Dr. Joe Chambers is honored issue 3 November 2013 Organized December 2, 1889

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1 Publisher RICHARD T. SPENCER, JR. Editor RICK D. HOLLIS issue 3 November 2013 Organized December 2, 1889 Left: Daniel Brimer of California, a member of Kings Mountain Chapter Right: SAR Color Guard Below left: Mourning Salute given in memory of Patriot Robert Young at grave marking service Middle below: Watauga Valley Fife and Drum led by Drum Major John Large Below right: June Kenison Kaufman of Ohio Dr. Joe Chambers is honored The Gathering at Sycamore Shoals, organized by Ronnie Lail, John Echerd, Joe Chambers, Chad Bogart, Michael Mankin, Darryl Addington, Mel McKay, John Kubenka and John Wakefield was held September 20-21, A grave marking ceremony was held for Patriot Robert Young on Friday, followed by a reception and dinner. On Saturday morning, a ceremony was held at Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals. Left: President General Joseph W. Dooley presented a National Meritorious Service Medal to Dr. Joe A. Chambers in recognition for his outstanding leadership at the Gathering of Sycamore Shoals, which is designated a National Society SAR event. See pages 7-11

2 Page 2 Fall 2013 TENNESSEE PATRIOT Colin D. Wakefield President, Tennessee Society SAR Goal $25,000 President s Pledge Program Announced 2017 NSSAR National Congress Host Reception President Colin D. Wakefield Compatriots, $ 8,250* *From various sources As you may know, our Tennessee Society has been chosen to host the NSSAR Annual Congress for We have discussed Knoxville, Kingsport, Franklin, and Nashville as prospective host sites and at our October 2013 meeting, the Board of Governors agreed, without objection, that Nashville would be the preferred location. As part of our obligation as the Host Society it is the Tennessee Society s responsibility to plan and pay for the 2017 NSSAR National Congress Host Reception which is the signature kickoff event for the National Congress. A multi-pronged fund raising plan was approved at the October 2013 BOG and as a part of that plan I have implemented the President s Pledge Program with the goal of raising $10,000 through voluntary individual and Chapter donations. This pledge program starts in October 2013 and runs through January Any amount that you are willing to donate will be greatly appreciated and there will be special recognition given for those donating at the following levels: GOLD: $1,000 SILVER: $500 BRONZE: $250 Pledge forms are now available via and are also on our TNSSAR website. The pledge forms are self-explanatory; however, if you have questions do not hesitate to contact me or TNSSAR Secretary John Kubenka. James Stone is coordinating designs for a new Tennessee Society pin and he and James Thweatt will be working to create a medal to commemorate the 2017 Congress. Other state societies have been making these kinds of collectibles for the past few years and they have been very profitable. And I know he would not want me to mention this, but I am especially proud of Dr. Joe Chambers. He stepped forward and offered to purchase a top of the line reproduction rifle that will be given away in a drawing to be held at the 2017 Congress. 300 tickets will be sold at $50 each and the result will be $15,000 added to our fund to cover costs associated with the hosting of the Congress. I am very proud that compatriots are stepping forward eagerly to do their part to make our event successful and memorable. Tickets will be sold beginning at the January 2014 Board of Governors meeting. They will also be available at the national leadership and Congress meetings. It s an honor for our great Tennessee Society to have been chosen as the Host Society for the 2017 NSSAR National Congress and now it s time for us to step up and make it happen! Think about what you can do to make our event a great success. Yours in Patriotic service, Don's Troiani's framed print of The Battle of King's Mountain to be given away Saturday evening. Tickets available starting Friday evening. Colin D. Wakefield, TNSSAR State President,

