Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 1. Captain John Collins Chapter Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution

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Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 1 Captain John Collins Chapter Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution The Collins Dispatch Dates to Remember Chapter meetings are the Third Tuesday of

Barn in Canton April 2-3 GASSAR Annual Meeting in Atlanta Inside.

Courthouse 5 Allatoona Cemetery 6 MDJ Editor Has Revolutionary Ties Tom Cloys Memorium 7 Rodney Pritchett Entertains at Chapter Mtg.

1 Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 1 Captain John Collins Chapter Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution The Collins Dispatch Dates to Remember Chapter meetings are the Third Tuesday of Month February 14th Battle of Kettle Creek ceremonies, Washington, GA February 17th, Meeting 6:30 pm Shoney s March 13th Celebration of Battle of Guilford Courthouse March 16th Meeting 6:30 pm Rock Barn in Canton April 2-3 GASSAR Annual Meeting in Atlanta Inside... New Member Activity 2 President s Message 2 Officer Listing 2 Member Profile 3 Feb Meeting Details 3 Kettle Creek Reminder 3 Abbott Wedding 4 Cowpens Ceremonies 4 March Meeting Details 5 Guilford Courthouse 5 Allatoona Cemetery 6 MDJ Editor Has Revolutionary Ties Tom Cloys Memorium 7 Rodney Pritchett Entertains at Chapter Mtg. Flag Certificate 7 Chapter Visits Atria President Joe Vancura took office with a brief address outlining his upbeat view of the chapter s future. February 2004 GASSAR Senior Vice President George Thurmond, of the Piedmont Chapter, gave the 2004 officers their oath of office at the Collins Chapter annual banquet. New Officers Installed at Annual Dinner Meeting The chapter returned to the Holiday Inn again this year for the annual banquet and installation of 2004 officers on January 20th. The banquet was attended by members, their wives and guests, as well as the NSSAR Registrar General Chuck Bragg, who is a dual member of Collins and GASSAR. GASSAR Sr. Vice President George Thurmond installed the new officers. RG Bragg drove from his home in Indiana to attend the function. After a buffet dinner, Forsyth County Historian Donald Shadburn spoke about the history of the Cherokee s in North Georgia and the few Revolutionary Patriot s graves that have been found in Forsyth County. Former President Jimmy Flanagin presented certificates and awards as follows: A Meritorious Service medal was awarded to Bert Christy, who served the chapter as secretary during A Bronze Good Citizenship medal was given to Ed Brown. Certificates of Appreciation were given to Bert Christy, Rodney Pritchett, Lamon Smith and Joseph Vancura for service to the chapter. Medals of Appreciation were given to Sara Ann Smith and Margaret Elaine House Gunning. Diane Gibson received a Martha Washington medal.

Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 2 President s Message My fellow Compatriots, Let me say again how honored I am to serve as your elected President. It is my privilege.

