The Wolverine Minute Man Newsletter of the Michigan Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

Transcription

1 The Wolverine Minute Man Newsletter of the Michigan Society of the Sons of the American Revolution # Fall September 2008 Hopefully, everyone had a relaxing and productive summer pursuing your interests, whether they are hobbies or obligations. My wife and I had a wonderful time at the River Raisin picnic on July 31st. On September 13 th I will attend the West Michigan Chapter and make a presentation on Historic Mill Creek State Park discovery on the Straits of Machinac. If any Chapter is interested in a program for your meetings, I would be very happy to do so. Please contact me as soon as possible to avoid any time conflicts. The D.A.R. has invited Sandy and I to their meeting at Pontiac on September 18 th, which we will attend. I would suggest that the S.A.R. chapter members keep in contact with the D.A.R. chapters closest to them and recruit S.A.R members from the male members of their families. After all, we have very similar goals. The last MISSAR Board of Managers meeting, which was well attended, was held at the Montague Inn in Saginaw. The Northern Michigan Chapter will be hosting the next MIS- SAR Board of Managers meeting, to be held at Ruby Tuesday s in Traverse City on October 4 th. The Great Lakes District meeting will be held at Madison, Wisconsin, October 31 st and November 1 st. The fall colors should be spectacular by then. Our various committees do a tremendous amount of work, often without much fanfare or recognition. It would be nice for Chapters to recognize their committee chairmen and members for their outstanding work. If committees have reports ready for the October 4 th meeting, please present them orally or written at that time. Possibly, if your committee project is ongoing and incomplete, an update would be appreciated. We have in our community many individuals who are worthy of public recognition, but because of their humility, seldom receive the honors they deserve, Consequently, seeking these people out is not only a wonderful way to say thank you, but is great P R for our organization. Every school child knows about the conflict at Lexington Green and Concord Bridge in Few children or adults realize that some of the soldiers that fought there came directly from Fort Michilimackinac to Boston. The 10 th Regiment of Foot, 72 nd and 74 th Companies were ordered by General Thomas Gage to travel to Lexington and take away the guns and ammunition from the local radicals. We don t know his name, but the first British soldier to fall at Lexington was from the 10 th Regiment of Foot. Sandy and I are looking forward to meeting and getting to know the MISSAR members better as we travel around the State attending the different chapter functions. MISSAR President Ellis Olson

2 West Michigan Chapter James A. Bergenham 1438 Marwood Dr. SE Kentwood, Michigan ********************************************* Paul Emery Chapter Gary S. Wooden W. Lennon Road Lennon, Michigan ********************************************** Northern Michigan Chapter Joseph C. Conger 6432 Mission Ridge Road Traverse City, Mi SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION State Society and Chapter Presidents Michigan State Society Ellis N. Olson 302 James Street Cheboygan, Michigan Oaks Chapter Rod Wilson 403 Red Oak Lane Rochester Hills, Michigan River Raisin Chapter Wayne Carpenter 1700 Fairfield Road Adrian, Michigan ***************************************** Detroit Metro Chapter Anthony M. Salmeto 3400 Hilton Estates Brighton, Michigan ***************************************** Sauk Trail Chapter Robert A. Wagel O Keefe Road Dowagiac, Michigan Perpetual Life Members Perpetual Life Membership provides a lasting memorial and the payment of chapter, state, and national dues. All are recognized in the Wolverine Minute Man and Annual Directory. Michigan Society memberships are no longer available. Memorial Memberships may be purchased through NSSAR on a qualified deceased descendant *Wilbert H. Barret 1209 *Wallace C. Hall 1404 *Marion C. Crawmer 1422 *Lynn S. Gorden 2052 *Gov. G.M. Williams 2188 *Harold McCracken 2303 *John L. Ruby 2318 *Linus W. Heydon Sr *Donald J. Pennell 2429 *Pres. Gerald Ford 2438 George M. Pennell 2462 Charles E. Dewey 2517 Robert M. Heydon 2520 *George R. Thomas 2522 James L. Monroe 2523 Clare E. Monroe 2530 Kenneth E. Reeves 2542 *Clyde L. Wolff 2553 *Harry S. Radcliff 2712 John G. Fuller 2751 Eugene McKay 2752 Larry L. Blackett 2754 John M. Tuohy 2774 John S. Kennedy 2780 Stephen N. Tuohy 2819 *Donald Richards 2835 James Richards Memorial Memberships 2875 *Robert Whittenburger 2891 Edward A. Stokel 2895 William K. Stokel 2918 Thomas Monroe 3020 E. Lou Hoos 3072 Earl W. Modert 3077 Bradley J. Boring *deceased 3201 David James Herold 3/15/1967-5/25/ Brian Joseph Denslow 2/15/1959-4/4/ Douglas Fountain 8/22/1941-8/15/90 George Washington Fellow Compatriots donating $ or more to the National Society SAR. George Washington Fellow Fund: Gerald J. Burkland, Paul Emery Chapter **E.Lou Hoos, West Michigan Chapter **Richard A. Steele, Oaks Chapter Gary Wooden, Paul Emery Chapter Michigan Century Club Compatriots donating $ or more within a year for a specified program from thru Bernie W. Wagers and Gary S. Wooden Youth Awards Leonard J. Decker Grave Marking NSSAR Library (Gifts for SAR Library, Grave Marking (G.M.), Law enforcement, Boy Scouts, Heritage Center, ROTC, Medal & Awards,

