The Kansas Society Sons of the American Revolution chartered the newest chapter, the Prairie Minutemen Chapter, on Nov. 29, 2019, and after waiting more than 18 months, celebrated the accomplishment with a charter presentation ceremony on Aug. 7, 2020.

Justin Engleman, Kansas Society Western Vice President, served as master of ceremonies for the banquet held in Friendship Hall at Ellsworth’s First Presbyterian Church. Society President Vern Welkner gave opening remarks and immediate past president Bobbie Hulse gave the keynote address. Kansas Society Daughters of the American Revolution Recording Secretary Peggi Barrett brought greetings on behalf of the DAR. South Central District Vice President General Larry Stevens, Kingwood, Texas, installed nine of the new members.

The Prairie Minutemen Chapter is centered in Ellsworth, a town with a population of about 3,000. The chapter boasted 58 charter members. Ron Svaty, retired 20th Judicial District Judge, is president; David Bailey is vice president; Kendall Rathbun is treasurer; Eli Svaty is secretary; Engleman is genealogist and Dr. William T. King is chaplain.

Hulse, Engleman and Ron Svaty were the driving forces in getting the chapter formed and completing the genealogy and applications necessary for membership. Svaty’s wife, Pat, who is registrar for the Smoky Hill Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, was also instrumental in helping with genealogy of the nearly 40 applications approved since the chapter was chartered.

Sponsored by the Sons of the Plains Chapter in Hutchinson, the Prairie Minutemen installed nine of the new members at the chartering ceremony and will continue installing others who were not able to be present at subsequent chapter meetings.

The chapter meets on the third Thursday of each month. For more information about the Prairie Minutemen, contact Ron Svaty at 785-531-1250.