2 Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 2 President s Message My fellow Compatriots, Let me say again how honored I am to serve as your elected President. It is my privilege. I believe together we will continue to accomplish great things. I would like to point out briefly something about which we all should be concerned. The Georgia Public Schools recently released their proposed changes to the educational curricula for Of particular concern are the changes suggested to the methods in which United States history would be taught. The essence of the change is that all of American history prior to Reconstruction will be taught before students begin high school. This includes the introduction of the concept of American democracy in third grade, the Revolution in fourth, and the Civil War in sixth. This would represent their most indepth exposure to the subject matter. Gentlemen, to suggest that the history and lessons learned from studying the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution can be sufficiently covered before high school is, in my opinion, preposterous. It is amazing to me how so many in our society fail to appreciate fully these events and the impact they have on us today. If adults take these things for granted, if educators who revise curriculum minimize them, how can we expect pre-teenagers to understand their importance? As an organization we must continue our efforts to reaffirm our faith in the principles of liberty and our constitutional republic, to find ways to reach out to the community to our schools and civic organizations. Each time we put together speaker programs, present flag certificates, and make Color Guard appearances, we are a reminder to the general public of how and where our liberty began. My book recommendation this month is A Battlefield Atlas of the American Revolution, by Craig L. Symonds (available online). It is an excellent chronology of the battles of the Revolution, with sufficiently detailed maps that illustrate just enough of the detail of each encounter to enable the reader to picture the events as they unfolded. If you re looking for something entertaining and unusual, this may be your choice. Check it out. Remember, we will meet at the Rock Barn in March. Please be sure to check this issue of the Dispatch for directions. And those of you in Cherokee County, please invite a friend or neighbor, even if he may not be eligible for membership. The more people we reach, the more we meet our responsibility. Included with this issue of the Dispatch is an Americanism score sheet for you to record your activities for the year. We will collect these sheets on a regular basis. And remember, if you get a call from a veteran s charity for a pickup, say yes! Even if it s just a few books, each item you donate is worth a point towards the Stark Memorial Award, and a shared book to a veterans organization is like an anonymous handshake to a man or woman who has recently served our country. The telephone number for Paralyzed Veterans is They are one of several organizations you might consider. Let s try to increase our score in 2004! New Members (Continued on page 4) President Officers and Committee Chairmen Vice President Secretary Treasurer Registrar Chancellor Chaplain Sergeant-at-Arms Historian Editor Americanism Cemetery Dinner meetings Flags/Law/Fire Eagle Scouts JROTC Membership Patriot Grave Publicity/phone Schools Joe Vancura Curtis McWaters David Thompson Jim Castle Charles (Chuck) Smith Joe Vancura John Jones Rodney Pritchett Bill Teasley Larry Guzy Charles Switzer Kendall Abbott Curtis McWaters Ron McWaters Ed Brown Jimmy Flanagin Chuck Smith Brad Jones Rodney Pritchett New member certificates have been issued for the following men since the last issue: Patrick Joseph Gunning, approved #161834, GA #4056 John Thomas Gunning, Jr., approved #161835, GA #4057 Michael Paul Gunning, approved #161836,GA #4058 Matthew George Gunning, approved #161837, GA #4059 Joe Wesley Harden, approved #161629, GA#4039 The Collins Dispatch is published every other month. April 9th will be the next deadline for articles. Send articles, photos, or your bio to Larry Guzy by guzy@mindspring.com, or regular mail at 4531 Paper Mill Rd. Marietta, GA If you have new member leads, contact our Registrar, Chuck Smith at for assistance. Raynor Guzy and Robert Alley (both are 18 year olds) are awaiting approval.

3 Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 3 Member Profile: The family legend is that he sewed the first uniform for General Washington mentary school teacher for 44 years. She graduated from the Georgia College for Women in Milledgeville and filled out one job application in her whole life. David carries his mother s maiden name of Oakley. His original interest in genealogy was in pursuing his great-great-grandfather, John Oakley. Although that question remains open, David has found lots of other interesting ancestors. His patriot ancestor is John McMullan, born in 1740 in Ireland, who immigrated to the United States in 1760 and worked as a tailor. The family legend, David says, is that he sewed the first uniform for General Washington. McMullan served in a Virginia regiment and then moved to Henry County, Georgia. His grave was rededicated by the SAR prior to David s membership. He has not yet visited the gravesite. The documenting of ancestor John Bird- David Oakley Thompson David holding the key to the 1930 s Troupe County Courthouse A lifelong resident of Georgia, David Thompson now lives, with his wife Patricia, in Canton. From there, David travels as a timber buyer for the Bristol Timber Co. in Waleska. He is a registered forester in Georgia and Alabama, having received his degree in forestry at Auburn. Forestry is going through the revolution that agriculture went through a few years ago, David says, moving toward sustainable management, with multiple uses being considered, wildlife, recreation and aesthetics in addition to growing trees. David s family moved around North Georgia, following his Methodist minister father to new churches. His mother was an elesong has been elusive. Birdsong served in North Carolina as a soldier, probably militia. One generation is skipped in the documents that tie Birdsong to David s grandmother. The Thompsons are really hard, David says of his research into his surname. He has gone back to 1843 in Troupe County where his grandfather, Milledge Lee Thompson was a builder of houses and the county jail. He reputedly built the scaffold for the last hanging in the county. David still has the key to the old courthouse that burned in the 1920 s or 30 s in LaGrange, passed on from Milledge Thompson. David and Patricia started in genealogical research about the same time. Now he is trying to stay ahead of her in their mutual quest for their families. The couple raised Patricia s two children a girl attending Valdosta State and a boy attending Kennesaw State University. They jointly have two bratty dogs, David says. My mother is really glad I m doing this, he reports. His research will benefit his nieces and nephews in knowing their histories. His mother, 87 years old, lives in Union City. David is still working, but finds time for deer hunting, bass and trout fishing in addition to seeking family history. KETTLE CREEK The 225 th anniversary of Kettle Creek is fast upon us, make plans to attend this special Commemoration on Saturday February 14 th, the actual day of the Battle. Take the Oath of Allegiance the early Georgians took and walk the battlefield before the ceremony with a guided tour of how the battle was fought. The event takes place in Washington, Georgia. February Meeting In February, we will begin to try a new semi-permanent meeting location. On February 17 th, we will meet at the Shoney s on US 41 just south of the Big Chicken and across from the entrance to the Sam s Club. We have a reserved back room that holds 50. If you choose to have a meal you are welcome to do so, but there is no obligation. For those of us who do not make it home before the meeting and are unable to have dinner, this is a welcome addition. If the facility lives up to our expectations, this will be our normal meeting location. Our speaker will be Jason Wetzel, Director of the National Museum of Patriotism in Atlanta. Some ribbon, as a badge Thomas Jefferson, in his journals, wrote of the Order of Cincinnati, a lineage society founded for descendents of Continental officers March 16th Mr. Adams tells me, that in the year 1776, he had called at a tavern in the State of New York to dine, just at the moment that the British Army was landing at Frog s Neck. Generals Washington, Lee, Knox and Parsons, came to the same tavern. He got into conversation with Knox. General Knox, in the course of the conversation, said he should wish for some ribbon to wear in his hat, or in his button hole, to be transmitted to his descendants, as a badge and a proof that he had fought in defence of their liberties.