3 A French Admiral s Bold Gamble!!! On March 22, 1781, French Rear Admiral Francois Josef Paul, comte de Grasse set sail from Brest, France to resume his patrols in the West Indies. De Grasse had spent a number of years in command of vessels and men in the Caribbean and was well acquainted with the area. He was returning in command of a large flotilla of ships: 26 ships-of-the-line, 3 frigates, and 156 transports. His main mission was to protect French interest in the area. He had also been given the authority, if he thought it feasible without jeopardizing his main mission, to join up with French Admiral de Barras, who had already gone to America with a smaller French fleet of twelve ships, in support of French General Rochambeau and the Americans. Generals Rochambeau and Washington were trying to decide where they wanted to direct their main military efforts during the 1781 campaign. Washington favored New York, since it was the British Military Headquarters in America. Another reason Washington favored an attack on New York was the fact that the American Army was already in position, since it was located at Peelskill, just north of New York City. Rochanbeau thought New York City was too heavily defended and wanted to shift the army to the South, specifically Virginia, where there were less British troops. Lafayette was already there in command of 3,000 soldiers, fighting troops led by the traitor, Benedict Arnold. In late May 1781 the two Generals met to decide what they were going to do. What General Washington was not aware of was Rochambeau s knowledge that Admiral de Grasse had left France with a large French fleet and was conducting military operations in the West Indies. He sent a message in June of 1781 informing de Grasse of the desperate situation the Allies were in, trying to convince him to come as quickly as possible with ships and money. Rochambeau also championed his own plan to fight in the Chesapeake Bay area instead of New York. After weighing his options, Admiral de Grasse decided to take his fleet, containing thousands of sailors and soldiers, and head to the Chesapeake Bay area to assist the American cause. This decision was not without risk! If the combined French and American army could not march the 450 miles to Virginia before his fleet got there, or they remained in New York, the 1781 campaign would be lost and de Grasse would be disgraced, having expended a lot of time and money for nothing. The French Admiral 3 made another bold gamble. A convoy of 126 merchantmen was homeward-bound from the Caribbean and would need protection. Rather than weaken his fleet, de Grasse assigned only one 64-gun ship to protect the convoy. If the British fleet had stumbled upon the convoy it would have been a disaster for the French and the end of de Grasse s career. The convoy made it to France safely. On August 5, 1781 de Grasse led his Fleet toward America. De Grasse, aboard his flag ship, Ville of Paris, led a force comprised of 28 ships-of-the-line, along with a number of supporting frigates. De Grasse dispached a frigate to Havana, to pick up the money that was so badly needed to pay and feed the allied army. Realizing that time was of the essence, and fearful that his mission would be discovered by the British, de Grasse took another chance and sailed his fleet through the old Bahamian Channel. This was a route that no French fleet had ever used, but de Grasse knew about it since he had spent so much time in the Caribbean on previous war cruises. On August 14, 1781 Rochambeau and Washington received a message from de Grasse that he was sailing for Chesapeake Bay with all the ships and troops at his disposal. He also informed them that he could stay no later than October 15. Four days later the allied army began its march to Yorktown. Since Admiral de Barras was senior in seniority to de Grasse it was not known if he would be willing to serve under de Grasse. De Barras had no intention of being left out of this fight and on the night of August he led nine ships, including seven ships-of-the-line, loaded with troops, supplies, and siege artillery, to join de Grasse. (to be continued) B. Wagers ******************************************* New Chapter to Become a Reality The Michigan Society will be addressing the formation and approval of a new Chapter at its Board of Managers Meeting to be held in Traverse City on October 4, 2008 at Ruby Tuesday s. The new local Chapter will be known as the Huron Valley Chapter. It is expected that its membership base will be primarily from Ann Arbor and surrounding area. Presently, the new chapter has caught the interest of some 26 Compatriots with more on the way, in addition to new applicants who wish to become active members of the Huron Valley Chapter. An organizational meeting was held some time ago to begin the process of forming the new chapter. Under the capable leadership of Compatriot David Critchett, a current member of the Oaks Chapter, things have moved forward rather quickly (continued on Page 11)

