Our Chapter

Jean Antoin (John) Benning was born on December 10, 1737, in Goochland County, Virginia. Patriotism started early in the Benning family. As a young man, John Benning volunteered as a soldier in the French and Indian War and later was very eager and happy to join fellow patriots in the
establishment of American Independence. In 1777, at the age of 40, he was given the rank of Captain and served in the Virginia Militia of Buckingham County, drawing on his militia experience. He is also credited with patriotic service, including supplying the American armies with food and shelter.

Just prior to the war, he married Sally Cobb. By 1796, he had moved to Columbia County, Georgia. He died in 1809, leaving a large estate to his nine
children. He was the great-grandfather of Miss Anna Caroline Benning of Columbus, Georgia. Miss Benning served as State Regent 1907-1908 and was known as the “Mother of Patriotic Organizations.” She visited Moultrie in 1909 and assisted several eligible ladies in becoming members of Georgia’s 38th DAR chapter. The name of the chapter was chosen to honor Miss Benning’s Revolutionary ancestor John Benning. Today, 115 years later, we are 64 members strong