Chapter learns about the Battle of St. Louis, Unveils Chapter Guidon & Welcomes Newest Member (April 23, 2024)
The Battle of St. Louis, also known as the Attack on St. Louis and the Battle of Fort San Carlos, was fought on May 26, 1780, between British-allied Indians and defenders of the Franco-Spanish village of St. Louis, Louisiana (present-day U.S. state of Missouri) during the American Revolutionary War. The garrison, a motley assortment of regulars and militiamen led by Upper Louisiana's lieutenant governor, Captain Fernando de Leyba, suffered a small number of casualties.
De Leyba fortified St. Louis as best as he could and successfully withstood the British invasion. On the opposite bank of the Mississippi River, a simultaneous attack on the nearby American village of Cahokia was also repulsed. The retreating British-allied Indians destroyed crops and took captive inhabitants outside the protected area. The British failed to defend their side of the river and, thus, effectively ended any attempts to gain control of the Mississippi River during the Revolutionary War.
On May 25, Hesse sent out scouting parties to determine the situation at St. Louis. These parties were unable to get close to the village due to the presence of workers (including women and children) in the fields outside the village. The next day, Hesse sent Jean-Marie Ducharme and 300 Indians across the river to attack Cahokia, while the remainder arrived around 1:00 pm near St. Louis. A warning shot was fired from the tower when they came into view. The Sioux and Winnebagoes led the way, followed by the Sauk, Meskwaki and fur traders, including Hesse, in the rear. Leyba directed the defense from the tower and opened fire on the approaching enemy from the trenches and tower when they came in range. On the first volley, most of the Sauk and Meskwaki fell back, apparently unwilling to fight, leaving many of the other participants suspicious of their motives in joining the expedition and complaining of their "treachery."
Wapasha and the Sioux persisted for several hours in attempts to draw the Spanish defenders out. They went as far as brutally killing some captives they had taken in the fields. Although this angered some of the townspeople, Lebya refused to grant permission to the militia to make a sortie. The attackers eventually withdrew and headed north, destroying crops, livestock, and buildings as they went. On the other side of the river, Ducharme's attack on Cahokia was easily repulsed. George Rogers Clark made a timely arrival to lead Cahokia's defense. Clark's reputation as a frontier fighter made the Indian force reluctant to pursue the attack.
The village of 700 inhabitants lost between 50 and 100 people who were either killed, wounded or captured. Virtually all casualties were civilians. A year later, the Spaniards from St. Louis raided Fort St. Joseph and brought the captured British flag back to St. Louis. Leyba died the following month. He was the subject of local criticism because he never formally recognized the efforts made by the citizenry in the town's defense. King Charles III, unaware that he had died, promoted him to the rank of lieutenant colonel because of his valor in action.
The site where Fort San Carlos stood is at the corner of Fourth and Walnut Street in St. Louis. A local organization, the Commemoration Committee for the Battle of Fort San Carlos, annually commemorates the event by reading out the names of the 21 people who lost their lives during the battle.
During our meeting, our Chapter also unveiled the Chapter Guidon and new pole and presented our newest member, Compatriot Wynn Lawrence who joined under his patriot ancestor, Daniel Lawrence, of New York who was a Lieutenant in Captain John F Hamtramek's Company in the 5th NY Regiment under the command of Colonel Lewis Dubois. Lt. Lawrence was captured in 1777.
De Leyba fortified St. Louis as best as he could and successfully withstood the British invasion. On the opposite bank of the Mississippi River, a simultaneous attack on the nearby American village of Cahokia was also repulsed. The retreating British-allied Indians destroyed crops and took captive inhabitants outside the protected area. The British failed to defend their side of the river and, thus, effectively ended any attempts to gain control of the Mississippi River during the Revolutionary War.
On May 25, Hesse sent out scouting parties to determine the situation at St. Louis. These parties were unable to get close to the village due to the presence of workers (including women and children) in the fields outside the village. The next day, Hesse sent Jean-Marie Ducharme and 300 Indians across the river to attack Cahokia, while the remainder arrived around 1:00 pm near St. Louis. A warning shot was fired from the tower when they came into view. The Sioux and Winnebagoes led the way, followed by the Sauk, Meskwaki and fur traders, including Hesse, in the rear. Leyba directed the defense from the tower and opened fire on the approaching enemy from the trenches and tower when they came in range. On the first volley, most of the Sauk and Meskwaki fell back, apparently unwilling to fight, leaving many of the other participants suspicious of their motives in joining the expedition and complaining of their "treachery."
Wapasha and the Sioux persisted for several hours in attempts to draw the Spanish defenders out. They went as far as brutally killing some captives they had taken in the fields. Although this angered some of the townspeople, Lebya refused to grant permission to the militia to make a sortie. The attackers eventually withdrew and headed north, destroying crops, livestock, and buildings as they went. On the other side of the river, Ducharme's attack on Cahokia was easily repulsed. George Rogers Clark made a timely arrival to lead Cahokia's defense. Clark's reputation as a frontier fighter made the Indian force reluctant to pursue the attack.
The village of 700 inhabitants lost between 50 and 100 people who were either killed, wounded or captured. Virtually all casualties were civilians. A year later, the Spaniards from St. Louis raided Fort St. Joseph and brought the captured British flag back to St. Louis. Leyba died the following month. He was the subject of local criticism because he never formally recognized the efforts made by the citizenry in the town's defense. King Charles III, unaware that he had died, promoted him to the rank of lieutenant colonel because of his valor in action.
The site where Fort San Carlos stood is at the corner of Fourth and Walnut Street in St. Louis. A local organization, the Commemoration Committee for the Battle of Fort San Carlos, annually commemorates the event by reading out the names of the 21 people who lost their lives during the battle.
During our meeting, our Chapter also unveiled the Chapter Guidon and new pole and presented our newest member, Compatriot Wynn Lawrence who joined under his patriot ancestor, Daniel Lawrence, of New York who was a Lieutenant in Captain John F Hamtramek's Company in the 5th NY Regiment under the command of Colonel Lewis Dubois. Lt. Lawrence was captured in 1777.
Chapter learns about the Battle of Bunker Hill, & Welcomes Newest Member (May 28, 2024)
The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775, during the Siege of Boston in the first stage of the American Revolutionary War.[5] The battle is named after Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts, which was peripherally involved. It was the original objective of both the colonial and British troops, though the majority of combat took place on the adjacent hill which became known as Breed's Hill.
The battle was a tactical victory for the British,[11][12] but it proved to be a sobering experience for them; they incurred many more casualties than the Americans had sustained, including many officers. The battle had demonstrated that inexperienced militia were able to stand up to regular army troops in battle. Subsequently, the battle discouraged the British from any further frontal attacks against well defended front lines. American casualties were much fewer, although their losses included General Joseph Warren and Major Andrew McClary, the final casualty of the battle.
This was a Pyrrhic Victory for the British as they had suffered too great a loss for what was achieved.
During our meeting, Ted Brode also presented our newest member, John Lee, his membership certificate. Compatriot Lee who joined under his patriot ancestor, James Brown, a Private in the 1st Regiment of the North Carolina Militia under Captain Dixon where he received payment for militia service in Salsbury District, North Carolina and also served as a guide for Colonel Lee and Colonel Washington.
The battle was a tactical victory for the British,[11][12] but it proved to be a sobering experience for them; they incurred many more casualties than the Americans had sustained, including many officers. The battle had demonstrated that inexperienced militia were able to stand up to regular army troops in battle. Subsequently, the battle discouraged the British from any further frontal attacks against well defended front lines. American casualties were much fewer, although their losses included General Joseph Warren and Major Andrew McClary, the final casualty of the battle.
This was a Pyrrhic Victory for the British as they had suffered too great a loss for what was achieved.
During our meeting, Ted Brode also presented our newest member, John Lee, his membership certificate. Compatriot Lee who joined under his patriot ancestor, James Brown, a Private in the 1st Regiment of the North Carolina Militia under Captain Dixon where he received payment for militia service in Salsbury District, North Carolina and also served as a guide for Colonel Lee and Colonel Washington.
Chapter Present Chapter Contest Winners with Certificate and Prize and recognize contests (April 4, 2024)
James Huey Chapter Members presented the winner of the Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest to Isaac L. Cychosz of the Geneva Academy of West Monroe. Mr. Cychosz received a certificate and a check for $60 from Chapter President Ted Brode. During our visit, President Brode thanked all of the students who participated and well as recognized Ms. Gloria Cychosz in front of her school for winning the George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest, Mr. Erick Huber for his Americanism Elementary Poster Contest entry and Ms. Sophie Nash for her recital of Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death" during our March meeting.
Pictured l-r: Isaac Cychosz and Chapter President Ted Brode
Pictured l-r: Youth Awards Chairman Fred Hamilton, Chapter President Ted Brode, Gloria Cychosz, Isaac Cychosz, Erick Huber, Sophie Nash, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray, Gerald Graves.
Pictured l-r: Isaac Cychosz and Chapter President Ted Brode
Pictured l-r: Youth Awards Chairman Fred Hamilton, Chapter President Ted Brode, Gloria Cychosz, Isaac Cychosz, Erick Huber, Sophie Nash, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray, Gerald Graves.
Chapter hears Patrick Henry's speech & Learns about Molly Pitcher & Margaret Corbin (March 26, 2024)
During its March meeting, Chapter members heard the presentation of Patrick Henry's speech "Give me liberty or give me death" given by Sophie Nash who is in the 5th grade at the Geneva Academy of West Monroe. After the presentation, Ms. Nash drew the name of Wynn Lawrence, who was lucky ticket holder for the $2 bill printed in 1777 by the newly formed United States of America. Ticket holders had donated to help James Huey Chapter raise a total of $525 to help with the costs of the Louisiana Society host the 2027 SAR National Congress being held in New Orleans.
Chapter members also heard Ted Brode present Molly Pitcher is a nickname given to a woman who fought in the Revolutionary War. She is most often identified as Mary Ludwig Hays, who fought in the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778. Another possibility is Margaret Corbin, who helped defend Fort Washington in New York in November 1776.
The deeds in the story of Molly Pitcher are generally attributed to Mary Ludwig Hays, who was married to William Hays, an artilleryman in the Continental Army. She joined him at the Army's winter camp at Valley Forge in 1777, and was present at the Battle of Monmouth, where she served as a water-carrier. Her husband fell and she took his place swabbing and loading the cannon, and was later commended by George Washington.
The story of Margaret Corbin bears similarities to the story of Mary Hays. Margaret Corbin was the wife of John Corbin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also an artilleryman in the Continental Army.
On November 16, 1776, John Corbin was one of 2,800 American soldiers who defended Fort Washington in northern Manhattan from 9,000 attacking Hessian troops under British command. Corbin was killed and Margaret took his place at the cannon. She continued to fire it until she was seriously wounded in the arm. In 1779, Margaret Corbin was awarded an annual pension of $50 by the state of Pennsylvania for her heroism in battle. She was the first woman in the United States to receive a military pension. Her nickname was "Captain Molly".
Chapter members also heard Ted Brode present Molly Pitcher is a nickname given to a woman who fought in the Revolutionary War. She is most often identified as Mary Ludwig Hays, who fought in the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778. Another possibility is Margaret Corbin, who helped defend Fort Washington in New York in November 1776.
The deeds in the story of Molly Pitcher are generally attributed to Mary Ludwig Hays, who was married to William Hays, an artilleryman in the Continental Army. She joined him at the Army's winter camp at Valley Forge in 1777, and was present at the Battle of Monmouth, where she served as a water-carrier. Her husband fell and she took his place swabbing and loading the cannon, and was later commended by George Washington.
The story of Margaret Corbin bears similarities to the story of Mary Hays. Margaret Corbin was the wife of John Corbin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also an artilleryman in the Continental Army.
On November 16, 1776, John Corbin was one of 2,800 American soldiers who defended Fort Washington in northern Manhattan from 9,000 attacking Hessian troops under British command. Corbin was killed and Margaret took his place at the cannon. She continued to fire it until she was seriously wounded in the arm. In 1779, Margaret Corbin was awarded an annual pension of $50 by the state of Pennsylvania for her heroism in battle. She was the first woman in the United States to receive a military pension. Her nickname was "Captain Molly".
Chapter members present awards and prizes to Poster Contest Winners (March 4, 2024)
James Huey Chapter Members presented the winners of the Americanism Elementary Poster Contest from the Cedar Creek Elementary School in Ruston, Louisiana their certificates and prizes. During our visit, Chapter President Ted Brode thanked all the 5th Grade Class that participated in the contest and thanked their teacher Ms. Barron for her work.
Pictured l-r: Secretary Treasurer Steve Ray, 1st Place Winner Charlie Williams, Poster Chairman Fred Hamilton, 2nd Place Winner Eli Singleton, Chapter President Ted Brode, 3rd Place Winner Genesis Jones and 5th Grade Teach Nicole Barron.
Pictured l-r: Secretary Treasurer Steve Ray, 1st Place Winner Charlie Williams, Poster Chairman Fred Hamilton, 2nd Place Winner Eli Singleton, Chapter President Ted Brode, 3rd Place Winner Genesis Jones and 5th Grade Teach Nicole Barron.
Chapter Members Work Booth for 2027 National Congress and Recruit New Members (March 2, 2024)
Compatriots Steve Ray and Gerald Graves set up shop at Pecanland Mall in Monroe and took donations to help raise funds for the Louisiana Society to host the SAR 2027 National Congress to be held in New Orleans. Donors received chances to win a two-dollar bill printed in 1777 by the newly formed United States of America with the drawing to be held during the Chapter’s March meeting. A total of $72 was raised that day and donors had an opportunity to have their photograph taken with Gerald in his Revolutionary War uniform. Several people expressed interest in SAR.
Chapter Judges Elementary School Poster Contest & Middle School Brochure Contest (February 27, 2024)
During its February meeting, James Huey Chapter members chose the winners of the entries in both the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest & Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest.
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students' masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number.
This year’s theme was "Revolutionary War Event." The James Huey Chapter contestants were chosen from the entries of the Cedar Creek Elementary School in Ruston. 1st place went to Charlie Williams. 2nd place went to Eli Singleton, and 3rd Place went to Genesis Jones.
The SAR Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn artwork and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the artwork, is permissible.
The SAR Brochure Contest is open to all 6th, 7thand 8th grade Middle School students in public, private and home schools. When school systems are participating in the contest, students will enter through their school system. If they are not participating, students may enter directly to the chapter, through scouting or the CAR (Children of the American Revolution). Regardless of how the student enters, he/she may only enter one brochure per year. All brochures will be created by the individual student, no group entries are allowed. The contest is designed to help support the educational efforts in public, private and home school curriculums when the Revolutionary period is taught, but students may enter in any of their middle school years.
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students' masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number.
This year’s theme was "Revolutionary War Event." The James Huey Chapter contestants were chosen from the entries of the Cedar Creek Elementary School in Ruston. 1st place went to Charlie Williams. 2nd place went to Eli Singleton, and 3rd Place went to Genesis Jones.
The SAR Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn artwork and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the artwork, is permissible.
The SAR Brochure Contest is open to all 6th, 7thand 8th grade Middle School students in public, private and home schools. When school systems are participating in the contest, students will enter through their school system. If they are not participating, students may enter directly to the chapter, through scouting or the CAR (Children of the American Revolution). Regardless of how the student enters, he/she may only enter one brochure per year. All brochures will be created by the individual student, no group entries are allowed. The contest is designed to help support the educational efforts in public, private and home school curriculums when the Revolutionary period is taught, but students may enter in any of their middle school years.
Chapter hears Essay Contest Winner, Unveils Guidon & Learns about Brown Bess (February 1, 2024)
The James Huey Chapter awarded their Chapter's Knight Essay Contest Winner to Miss Gloria Cychosz for her essay “The Definitive Patriot”. Miss Cychosz, a student of the Geneva Academy in West Monroe read her winning essay to the membership and was presented a certificate and $100 prize money for her winning entry by Chapter President Ted Brode.
Chapter President Ted Brode presented the Chapter’s new guidon which incorporates South Carolina elements into the flags design as James Huey served in the South Carolina Militia.
During the same meeting, Chapter President Ted Brode informed the group about the Brown Bess Musket.
Chapter President Ted Brode presented the Chapter’s new guidon which incorporates South Carolina elements into the flags design as James Huey served in the South Carolina Militia.
During the same meeting, Chapter President Ted Brode informed the group about the Brown Bess Musket.
Chapter supports the Celebrate of the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party (December 16, 2023)
James Huey Chapter members supports Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum by sending tea to be used in the Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party on December 16th 2023. The Chapter was able to mail loose tea that was dumped into Boston Harbor on the night of the event and received a certificate of appreciation for their support and a photo of the event.
The Boston Tea Party was an American political and mercantile protest on December 16, 1773, by the Sons of Liberty in Boston in colonial Massachusetts.[2] The target was the Tea Act of May 10, 1773, which allowed the British East India Company to sell tea from China in American colonies without paying taxes apart from those imposed by the Townshend Acts. The Sons of Liberty strongly opposed the taxes in the Townshend Act as a violation of their rights. In response, the Sons of Liberty, some disguised as Native Americans, destroyed an entire shipment of tea sent by the East India Company.
The Boston Tea Party was an American political and mercantile protest on December 16, 1773, by the Sons of Liberty in Boston in colonial Massachusetts.[2] The target was the Tea Act of May 10, 1773, which allowed the British East India Company to sell tea from China in American colonies without paying taxes apart from those imposed by the Townshend Acts. The Sons of Liberty strongly opposed the taxes in the Townshend Act as a violation of their rights. In response, the Sons of Liberty, some disguised as Native Americans, destroyed an entire shipment of tea sent by the East India Company.
Members Deliver Items to the Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home in Monroe LA (December 4, 2023)
Chapter members delivered the more than 886 items collected for the veterans of Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home and presented them to Rebecca Cates who is the NELA VA Activities Director. The Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home can house 156 veterans and is presently the home for 130 veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam Conflict, and Desert Storm,
Pictured L-R: Fred Hamilton, Ted Brode, Chapter President, Rebecca Cates, Director of the VA home, and Steve Ray Sec/Treasurer.
Pictured L-R: Fred Hamilton, Ted Brode, Chapter President, Rebecca Cates, Director of the VA home, and Steve Ray Sec/Treasurer.
James Huey Chapter Serves Veterans (November 18, 2023)
During the Thanksgiving Party at the home of Ted and Phyllis Brode, the members of the James Huey Chapter looked over 850 items that were collected for the NELA Veterans Home in Monroe by Chapter members to be delivered in time for Christmas. L-R: Chapter President Ted Brode, Chris LeGuin, Sec/Treasurer Steve Ray, Gerald Graves and Fred Hamilton.
Also during the meeting, Ted Brode presented membership certificates to our newest members; Christopher Michael LeGuin and his son Christopher Scott LeGuin. Christopher Michael LeGuin accepted both his and his son Christopher Scott LeGuin's certificates. The LeGuin family are descendants of Patriot John Pennock who was born 17 Jun 1715 in New Keat Virginia and died Sep 1787 in Prince Edward County Virginia who provided Patriotic Service while living in Prince Edward County during the War for American Independence. John Pennock was married to Mary Mallory and had three children, Thomas, Nathan and John.
Also during the meeting, Ted Brode presented membership certificates to our newest members; Christopher Michael LeGuin and his son Christopher Scott LeGuin. Christopher Michael LeGuin accepted both his and his son Christopher Scott LeGuin's certificates. The LeGuin family are descendants of Patriot John Pennock who was born 17 Jun 1715 in New Keat Virginia and died Sep 1787 in Prince Edward County Virginia who provided Patriotic Service while living in Prince Edward County during the War for American Independence. John Pennock was married to Mary Mallory and had three children, Thomas, Nathan and John.
Chapter Learns About “The Battle of Quebec" (October 24, 2023)
During our October meeting, Chapter President Ted Brode informed the membership about the "The Battle of Quebec".
Benedict Arnold, who had been rejected for leadership of the Champlain Valley expedition, returned to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and approached George Washington with the idea of a supporting eastern invasion force aimed at Quebec City. Washington approved the idea, and gave Arnold 1,100 men, including Daniel Morgan's riflemen, for the effort. Arnold's force sailed from Newburyport, Massachusetts to the mouth of the Kennebec River and then upriver to Fort Western (present day Augusta, Maine).
Benedict Arnold, who had been rejected for leadership of the Champlain Valley expedition, returned to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and approached George Washington with the idea of a supporting eastern invasion force aimed at Quebec City. Washington approved the idea, and gave Arnold 1,100 men, including Daniel Morgan's riflemen, for the effort. Arnold's force sailed from Newburyport, Massachusetts to the mouth of the Kennebec River and then upriver to Fort Western (present day Augusta, Maine).
Chapter Learns About “The Canadian Campaign" (September 26, 2023)
During our September meeting, our Chapter voted on the final choice of design for the Chapter's guidon and Chapter President Ted Brode informed the membership about the "The Canadian Campaign".
The primary thrust of the invasion was to be led by General Schuyler, going up Lake Champlain to assault Montreal and then Quebec City. The expedition was to be composed of forces from New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, as well as the Green Mountain Boys under Seth Warner, with provisions supplied by New York. However, Schuyler was overcautious, and by mid-August the colonists were receiving reports that General Carleton was fortifying defensive positions outside Montreal, and that some Native tribes had joined with the British.
The primary thrust of the invasion was to be led by General Schuyler, going up Lake Champlain to assault Montreal and then Quebec City. The expedition was to be composed of forces from New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, as well as the Green Mountain Boys under Seth Warner, with provisions supplied by New York. However, Schuyler was overcautious, and by mid-August the colonists were receiving reports that General Carleton was fortifying defensive positions outside Montreal, and that some Native tribes had joined with the British.
Chapter Learns About Flag Design and Designs Chapter Guidon (August 29, 2023)
During our August meeting, Chapter President Ted Brode informed the membership about the flags and flag design. A flag is a piece of fabric (most often rectangular or quadrilateral) with a distinctive design and colors. It is used as a symbol, a signaling device, or for decoration. The term flag is also used to refer to the graphic design employed, and flags have evolved into a general tool for rudimentary signaling and identification, especially in environments where communication is challenging.
The general parts of a flag are: canton (the upper inner section of the flag), field or ground (the entire flag except the canton), the hoist (the edge used to attach the flag to the hoist), and the fly (the furthest edge from the hoist end).
The general parts of a flag are: canton (the upper inner section of the flag), field or ground (the entire flag except the canton), the hoist (the edge used to attach the flag to the hoist), and the fly (the furthest edge from the hoist end).
Chapter Learns About the Different Capitols Used by Our Government (June 25, 2023)
During our June meeting, Chapter President Ted Brode informed the different Capitols used by our government during the Revolution. On July 16, 1790, George Washington signed the Residence Act of 1790. This Act decreed that the National Capital, and permanent seat of government, would be established along the Potomac River on land gifted by Maryland and Virginia. In addition, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, would become the temporary capital until 1800, the deadline for the permanent capital to be completed, which would be named Washington, D.C
On April 30, 1789, George Washington took oath of Office as the First President of the United States at Federal Hall in New York City. Federal Hall was demolished in 1812, but the Nation that George Washington preceded over still lives on. Since 1800, Washington, D.C. is the permanent seat of the United States Government.
On April 30, 1789, George Washington took oath of Office as the First President of the United States at Federal Hall in New York City. Federal Hall was demolished in 1812, but the Nation that George Washington preceded over still lives on. Since 1800, Washington, D.C. is the permanent seat of the United States Government.
Chapter Awards Winner of the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest (May 23, 2023)
Louisiana State Society President Randall Domingue visited our James Huey Chapter and presented the State Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest winner, Layla Jeansonne of the Cedar Creek Elementary School in Ruston her award LASSAR and a check for $100. President Domingue discussed about events during the Annual meeting as well as upcoming events.
Layla Jeansonne poster was taken to SAR Congress where her entry will represent Louisiana and competed on the National Level of the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest in Orlando, Florida.L-R: Fred Hamilton, King Scott, Stephen Hendrick, Ted Brode, Robert Hendrick, Layla Jeansonne, Gerald Graves, Steve Ray, and Randall Domingue
Layla Jeansonne poster was taken to SAR Congress where her entry will represent Louisiana and competed on the National Level of the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest in Orlando, Florida.L-R: Fred Hamilton, King Scott, Stephen Hendrick, Ted Brode, Robert Hendrick, Layla Jeansonne, Gerald Graves, Steve Ray, and Randall Domingue
Chapter Awards State Contest Winner and Presents Certificates of Appreciation (May 19, 2023)
Members of the James Huey Chapter attended commencement ceremonies at the Calhoun Middle School where they presented the Louisiana State Society winner of the Sgt. Moses Adams Middle School Brochure Contest, David Bennett, his award and check for $100.
During our previous visit to the Calhoun Middle School when the awards for the winners of our Chapter Contest were presented. Rick Hearn, the Principal of the School, pointed out to the members of the Chapter that David Bennett was not only a good student, but was also a very patriotic young man and that he and his friend Gabe Bond spent each day to properly display and care for the school’s flag. Principal Hearn stated that the young men put thought and care into properly handling and folding the flag each day. Upon hearing of this, the James Huey Chapter decided to award both David Bennett and Gabe Bond with certificates for their exemplary Patriotism in the display of the flag of the United States of America at the Calhoun Middle School.
L-R: Gabe Bond, Mrs. Brenda Edwards, Calhoun Middle School 7th Grade Social Studies teacher, David Bennett, Fred Hamilton, Steve Ray, and James Huey Chapter President Ted Brode.
During our previous visit to the Calhoun Middle School when the awards for the winners of our Chapter Contest were presented. Rick Hearn, the Principal of the School, pointed out to the members of the Chapter that David Bennett was not only a good student, but was also a very patriotic young man and that he and his friend Gabe Bond spent each day to properly display and care for the school’s flag. Principal Hearn stated that the young men put thought and care into properly handling and folding the flag each day. Upon hearing of this, the James Huey Chapter decided to award both David Bennett and Gabe Bond with certificates for their exemplary Patriotism in the display of the flag of the United States of America at the Calhoun Middle School.
L-R: Gabe Bond, Mrs. Brenda Edwards, Calhoun Middle School 7th Grade Social Studies teacher, David Bennett, Fred Hamilton, Steve Ray, and James Huey Chapter President Ted Brode.