4 A Forgotten Patriot! HONORING A FORGOTTEN PATRIOT 4 In the course of the last 8 years I have worked with many families in helping to locate and honor their Patriot Ancestors, first in Michigan, and after becoming the Nat'l Chairman for the NSSAR Gravesite committee, for people around the country. In the early part of this century my daughter moved to Nashua, New Hampshire. Since then, I had been making the drive from Michigan to New Hampshire twice a year to visit her. The route I took while driving thru New York State was Interstate 90. In doing my own research I found that one of my Patriot ancestors Nathan Barlow, and my Grandmother Johannah Swift were buried at a spot called Eaton Corners, New York, which was located on the old McIntoish Farm. For years I had not thought much of it, being busy with my work, and helping others trace their genealogy. In July 2007, on the way home from New Hampshire, I decided to stop in New York and visit the gravesite of Patriot Nathan Barlow, my seventh Great grandfather. With a Google map in hand and a few extra hours, I exited Interstate 90 at Albany, and headed towards Eaton Corners, New York. I found Eaton Corners, and started looking for the cemetery which should have been on the on the East side of Eaton Corners Road according to the google map. After several trips back and forth on the road, I realized that there was not a cemetery at the location shown on the google map. I had been looking for about two hours and was ready to leave for Rochester when I decided I would stop and ask about the cemetery. I drove up to the HI CLIFF Farm and went into the office. I asked about the Eaton Corners Cemetery. The secretary was very cordial, stating that there was a cemetery on the Farm, but she did not know the name of it. She also informed me that she was sorry but I could not access it at that time because their thoughbred horses were pastured in the area. She advised me to call and make an appointment and they would assign someone to escort me to the Cemetery. As we were finishing our conversation, a bit of faith happened. A farmhand walked in and told the secretary that the well in the pasture had broken down and would need to be fixed. Accordingly, the horses had been moved to a different pasture. After a short discussion, and with the secretary s agreement, the farmhand volunteered to escort me to the cemetery. As he led me through the pasture on the way to the Cemetery, he joked about farm hands seeing "Ghosts" around the cemetery. Approaching the cemetery I realized it was abandoned and overgrown. It was a virtual "jungle" not having been mowed or trimmed in over 30 years. It was almost impassable!! The farmhand took me to the one gravestone he was aware of, Capt Ebeneazer Hatch, a Revolutionary War Patriot. We talked about Nathan Barlow, but he had no idea where the gravesite might be located, so we both started to search. He had only gone a few feet before he disappeared in the jungle of bushes, trees, and undergrowth. I pushed thru the tangle and started looking at the many broken and neglected stones that seemed to be lying everywhere. As I moved to the other end of the cemetery, I still could not see the farmhand, but could hear him in the brush. Then as I was about ready to give up and leave, there it was!!! I saw my Patriot Grandfather s tombstone, partially covered with leaves and dirt, broken in half, but still legible. Nathan Barlow had been buried 199 years ago in this spot, and had been truly forgotten. That night in Rochester, New York, I decided that since July 27, 2008 would mark the two hundredth anniversary of my Grandfather s burial, I would start planning a Grave dedication to honor him on that date. This would give me about a year to make the necessary arrangements. Time moves fast. I had help from my Compatriot Daryl VerStreate Jr. in Rochester, New York who ordered a Veterans Plaque to my request. I sent out many s to family and Compatriots in New York informing them of our intentions. With the arrival of Spring 2008, I increased my correspondence and, much to my disappointment, discovered that the Compatriots in New York were all very busy and would not be able to attend, as was true of the many Barlow descendants. My brother Ben Burkland and I left two days early for New York to be sure that the plaque was ready, and to clear a spot in the cemetery. On Saturday July 26, 2008, I, along with a farmhand from the Hi Cliff farm, chain sawed and removed trees and brush in 85 + degree weather for about a hour, clearing a 25X25 area. I wanted to do the whole cemetery, but that will have to be done by others. My daughter and her family drove in from New Hampshire to meet with us that evening, We had a good time at dinner, with my granddaughter really taking to her Great uncle Ben. Sunday morning s weather caused us some concern since there were bad storms in the area, but we continued with our plans and met at the Cemetery at about 1:30 pm. We were overjoyed to find a Barlow cousin, Anne Ferguson there. She had driven from her home in Casanoa, New York located about two hours west of Eaton Corners.