Period clothing was worn by all the attendants, including the flower girl and ring bearer. Cindy made her own dress as well as the clothing for others.

4 Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 4 A Revolutionary Ceremony! On December 13th, Kendall Abbott married Cindy Mouse in a Revolutionary ceremony unlike any I have done in over 200 weddings, exclaimed the minister. Period clothing was worn by all the attendants, including the flower girl and ring bearer. Cindy made her own dress as well as the clothing for others. Kendall, of The 223rd anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens was commemorated with ceremonies held in conjunction with the National Park Service. Color guardsmen from SAR chapters in several states gathered at this battlefield park, near Gaffney, SC, along with contingents from other history oriented organizations. Georgia was well represented with 16 color guardsmen from chapters throughout the state. Re-enactors stake out their spots in the wide pasture behind the visitor s center, pitching tents and keeping fires burning to stay the cold. They demonstrate the arts of making plates and cups from pewter, molding bullets, making wooden utensils and blacksmithing. Musket fire startles visitors on a regular schedule, when demonstrations are given in a nearby enclosure. Representing the NSSAR, Larry Guzy gave the day s address in his role as Vice President General of the South Atlantic District. His address and pic- (Continued from page 2) President s Message Your assignment for the next two meetings: when you walk in, take a moment to find a gentleman with whom you are not well acquainted. Learn his name and his favorite sports team growing up, and be prepared to tell us about it if I call on you! Thank you for your membership, and your commitment to the John Collins Chapter. God Bless the United States of America. - Joe Vancura course, wore his SAR uniform, as did Larry Guzy and Douglas Stansberry who served as swordsmen for the ceremony. Many wedding traditions were honored in the ceremony, including lighting a unity candle, the washing of hands and the breaking of a glass. Music was provided by Kendall s sister Suzy on the organ, niece Nancy singing, and nephew Adam on the trumpet. Member Updates Please note a change to Jim Parks for your directory. His new eddress is: jimparks111@bellsouth.net Dick Dolsen was to enter Emory Hospital for surgery, but has not done so yet. Dick did move to another house in his same subdivision so that there would be no stairs. Only his street address changed to that in the Directory. Peter Lyons produced the 2004 Member Directory. Those at the Annual Banquet picked up theirs and the remainder are being mailed with the Dispatch. Thanks again Peter for a job well done. Battle of Cowpens Remembered with Ceremonies tures of the days activities can be found on the web at: htm Earlier in the day, color guardsmen honored Daniel Morgan at a monument in downtown Spartanburg. Americanism Chairman Charles Switzer waiting to present chapter wreath at Commemoration of Battle of Cowpens on Jan 17th.

Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 5 March Meeting at Rock Barn Julio Perez, business partner of Charter Member Judson Roberts, will be our guest speaker for the March 17 th chapter meeting. Mr.

