Colonial Daughters Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution recently met for its monthly meeting at the home of Father John Gallagher in Fairbanks. This was a return visit for the chapter, having held a meeting there in October 2015.

The home is of special interest to the group, because it was built by Thomas Wendell, a Revolutionary War patriot in 1794. There are many artifacts, collections and many items of interest in the home, according to a news release from the DAR chapter.

The Colonial Daughters Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met at the home of Father John Gallagher in Fairbanks. The home was built by Thomas Wendell, a Revolutionary War patriot back in 1794. Contributed photo

A potluck lunch was served, followed by a business meeting and a brief history of Wendell and his family. As the guest speaker, Gallagher sharedshared his memories and humor.

According to the release, Wendell married Elizabeth Eaton, daughter of Jacob Eaton, and they had 11 children. His daughter Julia married Francis Gould Butler, the author of the “History of Farmington, Maine 1885.” Julia was the only real daughter of the Revolutionary War in the town of Farmington. She died April 4, 1907, and is buried in the Farmington Courthouse Cemetery, along with several Revolutionary War soldiers.

Thomas Wendell died Nov. 18, 1862, at age 92. He is also buried in the Court House Cemetery.

Colonial Daughters meet the fourth Tuesday of the month. An applicant for membership must be at least 18 years old. She must prove direct lineal bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided the fight for American independence. She must provide documentation for each statement of birth, marriage and death.

For more information, call the chapters Registrar Joanne Page at 645-5194.

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