5 All six of us walked to the cemetery along a path that was soaked with rain from the night before. A few local bridges had been washed out from the heavy rain. As our little group walked along, the sky was looking very dark, heavy with rain clouds. Our ceremony took about twenty minutes, and concluded with Ben and I doing the thirteen-point flag fold while Cousin Anne recited the verse of each fold. It was a great feeling to then present the folded Betsy Ross flag to the hope of our future, five-year-old Natalie Marie Ward, my granddaughter. With a very serious look on her face, and maybe a tear in some growup eyes, she accepted the flag. We walked back to our vehicles and said our good-bys. As I closed the car door the sky open up with a cloud burst of rain. It really didn t matter anymore, since I was secure in the knowledge that my ancestor Nathan Barlow was no longer a forgotten Patriot!!! Gerald Burkland with B.Wagers ******************************************* SCHEDULE OF FEES AND DUES NSSAR/MISSAR Regular Membership Application Fee (NSSAR) $60.00 Regular Membership Application Fee (MISSAR) $25.00 Regular Membership Application Fee (NSSAR) for Sons, grandsons, brother, nephews and grandnephews( under 25 years of age) of SAR, DAR, and/or SR members $30.00 Supplemental Membership Application Fee (NSSAR) $ Supplemental Membership Application Fee (MISSAR) $10.00 C.A.R. (with Transfer Certificate/Card) No Charge Annual Membership Dues NSSAR $25.00 Annual Membership Dues, MISSAR $17.00 Annual Membership Dues, Local Chapter $8.00 Record Copy $10.00 Total Fees & Dues Regular membership fees and dues (NSSAR &MISSAR) $ Regular Membership Fees and Dues for Son, Grandson, Nephews, Brother and Grandnephews (under the age of 25) of SAR, DAR, SR members. $ Supplemental Membership Application (NSSAR & MISSAR) $ June 2008, Revised ******************************************* From the Editor Where did the summer go?!! I can hardly believe it is already time for the leaves to begin to turn and the furnace to kick in again. I trust everyone had a great summer. We didn t travel as much as usual this summer because of the high gas prices, but we did manage a couple of camping trips with the Church as well as our annual family trip to Cedar Pointe. Compatriot Burkland s article on the discovery of his Patriot ancestor s gravesite and subsequent grave dedication was especially interesting to me. The gravesites of most of my ancestors in Kentucky are also abandoned. Last April, a friend and I traveled to Kentucky and, using our ATV s, traveled back to where my Sparks great grandparents are buried. The cemetery is totally abandoned and my great grandfather s tombstone is destroyed. I hope to back go early next spring and replace it. It is also exciting news that a new SAR chapter is being formed. I am sure most of you are aware that the DAR has many chapters in each state. I believe this contributes to their large number of members, since it is convenient to attend chapter meetings and develop friendships and work on worthwhile projects. Admiral de Grasse s role in the success of the American Revolution is an important one. Until I began my research I never realized the risks he took to carry out his mission to help the Americans. Stay tuned as the December issue of the WMM relates an account of the battle that resulted in the Admiral s greatest victory. I also discovered a Spaniard who did great service to the American cause by raising the money that Admiral de Grasse took to America to help pay and supply the troops. I plan to explore his role further in a future issue of the WMM. That s about it for now. I need to finish up and send the issue to Joel for posting on the website. Have a great fall and enjoy the colors. Later Bernie

6 6 Board of Managers meeting being conducted by President Ellis Olson. The meeting was held on August 16, 2008 at the Montague Inn, in Saginaw, Michigan. Tom Pleuss and other Oaks Chapter members and their families attending the Oaks Chapter picnic, held on the grounds of Compatriot Bernie Wagers home. Members of the MISSAR color guard joined with DAR members to march in the 4th of July parade held at Crossroads Village in Genesee County, Michigan

7 7 MISSAR member, Gerald Burkland, honors his Patriot ancestor, Nathan Barlow, at the conclusion of the grave dedication ceremony held on Sunday July 27, 2008 in New York State. Wayne Carpenter, speaker at the River Raisin annual cemetery outing, and great great-grandson of Hiram Parsons with an 1888 picture of the Parson homestead leaning against Hiram Parson s tombstone. Dr. Richard Youngs, Treasurer of River Raisin Chapter, and Don Nutt, Past State President at the annual cemetery outing for the River Raisin Chapter held on August 14, 2008

