elizabeth Winston Wyman, (1924-2003) was born in Los Angeles. Betts was a Kappa Kappa Gamma at UCLA. After graduating, she worked as a secretary to the Athletic Department at UCLA. Betts married James Thomas Wyman on May 6, 1950. She was a member of Wayzata Community Church where she was a Stephen's Minister. She also was Past President of the Colonial Dames, Past Chairperson of Minneapolis Symphony Ball, board member of Stevens Square, long-time board member of Quetico Superior Foundation and member of The Blake School Parent Assn., Minneapolis Junior League and Lake Minnetonka Garden Club. Her other passions were gardening, animals, art, music, and tennis. She also enjoyed many wonderful times at The Beaver Bay, Woodhill, and Hillsboro Clubs. She was descended from the Honorable Christopher Robinson of Virginia.
Jane Wood 1990-1993.Jane Washburn Wood (1923-2012) Jane was born in St. Paul, MN, the middle daughter of Adelaide and Harold Washburn. She attended Summit School, Smith College and the University of Colorado, Boulder. Jane was an extrovert, a natural sales person, a talented artist, and a sports enthusiast. She often said that her husband of 60 years, Thurston Wood, who died in 2004, reminded her of Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. At age 50 she began a thriving and award-winning real estate career. She retired at 70. She was descended from Lt. Solomon Washburn of Massachusetts.
Georgia Ray DeCoster (Lindeke) 1987-91. Georgia (1926-2021) was born in Duluth in 1926, the daughter of Berenice Emma Steverwald Ray and Philip Lacey Ray. She is a 1944 graduate of the St. Paul Academy and a 1948 graduate of Wellelsey College. She married Donald Williamson DeCoster in 1950, and Albert Lindeke in 1995. She is known as an author and a leading proponent of historic preservation in St. Paul. Georgia has won awards from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Association of State and Local History, the Minnesota Society of Architects, and the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce for her work in historic preservation. She was a member of the St. Paul City Planning board in the 1960s. She wrote several books about St. Paul author Grace Flandrau, and wrote the NSCDA-MN history in 1996 for its 100th anniversary. Georgia also wrote biographical publications of NSCDA-MN founder Marion Furness and her daughters Anita (Anna) and Laura Furness. Photo provided by family.
Carolyn Benepe 1985-87. Carolyn Kemper Stoltze (1927- 2015) was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. The family moved to Minneapolis around 1930. The Stoltze's later relocated to Afton, Minnesota on May's Lake. Carolyn graduated from Summit School in St. Paul. She attended Smith College until her marriage to Lou Benepe. Carolyn loved to travel, including an African Safari, greeting the Millennium from Australia, chasing Puffins, white-water rafting on the Snake, sailing on the Sea Cloud, avoiding icebergs and roaming nearly every inch of the British Isles with the Blythe Spirits group. Carolyn was very active with the NSCDA and served as a Regent of Gunston Hall, where she was deeply involved with its historic preservation. Carolyn loved music and the arts. She was a member of the New Century Club and Thursday Club. She sang in the choir for 51 years at her church and supported the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and The Science Museum of Minnesota, where she was a volunteer for many years. Her qualifying ancestor was Rev. Peter Bulkeley of Massachusetts.
Jolley Fullerton White 1983-85. Jolley (Elizabeth) (1933-2017) was born in Minneapolis, MN. She attended Westover School in Middlebury, CT and then Bennington College in Bennington, VT. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and enjoyed fishing, hunting and the outdoors. Her French restaurant, Chouette and gift shop, C'est si Bon, in Wayzata, MN, received numerous awards and brought her great joy until she retired. When Jolley moved to California, she studied at the Academy of Art and Design in San Francisco to become an interior designer. She was a member of the Minneapolis Club, and Woodhill CC. She was descended from the Rev. Mark Leavenworth of Connecticut.
Nancy Ottis Harris 1981-83. Nancy Ottis Harris (1930-2005) was the daughter of Bruce and Clara Harris. Born in St. Paul, she was a graduate of Summit School in St. Paul, Mills College, and Columbia Presbyterian School of Nursing. She lived in White Bear Lake in later years. Her Colonial Ancestor was John Ogden of New Jersey.