Chapter Members Man Booth at Red, White & Blue Air Show (May 5, 6 & 7, 2023)
The James Huey Chapter supported the Red, White, & Blue Air Show at the Monroe, LA Airport. The Red, White, & Blue Air Show at the Monroe Airport has been a yearly event that is sponsored by the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum who graciously allows organizations like SAR to have booths to educate visitors about patriotism and history of our great Country. Our members gave out LASSAR brochures, educational contest that our society supports and promoted our upcoming celebration of our 250th Anniversary of the founding of our Country! Attendees who donated $5 or more were presented with one of our SAR 250th Anniversary pins.
Chapter Learns About Franklin’s idea for Long Bow as Weapon (April 25, 2023)
During our April meeting, Chapter President Ted Brode informed the membership about Benjamin Franklin’s ideas for the use of Long Bows as a weapon during the American Revolution. The last known record of the use of the longbow in action was as late as WWII, when Englishman “Mad” Jack Churchill was credited with a shot from his longbow that killed a German solider in France in 1940. There was serious consideration for using this weapon during the American Revolution and the idea was put forth by Benjamin Franklin. Franklin believed he had found at least a partial solution to the problem for the lack of muskets for the military. He wrote to Lieutenant General Charles Lee in February 1776, “that pikes could be introduced, and I would add bows and arrows; these were good weapons not wisely laid aside.” In this remarkable letter Franklin listed the attributes of bows and arrows: "Because a Man may shoot as truly with a Bow as with a Common Musket.”
However, Franklin’s idea was not adopted due to the practicality and that it took years of practice for men to achieve readiness to be archers.
However, Franklin’s idea was not adopted due to the practicality and that it took years of practice for men to achieve readiness to be archers.
Chapter learns about “Provisioning the Army during the American Revolution” (March 28, 2023)
The Continental Army was the army of the United Colonies representing the Thirteen Colonies and later the United States during the American Revolutionary War. It was formed on June 14, 1775 by a resolution passed by the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia after the war's outbreak. The Continental Army was created to coordinate military efforts of the colonies in the war against the British, who sought to maintain control over the American colonies. General George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and maintained this position throughout the war.
The Continental Army was supplemented by local militias and volunteer troops that were either loyal to individual states or otherwise independent. Most of the Continental Army was disbanded in 1783 after the Treaty of Paris formally ended the war. The Continental Army's 1st and 2nd Regiments went on to form what was to become the Legion of the United States in 1792, which ultimately served as the foundation for the creation of the U.S. Army.
Each state provided pay, food, shelter, clothing, arms, and other equipment for each of their state regiments. Each state also had a quota, based on their population size, for the number of soldiers they were required to raise. George Washington was able to make an Army from whole cloth and defeat the British Army to win America our Independence was truly amazing
The Continental Army was supplemented by local militias and volunteer troops that were either loyal to individual states or otherwise independent. Most of the Continental Army was disbanded in 1783 after the Treaty of Paris formally ended the war. The Continental Army's 1st and 2nd Regiments went on to form what was to become the Legion of the United States in 1792, which ultimately served as the foundation for the creation of the U.S. Army.
Each state provided pay, food, shelter, clothing, arms, and other equipment for each of their state regiments. Each state also had a quota, based on their population size, for the number of soldiers they were required to raise. George Washington was able to make an Army from whole cloth and defeat the British Army to win America our Independence was truly amazing
Chapter Judges Elementary School Poster Contest & Middle School Brochure Contest (February 28, 2023)
James Huey Chapter chose the winners of the entries in both the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest & Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students' masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number.
This year’s theme was "Revolutionary War Person or Persons." The James Huey Chapter contestants were from Cedar Creek Elementary School. Second place went to Emma Doss, while First place went to Layla Jeansonne.
Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number.
This year’s theme was "Revolutionary War Person or Persons." The James Huey Chapter contestants were from Cedar Creek Elementary School. Second place went to Emma Doss, while First place went to Layla Jeansonne.
The SAR Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn artwork and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the artwork, is permissible.
The SAR Brochure Contest is open to all 6th, 7thand 8th grade Middle School students in public, private and home schools. When school systems are participating in the contest, students will enter through their school system. If they are not participating, students may enter directly to the chapter, through scouting or the CAR (Children of the American Revolution). Regardless of how the student enters, he/she may only enter one brochure per year. All brochures will be created by the individual student, no group entries are allowed. The contest is designed to help support the educational efforts in public, private and home school curriculums when the Revolutionary period is taught, but students may enter in any of their middle school years.
The SAR Brochure Contest theme is the same every year – it does not change from year to year. Choose from any of the six (6) Foundational Documents of the United States as the theme for your brochure:
The SAR Brochure Contest is open to all 6th, 7thand 8th grade Middle School students in public, private and home schools. When school systems are participating in the contest, students will enter through their school system. If they are not participating, students may enter directly to the chapter, through scouting or the CAR (Children of the American Revolution). Regardless of how the student enters, he/she may only enter one brochure per year. All brochures will be created by the individual student, no group entries are allowed. The contest is designed to help support the educational efforts in public, private and home school curriculums when the Revolutionary period is taught, but students may enter in any of their middle school years.
The SAR Brochure Contest theme is the same every year – it does not change from year to year. Choose from any of the six (6) Foundational Documents of the United States as the theme for your brochure:
- Articles of Confederation
- Declaration of Independence
- U.S. Constitution
- Bill of Rights
- Federalist Papers
- Articles of Association of 1774
James Huey Chapter Serves Veterans (November 12, 2022)
During the Thanksgiving Party at the home of Ted and Phyllis Brode, the members of the James Huey Chapter looked over 1825 items were collected for the NELA Veterans Home in Monroe by Chapter members to be delivered in time for Christmas. L-R: Fred Hamilton, Dr. Robert Hendrick, Chapter President Ted Brode, Gerald Graves and Sec/Treasurer Steve Ray.
Chapter Learns About Patriot Benjamin Hendricks (October 25, 2022)
During our October meeting, Dr. Robert Hendricks informed the membership of his patriot ancestor Benjamin Stephens who was born on April 15th 1753 in Orange County Virginia and was likely the child of John Stephen. On Easter Monday 1775 Benjamin Stephens wed Dorothy Jimima Waller who was the daughter of Edmond Waller and Mary Pendleton. Benjamin Stephens contributed to the cause of American Independence by providing supplies and paying the supply tax of 1783. Benjamin Stephens also participated as a guard against Indians in the marking of the boundary between Virginia and North Carolina in 1780 led by Dr. Thomas Walker. Dr. Walker was to have remarked about the shortness of Benjamin Stephens's rifle and that it was likely not of any use. When the opportunity of a 100-yard shot in the form of a turkey in a treetop presented itself, Walker challenged Stephens to shoot it. Stephens obliged the Doctor by shooting the turkey dead and upon examination of the bird, it was discovered the bird's head was shot off. After seeing the shot, Dr. Walker was said to have remarked; "If his own father had risen from the dead and told him that Benjamin Stephens could have made that shot, he would not have believed him." In 1807, the Stephens family left Virginia and relocated to Fayette County, Kentucky. The family would later settle in Caldwell County which would later become Kenton County until Benjamin's death on September 7th 1839. Benjamin Stephens youngest son, General Leonard Stephens, had the great fortune of hosting General Lafayette at his home "Locust Grove" on Banklick Creek in Kenton County Kentucy during Lafayette's tour of all the 24 States of the United States for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of America's Independance.
Brode Discusses Battle of Sidelining Hill (September 27, 2022)
Members of the James Huey Chapter were informed about the Battle of Sideling Hill and the documented Indian savagery that occurred to the colonists. The Battle of Sideling Hill was an engagement between Pennsylvania colonial militia and a band of Native Americans that had recently attacked Fort McCord and taken a number of colonial settlers captive. On April 1, 1756, a band of Delawares, probably under the command of either Captain Jacobs or Shingas, stormed Fort McCord in western Pennsylvania, where they captured or killed 27 settlers. In response to the raid, three bands of militia were sent in pursuit. Captain Alexander Culbertson's company, numbering about 50, caught up with the Delawares three days later. In a two-hour engagement, both sides suffered heavy casualties, but the colonists were driven off by the arrival of reinforcements. Captain Culbertson was killed and his unit suffered 80 percent casualties.The precise location of the Battle of Sideling Hill, and hence the burial site of the militia lost in the battle, has not been determined. It is postulated that the Battle of Sideling Hill took place near Maddensville at the confluence of Little Aughwick Creek and Sideling Hill Creek at a place now known as Anderson's Grove.
Chapter learns about the Battle of Ridgefield Connecticut of (August 23, 2022)
Members of the James Huey Chapter were informed about the Battle of Ridgefield Connecticut by Chapter President Ted Brode.
The British Navy under the command of Commodore Duncan anchored his fleet on April 25 at the mouth of the Saugatuck River and landed Tryon's troops on the eastern shore near Westport, CT, which was still part of Fairfield at the time. They moved inland about 8 miles (13 km) and camped in Weston, and they reached Danbury early the next afternoon. All along the march, militia fired on them, attempting to slow their advance. They drove off Cooke's troops, who had been attempting to remove supplies, killing at least three and capturing at least two in skirmishes. Before their departure early the next morning, the British destroyed 4,000 to 5,000 barrels of pork, beef, and flour, 5,000 pairs of shoes, 2,000 bushels of grain, and 1,600 tents, among other supplies; the troops also consumed significant quantities of rum. The tory houses had marks on their chimneys to avoid the torch.
Sybil Ludington is recognized as a heroine of the American Revolutionary War for on April 26, 1777, then 16-year-old Sybil Ludington rode 40 miles (64 km) from her hometown in Fredericksburg, New York (near Danbury, Connecticut) through Putnam County, New York, to rally approximately 400 militiamen under the command of her father, Colonel Henry Ludington, as British troops were burning Danbury, where the Continental Army had supply depot. Troops from New York and Connecticut rallied to engage the British the next day in the Battle of Ridgefield, and the British retreated.
The British Navy under the command of Commodore Duncan anchored his fleet on April 25 at the mouth of the Saugatuck River and landed Tryon's troops on the eastern shore near Westport, CT, which was still part of Fairfield at the time. They moved inland about 8 miles (13 km) and camped in Weston, and they reached Danbury early the next afternoon. All along the march, militia fired on them, attempting to slow their advance. They drove off Cooke's troops, who had been attempting to remove supplies, killing at least three and capturing at least two in skirmishes. Before their departure early the next morning, the British destroyed 4,000 to 5,000 barrels of pork, beef, and flour, 5,000 pairs of shoes, 2,000 bushels of grain, and 1,600 tents, among other supplies; the troops also consumed significant quantities of rum. The tory houses had marks on their chimneys to avoid the torch.
Sybil Ludington is recognized as a heroine of the American Revolutionary War for on April 26, 1777, then 16-year-old Sybil Ludington rode 40 miles (64 km) from her hometown in Fredericksburg, New York (near Danbury, Connecticut) through Putnam County, New York, to rally approximately 400 militiamen under the command of her father, Colonel Henry Ludington, as British troops were burning Danbury, where the Continental Army had supply depot. Troops from New York and Connecticut rallied to engage the British the next day in the Battle of Ridgefield, and the British retreated.
Chapter Learns about the Battle of Alligator Creek, Florida (July 26, 2022)
During our July meeting, Chapter President Ted Brode informed the membership about the Battle of Alligator Creek Bridge in Florida.
The Battle of Alligator Bridge took place on June 30, 1778, and was the only major engagement in an unsuccessful campaign to conquer British East Florida. A detachment of Georgia militiamen under the command of General James Screven chased Thomas Brown’s Loyalist company into a large position of British regulars established by British Major Mark Prevost and were turned back.
On June 30 Howe sent a force of 100 cavalry under James Screven south to locate Brown. Brown ordered a company of men to circle around behind them while the rest of his men hid along the road heading south from the fort. The men Brown sent to flank the Continentals were betrayed by deserters and ambushed, with most of them captured or killed. Brown began moving down the road toward the Alligator Bridge, but was overtaken by Screven's company shortly before he got there. As a result, Brown's men were chased directly into the established British position at the bridge.
There was some initial confusion, because neither Screven's nor Brown's forces had regular uniforms, so the British regulars thought all of those arriving were Brown's men. This changed quickly however, and a firefight broke out. Prevost's regulars quickly took up positions and began firing on Screven's men, while some of Brown's men went around to come at their flank. In pitched battle, men on both sides went down, Screven was wounded, and some of the Patriot militia narrowly escaped being trapped before Screven ordered the retreat.
The next day Major Prevost moved out with his, Brown's and McGirth's men, and surprised a Patriot crew repairing a bridge. Rather than extending themselves, they then decided to retreat, felling trees across the road as they went. The divisions in the American camps, however, meant that there would be no further advance. The Continental forces were out of rice and appealed to the Georgia militia for supplies. The militia finally crossed the Saint Marys on July 6, adding some strength to the Continental force, which had been reduced by disease and desertion to only 400 effective soldiers. The shortage of food and the ongoing command disagreements spelled the end of the expedition, which began its retreat on July 14. This effectively ended the idea in Georgia of gaining control of East Florida. James Screven was killed in a surprise attack led by Thomas Brown in November 1778.
The site of the bridge has long been supposed to be in central Callahan, where a marker has been placed, but some historians believe that the actual site of the bridge was somewhat farther east.
The Battle of Alligator Bridge took place on June 30, 1778, and was the only major engagement in an unsuccessful campaign to conquer British East Florida. A detachment of Georgia militiamen under the command of General James Screven chased Thomas Brown’s Loyalist company into a large position of British regulars established by British Major Mark Prevost and were turned back.
On June 30 Howe sent a force of 100 cavalry under James Screven south to locate Brown. Brown ordered a company of men to circle around behind them while the rest of his men hid along the road heading south from the fort. The men Brown sent to flank the Continentals were betrayed by deserters and ambushed, with most of them captured or killed. Brown began moving down the road toward the Alligator Bridge, but was overtaken by Screven's company shortly before he got there. As a result, Brown's men were chased directly into the established British position at the bridge.
There was some initial confusion, because neither Screven's nor Brown's forces had regular uniforms, so the British regulars thought all of those arriving were Brown's men. This changed quickly however, and a firefight broke out. Prevost's regulars quickly took up positions and began firing on Screven's men, while some of Brown's men went around to come at their flank. In pitched battle, men on both sides went down, Screven was wounded, and some of the Patriot militia narrowly escaped being trapped before Screven ordered the retreat.
The next day Major Prevost moved out with his, Brown's and McGirth's men, and surprised a Patriot crew repairing a bridge. Rather than extending themselves, they then decided to retreat, felling trees across the road as they went. The divisions in the American camps, however, meant that there would be no further advance. The Continental forces were out of rice and appealed to the Georgia militia for supplies. The militia finally crossed the Saint Marys on July 6, adding some strength to the Continental force, which had been reduced by disease and desertion to only 400 effective soldiers. The shortage of food and the ongoing command disagreements spelled the end of the expedition, which began its retreat on July 14. This effectively ended the idea in Georgia of gaining control of East Florida. James Screven was killed in a surprise attack led by Thomas Brown in November 1778.
The site of the bridge has long been supposed to be in central Callahan, where a marker has been placed, but some historians believe that the actual site of the bridge was somewhat farther east.
Chapter learns about Gun Powder Production during the American Revolution (June 28, 2022)
During our June meeting, Chapter President Ted Brode informed members and guests about Gun Powder Production during the American Revolution.
Gunpowder is a granular mixture of:
1) A nitrate, typically potassium nitrate (KNO3), which supplies oxygen for the reaction;
2) Charcoal, which provides carbon and other fuel for the reaction, simplified as carbon (C);
3) Sulfur (S), which, while also serving as a fuel, lowers the temperature required to ignite the mixture, thereby increasing the rate of combustion.
General Washington and Congress appealed for more domestic gun powder production. Most of the American supply came from 3 source, Pickeland Powder Mill and the Frankford Powder Mill which were both near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and a mill operated by Jacob Ford, Jr. that was close to Morriston, New Jersey.
Gunpowder is a granular mixture of:
1) A nitrate, typically potassium nitrate (KNO3), which supplies oxygen for the reaction;
2) Charcoal, which provides carbon and other fuel for the reaction, simplified as carbon (C);
3) Sulfur (S), which, while also serving as a fuel, lowers the temperature required to ignite the mixture, thereby increasing the rate of combustion.
General Washington and Congress appealed for more domestic gun powder production. Most of the American supply came from 3 source, Pickeland Powder Mill and the Frankford Powder Mill which were both near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and a mill operated by Jacob Ford, Jr. that was close to Morriston, New Jersey.
Chapter Promotes SAR and Patriotism at the Red White and Blue Airshow (June 18 & 19, 2022)
Attendees endured temperatures that were up to 104 degrees to share about SAR and the upcoming 250th Anniversary of our Country with the more than 1000 attendees of the Red White and Blue Airshow at the Monroe Airport. Our Chapter would like to thank the staff at the Chennault Aviation Museum for allowing us to attend the event. (l - r Ted Brode, Fred Hamilton and Steve Ray)
Wreath Laying Ceremony for Chapter Namesake James Huey (May 14, 2022)
Chapter members observed the James Huey Color Guard presented colors at the grave of our Chapter's namesake which is located in the Bryan Cemetery at the end of Alton Mills Road in Ouachita Parish. Compatriot Ben Simmons who is a 4th great grandson of James Huey proudly presented his ancestors biography which included his service he provided as a militiaman of South Carolina. After the ceremony, attendees were all invited to the home of Ted and Phyllis Brode for lunch.
Brode Discuses Battle of Guilford Courthouse (April 26, 2022)
During our April meeting, Chapter President Ted Brode informed the membership about the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in North Carolina.
The Battle of Guilford Court House was on March 15, 1781, during the American Revolutionary War, at a site that is now in Greensboro, Guilford County, NC. A 2,100-man British force under the command of Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis defeated Major General Nathanael Green’s 4,500 Americans. The British, however, took considerable casualties with estimates as high as 27% of their total force. The battle lasted ninety minutes. The British engaged half as many as the Americans yet won possession of the battlefield. However, almost a quarter of the British became casualties. The Americans withdrew intact, which accomplished Greene's primary objective.
Charles James Fox, when learning of the “victory” recalled Plutarch’s words "Another such victory would ruin the British Army!"
The Battle of Guilford Court House was on March 15, 1781, during the American Revolutionary War, at a site that is now in Greensboro, Guilford County, NC. A 2,100-man British force under the command of Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis defeated Major General Nathanael Green’s 4,500 Americans. The British, however, took considerable casualties with estimates as high as 27% of their total force. The battle lasted ninety minutes. The British engaged half as many as the Americans yet won possession of the battlefield. However, almost a quarter of the British became casualties. The Americans withdrew intact, which accomplished Greene's primary objective.
Charles James Fox, when learning of the “victory” recalled Plutarch’s words "Another such victory would ruin the British Army!"
Brochure and Poster Contest Held (February 22, 2022)
Our Chapter selected the winners of our Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest. This year's contestants came to us from Calhoun Middle School in Ouachita Parish and they were Kip Spillers who won 1st place and Sarah Hofler who won 2nd place.
The SAR Middle School Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn artwork and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the artwork, is permissible.
The SAR Brochure Contest is open to all 6th, 7thand 8th grade Middle School students in public, private and home schools. When school systems are participating in the contest, students will enter through their school system. If they are not participating, students may enter directly to the chapter, through scouting or the CAR (Children of the American Revolution). Regardless of how the student enters, he/she may only enter one brochure per year. All brochures will be created by the individual student, no group entries are allowed. The contest is designed to help support the educational efforts in public, private and home school curriculums when the Revolutionary period is taught, but students may enter in any of their middle school years.
The SAR Middle School Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn artwork and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the artwork, is permissible.
The SAR Brochure Contest is open to all 6th, 7thand 8th grade Middle School students in public, private and home schools. When school systems are participating in the contest, students will enter through their school system. If they are not participating, students may enter directly to the chapter, through scouting or the CAR (Children of the American Revolution). Regardless of how the student enters, he/she may only enter one brochure per year. All brochures will be created by the individual student, no group entries are allowed. The contest is designed to help support the educational efforts in public, private and home school curriculums when the Revolutionary period is taught, but students may enter in any of their middle school years.
The James Huey Chapter awarded the winning contestants from the Cedar Creek Academy their certificates and checks for their hard work. The 1st Place Winner was Ava Lantrip, and the 2nd Place was Preslee Prince. The James Huey Chapter would like to thank all who participated. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students’ masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number.
For academic years ending in even numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Events.” For academic years ending in odd numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Person or Persons.”
Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number.
For academic years ending in even numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Events.” For academic years ending in odd numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Person or Persons.”
Chapter Learns History of the American Long Rifle and Inducts New Members (January 25, 2022)
During our January meeting, Chapter President Ted Brode informed the membership about the American Long Rifle. The long rifle, also known as longrifle, Kentucky rifle, Pennsylvania rifle, or American longrifle, was one of the first commonly used rifles for hunting and warfare.[1] It is characterized by an unusually long barrel, a development in American rifles that was uncommon in European rifles of the same period.
The long rifle is an early example of a firearm using rifling (spiral grooves in the bore), which caused the projectile (commonly a round lead ball) to spin around the axis of its motion. This increased the stability of its trajectory and dramatically improved accuracy over contemporary smooth bore muskets, which were cheaper and more common. Rifled firearms saw their first major combat use in the American colonies during the French and Indian War, and later the American Revolution in the eighteenth century. Then War of 1812, Texan Revolution, and American Civil War.
Until the development of the Minié ball in the middle of the 19th century, the main disadvantages of a rifle compared to a musket were a slower reload time due to the use of a tighter fitting lead ball and greater susceptibility to the fouling of the bore after prolonged use - such fouling would eventually prevent loading altogether, rendering the weapon useless until thoroughly cleaned. The adoption of the Minié ball essentially nullified these disadvantages and allowed the rifle to completely replace the musket.
The long rifle was made popular by German gunsmiths who immigrated to America, bringing with them the technology of rifling from where it originated. The accuracy achieved by the long rifle made it an ideal tool for hunting wildlife for food in colonial America.
Also during the meeting, Ted Brode presented membership certificates to our newest members; Dr. Robert Smith Hendrick Jr., Stephen Ross Hendrick and Walter Ryan Hendrick who are descendants of John Hendrick who was born in Lincoln County North Carolina and served as a Private in Captain Robert Porter's North Carolina Tryon County Troops and also served as a Drummer in the 4th Georgia Battalion under the command of Col. John White. Private Hendrick would later marry Lucy Ellington and settle in Monroe County Georgia.
(Pictured are Stephen Hendrick, Ted Brode and Dr. Robert Hendrick)
The long rifle is an early example of a firearm using rifling (spiral grooves in the bore), which caused the projectile (commonly a round lead ball) to spin around the axis of its motion. This increased the stability of its trajectory and dramatically improved accuracy over contemporary smooth bore muskets, which were cheaper and more common. Rifled firearms saw their first major combat use in the American colonies during the French and Indian War, and later the American Revolution in the eighteenth century. Then War of 1812, Texan Revolution, and American Civil War.
Until the development of the Minié ball in the middle of the 19th century, the main disadvantages of a rifle compared to a musket were a slower reload time due to the use of a tighter fitting lead ball and greater susceptibility to the fouling of the bore after prolonged use - such fouling would eventually prevent loading altogether, rendering the weapon useless until thoroughly cleaned. The adoption of the Minié ball essentially nullified these disadvantages and allowed the rifle to completely replace the musket.
The long rifle was made popular by German gunsmiths who immigrated to America, bringing with them the technology of rifling from where it originated. The accuracy achieved by the long rifle made it an ideal tool for hunting wildlife for food in colonial America.
Also during the meeting, Ted Brode presented membership certificates to our newest members; Dr. Robert Smith Hendrick Jr., Stephen Ross Hendrick and Walter Ryan Hendrick who are descendants of John Hendrick who was born in Lincoln County North Carolina and served as a Private in Captain Robert Porter's North Carolina Tryon County Troops and also served as a Drummer in the 4th Georgia Battalion under the command of Col. John White. Private Hendrick would later marry Lucy Ellington and settle in Monroe County Georgia.
(Pictured are Stephen Hendrick, Ted Brode and Dr. Robert Hendrick)
James Huey Chapter Celebrates Christmas by Serving Veterans (November 30, 2021)
During the James Huey Christmas Party hosted by Ted and Phyllis Brode, over 587 items were collected for the NELA Veterans Home in Monroe by Chapter members to be delivered in time for Christmas. L-R: William Daniels, Eddie Emory, Ted Brode, Chapter President, Fred Hamilton, & Gerald Graves.
Chapter Hears About the Battle of Bennington and Presents Liberty Medal (September 28, 2021)
The During our September meeting, Compatriot Ted Brode informed the membership about the Battle of Bennington, which was a battle of the American Revolutionary War, part of the Saratoga campaign, that took place on August 16, 1777, in Walloomsac, New York, about 10 miles (16 km) from its namesake, Bennington, Vermont. A rebel force of 2,000 men, primarily New Hampshire and Massachusetts militiamen, led by General John Stark, and reinforced by Vermont militiamen led by Colonel Seth Warner and members of the Green Mountain Boys, decisively defeated a detachment of General John Burgoyne's army led by Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum, and supported by additional men under Lieutenant Colonel Heinrich von Breymann.
Baum's detachment was a mixed force of 700, composed primarily of dismounted Brunswick dragoons, Canadians, Loyalists and Indians.[8] He was sent by Burgoyne to raid Bennington in the disputed New Hampshire Grants area for horses, draft animals, provisions, and other supplies. Believing the town to be only lightly defended, Burgoyne and Baum were unaware that Stark and 1,500 militiamen were stationed there. After a rain-caused standoff, Stark's men enveloped Baum's position, taking many prisoners, and killing Baum. Reinforcements for both sides arrived as Stark and his men were mopping up, and the battle restarted, with Warner and Stark driving away Breymann's reinforcements with heavy casualties.
The battle was a major strategic success for the American cause and is considered part of the turning point of the Revolutionary War; it reduced Burgoyne's army in size by almost 1,000 men, led his Native American supporters to largely abandon him, and deprived him of much-needed supplies, such as mounts for his cavalry regiments, draft animals and provisions, all factors that contributed to Burgoyne's eventual defeat at Saratoga. The victory galvanized colonial support for the independence movement and played a key role in bringing France into the war on the rebel side. The battle's anniversary is celebrated in the state of Vermont as Bennington Battle Day.