8 8 MICHIGAN SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION ANNUAL BOARD OF MANAGERS MEETING ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Ann Arbor, Michigan April 26, 2008 At an Annual Meeting of the Board of Managers of the Michigan Society for the Sons of the American Revolution held Saturday, 26 April 2008, at the Holiday Inn North Campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan, beginning at 10:00 A. M., were present Compatriots: President - Donald D. Nutt Joseph Conger 1 st Vice President Rodney J. Wilson Thomas Fountain 2 nd Vice President Harry E. Robinson Ellis Olson Treasurer Gary S. Wooden Jerry Reed Secretary Richard A. Steele Joel Robinson Chancellor Donald Johnston, absent Gary Crump Registrar (Interim) Walter Timoschuk III Brian Weston Genealogist Fred Ward Lynn Sheren Historian Wesley McMichael & Ladies Chaplain Bernie Wagers II Mrs. Donald Nutt CAR/SAR Liaison James Waller Mrs. Gerald Burkland Immediate State President Gerald J. Burkland Mrs. Ellis Olson National Trustee Gerald J. Burkland Mrs. Patricia Hough Alternate National Trustee Robert Wagel & Guests Vice President General GLD E. Lou Hoos Geoffrey A. Hickok (SR) Trustee (West Michigan) Wesley McMichael Nimit Jain Eagle Scout Trustee (West Michigan) James Bergenham Andrew Bolzman-Knight Trustee (Sauk Trail) Clare Monroe M/M Bolzman Trustee (Sauk Trail) Robert Heydon Trustee (Paul Emery) James Thompson Trustee (Paul Emery) absent Trustee (Oaks) Harold Golding Trustee (Oaks) absent Trustee (River Raisin) absent Trustee (River Raisin) absent Trustee (Detroit Metro.) Stuart Shuster Trustee (Detroit Metro.) Edward Baugh Trustee (North Michigan) Charles Barr II The Annual Meeting of the Board of Managers for the Michigan Society for the Sons of the American Revolution was called to order by the sound of the gravel by MISSAR President Donald D. Nutt from the River Raisin Chapter, MISSAR at 10:00 a.m. State President Donald D. Nutt gave the command to the Color Guard, under the command of Compatriot Gerald J. Burkland, to present the Colors. Compatriot Burkland and the other members of the Color Guards presented the Colors in due form and respect. The MISSAR President Donald D. Nutt called upon Chaplain Bernie Wagers of the Oaks Chapter to give the Invocation followed by 2 nd Vice President Harry Robinson of the Northern Michigan Chapter who led the SAR Pledge. The MISSAR President Donald D. Nutt called upon the MISSAR Secretary Richard A. Steele of the Oaks Chapter if a quorum was present to conduct business in behalf of the Michigan Society. Secretary Richard Steele noted that a quorum was, indeed, present for the transaction of business. The MISSAR Secretary Richard Steele made the motion that All Board of Managers members had voice and voting rights on all matters of business to come before the Annual Board of Managers and all non-board of managers members did not have voting rights and only had voice rights for a total amount of time being 2 minutes, unless authorized by the chair. Compatriot James Thompson of the Paul Emery

9 9 Chapter supported motion. Motion passed without objection. The MISSAR Secretary Richard Steele presented the minutes of the last Board of Managers Meeting for approval and acceptance. Motion to accept the minutes as printed was made by Trustee Charles Barr II of the Northern Michigan Chapter, supported by 1 st Vice President Rod Wilson of the Oaks Chapter. Motion passed. The MISAR Treasurer Gary Wooden presented an Annual Financial Report, with comments. MIS- SAR Secretary Richard Steele moved to accept the MISSAR Treasurers Report, supported by Trustee Charles Barr II. Motion approved. The following committee chairman gave respective reports: 1. NSSAR Vice President General E. Lou Hoos gave a report of the Medals and Awards Committee. He indicated the situation of the War Service Medal and the need to maintain a listing of all medals and awards given by the Michigan Society and its various chapters. 2. MISSAR Secretary Richard Steele noted that the Audit Committee would be meeting in the summer or fall of 2008 to perform an audit of the MISSAR financial records and accounts. 3. MISSAR National Trustee Gerald Burkland gave a report of the grave marking activities relating to the MISSAR Grave Marking Committee. He did indicate an increased activity relating to grave dedications and re-dedications within Michigan. 4. MISSAR Historian Wesley McMichael gave a report of the MISSAR Historian who indicated great progress in the Library of Michigan project and information of interest in the archives. 5. NSSAR Vice President General E. Lou Hoos gave a report of the JROTC/OTC Committee. In his remarks he noted the need for assistance in presentations of respective medals and awards. 6. NSSAR Vice President General E. Lou Hoos gave the report of the Resolutions Committee and indicated some 8 resolution to be presented for approval. Vote was taken on the approval of each resolution and each resolution was accepted. MISSAR Secretary motioned for the acceptance of these reports and those reports submitted in writing, supported by Compatriot Ellis Olson. Motion carried. MISSAR President Donald Nutt presented issue concerning the status of Michigan Life Service and the requirements for the awarding of this award. Noted was the current requirement that states forty (40) years of continuo service and payment of dues. A motion was made by MISSAR Secretary Richard Steele that The awarding of the Michigan Life Service is accorded to those Compatriots who have completed forty (40) years of continuous service and payment of dues and not just 40 years of membership with all local chapter, state and,national society dues/assessment being paid using MISSAR funds supported by MIS- SAR National Trustee Gerald Burkland. Discussion was had and the motion calling for 40 years of continuous service and payment of dues passed. A discussion was had pertinent to usage of unanimous ballots. A general agreement was obtained from the BOM that actual voting should always take place. MISSAR President Donald Nutt will turn over discussion results to the Resolutions Committee. MISSAR President Donald Nutt presented the issue of the make-up of our MISSAR Archives. He appointed an ad hoc committee, Historical Records and Archives to determine what items or records need to keep by the MISSAR Historian. MISSAR President Donald Nutt presented the issue of the official SAR rosette. Some discussion was had over the type of material used, cloth or metal. MISSAR 1 st Vice President moved to have all future purchases of the official rosette be of the cloth type, supported by MISSAR Secretary Richard Steele. Motion carried.!st Vice President Rod Wilson brought up the issue as to who is to collect SAR annual dues. He wants chapters to collect. The Board of Managers was resoundingly clear against chapter collections. MIS- SAR President Donald Nutt took a non-binding vote of recommendation from the BOM as to which officer should collect annual dues. Vote was 9 for the Secretary, 4 for Treasurer, 5 for the Registrar. President Nutt will turn over discussion results to the Resolutions Committee for further consideration. MISSAR President Donald Nutt gave a short report of his WMM Survey. He indicated that no clear recommendation was evident and that this item would be on the October BOM Meeting.