3 Our obligation to our forefathers Fall 2013 Page 3 Plan NOW to attend the TNSSAR Annual Meeting, March 28-28, 2014 Genealogy Workshop TNSSAR Annual State Meeting March 29, 2014 Cool Springs Marriott 700 Cool Springs Blvd Franklin, Tennessee Documenting Revolutionary War Ancestors and Completing SAR Applications Whether you are a SAR or DAR member interested in researching supplemental patriots or a chapter Registrar, you will not want to miss this genealogy workshop! Debbie and Ted Duay Quasquicentennial [125 th ) Meeting Cool Springs Marriott Franklin, TN Schedule of Events Debbie Duay, Ph.D. served as the Lineage Research Chairman for the Florida State Society DAR (FSSDAR) from Currently, she is the FSSDAR Organizing Secretary and Chapter Development and Revitalization Chairman. Her husband, Ted Duay, is the President of the Florida Society SAR. Debbie has helped more than 350 people join the DAR and SAR, and her tutorial Researching Your Revolutionary War Patriot Ancestor and website for SAR members receive more than 500 visitors each day. In this workshop, Debbie will discuss important resources for documenting lineages including vital records, probate records, county & town histories, Bible records, military pensions, land records, guardianships, newspapers and obituaries, and acceptable sources of service. In addition, she will review tips for properly completing SAR applications. Friday, March 28, 2014 Informal Hospitality Suite at Cool Springs Marriott Reception with heavy hors d oeuvres at Marriott Saturday, March 29, 2014 Registration at Cool Springs Marriott Ladies Tour: Historic Carton Mansion Board of Governors Meeting Annual Membership Meeting and Election of Officers Youth Luncheon Joseph S. Rumbaugh Youth Winner Presentation George and Stella Knight Essay Winner Presentation Arthur M. King Eagle Scout Scholarship Presentation JROTC Scholarship Presentation Genealogy Work Shop with Dr. Debbie Duay Past Presidents Reception (cash bar) President s Banquet (Black-tie Optional) Installation of Officers Change of Color Guard Command Franklin Cool Springs Marriott, 700 Cool Springs Boulevard MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY Marriott reservations at 1 (800) or (615) Special Group Rate TNSSAR $ plus tax

4 Page 4 Fall 2013 TENNESSEE PATRIOT THE TENNESSEE PATRIOT The Tennessee Patriot is published three times a year by the Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution Website: Subscriptions are automatically sent to members of the TNSSAR. GENERAL OFFICERS President Colin D. Wakefield President-elect Claude T. Hardison, Jr. Vice President Dr. Darryl S. Addington District Directors: 1 Timothy E. Massey 2 David E. Johnston 3 James K. Stone 4 Thomas W. Coghlan 5 Jerry V. Smith, Esq. 6 B. Mott Jones Secretary John W. Kubenka Treasurer David P. Hammett Genealogist Richard T. Spencer, Jr. Registrar David L. Eagan Chancellor Cleo G. Hogan Chaplain Emeritus Rev. John W. Steen Chaplain Dr. Sam W. McKinstry Surgeon Dr. Mark R. Russell Historian Lee O. Johnson National Trustee Charles N. Dammann Alternate Trustee Colin D. Wakefield The Tennessee Patriot PUBLISHER Richard T. Spencer, Jr. EDITOR Rick D. Hollis Send articles and photos for THE TENNESSEE PATRIOT to Rick D. Hollis (tnssar@bellsouth.net), or mail to 521 South First Street, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone Website: Send information for the website by to Secretary John W. Kubenka (john@kubenka.com). 1,160 Members TENNESSEE SOCIETY SAR YOUTH PROGRAMS CONTINUE TO GAIN NATIONAL ATTENTION The SAR COLORGUARDSMAN NEWSLETTER has been posted to the NSSAR website. The link to the issue is: Mark C Anthony Adjutant, NSSAR Color Guard 22% CAAH Donors Two Tennessee Society SAR state winners garnered Second Place at NSSAR Contests in Kansas City in July. Left: Knight Essay contestant Savannah Brise Worchester placed second at Kansas City. Right: Joseph S. Rumbaugh contestant Rachael Wolters faced extraordinary competition and placed second in Kansas City. HOW TO RESERVE A TENNESSEE SOCIETY SAR LICENSE PLATE Proceeds from the sale of SAR s license plates will fund patriotic education, historic preservation, and numerous other eligible activities in Tennessee. The license plate design illustrated above is a representation. The state will design the actual license plate that will be sold to the public. To order, go to The license plate represents elements of the Gadsden Flag, a historical American flag with a yellow field depicting a snake coiled and ready to strike. Positioned below the snake are the words "DON T TREAD ON ME". The flag was designed by and is named after American general and statesman Christopher Gadsden. It was also used by the Continental Marines as an early motto flag. 0 GW Fellows 66 Friends of the Library

