West Michigan Sons of the American Revolution

Transcription

1 West Michigan Sons of the American Revolution December 2016 Issue 7 WMC s President Ken Goodson and Secretary Mark Johnston, flanking Jasmyn and Natalia Johnston of the Ki-Ka-Ma-Sung chapter of the CAR, at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans to participate in 2016 s Wreaths Across America event. Page 1

2 The MISSAR Color Guard honors our departed compatriot President Gerald R. Ford and his wife Betty s grave site. Compatriots: Gentlemen, our second meeting was held at Logan s Road House in Caledonia. Challenging would be a good description in that we were only 15 strong. Awards Chair Tom Lannon brought his collection of Election pins to share with the group and I decided that we would put this presentation off until our January meeting where we will gather at the Ford Museum and expect greater participation from the group. Our membership has grown to 72, 10 members moved to Central Michigan, and interest continues to grow. Our first two meetings this year show a decline in attendance which last year averaged 30 so we will move forward with two changes. We will move our meetings to Saturday over lunch and (other than a special occasion) will keep the venue the same. It is evident that our intention of variety and a mid-week dinner was not what the membership would support therefore the change. Please take the time to review VP Stevers next meeting notice and hope you can join the group. If you haven t reviewed our Facebook page (managed by 2 nd VP Triplett) please do so, just search for West Michigan and it will take you there. We are working to make this a secondary (yet more-timely) communications vehicle for the benefit of the group. As you know we helped establish the Central Michigan Chapter which added 22 new members, so far, to the State totals. We are aggressively working to establish another Chapter in Kalamazoo. I am asking some of our members (located nearby) to switch and have contacted former and current members from other Chapters to consider joining. Secretary Johnston is leading the effort and we are working to bring this to a vote at the State meeting in April. We will continue expanding our Chapter s focus from Establishing a Firm Footing to one of being a bit more aggressive in our efforts within the community. Working with the CAR is the newest item and the most important of our efforts this coming year. Working with our DAR Sisters and establishing a new Chapter is a continuation of important initiatives but working with the youth is where we will focus serious attention going forward. Trustee Rasmussen led the way and helped host a Genealogy Event at the Holland library Oct. 15. The event was a complete success with about 45 community members attending to learn about the process of investigating their heritage. So successful was this event that the State has passed Trustee Rasmussen s formula on to other Chapters and the State DAR; the Holland Library has asked to repeat this event which will be held in the spring. Dues, please make sure you get the dues payment in prior to year s end and if you have any questions give one of us a call. Some members have changed addresses and have not received the notification. Look forward to your input and hope you can join us for our Saturday January 14 meeting at the Gerald R. Ford Museum. Page 2