10 10 MISSAR President Donald Nutt called upon MISSAR National Trustee Gerald Burkland to present his Nominating Committee report. His Committee Report indicated the following nominations: President Ellis Olson of the Northern Michigan Chapter 1 st Vice President none 2 nd Vice President Harry Robinson of the Northern Michigan Chapter Secretary Richard Steele of the Oaks Chapter Treasurer John Critchett of the Oaks Chapter Chancellor E. Lou Hoos of the West Michigan Chapter Chaplain Bernie Wagers of the Oaks Chapter Registrar Walter Timoschuk III of the Oaks Chapter Genealogist Fred Ward of the Paul Emery Chapter Historian Jim Bergenham of the West Michigan Chapter DAR/CAR James Waller of the Paul Emery Chapter National Trustee Gerald Burkland of the Paul Emery Chapter Alt. Nat. Trustee Robert Wagel of the Sauk Trail Chapter Richard Steele of the Oaks Chapter MISSAR Secretary Richard Steele made the motion to: 1) to authorize the MISSAR Secretary to prepare and submit the necessary paperwork or documents to change all financial signature cards and resolution(s) to reflect the new MISSAR Officers authorized to sign checks and other documents and authorize the incoming MISSAR President to appoint any and all MISSAR Compatriots to the various special and standing MISSAR Committees. Motion was seconded by Compatriot Ellis Olson. Motion carried. MISSAR President Donald Nutt declared the Board of Managers Meeting closed and announced that the MISSAR Annual General Membership Meeting was convened. MISSAR Secretary was called upon by the MISSAR President to read the names of proposed MIS- SAR Officers for and a motion to accept such nominations and any from the floor. Motion was made, vote was taken, results indicated that all single nominations for an office was approved, in addition to MISSAR Secretary Richard Steele being elected as the Alternate National Trustee. MISSAR President Donald Nutt requested Vice President General E. Hoos to install the new Officers which he did. The following medals and awards were presented by MISSAR President Donald Nutt at the 2008 MISSAR Annual Meeting: E. Lou Hoos Patriot Medal Donald D. Nutt State Medal of Distinguished Service Donald D. Nutt Silver Good Citizenship Medal Gerald Burkland Silver Good Citizenship Medal Charles W. Barr II Silver Good Citizenship Medal Rodney Wilson Bronze Good Citizenship Medal Gary Wooden Bronze Good Citizenship Medal Donald Johnston III Bronze Good Citizenship Medal Wesley McMichael Bronze Good Citizenship Medal Stuart Shuster Meritorious Service Medal Robert Wagel Distinguished Service Certificate Harry Robinson Distinguished Service Certificate Richard Steele Distinguished Service Certificate Donald Johnston Certificate of Appreciation Mrs. Donald Nutt Martha Washington Medal Nimi Jain Eagle Scout Winner Shawn Polite Cadet of the Year Andrew Bolzman Knight Essay Winner A luncheon was served to those in attendance. A guest speaker gave a presentation of the historic materials on the campus of Michigan State University. The SAR Recessional was given and the meeting closed at 3:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Secretary Richard Steele Approved by the Board of Managers 8/16/08