5 Our obligation to our forefathers Fall 2013 Page 5 WEILD THE SWORD OF THE LORD AND GIDEON SERMON AND PRAYER DELIVERED BY REV. SAMUEL DOAK AT SYCAMORE SHOALS IN PREPARATION FOR THEIR DEPARTURE TO THE BATTLE AT KINGS MOUNTAIN My countrymen, you are about to set out on an expedition which is full of hardships and dangers, but one in which the Almighty will attend you. The Mother Country has her hand upon you, these American colonies, and takes that for which our fathers planted their homes in the wilderness - OUR LIBERTY. Taxation without representation and the quartering of soldiers in the homes of our people without their consent are evidence that the crown of England would take from its American Subjects the last vestige of Freedom. Your brethren across the mountains are crying like Macedonia unto your help. God forbid that you should refuse to hear and answer their call - but the call of your brethren is not all. The enemy is marching hither to destroy your homes. Brave men, you are not unacquainted with battle. Your hands have already been taught to war and your fingers to fight. You have wrested these beautiful valleys of the Holston and Watauga from the savage hand. Will you tarry now until the other enemy carries fire and sword to your very doors? No, it shall not be. Go forth then in the strength of your manhood to the aid of your brethren, the defense of your liberty and the protection of your homes. And may the God of Justice be with you and give you victory. Let us pray. Almighty and gracious God! Thou hast been the refuge and strength of Thy people in all ages. In time of sorest need we have learned to come to Thee - our Rock and our Fortress. Thou knowest the dangers and snares that surround us on march and in battle. Thou knowest the dangers that constantly threaten the humble, but well beloved homes, which Thy servants have left behind them. Oh, in Thine infinite mercy, save Reenacted by Rev. George Cobb us from the cruel hand of the savage, and of tyrant. Save the unprotected homes while fathers and husbands and sons are far away fighting for freedom and helping the oppressed. Thou, who promised to protect the sparrow in its flight, keep ceaseless watch, by day and by night, over our loved ones. The helpless women and little children, we commit to Thy care. Thou wilt not leave them or forsake them in times of loneliness and anxiety and terror. Oh, God of Battle, arise in Thy might. Avenge the slaughter of Thy people. Confound those who plot for our destruction. Crown this mighty effort with victory, and smite those who exalt themselves against liberty and justice and truth. Help us as good soldiers to wield the SWORD OF THE LORD AND GIDEON. AMEN

6 Page 6 Fall 2013 TENNESSEE PATRIOT Killed at Battle of King s Mountain 2LT John Beattie CAPT David Beattie 1LT William Blackburn 1LT Reece Bowen MAJ William Chronicle 2LT James Corry 2LT Nathaniel Dryden CAPT William Edmondson 1LT Robert Edmondson, Sr. 2LT Andrew Edmondson 2LT Nathaniel Gist 2LT James Laird 2LT Humberson Lyon CAPT John Mattocks 1LT Thomas McCulloch 2LT James Phillips CAPT Robert Sevier COL James Steen COL James Williams PVT Thomas Bicknell PVT John Boyd PVT John Brown PVT David Duff PVT Preston Goforth PVT Henry Henegar PVT Moses Henry PVT Michael Mahoney PVT Arthur Patterson PVT William Rabb PVT Daniel Siske PVT William Steele PVT William Watson Names are taken from two monuments commemorating those who gave their lives at the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, Remarks by President General Joseph W. Dooley September 21, 2013 We re here to honor the Overmountain Men, so think it appropriate to share with you that I am happily and proudly a member of the Overmountai Men Chapter of the Virginia Society. The commemoration of the gathering at Sycamor Shoals is like the First Sunday of Advent, or like As Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. At the end o the period that follows each of these events i something great and wonderful. The America President General Joseph W. Dooley victory at Kings Mountain was great and wonderful. We can also say that the gathering at Sycamore Shoals is like the first rumble of the dar clouds that signals a coming storm. Following the first rumble, something awesome an frightening will ensue. The American victory at Kings Mountain was also awesome an frightening.

