Founded December 2, 1889 TENNESSEE SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION http://www.tnssar.org/ RICHARD T. SPENCER, JR., Publisher RICK D. HOLLIS, Editor DSPEN47@aol.com tnssar@bellsouth.net (above): The Tennessee Society SAR Color Guard advances the colors under direction of Commander Gordon Jackson. (right): Dr. Bryant R. Bowell a/k/a Captain Meriwether Lewis with Judge Andrew Jackson VI, third great grandson of President Andrew and Rachel Jackson. DAR President General Merry Ann T. Wright, TNSSAR President Rick Hollis, and TNDAR State Regent Linda B. Jones. (right): Compatriot Matt B. Murfree III presents a wreath at the grave of Captain William and Nancy Taylor Lytle as a part of ceremonies during the dedication of Patriots Park. Captain Lytle gave land for the founding of Murfreesboro, named for Murfree s Patriot ancestor, Col. Hardy Murfree.
John E. McCutchen is married to Susan Witte Hays, an attorney in Jackson, Tennessee. He has three daughters: Amanda (Scott) Busby, an attorney in Knoxville; Madaline (Johnny) Mullens, a manager of a major restaurant in Jackson; and Catherine (Johnny) Brown, a pharmacist in Savannah, Tennessee; and five grandchildren. SPRING 2011 CONTENTS 2 Our President 3 2011 Annual Meeting Medals, Awards and Special Recognitions 4 Medals, Awards and Special Recognitions 5 Medals, Awards and Special Recognitions 6 Medals, Awards and Special Recognitions 7 Medals, Awards and Special Recognitions 8 Russell and Joan Campbell; Change of Color Guard Command 9 2011 Gathering at Sycamore Shoals, an Invitation to attend 10 Chapter and Color Guard Activities; Lineage Society Membership Contacts 11 Chapters; Stephen Holston Chapter 12 2011-12 Officers Sarah and Dr. Bryant R. Boswell of Jackson, Mississippi were gracious guests of the Tennessee Society during the Annual Meeting. John is currently employed as the Director of Member Relations and Marketing for the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. AALAS is a not for profit professional health care industry membership association with over 12,000 members. He has been designated a Certified Association Executive (CAE) by the American Society of Association Executives. In addition to his membership and marketing duties with AALAS, he serves as the staff liaison to their Leadership Development Subcommittee, International Relations Advisory Committee, and the Government Relations Committee. Before joining AALAS in 2005, his association management experience includes serving as the Executive Director of the American Farriers Association in Lexington, Kentucky, and as the Executive Director of the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation in Jackson, Tennessee. Prior to his full time involvement as an association executive, he operated a real estate development company, a retail and wholesale petroleum products marketing company, and a motor carrier transportation company for petroleum products. He has served in various senior volunteer leadership positions with associations, boards, and committees at the local, state, regional and national levels, including serving as an appointed advisor to several United State government committees. President McCutchen joined the Sons of the American Revolution in 1981, thirty years ago. In 2011-12, he serves also as NSSAR Alternate Trustee. Previously, he served as President-elect (2010-11) and as Vice President West (2007-09). He was a charter member and past president of the James Madison Chapter TNSSAR and is a charter member of the State of Franklin Provisional Chapter TNSSAR. He has been recognized with a Meritorious Service Medal, is a George Washington Fellow and a donor to the SAR s Center for Advancing America s Heritage. John s professional affiliations include the American Trucking Association, Past Director; Southeastern Independent Oil Marketers Association, Past President; Tennessee Council of Safety Supervisors, Past Chairman; Tennessee Independent Oil Marketers Association, Past President; Tennessee Motor Transport Association, Past President; Tennessee Road Builders Association, Past Director; Tennessee Tank Truck Carriers Association, Past President; United States Department of Energy, Gasoline Marketing Advisory Committee, Member 10 years; University of Tennessee, Contributing Member Economic Outlook Panel, Survey of Business, 20 years; West Tennessee Traffic Club, Past President. He is also a member the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Celtic Society of West Tennessee, Columbia Military Academy Alumni Association, Delta President John E. McCutchen Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity, First Families of Tennessee, accepts the gavel from Vice Governor of the Jamestowne Society, Tennessee Company, President General Dr. Raymond Kansas City Barbecue Society, McCutchen Trace Association, A. Clapsadle. Memphis Barbeque Network, National Order of White Mice, National Society Magna Charta Barons, Tennessee Genealogical Society, and the Tennessee Squire Association. In his community, John is a member of the City of Jackson, Tennessee Accident Review Committee, Past Chairman; Goals for Jackson, Past President; Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, Past President; Jackson Arts Council, Past Director; Old Hickory Academy, Charter Member & Past Board Member; Rotary International, Jackson Downtown Club, Former Member; Saint Luke s Episcopal Church, Jackson, Stewardship Committee; University School of Jackson, Charter Member & Past Board Member; and the West Tennessee State Fair Association, Past President. Dr. Raymond A. Clapsadle presents a certificate of service and a past president s pin to Past President Rick Hollis.
