Linda J. Harris was recently sworn in as secretary of the Col. John Washington Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames 17th Century by Chapter Chaplain Frankie Ochsner.
"Native Arkansas Daughter Linda J. Harris is a born genealogist, leader and servant," a news release said. Harris was born, lived and married in Jacksonville. She and her husband, Don, and their two children lived in the St. Louis area for 26 years before moving to Tennessee in 1995, then in 2017 back to Maumelle.
After her children were grown, Harris discovered lineage research and has served in multiple lineage societies.
"It is rare a person who has served as Harris has agrees to serve again at the chapter level," the release said.
She served the National Society Colonial Dames 17th Century in Tennessee as chapter treasurer, chapter president, Tennessee state registrar, Tennessee state treasurer, Tennessee first vice president, and Tennessee state president. She also served at the national level as national flag chairman and as a national volunteer geni. The national appointments were for two consecutive administrations.
Other organizations where she has been active include Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of Union Veterans, Dames of the Court of Honor, New England Women, Sons & Daughters of Pilgrims and the Order of Eastern Star.
CD17 is an organization of women, 18 years of age or older, who are lineal descendants of an ancestor who lived and served prior to 1701 in one of the original colonies of the present United States. Members are devoted to preserving the memory of those who settled in the U.S. prior to 1701, the release said.
"The work of the society is dedicated to the preservation of historic sites and records, promotion of heraldry and coats of arms and support of charitable projects, patriotism and education. Through these and many other activities, members acknowledge and honor those individuals whose enduring legacy of virtue, courage and patriotism formed this great nation," it said.
For information regarding membership and the activities of CD17, email Col. John Washington Chapter President Belinda Jones at [email protected]. The chapter meets in Benton, Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village.