7 Our obligation to our forefathers Fall 2013 Page 7 I n e h f s n k d d The men who gathered here and at a few other places in southwestern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina were frontiersmen who were as nimble on horse as they were on their feet. They had to be accomplished hunters to live in the wilderness, and that meant they were also skilled marksmen in battle. Mostly, they were simply Americans who were determined to be free, who were determined not to be oppressed by a King and Parliament who had no concern for their rights, their liberties and their land. They marched hundreds of miles in less than two weeks from here to Kings Mountain. There, they would meet their destiny, and contribute more than they could have realized to the Independence of the United States. As the Overmountain Men would secure their lives and their freedom, so Major Ferguson would meet his ignominious defeat. So we gather here, as the Overmountain Men gathered here. They gathered to prepare for battle, and to fight for their freedom. We gather to honor them, and to remember them to remember their courage, their determination, their resolve. Let us always honor the Overmountain Men who gathered here, and let us always strive to be worthy of the legacy of courage, determination and freedom they left to us.

8 Page 8 Fall 2013 TENNESSEE PATRIOT GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY HONORING PATRIOT ROBERT YOUNG IN JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE Ronnie Lail, Mel McKay, Chad Bogard and Mike Mankin place a marker at the grave of Patriot Robert Young in Johnson City. Marker at the grave of Revolutionary War Patriot Robert Young in Johnson City, Tennessee Robert Young descendant Ralph Martin An aggravated Patrick Ferguson sent a message to the elusive Overmountain Men: If you do not desist your opposition to the British Arms, I shall march this army over the mountains, hang your leaders, and lay waste your country with fire and sword. Upon receiving Ferguson s threat to march into his community, terrorize his neighbors, and destroy their homes, Isaac Shelby wasted no time. He saddled his horse and rode hurriedly 40 miles to the home of John Sevier, another prominent overmountain militia leader. The militia leaders decided it would be best if they crossed the mountains on their own terms and defeated Ferguson on the east side of the mountains. The two leaders called for a mustering of militia units from throughout the overmountain region and beyond. They sent express riders north and east calling upon Arthur Campbell and William Campbell to muster Virginians from the Holston Valley and asking Colonel Benjamin Cleveland and Major Joseph Winston to muster men from the Yadkin Valley in Wilkes and Surry Counties. They called for a muster on September 25 at Sycamore Shoals, adjacent to Fort Watauga in today s Elizabethton, Tennessee. Shelby brought 240 militiamen; Colonel Sevier brought a like number. Colonel William Campbell arrived with 400 Virginians, half from his cousin s command. One hundred-sixty men from Burke County, under the command of Colonel McDowell, had taken refuge in the overmountain region after their earlier skirmishes with Ferguson. On September 26, the throng of a thousand militiamen headed south from Sycamore Shoals. Most of the men were on horseback, but some walked. All the men were volunteers; none was paid. Each expected to serve for only a few weeks before returning to his home to tend to his chores, his farming, and personal matters. Lyman Draper, in his history of the King's Mountain heroes, says, "One of Col. [John] Sevier's men, named Gilliland, who had received several wounds, and was well nigh exhausted, seeing the advance of Ferguson and his part, attempted to arrest the career of the great leader, but his gun snapped, when he called out to Robert Young, of the same regiment: 'There's Ferguson! Shoot him.' 'I will try and see what Sweet Lips can do,' muttered Young, as he drew a sharp sight, discharging his rife, when Ferguson fell from his horse, and his associates were either killed or driven back. Several bullets had taken effect on Ferguson apparently at the same time, and a number claimed the honor of shooting Ferguson." According to the National Park Service Brochure describing the Battle of Kings Mountain, in the late stages of the engagement, Ferguson, riddled with at least eight balls, fell from his white charger. One battle account states that one of these balls was fired by Robert Young, who is reported to have said in referring to his rifle, as he took aim and fired at Ferguson: I'll try and see what Sweet-Lips can do. It was from Young s rifle, the British commander is believed to have been mortally wounded. Ferguson's army was crushed, Ferguson killed, in what some consider the turning point of the American Revolution. To honor the memory of Robert Young and his trusted rifle Sweet Lips the Tennessee Society SAR Color Guard Mustered at the grave of Robert Young to participate in a very special tribute. Pay your 2014 Dues Mail $53.00 made to TNSSAR to: TREASURER DAVID P. HAMMETT 551 Winding Bluff Way Clarksville, Tennessee 37040