11 PAUL EMERY CHAPTER REPORT The Paul Emery Chapter held two meetings this summer. The first meeting was held on 26 June 2008 at the Villager Restaurant in Holly, Mi., while the second was held on 21 of August at Wallis Restaurant in Burton, Mi. The Chapter was fascinated during the August meeting by a talk by Chapter President Gary Wooden. President Wooden told of his experience in having DNA analysis and of the amazing, and stunning results. Past State President Gerald Burkland did a short talk on his trip to NY to honor his Patriot Grandfather Nathan Barlow (see the article in this issue of WMM). There were about 18 people in attendance. Rev. Hugh Fitch was welcomed back with great emotion and applause following his recovery from an extended illness, The Chapter voted to help local C.A.R. Chapters, including the Elias Cady Chapter. The Flight 93 Plaque is now at the Flushing City Hall waiting for City approval to be installed in the Flushing Memorial Park. The Chapter is working on a Grave Dedication for Patriot Nathaniel Blackmer for late April or Early May More information to come. Gerald Burkland, Registrar PE Chapter **************************************** River Raisin Members of River Raisin Chapter, SAR, met on Thursday evening, August 14,2008 at the Briggs Cemetery on US-12 for their Annual Cemetery outing. Members and guests brought sack lunches and enjoyed a picnic in the Cemetery. Lawn chairs kept everyone for a comfortable evening. Briggs Cemetery is named after Smith Briggs who owned over 250 acres of land at the corner of Round Lake Highway and US-12. A small lake on the property is called Briggs Lake. Among the burials at the small cemetery is Hiram Parsons and his wife the former Sarah A. Loss. Hiram was born in 1803 and died in His two grandfathers and one greatgrandfather saw action during the Revolutionary War. Hiram is the gg grandfather of Wayne Carpenter, president of River Raisin Chapter. He told of the families journey to Michigan from the East coast and told of numerous family connections. He had on display a picture of the Hiram s house located about 1.4 miles from the Cemetery. The picture was a charcoal painting made in 1888 by a traveling pots and pans salesman. In the picture are depicted Loss Parsons (son of Hiram) and his wife and three of his children. Wayne has had the picture since his grandmother died in After the close of the meeting, members and guests drove over to the house to see what it looks like 11 today 120 years after the picture was made. Wayne also had on hand the family Bible of Hiram and his wife, which he received from a granddaughter-in-law of Hiram in Portland, Oregon in This family Bible went to Oregon in 1912 when a grandson moved there and lived there. This grandson died in 1920 and his widow had kept the Bible in a trunk until 1964 when Wayne Carpenter was traveling in the area and stopped to see her. Also found in the Bible was a letter written in 1862 informing Sarah Loss Parsons that her mother had died at the home of Sarah s brother, Horace Loss in Homer, Michigan. What a Treasure! Wayne Carpenter-President River Raisin Chapter *********************************************** New Chapter becomes a reality (continued from page 4) A final planning meeting was held on September 13 th to put the Chapter s ducks in a row prior to presenting a formal request at the October Board of Managers Meeting. Anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the proposed Huron Valley Chapter should contact Compatriot David Critchett at , or mail a request for information to: 2654 Page Ct., Ann Arbor, Michigan. The proposed chapter will hold meetings at the U of M Turner Senior Resource Center at the corner of Traverwood Rd and Plymouth Rd. The MISSAR Secretary does have copies of chapter to chapter transfer forms. MISSAR Secretary Richard Steele ****************************************** Member updates! The Michigan Society of the Sons of the American Revolution would like to welcome new members: James Patrick Wooden -Paul Emery Chapter-# Lyle Stratford Hedman-Oaks Chapter-# Thomas Hubbs Hopkins # Doyle Allan Smith # Ruebin Smith # Johyn Lee Morris # Thomas Davidson # Michael Edwin Garey # Reginald Hamilton # The MISSAR would like to express its condolences to the family William O. Peecher Jr. who passed away on August 19, 2008 at the age of 80.