President John E. McCutchen presents a Patriots Medal to Past President Rick Hollis. President Rick Hollis awarded Compatriot Jim Hurst the Patriots Medal, the Society s highest membership award, on behalf of the Tennessee Society SAR on March 19, 2011. Upon advice of his wife Nancy that his health was declining swiftly, several color guardsmen assembled after the Erin St. Patrick s Day Parade at his bedside for the presentation. Present were Commander Gordon Jackson, Don Horton, Dave Schuff, Brian Jackson, James Stone, Roger Tenney, Wayne Long, and Nancy Hurst. Don Horton said, If you could have seen Jim s eyes light up when the presentation party arrived, it was a moment none of us in attendance will ever forget. Lustrus passed to a new command on March 21, 2011. President Rick Hollis presented state Treasurer David E. Johnston the Silver Distinguished Service Medal, the highest recognition that can be awarded by a state president. During the past year, Compatriot Johnston has established the Society s first computerized accounting and member billing system, served as president of Stephen Holston Chapter in Knoxville, served on the National Society SAR Budget and Congress Planning Committees, helped coordinate the TNSSAR Annual Meeting. He was an indispensable member. VPG Dr. Raymond A. Clapsadle presents a District Meritorious Service Medal to John C. Echerd for his leadership in establishing the Annual Gathering at Sycamore Shoals as a national event. VPG Dr. Raymond A. Clapsadle presents a District Meritorious Service Medal to J. W. (Bill) Martin, Jr. for his leadership in establishing Patriots Park in Murfreesboro. A standing ovation was given to recognize exceptional work during 2010-11 by five distinguished members of the Tennessee Society SAR. (l to r): James J. Thweatt for designing the new Tennessee Society SAR logo and Tennessee Medal; James K. Stone, Claude T. Hardison, Jr. and Dr. Joe A. Chambers for designing the Tennessee Society SAR Color Guard Flag; and William L. Eubank III for designing Society cuff links. VPG Dr. Raymond A. Clapsadle presents a District Meritorious Service Medal to Pled Duncan Callicott for his leadership in establishing Patriots Park by donating his time and talents as the landscape designer. Donors from around the United States funded the purchase of trees for the Park honoring their Patriot ancestors.