9 Our obligation to our forefathers Fall 2013 Page 9 LAIL PRESENTATION Each year that the President General comes to Tennessee, Compatriot Ronnie Lail of Watauga Chapter presents him with a handmade bag to be worn with uniforms. Lail presented PG Joe Dooley with one made of leather with hand stitched thistles signifying the Scots- Irish settlers who lived in the area that is now Upper East Tennessee. Each outgoing TNSSAR President is also presented with their own thoughtful memento by Lail. Top right: Chad Bogart in the person of a Kings Mountain Patriot Right: Dr. Sam Powell, SAR Foundation President, speaks with Charter President Keith H. Kaufman of the Hocking Valley Chapter SAR in Ohio President General Joseph W. Dooley (VA), Southern District Vice President General Dr. James A. Morock, Sr. (LA), SAR Foundation President Dr. Samuel C. Powell (NC) and Dr. Joe A. Chambers (TN) Right: Cillia Leed Tomme (GA) and Larry Guzy (GA) Ronnie L. Lail (TN) and Dr. Larry Leslie (KY) Kenneth Luckey (NC) and NSSAR Registrar General Mike Tomme (GA)

10 Page 10 Fall 2013 TENNESSEE PATRIOT ANNUAL COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE OF RAMSOUR S MILL IS A TRIBUTE TO JOHN ECHERD NSSAR Color Guard at Ramsour s Mill in Lincolnton, North Carolina. James Stone and Claude Hardison of Col. Benjamin Cleveland Chapter joined Compatriot John Echerd at the annual commemoration of the Battle of Ramsour s Mill. You are invited to become a George Washington Fellow Please contact Compatriot Tim Adams by tkadams1@gmail.com or by phone at Donate $1,000 to become a George Washington Fellow donations may be made at $200 per year for five years. Presently, Tennessee Society SAR has the third largest number of GWEF members in the United States. Need help recruiting a new member? Contact State Genealogist Richard T. (Dick) Spencer DSPEN47@aol.com TENNESSEE SOCIETY SAR MISSION Perpetuating the stories of patriotism, courage, sacrifice, tragedy, and triumph of the men and women who achieved the independence of the American people in the belief that these stories are universal ones of man's eternal struggle against tyranny, relevant to all time, and will inspire and strengthen each succeeding generation as it too is called upon to defend our freedoms on the battlefield and in our public institutions, including the stories of those brave men and women who came to this Tennessee wilderness with little more than their raw grit and determination and proceeded to claw out a gracious society of which WE are the recipients. Becoming a Member of SAR has two (2) basic requirements as provided in the NSSAR Constitution and By-Laws: 1. Eligibility for Membership 2. Lineal Descent from a Patriot with Acceptable Service A. A list of SAR Chapters in each State is listed on this Web-site, and an applicant may contact an officer of a Chapter near his home. B. Each State has a member who is designated as the New Member Helper. In most States, this is the State Registrar and he will direct an applicant to a Chapter where the applicant lives, or the nearest Chapter, and forward the inquiry to that Chapter. The Chapter will be responsible for assisting prospective members with the application process. Please consult State Genealogist Richard T. Spencer, Jr. - DSPN47@att.net Tennessee Patriot Send submittals for the TENNESSEE PATRIOT to Richard T. Spencer, Jr., Publisher, 376 Sims Lane, Franklin, Tennessee or by at DSPEN47@aol.com, or send to Rick D. Hollis, Editor, 521 South First Street, Clarksville, Tennessee or at tnssar@bellsouth.net. For questions, you may also contact the Editor by calling