5 Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 5 March Meeting at Rock Barn Julio Perez, business partner of Charter Member Judson Roberts, will be our guest speaker for the March 17 th chapter meeting. Mr. Perez will relate his story of coming to America from Cuba. For those who heard part of the story at the fall picnic at Judson Roberts farm, this is the rest of the story. It will help you appreciate what we often take for granted, our own citizenship. The meeting will be held in Canton at the Rock Barn on Riverside Parkway (old Hwy. 5). This is the home of the Cherokee County Historical Society. To get there from Marietta, take I-575 to exit 16 (conveniently 16 miles north of I-75). At this exit keep to the left and take the left fork to North 5, West 20, and West 140. It is 1 mile to the T intersection where you will take a right onto old Hwy. 5. It is 1 mile to the Rock Barn on the left. After passing Cherokee County High School on the left, turn left at the sign for Canton Elementary School and park alongside the Rock Guilford Courthouse Ceremonies March 13 Ceremonies are scheduled on March 13th to commemorate the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, which took place on March 15, Early on that day, Cornwallis set his army in motion to cover the last 12 miles to Guilford Courthouse. He knew little of the battlefield and was badly outnumbered, but his 1,900 troops were all veterans and considered the cream of the crop of the British army. The British advance units emerged from the woods to find Greene s army set up in a fashion used by Daniel Morgan at the Battle of King s Mountain. Almost all of Greene s untried militia were set forward in two lines, the first behind a log fence and the second just inside the first line of trees. Behind them and to their flanks were the American veterans. Lee and Washington s dragoons guarded the flanks. Greene s plan was to have the first line of militia fire a volley and then Barn. This will also be an opportunity to invite friends and family to see the Historical Society home and establish prospects for a chapter of the SAR in Cherokee County. The husband of the President of the Historical Society is retreat behind the second line. Unfortunately, the distance between the two lines was too great for the movement to work. Moreover, Greene lacked the reserves to throw forward at a crucial moment. Cornwallis was operating blind as he could not see the disposition of Greene s troops. The battle began with Tarleton and the American mounted infantry on the flanks and an ineffectual bombardment from Cornwallis three light field guns. The center of the British force formed up and advanced on the militia behind their fence. The Americans delivered a withering volley that nearly, but not quite, halted the British advance. Then the Americans broke and ran for the rear. They did not stop and form up behind the second line, but kept going until they were clear of the battlefield. The British prepared to move again against the second line of militia. The American flanks began to collapse. When the British tried the middle Marshall L. Day who is a descendant of Patriot Peter Groover who is buried in a cemetery on Holly Springs Road in Marietta! Since we plan to dedicate this Patriot s grave this year, we will have an opportunity to learn more about the descendants and the Patriot as well. See you there! again, they were greeted by the continentals who moved up to fill the collapsing line. The Americans fired on the redcoats and followed with a bayonet charge. The Brits were temporarily thrown back. British reserves came forward to renew the assault. A regiment of green American troops turned and ran, leaving the British room to come within a arm s length of the defensive lines. Seeing the confusion, Cornwallis ordered his artillery turned on the entire mass, killing friend and foe alike. Having no reserve, Greene ordered a retreat and the Americans quit the field. Greene marched in good order to a previous camp on Troublesome Creek and Cornwallis occupied the battlefield for the night. The British took terrible losses, 532 in all. The American casualties were lighter, with 78 killed and 183 wounded. Greene s tactics won no triumph but the British no longer had a fit army in North Carolina. A reenactment and encampment enliven the commemoration.

6 Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 6 Directions to Old Allatoona Cemetery N U.S. 41 [ 1 mile to Acworth Due West Road ] To Barrett Pkwy Home Depot Frey Elem.Sch. 1.5 m Mars Hill Church Rd X John Collins Gravesite Mason Creek Bridge Historical marker.4 m.3 m.3 m Stone Kirk Woolrich Kingstree Pass Mailbox 2530 County Line Rd Cemetery sign Camden Point Subdivision Old Allatoona Church Historical Marker 6.5 miles from Barrett Pkwy. to Mars Hill Rd. 1.5 miles from 41 to County Line/Old Stilesboro 1.2 miles from Mars Hill to cemetery site. TOTAL 9.2 miles from Barrett Pkwy. On US 41 Cemetery is adjacent to #2530 mailbox and across the street from Stone Kirk Place. Park alongside the road near the sign for the cemetery. Contact Kendall Abbott about participating in our sponsorship of this historic cemetery. County Line Rd Much remains to be done, including regular maintenance, ie Weed-whacking, keeping down tree saplings, picking up fallen tree limbs. There is a need for a small load of dirt to fill in holes left by dead trees.

Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 7 MDJ Editor Has Ties to Revolutionary Battles Compatriot Rodney Pritchett recounted the Christmas Eve crossing of the Delaware by General George Washington

On December 14, a blustery Sunday evening, Jimmy Flanagin presented a flag certificate to Mr. and Mrs.

Joe s father provided the website address for the Cowpens photo array on Guzy s website. Kirby followed up with an inquiry and a flurry of emails ensued.