James K. Stone Benjamin Cleveland Chapter Gordon D. Jackson Lt. W. P. Quarles Chapter O. Lee Johnson Stephen Holston Chapter Jerry V. Smith Christopher Strong Chapter NOT PICTURED Brian Webb Benjamin Cleveland Chapter Gary Woolf Stephen Holston Chapter MEMBERSHIP AWARDS STALLWORTH AWARD Greatest Percentage Increase Jackson Purchase Chapter DeMERE AWARD Greatest Number of New Members Benjamin Cleveland Chapter John H. Henderson Andrew Crockett Chapter Rod Crabtree Valentine Sevier Chapter Pled Duncan Callicott Stones River Chapter Gary Randles Watauga Chapter DAR FINDERS AWARD Greatest Number of Membership Applications by DAR Members Betty Jane Chalfant Campbell Chapter, Nashville Pat Pelfrey Chief John Ross, Chattanooga Colin D. Wakefield Joseph Greer Chapter Dee Smothers Dr. Joe A. Chambers Kings Mountain Chapter Matt B. Murfree III with Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg Left: VPG Dr. Raymond A. Clapsadle presents a Certificate of Appreciation to District Color Guard Commander Gordon D. Jackson. Right: Four cannons were fired at the dedication of Patriots Park. We are grateful to the cannons owners for their significant efforts to bring their cannons. Owners: Ronnie L. Lail (Watauga), Dr. Joe A. Chambers (Kings Mountain), and two by Clint A. Reynolds (Valentine Sevier).
Medals and Awards Chair Jim Thweatt, as usual, did an exceptional job coordinating all of the recognitions given during the Annual Meeting. Middle: President Rick Hollis presented Dr. Bryant R. Boswell of Mississippi a set of cuff links in appreciation for his presentation entitled The Defining of America One Country, Sea to Shining Sea, 1780 1840. Boswell related stories and displayed slide-show photos of his participation in the extraordinary three year Bicentennial reenactment of Lewis & Clark s Journey (1803-06) of undaunted courage. Dr. Boswell reenacts Governor Meriwether Lewis and is incoming president of the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. He serves as 2nd VP of the Mississippi Society SAR. Vice President General Dr. Raymond A. Clapsadle presents a 50-year certificate to Compatriot James E. Briddell of Kings Mountain Chapter who became a member of SAR on April 18, 1961. Rick Hollis and Fount T. Smothers The Board of Governors has named the TNSSAR C.A.R. Grandma Said Contest in honor of its founder Fount T. Smothers. The relationship forged between SAR and the Children of the American Revolution is strong and exists because of the untiring efforts of Fount Smothers. For several years, Compatriot Smothers has been SAR s DAR/C.A.R. Liaison, a role he has taken very seriously. The close working relationship between SAR and both groups is a result of his work. Compatriot Smothers was given a standing ovation when the award s name was announced. David L. Eagan (Andrew Crockett), Rod Crabtree (Valentine Sevier), Gordon D. Jackson (W. P. Quarles), Robert T. (Bob) Nash (Andrew Jackson), James O. (Jim) Moore (John Sevier), TNSSAR President Rick Hollis, Ronnie L. Lail (Watauga), Thomas W. (Tom) Coghlan (Tombigbee), Glenn J. Taylor (Stones River), David E. Johnston (Stephen Holston), Phil Newman (Benjamin Cleveland), William (Bill) Dahnke (Jackson Purchase), Colin D. Wakefield (Joseph Greer), and Glen D. Freudenthal (Sumner). Not pictured: Maurice E. Miller III (Christopher Strong), G. Todd Williams (Gen. Joseph Martin), Jack W. Stout (Hiwassee), Jerry L. Smith (Isaac Shelby), John A. Scruggs (James Madison), and Dr. Darryl Addington (Kings Mountain).