During the meeting, Compatriot Fred Hamilton was presented the Liberty Medal that was awarded to him during the 131st Congress held in Renton, Washington for his assistance to perspective members to achieve their membership into the SAR.
Chapter Hears About the Battles of Hubbardton and Bennington (August, 24 2021)
The Battle of Hubbardton was an engagement in the Saratoga campaign fought in the village of Hubbardton, Vermont. On the morning of July 7, 1777, British forces caught up with the American rear guard of the forces retreating after the withdrawal from Fort Ticonderoga. It was the only battle fought in what is now the state of Vermont.
The Battle of Bennington took place on August 16, 1777, in Walloomsac, New York, about 10 miles from Bennington, Vermont. A rebel force of 2,000 men, primarily New Hampshire and Massachusetts militiamen decisively defeated a detachment of General Burgoyne's army led by Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum, and supported by additional men under Lieutenant Colonel Heinrich von Breymann.
The battle was a major strategic success for the American cause and is considered part of the turning point of the Revolutionary War; it reduced Burgoyne's army in size by almost 1,000 men, led his Native American supporters to largely abandon him, and deprived him of much-needed supplies, such as mounts for his cavalry regiments, draft animals and provisions, all factors that contributed to Burgoyne's eventual defeat at Saratoga. The victory galvanized colonial support for the independence movement, and played a key role in bringing France into the war on the rebel side. The battle's anniversary is celebrated in the state of Vermont as Bennington Battle Day.
Also during the meeting Ted Brode presented the certificate of membership to our newest member, Compatriot William Earl Daniels of West Monroe. Mr. Daniels patriot ancestor was Cornelius Whittington who was born in Sussex County, Virginia on the 24 April 1749 and served as a Private in both South Carolina and Georgia under Colonels Bull, Hammond, Pickens, Jackson, and Lamar. Patriot Whittington died in 1837 and is buried at the Zion Hill Cemetery in Zion Hill, Amite County, Mississippi.
The Battle of Bennington took place on August 16, 1777, in Walloomsac, New York, about 10 miles from Bennington, Vermont. A rebel force of 2,000 men, primarily New Hampshire and Massachusetts militiamen decisively defeated a detachment of General Burgoyne's army led by Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum, and supported by additional men under Lieutenant Colonel Heinrich von Breymann.
The battle was a major strategic success for the American cause and is considered part of the turning point of the Revolutionary War; it reduced Burgoyne's army in size by almost 1,000 men, led his Native American supporters to largely abandon him, and deprived him of much-needed supplies, such as mounts for his cavalry regiments, draft animals and provisions, all factors that contributed to Burgoyne's eventual defeat at Saratoga. The victory galvanized colonial support for the independence movement, and played a key role in bringing France into the war on the rebel side. The battle's anniversary is celebrated in the state of Vermont as Bennington Battle Day.
Also during the meeting Ted Brode presented the certificate of membership to our newest member, Compatriot William Earl Daniels of West Monroe. Mr. Daniels patriot ancestor was Cornelius Whittington who was born in Sussex County, Virginia on the 24 April 1749 and served as a Private in both South Carolina and Georgia under Colonels Bull, Hammond, Pickens, Jackson, and Lamar. Patriot Whittington died in 1837 and is buried at the Zion Hill Cemetery in Zion Hill, Amite County, Mississippi.
7Chapter Honors Memory of Compatriot John McCarter Jr and Hears of Patriot Ancestors (July 27, 2021)
During our July meeting the James Huey Chapter paid respects to the memory of Compatriot John McCarter, Jr. who passed away just short of his 100th birthday on July 20th. Compatriot McCarter was a beloved member who had made several presentations to the Chapter about his life experiences and during our April 6th 2019 LASSAR meeting he recalled his most memorable experiences during World War II as the Flight Engineer on the B24 named the Battle Weary. Compatriot McCarter was awarded 4 Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Purple Heart for his service during World War II and was a true American hero. It was during that LASSAR meeting that Compatriot McCarter was sworn into the society as the descendant of Christopher McCarter who served in the Militia from York District, South Carolina. During his 98th birthday party John told the audience that he thought what a lucky man he was to share his birthday with the first moon landing. I'm sure John would have been thrilled to know his 100th birthday would now also mark the launch of the Blue Origin Rocket into space.
Our program for the evening was provided by members of our Chapter spoke about their patriot ancestors and shared about their families history:
Ted Brode and his son Ted and their patriot ancestor Capt. Balthazar Richard DeVillier of Louisiana who was Captain of Infantry in the Service of King Carlos III, King of Spain, Commandant of Arkansas Post which is located near present day Gillett, Arkansas
Gerald Graves and his patriot ancestors; Michel DeVille of Louisiana who lived at Rapides Post in Louisiana and provided aid by donating 400 carotte of tobacco to the Revolutionary Soldiers under General Bernardo de Galvez & Pvt. Matthew McRight of South Carolina
Robert Hendrick and his sons Stephen Hendrick and Walter Hendrick and their patriot ancestor Pvt. John Hendrick of Virginia and Georgia who served as Drummer in 4th GA Battalion, Col. John White's Command. Also served in Capt. Robert Porter's NC Tryon Co. Troops.
Bill Kight and his patriot ancestor Pvt. Elizah Cone of Connecticut who served as a Private; enlisted for three years in the 2nd Regiment of the Light Dragoons under Col. Elisha Sheldon
Steve Ray and his son Alex Ray and their patriot ancestors; Arthur Brown who served as a Private in Captain Anthony Sharp's Company of Major Reading Blount's Battalion, 2nd North Carolina Infantry Regiment & David Ellington for Patriot Service by furnishing supplies to the Continental Army while in Lunenburg County Virginia
Fred Hamilton and his son Robert Hamilton and their patriot ancestors; Lt. Thomas Johnson who served under Col. Elijah Clarke in the First Battalion Richmond County Georgia Militia of Georgia, William Hay for Patriot Service by providing supplies in South Carolina, John Curtis of Georgia who served in the Richardson County Militia in South Carolina, 2nd Lt. Willis Pope who served in the Hillsborough District Militia under Captain Phillip Taylor in North Carolina, Capt. Nathaniel Jones who provided Civil Service to North Carolina, and Capt. Mason Foley who served in the Spartan Regiment of South Carolina under Colonel John Thomas
Our program for the evening was provided by members of our Chapter spoke about their patriot ancestors and shared about their families history:
Ted Brode and his son Ted and their patriot ancestor Capt. Balthazar Richard DeVillier of Louisiana who was Captain of Infantry in the Service of King Carlos III, King of Spain, Commandant of Arkansas Post which is located near present day Gillett, Arkansas
Gerald Graves and his patriot ancestors; Michel DeVille of Louisiana who lived at Rapides Post in Louisiana and provided aid by donating 400 carotte of tobacco to the Revolutionary Soldiers under General Bernardo de Galvez & Pvt. Matthew McRight of South Carolina
Robert Hendrick and his sons Stephen Hendrick and Walter Hendrick and their patriot ancestor Pvt. John Hendrick of Virginia and Georgia who served as Drummer in 4th GA Battalion, Col. John White's Command. Also served in Capt. Robert Porter's NC Tryon Co. Troops.
Bill Kight and his patriot ancestor Pvt. Elizah Cone of Connecticut who served as a Private; enlisted for three years in the 2nd Regiment of the Light Dragoons under Col. Elisha Sheldon
Steve Ray and his son Alex Ray and their patriot ancestors; Arthur Brown who served as a Private in Captain Anthony Sharp's Company of Major Reading Blount's Battalion, 2nd North Carolina Infantry Regiment & David Ellington for Patriot Service by furnishing supplies to the Continental Army while in Lunenburg County Virginia
Fred Hamilton and his son Robert Hamilton and their patriot ancestors; Lt. Thomas Johnson who served under Col. Elijah Clarke in the First Battalion Richmond County Georgia Militia of Georgia, William Hay for Patriot Service by providing supplies in South Carolina, John Curtis of Georgia who served in the Richardson County Militia in South Carolina, 2nd Lt. Willis Pope who served in the Hillsborough District Militia under Captain Phillip Taylor in North Carolina, Capt. Nathaniel Jones who provided Civil Service to North Carolina, and Capt. Mason Foley who served in the Spartan Regiment of South Carolina under Colonel John Thomas
James Huey Chapter Learns About Food American Indians Made From Corn (June 22, 2021)
If you’ve never heard of Sagamite, don’t worry—neither had we. Ted and Phyllis Brode presented a program at the June 22, 2021 meeting about food made from corn that Native Americans, during the Revolutionary War times, ate. This food was called “Sagamite, pronounces Sah-gah-meet-tay and it literally means “ the water is hot” but has become the name for foods that range from corn meal and brown sugar mixed together and eaten dry to a sort of Indian Cornpone and Corn Soup.
Photo 1 - Here is a mixture of coarse corn meal and brown sugar. It is a ratio of 3 parts corn meal and 1 part brown sugar. Native Americans ate this to give them quick energy.
Photo 2 - Indian cornpone made with the cornmeal brown sugar mixture by adding water to make a batter for frying.
Photo 3 - Indian Corn Soup is made with the corn meal and brown sugar mixture with added meat and hominy.
Photo 2 - Indian cornpone made with the cornmeal brown sugar mixture by adding water to make a batter for frying.
Photo 3 - Indian Corn Soup is made with the corn meal and brown sugar mixture with added meat and hominy.
Chapter learns about an Eagle Scout's work at Fontainebleau State Park (May 25, 2021)
During our May meeting, Compatriot Ted Brode informed the membership about the research work done by Eagle Scout Jackson Cantrell, a then Mandeville High School student and member of BSA Troop 119, Istrouma Area Council back in 2019 that lead to the installation of two historical makers at the Fontainebleau State Park located near Mandeville, Louisiana. The summary of Cantrell's work concerns people that played a pivotal role in our nation’s and state’s history, specifically, the Native cultures in the area of Fontainebleau State Park. The park is three miles east of Mandeville and covers 2800 acres of wooded lands and beaches bounded by Lake Pontchartrain, Cane Bayou, and Bayou Castine in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. Fontainebleau State Park is about 40 minutes’ drive from New Orleans. The park was the former plantation started by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville in 1829, and it is known for not 2 only the ruins of an old sugar mill but for an oak alley that once sheltered quarters for 40 enslaved families. They numbered 153 in 1840, including 57 children under the age of 10.
Eagle Scout Cantrell stated special thanks to "Mr. Grayhawk Perkins, the Ranger who first told me the story of the enslaved families of Fontainebleau and showed me the remnants of their chimney hearths. His ability to bring history to life, back in in 2009 (when I was a six-year-old history buff pestering him for more information), has had me think of those families every time we have passed this beautiful oak alley over the past ten years. Thanks to Mr. Grayhawk, they will now never be forgotten."
Eagle Scout Cantrell stated special thanks to "Mr. Grayhawk Perkins, the Ranger who first told me the story of the enslaved families of Fontainebleau and showed me the remnants of their chimney hearths. His ability to bring history to life, back in in 2009 (when I was a six-year-old history buff pestering him for more information), has had me think of those families every time we have passed this beautiful oak alley over the past ten years. Thanks to Mr. Grayhawk, they will now never be forgotten."
James Huey Chapter Awards JROTC Outstanding Cadets (May 7, 2021)
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) awards the ROTC Medal to foster the principle of the “citizen-soldier,” exemplified by the Minutemen of Revolutionary War days. This award is presented by an SAR Chapter, State-level Society, or the National Society to ROTC or JROTC cadets who are selected for having a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing, and general excellence. The recipients are selected by the Commanding Officer of the ROTC or JROTC unit, who are given full latitude in making the selection.
On Friday May 7th 2021, this year the Outstanding Cadet from the West Ouachita High School JROTC program was presented to Cadet Samantha Diane Berry by JROTC Unit Commander, Chief Darrius Stewart.
On Friday May 7th 2021, this year the Outstanding Cadet from the West Monroe High School JROTC program was presented to Cadet Faith Vianey Fuentes by JROTC Unit Commander, Tech Sgt. Wayne Campbell. (Picture of this event was unfortunately lost)
On Friday May 7th 2021, this year the Outstanding Cadet from the West Ouachita High School JROTC program was presented to Cadet Samantha Diane Berry by JROTC Unit Commander, Chief Darrius Stewart.
On Friday May 7th 2021, this year the Outstanding Cadet from the West Monroe High School JROTC program was presented to Cadet Faith Vianey Fuentes by JROTC Unit Commander, Tech Sgt. Wayne Campbell. (Picture of this event was unfortunately lost)
Chapter Awards State Winner of the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest (April 20, 2021)
pictured l - r: LASSAR Historian & Chapter Sec/Treasurer Steve Ray; Chapter President Ted Brode, LASSAR 1st Place Winner - Conner Washam, LASSAR 3rd VP & Chapter Poster Contest Chairman Fred Hamilton
The James Huey Chapter awarded the Louisiana State Society Winner of the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest to Conner Washam, a 5th grade student in Mrs. Tracie Rugg’s social studies class of the Cedar Creek Academy of Ruston, Louisiana. Conner's entry was chosen during the Louisiana Society's Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 17th 2021 at the Higgins Hotel. Conner's entry will now advance to represent Louisiana and compete at the National Contest that will be held during our National Society's Annual Congress in Renton, Washington from July 10th - July 15th 2021. The James Huey Chapter would like to congratulate Conner for all his hard work and thank all who participated.
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students’ masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number.
For academic years ending in even numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Events.” For academic years ending in odd numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Person or Persons.”
The James Huey Chapter awarded the Louisiana State Society Winner of the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest to Conner Washam, a 5th grade student in Mrs. Tracie Rugg’s social studies class of the Cedar Creek Academy of Ruston, Louisiana. Conner's entry was chosen during the Louisiana Society's Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 17th 2021 at the Higgins Hotel. Conner's entry will now advance to represent Louisiana and compete at the National Contest that will be held during our National Society's Annual Congress in Renton, Washington from July 10th - July 15th 2021. The James Huey Chapter would like to congratulate Conner for all his hard work and thank all who participated.
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students’ masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number.
For academic years ending in even numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Events.” For academic years ending in odd numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Person or Persons.”
Chapter Awards the State Winner of the Middle School Brochure Contest (April 20, 2021)
pictured l - r: LASSAR Historian & Chapter Sec/Treasurer Steve Ray; Chapter President Ted Brode, LASSAR 1st Place Winner - Atta Carpenter, LASSAR 3rd VP & Chapter Brochure Contest Chairman Fred Hamilton
The James Huey Chapter awarded the Louisiana State Society Winner of the Middle School Brochure Contest to Atta Carpenter of Ruston, Louisiana. Atta is an 8th grade home schooled student using the Montessori curriculum and who is the granddaughter of Troy and Angie Biscomb. Atta's entry was chosen during the Louisiana Society's Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 17th 2021 at the Higgins Hotel. Atta's entry will now advance to represent Louisiana and compete at the National Contest that will be held during our National Society's Annual Congress in Renton, Washington from July 10th - July 15th 2021. The James Huey Chapter would like to congratulate Atta for all her hard work.
The SAR Middle School Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn art work and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the art work, is permissible.
The contest consists of three levels. The first level is sponsored by the local SAR Chapter. Chapter winners advance to the State level. The first-place State winner then advanced into the SAR national competition to compete for the national prizes. All entries begin at the local Chapter level. The only exception is where schools/classes/youth groups wish to conduct their own competition, submitting one winner to the local SAR Chapter competition. Individual students do not submit their entry directly to the Chapter. All entries must go through a school, scouting organization, or C.A.R. Society. Even home school submissions should go through their association. The participating Chapter should be within the local area of the young person entering the contest.
The James Huey Chapter awarded the Louisiana State Society Winner of the Middle School Brochure Contest to Atta Carpenter of Ruston, Louisiana. Atta is an 8th grade home schooled student using the Montessori curriculum and who is the granddaughter of Troy and Angie Biscomb. Atta's entry was chosen during the Louisiana Society's Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 17th 2021 at the Higgins Hotel. Atta's entry will now advance to represent Louisiana and compete at the National Contest that will be held during our National Society's Annual Congress in Renton, Washington from July 10th - July 15th 2021. The James Huey Chapter would like to congratulate Atta for all her hard work.
The SAR Middle School Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn art work and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the art work, is permissible.
The contest consists of three levels. The first level is sponsored by the local SAR Chapter. Chapter winners advance to the State level. The first-place State winner then advanced into the SAR national competition to compete for the national prizes. All entries begin at the local Chapter level. The only exception is where schools/classes/youth groups wish to conduct their own competition, submitting one winner to the local SAR Chapter competition. Individual students do not submit their entry directly to the Chapter. All entries must go through a school, scouting organization, or C.A.R. Society. Even home school submissions should go through their association. The participating Chapter should be within the local area of the young person entering the contest.
Family of Fallen Mangham Officer Receives SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal (April 10, 2021)
Pictured (l – r): Officer Tracy Carter, EMT Jim Barnes, Fred Hamilton, Steve Ray, Chief Perry Fleming, Marissa Waters, Irene Yearby, Isaiah Tillman, Lavenia Johnson, Collette Yearby, Christine Moffett, and Felicia Waters
On Saturday April 10th the family of Mangham Police Officer Marshall Lee Waters, Jr. met at the Police Department entrance of the Mangham town hall with town officials to receive posthumous awards for his service and to celebrate the life of their beloved son, brother, uncle, father and grandfather who would have celebrated his 50th birthday this April 13. Officer Waters, was wounded in the line of duty on October 17, 2020 while pulling over a suspect who had earlier that day robbed the Yancey Pharmacy in Rayville and was driving a stolen car near the Franklin and Richland Parish boarder on Hwy 425 just outside Mangham. The suspect fired a shot at Officer Waters that struck him just below his bulletproof vest. Officer Waters was airlifted to the Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria where he underwent several surgeries for the wound he received from the bullet that damaged his femoral artery. After a brave three-week fight, sadly Officer Waters died from his injuries on November 5, 2020.
Steve Ray and Fred Hamilton of the James Huey Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution of West Monroe presented the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal for Officer Waters dedication to duty and patriotic selfless service to his community and country to his family with his mother Mrs. Irene Yearby accepting the award. On behalf of the “318 Outlaws” Riding Club Chief Perry Fleming presented a plaque for Officer Waters dedication of service to his family with his mother Mrs. Irene Yearby again accepting the award.
Officer Tracy Carter spoke about his work with Officer Waters over the years and how he enjoyed working with someone who was always trying to help the people of Mangham, but also with his dual service as an EMT with the Northeast Louisiana Ambulance Service who were also present during the presentations.
Chief Fleming informed the attendees that the town had been working with State Rep. Francis Thompson and LDOTD to receive permission to place a monument to honor Officer Waters service that will be located on the right of way by the town's flag display.
At the close of the ceremony, Felicia Water, Lavenia Johnson, Collette Yearby, lead the attendees in a balloon release in honor and memory of their brother and to also celebrate what would have been his 50th birthday. The family wish a special thanks to the Town Clerks Kristy Fleming and Portia Clay for all their help with the balloons.
On Saturday April 10th the family of Mangham Police Officer Marshall Lee Waters, Jr. met at the Police Department entrance of the Mangham town hall with town officials to receive posthumous awards for his service and to celebrate the life of their beloved son, brother, uncle, father and grandfather who would have celebrated his 50th birthday this April 13. Officer Waters, was wounded in the line of duty on October 17, 2020 while pulling over a suspect who had earlier that day robbed the Yancey Pharmacy in Rayville and was driving a stolen car near the Franklin and Richland Parish boarder on Hwy 425 just outside Mangham. The suspect fired a shot at Officer Waters that struck him just below his bulletproof vest. Officer Waters was airlifted to the Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria where he underwent several surgeries for the wound he received from the bullet that damaged his femoral artery. After a brave three-week fight, sadly Officer Waters died from his injuries on November 5, 2020.
Steve Ray and Fred Hamilton of the James Huey Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution of West Monroe presented the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal for Officer Waters dedication to duty and patriotic selfless service to his community and country to his family with his mother Mrs. Irene Yearby accepting the award. On behalf of the “318 Outlaws” Riding Club Chief Perry Fleming presented a plaque for Officer Waters dedication of service to his family with his mother Mrs. Irene Yearby again accepting the award.
Officer Tracy Carter spoke about his work with Officer Waters over the years and how he enjoyed working with someone who was always trying to help the people of Mangham, but also with his dual service as an EMT with the Northeast Louisiana Ambulance Service who were also present during the presentations.
Chief Fleming informed the attendees that the town had been working with State Rep. Francis Thompson and LDOTD to receive permission to place a monument to honor Officer Waters service that will be located on the right of way by the town's flag display.
At the close of the ceremony, Felicia Water, Lavenia Johnson, Collette Yearby, lead the attendees in a balloon release in honor and memory of their brother and to also celebrate what would have been his 50th birthday. The family wish a special thanks to the Town Clerks Kristy Fleming and Portia Clay for all their help with the balloons.
Chapter Winner of the Middle School Brochure Contest Presented Award (March 28, 2021)
Chapter President Ted Brode, Chapter Secretary Treasurer Steve Ray and Brochure Contest Chairman Fred Hamilton presented the award and prize to Atta Carpenter for her entry titled; "Flaws in Freedom: Creating Equality for all in the United States Constitution". Ms. Carpenter is an 8th grade Home Schooled Student with the Montessori Curriculum in Ruston, and who is the granddaughter of Troy and Angie Biscomb.
The SAR Middle School Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn art work and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the art work, is permissible.
The contest consists of three levels. The first level is sponsored by the local SAR Chapter. Chapter winners advance to the State level. The first-place State winner then advanced into the SAR national competition to compete for the national prizes. All entries begin at the local Chapter level. The only exception is where schools/classes/youth groups wish to conduct their own competition, submitting one winner to the local SAR Chapter competition. Individual students do not submit their entry directly to the Chapter. All entries must go through a school, scouting organization, or C.A.R. Society. Even home school submissions should go through their association. The participating Chapter should be within the local area of the young person entering the contest.
Pictured (l - r) Fred Hamilton, Ted Brode, Atta Carpenter, Steve Ray
The SAR Middle School Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn art work and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the art work, is permissible.
The contest consists of three levels. The first level is sponsored by the local SAR Chapter. Chapter winners advance to the State level. The first-place State winner then advanced into the SAR national competition to compete for the national prizes. All entries begin at the local Chapter level. The only exception is where schools/classes/youth groups wish to conduct their own competition, submitting one winner to the local SAR Chapter competition. Individual students do not submit their entry directly to the Chapter. All entries must go through a school, scouting organization, or C.A.R. Society. Even home school submissions should go through their association. The participating Chapter should be within the local area of the young person entering the contest.
Pictured (l - r) Fred Hamilton, Ted Brode, Atta Carpenter, Steve Ray
Chapter Learns about Cast Iron Cookware in the American Revolution; Learns about "Super-Bodies" and Chose St. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest Winner (March 23, 2021)
Secretary Treasurer Steve Ray & Chapter President Ted Brode presented: "Cast Iron Cookware of America and how it was used in the time of the American revolution.” Steve Ray brought his collection of cast iron for the group to view. Ted Brode spoke about cast iron pots with spiders which Steve Ray spoke about the one owned by his great grandfather that his family believe he brought from Alabama to Mississippi in the late 1870’s.
Cast Iron Cookware is heavy-duty cookware made of cast iron is valued for its heat retention, durability, ability to be used at very high temperatures, and non-stick cooking when properly seasoned. Seasoning is also used to protect bare cast iron from rust.
Because cast-iron skillets can develop a "non-stick" surface when cared for properly, they are excellent for frying potatoes or preparing stir-fries. Some cooks consider cast iron a good choice for egg dishes, while others feel the iron adds an off-flavor to eggs. Other uses of cast-iron pans include baking, for instance for making cornbread, cobblers and cakes.
A seasoned pan has a stick-resistant coating created by polymerized oils and fats. Seasoning is a process by which a layer of animal fat or vegetable oil is applied and cooked onto cast-iron or carbon steel cookware. Typically, pre-seasoned cast iron cookware (seasoning or coating applied by the manufacturer) is stripped (removal of seasoning through either chemical, electric, or physical means) and is re-seasoned by the user, as most users have their own preferred method of seasoning. A proper cast iron seasoning protects the cookware from rusting, provides a non-stick surface for cooking, and reduces food interaction with the iron of the pan.
In Europe and the United States, before the introduction of the kitchen stove in the middle of the 19th century, meals were cooked in the hearth, and cooking pots and pans were either designed for use in the hearth, or to be suspended within it. Cast-iron pots were made with handles to allow them to be hung over a fire, or with legs so that they could stand in the coals. In addition to Dutch ovens with three or four feet, which Abraham Darby I secured a patent in 1708 to produce,[2] a commonly used cast-iron cooking pan called a spider had a handle and three legs allowing it to stand upright over campfires as well as in the coals and ashes of a fireplace.
Compatriot John McCarter also spoke about what he's dubbed "Super-Bodies" and how human beings will has overcome huge obstacles to create and achieve amazing accomplishments. From the Great Pyramids to the American Revolution, the Civil War, World War I and World War II and sending a man to the Moon all required societies that were mobilized in unison. Compatriot McCarter spoke of his experiences being part of a Super-Body during World War II.
Cast Iron Cookware is heavy-duty cookware made of cast iron is valued for its heat retention, durability, ability to be used at very high temperatures, and non-stick cooking when properly seasoned. Seasoning is also used to protect bare cast iron from rust.
Because cast-iron skillets can develop a "non-stick" surface when cared for properly, they are excellent for frying potatoes or preparing stir-fries. Some cooks consider cast iron a good choice for egg dishes, while others feel the iron adds an off-flavor to eggs. Other uses of cast-iron pans include baking, for instance for making cornbread, cobblers and cakes.
A seasoned pan has a stick-resistant coating created by polymerized oils and fats. Seasoning is a process by which a layer of animal fat or vegetable oil is applied and cooked onto cast-iron or carbon steel cookware. Typically, pre-seasoned cast iron cookware (seasoning or coating applied by the manufacturer) is stripped (removal of seasoning through either chemical, electric, or physical means) and is re-seasoned by the user, as most users have their own preferred method of seasoning. A proper cast iron seasoning protects the cookware from rusting, provides a non-stick surface for cooking, and reduces food interaction with the iron of the pan.