3 Pvt. John French... Father of Haines French. REVOLUTIONARY PATRIOTS My Soldier Ancestors in the American Revolution By J.C. Carlson, July 4, 2004 Rev June John French was one of the Green Mt Boys in Major Brown s detachment under General Arnold s Regiment. Likely Participated at the taking of Ft. Ticonderoga. Sept 24, Oct 20, John French appears on a Pay Roll of Capt Josiah Boyden's company in Co(lonel) William Williams' Regt of Militia in the service of the United States on an expedition to Bennington &c, in [JCC: This expedition appears to have been called to support the US forces at the Battle of Bennington, or the Battle of Saratoga. General Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga on 17 October, 1777.] this is not likely our man... Pvt. Haines French... Son of John French named above Haines French Appears with the rank of on a pay roll of Capt Samuel Young's Company in Co(lonel) Bedel's Regiment raised by order of the Continental Congress in defense of the Liberties of America. Joined the Northern Continental Army under Genl Washington Hains French Appears with the rank of on a Return of an Independent Company of Rangers in the Service of the United States of America Commanded by Major Benjamin Whitcomb Return dated July 4, Whitcomb's Rangers started as a similar provisional unit on the Lake Champlain front in It gained permanent status as a two-company force on 15 October of that year and provided reconnaissance capability to the Northern Department until 1 January 1781 when it disbanded at Coos, New Hampshire, as part of a general reorganization of the Continental Army. Most of Whitcomb's men came from New Hampshire and the Hampshire Grants (now Vermont). Benjamin Whitcomb enlisted as a Lieutenant in a regiment of Colonel Bedel' s New Hampshire Rangers on January 22, Whitcomb's company served as a rear guard for the American Army in the Northern Department as the army moved south from Canada after the failed Canadian Campaign. Because of Whitcomb's extensive experience in the area of the Champlain Valley from his service in the French & Indian Wars, American commanders frequently used him as a scout around Fort Ticonderoga and surrounding areas. On one such mission, Whitcomb shot and fatally wounded the commander of the British First Brigade, Brigadier General Patrick Gordon. As a result of this, the British put a price on Whitcomb's head, and he and his men were vigorously hunted by British and their Indian allies for the remainder of the war. On September 30, 1776, because of Whitcomb's prowess as a ranger and scout, General Gates re-commended to Congress that he be given command of his own corps of rangers. General Gates address to John Hancock, President of the Congress stated in part:...i must now beg leave to recommend Lieut. Whitcomb as a very proper person, to have the Command of Two Independent Companies, of Fifty Men each to be recruited by Himself, and the Officers to be Commissioned agreeable to his Recommendations. I never knew any Man more capable of doing good Service, in the Ranging or Scouting way, than Lieut. Whitcomb, and his Sobriety, Honor, and Truth illustrate his Military Talents. They traveled great distances from their posts at or around Mount Independence and Fort Ticonderoga on the open water by canoe, and over land by foot. Page 3

4 Scouting parities of Whitcomb's men frequently traveled from their posts to over 100 miles north through savage infested wilderness into enemy territory to gather information from the area around Montreal Authorized 15 October 1776 in the Continental Army as Whitcomb's Rangers, an element of the Northern Department. Congress adopted the following resolution: In Congress Assembled - Resolved, That two independent Companies consisting of fifty Men each, be immediately raised to be commanded by Lieutenant Whitcomb, who should be appointed Captain Commandant - that he nominate the Officers of the said two Companies who are to be appointed, when approved by the commanding Officer of the Northern Department. Organized in November 1776 at Fort Ticonderoga, New York, to consist of 2 companies from northwestern New Hampshire. Spring of 1777, Benjamin Whitcomb's Independent Corps of Rangers began fulfilling their role in earnest by the. The Rangers quickly built a reputation for their skill at scouting and raiding, primarily in small groups of from two to twenty men. Whitcomb's Rangers were with the American Army as it was forced by the British to abandon Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence on July 6, They marched from Mt. Independence over 20 miles away to Hubbardton, and there fought a successful but costly rear guard action the next day on July 7. While considered a British victory, the Battle of Hubbardton had served its purpose for the Americans by giving the majority of the Army time to escape and regroup. On August 16, Whitcomb's men were part of an American force that fought a successful engagement at the Battle of Bennington. Some of Whitcomb's men were with Colonel Brown when he made a gallant attempt to retake Fort Ticonderoga on September 17-22, The attempt failed owing to the sturdy defenses, but it did succeed in destroying the shipping and outer works of the fort, and in capturing 225 British and Germans and releasing 100 American prisoners. At the same time, the main force of the American Army was making its way north of Albany where Whitcomb himself was reportedly the first person to have observed the approaching British army along Bemis Heights. When Burgoyne came up against the American positions at Freeman's Farm on September 19, some of Whitcomb's Rangers served with Dearborne's Light Infantry Battalion and fought the first battle of Saratoga. After the battle, they were assigned to watch Burgoyne's left flank until General Stark could move into position to cut off the British retreat. Whitcomb was promoted to Major in November of 1777, and the Rangers were eventually assigned to Rutland, Vermont. Whitcomb being the senior Continental Army officer in the area, served as overall commander of Fort Ranger, and commanded several militia companies, another company of Continental Rangers, and a portion of Seth Warner's Regiment, the only other Continental troops in Vermont. Disbanded 1 January 1781 at Coos, New Hampshire as part of an army-wide reorganization, orders came from Congress for Whitcomb to send his non-commissioned officers and privates to join the Continental Army and for the officers to retire. An appeal was made to General Washington but the original orders stood. Most of the rangers became part of the New Hampshire Continental Line. Engagements: Saratoga.... Lineage taken from "The Continental Army" by Robert K Wright Haynes French Private Appears on a muster roll of Capt Nehemiah Lovewell's Company in a Regiment of Volunteers raised by order of Congress for an expedition against Canada, whereof Timothy Bedel, Esq, is Colonel th April and Ending the 2nd November, Haynes French Appears with the rank of on a Pay Roll of a partye of men raised for the defence of the Frontiers adjacent to the upper Coos where of Ward Bailey is Lieutenant Commandant, Commanding Appears on a list under the following heading: We the subscribers Whose Names are Written Do Voluntarily Inlist our Selves as Soldiers in the Servis of the State of Vermont as a Scouting Party to Scout at and Near the upper Coos to be Commanded by Capt Ward Bailey until the First Day of Decr Next unless Sooner Discharged... Page 4