President-elect John E. McCutchen presents a $500 donation to the Children of the American Revolution to C.A.R. Society officer Jason West. Both McCutchen and West are from Jackson. Jason West is the Charter President of the Pinson Mounds Society, C.A.R. that was chartered in 2009 with cooperative support of the Tennessee Society DAR and Tennessee Society SAR. VP-West and Orations Chair B. Mott Jones presents a medal, certificate and $500 award to Rachel Wolters, winner of the 2011 Joseph R. Rumbaugh Orations Contest. Cadet 1st Lt. Glenda D. Evitt won 1st place in the JROTC/ROTC Contest. She was sponsored by John Sevier Chapter. Eagle Scout Contest Chair Randall H. Chandler presented a medal, certificate, Eagle statue, and a $500 award to Peter Z. Giddings winner of the 2011 Eagle Scout Contest, sponsored by Kings Mountain. Jocelyn Hawley won 1st place in the Knight Essay Contest, placed 4th at National and was sponsored by Joseph Greer. Dr. Douglas K. Fidler Essay Contest Chair for 10 years John E. McCutchen Outstanding Service as President-elect Cleo G. Hogan Special Assistance and Support James C. Hofstetter Outstanding Service Investment Chair J. W. (Bill) Martin, Jr. Special Assistance with Patriots Park Claude T. Hardison, Jr. Outstanding Service as Secretary
Far left: President Rick Hollis accepts the first Tennessee SAR Medal from Medals & Awards Chair James J. Thweatt. Left: Commander Gordon D. Jackson, President Rick Hollis, Trustee William L. Eubank III. Commander Jackson accepts a streamer awarded by the National Society SAR in recognition of the Tennessee Society SAR s achievement of 20% participation in support of the Center for Advancing America s Heritage (CAAH). The effort was led by Trustee Eubank. (l to r): Middle Division - large size Chapter, Andrew Crockett accepted by David L. Eagan; chair James K. Stone; Middle Division -small size Chapter, Lt. William Quarles, accepted by Gordon D. Jackson; East Division - large size Chapter, Col. Benjamin Cleveland, accepted by Thomas McLain; East Division medium Chapter, Stephen Holston, accepted by O. Lee Johnson; East Division - small size Chapter, Watauga, accepted by Timothy E. Massey. Overall Chapter winner, Stephen Holston, accepted by O. Lee Johnson. Front row (l to r): Randall H. Chandler (Eagle Scouts Contest), John C. Echerd (Friends of the Library), James E. Briddell (Paul Revere), Dr. Douglas K. Fidler (Essay Contest), Ronnie L. Lail (Vice Commander Mountain Brigade), Alvin R. Brown (American Legion/VFW Liaison), Donald R. Horton (Chief of Protocol), J. Wayne Long (Life Membership). Second row (l to r): David E. Johnston (Finance), Stanley A. Evans (Wreaths Across America), James K. Stone (Americanism), Cleo G. Hogan (Graves & Landmarks), TNSSAR President Rick Hollis. Third row (l to r): Timothy E. Massey (Overmountain Man Victory Trail Association Liaison), William L. Eubank III (CAAH), Lee Johnson (Vice Commander Highland Guard), James O. (Jim) Moore (GWEF and JROTC). Back row (l to r): Roger A. Tenney (Vice Commander French Lick Company), Gordon D. Jackson (Commander), Robert T. (Bob) Nash (Resolutions), Raymond A. Clapsadle (Information Technology), B. Mott Jones (Orations), and John H. Henderson (Bylaws). Please notify your Chapter Secretary of any changes of address, telephone number or email address. The Chapter Secretary will forward that information to State Secretary Claude Hardison, and Vice President-Data Management Ray Clapsadle. 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 emailed in MSWord. Photos shall be in electronic format and emailed to the Editor Rick Hollis at tnssar@bellsouth.net, but may also be submitted on a floppy disk or CD. Photos from newspapers and/or prints from film cannot be used, as they do not reproduce in acceptable quality. To report the death of a Compatriot, please contact your Chapter President; State Secretary, at tnssar@bellsouth.net; and State Chaplain at steenj@comcast.net. The State Secretary will communicate with National SAR HQ to update records. When we come to say goodbye to our loved ones, it is not easy, but if we remember the true definition of the word goodbye, it will make it easier. Our word goodbye comes from the old English benediction meaning God Be With You. Compatriot Roy J. West 1928 2008