In Europe and the United States, before the introduction of the kitchen stove in the middle of the 19th century, meals were cooked in the hearth, and cooking pots and pans were either designed for use in the hearth, or to be suspended within it. Cast-iron pots were made with handles to allow them to be hung over a fire, or with legs so that they could stand in the coals. In addition to Dutch ovens with three or four feet, which Abraham Darby I secured a patent in 1708 to produce,[2] a commonly used cast-iron cooking pan called a spider had a handle and three legs allowing it to stand upright over campfires as well as in the coals and ashes of a fireplace.
Compatriot John McCarter also spoke about what he's dubbed "Super-Bodies" and how human beings will has overcome huge obstacles to create and achieve amazing accomplishments. From the Great Pyramids to the American Revolution, the Civil War, World War I and World War II and sending a man to the Moon all required societies that were mobilized in unison. Compatriot McCarter spoke of his experiences being part of a Super-Body during World War II.
Our Chapter also chose Atta Carpenter for her entry titled; "Flaws in Freedom: Creating Equality for all in the United States Constitution as the winner of our St. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest.
The SAR Middle School Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn art work and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the art work, is permissible.
The SAR Brochure Contest is open to all 6th, 7thand 8th grade Middle School students in public, private and home schools. When school systems are participating in the contest, students will enter through their school system. If they are not participating, students may enter directly to the chapter, through scouting or the CAR (Children of the American Revolution). Regardless of how the student enters, he/she may only enter one brochure per year. All brochures will be created by the individual student, no group entries are allowed. The contest is designed to help support the educational efforts in public, private and home school curriculums when the Revolutionary period is taught, but students may enter in any of their middle school years.
The SAR Middle School Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn art work and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the art work, is permissible.
The SAR Brochure Contest is open to all 6th, 7thand 8th grade Middle School students in public, private and home schools. When school systems are participating in the contest, students will enter through their school system. If they are not participating, students may enter directly to the chapter, through scouting or the CAR (Children of the American Revolution). Regardless of how the student enters, he/she may only enter one brochure per year. All brochures will be created by the individual student, no group entries are allowed. The contest is designed to help support the educational efforts in public, private and home school curriculums when the Revolutionary period is taught, but students may enter in any of their middle school years.
Chapter Awards Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest Winners (February 25, 2021)
pictured l - r: Chapter President Ted Brode, 3rd Place Winner - J. J. Hoover, 1st Place Winner - Conner Washam, 2nd Place - Luke Alexander, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray, Poster Contest Chairman Fred Hamilton
The James Huey Chapter awarded the winning contestants from the Cedar Creek Academy their certificates and checks for their hard work. Of the 7 participants, the 1st Place Winner was Conner Washam, the 2nd Place was Luke Alexander, and the 3rd Place Winner was J. J. Hoover. The James Huey Chapter would like to thank all who participated.
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students’ masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number.
For academic years ending in even numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Events.” For academic years ending in odd numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Person or Persons.”
The James Huey Chapter awarded the winning contestants from the Cedar Creek Academy their certificates and checks for their hard work. Of the 7 participants, the 1st Place Winner was Conner Washam, the 2nd Place was Luke Alexander, and the 3rd Place Winner was J. J. Hoover. The James Huey Chapter would like to thank all who participated.
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students’ masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number.
For academic years ending in even numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Events.” For academic years ending in odd numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Person or Persons.”
Chapter Judges Americanism Elementary School Poster Contestants (February 23, 2021)
pictured l - r: Ben Simmons, Robert Hendrick, Poster Contest Chairman Fred Hamilton, Stephen Hendrick, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray, Walter Hendrick, Chapter President Ted Brode
The James Huey Chapter awarded the winning contestants from the Cedar Creek Academy their certificates and checks for their hard work. Of the 7 participants, the 1st Place Winner was Conner Washam, the 2nd Place was Luke Alexander, and the 3rd Place Winner was J. J. Hoover. The James Huey Chapter judges were Ben Simmons, Robert Hendrick, Poster Contest Chairman Fred Hamilton, Stephen Hendrick, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray, Walter Hendrick, Chapter President Ted Brode
Robert Hendrick, Stephen Hendrick, Walter Hendrick and Gerald Graves.
For academic years ending in even numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Events.” For academic years ending in odd numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Person or Persons.”
The James Huey Chapter awarded the winning contestants from the Cedar Creek Academy their certificates and checks for their hard work. Of the 7 participants, the 1st Place Winner was Conner Washam, the 2nd Place was Luke Alexander, and the 3rd Place Winner was J. J. Hoover. The James Huey Chapter judges were Ben Simmons, Robert Hendrick, Poster Contest Chairman Fred Hamilton, Stephen Hendrick, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray, Walter Hendrick, Chapter President Ted Brode
Robert Hendrick, Stephen Hendrick, Walter Hendrick and Gerald Graves.
For academic years ending in even numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Events.” For academic years ending in odd numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Person or Persons.”
Chapter President Presents to Classrooms (January 2021)
On January 28th and 29th 2021, Chapter President Ted Brode delivered presentation to the students of the Geneva Academy located in West Monroe, Louisiana. The students were informed about the Revolutionary War in Louisiana and covered topics such as the types of weapons used and how they worked, the soldier's uniforms worn during this period and also the types of food eaten by the soldiers. Mr. Brode treated the students to a staple of the soldiers meal called "hardtack" and the history of this food and why it was used. The students were also given a demonstration on how hardtack is made and samples were provided to the group.
James Huey Chapter Serves Veterans (Nov 2020)
At the November meeting 575 plus items were collected for the Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home in Monroe. Chapter members collected these items as their annual project to support veterans. Standing L-R: Ben Simmons, Ted Brode, Gerald Graves, and Steve Ray
State Poster Winner Recognized (October 28, 2020)
October 28th 2020 Fred Hamilton and Steve Ray presented Kenna Williams with her award for winning the Louisiana State Society Son's of the American Revolution Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest for her entry titled "Boston Tea Party". Kenna attend Cedar Creek Academy in Ruston.
Chapter learns about "The Battle of Tearcoat Swamp - October 25, 1780" (October 27, 2020)
The James Huey Chapter heard their Chapter President Ted Brode speak about the Battle of Tearcoat Swamp. The Battle of Tearcoat Swamp was a battle during the American Revolutionary war between Lieutenant Colonel Francis Marion's Patriot militia, and a Loyalist Militia led by Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Tynes. The battle took place on 25 October 1780 in present-day Clarendon County, South Carolina.
After traveling all day, Marion arrived at Black River late at night and successfully forded his men through. Upon reaching the opposite bank, Marion sent (two?) young men to scout out the enemies position. The young men soon reported to Marion that only a few Loyalists were awake, playing cards. Overall the security of the Loyalist defenses were lax. Marion deferred his attack until midnight when he felt the enemy would be most vulnerable. Rousing his men shortly after midnight, Marion split them into three groups. He reused the same tactics that had won him victory at the Battle of Black Mingo: the attack would come in the form of a trident with groups attacking from the left, right and center(which Marion commanded himself).After taking positions, Marion signaled the attack with the discharge of his pistol, and the groups charged in on horses yelling and firing their weapons. To Marion's satisfaction the attack succeed exactly as planned, as the Loyalists were caught completely by surprise. The battle ended after the first attack. The Loyalists sustained 6 dead and 14 wounded while another 23 were captured. Marion's force lost only two horses.
The battle was a morale booster for Marion's militia. With the success of the attack the Patriots were able to capture supplies totaling over 80 muskets, a number of bridled and saddled horses as well foodstuffs. Many of the 23 Loyalists were astonished and impressed by Marion’s troops as they had never been before resulting in a number of defections to the Patriot cause. To Marion's dismay Lieutenant Colonel Tynes was not among the captured as he a few of the loyalists escaped into Tearcoat Swamp. Though the battle was a needed victory it was the second time that Marion had failed to capture a commanding officer within the Loyalists ranks, who he believed were the key to ending the Loyalist movement. Marion would later assign Captain William Clay Snipes to hunt down the loyalist leader which led to the eventual capture of Tynes. After the Battle of Tearcoat Swamp the Loyalist movement in the Salem area was nullified.
After traveling all day, Marion arrived at Black River late at night and successfully forded his men through. Upon reaching the opposite bank, Marion sent (two?) young men to scout out the enemies position. The young men soon reported to Marion that only a few Loyalists were awake, playing cards. Overall the security of the Loyalist defenses were lax. Marion deferred his attack until midnight when he felt the enemy would be most vulnerable. Rousing his men shortly after midnight, Marion split them into three groups. He reused the same tactics that had won him victory at the Battle of Black Mingo: the attack would come in the form of a trident with groups attacking from the left, right and center(which Marion commanded himself).After taking positions, Marion signaled the attack with the discharge of his pistol, and the groups charged in on horses yelling and firing their weapons. To Marion's satisfaction the attack succeed exactly as planned, as the Loyalists were caught completely by surprise. The battle ended after the first attack. The Loyalists sustained 6 dead and 14 wounded while another 23 were captured. Marion's force lost only two horses.
The battle was a morale booster for Marion's militia. With the success of the attack the Patriots were able to capture supplies totaling over 80 muskets, a number of bridled and saddled horses as well foodstuffs. Many of the 23 Loyalists were astonished and impressed by Marion’s troops as they had never been before resulting in a number of defections to the Patriot cause. To Marion's dismay Lieutenant Colonel Tynes was not among the captured as he a few of the loyalists escaped into Tearcoat Swamp. Though the battle was a needed victory it was the second time that Marion had failed to capture a commanding officer within the Loyalists ranks, who he believed were the key to ending the Loyalist movement. Marion would later assign Captain William Clay Snipes to hunt down the loyalist leader which led to the eventual capture of Tynes. After the Battle of Tearcoat Swamp the Loyalist movement in the Salem area was nullified.
September 2020 Events
James Huey Chapter, LASSAR celebrated Constitution Week with a cake and singing “Happy Birthday” to our 223 year old Constitution.
Seated L-R: Steve Ray and Ted Brode; Standing L-R: Fred Hamilton, Gerald Graves, and Ben Simmons
James Huey Chapter congratulates Ben Simmons on being the first descendant of Revolutionary Soldier, James Huey, to join the chapter. He received national number of September 30, 2020
Seated L-R: Steve Ray and Ted Brode; Standing L-R: Fred Hamilton, Gerald Graves, and Ben Simmons
James Huey Chapter congratulates Ben Simmons on being the first descendant of Revolutionary Soldier, James Huey, to join the chapter. He received national number of September 30, 2020
Chapter Learns about the Constitutional Convention - The Adoption of our Constitution (June 23, 2020)
The James Huey Chapter heard Chapter President Ted Brode speak about the Constitutional Convention that lead to the adoption of our Constitution. The Constitutional Convention (contemporarily known as the Federal Convention, the Philadelphia Convention, or the Grand Convention at Philadelphia) took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787, in the old Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall) in Philadelphia. Although the convention was intended to revise the league of states and first system of government under the Articles of Confederation, the intention from the outset of many of its proponents, chief among them James Madison of Virginia and Alexander Hamilton of New York, was to create a new government rather than fix the existing one. The delegates elected George Washington of Virginia, former commanding general of the Continental Army in the late American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) and proponent of a stronger national government, to become President of the convention. The result of the convention was the creation of the Constitution of the United States, placing the Convention among the most significant events in American history.At the time, the convention was not referred to as a "Constitutional convention", nor did most of the delegates arrive intending to draft a new constitution. Many assumed that the purpose of the convention was to discuss and draft improvements to the existing Articles of Confederation, and would not have agreed to participate otherwise. Once the convention began, however, most of the delegates – though not all – came to agree in general terms that the goal would be a new system of government, not simply a revised version of the Articles of Confederation.
Several broad outlines were proposed and debated, most notably James Madison's Virginia Plan and William Paterson's New Jersey Plan. The Virginia Plan was selected as the basis for the new government. While the concept of a federal government with three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) and the general role of each branch was not heavily disputed, several issues delayed further progress and threatened the success of the convention. The most contentious disputes revolved around the composition and election of the Senate as the upper legislative house of a bicameral Congress; whether "proportional representation" was to be defined by a state's geography or by its population, and whether slaves were to be counted; whether to divide the executive power among three people or vest the power in a single chief executive to be called the President; how a president would be elected, for what term, and whether to limit each president to a single term; what offenses should be impeachable; the nature of a fugitive slave clause, and whether to allow the abolition of the slave trade; and whether judges should be chosen by the legislature or the executive. Most of the time during the convention was spent on deciding these issues.
Progress was slow until mid-July when the Connecticut Compromise resolved enough lingering arguments for a draft written by the Committee of Detail to gain acceptance. Though more modifications and compromises were made over the following weeks, most of the rough draft remained in place and can be found in the finished version of the Constitution. After several more issues were resolved, the Committee of Style produced the final version in early September. It was voted on by the delegates, inscribed on parchment with engraving for printing, and signed by thirty-nine of fifty-five delegates on September 17, 1787. The completed proposed Constitution was then released to the public to begin the debate and ratification process.
Several broad outlines were proposed and debated, most notably James Madison's Virginia Plan and William Paterson's New Jersey Plan. The Virginia Plan was selected as the basis for the new government. While the concept of a federal government with three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) and the general role of each branch was not heavily disputed, several issues delayed further progress and threatened the success of the convention. The most contentious disputes revolved around the composition and election of the Senate as the upper legislative house of a bicameral Congress; whether "proportional representation" was to be defined by a state's geography or by its population, and whether slaves were to be counted; whether to divide the executive power among three people or vest the power in a single chief executive to be called the President; how a president would be elected, for what term, and whether to limit each president to a single term; what offenses should be impeachable; the nature of a fugitive slave clause, and whether to allow the abolition of the slave trade; and whether judges should be chosen by the legislature or the executive. Most of the time during the convention was spent on deciding these issues.
Progress was slow until mid-July when the Connecticut Compromise resolved enough lingering arguments for a draft written by the Committee of Detail to gain acceptance. Though more modifications and compromises were made over the following weeks, most of the rough draft remained in place and can be found in the finished version of the Constitution. After several more issues were resolved, the Committee of Style produced the final version in early September. It was voted on by the delegates, inscribed on parchment with engraving for printing, and signed by thirty-nine of fifty-five delegates on September 17, 1787. The completed proposed Constitution was then released to the public to begin the debate and ratification process.
Poster Contest Judged (January 28, 2020)
January 28th 2020 Our Chapter members judged the posters for the James Huey Chapter SAR Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. All contestants attend Cedar Creek Academy in Ruston. 1st Place Kenna Williams 2nd Place Kaden Williams 3rd Place Arlyn Boyet. Ted Brode and Fred Hamilton presented Kenna Williams her certificate and 1st Place prize for her work titled "Boston Tea Party".
Chapter learns about “The Star Fort at Old Ninety-Six” (November 26, 2019)
The James Huey Chapter members heard Compatriot Jon McKenney who spoke to the Chapter about “The Star Fort at Old Ninety-Six”.
Ninety Six National Historic Site, also known as Old Ninety Six and Star Fort, is a United States National Historic Site located about 60 miles (96 kilometers) south of Greenville, South Carolina. The historic site was listed on the National Register in 1969, declared to be a National Historic Landmark in 1973, and established as a National Historic Site in 1976 to preserve the original site of Ninety Six, South Carolina, a small town established in the early 18th century. It encompasses 1,022 acres of property.
The most common proposed etymology of the toponym Ninety Six is a reference to the distance in miles between the location and the Cherokee town of Keowee. Supporters of such an etymology have to struggle with the fact that the distance between the two locales is 78 miles. David P. George, Jr., has advanced the alternate hypothesis that Ninety Six is a reinterpretation of "the nine and six," a reference to two sets of southerly flowing streams—nine tributaries of Marion and Henley creeks and six tributaries of Thompsons Creek—in an area in which the Saluda River tends to be fed by north and easterly flowing streams.
Ninety Six had become a prosperous village of about 100 settlers by the time of the American Revolutionary War. The first land battle (Siege of Savage's Old Fields) of the war fought in South Carolina took place at Ninety Six on November 19–21, 1775; then major Andrew Williamson of the Ninety-Six District Regiment of militia tried to recapture ammunition and gunpowder taken by Loyalists; outnumbered, he finally reached a truce with them.
The village became a Loyalist stronghold early in the war, though the backcountry of the Carolinas was populated both by those loyal to crown and by partisans. The latter were often of Scots-Irish descent, though there were loyalist Scots as well as migrants of other origins. Ninety Six was fortified by the British in 1780, as they considered this a strategic location. From May 22 - June 18, 1781, newly appointed Southern Department commander of the Continental Army, Major General Nathanael Greene led 1,000 troops in a siege against the 550 Loyalists defending the fort in the village. The 28-day siege centered on an earthen star fort. Despite having more troops, Greene's patriots did not succeed in taking the town.
Ninety Six was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
According to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, the "historic district of Ninety Six National Historic Site contains numerous historical features."
A special ceremony was held the weekend of May 20, 2006 to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Star Fort.
Ninety Six National Historic Site, also known as Old Ninety Six and Star Fort, is a United States National Historic Site located about 60 miles (96 kilometers) south of Greenville, South Carolina. The historic site was listed on the National Register in 1969, declared to be a National Historic Landmark in 1973, and established as a National Historic Site in 1976 to preserve the original site of Ninety Six, South Carolina, a small town established in the early 18th century. It encompasses 1,022 acres of property.
The most common proposed etymology of the toponym Ninety Six is a reference to the distance in miles between the location and the Cherokee town of Keowee. Supporters of such an etymology have to struggle with the fact that the distance between the two locales is 78 miles. David P. George, Jr., has advanced the alternate hypothesis that Ninety Six is a reinterpretation of "the nine and six," a reference to two sets of southerly flowing streams—nine tributaries of Marion and Henley creeks and six tributaries of Thompsons Creek—in an area in which the Saluda River tends to be fed by north and easterly flowing streams.
Ninety Six had become a prosperous village of about 100 settlers by the time of the American Revolutionary War. The first land battle (Siege of Savage's Old Fields) of the war fought in South Carolina took place at Ninety Six on November 19–21, 1775; then major Andrew Williamson of the Ninety-Six District Regiment of militia tried to recapture ammunition and gunpowder taken by Loyalists; outnumbered, he finally reached a truce with them.
The village became a Loyalist stronghold early in the war, though the backcountry of the Carolinas was populated both by those loyal to crown and by partisans. The latter were often of Scots-Irish descent, though there were loyalist Scots as well as migrants of other origins. Ninety Six was fortified by the British in 1780, as they considered this a strategic location. From May 22 - June 18, 1781, newly appointed Southern Department commander of the Continental Army, Major General Nathanael Greene led 1,000 troops in a siege against the 550 Loyalists defending the fort in the village. The 28-day siege centered on an earthen star fort. Despite having more troops, Greene's patriots did not succeed in taking the town.
Ninety Six was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
According to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, the "historic district of Ninety Six National Historic Site contains numerous historical features."
A special ceremony was held the weekend of May 20, 2006 to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Star Fort.
Chapter hears Knight Essay Contest Winner and presents award (October 22, 2019)
The James Huey Chapter awarded their Chapter's Knight Essay Contest Winner to Miss Lydia George for her essay “The Role of Horses in the American Revolutionary”. Miss George, a student of the Cedar Creek Academy in Ruston read her winning essay to the membership.
Blueskin was a gray horse ridden by George Washington. He was one of Washington's two primary mounts during the American Revolutionary War. The horse was a half-Arabian, sired by the stallion "Ranger", also known as "Lindsay's Arabian", said to have been obtained from the Sultan of Morocco. Blueskin was a gift to Washington from Colonel Benjamin Tasker Dulany (c. 1752–1816) of Maryland. Dulany married Elizabeth French, a ward of Washington's, who gave her away at her wedding to Dulany on February 10, 1773.
Blueskin, due to his white hair coat, was the horse most often portrayed in artwork depicting Washington on a horse. Washington's other primary riding horse was Nelson, a chestnut gelding said to be calmer under fire than Blueskin. Both horses were retired after the Revolutionary War. Blueskin lived at Mount Vernon, until he was returned to Mrs. Dulany in November 1785 with the following note:
"General Washington presents his best respects to Mrs Dulany with the horse blueskin; which he wishes was better worth her acceptance. Marks of antiquity have supplied the place of those beauties with which this horse abounded—in his better days. Nothing but the recollection of which, & of his having been the favourite of Mr Dulany in the days of his Court ship, can reconcile her to the meagre appearance he now makes.".
Nelson or Old Nelson was George Washington's horse and one of several horses owned by Washington. He was a chestnut with a white blaze ("white face") and white feet. The horse was acquired by Washington in 1779 and died in 1790 at about the age of 27, quite old for a horse in that era. As Washington was known for being a skilled horse rider, Nelson was a significant icon for a number of years, being one of Washington's favorite horses.
Nelson was foaled in 1763 and was given to Washington in 1778 by Thomas Nelson of Virginia, after whom the horse was then named. Washington stated that Nelson was his most favored horse to use during the Revolutionary War, as he was not easily provoked by gunfire. Washington rode Nelson when accepting Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown. The other horse he rode during the Revolutionary War, and on whom he is more often portrayed, was his gray horse, Blueskin.
Washington ceased to ride Nelson after the war. Nelson and Blueskin were retired and lived at Mount Vernon post-war.
Blueskin was a gray horse ridden by George Washington. He was one of Washington's two primary mounts during the American Revolutionary War. The horse was a half-Arabian, sired by the stallion "Ranger", also known as "Lindsay's Arabian", said to have been obtained from the Sultan of Morocco. Blueskin was a gift to Washington from Colonel Benjamin Tasker Dulany (c. 1752–1816) of Maryland. Dulany married Elizabeth French, a ward of Washington's, who gave her away at her wedding to Dulany on February 10, 1773.
Blueskin, due to his white hair coat, was the horse most often portrayed in artwork depicting Washington on a horse. Washington's other primary riding horse was Nelson, a chestnut gelding said to be calmer under fire than Blueskin. Both horses were retired after the Revolutionary War. Blueskin lived at Mount Vernon, until he was returned to Mrs. Dulany in November 1785 with the following note:
"General Washington presents his best respects to Mrs Dulany with the horse blueskin; which he wishes was better worth her acceptance. Marks of antiquity have supplied the place of those beauties with which this horse abounded—in his better days. Nothing but the recollection of which, & of his having been the favourite of Mr Dulany in the days of his Court ship, can reconcile her to the meagre appearance he now makes.".
Nelson or Old Nelson was George Washington's horse and one of several horses owned by Washington. He was a chestnut with a white blaze ("white face") and white feet. The horse was acquired by Washington in 1779 and died in 1790 at about the age of 27, quite old for a horse in that era. As Washington was known for being a skilled horse rider, Nelson was a significant icon for a number of years, being one of Washington's favorite horses.
Nelson was foaled in 1763 and was given to Washington in 1778 by Thomas Nelson of Virginia, after whom the horse was then named. Washington stated that Nelson was his most favored horse to use during the Revolutionary War, as he was not easily provoked by gunfire. Washington rode Nelson when accepting Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown. The other horse he rode during the Revolutionary War, and on whom he is more often portrayed, was his gray horse, Blueskin.
Washington ceased to ride Nelson after the war. Nelson and Blueskin were retired and lived at Mount Vernon post-war.
James Huey Chapter donates 959 items to Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home (August 27, 2019)
During their August meeting at the BBQ West Restaurant located at 4900 Cypress Street in West Monroe, the James Huey Chapter members Bill Kight, Chapter President Ted Brode, Steve Ray, Fred Hamilton, and Jim Miller are shown with the 959+ donated items (inc. snacks, western novels, word-find books, pens, pencils, memo pads, games, puzzles, socks, and toiletries) for the residents of the Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home in Monroe, LA. Chapter members collected these items as their summer project to support local veterans.
Chapter learns about the Monroe Oil Fields and their importance to Louisiana and the US (July 23, 2019)
The James Huey Chapter members heard from Compatriot John McCarter who was a former professor of ULM and LA Tech about "the Monroe Oil Fields and their importance to Louisiana and the US". Native Americans had known of the oil in western Pennsylvania, and had made some use of it for many years before the mid-19th century. Early European explorers noted seeps of oil and natural gas in western Pennsylvania and New York. Interest grew substantially in the mid-1850s as scientists reported on the potential to manufacture kerosene from crude oil, if a sufficiently large oil supply could be found. And also, it was 13 years after drilling the first oil well in Baku settlement (Bibi-Heybat) in 1846 on Apsheron peninsula.
The Jesuit Relations of 1657 states:
As one approaches nearer to the country of the Cats, one finds heavy and thick water, which ignites like brandy, and boils up in bubbles of flame when fire is applied to it. It is, moreover, so oily, that all our Savages use it to anoint and grease their heads and their bodies.
Salt was a valuable commodity, and an industry developed near salt springs in the Ohio River Valley, producing salt by evaporating brine from the springs. Salt wells were sunk at the salt springs to increase the supply of brine for evaporation. Some of the wells were hand-dug, but salt producers also learned to drill wells by percussion (cable tool) methods. In a number of locations in western Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky, oil and natural gas came up the wells along with the brine. The oil was mostly a nuisance, but some salt producers saved it and sold it as illuminating oil or medicine. In some locations, enough natural gas was produced to be used as fuel for the salt evaporating pans. Early salt brine wells that produced byproduct oil included the Thorla-McKee Well of Ohio in 1814, a well near Burkesville, Kentucky, in 1828, and wells at Burning Springs, West Virginia, by 1836.
The US natural gas industry started in 1821 at Fredonia, Chautauqua County, New York, when William Hart dug a well to a depth of 27 feet (8.2 m) into gas-bearing shale, then drilled a borehole 43 feet (13 m) further, and piped the natural gas to a nearby inn where it was burned for illumination. Soon many gas wells were drilled in the area, and the gas-lit streets of Fredonia became a tourist attraction.
In 1906, the Caddo-Pine Island Field in northern Caddo Parish, Louisiana was discovered, and a rush of leasing and drilling activity ensued. In 1908, the first natural gas pipeline was constructed to transport gas from Caddo-Pine Island to Shreveport, Louisiana. This was one of the earliest commercial uses of natural gas, which was commonly viewed as an undesirable by-product of oil production and often "flared" or burnt off at the well site.Other innovations in the Caddo-Pine Island Field included the first over-water oil platform, which was constructed in the field on Caddo Lake in 1910. In that same year, a major oil pipeline was constructed from Caddo-Pine Island Field to a refinery built and operated by Standard Oil Company of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The refinery continues to operate today.
