Chapter History
Mrs. Mary (Keeler) Hyatt served as the Organizing Regent of the
Fort Findlay Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the
American Revolution. She became a member of the National Society
on May 7, 1896, and was the wife of Benjamin F. Hyatt, a well‑known
figure in the community. Only a few months after joining the
NSDAR, she was appointed regent in October 1896, reflecting both
her leadership and her commitment to the organization’s mission.
Under her guidance, the early members of the society in Findlay
began laying the groundwork for a local chapter. On February 13,
1897, fifteen members of the National Society gathered at Mrs.
Hyatt’s home to formally organize what would become the Fort
Findlay Chapter, NSDAR. The chapter’s name honored the historic
Fort Findlay, a frontier outpost built along the Blanchard River in
1812 during the War of 1812, symbolizing the region’s early
Americanheritage.
After a year of organizational efforts and steady growth, the National Society officially granted the chapter’s charter on February 19, 1898. This milestone marked the beginning of the Fort Findlay Chapter, NSDAR long history of patriotic service, historical preservation, and community engagement.
B.F. Hyatt tombstone. (2019).
Photo by Kimberly Chambers.
Women Worthy of Honor
History of Fort Findlay Chapter Founding Members
Video created by Heather M. Pierce.
Photos and images for video, used with permission.
History of Fort Findlay
Old Fort Findlay. (1912). From worthpoint.com
In June 1812, at the outset of the War of 1812, General William
Hull led his army northward from Urbana, Ohio, toward Detroit,
Michigan. The route was largely wilderness, and progress was
slow. Hull’s forces were required to cut a military road through
dense forest, carving a passage wide enough for troops, supply
wagons, and artillery. After weeks of laborious travel, the army
reached the banks of the Blanchard River in northwestern Ohio.
Recognizing the strategic importance of the location, General
Hull ordered then‑Colonel James Findlay to construct a defensive
outpost to secure the supply line and protect the advancing army.
Under Findlay’s direction, soldiers built a frontier fort on the south side of the Blanchard River, on the site where the city of Findlay, Ohio, now stands. The structure, later known as Fort Findlay, was typical of early 19th‑century military fortifications.
The fort consisted of a sturdy stockade approximately ten feet high, enclosing a small compound. At each of the four corners stood a two‑story blockhouse constructed of round logs. These blockhouses were heavily loop‑holed, pierced with narrow openings that allowed soldiers to fire while remaining protected, and each was equipped with a piece of artillery to defend against potential attacks. The surrounding land was cleared of trees and brush to provide an unobstructed field of vision and eliminate cover for approaching enemies.
Fort Findlay served as a protective station and supply point throughout the conflict, offering security to troops and settlers in the region. With the end of the War of 1812 in 1815, the fort’s military purpose came to a close. It was subsequently abandoned, but its presence laid the foundation for the settlement that would grow into the modern city of Findlay.
William Hull. (1823). By Gilbert Stuart. Smithsonian Institution National Portrait Gallery. From connecticuthistory.org.
James Findlay. From findagrave.com.
Header image © Richard Neuman, used with permission.
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Page last updated on 5/3/2026.