5 Lt. Caleb Owen... Sept 24, Oct 20, "Caleb Owen" appears with the rank of Lt on a Pay Roll of Capt Josiah Boyden's company in Co(lonel) William Williams' Regt of Militia in the service of the United States on an expedition to Bennington &c, in ((An aside - there is a John French in this same list but no greater detail)). [JCC: This expedition appears to have been called to support the US forces at the Battle of Bennington, or the Battle of Saratoga. General Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga on 17 October, 1777.] Lt. Joseph Livermore Molly Livermore, wife of Joel Owen, Mother of Ethan Owen... Relatives... Father Joseph Livermore; Joseph was an ensign in Capt. Ebenezer Mason's company of minute men, belonging to Col. Jonathan Warner's regiment, who marched from Spencer, Ma. on the Alarm of 19th of April, 1775; he was afterwards a lieutenant in Capt. Seth Washburne's Company of Leicester, and his company was one of three of the regiment which fired on British, after the retreat began from the redoubt in the Battle of Bunker Hill; he was afterwards a captain. He subsequently moved from Spencer to East Sudbury. LT IN ARTEMAS WARDS REGT OF MA MILITIA. Abijah Learned Irene Learned was the daughter of Abijah Learned. In 1776 Abijah is serving with Captain Jeremiah Eames Scouting Party, in New Hampshire. As shown in HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. Hains French was a member of this scouting co. at one time, as was Abner Barlow who would be married to Hains French's Sister Eunice. HISTORY OF STEWARTSTOWN, COOS COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE... SETTLERS EARLY IN THE FIRST CENTURY-- (these names taken from the tax-lists as taxpayers. Some are actually residents of others towns) ABIJAH LARNED settled and his name appears on grant list until He was a captain, representative for many years and a most valuable citizen. Irene Learned wife of Hains French, Mother of our Anna French, Grand Mother to our Ethan Owen... Relatives... Ebenezer Learned was a Great Uncle to our Irene Learned. Learned's Regiment; Colonel Ebenezer Learned, LT Samuel Learned and Elijah Learned., the list is of those who responded to the Alarm of 19 Apr 1775 at "Charlestown". "General Ebenezer Learned: Courageous Patriot and Friend of Washington", The Picket Post, February 1958, published by The Valley Forge Historical Society. Abridged from the article by Charles William Heathcote, Ph.D., S.T.D., Pvt. Ephraim Martin, Bradford, Vt He enlisted as a ranger in the company of Captain Stephens, and regiment of Col. Bedell.? He was at the battle of Saratoga, but for most of his service he was employed defending the frontier of Vermont.? Kathleen Martin There is a 1771 charter for old Mooretown, Vt. which divides up the 3,000 acres of land. Ebenezer Martin, brother of Nathaniel, was the head surveyor. Ephraim Collins signed below Census of Revolutionary Soldiers; Pennsylvania... Ephraim Martin, of Springfield, Erie Co, Pa. Page 5

