Mrs. Edward Squire organized the Fort Defiance Chapter on April 9, 1926 with twenty-six ladies, as chartered members.

The name Fort Defiance was chosen by the group, because there was a large historic fort on the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize rivers. In 1794 while the war between the Indians and the United States was happening, General "Mad" Anthony Wayne uttered those historic words: "I defy the English, the Indians and all the Devils in Hell to take it." General Scott who was standing nearby said --- "Then call it Fort Defiance."

The Fort Defiance Chapter in 1968 took on a project that is still active today. Riverside Cemetery has a small beautiful chapel that was built in 1890. In 1961 a fire nearly destroyed the inside and the city wanted to tear it down. Our chapter interceded and made a deal with the city, so that we would restore the inside, if they would take care of the outside. Through many donations from the citizens of Defiance it was restored and has been maintained ever since by the DAR. It is now open for visitors 4 time a year and used for small weddings and interments.