Other early petroleum discoveries in North Louisiana included the Bull Bayou Field, Red River Parish, Louisiana (1913), Monroe Gas Field, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana (1916), Homer Field, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana (1919) and Haynesville Field, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana (1921).
Compatriot McCarter said that the Monroe Gas Field with it's abundant supply and low cost of on available energy source brought saw mills and the paper industry to the area which lead to a self supporting economy that was greatly spared from the economic pains felt by many communities across our Country during the "Great Depression".
The Jesuit Relations of 1657 states:
As one approaches nearer to the country of the Cats, one finds heavy and thick water, which ignites like brandy, and boils up in bubbles of flame when fire is applied to it. It is, moreover, so oily, that all our Savages use it to anoint and grease their heads and their bodies.
Salt was a valuable commodity, and an industry developed near salt springs in the Ohio River Valley, producing salt by evaporating brine from the springs. Salt wells were sunk at the salt springs to increase the supply of brine for evaporation. Some of the wells were hand-dug, but salt producers also learned to drill wells by percussion (cable tool) methods. In a number of locations in western Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky, oil and natural gas came up the wells along with the brine. The oil was mostly a nuisance, but some salt producers saved it and sold it as illuminating oil or medicine. In some locations, enough natural gas was produced to be used as fuel for the salt evaporating pans. Early salt brine wells that produced byproduct oil included the Thorla-McKee Well of Ohio in 1814, a well near Burkesville, Kentucky, in 1828, and wells at Burning Springs, West Virginia, by 1836.
The US natural gas industry started in 1821 at Fredonia, Chautauqua County, New York, when William Hart dug a well to a depth of 27 feet (8.2 m) into gas-bearing shale, then drilled a borehole 43 feet (13 m) further, and piped the natural gas to a nearby inn where it was burned for illumination. Soon many gas wells were drilled in the area, and the gas-lit streets of Fredonia became a tourist attraction.
In 1906, the Caddo-Pine Island Field in northern Caddo Parish, Louisiana was discovered, and a rush of leasing and drilling activity ensued. In 1908, the first natural gas pipeline was constructed to transport gas from Caddo-Pine Island to Shreveport, Louisiana. This was one of the earliest commercial uses of natural gas, which was commonly viewed as an undesirable by-product of oil production and often "flared" or burnt off at the well site.Other innovations in the Caddo-Pine Island Field included the first over-water oil platform, which was constructed in the field on Caddo Lake in 1910. In that same year, a major oil pipeline was constructed from Caddo-Pine Island Field to a refinery built and operated by Standard Oil Company of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The refinery continues to operate today.
Other early petroleum discoveries in North Louisiana included the Bull Bayou Field, Red River Parish, Louisiana (1913), Monroe Gas Field, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana (1916), Homer Field, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana (1919) and Haynesville Field, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana (1921).
Compatriot McCarter said that the Monroe Gas Field with it's abundant supply and low cost of on available energy source brought saw mills and the paper industry to the area which lead to a self supporting economy that was greatly spared from the economic pains felt by many communities across our Country during the "Great Depression".
Chapter learns about "the Battle of Peckaway" (June 25, 2019)
The James Huey Chapter heard Chapter President Ted Brode present "the Battle of Pickaway. The Battle of Piqua (also Peckowee, Pekowi, Peckuwe, Pickaway and others), was a military engagement fought on Aug. 8, 1780 at the Indian village of Piqua along the Mad River in western Ohio Country between the Kentucky militia under Gen. George Rogers Clark and Shawnee Indians under Chief Black Hoof. The Indians were driven off and the village and surrounding fields burned, but Clark suffered daunting casualties.
Clark's expedition was in response to Bird's invasion of Kentucky earlier that summer by a combined force of Shawnee, Delaware and Miami Indians under British command that killed and captured hundreds of Americans.
The battle was part of a campaign in Ohio Country in the Western theater of the American Revolutionary War. Led by General George Rogers Clark, 970 soldiers crossed the Ohio River near present-day Cincinnati in early August 1780 and proceeded up the Little Miami and Mad Rivers. They reached the Shawnee village of Old Chillicothe (north of what is today Xenia, Ohio), which was known then as Chalawgatha to the Shawnee. Clark found it deserted and ordered it burned. He then proceeded a few miles north to the village of Piqua (not to be confused with the modern town of Piqua, Ohio on the Great Miami River) where the Shawnee had retreated. Clark arrived at the village August 8, 1780. The village surrounded a small stockade. Piqua was at that time the capital village of the Shawnee and contained at least 3000 persons.[citation needed]
After several hours of fighting, both sides suffered significant casualties. The Shawnee were driven off when Clark used artillery to bombard the stockade from river cliffs above the village. Clark's men then spent two days burning as much as 500 acres of corn surrounding the village.
Clark reported 27 casualties (14 killed and 13 wounded) to make it seem like a victory, but historians have corrected that number to almost three times that based on eyewitness accounts of survivors. The Shawnee suffered an unknown number dead, but at least five are known killed.
This defeat so decimated the Shawnee that rather than rebuild the village, they moved to the Great Miami River where they settled just north of what is today the modern town of Piqua, Ohio and named their village Peckuwe (later anglicized to "Piqua").
The battle, the largest of the war west of the Allegheny Mountains, was one of only a handful of military engagements in Ohio Country during the American Revolutionary War.
Clark's expedition was in response to Bird's invasion of Kentucky earlier that summer by a combined force of Shawnee, Delaware and Miami Indians under British command that killed and captured hundreds of Americans.
The battle was part of a campaign in Ohio Country in the Western theater of the American Revolutionary War. Led by General George Rogers Clark, 970 soldiers crossed the Ohio River near present-day Cincinnati in early August 1780 and proceeded up the Little Miami and Mad Rivers. They reached the Shawnee village of Old Chillicothe (north of what is today Xenia, Ohio), which was known then as Chalawgatha to the Shawnee. Clark found it deserted and ordered it burned. He then proceeded a few miles north to the village of Piqua (not to be confused with the modern town of Piqua, Ohio on the Great Miami River) where the Shawnee had retreated. Clark arrived at the village August 8, 1780. The village surrounded a small stockade. Piqua was at that time the capital village of the Shawnee and contained at least 3000 persons.[citation needed]
After several hours of fighting, both sides suffered significant casualties. The Shawnee were driven off when Clark used artillery to bombard the stockade from river cliffs above the village. Clark's men then spent two days burning as much as 500 acres of corn surrounding the village.
Clark reported 27 casualties (14 killed and 13 wounded) to make it seem like a victory, but historians have corrected that number to almost three times that based on eyewitness accounts of survivors. The Shawnee suffered an unknown number dead, but at least five are known killed.
This defeat so decimated the Shawnee that rather than rebuild the village, they moved to the Great Miami River where they settled just north of what is today the modern town of Piqua, Ohio and named their village Peckuwe (later anglicized to "Piqua").
The battle, the largest of the war west of the Allegheny Mountains, was one of only a handful of military engagements in Ohio Country during the American Revolutionary War.
Chapter learns about “The British plans for ending the war in 1779 - 1780 Cornwallis three point attack against the colonies" (May 28, 2019)
The James Huey Chapter members heard Chapter President Ted Brode speak about “The British plans for ending the war in 1779 and 1780 Cornwallis three point attack against the colonies".
The Southern Strategy was a plan implemented by the British during the Revolutionary War to win the conflict by concentrating their forces in the southern states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Although the British proposed plans for a southern campaign as early as 1775, the strategy did not come to full fruition until France became America’s ally following the latter’s decisive win at the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777. France’s subsequent entry into the war in February 1778 forced the British to reevaluate the war in America, which had become a military quagmire. British Secretary of State for the American Department, Lord George Germain, soon responded by turning to the Southern Strategy. The strategy depended upon the assumption that many southerners remained loyal to the British. American loyalist support never matched Germain’s expectations, however, and by 1781 the Southern Strategy failed to prevent British defeat in the war.
In late 1778, Germain directed the British to begin their campaign in the small, sparsely populated, and heavily divided colony of Georgia. The Southern Strategy initially achieved success there with the British capture of the colony’s major port, Savannah, and the defection of thousands of colonists to the British in December 1778. The next year witnessed continued success of the Southern Strategy when, due to a series of logistical and diplomatic blunders, a Franco-American siege failed to recapture Savannah. Perhaps the single-most devastating event for America in the entire war then occurred at Charleston, an American-held city since the start of the Revolution, in May 1780. After a six-week siege of Charleston by British land and naval forces, American General Benjamin Lincoln, outnumbered and outsmarted by British forces under generals Henry Clinton annd Lord Charles Cornwallis, surrendered over five thousand troops and an ample amount of Continental supplies. American Major General William Moultrie of South Carolina, who aided the American forces defending Charleston against the British, remarked on the desperate state of the American cause, stating that “at this time, there never was a country in greater confusion and consternation.”
After Charleston’s fall, Cornwallis, whom Clinton had appointed commander of the Southern Department before returning to New York, began the task of fanning his troops into the southern backcountry. The summer of 1780 was demoralizing not only for the South, but for the entire American war effort, especially after American General Horatio Gates’s humiliating defeat against Cornwallis at the Battle of Camden on August 16. As the British achieved initial success, however, their harsh practices in the South, such as the brutality of officers like Colonel Banastre Tarleton, began to incite feelings of resentment among southerners. Tarleton’s actions in allowing his cavalrymen to slaughter most of an American force at the Battle of Waxhaws in late May 1780 made him infamous for cruelty in the South. An American doctor present at Waxhaws recounted the massacre to be a “scene of indiscriminate carnage never surpassed by the ruthless atrocities of the most barbarous savages.”2 As a result, a fierce partisan war between an ever-growing number of American patriots and a shrinking number of loyalists ensued in the South from 1780 to 1782.
Cornwallis’s plan to subjugate the South involved turning control of one state after another to loyalists. The strategy failed, however, when patriot militiamen and even civilians attacked and gained control of loyalist strongholds left behind by Cornwallis’s main army. Guerilla bands led by backcountry patriots such as Thomas Sumter also began attacking supply trains of Cornwallis and his army. Southern patriot militiamen proved their growing strength over loyalist forces at the decisive Battle of King’s Mountain in the North Carolina backcountry in October 1780. The Battle of King’s Mountain produced the first major American victory in the South since Savannah’s capture, and boosted the morale of southern patriots. Continued success of Continental troops under the capable American general Nathanael Greene, who was chosen to head the Southern Department in 1780, also hastened the demise of Britain’s Southern Strategy as 1781 dawned.
George Washington’s most trusted commander, Greene pursued a successful Fabian strategy against Cornwallis’s army. By dividing his army and allowing Cornwallis to chase him through the Carolinas and into Virginia in early 1781, Greene and one of his equally capable generals, Daniel Morgan, secured victory over the British at the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781. Two months later, Greene secured another strategic victory even while technically losing at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Cornwallis lost a quarter of his army in the battle, leading him to abandon the backcountry of the Carolinas and move his army to Wilmington on the North Carolina coast to resupply and rest his troops. Cornwallis’s unsanctioned decision to then march his army to Yorktown, Virginia, effectively hastened the end of the British Southern Strategy.
Although British troops were still stationed at Charleston, Savannah, and Wilmington, Cornwallis’s retreat of the main British army in the South to Virginia allowed Greene’s army, which was still largely intact, to reclaim the Carolina backcountry. With Cornwallis’s evacuation, those loyalists who remained either fled or pledged allegiance to the patriots for fear of their safety. Meanwhile, Cornwallis skirmished with American troops in Virginia under the Marquis de Lafayette during the summer of 1781. In October, Cornwallis’s army fell under siege at Yorktown by American troops led by Washington and French troops led by the Comte de Rochambeau. The arrival of French ships on the York River pinned Cornwallis between the French Navy and the French and American troops, forcing him to surrender on October 19. With the surrender of the main British army operating in the South, the British Southern Strategy, as well as the major hostilities of the American Revolution, effectively ended.
The Southern Strategy was a plan implemented by the British during the Revolutionary War to win the conflict by concentrating their forces in the southern states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Although the British proposed plans for a southern campaign as early as 1775, the strategy did not come to full fruition until France became America’s ally following the latter’s decisive win at the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777. France’s subsequent entry into the war in February 1778 forced the British to reevaluate the war in America, which had become a military quagmire. British Secretary of State for the American Department, Lord George Germain, soon responded by turning to the Southern Strategy. The strategy depended upon the assumption that many southerners remained loyal to the British. American loyalist support never matched Germain’s expectations, however, and by 1781 the Southern Strategy failed to prevent British defeat in the war.
In late 1778, Germain directed the British to begin their campaign in the small, sparsely populated, and heavily divided colony of Georgia. The Southern Strategy initially achieved success there with the British capture of the colony’s major port, Savannah, and the defection of thousands of colonists to the British in December 1778. The next year witnessed continued success of the Southern Strategy when, due to a series of logistical and diplomatic blunders, a Franco-American siege failed to recapture Savannah. Perhaps the single-most devastating event for America in the entire war then occurred at Charleston, an American-held city since the start of the Revolution, in May 1780. After a six-week siege of Charleston by British land and naval forces, American General Benjamin Lincoln, outnumbered and outsmarted by British forces under generals Henry Clinton annd Lord Charles Cornwallis, surrendered over five thousand troops and an ample amount of Continental supplies. American Major General William Moultrie of South Carolina, who aided the American forces defending Charleston against the British, remarked on the desperate state of the American cause, stating that “at this time, there never was a country in greater confusion and consternation.”
After Charleston’s fall, Cornwallis, whom Clinton had appointed commander of the Southern Department before returning to New York, began the task of fanning his troops into the southern backcountry. The summer of 1780 was demoralizing not only for the South, but for the entire American war effort, especially after American General Horatio Gates’s humiliating defeat against Cornwallis at the Battle of Camden on August 16. As the British achieved initial success, however, their harsh practices in the South, such as the brutality of officers like Colonel Banastre Tarleton, began to incite feelings of resentment among southerners. Tarleton’s actions in allowing his cavalrymen to slaughter most of an American force at the Battle of Waxhaws in late May 1780 made him infamous for cruelty in the South. An American doctor present at Waxhaws recounted the massacre to be a “scene of indiscriminate carnage never surpassed by the ruthless atrocities of the most barbarous savages.”2 As a result, a fierce partisan war between an ever-growing number of American patriots and a shrinking number of loyalists ensued in the South from 1780 to 1782.
Cornwallis’s plan to subjugate the South involved turning control of one state after another to loyalists. The strategy failed, however, when patriot militiamen and even civilians attacked and gained control of loyalist strongholds left behind by Cornwallis’s main army. Guerilla bands led by backcountry patriots such as Thomas Sumter also began attacking supply trains of Cornwallis and his army. Southern patriot militiamen proved their growing strength over loyalist forces at the decisive Battle of King’s Mountain in the North Carolina backcountry in October 1780. The Battle of King’s Mountain produced the first major American victory in the South since Savannah’s capture, and boosted the morale of southern patriots. Continued success of Continental troops under the capable American general Nathanael Greene, who was chosen to head the Southern Department in 1780, also hastened the demise of Britain’s Southern Strategy as 1781 dawned.
George Washington’s most trusted commander, Greene pursued a successful Fabian strategy against Cornwallis’s army. By dividing his army and allowing Cornwallis to chase him through the Carolinas and into Virginia in early 1781, Greene and one of his equally capable generals, Daniel Morgan, secured victory over the British at the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781. Two months later, Greene secured another strategic victory even while technically losing at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Cornwallis lost a quarter of his army in the battle, leading him to abandon the backcountry of the Carolinas and move his army to Wilmington on the North Carolina coast to resupply and rest his troops. Cornwallis’s unsanctioned decision to then march his army to Yorktown, Virginia, effectively hastened the end of the British Southern Strategy.
Although British troops were still stationed at Charleston, Savannah, and Wilmington, Cornwallis’s retreat of the main British army in the South to Virginia allowed Greene’s army, which was still largely intact, to reclaim the Carolina backcountry. With Cornwallis’s evacuation, those loyalists who remained either fled or pledged allegiance to the patriots for fear of their safety. Meanwhile, Cornwallis skirmished with American troops in Virginia under the Marquis de Lafayette during the summer of 1781. In October, Cornwallis’s army fell under siege at Yorktown by American troops led by Washington and French troops led by the Comte de Rochambeau. The arrival of French ships on the York River pinned Cornwallis between the French Navy and the French and American troops, forcing him to surrender on October 19. With the surrender of the main British army operating in the South, the British Southern Strategy, as well as the major hostilities of the American Revolution, effectively ended.
James Huey Chapter Members Judge Poster Contest during meeting (February 26, 2019)
Members of the James Huey chapter had the unenviable task of judging posters submitted for the SAR Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students' masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number.
This year’s theme was "Revolutionary War Person or Persons." The James Huey Chapter had 17 entries this year. Hudson Wood took Third place. Second place went to Felicity Hunt, while First place went to Gilly Washam. Gilly's poster on Thomas Paine is shown.
Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number.
This year’s theme was "Revolutionary War Person or Persons." The James Huey Chapter had 17 entries this year. Hudson Wood took Third place. Second place went to Felicity Hunt, while First place went to Gilly Washam. Gilly's poster on Thomas Paine is shown.
Chapter hears Knight Essay Contest Winner and presents award (October 23, 2018)
The James Huey Chapter awarded their Chapter's Knight Essay Contest Winner to Miss Lydia George for her essay “The George Washington's spies during in the American Revolutionary”. Miss George, a student of the Cedar Creek Academy in Ruston read her winning essay to the membership.
Washington became convinced that well-organized intelligence was a necessity after several intelligence failures, including the capture and execution of Nathan Hale.
The Culper Ring was a network of spies active during the American Revolutionary War, organized by Major Benjamin Tallmadge and General George Washington in 1778 during the British occupation of New York City. The name "Culper" was suggested by George Washington and taken from Culpeper County, Virginia. The leaders of the spy ring were Abraham Woodhull and Robert Townsend, using the aliases of "Samuel Culper Sr." and "Samuel Culper Jr.", respectively; Tallmadge was referred to as "John Bolton."
While Tallmadge was the spies' direct contact, Washington often directed their operations. The ring was tasked to provide Washington information on British Army operations in New York City, the British headquarters. Its members operated mostly in New York City, Long Island, and Connecticut between late October 1778 and the British evacuation of New York in 1783.
The information supplied by the spy ring included details of a surprise attack on the newly arrived French forces under Lieutenant General Rochambeau at Newport, Rhode Island, before they had recovered from their arduous sea voyage, as well as a British plan to counterfeit American currency on the actual paper used for Continental dollars, which prompted the Continental Congress to retire the bills.
The ring also informed Washington that Tryon's raid of July 1779 was intended to divide his forces and allow Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton to attack them piecemeal. In 1780, the Culper Ring discovered a high-ranking American officer, subsequently identified as Benedict Arnold, was plotting with British Major John André to turn over the vitally important American fort at West Point, New York on the Hudson River and surrender its garrison to the British forces.
Washington became convinced that well-organized intelligence was a necessity after several intelligence failures, including the capture and execution of Nathan Hale.
The Culper Ring was a network of spies active during the American Revolutionary War, organized by Major Benjamin Tallmadge and General George Washington in 1778 during the British occupation of New York City. The name "Culper" was suggested by George Washington and taken from Culpeper County, Virginia. The leaders of the spy ring were Abraham Woodhull and Robert Townsend, using the aliases of "Samuel Culper Sr." and "Samuel Culper Jr.", respectively; Tallmadge was referred to as "John Bolton."
While Tallmadge was the spies' direct contact, Washington often directed their operations. The ring was tasked to provide Washington information on British Army operations in New York City, the British headquarters. Its members operated mostly in New York City, Long Island, and Connecticut between late October 1778 and the British evacuation of New York in 1783.
The information supplied by the spy ring included details of a surprise attack on the newly arrived French forces under Lieutenant General Rochambeau at Newport, Rhode Island, before they had recovered from their arduous sea voyage, as well as a British plan to counterfeit American currency on the actual paper used for Continental dollars, which prompted the Continental Congress to retire the bills.
The ring also informed Washington that Tryon's raid of July 1779 was intended to divide his forces and allow Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton to attack them piecemeal. In 1780, the Culper Ring discovered a high-ranking American officer, subsequently identified as Benedict Arnold, was plotting with British Major John André to turn over the vitally important American fort at West Point, New York on the Hudson River and surrender its garrison to the British forces.
Chapter learns importance of Mammoth Cave and it's contribution to the 1812 War (September 25, 2018)
The James Huey Chapter hears Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray present "Mammoth Cave and it's contribution to the 1812 War effort". In partnership with Valentine Simon, various other individuals would own the land through the War of 1812, when Mammoth Cave's saltpeter reserves became significant due to the Jefferson Embargo Act of 1807 which prohibited all foreign trade. The blockade starved the American military of saltpeter and therefore gunpowder. As a result, the domestic price of saltpeter rose and production based on nitrates extracted from caves such as Mammoth Cave became more lucrative.In July 1812, the cave was purchased from Simon and other owners by Charles Wilkins and an investor from Philadelphia named Hyman Gratz. Soon the cave was being mined for calcium nitrate on an industrial scale, utilizing a labor force of 70 slaves to build and operate the soil leaching apparatus, as well as to haul the raw soil from deep in the cave to the central processing site. The bat guano that covered the bottom of the cave was exactly what our Country needed to be able to manufacture gun powder.
A half-interest in the cave changed hands for ten thousand dollars (a huge sum at the time). After the war when prices fell, the workings were abandoned and it became a minor tourist attraction centering on a Native American mummy discovered nearby. Presently the number of bats that call the cave home in are in decline. The problem is due to a fungus that is wiping out large populations of our native bats.
A half-interest in the cave changed hands for ten thousand dollars (a huge sum at the time). After the war when prices fell, the workings were abandoned and it became a minor tourist attraction centering on a Native American mummy discovered nearby. Presently the number of bats that call the cave home in are in decline. The problem is due to a fungus that is wiping out large populations of our native bats.
Chapter learns about the "Battle of Point Pleasant" (August 28, 2018)
The James Huey Chapter heard the presentation of Secretary Treasurer Steve Ray about " the Battle of Point Pleasant" and his trip to the battlefield in West Virginia. The Battle of Point Pleasant — known as the Battle of Kanawha in some older accounts — was the only major action of Dunmore's War. It was fought on October 10, 1774, primarily between Virginia militia and Native Americans from the Shawnee and Mingo peoples. Along the Ohio River near modern Point Pleasant, West Virginia, forces under the Shawnee Chief Cornstalk attacked Virginia militia under Colonel Andrew Lewis, hoping to halt Lewis's advance into the Ohio Valley. After a long and furious battle, Cornstalk retreated. After the battle, the Virginians, along with a second force led by Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia, marched into the Ohio Valley and compelled Cornstalk to agree to a treaty, ending the war.
Cornstalk's forces attacked Lewis's camp where the Kanawha River joins the Ohio River, hoping to trap him along a bluff. The battle lasted for hours and the fighting eventually became hand-to-hand. Cornstalk's voice was reportedly heard over the din of the battle, urging his warriors to "be strong." Lewis sent several companies along the Kanawha and up a nearby creek to attack the warriors from the rear, which reduced the intensity of the Shawnee offensive. Captain George Mathews was credited with a flanking maneuver that initiated Cornstalk's retreat.[4] At nightfall, the Shawnees quietly withdrew back across the Ohio. The Virginians had held their ground, and thus are considered to have won.
In April 1775, before many of the Virginians had even returned home from Dunmore's War, the battles of Lexington and Concord took place in Massachusetts. The American Revolution had begun and Lord Dunmore led the British war effort in Virginia. By the end of that year, the same militiamen who had fought at Point Pleasant managed to drive Lord Dunmore and the British troops supporting him out of Virginia.
Before his expulsion, Dunmore had sought to gain indigenous allies, including the Shawnee the militia had defeated at Point Pleasant. Many Virginians suspected he had collaborated with the Shawnee from the beginning. They claimed Dunmore had intentionally isolated the militia under Andrew Lewis, meaning for the Shawnee to destroy them before the Royal Army troops arrived. Dunmore hoped to eliminate the militia in case a rebellion did break out. However, there is no evidence to support this theory and it is generally discounted.
On February 21, 1908, the United States Senate passed Bill Number 160 to erect a monument commemorating the Battle of Point Pleasant. It cites Point Pleasant as a "battle of the Revolution". The bill failed in the House of Representatives.
Nevertheless, the Battle of Point Pleasant is honored as the first engagement of the American Revolution during "Battle Days", an annual festival in modern Point Pleasant, now a city in West Virginia.
Cornstalk's forces attacked Lewis's camp where the Kanawha River joins the Ohio River, hoping to trap him along a bluff. The battle lasted for hours and the fighting eventually became hand-to-hand. Cornstalk's voice was reportedly heard over the din of the battle, urging his warriors to "be strong." Lewis sent several companies along the Kanawha and up a nearby creek to attack the warriors from the rear, which reduced the intensity of the Shawnee offensive. Captain George Mathews was credited with a flanking maneuver that initiated Cornstalk's retreat.[4] At nightfall, the Shawnees quietly withdrew back across the Ohio. The Virginians had held their ground, and thus are considered to have won.
In April 1775, before many of the Virginians had even returned home from Dunmore's War, the battles of Lexington and Concord took place in Massachusetts. The American Revolution had begun and Lord Dunmore led the British war effort in Virginia. By the end of that year, the same militiamen who had fought at Point Pleasant managed to drive Lord Dunmore and the British troops supporting him out of Virginia.
Before his expulsion, Dunmore had sought to gain indigenous allies, including the Shawnee the militia had defeated at Point Pleasant. Many Virginians suspected he had collaborated with the Shawnee from the beginning. They claimed Dunmore had intentionally isolated the militia under Andrew Lewis, meaning for the Shawnee to destroy them before the Royal Army troops arrived. Dunmore hoped to eliminate the militia in case a rebellion did break out. However, there is no evidence to support this theory and it is generally discounted.
On February 21, 1908, the United States Senate passed Bill Number 160 to erect a monument commemorating the Battle of Point Pleasant. It cites Point Pleasant as a "battle of the Revolution". The bill failed in the House of Representatives.
Nevertheless, the Battle of Point Pleasant is honored as the first engagement of the American Revolution during "Battle Days", an annual festival in modern Point Pleasant, now a city in West Virginia.