6 Hi: What Ephraim was in jail for was being complicit in his brother Nathaniel's counterfeiting game, along with the famous Robert Rogers. This trial is all in the book in the chapter called "The Moneymakers." Rogers was trying to get money to equip his rangers (the Rogers Rangers made famous by Spencer Tracy in "Northwest Passage"), and talked the Martin brothers into helping him launder the money. It's quite a story. Poor Ephraim was not the type to ever get into trouble on his own, and was an upstanding citizen all his life in Bradford. They held many town meetings at his house, which must have been very large. The area in Bradford doesn't look all that different now, with the green meadows sweeping down to the river, now a golf course. The reason I sent all these scans was because the original loose pages were spread out over the floor, and I had to put them back together before they got mixed up. Kathy# Pvt. EPHRAIM5 MARTIN, JR. (EPHRAIM4, SAMUEL3, JOHN2, GEORGE1) was born 1747 in Goffstown, NH, and died He married BETTE COLLINS July 25, 1781 in Bradford, VT. Notes for EPHRAIM MARTIN, JR.: DNF either death or definite probate record in VT for this man. He removed to Hopkinton, St. Lawrence Co., NY where he built a gristmill for the town. The 1810 Federal Census lists him living next door to his son Andrew's family, as does the 1814 Electoral Census. By 1820 Ephraim is gone. In 1823 Ephraim is found with his wife Betsy and dau. Vina in Springfield, Erie, PA, when he applies for a pension. He says he enlisted in Newbury, VT. The Orange Co. Gazetteer says he died in Bradford in 1832, but no death or burial records have been found to prove that he returned to VT. Pvt. Ephriam Collins, Bradford, VtBradford, VT old record book, there were several Collins activities in the same time-frame. Levi Collins married Abigail Stanton 9/13/1786 (pg 120), Bette Collins married *Ephraim* Martin 7/25/1781 (pg 120), Sarah Collins married Samuel Martin 2/23/1791 (pg 120), Abijah Collins died 9/20/1783 (pg 121), Richard Collins died 3/6/1776 (pg 121), *Ephraim* Collins died 6/1/1776 (pg 121), Abigail (wife of *Ephraim* Collins) died 2/24/1796 (pg 121). I know Abigail (wife of *Ephraim*) is Abigail Dow and in the "Book of Dow" it states that Abigail Dow & *Ephraim* Collins "had Richard, Levi, John, Esther, perhaps others. *Ephraim* with sons Ephraim Collins is not listed in the Vermont Rolls of Soldiers of the Rev. War. Richard and Levi were with Gen. Benedict Arnold in Canada." * * * * * Supposed Father Gabe Martin and Son Ephriam Martin no internet resources have been found to prove this father/son link is correct. GHO. John Collins Census of Pensioners...John Collins, 54, Hydepark, Lamoille County, Vt. This supposed father of bette collins is not proven by JC research. Many thanks to Compatriot Carlson for these details on his Patriot ancestors is and always will be a big fan of the Green Mountain Boys. Page 6

7 As always, the underlying purpose of #7 is to honor and respect our veterans. Few events capture the spirit of this mandate like the Wreaths Across America programs taking place at Arlington National Cemetery and many other locations around the world. This year, wreaths were placed at over 1,100 locations on land and sea, here in the USA and also at National Cemeteries on foreign soil. This event started when Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine had some left-over wreaths at the end of the season and they donated them to Arlington National Cemetery. This new tradition continued quietly until 2005 when a picture of the freshly-laid wreaths at Arlington went viral online. Since then, the tradition has grown into what it is today. Very much gratitude to the Sophie DeMarsac Campau Chapter of D.A.R. for organizing this extremely important and moving event in Grand Rapids, and thanks to those everywhere that facilitate Wreaths Across America, especially the Worcester Wreath Company Bravo! Page 7