Susan Decker Barrows 1978-1981. Susan (1905-2004) was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Decker of Minneapolis. She attended Northrop Collegiate School (now Blake School), graduated from Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and attended Vassar College. In June 1930 she married Lyman Barrows, who died in 1960. Mrs. Barrows lived in Wayzata. She was active in community affairs and was at one time the president of the Minneapolis Junior League, the Lake Minnetonka Garden Club, the Friends of the Minneapolis Art Institute, and the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of Minnesota. Mrs. Barrows also was a member of the Woodhill Country Club, the Minneapolis Club and the Encampment Forest Association. Her colonial ancestor was Francis Cooke. Photo Susan Decker in 1930, courtesy Hennepin County Library.
Caroline Lightner Klein NSCDA-MN President 1976-78. Caroline (1918-1996) was the daughter of Drake and Eleanor (Jackson) Lightner. She was born in St. Paul, graduated from Carleton College in 1940, and worked for the Red Cross for over 25 years. She married Horace Klein in 1971. Caroline was President of NSCDA-MN from 1976-1978. She is descended from William Brewster of Massachusetts. 1990 photo courtesy of Carleton College Archives.
Caroline Langdon Brooks Winston 1974-76 Caroline (1916 - 2009) was a lifelong resident of Minneapolis. She graduated from Northrop Collegiate School, Skidmore College and the U of M, and taught school in Wausau, WI and at North High School. She was an avid genealogist and was a resource for South Dakota historians regarding her ancestors General Samuel Sturgis, first commander at Fort Meade, Sturgis, SD and 2nd Lieutenant Jack Sturgis, killed at the Battle of Little Bighorn. She served as a docent at the MIA and served as president of the Friends Gallery there. She was an accomplished tennis player, swimmer and golfer, scoring the first hole-in-one at the Madeline Island Golf Course. She enjoyed 36 years at her cabin on Sunset Bay, where she purchased her first sailboat at age 60 and swam the chilly water of Lake Superior through her 92nd birthday. Her Colonial ancestor was Thomas Dudley of Massachusetts.
Helen Dean Floan 1972-1974. Helen (1909-1974) was the daughter of Minnesota Dame Laura Cannon Winter Dean and her husband William John Dean. She was born in St. Paul in 1909 and married Albert Edward Floan in 1935. She was President of the Minnesota Chapter from 1972 to 1974 and served on the Alexander Ramsey House Board of Governors. Helen had also served as President of the board of the New Century Club. Photo courtesy of family.
Annette Jenks Bardwell Stuhler (Mrs William R.) was president of NSCDA-MN 1970-1972. Annette was born in Minneapolis in 1901, the daughter of Susan Baxter and Lamont Jenks Bardwell. She graduated from Smith College, returned to Minneapolis, and became the second president of the Junior League of Minneapolis. In 1927, she married William Stuhler of Akron, Ohio. She was President of the Minnesota chapter of the NSCDA from 1970-1972. Annette was descended from Samuel Smith of Connecticut. She died in 1989.
Margaret Horn Russell was president NSCDA-MN 1967-1970. Descended from Colonial ancestor John Banning of Delaware, she was born in St. Paul. She was the daughter of Margaret Harwood Hall and Alexander Horn. Margaret married Edgar D. Russell in 1925. She taught violin at Macalester College and directed the orchestra at Summit School. She was a founding member of the Friday Musicale and a member of the New Century Club. Her daughter Marcia was also a Colonial Dame in the state of Minnesota. Photo provided by family and used with permission.
Elsie Thayer Rider 1964-1967. Elsie (1893-1979) was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the daughter of Hiram and Harriet (Carpenter) Thayer. She married Stuart Williams Rider in 1917. She served as President of the Community Health Nursing Service and was involved in the Maternity Hospital Corporation and the Red Cross Victory Squad. She served as vice president of the Junior League in addition to her service as President of NSCDA-MN. Elsie was the author of the 75th anniversary NSCDA-MN history written in 1971. She is descended from William Carpenter of Massachusetts. Photo of Elsie in 1933, Courtesy Hennepin County Library
Martha Putnam (Mrs. James Lusk) Holman was president of NSCDA-MN 1961-1964. Martha (1903-1982) was born in Spokane, Washington, the daughter of Charles and Mary Clark Putnam. She attended Smith College. She married attorney James Lusk Holman in 1927 and they had two children, Mary Clark Holman and John Holman. Martha served as president of the NSCDA-MN from 1961-1964. She was also a member of the Junior League and served as Secretary in 1929. Her colonial ancestor was Thomas Prence of Massachusetts.