Chapter learns about “The Culper Spy Ring” (March 27, 2018)
The James Huey Chapter heard Compatriot Gerald Graves speak about the book "George Washington's Secret Six" by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger. The book dealt with the contributions the Culper Spy Ring had on winning the American Revolution. The Culper Ring was a network of spies active during the American Revolutionary War, organized by Major Benjamin Tallmadge and General George Washington in 1778 during the British occupation of New York City. The name "Culper" was suggested by George Washington and taken from Culpeper County, Virginia. The leaders of the spy ring were Abraham Woodhull and Robert Townsend, using the aliases of "Samuel Culper Sr." and "Samuel Culper Jr.", respectively; Tallmadge was referred to as "John Bolton."While Tallmadge was the spies' direct contact, Washington often directed their operations. The ring was tasked to provide Washington information on British Army operations in New York City, the British headquarters. Its members operated mostly in New York City, Long Island, and Connecticut between late October 1778 and the British evacuation of New York in 1783.
The information supplied by the spy ring included details of a surprise attack on the newly arrived French forces under Lieutenant General Rochambeau at Newport, Rhode Island, before they had recovered from their arduous sea voyage, as well as a British plan to counterfeit American currency on the actual paper used for Continental dollars, which prompted the Continental Congress to retire the bills.
The ring also informed Washington that Tryon's raid of July 1779 was intended to divide his forces and allow Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton to attack them piecemeal. In 1780, the Culper Ring discovered a high-ranking American officer, subsequently identified as Benedict Arnold, was plotting with British Major John André to turn over the vitally important American fort at West Point, New York on the Hudson River and surrender its garrison to the British forces
The information supplied by the spy ring included details of a surprise attack on the newly arrived French forces under Lieutenant General Rochambeau at Newport, Rhode Island, before they had recovered from their arduous sea voyage, as well as a British plan to counterfeit American currency on the actual paper used for Continental dollars, which prompted the Continental Congress to retire the bills.
The ring also informed Washington that Tryon's raid of July 1779 was intended to divide his forces and allow Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton to attack them piecemeal. In 1780, the Culper Ring discovered a high-ranking American officer, subsequently identified as Benedict Arnold, was plotting with British Major John André to turn over the vitally important American fort at West Point, New York on the Hudson River and surrender its garrison to the British forces
Chapter learns about "The Hornets Nest" (February 27, 2018)
The James Huey Chapter heard Chapter President Ted Brode present his program "The Hornets Nest". The Battle of Charlotte was an American Revolutionary War battle fought in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 26, 1780. The battle took place at the Mecklenburg County Court House; which is now the site of the Bank of America tower at Trade and Tryon Streets in downtown Charlotte. An advance guard of General Charles Cornwallis' army rode into town and encountered a well-prepared Patriot militia under the command of William R. Davie in front of the court house. A skirmish ensued in which George Hanger, leading the British cavalry, was wounded. The small Patriot force, which had not intended more than token resistance, withdrew north toward Salisbury upon the arrival of Cornwallis and the main army. Contrary to Cornwallis' orders, Hanger and his cavalry blithely galloped into town. Even after the 20 men behind the house opened fire, Hanger's men continued to ride on until he was met by heavy fire from the line of militia behind the stone wall. When the first militia line maneuvered to make way for the second, Hanger misinterpreted their movement as retreat, and continued the charge. This brought him into a withering crossfire from the second line and the cavalry companies stationed to the east and west. Hanger went down with a wound, and his cavalry retreated in some disarray back to the Legion's infantry.Cornwallis, alerted by the sound of battle, rode forward to assess the situation. Sarcastically calling out "you have everything to lose, but nothing to gain", the earl ordered the legion forward once more. By this time the main army's light infantry had also begun to arrive, and Davie withdrew his forces. After 16 days in the area, Cornwallis is also reported to have said; "lets get out of this place; it's a damned hornet's nest".
Chapter hears Ninety Six South Carolina (January 23, 2018)
The James Huey Chapter watched a video narrated by Trace Atkins about the town Ninety Six and the Star Fort there. There is much confusion about the name, "Ninety Six", and the true origin may never be known. Speculation has led to the mistaken belief that traders estimated it was 96 miles (154 km) from here to the nearest Cherokee settlement of Keowee (it was about 78 miles (126 km); to a counting of creeks crossing the main road leading from Lexington, South Carolina, to Ninety-Six (a legend proved false); to an interpretation of a Welsh expression, nant-sych, meaning "dry gulch". No one is able to confirm that European founder Robert Goudey was Welsh, English, Scottish, or German.
Traders passed on information to each other about landmarks and distances along the Cherokee Path, and sometimes created maps. They estimated mileage between streams based on their day's travel. They noted unusual aspects, such as the six creeks that ran unexpectedly south away from the Saluda River and, further west, nine creeks that ran south away from the Savannah River, noting them on maps as "6" and "9". A town in this area and a district both became known as "Ninety-Six", likely related to the evolution of traders' references to 9 and 6, the landmark groups of streams. Using historical accounts and USGS maps, historians have traced the Cherokee Path across present-day Greenwood County, territory that at the time was part of other districts.
Another source suggests the numerical reference was to measuring by "chains", traditional in English parishes. Even so, the origin of the name "Ninety-Six" remains a mystery. Ninety Six has been noted for its unusual place name.
Traders passed on information to each other about landmarks and distances along the Cherokee Path, and sometimes created maps. They estimated mileage between streams based on their day's travel. They noted unusual aspects, such as the six creeks that ran unexpectedly south away from the Saluda River and, further west, nine creeks that ran south away from the Savannah River, noting them on maps as "6" and "9". A town in this area and a district both became known as "Ninety-Six", likely related to the evolution of traders' references to 9 and 6, the landmark groups of streams. Using historical accounts and USGS maps, historians have traced the Cherokee Path across present-day Greenwood County, territory that at the time was part of other districts.
Another source suggests the numerical reference was to measuring by "chains", traditional in English parishes. Even so, the origin of the name "Ninety-Six" remains a mystery. Ninety Six has been noted for its unusual place name.
Chapter learns about Thanksgiving for the Continental Army (November 28, 2017)
The James Huey Chapter Members heard Chapter President Ted Brode speak about what the Revolutionary Soldier ate and what would likely be served for Thanksgiving. According to The Private Soldier Under Washington, by Charles Knowles Bolton (New York, Scribner's, 1902): "Substantially the same ration was approved by Congress November 4, 1775, but with 'or cider' after the word 'beer.'"
In time, the ration changed due to problems with transporting the rations to the soldiers. For example, in spring of 1778, at Valley Forge, General Washington ordered that the 12,000 men encamped there, each was to receive daily: 1-1/2 pounds of flour or bread, 1 pound of beef or fish, 3/4 pound of pork, and 1 gill of whiskey or spirit; or 1-1/2 pounds of flour, 1/2 pound or pork or bacon, 1/2 pint of peas or beans, and 1 gill of whiskey or spirits, as or when they were available.
When in camp, the soldiers were housed in tents, except those in cold areas during winter; however, the basic plan was for six soldiers to share either a tent or a "hut" and, as at sea, the six created a "mess" or an eating unit which received the rations fit or available for six men and then cooked the food themselves.
Where soldiers had families on campaign with them, those women who were considered as companions for the men were also included in the rations and usually they served as cooks for their mess. A Commissary General of Purchases was appointed by the Continental Congress to arrange for the purchase of rations and their transport.
Even before a food supply system was organized, on June 10, 1775, the Massachusetts Provincial Council set the daily allowance or ration for its troops in Boston as:
In time, the ration changed due to problems with transporting the rations to the soldiers. For example, in spring of 1778, at Valley Forge, General Washington ordered that the 12,000 men encamped there, each was to receive daily: 1-1/2 pounds of flour or bread, 1 pound of beef or fish, 3/4 pound of pork, and 1 gill of whiskey or spirit; or 1-1/2 pounds of flour, 1/2 pound or pork or bacon, 1/2 pint of peas or beans, and 1 gill of whiskey or spirits, as or when they were available.
When in camp, the soldiers were housed in tents, except those in cold areas during winter; however, the basic plan was for six soldiers to share either a tent or a "hut" and, as at sea, the six created a "mess" or an eating unit which received the rations fit or available for six men and then cooked the food themselves.
Where soldiers had families on campaign with them, those women who were considered as companions for the men were also included in the rations and usually they served as cooks for their mess. A Commissary General of Purchases was appointed by the Continental Congress to arrange for the purchase of rations and their transport.
Even before a food supply system was organized, on June 10, 1775, the Massachusetts Provincial Council set the daily allowance or ration for its troops in Boston as:
- One pound of bread
- Half a pound of beef and half a pound of pork; and if pork cannot be had, one pound and a quarter of beef; and one day in seven they shall have one pound and one quarter of salt fish, instead of one day's allowance of meat
- One pint of milk, or if milk cannot be had, one gill [half a cup] of rice
- One quart of good spruce or malt beer
- One gill of peas or beans, or other sauce equivalent
- Six ounces of good butter per week
- One pound of good common soap for six men per week
- Half a pint of vinegar per week per man, if it can be had.
Chapter hears Knight Essay Contest Winner and presents award (October 24, 2017)
The James Huey Chapter awarded their Chapter's Knight Essay Contest Winner to Miss Lydia George for her essay “The Role George Washington played in medicine during the American Revolutionary”. Miss George, a student of the Cedar Creek Academy in Ruston read her winning essay to the membership.
The New World of the Western Hemisphere was devastated by the 1775–1782 North American smallpox epidemic. Columbus' first voyage to America can be attributed for bringing the smallpox virus to America and led to its spread across most of the continent of North America.
Smallpox was a dangerous disease caused by the variola major virus. The most common type of smallpox, ordinary, historically has devastated populations with a 30% death rate. The smallpox virus is transmittable through bodily fluids and materials contaminated with infected materials. Generally, face-to-face contact is required for an individual to contract smallpox as a result of an interaction with another human. Unlike some viruses, humans are the only carriers of variola major. This limits the chances of the virus being unknowingly spread through contact with insect or other animal populations. Persons infected with smallpox are infectious to others for about 24 days after their infection time. However, there is a period of time in which individuals are contagious but have only begun to experience minor symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, and sometimes vomiting.
This epidemic occurred during the years of the American Revolutionary War. During this time, there was no medical technology widely available to protect soldiers from outbreaks in crowded and unhygienic troop camps. Thus, this virus posed a major threat to the success of the Continental Army, led by George Washington.
It is not known where the outbreak began, but the epidemic was not limited to the colonies on the Eastern seaboard, nor to the areas ravaged by hostilities. The outbreak spread throughout the North American continent. In 1775 it was already raging through British-occupied Boston and among the Continental Army's invasion of Canada. During Washington's siege of Boston the disease broke out among both Continental and British camps. Many escaped slaves who had fled to the British lines in the South likewise contracted smallpox and died. In the South, it reached Texas, and from 1778 to 1779, New Orleans was especially hard hit due to its densely populated urban area. By 1779 the disease had spread to Mexico and would cause the deaths of tens of thousands. At its end the epidemic had crossed the Great Plains, reaching as far west as the Pacific coast, as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico, infecting virtually every part of the continent.
One of the worst tragedies of the pandemic was the massive toll it took on the indigenous population of the Americas. The disease was likely spread via the travels of the Shoshone Indian tribes. Beginning in 1780 it reached the Pueblos of the territory comprising present day New Mexico. It also showed up in the interior trading posts of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1782. It affected nearly every tribe on the continent, including the northwestern coast. It is estimated to have killed nearly 11,000 Native Americans in the Western area of present-day Washington, reducing the population from 37,000 to 26,000 in just seven years.
George Washington contributed greatly to the progression of public health systems in America. During his time working with the Continental Army, Washington observed how smallpox and other diseases spread like wildfire through Army camps and gatherings. This was often due to the cramped and dirty living conditions of these places. Washington understood the destructive nature of smallpox and other diseases such as malaria, diphtheria, and scarlet fever. He was one of the first to introduce the idea of compulsory health initiatives such as widespread inoculation. Washington also had experience with disease outside the realm of combat and war. Having himself suffered from many illnesses and observing those of his family, George Washington was an integral part of the establishment of American public health programs.
Along with quarantine, another one of Washington's methods for keeping his men healthy was with the use of inoculation. Washington, like others of the time period, was not intimately familiar with the exact mechanisms of the virus. However, he and others were able to realize that men who had previously contracted and subsequently recovered from smallpox were unlikely to become ill a second time. Thus, early on Washington recognized the strategic advantage of these individuals. During an outbreak in Boston, Washington sent troops made up only of men who had previously been infected with smallpox. With this, he was able to both protect his soldiers and take advantage of the vulnerability of Boston and its British inhabitants during the smallpox outbreak of March 1776.
Initially, George Washington was reluctant to inoculate his troops. But as he watched many of his men fall victim to smallpox, Washington believed that he would be able to keep his troops healthy through sanitary and quarantine methods. There were several events that contributed to the change of Washington's policy. First, Washington recognized that quarantine and attempted cleanliness were not enough to keep his vital troops healthy and in fighting form. Additionally, many prominent members of colonial society were having themselves and their families inoculated. Eventually, even George Washington's wife, Martha Washington was herself inoculated. It was not long after this that Washington initiated the inoculation of the American troops. Washington recognized the dangers of inoculating these men; many patients died as result of the infection caused by inoculation. However, the importance of keeping his men healthy outweighed the risks, and almost all Continental soldiers were inoculated against smallpox. Washington (a survivor of smallpox himself) understood the danger that smallpox posed to his men, saying "Necessity not only authorizes but seems to require the measure, for should the disorder infect the Army . . . we should have more to dread from it, than from the Sword of the Enemy." However, it was more complex than just Washington making this decision. Local officials were concerned that the inoculation of soldiers would lead to the accidental spread of smallpox among civilians. But Washington persisted in his quest and managed to get the majority of his soldiers inoculated. Along with the rise in popularity of the practice, Washington's decision to inoculate his troops was also extremely strategic; he was able to realize the deep impact an epidemic would have on his troops. Immunity was initially more widespread among the British men than the Americans. This was due to the more accepted practice of inoculation in Europe and the high rate of childhood cases, resulting in immunity. With this, an epidemic spread among Americans could prove disastrous to the American cause. With his men at Valley Forge inoculated, Washington was able to proceed with more confidence, knowing that at least his men would not be struck down by the smallpox virus.
The accompanying slide shows how inoculations were given in the revolution, but it was not until 1798 with Dr. Edward Jenner introducing the use of the Cow Pox virus as the inoculating agent instead of the Small Pox virus.
The New World of the Western Hemisphere was devastated by the 1775–1782 North American smallpox epidemic. Columbus' first voyage to America can be attributed for bringing the smallpox virus to America and led to its spread across most of the continent of North America.
Smallpox was a dangerous disease caused by the variola major virus. The most common type of smallpox, ordinary, historically has devastated populations with a 30% death rate. The smallpox virus is transmittable through bodily fluids and materials contaminated with infected materials. Generally, face-to-face contact is required for an individual to contract smallpox as a result of an interaction with another human. Unlike some viruses, humans are the only carriers of variola major. This limits the chances of the virus being unknowingly spread through contact with insect or other animal populations. Persons infected with smallpox are infectious to others for about 24 days after their infection time. However, there is a period of time in which individuals are contagious but have only begun to experience minor symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, and sometimes vomiting.
This epidemic occurred during the years of the American Revolutionary War. During this time, there was no medical technology widely available to protect soldiers from outbreaks in crowded and unhygienic troop camps. Thus, this virus posed a major threat to the success of the Continental Army, led by George Washington.
It is not known where the outbreak began, but the epidemic was not limited to the colonies on the Eastern seaboard, nor to the areas ravaged by hostilities. The outbreak spread throughout the North American continent. In 1775 it was already raging through British-occupied Boston and among the Continental Army's invasion of Canada. During Washington's siege of Boston the disease broke out among both Continental and British camps. Many escaped slaves who had fled to the British lines in the South likewise contracted smallpox and died. In the South, it reached Texas, and from 1778 to 1779, New Orleans was especially hard hit due to its densely populated urban area. By 1779 the disease had spread to Mexico and would cause the deaths of tens of thousands. At its end the epidemic had crossed the Great Plains, reaching as far west as the Pacific coast, as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico, infecting virtually every part of the continent.
One of the worst tragedies of the pandemic was the massive toll it took on the indigenous population of the Americas. The disease was likely spread via the travels of the Shoshone Indian tribes. Beginning in 1780 it reached the Pueblos of the territory comprising present day New Mexico. It also showed up in the interior trading posts of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1782. It affected nearly every tribe on the continent, including the northwestern coast. It is estimated to have killed nearly 11,000 Native Americans in the Western area of present-day Washington, reducing the population from 37,000 to 26,000 in just seven years.
George Washington contributed greatly to the progression of public health systems in America. During his time working with the Continental Army, Washington observed how smallpox and other diseases spread like wildfire through Army camps and gatherings. This was often due to the cramped and dirty living conditions of these places. Washington understood the destructive nature of smallpox and other diseases such as malaria, diphtheria, and scarlet fever. He was one of the first to introduce the idea of compulsory health initiatives such as widespread inoculation. Washington also had experience with disease outside the realm of combat and war. Having himself suffered from many illnesses and observing those of his family, George Washington was an integral part of the establishment of American public health programs.
Along with quarantine, another one of Washington's methods for keeping his men healthy was with the use of inoculation. Washington, like others of the time period, was not intimately familiar with the exact mechanisms of the virus. However, he and others were able to realize that men who had previously contracted and subsequently recovered from smallpox were unlikely to become ill a second time. Thus, early on Washington recognized the strategic advantage of these individuals. During an outbreak in Boston, Washington sent troops made up only of men who had previously been infected with smallpox. With this, he was able to both protect his soldiers and take advantage of the vulnerability of Boston and its British inhabitants during the smallpox outbreak of March 1776.
Initially, George Washington was reluctant to inoculate his troops. But as he watched many of his men fall victim to smallpox, Washington believed that he would be able to keep his troops healthy through sanitary and quarantine methods. There were several events that contributed to the change of Washington's policy. First, Washington recognized that quarantine and attempted cleanliness were not enough to keep his vital troops healthy and in fighting form. Additionally, many prominent members of colonial society were having themselves and their families inoculated. Eventually, even George Washington's wife, Martha Washington was herself inoculated. It was not long after this that Washington initiated the inoculation of the American troops. Washington recognized the dangers of inoculating these men; many patients died as result of the infection caused by inoculation. However, the importance of keeping his men healthy outweighed the risks, and almost all Continental soldiers were inoculated against smallpox. Washington (a survivor of smallpox himself) understood the danger that smallpox posed to his men, saying "Necessity not only authorizes but seems to require the measure, for should the disorder infect the Army . . . we should have more to dread from it, than from the Sword of the Enemy." However, it was more complex than just Washington making this decision. Local officials were concerned that the inoculation of soldiers would lead to the accidental spread of smallpox among civilians. But Washington persisted in his quest and managed to get the majority of his soldiers inoculated. Along with the rise in popularity of the practice, Washington's decision to inoculate his troops was also extremely strategic; he was able to realize the deep impact an epidemic would have on his troops. Immunity was initially more widespread among the British men than the Americans. This was due to the more accepted practice of inoculation in Europe and the high rate of childhood cases, resulting in immunity. With this, an epidemic spread among Americans could prove disastrous to the American cause. With his men at Valley Forge inoculated, Washington was able to proceed with more confidence, knowing that at least his men would not be struck down by the smallpox virus.
The accompanying slide shows how inoculations were given in the revolution, but it was not until 1798 with Dr. Edward Jenner introducing the use of the Cow Pox virus as the inoculating agent instead of the Small Pox virus.
Chapter learns about Compatriot Ancestors (September 24, 2017)
The James Huey Chapter heard compatriots speak of their patriot ancestor's contribution to the cause of American Independence. To initiate the SAR membership process, you should begin by ensuring that you can satisfy the SAR membership requirements and that you are a direct descendant of a Revolutionary War Patriot. The SAR does not restrict membership on basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, nation of citizenship or residency. To establish eligibility you must be able to confirm that you are a direct ancestral line descendant of a Patriot by providing appropriate SAR acceptable documentation. Legitimacy through marriage of an ancestor is not a factor as long as appropriate proof of descendancy is provided to confirm the applicant’s direct descent from their Revolutionary War Patriot (your Revolutionary War Patriot must be a great-great grandfather or great-great grandmother of some degree). Plural marriage families are not excluded from SAR membership. Proving bloodline descent, whether legitimate or illegitimate, from a patriot ancestor to yourself is what is required for SAR membership and is what must be documented. Additionally, you must be sponsored by two current SAR members; your local SAR chapter can likely assist you in fulfilling this requirement.
Chapter learns about the Battle of Kettle Creek (July 27, 2017)
The James Huey Chapter members heard our Chapter President and State President Ted Brode and his presentation about the Battle of Kettle Creek where our Chapter namesake James Huey fought in the American Revolution. The Battle of Kettle Creek was a minor encounter in the back country of Georgia during the American Revolutionary War that took place on February 14, 1779. It was fought in Wilkes County about eight miles (13 km) from present-day Washington, Georgia. A militia force of Patriots decisively defeated and scattered a Loyalist militia force that was on its way to British-controlled Augusta.
The victory demonstrated the inability of British forces to hold the interior of the state, or to protect even sizable numbers of Loyalist recruits outside their immediate area. The British, who had already decided to abandon Augusta, recovered some prestige a few weeks later, surprising a Patriot force in the Battle of Brier Creek. Georgia's back country would not come fully under British control until after the 1780 Siege of Charleston broke Patriot forces in the South.
The victory demonstrated the inability of British forces to hold the interior of the state, or to protect even sizable numbers of Loyalist recruits outside their immediate area. The British, who had already decided to abandon Augusta, recovered some prestige a few weeks later, surprising a Patriot force in the Battle of Brier Creek. Georgia's back country would not come fully under British control until after the 1780 Siege of Charleston broke Patriot forces in the South.
Chapter Holds Memorial Day Ceremony at Grave of Namesake James Huey (May 27, 2017)
On Saturday morning at 9AM the James Huey Chapter members held a Memorial Day Ceremony for Chapter namesake James Huey a South Carolina Militiaman who served several tours of duty and fought in the battles of Cowpens and Eutaw Springs during the American Revolution. Born in Augusta County, Virginia, James and his family moved to Chester County, South Carolina when he was 14. He remained in Chester County until January, 1812, when the Huey family and several other families journeyed four months westward from South Carolina to where they eventually settled in Ouachita Parish in April of that year.
James Huey is buried just inside present day Ouachita Parish (barely) in the community of Indian Village. His grave can be found if coming (from the west) Take the 101 Exit at Calhoun. Go to Hwy 80 (straight rather than the ‘town tour” using 151.) At the Exxon Station (Country Corner) turn left (east) back toward Monroe. Then (1/3 mile) turn South on Hwy 151 and cross the railroad track. Go a little farther (1/4 mile) & turn right on to Hwy 144. Continue (3.8 miles) on Hwy 144 until you get to Indian Village Methodist Church. It will be on your right. Shortly past the church (less than 1/4 mile), you will turn left on Guyton Swamp Road. Shortly after that (1/4 mile) turn right on Alton Mills Road (it is gravel) till you come to the end of the road (1/2 mile). The cemetery is at the end of the road on your right. (from the east) Can be the same or use exit 101, turning left onto US 80 to LA 151 and then turning right (south) at which point the directions would be the same.
Pictured (l - r) Jim Miller, Fred Hamilton and Chapter President Ted Brode
James Huey is buried just inside present day Ouachita Parish (barely) in the community of Indian Village. His grave can be found if coming (from the west) Take the 101 Exit at Calhoun. Go to Hwy 80 (straight rather than the ‘town tour” using 151.) At the Exxon Station (Country Corner) turn left (east) back toward Monroe. Then (1/3 mile) turn South on Hwy 151 and cross the railroad track. Go a little farther (1/4 mile) & turn right on to Hwy 144. Continue (3.8 miles) on Hwy 144 until you get to Indian Village Methodist Church. It will be on your right. Shortly past the church (less than 1/4 mile), you will turn left on Guyton Swamp Road. Shortly after that (1/4 mile) turn right on Alton Mills Road (it is gravel) till you come to the end of the road (1/2 mile). The cemetery is at the end of the road on your right. (from the east) Can be the same or use exit 101, turning left onto US 80 to LA 151 and then turning right (south) at which point the directions would be the same.
Pictured (l - r) Jim Miller, Fred Hamilton and Chapter President Ted Brode
Chapter learns about the history cannon making & the significance of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London's East End to America (May 23, 2017)
Chapter President Ted Brode informed the membership about the significance of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London's East End to America. The foundry closed closed on 12 June 2017, after nearly 450 years of bell-making and 250 years at its Whitechapel site. Besides the foundry business being one of the longest lived businesses in England, the Whitechapel Bell Foundry (In 1752 the foundry was then known at the time as Lester and Pack) cast the Liberty Bell, which was commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of William Penn's 1701 Charter of Privileges, Pennsylvania's original constitution. As a result of damage sustained during its stormy passage across the Atlantic, the bell cracked when it was first rung, and after repeated repairs cracked again in 1846 when rung to mark the birthday of George Washington. Since 2003, the bell has been housed at the Liberty Bell Center near Independence Hall.
James Huey Chapter Awards Elementary School Poster Contest winners during meeting and hear reports from Annual Meeting (April 25, 2017)
During our Chapter meeting, the winners of the James Huey Chapter Poster Contest were awarded their certificates and prizes. First place was awarded to Haley Lancaster with her entry "Green Mountain Boys". There was a tie between Kendall Parker with her entry "Abigail Adams" and Ilena Sumrall with her entry "Martha Washington" both contestants received Second Place. That evening our Chapter was also able to award Ms. Lancaster another award and prize as she was chosen the winner of the Louisiana State Society Poster Contest during our Society's Annual Meeting on April 8th in Alexandria and now her poster will advance to compete at the National Contest to be held in Knoxville Tennessee. All of the children who participated in the contest were from the Central Elementary School in Calhoun.
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students' masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
Pictured (l - r): Poster Contest Chairman Fred Hamilton, Haley Lancaster, Kendall Parker, Ilena Sumrall
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students' masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
Pictured (l - r): Poster Contest Chairman Fred Hamilton, Haley Lancaster, Kendall Parker, Ilena Sumrall
James Huey Chapter Members Judge Poster Contest during meeting (March 28, 2017)
Members of the James Huey chapter had the unenviable task of judging posters submitted for the SAR Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students' masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
This year’s theme was "Revolutionary War Person or Persons." The James Huey Chapter had 27 entries this year. First place went to Haley Lancaster with her entry "Green Mountain Boys" We had a tie with Kendall Parker with her entry "Abigail Adams" and Ilena Sumrall with her entry "Martha Washington" both receiving Second Place.
