In the early 1930s, a few members of the Major K.M. Van Zandt chapter, including Dr. Valin R. Woodward, Sr. and his brother Dr. Cicero Smith Woodward, were from the Arlington area. Dr. Valin R. Woodward was also a strong force in the early history of the Texas SAR and the Maj. K.M. Van Zandt chapter. Living in Arlington, Texas, and his brother Dr. Cicero Smith Woodward living in Fort Worth, both medial doctors, saw a need to stimulate interest in the Texas Society, so they created a newspaper, The Texas Compatriot, w hich they published at their expense from 1933 until 1952. This publication became a valuable document in the early history of the Texas SAR organization. All five of the Woodward brothers were Doctors of Medicine. Most attended TCU.
In the 1920 Census, Dr. Valin Woodward, age 29, and wife Fannie are living in the Arlington Home for the Aged Masons. He is listed as a Physician of Geriatrics. Dr. Cicero Woodward aged 25 and not married is living and working at the St. Joseph Infirmary in Fort Worth.
In the 1930 Census, Dr. Valin Woodward, and family (3 of 5 boys) are in their home on E. First St @ Mary St, near modern day Arlington and Parkdale cemeteries. He is a physician specializing in eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Dr. Cicero Woodard, wife Ruby and family (1 of 3 sons) are living in Port Arthur. He is listed as a Doctor of General Practice Medicine.
With a growing Arlington interest, the William Pruitt Chapter was chartered on May 1, 1935, as Chapter #12. The members met at various Arlington locations and, for the most part, simultaneously with the SRT. The chapter thrived and hosted a State meeting or two.
In the 1940 Census, Dr. Valin Woodward, and wife with all 5 sons are listed in Arlington. He is a self-employed physician specializing in eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Dr. Cicero Woodward and wife with 2 of 3 sons are listed back in Arlington. He is a physician at the Home for the Aged Masons.
On Sept. 17, 1943, Arlington’s William Pruitt Chapter #12 merged with the Jesse Watkins of Henderson Chapter #13 and became known as the Jesse Watkins Chapter #12. On Feb. 24, 1952, the Jesse Watkins Chapter #12 became known as the Arlington Chapter #7. Several area notable citizens were members with some serving as Chapter President.
Regardless of the chapter name, the Woodwards are significant as they are the actual founders of the Arlington Chapter. Dr. Valin Woodward wound up with multiple patriots identified and assisted the Texas Registrar, Charles Maxwell, significantly. Dr. Valin Woodward is the SAR Application first line sponsor of 40+ relatives. More information may be found about the Woodward brothers in the Texas SAR History Volume I. Dr. Valin Woodward died in 1969 and is buried with his wife in the old section of the Arlington Cemetery. His grave has a SAR marker from near the time of his death and was re-dedicated by our Arlington Chapter in March 2016. Dr. Cicero Woodward died in 1980 and is buried with his wife and parents in the Fairmount Cemetery in San Angelo, Texas.
In Jan. 1958 and 1959, the chapter renamed itself as the Gonzales Chapter #7. Then in 1960 renamed itself back to the Arlington Chapter #7. As patriotism was not popular in the late 1960s to early 1990s, the chapter continued to struggle.
Little history was preserved over those years. But in the early 1990s a few area members from other area chapters began thoughts of re-organizing the Arlington Chapter. On January 11, 1994, the Arlington Chapter #7 was re-chartered, with James M. Head, Jr. previously of the Major K.M. Van Zandt chapter as Chapter President. The charter was submitted to the Texas SAR and approved in February 1994. In our January 2019 chapter meeting, we celebrated our 25th Chapter Anniversary.
By October 1994, Al Coppinger was Chapter President. But the chapter struggled again and by 2010 had almost dissolved. Robert "Bob" Harris was acting as Chapter President when in 2011, the chapter voted Ron Carter as President. With his tremendous influence, followed by David Friels, and John Anderson, the chapter survives and grew to 74 members in 2017.
In March 2016, the Arlington Chapter lead the Texas SAR ceremony to recognize two of its own members as Texas SAR Past Presidents at the Arlington Cemetery. Namely 1935 Texas SAR Past President Dr. Valin R. Woodward and 1942 Texas SAR Past President Hon. Benton Carter Collins. Texas SAR President Larry Stevens gave the welcoming speech.
In August 2018, the Arlington Chapter lead the Texas SAR ceremony to recognize another two more Texas SAR Past Presidents at the Corsicana Oakwood Cemetery. Namely 1906 Texas SAR Past President George T. Jester and 1931 Texas SAR Past President Edward M. Polk. Texas SAR President Tom Jackson gave the welcoming speech.
Photos taken from both events are posted to the Arlington Chapter website.
In 2019 the Arlington Chapter partnered with the Fort Worth Major K.M. Van Zandt Chapter and hosted the 2019 Fall Texas SAR Board of Managers meeting at the Arlington Hilton Hotel. It was a three-day event and was the first time since the late 1930s that the Arlington Chapter hosted such a Texas SAR event.
In 2020 a chapter logo was formed, a chapter Challenge Coin was developed, and a chapter merchandise listing was created.
In the covid years 2020-2021, minimal chapter activities were conducted, zoom meetings began, and the chapter continued. In 2021 a chapter Color Guard locker was created.
Despite the past, now in 2025 the future looks bright with 5-10 (or more) new applicants approved annually.