11 T E N N E S S E E S O C I E T Y S A R C H A P T E R S Join SAR DISTRICT 6 Isaac Shelby Chapter, Memphis Jackson Purchase Chapter, Union City James Madison Chapter, Jackson PROSPECTIVE CHAPTERS Dyer County, Dyersburg (6) Gibson County, Trenton (6) Bedford County, Shelbyville (4) COUNTIES FOR FUTURE CHAPTERS Wilson County, Lebanon (5) Cumberland County, Crossville (2) Sevier County, Sevierville (2) NATIONAL SOCIETY SAR Headquarters 1000 South Fourth Street, Louisville, KY Executive Director Don Shaw Registrar Aaron Adams Librarian Michael Christian Education Colleen Wilson Merchandising Susan Griffin shaw@sar.org aadams@sar.org mchristi@sar.org cwilson@sar.org sgriffin@sar.org For Chapter and meeting location information, contact the Chapter President. For membership, contact the Chapter Registrar. DISTRICT 4 Lt. Andrew Crockett Chapter, Franklin Joseph Greer Chapter, Lynchburg Stones River Chapter, Murfreesboro Tombigbee Chapter, Columbia DISTRICT 5 Andrew Jackson Chapter, Nashville Col. Anthony Bledsoe Chapter, Gallatin Christopher Strong Chapter, Charlotte Thomas Kilgore Chapter, Springfield Valentine Sevier Chapter, Clarksville REMINDERS DISTRICT 1 Kings Mountain Chapter, Johnson City State of Franklin Chapter, Rogersville Watauga Chapter, Elizabethton DISTRICT 2 Gen. Joseph Martin Chapter, Harrogate Stephen Holston Chapter, Knoxville Lt. W. P. Quarles Chapter, Cookeville DISTRICT 3 Col. Benj. Cleveland Chapter, Cleveland Hiwassee Chapter, Athens John Sevier Chapter, Chattanooga Please notify your Chapter Secretary of any changes of address, telephone number or address. The Chapter Secretary will forward that information to State Secretary John W. Kubenka. Your addresses MUST be current in order for you to receive any or all Society mail, which is sent by bulk mail, and is not forwarded. Submittals are welcomed for this newsletter. We prefer that the text be ed in MSWord. Photos shall be in electronic format and ed to Editor Rick D. Hollis at tnssar@bellsouth.net, but may also be submitted on a CD. Photos from newspapers and/or prints from film cannot be used, as they do not reproduce in acceptable quality. WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS Are your friends, sons, grandsons, brothers and cousins members? Please encourage them to join SAR! General Society of the War of 1812 Eligibility proof as a descendant of a Soldier of the War of 1812 For membership information: David L. Eagan, President jede49@bellsouth.net Richard T. Spencer, Jr. DSPEN472att.net Jamestowne Society Eligibility proof as a descendant of a resident of Jamestowne, Virginia before 1700 For membership information: Tennessee Company (West) John E. McCutchen, President john.e.mccutchen@gmail.com Tennessee Valley Company (Middle/East) Rick D. Hollis, President tnssar@bellsouth.net Descendants of Washington s Army at Valley Forge Eligibility proof as a descendant of a Revolutionary War Soldier at Valley Forge For membership information: Michael Mankin thelostcause@embarqmail.com

12 The Tennessee Patriot Rick Hollis, Editor Tennessee Society of the Sons of the American Revolution 521 South First Street Clarksville, Tennessee RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Pvt. William Kelton Grave dedication in Murfreesboro Private William Kelton and wife Elizabeth settled at Black Fox Spring in Rutherford County in The Cemetery was established about Kelton is an ancestor of Compatriot David Vaughn of the Col. Anthony Bledsoe Chapter in Sumner County. Members of the Tennessee Society SAR Color Guard from across the state gathered to honor Patriot William Kelton on May 18, 2013.