BRIDGTON — The Molly Ockett Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), met on August 10 at the Bridgton Community Center for its monthly meeting during which new member Leila Rodriguez was inducted. Leila, a native of Hawaii, shared how she had been researching her patriot ancestor James Lord since she was a senior in high school and how joining the DAR both honored his service and connected her to her New England roots. This brings the Chapter’s new member total to six this year and twelve over the past two years.

Beginning this month, the chapter is pleased to share its Patriot of the Month, a monthly recognition of a Bridgton Revolutionary War patriot and celebration of America 250! John Kilborn was born on June 28, 1760 in Rowley, MA. An ardent patriot, he served almost continually from April 19, 1775 until January 1, 1783 rising to the rank of sergeant and fighting at the Battles of Lexington, Ticonderoga, and Stony Point. He married Mary Howe in Rowley, MA on February 9, 1780 and moved to Bridgton in 1789. Due to his ill health and poor economic circumstances, he later received a pension for his service. His obituary states he was “a useful member of society and a kind father”. At the time of his death on September 8, 1842, he “left 5 children, 27 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.” He is interred in the High Street Cemetery. The Molly Ockett Chapter, NSDAR, honors his service and sacrifice.

The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children.To learn more about today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org or contact us at [email protected].