Joan Campbell Joan D. Campbell and Russell C. Campbell Russ Campbell, Alex Waddell, Troy Woodbury EDITORIAL COMMENTS: It is likely that Russ and Joan Campbell have been two of the most significant member/supporter of the Tennessee Society SAR. A stalwart member of Andrew Jackson Chapter, Russ Campbell was a founding sponsor of Valentine Sevier Chapter in Clarksville and Christopher Strong Chapter in Charlotte. Importantly, Russ was founder of the Tennessee Society SAR Color Guard in 1976 and served as Commander for 30 years. After attending the NSSAR Congress in Philadelphia, Russ purchased a color guard uniform. Wherever there was an opportunity to post colors, or participate in a patriotic event, Russ, with Joan at his side, was always willing to attend to represent SAR. After a few years, two friends, Alex Waddell and Troy Woodbury, acquired uniforms and joined him as members of the color guard. In the 35th year of the Tennessee Society SAR Color Guard, I was honored to remember my friend Russ Campbell and to present the SAR Daughters of Liberty Medal to Joan Campbell at the TNSSAR Annual Meeting in recognition of her remarkable and unparalleled support of the Tennessee Society SAR. From an historical perspective, some may be interested in knowing that Russ s great-grandfather was former Tennessee Governor and Brigadier General William Bowen Campbell, namesake of Ft. Campbell. Campbell s daughter Ellen Campbell Marsh took many of the photos in this edition of the newsletter. Ronnie L. Lail, President John E. McCutchen, James K. Stone, Commander Gordon D. Jackson. Incoming Commander Ronnie L. Lail and Commander Gordon D. Jackson offer salutes to each other. SPECIAL GUESTS President McCutchen presents Commander Lail with a gorget, the symbol of office. Former Commander Jackson presents the Glynn Sword, the symbol of his power, to new Commander Lail. (left): LCDR John C. Glynn of Glynstewart is President General of the Descendants and Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Compatriot Glynn is a member of Andrew Crockett Chapter. (right): General Society Sons of the Revolution Vice President General David Rutherford, TNSSAR President Rick Hollis, Tennessee Society Sons of the Revolution David L. Whaley (also a member of Benjamin Cleveland Chapter), and Descendants of the Soldiers of Washington s Army at Valley Forge former Commander in Chief Timothy E. Massey. Massey is President of Watauga Chapter.
All SAR members are invited to attend this special event sponsored by the Tennessee Society SAR. Color Guard members from all states are invited to participate in the grave marking on Friday, September 9 at 5 pm and at Fort Watauga on Saturday, September 10 at 10 am. For more information, contact: TNSSAR Color Guard Commander Ronnie L. Lail wataugatnssar@gmail.com 423.914.8677 m John C. Echerd cen61412@centurytel.net 423.238.4995 Friday, September 9, 2011 The Carter Mansion will be open for guided tours from 3 pm until the Col. John and Capt Landon Carter grave marking at 5 pm. Friday, September 9, 2011 Host Reception 7 to 8:30 pm Holiday Inn, Johnson City 101 W. Springbrook Dr 423.282.4611 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2011 Honoring Col. John Carter, Commander of Fort Watauga while men went to Kings Mountain And Capt. Landon Carter, a soldier under John Sevier at Kings Mountain (namesake of Carter County) 10 am Ceremony at Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area Wreath Laying Ceremony and Color Guard Tribute