12 Northern Michigan Chapter The Northern Michigan Chapter of the MISSAR held a meeting at the Ruby Tuesday Restaurant in Traverse City on June 21, NM President, Joe Conger, outlined his goals for the Chapter during his tenure in office. He wants to expand the membership, establish a Speaker s Bureau, and hold joint meetings with D.A.R. and the Sons of Union Veterans. Colonel Amidon mentioned that the Civil War group was very active and could be included. It was moved and seconded that the Chapter will purchase an S.A.R. flag and pole. Colonel Amidon presented a gift of two prints (1) a sketch of Fort Michilmackinac (2) a map showing the Territory of Michigan. Colonel Amidon explained the history and significance of the prints, which are of vintage. It was decided that the prints will be auctioned off at the joint meeting with the MISSAR Board of Managers that will be held on October 4, Photos of the sketches can be seen on the MIS- SAR web site. Secretary Charles W. Barr edited by B. Wagers ***************************************** FINDING REVOLUTIONARY WAR PATRIOTS BURIED IN MICHIGAN Locating and documenting Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Michigan will be an ongoing endeavor for many years to come. The amount of success will depend upon the people involved in researching the available records. With the help of other Compatriots, I have located another Patriot in Richfield Twp, Genesee Co, Michigan. Patriot Nathaniel Blackmer is probably buried next to his son in one the unmarked graves in Richfield Union Cemetery on Irish Rd. The story on Patriot Blackmer may be one that is true of many of the possible 1400 Patriots buried in Michigan. When we began the search, the name on the American Revolutionary War Rejected Pension was "Nathaniel BLACKMAN". I admit that I could not have done anything more without the search tools available on the internet. Researching the name Blackman did not return any favorable results in Genesee Co. Mi. but the name Blackmer did show up. With more research I found a mistake on the original rejected pension listing. Blackmer is correct not Blackman. This opened a whole new search arena for me. I was able to find his records on "Footnote at the National Archives. I then found a Blackmer descendant that was very aware of the family history and he sent many records from his research on the family. With the help of Ancestry.Com I was able to locate many "Blackmers" in the, area of Genese and Tuscola County, that may be descendants of Nathaniel Blackmer. Nathaniel Blackmer was born in Warren, Massachusetts on August 1, 1763 to Solomon Blackmer and Jenet Thompson. He married Aurilla Limekins about 1787 in Maine. He served between August 1780 and 12 May 1781 in the Continental Line from Maine. During this time he probably fought at some of the battles that took place in Connecticut, such as the November Battle of Female River and the December Battle of Horseneck. In early 1781 he served as a nurse/orderly in Brimfield, Maine, caring for between thirty or forty sick soldiers suffering from battle wounds received in the New York area. He served in this capacity until his discharge in May Apparently, he and his family lived in the western part of New York before coming to Michigan, settling in Richfield Twp of Genesee County. Their farm was located near Coldwater and Irish roads. On March 11, 1845, sixty-four years after fighting for his country s independence, the Circuit Court of Genesee Co, Flint, Mi found his testimony true and that he was in fact a "Revolutionary Soldier". Nathaniel Blackmer died in May 1850, at 86 years old. A dedication service is being planned for late April or early May G,Burkland SAR Rev. War Graves Committee chair Announcements Great Lakes District Meeting in Madison Wisconsin- October 31-November1, 2008 MISSAR Board of Managers meeting to be held on October 4, 2008 in Traverse City, Michigan at Ruby Tuesday s A Message from the Genealogist General As most of you know, sometimes applications are "pended," which means something about the application requires attention. The application may be missing a signature, or it may need one more document. Sometimes, the application may need more documentation or verification. The policy of the Genealogy Department has long been that the genealogy staff will interface with one point of contact in each state society. Many members of the SAR are unsure who their state point-of-contact is, and call the Genealogy Department at SAR HQ directly. You can imagine how much time it can take the genealogy staff to field dozens of calls each day -- time the staff could be using to review applications! If you, or someone you know, submit a new or supplemental application, and it is pended, please do not call the Genealogy Department yourself. Please contact your state point-of-contact. Thanks to Mike Scroggins at SAR HQ, the genealogy state points-of-contact are now listed on the SAR webpage. For more information, please go to: genealogycontact.html. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you, Joe Dooley Genealogist General

13 13 THE WOLVERINE MINUTEMAN PHOTO ALBUM ALBUM CONTAINING PHOTOS OF CONTAINING MISSAR ACTIVITIES PHOTOS OF MISSAR FROM ACTIVITIES JUNE FROM 2008 February 2007 thru May 2007

14 14 Scenes from the Nathan Barlow Grave dedication held on July 27, 2008

15 15 New Grave marker for Patriot Nathan Barlow Doug Leffler, wife Sandra, with Wayne Carpenter at the annual cemetery outing The Parsons home on Round Lake Highway about 1.4 miles from the Cemetery

16 16 Mason Inn located at Crossroads village in Genesee County, Michigan Beginning of the 4th of July parade held at Crossroads village in Genesee County, Michigan Another photo of the 4th of July Parade

17 17 Posting of the colors at the MIS- SAR Board of Managers meeting held at the Montague Inn in Saginaw Michigan. Conducting business at the MIS- SAR Board of Managers meeting One of the great things about the Board of Managers meetings is that somewhere along the line food is involved.

18 18 Harold and Liz Golding at the Oaks Chapter Picnic held on August 2, 2008 Raye and Emily Klopfenstein at the Oaks Chapter Picnic held August 2, 2008 Oaks Chapter Picnic-August 2, 2008