This year’s theme was "Revolutionary War Person or Persons." The James Huey Chapter had 27 entries this year. First place went to Haley Lancaster with her entry "Green Mountain Boys" We had a tie with Kendall Parker with her entry "Abigail Adams" and Ilena Sumrall with her entry "Martha Washington" both receiving Second Place.
Chapter installs recruitment banner in West Monroe at intersection of Cypress Street and Downing Pines Road (February 25, 2017)
Chapter learns about "Gulf Coast Campaign" (January 24, 2017)
Chapter President Ted Brode presented "The Pensacola Campaign" to the membership. The Gulf Coast campaign or the Spanish conquest of West Florida in the American Revolutionary War, was a series of military operations primarily directed by the governor of Spanish Louisiana, Bernardo de Gálvez against the British province of West Florida. Begun with operations against British positions on the Mississippi River shortly after Britain and Spain went to war in 1779, Gálvez completed the conquest of West Florida in 1781 with the successful siege of Pensacola.
Spain officially entered the American Revolutionary War on 8 May 1779, with a formal declaration of war by King Charles III. This declaration was followed by another on 8 July that authorized his colonial subjects to engage in hostilities against the British. When Bernardo de Gálvez, the colonial Governor of Spanish Louisiana received word of this on 21 July, he immediately began to secretly plan offensive operations. Gálvez, who had been planning for the possibility of war since April, intercepted communications from the British at Pensacola indicating that the British were planning a surprise attack on New Orleans; he decided to launch his own attack first. To that end, he concealed from the public his receipt of the second proclamation.
Spain officially entered the American Revolutionary War on 8 May 1779, with a formal declaration of war by King Charles III. This declaration was followed by another on 8 July that authorized his colonial subjects to engage in hostilities against the British. When Bernardo de Gálvez, the colonial Governor of Spanish Louisiana received word of this on 21 July, he immediately began to secretly plan offensive operations. Gálvez, who had been planning for the possibility of war since April, intercepted communications from the British at Pensacola indicating that the British were planning a surprise attack on New Orleans; he decided to launch his own attack first. To that end, he concealed from the public his receipt of the second proclamation.
Chapter hears Essay Contest Winner & Program "Thanksgivings of the Revolution" (November 22, 2016)
The James Huey Chapter awarded their Chapter's Knight Essay Contest Winner to Miss Lydia George for her essay “John Paul Jones: A Revered Revolutionary War Hero of the American Navy”. Miss George, a student of the Cedar Creek Academy in Ruston read her winning essay to the membership.
Chapter President Ted Brode also presented the program for the evening "Thanksgivings of the Revolution". The First National Proclamation of Thanksgiving was given by the Continental Congress in 1777 from its temporary location in York, Pennsylvania, while the British occupied the national capital at Philadelphia. Delegate Samuel Adams created the first draft. Congress then adopted the final version:For as much as it is the indispensable Duty of all Men to adore the superintending Providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with Gratitude their Obligation to him for Benefits received, and to implore such farther Blessings as they stand in Need of: And it had pleased him in his abundant Mercy, not only to continue to us the innumerable Bounties of his common Providence; but also to smile upon us in the Prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the Defense and Establishment of our unalienable Rights and Liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased, in so great a Measure, to prosper the Means used for the Support of our Troops, and to crown our Arms with most signal success:
It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these United States to set apart Thursday, the eighteenth Day of December next, for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise: That at one Time and with one Voice, the good People may express the grateful Feelings of their Hearts, and consecrate themselves to the Service of their Divine Benefactor; and that, together with their sincere Acknowledgments and Offerings, they may join the penitent Confession of their manifold Sins, whereby they had forfeited every Favor; and their humble and earnest Supplication that it may please God through the Merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of Remembrance; That it may please him graciously to afford his Blessing on the Governments of these States respectively, and prosper the public Council of the whole: To inspire our Commanders, both by Land and Sea, and all under them, with that Wisdom and Fortitude which may render them fit Instruments, under the Providence of Almighty God, to secure for these United States, the greatest of all human Blessings, Independence and Peace: That it may please him, to prosper the Trade and Manufactures of the People, and the Labor of the Husbandman, that our Land may yield its Increase: To take Schools and Seminaries of Education, so necessary for cultivating the Principles of true Liberty, Virtue and Piety, under his nurturing Hand; and to prosper the Means of Religion, for the promotion and enlargement of that Kingdom, which consisteth "in Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost.
And it is further recommended, That servile Labor, and such Recreation, as, though at other Times innocent, may be unbecoming the Purpose of this Appointment, be omitted on so solemn an Occasion.
George Washington, leader of the revolutionary forces in the American Revolutionary War, proclaimed a Thanksgiving in December 1777 as a victory celebration honoring the defeat of the British at Saratoga.
Chapter President Ted Brode also presented the program for the evening "Thanksgivings of the Revolution". The First National Proclamation of Thanksgiving was given by the Continental Congress in 1777 from its temporary location in York, Pennsylvania, while the British occupied the national capital at Philadelphia. Delegate Samuel Adams created the first draft. Congress then adopted the final version:For as much as it is the indispensable Duty of all Men to adore the superintending Providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with Gratitude their Obligation to him for Benefits received, and to implore such farther Blessings as they stand in Need of: And it had pleased him in his abundant Mercy, not only to continue to us the innumerable Bounties of his common Providence; but also to smile upon us in the Prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the Defense and Establishment of our unalienable Rights and Liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased, in so great a Measure, to prosper the Means used for the Support of our Troops, and to crown our Arms with most signal success:
It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these United States to set apart Thursday, the eighteenth Day of December next, for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise: That at one Time and with one Voice, the good People may express the grateful Feelings of their Hearts, and consecrate themselves to the Service of their Divine Benefactor; and that, together with their sincere Acknowledgments and Offerings, they may join the penitent Confession of their manifold Sins, whereby they had forfeited every Favor; and their humble and earnest Supplication that it may please God through the Merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of Remembrance; That it may please him graciously to afford his Blessing on the Governments of these States respectively, and prosper the public Council of the whole: To inspire our Commanders, both by Land and Sea, and all under them, with that Wisdom and Fortitude which may render them fit Instruments, under the Providence of Almighty God, to secure for these United States, the greatest of all human Blessings, Independence and Peace: That it may please him, to prosper the Trade and Manufactures of the People, and the Labor of the Husbandman, that our Land may yield its Increase: To take Schools and Seminaries of Education, so necessary for cultivating the Principles of true Liberty, Virtue and Piety, under his nurturing Hand; and to prosper the Means of Religion, for the promotion and enlargement of that Kingdom, which consisteth "in Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost.
And it is further recommended, That servile Labor, and such Recreation, as, though at other Times innocent, may be unbecoming the Purpose of this Appointment, be omitted on so solemn an Occasion.
George Washington, leader of the revolutionary forces in the American Revolutionary War, proclaimed a Thanksgiving in December 1777 as a victory celebration honoring the defeat of the British at Saratoga.
Chapter learns about the “The Powder Alarm” (October 25, 2016)
Chapter President Ted Brode The Powder Alarm was a major popular reaction to the removal of gunpowder from a magazine by British soldiers under orders from General Thomas Gage, royal governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, on September 1, 1774. In response to this action, amid rumors that blood had been shed, alarm spread through the countryside to Connecticut and beyond, and American Patriots sprang into action, fearing that war was at hand. Thousands of militiamen began streaming toward Boston and Cambridge, and mob action forced Loyalists and some government officials to flee to the protection of the British Army.Although it proved to be a false alarm, the Powder Alarm caused political and military leaders to proceed more carefully in the days ahead, and essentially provided a "dress rehearsal" for the Battles of Lexington and Concord seven and a half months later. Furthermore, actions on both sides to control weaponry, gunpowder, and other military supplies became more contentious, as the British sought to bring military stores more directly under their control, and the Patriot colonists sought to acquire them for their own use.
Chapter learns about "Morgan's Riflemen" (September 27, 2016)
The James Huey Chapter was lucky to have as a guest, Mack Colvin of Ruston, who is an avid gunsmith and carpenter and makes items found during the 1840's and earlier that are associated with the mountain man era which he portrays at rendezvous and reenactments in the area. Mr. Colvin informed the membership about Morgan's Riflemen and their contributions during the American Revolution. Morgan's Riflemen or Morgan's Rifles, previously Morgan's Sharpshooters, and the one named Provisional Rifle Corps, were an elite light infantry unit commanded by General Daniel Morgan in the American Revolutionary War, which served a vital role executing his tasks because it was equipped with what was then the cutting-edge rifle instead of muskets, allowing for a Rifleman to have an effective range of double that of the average Infantryman. The rifle or more properly, the Pennsylvania Long Rifle and later known as the Kentucky Rifle made by German immigrants was cutting edge at the time as it had grooves called rifling to spin the ball greatly improving accuracy.
Chapter learns about the 1774 British Parliament Coercive Acts (August 23, 2016)
The James Huey Chapter heard Chapter President Ted Brode present the Intolerable Acts aka Coercive Acts that lead to the "Powder Alarm" incident.
The Intolerable Acts were punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 after the Boston Tea Party. The laws were meant to punish the Massachusetts colonists for their defiance in the Tea Party protest in reaction to changes in taxation by the British Government. In Great Britain, these laws were referred to as the Coercive Acts.The acts took away self-governance and rights that Massachusetts had enjoyed since its founding, triggering outrage and indignation in the Thirteen Colonies. They were key developments in the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War in April 1775.
Four of the acts were issued in direct response to the Boston Tea Party of December 16, 1773. The British Parliament hoped these punitive measures would, by making an example of Massachusetts, reverse the trend of colonial resistance to parliamentary authority that had begun with the 1764 Sugar Act. A fifth act, the Quebec Act, enlarged the boundaries of what was then the Province of Quebec notably Southwest into the Ohio Country and other future mid-western states, and instituted reforms generally favorable to the French Catholic inhabitants of the region. Although unrelated to the other four Acts, it was passed in the same legislative session and seen by the colonists as one of the Intolerable Acts. The Patriots viewed the acts as an arbitrary violation of the rights of Massachusetts, and in September 1774 they organized the First Continental Congress to coordinate a protest. As tensions escalated, the American Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, leading in July 1776 to the declaration of an independent United States of America.
The Intolerable Acts were punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 after the Boston Tea Party. The laws were meant to punish the Massachusetts colonists for their defiance in the Tea Party protest in reaction to changes in taxation by the British Government. In Great Britain, these laws were referred to as the Coercive Acts.The acts took away self-governance and rights that Massachusetts had enjoyed since its founding, triggering outrage and indignation in the Thirteen Colonies. They were key developments in the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War in April 1775.
Four of the acts were issued in direct response to the Boston Tea Party of December 16, 1773. The British Parliament hoped these punitive measures would, by making an example of Massachusetts, reverse the trend of colonial resistance to parliamentary authority that had begun with the 1764 Sugar Act. A fifth act, the Quebec Act, enlarged the boundaries of what was then the Province of Quebec notably Southwest into the Ohio Country and other future mid-western states, and instituted reforms generally favorable to the French Catholic inhabitants of the region. Although unrelated to the other four Acts, it was passed in the same legislative session and seen by the colonists as one of the Intolerable Acts. The Patriots viewed the acts as an arbitrary violation of the rights of Massachusetts, and in September 1774 they organized the First Continental Congress to coordinate a protest. As tensions escalated, the American Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, leading in July 1776 to the declaration of an independent United States of America.
Compatriot describes trip to Valley Forge and other stops in New York and Pennsylvania (July 26, 2016)
Compatriot Fred Hamilton and wife Frieda of Ruston shared with the membership about their recent trip to Valley Forge and other stops in New York and Pennsylvania.
Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site of the third winter encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, taking place from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778. The National Park Service preserves the site and interprets the history of the Valley Forge encampment. Originally Valley Forge State Park, it became a national historical park in 1976. The park contains historical buildings, recreated encampment structures, memorials, museums, and recreation facilities.
From May 10, 1775, to 1783, the Pennsylvania State House served as the principal meeting place of the Second Continental Congress, a body of representatives from each of the thirteen British North American colonies.
On June 14, 1775, delegates of the Continental Congress nominated George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House. The Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin to be the first Postmaster General of what would later become the United States Post Office Department on July 26.
The United States Declaration of Independence was approved there on July 4, 1776, and the Declaration was read aloud to the public in the area now known as Independence Square. This document unified the colonies in North America who declared themselves independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain and explained their justifications for doing so. These historic events are celebrated annually with a national holiday for U.S. Independence Day.
The Congress continued to meet there until December 12, 1776, after which the Congress evacuated Philadelphia. During the British occupation of Philadelphia, the Continental Congress met in Baltimore, Maryland (December 20, 1776 to February 27, 1777). The Congress returned to Philadelphia from March 4, 1777 to September 18, 1777.
In September 1777, the British Army again arrived to occupy Philadelphia, once again forcing the Continental Congress to abandon the State House. It then met in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for one day (September 27, 1777) and in York, Pennsylvania, for nine months (September 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778), where the Articles of Confederation were approved in November 1777. The Second Continental Congress again returned to Independence Hall, for its final meetings, from July 2, 1778 to March 1, 1781.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the Congress of the Confederation initially met in Independence Hall, from March 1, 1781 to June 21, 1783. However, as a result of the Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783, Congress again moved from Philadelphia in June 1783 to Princeton, New Jersey, and eventually to other cities.
Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site of the third winter encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, taking place from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778. The National Park Service preserves the site and interprets the history of the Valley Forge encampment. Originally Valley Forge State Park, it became a national historical park in 1976. The park contains historical buildings, recreated encampment structures, memorials, museums, and recreation facilities.
From May 10, 1775, to 1783, the Pennsylvania State House served as the principal meeting place of the Second Continental Congress, a body of representatives from each of the thirteen British North American colonies.
On June 14, 1775, delegates of the Continental Congress nominated George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House. The Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin to be the first Postmaster General of what would later become the United States Post Office Department on July 26.
The United States Declaration of Independence was approved there on July 4, 1776, and the Declaration was read aloud to the public in the area now known as Independence Square. This document unified the colonies in North America who declared themselves independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain and explained their justifications for doing so. These historic events are celebrated annually with a national holiday for U.S. Independence Day.
The Congress continued to meet there until December 12, 1776, after which the Congress evacuated Philadelphia. During the British occupation of Philadelphia, the Continental Congress met in Baltimore, Maryland (December 20, 1776 to February 27, 1777). The Congress returned to Philadelphia from March 4, 1777 to September 18, 1777.
In September 1777, the British Army again arrived to occupy Philadelphia, once again forcing the Continental Congress to abandon the State House. It then met in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for one day (September 27, 1777) and in York, Pennsylvania, for nine months (September 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778), where the Articles of Confederation were approved in November 1777. The Second Continental Congress again returned to Independence Hall, for its final meetings, from July 2, 1778 to March 1, 1781.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the Congress of the Confederation initially met in Independence Hall, from March 1, 1781 to June 21, 1783. However, as a result of the Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783, Congress again moved from Philadelphia in June 1783 to Princeton, New Jersey, and eventually to other cities.
Chapter learns about Virginia Patriot and Giant, Peter Francisco of the Virginia Line (June 28, 2016)
The James Huey Chapter heard Chapter President Ted Brode present the life of Virginia Patriot and Giant, Peter Francisco of the Virginia Line. Francisco is shrouded in mystery. It is believed he was born on July 9, 1760, at Porto Judeu, on the island of Terceira, in the Archipelago of the Azores, Portugal. In the case of the origin of his identification with the child named Pedro Francisco, his parents, Luiz Francisco Machado and Antónia Maria, natives of mainland Portugal (then an empire under the government of the Marquis of Pombal), a relatively wealthy and noble family, settled on the Island of Terceira (where he was born), distancing themselves more from personal or political enemies in the continent. According to the traditional version of his biography, he was found at about age five on the docks at City Point, Virginia, in 1765, and was taken to the Prince George County Poorhouse. Not speaking English, he repeated the name "Pedro Francisco". The locals called him Peter. They soon discovered the boy spoke Portuguese and noted his clothing was of good quality.When able to communicate, Pedro said that he had lived in a mansion near the ocean. His mother spoke French and his father spoke another language which he did not know. He and his sister were kidnapped from the grounds, but his sister escaped, while Francisco was bound and taken to a ship. Historians believe it is possible that the kidnappers intended to hold the children for ransom or that they had intended to sell them as indentured servants at their destination port in North America, but changed their minds. The Azorean legend says the Francisco family had many political enemies and set up Peter's abduction to protect him from accident or death by his parents' foes.
Peter was taken in by the judge Anthony Winston of Buckingham County, Virginia, an uncle of Patrick Henry. Francisco lived with Winston and his family until the beginning of the American Revolution and was tutored by them. When he was old enough to work, he was apprenticed as a blacksmith, a profession chosen because of his massive size and strength (he grew to be six feet and eight inches in height, or 203 centimeters, and weigh some 260 pounds, or 118 kilograms, especially large at the time). It was also noted that his hair may have turned silver at an early age. He was well known as the Virginian Hercules or the Virginia Giant.
At the age of 16, Francisco joined the 10th Virginia Regiment in 1776, and soon gained notoriety for his size and strength. He fought with distinction at numerous engagements, including the Battle of Brandywine in September. He fought a few skirmishes under Colonel Daniel Morgan, before transferring to the regiment of Colonel John Mayo of Powhatan. In October, Francisco rejoined his regiment and fought in the Battle of Germantown, and also appeared with the troops at Fort Mifflin on Port Island in the Delaware River. Francisco was hospitalized at Valley Forge for two weeks following these skirmishes. On June 28, 1778, he fought at Monmouth Court House, New Jersey, where a musket ball tore through his right thigh. He never fully recovered from this wound, but fought at Cowpens and other battles.
Francisco was part of General "Mad" Anthony Wayne's attack on the British fort of Stony Point on the Hudson River. Upon attacking the fort, Francisco suffered a nine-inch gash in his stomach, but continued to fight; he was second to enter the fort. He killed twelve British grenadiers and captured the enemy flag. Francisco's entry into the fort is mentioned in Wayne's report on the battle to General Washington, dated July 17, 1779, and in a letter written by Captain William Evans to accompany Francisco's letter to the Virginia General Assembly in November 1820 for pay. As a result of being among the second man to enter the fort, he received 200 dollars.
Following the Battle of Camden, South Carolina, Francisco noticed the Americans were leaving behind one of their valuable cannons, mired in mud. Legend says he freed and picked up the approximately 1,100-pound cannon and carried it on his shoulder to keep it from falling into the hands of the enemy. In a letter Francisco wrote to the Virginia General Assembly on November 11, 1820, he said that at Camden, he had shot a grenadier who had tried to shoot Colonel Mayo. He escaped by bayoneting one of Banastre Tarleton's cavalrymen and fled on the horse making cries to make the British think he was a Loyalist. The horse was later given to Mayo.
Hearing that Colonel William Washington was headed on a march through the Carolinas, Francisco joined him, seeing action at Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina. He allegedly killed eleven men on the field of battle, including one who wounded him severely in the thigh with a bayonet. In his own words, Francisco was "seen to kill two men, besides making many other panes which were doubtless fatal to others." The feat is commemorated with a monument to Francisco at the National Military Park.
Peter was taken in by the judge Anthony Winston of Buckingham County, Virginia, an uncle of Patrick Henry. Francisco lived with Winston and his family until the beginning of the American Revolution and was tutored by them. When he was old enough to work, he was apprenticed as a blacksmith, a profession chosen because of his massive size and strength (he grew to be six feet and eight inches in height, or 203 centimeters, and weigh some 260 pounds, or 118 kilograms, especially large at the time). It was also noted that his hair may have turned silver at an early age. He was well known as the Virginian Hercules or the Virginia Giant.
At the age of 16, Francisco joined the 10th Virginia Regiment in 1776, and soon gained notoriety for his size and strength. He fought with distinction at numerous engagements, including the Battle of Brandywine in September. He fought a few skirmishes under Colonel Daniel Morgan, before transferring to the regiment of Colonel John Mayo of Powhatan. In October, Francisco rejoined his regiment and fought in the Battle of Germantown, and also appeared with the troops at Fort Mifflin on Port Island in the Delaware River. Francisco was hospitalized at Valley Forge for two weeks following these skirmishes. On June 28, 1778, he fought at Monmouth Court House, New Jersey, where a musket ball tore through his right thigh. He never fully recovered from this wound, but fought at Cowpens and other battles.
Francisco was part of General "Mad" Anthony Wayne's attack on the British fort of Stony Point on the Hudson River. Upon attacking the fort, Francisco suffered a nine-inch gash in his stomach, but continued to fight; he was second to enter the fort. He killed twelve British grenadiers and captured the enemy flag. Francisco's entry into the fort is mentioned in Wayne's report on the battle to General Washington, dated July 17, 1779, and in a letter written by Captain William Evans to accompany Francisco's letter to the Virginia General Assembly in November 1820 for pay. As a result of being among the second man to enter the fort, he received 200 dollars.
Following the Battle of Camden, South Carolina, Francisco noticed the Americans were leaving behind one of their valuable cannons, mired in mud. Legend says he freed and picked up the approximately 1,100-pound cannon and carried it on his shoulder to keep it from falling into the hands of the enemy. In a letter Francisco wrote to the Virginia General Assembly on November 11, 1820, he said that at Camden, he had shot a grenadier who had tried to shoot Colonel Mayo. He escaped by bayoneting one of Banastre Tarleton's cavalrymen and fled on the horse making cries to make the British think he was a Loyalist. The horse was later given to Mayo.
Hearing that Colonel William Washington was headed on a march through the Carolinas, Francisco joined him, seeing action at Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina. He allegedly killed eleven men on the field of battle, including one who wounded him severely in the thigh with a bayonet. In his own words, Francisco was "seen to kill two men, besides making many other panes which were doubtless fatal to others." The feat is commemorated with a monument to Francisco at the National Military Park.
Chapter to hear recollections of Revolutionary War Soldier, Joseph Plum Martin (May 24, 2016)
The James Huey Chapter heard the presentation of Chapter President Ted Brode who told of the recollections a of Revolutionary War Soldier, Joseph Plum Martin of the Kentucky Militia. Joseph Plumb Martin also spelled as Joseph Plum Martin in military records[6] and recorded as Joseph P. Martin in civilian town clerk records.[7] (November 21, 1760 – May 2, 1850) was a soldier in the Continental Army and Connecticut Militia during the American Revolutionary War, holding the rank of private for most of the war. His published narrative of his experiences, re-discovered in the 1950s, has become a valuable resource for historians in understanding the conditions of a common soldier of that era, as well as the battles in which Martin participated.
When Martin was 15, in 1775, he was eager to join the war effort following the Battles of Lexington and Concord. His grandparents initially opposed the idea, but agreed after Martin vowed to run away and join a naval ship as a privateer if he was not allowed to join. He joined the Connecticut Militia in June 1776 and was assigned duty in the New York City area, arriving just before the opening of the British Long Island Campaign. His first tour of duty ended In December 1776, and he returned home just prior to the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. After a restless winter and spring back in Connecticut, the 16-year-old veteran reenlisted in the Continental Army on April 22, 1777, signing on for the duration of the American Revolutionary War. He served with the 17th Continental Regiment, also known as the 8th Connecticut Regiment under the command of General James Varnum.Martin participated in such notable engagements as the Battle of Brooklyn, the Battle of White Plains, the siege on Fort Mifflin and the Battle of Monmouth. He encamped at Valley Forge, witnessed John Andre being escorted to his execution and was also present during the climactic Siege of Yorktown. He was assigned to Light Infantry in 1778, attaining the rank of corporal. In the summer of 1780, under Washington's order to form a Corps of Sappers and Miners, he was recommended by his superior officers to be a non-commissioned officer of this regiment, and in being selected, was promoted to sergeant. Prior to Yorktown, the corps was responsible for digging the entrenchments for the Continental Army. During the battle, they were also a vanguard for a regiment commanded by Alexander Hamilton, clearing the field of sharpened logs called abatis so that Hamilton's regiment could capture Redoubt #10.
When Martin was 15, in 1775, he was eager to join the war effort following the Battles of Lexington and Concord. His grandparents initially opposed the idea, but agreed after Martin vowed to run away and join a naval ship as a privateer if he was not allowed to join. He joined the Connecticut Militia in June 1776 and was assigned duty in the New York City area, arriving just before the opening of the British Long Island Campaign. His first tour of duty ended In December 1776, and he returned home just prior to the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. After a restless winter and spring back in Connecticut, the 16-year-old veteran reenlisted in the Continental Army on April 22, 1777, signing on for the duration of the American Revolutionary War. He served with the 17th Continental Regiment, also known as the 8th Connecticut Regiment under the command of General James Varnum.Martin participated in such notable engagements as the Battle of Brooklyn, the Battle of White Plains, the siege on Fort Mifflin and the Battle of Monmouth. He encamped at Valley Forge, witnessed John Andre being escorted to his execution and was also present during the climactic Siege of Yorktown. He was assigned to Light Infantry in 1778, attaining the rank of corporal. In the summer of 1780, under Washington's order to form a Corps of Sappers and Miners, he was recommended by his superior officers to be a non-commissioned officer of this regiment, and in being selected, was promoted to sergeant. Prior to Yorktown, the corps was responsible for digging the entrenchments for the Continental Army. During the battle, they were also a vanguard for a regiment commanded by Alexander Hamilton, clearing the field of sharpened logs called abatis so that Hamilton's regiment could capture Redoubt #10.
Support for Veterans (April 26, 2016)
For a Veterans project, the James Huey SAR Chapter, West Monroe collected personal items for residents of the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Monroe. The home can accommodate 150 men and women. We were pleased to gather more than 375 items which included shirts, pants, caps, toothpaste and denture cleanser, tooth brushes, dental floss, body and foot powder, deodorant, and food items. This was an opportunity to thank our veterans for their service to our country. Shown with some of the items are: Ted Brode, President; Jim Miller, Steve Ray, Gerald Graves, & Fred Hamilton.