Katharine Phelps President NSCDA-MN 1958-61. Katharine (1896-1994) was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Russell Marfield of Winona, Minnesota. She married Edmund Phelps, a prominent landscape architect, in 1920. Mrs. Phelps was the founding president of the Junior League of Minneapolis, organized in 1923 and a founding member of the Lake Minnetonka Garden Club in 1926. She was manager of the Locust Hills Country Club, Wayzata, in the early 1930s and the Woodhill Country Club, Wayzata, from 1935 to 1951. She was president of the Friends of the Institute of the Minneapolis Institute of Art in 1952-1954. Mrs. Phelps was a graduate of the Westover School, Middlebury, CT. She is descended from Dr. William Cocke of Virginia. Photo courtesy of JL Minnesota.
Elizabeth “Louise” Ritchie Power Mairs 1955-1958. Louise (1903-1981) was descended from Colonial ancestor William Goodhue. She was the daughter of Elizabeth Winter and Harry Ritchie. Her mother was also a Minnesota Dame. Born in St. Paul, she married Robert Power in 1926. He died in 1928. She married George Alexander Mairs Jr. (1901-1983) in 1935. Louise was president of the Minnesota Dames from 1955 to 1958. She served as second vice president of the St Paul Junior League in 1927 and the Macalester Women’s Club in 1934. Photo courtesy of Ramsey County Historical Society.
Eleanor Lawler Pillsbury President NSCDA-MN 1952-1955. Eleanor (1887-1991) was born in Mitchell, Dakota Territory (now South Dakota), the daughter of John D. and Ella Marie (Sturgis) Lawler. She was educated in St. Louis at Maryville Sacred Heart Convent and in Rome, Italy at Trinita de Monti. She married John Sargent Pillsbury and was involved with many charities; was President of Planned Parenthood, on the board of Good Samaritan Medical Center, and supported United Way and the American Red Cross. Eleanor served as President of NSCDA-MN from 1952-1955. She is descended from Thomas Dudley of Massachusetts.
Anne Turney White President, NSCDA-MN 1949-1952. Anne (1890-1960) was born in Columbus, Ohio, daughter of Henry and Emma Turney. She married Edwin White in 1914 and moved to Minnesota. While still a newcomer, she cofounded the Junior League of St. Paul with two other women. The first meeting was held in 1917. She was President of NSCDA-MN from 1949-1952. Her colonial ancestor was James Meigs of Connecticut. Photo provided by family.
Katherine King Covey was NSCDA-MN president from 1946-1949. Katherine (1890-1977) was the daughter of Preston King, a founder of the Northrup King Company, and his wife Josephine. She attended Smith College and was elected first vice president of the College Women’s Club in Minneapolis. Katherine married Wilkes Perry Covey in 1915. Katherine was president of the Community Health Service executive board for five years. She was president of the NSCDA-MN from 1946-49. Her colonial ancestor was Nathaniel Peaslee of Massachusetts. Her daughter-in-law Elizabeth Nelson (Mrs. Wilkes Perry Covey Jr.) was also a member of the NSCDA-MN.
Mary Crunden Cole NSCDA-MN President 1944-1946. Mary (1890-1955) was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Elizabeth Chittenden and Frank Payne Crunden. Her mother was a Colonial Dame. Mary married Dr. Wallace Hasbrouch Cole in 1921 and they had two sons. Mary's lineage is through Governor Theophilus Eaton of New Haven, Connecticut. Her mother's lineage includes descent from Honorabe John Talcott. Mary was President of the NSCDA-MN from 1944-1946. Passport photo from Ancestry.com.
Florence Welles Carpenter NSCDA-MN President 1940-44. Florence (1867-1958) was the daughter of Isabella (Griswold) and Edwin Pillsbury Welles. She graduated from Wells College and later served as a trustee. She married Elbert Carpenter in 1890. Florence was a trustee of the Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts and was also associated with the Minneapolis Associated Charities, the Friendly Visitors’ Conference, the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, and taught a women’s bible class at Westminster Presbyterian Church for thirty years. She was President of NSCDA-MN from 1940-1944. She is descended from Thomas Welles of Connecticut and Josiah Griswold of Connecticut.
Anna Furness NSCDA-MN President 1936-1940. "Anita" (1876- 1964) was born in Philadelphia, the oldest daughter of Marion Ramsey Furness and Charles Furness. She attended the Baldwin School in St. Paul and the Convent de la Assumption in Paris, France. She was president of the Women’s City Club, Vice regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, and member of the Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul Century Club and Unity Unitarian Church. She served as President of NSCDA-MN from 1936-1940. In her will, she provided for her home, first built for her grandfather, to be given to the Minnesota Historical Society with a provision that the NSCDA-MN share governance. Her colonial ancestor was Joseph Kirkbride of Pennsylvania. Photo used with permission Minnesota Historical Society.