8 As I look back upon 2016, I m almost hesitant to reflect upon the year just passed. A lot of damage has been done to our civil society during the course of a VERY cantankerous election. The passing of so many cultural icons from the realms of sports and entertainment hasn t helped to improve the national mood. The only spirit of bicameral unity that I m typically observing of late is dissatisfaction The United States deserves better. What type of year shall 2017 be? That is still up to us to decide. Of this I am certain: SAR, MISSAR and WMC will be doing our part to keep the dreams from our forefathers alive and well. I believe this because we have already proven eager and able to embrace our duty here in SAR, just as our families have been doing for many centuries here on this soil. The founders understood that it was incumbent upon us to bequeath to future generations a free and just republic. The pilgrims, the founders and every future generation of U.S. citizen toiled and bled in a spirit of continuous improvement to set a bountiful table for Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennials. They succeeded and we shall not fail, despite the rancor in our nation today. I intend to see us remembered as having stood tall for our common history, documents and creed. I suspect that all CAR, DAR and SAR feel similarly. Since I joined WMC in 2015, I ve repeatedly witnessed the group fulfilling the duty, passing those torches given to us by our previous generations on to our successors. The telling of our patriots stories, the honoring of veterans, the reverence for historical symbols, flags and apparel, the encouragement of our youth and the facilitation of the self-esteem that Natural Law engenders By focusing on these matters we do our duty to the past, the future and to ourselves. Many of us in WMC and the MISSAR Color Guard have endured health issues, time constraints and other issues in These challenges are to be expected in any large group of hard workers and seeing my fellow compatriots push through many obstacles has helped me to push through some of my own in 2016 Thank you gentlemen! I ve been very impressed both with the resilience of our compatriots and with the wide variety of achievers found in our fraternity. WMC is a group that has already given the civil society many business executives, mayors and a president who helped to heal a divided nation. Please join us on January 14 th as we learn a lot about President Ford and have a fun time. CJG Page 8

9 At the 2016 Great Lakes District meeting in October, our US Senator from Michigan Gary Peters (compatriot at the Oaks Chapter, Rochester, MI) was given the Gold Good Citizenship Award. This is SAR s highest national award for public service, given for outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement and service of national importance. Previous recipients include Presidents Truman, Ford, Carter, Reagan and Bush. This is a a very high honor in our fraternity and it was a privilege to host this occasion in Grand Rapids. Additional congratulations to Senator Peters for the passage into law of the Fairness for Veterans Amendment. This legislation will give our men and women who are suffering from the invisible wounds of war an opportunity to access the benefits they ve earned through their service. I applaud President Obama for signing this critical provision into law and I will continue fighting so that servicemembers transitioning back to civilian life have the support they need. Senator Peters served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Naval Reserve. We thank him for his military service, his SAR participation and for his recent and important legislative achievement! SAR President General J. Michael Tomme Sr. presents the Gold Good Citizenship Award to US Senator Gary Peters of Michigan and the Oaks Chapter. MISSAR State President Rod Wilson, also of the Oaks Chapter, looks on. January 28, Grand Rapids Public Library for a DNA Workshop with speaker Richard Hill (from 1-3) February 18, 2017 American History Teacher appreciation luncheon * March 18, 2017 "Celebrating Women History Month" * April 2-3, 2017 State Awards Day - Kellogg Ctr, Lansing May 20, 2017 Celebrating National Parks - speaker LuDean Peters * June 21, Chapter Meeting - speaker State Regent Diane Schrift - at Mangiamo's on Lake Drive June 28 - July 2nd 126th Continental Congress in Washington DC September th Michigan State Conference in Dearborn November, Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Edward Brockhasse, Troop # 264, Cedar Springs Saturday, December 17, Wreaths Across America, Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Saturday, January 14, 12pm, Gerald Ford Museum, Grand Rapids March Meeting, St. Mark s Episcopal Church, Grand Rapids, Date and Time to be determined. May, Annual Chapter Meeting Location, Date and Time to be determined Page 9

