Exploring History Through Ancestry

Becky Hill Piliponis joined the Illini Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Ottawa, Illinois, in July 2018, continuing a multigenerational family legacy—both her mother and grandmother were longtime members of the chapter. Her patriot ancestor, Edward Mason, served as an Orderly Sergeant in the Rhode Island militia at Warren, first under Captain John Child and later under Captain Ezra Ormsbee.

At the time of this program, Becky was an active leader at the chapter, district, and state levels. She had served as Chapter Chaplain (2021–2023) and was serving as Chapter Regent (2023–2027). Her involvement included committee service in Achievement & Awards, Constitution Week, DAR Media, Service for Veterans, and Yearbooks, along with leadership roles in District II and the Illinois State Regent’s Club.

Jean Galetti joined the Chief Senachwine Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Henry, Illinois, in 2023. Her patriot ancestor, Richard Taylor, served in the Virginia Colonial Navy. Commissioned as a captain on February 6, 1776, he was later appointed Commodore in 1787, a rank he held for the remainder of his life.

At the time of this program, Jean was actively involved in chapter leadership and service. She was serving on the Constitution Week Committee (2023–2024) and as Franco-American Lafayette Chair and Lincoln Marker Chair (2024–2025), and she was serving as Chapter Regent (2025–2027).