Helen Pillsbury NSCDA-MN President 1932-1936. “Nelle” (1878-1957) was the daughter of Philip Winston and Katherine Stevens. A native of Minneapolis, she married Charles Stinson Pillsbury. She was active with the Pillsbury Settlement House, maternity hospital, Girl Scouts and National Child Health Organization. She was a member of the Women’s Club, DAR, and the Order of First Families of Virginia, among other organizations. She was an avid family historian and commissioned and assisted in the publication of a book on her Winston family history. She was President of the NSCDA-MN from 1932 to 1936. Christopher Robinson of Virginia was her Colonial ancestor.
Laura Winter Dean 1929-1932 President, NSCDA-MN. Laura (1871-1968) was born in Kentucky, daughter of Edwin Wheeler Winter and Elisabeth Cannon. She married William John Dean in St. Paul in 1891. Together they had 9 children, including twin daughters Helen and Alice. She was President of the Minnesota Society of the NSCDA from 1929 to 1932, and Helen became President from 1972 to 1974. Some of Laura’s descendants are current Dames today. She is descended from Colonial ancestor William Goodhue. Photo courtesy of family.
Carolyn McKnight Christian NSCDA-MN President 1923-1929. Carolyn (1875-1964) was born in Denver, Colorado, daughter of Sumner and Eugenia Manville McKnight. She married George Christian in 1897. She became involved in the family’s support of the Citizen’s Aid Society and was President for 25 years. She was the first president of the Friends of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and supported the University of Minnesota and Harvard Divinity School, Breck School, Carleton College, and many other organizations. After the death of her husband, Carolyn carried on the family’s work with the Glen Lake Sanatorium. The Carolyn Foundation was established after her death. Her Colonial ancestor was Roger Clapp of Massachusetts. Photo used with permission The Carolyn Foundation.
Marion Ramsey Furness MSCDA-MN President 1908-1923. Marion (1853-1935) was the daughter of Minnesota’s first territorial governor, Alexander Ramsey, and his wife Anna Jenks Ramsey, the only one of their children to survive to adulthood. Marion attended boarding school in Philadelphia. In 1875, she married Charles Furness. Marion and her children moved to Minnesota and lived in her parents’ home in St. Paul, now the Alexander Ramsey House operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. She was one of the founders of the NSCDA-MN and its longest serving President, from 1908 to 1923. She was also involved in the Harvest Festival, Home for the Friendless, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, Schubert Club, and New Century Club. Her colonial ancestor was Joseph Kirkbride. Photo used with permission Minnesota Historical Society.
Helen Abia Gilman Noyes 1904-1908. Helen (1843-1919) was appointed by national NSCDA president Mrs. Howard Townsend as chair from Minnesota when the group was forming. In March 1896 Helen called a meeting of 14 women at her home. In 1904 she was elected NSCDA-MN’s second president. During her four years as president, she led the group as it turned from study of Colonial History to providing education in local history and began the tradition of giving by the chapter to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, which continued for over 50 years. Helen was the daughter of Winthrop and Abia Gilman, the fifth of 13 children. She married Daniel Noyes of Lyme, CT in December 1866 in New York City. In 1868 they moved to Minnesota, where Daniel was a wholesale druggist. Helen was involved in numerous organizations, such as House of Hope Church, Town and Country Club, Women’s Work Exchange, New Century Club, Harvest Festival, and the DAR. Both Helen and Daniel were involved with the St. Paul Society for the Relief of the Poor for over 20 years and served on its inaugural board in 1881. Photo provided courtesy of her family. See her History Sketch under "About Us/Our Founders" for more information.
Ellen Fellows Young First NSCDA-MN President 1897-1904. Born on Martha's Vineyard in 1846, Ellen Fellows married George Brooks Young and moved to Minnesota in 1870. As he rose to become Associate Justice of the MN Supreme Court and attorney to James J. Hill's Great Northern Railroad, Ellen became involved with the Protestant Orphan Asylum, serving as President of its board for 11 years, and the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of Minnesota, becoming its first elected President in 1897 and serving until a year before her death in 1905. Photo courtesy of Martha's Vineyard Museum.
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