10 President/Vice Commander Color Guard: Ken Goodson 1 st VP/Trustee: Chip Stevers 2 nd VP/Webmaster: Nathan Triplett Income Secretary/CAR Chair: Mark Johnston Co-Treasurer: Jim Biener Co-Treasurer/Scout Chair: Tom Lannon Editor: Jason Gideon ROTC Chair: Harry Rinker Registrar/Genealogist: Roger Harris Chaplain/Trustee: Doug Rasmussen Press Liaison: Craig Rich Flag Chair: Mark Ackerman Checking Account Balance 10/31/16 $ NSDAR contribution $ Expenditures Veteran Christmas Gifts $ Checking Account Balance 11/30/16 $ Jim Biener Treasurer THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10 AGENDA LOCATION LOGAN S ROAD HOUSE (CALEDONIA): 1651 MARKET PLACE SE, CALEDONIA, MI *SOCIAL ½ HOUR TO BEGIN AT 6 PM-6:30 PM TAKE SEATS MEETING WILL ADJOURN BY 8:30 PM PRESENTATION OF COLORS INVOCATION LEAD BY COMPATRIOT RASMUSSEN (TRUSTEE/CHAPLAIN) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LEAD BY COMPATRIOT LANNON (SCOUT CHAIR) SAR PLEDGE LEAD BY COMPATRIOT STEVERS (1 VP) *INTRODUCTION OF GUEST SPEAKERS AND WELCOME OF GUESTS COMPATRIOT GOODSON *DINNER (GRACE LEAD BY COMPATRIOT RASMUSSEN CHAPLAIN) *OLD BUSINESS-APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA WHICH INCLUDES LAST MEETING MINUTES & TREASURERS REPORT *NEW BUSINESS *SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBERS PRESIDENT GOODSON *PRESENTATIONS 1 V PRESIDENT STEVERS TO DISCUSS TRI STATE MTG AND FUTURE MTGS AND DATES 2 VP TRIPLETT TO DISCUSS WEB UPDATES SCOUT CHAIR LANNON TO UPDATE SCOUTING AWARDS FLAG CHAIR ACKERMAN TO UPDATE AWARD PROGRESS HISTORIAN RON STRAUSS FOR A GENERAL UPDATE TRUSTEE RASMUSSEN TO DISCUSS THE SUCCESSFUL GENEALOGY EVENT IN HOLLAND GENEALOGIST HARRIS TO UPDATE ON APPLICATIONS CAR CHAIR JOHNSTON TO DISCUSS ANY UPCOMING EVENTS BENEDICTION COMPATRIOT LEAD BY COMPATRIOT RASMUSSEN SAR RECESSIONAL LEAD BY 2 VP TRIPLETT Page 10

11 West Michigan Chapter, MISSAR Synopsis of Meeting: November 10th 2016 Meeting held at Logan s Roadhouse, Caledonia, MI Due to last minute changes with our room assignment the meeting was short allowing for a much longer social time, which was enjoyed by all present. Meeting was brought to order by President Ken Goodson at 6:30 Invocation led by Compatriot Rasmussen (Trustee/Chaplain) Dinner was ordered with grace led by Compatriot Rasmussen. Before dinner was served Compatriot Stevers gave a summation of future meetings and events beginning with our January 14th at GR Ford Museum which has a two hour tour with docents given at 1pm. The following meeting will be in March at St Marks where historical artifacts will be discussed and displayed, and last meeting of the fiscal year is in May which as of yet has no venue. Tom Lannon briefly shared with us pieces from his collection of political campaign memorabilia. This was a small preview of what he will be sharing at our next meeting which will include a lively team quiz on knowledge of our Presidents for a chance to win a piece of history. The following was the business portion of the meeting arranged by topic, not in the order it was presented: WMCMISSAR Communications & Community Engagement Compatriot Ackerman requested any potential flag award candidate be sent to him in short order. Governance Matters The last meeting s minutes and Treasurer s Report were asked to be approved as written. Moved by Compatriot Lannon, Seconded by Compatriot Stevers. Passed by unanimous consent. President Ken Goodson wrapped up the meeting at 8:00pm. Respectfully Submitted, Mark Johnston WMMISSCAR Secretary. Sword Salute to our MISSAR Color Guard for marching through and past a challenging Several of us have gone in for repairs this year and I m proud to report upon the wellness, resilience and dedication of this group of gentlemen. Thank you for including me in this fine troop! - Page 11

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