Members of the Stephen Holston Chapter SAR assisted the Mary Blount Chapter DAR with a grave marking for chapter namesake Mary Blount, wife of William Blount, signer of the United States Constitution. The Presbyterian Cemetery and Blount Mansion, located nearby, are in downtown Knoxville. Color Guardsmen were Lee Johnson, Justin Johnson and David Johnston. ERIN ST. PATRICK S DAY PARADE With Leprechauns, members of the TNSSAR Color Guard are (l to r) Brian Jackson, Commander Gordon Jackson, Vice Commander Roger Tenney, Chief of Protocol Don Horton, former TNSSAR Treasurer Wayne Long, TNSSAR President Rick Hollis, and Harrell Phillips. TNSSAR President Rick Hollis and Christopher Strong Chapter Treasurer Robert Moore. General Society of Colonial Wars Eligibility proof as a descendant of a veteran from 1607 to April 19, 1775 For membership information: Governor William L. Eubank III eubankwf@comcast.net General Society of the War of 1812 Eligibility proof as a descendant of a War of 1812 veteran For membership information: Vice President David E. Eagan jede49@bellsouth.net Sons of Confederate Veterans Eligibility proof as a descendant of a Confederate veteran For membership information: Executive Director Ben Sewell III exedir@scv.org
Isaac Shelby 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 Jackson Purchase James Madison Tennessee Patriot Valentine Sevier Christopher Strong Send submittals for the TENNESSEE PATRIOT to Richard T. Spencer, Jr., Publisher, 376 Sims Lane, Franklin, Tennessee 37067-1893 or by email at DSPEN47@aol.com, or send to Rick D. Hollis, Editor, 521 South First Street, Clarksville, Tennessee 37040 or email at tnssar@bellsouth.net. For questions, you may also contact the Editor by calling 615.812.2648. Tombigbee Thomas Kilgore Lt. Andrew Crockett Andrew Jackson Joseph Greer Sumner Stones River Lt. William P. Quarles Col. Benjamin Cleveland John Sevier For Chapter and meeting location information, contact Chapter President. For membership, contact Chapter Registrar. WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS Are your friends, sons, grandsons, brothers and cousins members? Please encourage them to join SAR! Hiwassee NATIONAL SOCIETY SAR Headquarters 1000 South Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40203 502.589.1776 www.sar.org Executive Director Joe Harris Registrar Aaron Adams Librarian Michael Christian Education Colleen Wilson Merchandising Susan Griffin jharris@sar.org aadams@sar.org mchristi@sar.org cwilson@sar.org sgriffin@sar.org General Joseph Martin Stephen Holston State of Franklin Join SAR Kings Mountain Watauga 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 http://www.tnssar.org/ State Registrar - DSPN47@att.net. 615.591.7373 Dr. Lynnette Perra presented a donation to the chapter in memory of her father, long-time Stephen Holston Chapter President Leonard Hill. Dr. Perra presents the Chapter Eagle Scout Award to Matthew Waldrep. 2011 CHAPTER OFFICERS (l to r): Nathaniel Hester, Treasurer; Ron Jones, Registrar; David Johnston, Immediate Past President; Bob Reich, Trustee; Paul Jorden, VP and Trustee; John Ellis, Secretary/Genealogist; and Lee Johnson, President. Not pictured: Glen Lintner, Chancellor; Dr. Alan DeCarlo, Surgeon
The Tennessee Patriot Tennessee Society SAR 376 Sims Lane Franklin, Tennessee 37069-1893 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Nashville, TN Permit No. 380 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Secretary John W. Kubenka (Kings Mountain Chapter) Johnson City, President John E. McCutchen (James Madison Chapter) Jackson, President-elect Charles N. Dammann (John Sevier Chapter) Chattanooga, Chaplain Dr. Sam W. McKinstry (Kings Mountain Chapter) Johnson City, Chaplain-emeritus Rev. Dr. John Warren Steen, Jr. (Andrew Jackson Chapter) Nashville, Chancellor Jerry V. Smith (Christopher Strong Chapter) Dickson, Treasurer David E. Johnston (Stephen Holston Chapter) Knoxville, Registrar Richard T. Spencer, Jr. (Lt. Andrew Crockett Chapter) Franklin, Vice President-East Claude T. Hardison, Jr. (Col. Benjamin Cleveland Chapter) Cleveland, Vice President Middle Colin D. Wakefield (Joseph Greer Chapter) Lynchburg, Vice President West B. Mott Jones (Isaac Shelby Chapter) Memphis, and Vice President Data Management Dr. Raymond A. Clapsadle (Isaac Shelby Chapter) Memphis. Not pictured: Historian C. Ken Fieth (Andrew Jackson) Nashville and Surgeon Dr. Frank E. Jones (Andrew Jackson Chapter) Nashville.