I'm qualified through my father, Joe replied, who has traced us to a slew of South Carolinians, including one William Steen who was unlucky enough to be one of the few patriots to get killed at

One of the last email messages Guzy received was from Kirby, saying he had forgotten to share the fact that the Battle of Cowpens took place on land owned by one of my maternal g-g-g grandfathers -

7 Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 7 MDJ Editor Has Ties to Revolutionary Battles Compatriot Rodney Pritchett recounted the Christmas Eve crossing of the Delaware by General George Washington and his army at our December meeting. Charlie Pritchett, Rodney s father and a chapter member, also attended, as well as his mother and brother. On December 14, a blustery Sunday evening, Jimmy Flanagin presented a flag certificate to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Aiken, for displaying their American Flag properly with appropriate night lighting and in an attractive landscape setting. Their neighbor Charles Switzer nominated them for the award. Larry Guzy also attended. photos by Karin Guzy Joe Kirby, editorial page editor at the Marietta Daily Journal, was notified by his father that a Marietta man, Larry Guzy, had spoken at the Battle of Cowpens celebration. Joe s father provided the website address for the Cowpens photo array on Guzy s website. Kirby followed up with an inquiry and a flurry of s ensued. He received the last issue of the Dispatch, and has been added to the electronic distribution list, at his request. Guzy, of course, asked about Kirby s qualifications for SAR. I'm qualified through my father, Joe replied, who has traced us to a slew of South Carolinians, including one William Steen who was unlucky enough to be one of the few patriots to get killed at King's Mountain. A story about the chapter and the SAR in planned to appear in MDJ s Sunday edition, perhaps on 15 February. One of the last messages Guzy received was from Kirby, saying he had forgotten to share the fact that the Battle of Cowpens took place on land owned by one of my maternal g-g-g grandfathers - Hiram Saunders - a Tory! Former first lady of the chapter, Diane Gibson, was presented with a Martha Washington Medal for her support of the chapter throughout the years. Diane decorated the dining room for the annual banquet as she did last year In Memoriam Tom Cloys, Charter member #154453, GA 3413 passed away on December 20th, Tom went into the hospital on November 24 with what they thought was the flu. Tom and his wife, Betsy, were most recently at the October picnic at Judson Roberts farm. They moved to Jasper from Cobb County, but Tom remained a member of our chapter. Betsy wrote, He was very proud to be a charter member of The John Collins Chapter SAR. Due to the holidays, it was difficult to spread the word of Tom s passing, but Bert Christy wrote the following after the services at Tate United Methodist Church. I attended the memorial service for our compatriot Tom Cloys in Tate, Ga. It was an exceptional service held in a very old and beautiful country church. The little church was pack to overflowing with family and friends. The pastor noted that Tom was a member of the SAR and spoke about Tom's Revolutionary War ancestor. (James Clayes a Minuteman) Our sympathies to his family.

com Chapter members visited Atria Assisted Living on Johnson Ferry and Paper Mill Road on Sunday, January 11th.

8 Volume 4, Issue 1 COLLINS DISPATCH page 8 CAPTAIN JOHN COLLINS CHAPTER GEORGIA SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Publisher Joseph L. Vancura 2568 Woodland Path Marietta, GA Editor Larry T. Guzy 4531 Paper Mill Rd. Marietta, GA Phone: Fax: guzy@mindspring.com Chapter members visited Atria Assisted Living on Johnson Ferry and Paper Mill Road on Sunday, January 11th. From left to right, Kendall and Cindy Abbott, Mike Vaughn, Larry Guzy, Everett Porter, John Posey, a former president of the William Few Chapter in Augusta, and Joe Vancura. It was publicized in the Atria news. It was the idea of Theresa Roberts whose mother had been a resident of Atria until her recent death. The residents and their families heard remarks by Larry Guzy about the Battle of the Cowpens that was to be commemorated the following week. Mike Vaughan s wife, Marty, is the Regent of the Hightower Trail Chapter NSDAR in Canton. Everett s wife, Phyllis, is the former Regent there. Both were in attendance in support of Theresa who is a dual member in their Chapter. She is a former teacher at Dickerson Middle School in East Cobb where she had the SAR present an educational program to her students.

Volume 9, Issue 5 COLLINS DISPATCH

C a p t a i n J o h n C o l l i n s C h a p t er Volume 9, Issue 5 COLLINS DISPATCH page 1 G eorgia Society Sons of the American Revolution The Collins Dispatch Dates to Remember November 7 th Flag Retirement,