Chapter presents award to LASSAR Poster Contest Winner (April 26, 2016)
The James Huey Chapter Poster Contest winner, Mr. Dylan Kennedy of Calhoun, was declared winner of the LASSAR Poster Contest during their Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 25th in Lafayette. Louisiana State Society President and Poster Contest Chairman Bo Vets presented a $100 check and certificate for Mr. Kennedy's entry titled "Winter at Valley Forge". Mr. Kennedy's entry will advance to the National Congress in Boston, Massachusetts.
Pictured l - r: Ted Brode, Dylan Kennedy and parents, Bo Vets
From December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778, the main body of the Continental Army (approximately 12,000 troops) was encamped at Valley Forge. The site was chosen because it was between the seat of the Second Continental Congress in York, supply depots in Reading, and British forces in Philadelphia 18 miles (29 km) away, which fell after the Battle of Brandywine, in which many American soldiers were injured, including the Marquis de Lafayette This was a time of great suffering for the army, but it was also a time of retraining and rejuvenation. The shared hardship of the officers and soldiers of the army, combined with Baron Friedrich von Steuben's professional military training program, are considered key to the subsequent success of the Continental Army and marks a turning point in the Revolutionary War.
Pictured l - r: Ted Brode, Dylan Kennedy and parents, Bo Vets
From December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778, the main body of the Continental Army (approximately 12,000 troops) was encamped at Valley Forge. The site was chosen because it was between the seat of the Second Continental Congress in York, supply depots in Reading, and British forces in Philadelphia 18 miles (29 km) away, which fell after the Battle of Brandywine, in which many American soldiers were injured, including the Marquis de Lafayette This was a time of great suffering for the army, but it was also a time of retraining and rejuvenation. The shared hardship of the officers and soldiers of the army, combined with Baron Friedrich von Steuben's professional military training program, are considered key to the subsequent success of the Continental Army and marks a turning point in the Revolutionary War.
Chapter Judges Americanism Poster Contest Entrees and Picks Winners (March 22, 2016)
Our James Huey Chapter met and judged 78 posters from the Central Elementary School in Calhoun in Ouachita Parish and chose this year’s Chapter winners of the Americanism Poster Contest: 1st Place Dylan Kennedy, 2nd Place Leah Reynolds, 3rd Place Jim Anding. The James Huey Chapter would like to thank all who participated.
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students’ masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress. Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number. For academic years ending in even numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Events.” For academic years ending in odd numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Person or Persons.”
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students’ masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress. Participants from other organizations must be of equivalent age for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades, whichever year that American History is taught in the specific school district. If American History is taught in lower grades at selected schools, an entry may be accepted for the competition at the discretion of the SAR Americanism Committee. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter for further details. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number. For academic years ending in even numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Events.” For academic years ending in odd numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Person or Persons.”
Chapter learns about match lock weapons and awards Eagle Scout (January 26, 2016)
The James Huey Chapter heard Chapter President Ted Brode speak about the development of the match lock firing mechanism and its progression to the flint lock. The classic matchlock gun held a burning slow match in a clamp at the end of a small curved lever known as the serpentine. Upon the pull of a lever (or in later models a trigger) protruding from the bottom of the gun and connected to the serpentine, the clamp dropped down, lowering the smoldering match into the flash pan and igniting the priming powder. The flash from the primer traveled through the touch hole igniting the main charge of propellant in the gun barrel. On release of the lever or trigger, the spring-loaded serpentine would move in reverse to clear the pan. For obvious safety reasons, the match would be removed before reloading of the gun. Both ends of the match were usually kept alight in case one end should be accidentally extinguished.Earlier types had only an "S"-shaped serpentine pinned to the stock either behind or in front of the flash pan (the so-called "serpentine lock"), one end of which was manipulated to bring the match into the pan.
Most matchlock mechanisms mounted the serpentine forward of the flash pan. The serpentine dipped backward, toward the firer, to ignite the priming. This is the reverse of the familiar forward-dipping hammer of the flintlock and later firearms.
Luke Mercer, a senior at Ruston High School, received the James Huey Chapter Sons of the American Revolution Eagle Scout Award at a recent meeting in West Monroe. Luke is the son of Paula W. Mercer and the late Thomas Mercer, of Ruston. Luke spoke to the membership about his patriot ancestor, Hugh Mercer.
Most matchlock mechanisms mounted the serpentine forward of the flash pan. The serpentine dipped backward, toward the firer, to ignite the priming. This is the reverse of the familiar forward-dipping hammer of the flintlock and later firearms.
Luke Mercer, a senior at Ruston High School, received the James Huey Chapter Sons of the American Revolution Eagle Scout Award at a recent meeting in West Monroe. Luke is the son of Paula W. Mercer and the late Thomas Mercer, of Ruston. Luke spoke to the membership about his patriot ancestor, Hugh Mercer.
Chapter learns about "The Battle of Trenton" (October 27, 2015)
Chapter President Ted Brode was the speaker for the evening and topic was "The Battle of Trenton". The Battle of Trenton was a small but pivotal American Revolutionary War battle that took place on the morning of December 26, 1776, in Trenton, New Jersey. After General George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River north of Trenton the previous night, Washington led the main body of the Continental Army against Hessian auxiliaries garrisoned at Trenton. After a brief battle, almost two-thirds of the Hessian force was captured, with negligible losses to the Americans. The battle significantly boosted the Continental Army's waning morale, and inspired re-enlistments.The Continental Army had previously suffered several defeats in New York and had been forced to retreat through New Jersey to Pennsylvania. Morale in the army was low; to end the year on a positive note, George Washington—Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army—devised a plan to cross the Delaware River on the night of December 25–26 and surround the Hessians' garrison.
Because the river was icy and the weather severe, the crossing proved dangerous. Two detachments were unable to cross the river, leaving Washington with only 2,400 men under his command in the assault, 3,000 fewer than planned. The army marched 9 miles (14.5 km) south to Trenton. The Hessians had lowered their guard, thinking they were safe from the Americans' army, and had no long-distance outposts or patrols. Washington's forces caught them off guard, and after a short but fierce resistance, most of the Hessians surrendered and were captured, with just over a third escaping across Assunpink Creek.
Despite the battle's small numbers, the victory inspired patriots and sympathizers of the newly formed United States. With the success of the ongoing revolution in doubt a week earlier, the army had seemed on the verge of collapse. The dramatic victory inspired soldiers to serve longer and attracted new recruits to the ranks.
Because the river was icy and the weather severe, the crossing proved dangerous. Two detachments were unable to cross the river, leaving Washington with only 2,400 men under his command in the assault, 3,000 fewer than planned. The army marched 9 miles (14.5 km) south to Trenton. The Hessians had lowered their guard, thinking they were safe from the Americans' army, and had no long-distance outposts or patrols. Washington's forces caught them off guard, and after a short but fierce resistance, most of the Hessians surrendered and were captured, with just over a third escaping across Assunpink Creek.
Despite the battle's small numbers, the victory inspired patriots and sympathizers of the newly formed United States. With the success of the ongoing revolution in doubt a week earlier, the army had seemed on the verge of collapse. The dramatic victory inspired soldiers to serve longer and attracted new recruits to the ranks.
Chapter learns about "Nathan Hale; Patriot, Spy and Martyr" (September 22, 2015)
Chapter President was our speaker for the evening informed the membership about "Nathan Haile; Patriot, Spy and Martyr". Nathan Hale (June 6, 1755 – September 22, 1776) was an American soldier and spy for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He volunteered for an intelligence-gathering mission in New York City but was captured by the British and executed. Hale has long been considered an American hero and, in 1985, he was officially designated the state hero of Connecticut. According to the standards of the time, spies were hanged as illegal combatants. By all accounts, Hale comported himself well before the hanging. Frederick MacKensie, a British officer, wrote this diary entry for the day:He behaved with great composure and resolution, saying he thought it the duty of every good Officer, to obey any orders given him by his Commander-in-Chief; and desired the Spectators to be at all times prepared to meet death in whatever shape it might appear.
No official records were kept of Hale's final speech. It has traditionally been reported that his last words, either entirely or in part, were: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." The account of the quote originated with British Captain John Montresor, who was present at the hanging. The next day, he spoke with American Captain William Hull under a flag of truce. Hull recorded in his memoirs the following quote by Montressor:
"On the morning of his execution," continued the officer, "my station was near the fatal spot, and I requested the Provost Marshal [William Cunningham] to permit the prisoner to sit in my marquee, while he was making the necessary preparations. Captain Hale entered: he was calm, and bore himself with gentle dignity, in the consciousness of rectitude and high intentions. He asked for writing materials, which I furnished him: he wrote two letters, one to his mother and one to a brother officer. He was shortly after summoned to the gallows. But a few persons were around him, yet his characteristic dying words were remembered. He said, 'I only regret, that I have but one life to lose for my country.'
Because Hull was not an eyewitness to Hale's speech, some historians have questioned the reliability of this account.
No official records were kept of Hale's final speech. It has traditionally been reported that his last words, either entirely or in part, were: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." The account of the quote originated with British Captain John Montresor, who was present at the hanging. The next day, he spoke with American Captain William Hull under a flag of truce. Hull recorded in his memoirs the following quote by Montressor:
"On the morning of his execution," continued the officer, "my station was near the fatal spot, and I requested the Provost Marshal [William Cunningham] to permit the prisoner to sit in my marquee, while he was making the necessary preparations. Captain Hale entered: he was calm, and bore himself with gentle dignity, in the consciousness of rectitude and high intentions. He asked for writing materials, which I furnished him: he wrote two letters, one to his mother and one to a brother officer. He was shortly after summoned to the gallows. But a few persons were around him, yet his characteristic dying words were remembered. He said, 'I only regret, that I have but one life to lose for my country.'
Because Hull was not an eyewitness to Hale's speech, some historians have questioned the reliability of this account.
"Revolutionary War Songs" & Present National Award to Brochure Contestant (August 25, 2015)
The James Huey Chapter heard the presentation by Chapter President Ted Brode who informed the group of the "Revolutionary War Songs" from the period.
During the same meeting, our Chapter was proud to see our Chapter Brochure Contest winner Laura Walters, receive the $150 check, ribbon and certificate for her second place prize for her entry into the NSSAR Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest. Laura is a student of the Geneva Academy of Monroe and is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Phil Walters of West Monroe.
Pictured: Ted Brode & Laura Walters
During the same meeting, our Chapter was proud to see our Chapter Brochure Contest winner Laura Walters, receive the $150 check, ribbon and certificate for her second place prize for her entry into the NSSAR Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest. Laura is a student of the Geneva Academy of Monroe and is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Phil Walters of West Monroe.
Pictured: Ted Brode & Laura Walters
Chapter learns how to find Patriot Ancestors at Archives and Libraries (July 28,2015)
Compatriot Leroy Stenzel of Bernice spoke to the Chapter about his topic "How to find Patriot Ancestors at Archives and Libraries". Compatriot Stenzel informed the membership about the internet services available today for research purposes such as Ancestry.com, Fold3.com, Findagrave.com and others which allow easy access to records from your home computer. However Compatriot Stenzel pointed out that there are still many records available like; wills, deeds, marriage licenses, family Bibles and family histories that are only located at Courthouses, Libraries and Archives are still not available online and can only be accessed by either visiting the site in person or by contracting with someone who can get the information for you and then send you the information.
Chapter learns about "The Hermione" the fastest French Ship that carried Lafayette back to America with the news of the French intervention (June 23, 2015)
Our program for the evening will be "The Hermione" The fastest French Ship that carried Lafayette back to America with the news of the French intervention and its recent reproduction in France this year. Chapter President Ted Brode informed the membership of the history of the ship and he showed a video of a replica that was recently build in France.
The replica tall ship was 17 years in the making and is hailed as the Hermione, Frigate of Freedom. It took 2,000 oak trees in the hands of skilled artisans to bring the ship to life. A crew has been training for more than a year to sail the ship, which measures 213 feet long and has three masts. It left Rochefort, France, on April 18 on its 3,819-mile journey to Yorktown.
The replica tall ship was 17 years in the making and is hailed as the Hermione, Frigate of Freedom. It took 2,000 oak trees in the hands of skilled artisans to bring the ship to life. A crew has been training for more than a year to sail the ship, which measures 213 feet long and has three masts. It left Rochefort, France, on April 18 on its 3,819-mile journey to Yorktown.
Chapter learns about "Lexington and Concord with an emphasis on Paul Revere's ride and awards Youth Contestants (April 28, 2015)
The James Huey Chapter heard Chapter President Ted Brode speak about the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War. The battles were fought on April 19, 1775 in Middlesex County, Province of Massachusetts Bay, within the towns of Lexington, Concord, Lincoln, Menotomy (present-day Arlington), and Cambridge. They marked the outbreak of armed conflict between the Kingdom of Great Britain and its thirteen colonies in America.
The Midnight Ride was the alert to the American colonial militia in April 1775 to the approach of British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord.
The ride occurred on the night of April 18, 1775, immediately before the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first engagements of the American Revolutionary War. In the preceding weeks, British Army activity indicated a planned crackdown on the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, then based in Concord. Paul Revere and William Dawes prepared the alert, which began when Robert Newman, sexton of Boston's North Church, used a lantern signal to alert colonists in Charlestown to the Army's advance by way of the Charles River. Revere and Dawes then rode to meet John Hancock and Samuel Adams in Lexington, alerting up to 40 other riders along the way. Revere and Dawes then headed towards Concord with Samuel Prescott. [1] The three were captured by British troops in Lincoln. Prescott and Dawes escaped but Revere was returned to Lexington and freed after questioning. By giving the Colonists advance warning of the British Army's actions, the ride played a crucial role in the Colonists' victory in the subsequent battles.The ride has been commemorated in a range of cultural depictions, most notably Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1861 poem, "Paul Revere's Ride", which has shaped popular memory of the event.
During the same meeting, the James Huey Chapter was proud to award it's first Americanism Middle School Brochure Contestant, Laura Walters of Monroe. Ms. Walters entry also won the Louisiana State contest and now her will compete at National Congress to be held in.
Pictured l - r: LASSAR President Bo Vets, Laura Walters, Chapter President Ted Brode.
Pictured: James Huey Color Guard and Laura Walters and her family.
The James Huey Chapter Poster Contest winner, Mr. Zachary Atwood Moller of Ruston, declared winner of the LASSAR Poster Contest during their Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 25th in Lafayette. Americanism Poster Contest Chairman Bo Vets presented a $100 check and certificate for Mr. Moller's entry titled "The shot heard around the world: The Battles of Lexington and Concord". Mr. Moller's entry will advance to the National Congress in Louisville, Kentucky.
Pictured l - r: Bo Vets - Fred Hamilton
Our Chapter also voted to donate $500 to the Galvez Statue Fund in Galveston Texas for the purpose of educating the public what contribution General Galvez made to the cause of American Independence. The Galvez Statue Organization is to install a brick with the Chapters name in appreciation of our donation.
The Midnight Ride was the alert to the American colonial militia in April 1775 to the approach of British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord.
The ride occurred on the night of April 18, 1775, immediately before the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first engagements of the American Revolutionary War. In the preceding weeks, British Army activity indicated a planned crackdown on the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, then based in Concord. Paul Revere and William Dawes prepared the alert, which began when Robert Newman, sexton of Boston's North Church, used a lantern signal to alert colonists in Charlestown to the Army's advance by way of the Charles River. Revere and Dawes then rode to meet John Hancock and Samuel Adams in Lexington, alerting up to 40 other riders along the way. Revere and Dawes then headed towards Concord with Samuel Prescott. [1] The three were captured by British troops in Lincoln. Prescott and Dawes escaped but Revere was returned to Lexington and freed after questioning. By giving the Colonists advance warning of the British Army's actions, the ride played a crucial role in the Colonists' victory in the subsequent battles.The ride has been commemorated in a range of cultural depictions, most notably Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1861 poem, "Paul Revere's Ride", which has shaped popular memory of the event.
During the same meeting, the James Huey Chapter was proud to award it's first Americanism Middle School Brochure Contestant, Laura Walters of Monroe. Ms. Walters entry also won the Louisiana State contest and now her will compete at National Congress to be held in.
Pictured l - r: LASSAR President Bo Vets, Laura Walters, Chapter President Ted Brode.
Pictured: James Huey Color Guard and Laura Walters and her family.
The James Huey Chapter Poster Contest winner, Mr. Zachary Atwood Moller of Ruston, declared winner of the LASSAR Poster Contest during their Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 25th in Lafayette. Americanism Poster Contest Chairman Bo Vets presented a $100 check and certificate for Mr. Moller's entry titled "The shot heard around the world: The Battles of Lexington and Concord". Mr. Moller's entry will advance to the National Congress in Louisville, Kentucky.
Pictured l - r: Bo Vets - Fred Hamilton
Our Chapter also voted to donate $500 to the Galvez Statue Fund in Galveston Texas for the purpose of educating the public what contribution General Galvez made to the cause of American Independence. The Galvez Statue Organization is to install a brick with the Chapters name in appreciation of our donation.
Chapter Awards Poster Contestant Winner and Judges Brochure Contestants (March 24, 2015)
The James Huey Chapter Sons of the American Revolution presents their poster contest winner, Zachary Moller, son of Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Moller, of Ruston, $50 and a certificate. Mr. Moller's entry titled "The shot heard around the world: The Battles of Lexington and Concord". Mr. Moller's entry will advance to the State Contest to be judged during our Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 25th in Lafayette.
Pictured l-r: Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray, Poster Contest Winner Zach Moller, Chapter President Ted Brode
The James Huey Chapter members also judged the entries of the contestants of the Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest who were all students of the Geneva Academy of West Monroe. The Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn artwork and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the artwork, is permissible.
Pictured l-r: Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray, Poster Contest Winner Zach Moller, Chapter President Ted Brode
The James Huey Chapter members also judged the entries of the contestants of the Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest who were all students of the Geneva Academy of West Monroe. The Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest is to create a tri-fold brochure out of a typical 8 ½” x 11″ piece of paper. The brochure must conform to the contest theme which is one the five foundational documents of the United States – which you select. The brochure will be judged on: Content, Creativity and Correctness. The judging criteria rates highest personally drawn artwork and text authored by the student as opposed to cut and paste from books, magazines and the Internet. The use of software tools by the student for creating the brochure, and even the artwork, is permissible.
Chapter awards Knight Essay Contestant Ben Everett (January 27, 2015)
James Huey Chapter Presented their winner of the Knight Essay Contest, Mr. Ben Everett, a senior at Cedar Creek Academy of Ruston and is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Everett of Monroe. Ben was presented with a $100 check and a certificate for his winning entry titled “Acts of Egregiousness: A look at the actions taken by the British Parliament against the British Colonies in America and how it shaped our country” that he read to the membership.
Pictured l-r: Chapter President Ted Brode, Ben Everett, Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray
Pictured l-r: Chapter President Ted Brode, Ben Everett, Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray
Chapter learns about the Battles of Lexington and Concord (November 25, 2014)
The James Huey Chapter heard Chapter President Ted Brode speak about the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War. The battles were fought on April 19, 1775 in Middlesex County, Province of Massachusetts Bay, within the towns of Lexington, Concord, Lincoln, Menotomy (present-day Arlington), and Cambridge. They marked the outbreak of armed conflict between the Kingdom of Great Britain and its thirteen colonies in America
Chapter Honors Veterans Interred At Halsey Cemetery (November 11, 2014)
James Huey Chapter held it's 4th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe on Tuesday November 11th at 11am. Participants helped place 300 flags on veterans graves who are interred there. The West Monroe High School Jr ROTC performed the color guard duties with the James Huey Color Guard firing a three volley salute to honor the service of all our Country's veterans.
Chapter President Ted Brode lead the ceremony and participated with the firing line that also included Gerald Graves, Jim Miller, and Past State President Steve Ray.
Pictured: Gerald Graves, Steve Ray, Ted Brode and Jim Miller.
Chapter President Ted Brode lead the ceremony and participated with the firing line that also included Gerald Graves, Jim Miller, and Past State President Steve Ray.
Pictured: Gerald Graves, Steve Ray, Ted Brode and Jim Miller.
Chapter learns about Battle of White Plains New York (October 28, 2014)
The James Huey Chapter heard Chapter President Ted Brode speak about the 238th anniversary of the 1776 Battle of White Plains New York and also watched a short video about reenacting.
The Battle of White Plains was a battle in the New York and New Jersey campaign of the American Revolutionary War fought on October 28, 1776, near White Plains, New York. Following the retreat of George Washington's Continental Army northward from New York City, British General William Howe landed troops in Westchester County, intending to cut off Washington's escape route. Alerted to this move, Washington retreated farther, establishing a position in the village of White Plains but failed to establish firm control over local high ground. Howe's troops drove Washington's troops from a hill near the village; following this loss, Washington ordered the Americans to retreat farther north. Later British movements chased Washington across New Jersey and into Pennsylvania. Washington then crossed the Delaware and surprised a brigade of Hessian troops in the December 26 Battle of Trenton.
The Battle of White Plains was a battle in the New York and New Jersey campaign of the American Revolutionary War fought on October 28, 1776, near White Plains, New York. Following the retreat of George Washington's Continental Army northward from New York City, British General William Howe landed troops in Westchester County, intending to cut off Washington's escape route. Alerted to this move, Washington retreated farther, establishing a position in the village of White Plains but failed to establish firm control over local high ground. Howe's troops drove Washington's troops from a hill near the village; following this loss, Washington ordered the Americans to retreat farther north. Later British movements chased Washington across New Jersey and into Pennsylvania. Washington then crossed the Delaware and surprised a brigade of Hessian troops in the December 26 Battle of Trenton.
Chapter learns how our ancestors made the cartridges used to fire their muskets (September 23, 2014)
Chapter members were given a demonstration from Chapter President Ted Brode who showed the process of making cartridges used in the firing of our patriot ancestors muskets. The membership were then allowed to make their own cartridges.
The Charleville Musket was the standard infantry arm for the French Army for well over a century. It was supplied to the Continental Army during the American Revolution at the behest of the Marquis de Lafayette, and used by many a faithful Continental against his British adversary. To facilitate speedy reloading, the soldier would construct cartridges containing both powder and shot out of whatever paper he could find around the camp.
The Charleville Musket was the standard infantry arm for the French Army for well over a century. It was supplied to the Continental Army during the American Revolution at the behest of the Marquis de Lafayette, and used by many a faithful Continental against his British adversary. To facilitate speedy reloading, the soldier would construct cartridges containing both powder and shot out of whatever paper he could find around the camp.
Chapter learns about Colonial Trade & Special Guests Dr. Jim Morock and Bob Hess (August 26, 2014)
The James Huey Chapter were proud to have special guests Dr. Jim Morock Past Vice President General of the Southern District of Alexandria and our new LASSAR President, Bob Hess of Lafayette Louisiana. Dr. Morock gave a report to the membership of the happenings during the 125th National Congress held in Greenville, South Carolina. Chapter President Ted Brode of West Monroe spoke about the Colonial Trade with pictures from Old Charles Towne at Charleston, South Carolina and goods flowed from the colonies in America to Europe and Africa and back.
Group photo l-r: Forrest Tuckett, Bill Kight, Chapter President Ted Brode, Jim Miller, Gerald Graves, Bob Hess LASSAR President, Dr. Jim Morock Past VPG of the Southern District, Steve Ray Past LASSAR President, Fred Hamilton
Group photo l-r: Forrest Tuckett, Bill Kight, Chapter President Ted Brode, Jim Miller, Gerald Graves, Bob Hess LASSAR President, Dr. Jim Morock Past VPG of the Southern District, Steve Ray Past LASSAR President, Fred Hamilton
Chapter hears about Compatriot's trip to Washington DC (June 24, 2014)
Compatriot Fred Hamilton and wife Frieda of Ruston shared with the membership about their recent trip to our Nation's Capitol.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and also known as D.C. or just Washington, is the capital city of the United States of America. It is located on the Potomac River bordering Maryland and Virginia, with Congress holding its first session there in 1800. The city was named for George Washington, the first president of the United States and a Founding Father, and the federal district is named after Columbia, a female personification of the nation. As the seat of the U.S. federal government and several international organizations, the city is an important world political capital. It is one of the most visited cities in the U.S., with over 20 million visitors in 2016.
The U.S. Constitution provided for a federal district under the exclusive jurisdiction of U.S. Congress; the district is therefore not a part of any U.S. state. The signing of the Residence Act on July 16, 1790, approved the creation of a capital district located along the Potomac River near the country's East Coast. The City of Washington was founded in 1791 to serve as the national capital. In 1801, the land, formerly part of Maryland and Virginia (including the settlements of Georgetown and Alexandria), officially became recognized as the federal district. In 1846, Congress returned the land originally ceded by Virginia, including the city of Alexandria; in 1871, it created a single municipal government for the remaining portion of the district.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and also known as D.C. or just Washington, is the capital city of the United States of America. It is located on the Potomac River bordering Maryland and Virginia, with Congress holding its first session there in 1800. The city was named for George Washington, the first president of the United States and a Founding Father, and the federal district is named after Columbia, a female personification of the nation. As the seat of the U.S. federal government and several international organizations, the city is an important world political capital. It is one of the most visited cities in the U.S., with over 20 million visitors in 2016.
The U.S. Constitution provided for a federal district under the exclusive jurisdiction of U.S. Congress; the district is therefore not a part of any U.S. state. The signing of the Residence Act on July 16, 1790, approved the creation of a capital district located along the Potomac River near the country's East Coast. The City of Washington was founded in 1791 to serve as the national capital. In 1801, the land, formerly part of Maryland and Virginia (including the settlements of Georgetown and Alexandria), officially became recognized as the federal district. In 1846, Congress returned the land originally ceded by Virginia, including the city of Alexandria; in 1871, it created a single municipal government for the remaining portion of the district.
Chapter learns about Boot Monument at Saratoga; Award State Poster Contest Winner (May 27, 2014)
Our Chapter was pleased to award Zach Moller his $100 check and certificate for winning the LASSAR Poster Contest. Zach's poster has been sent to compete at our National Congress in Greenville South Carolina.
Speaker for the evening was Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray who informed the membership about the meaning of the Boot Monument at the Saratoga Battlefield.
The Boot Monument is an American Revolutionary War memorial. Located in Saratoga National Historical Park, New York, it commemorates Major General Benedict Arnold's service at the Battles of Saratoga in the Continental Army, but contrives not to name him.
The monument commemorates Arnold's contribution to the Continental Army's victory over the British in the Battle of Saratoga. Arnold was wounded in the foot during the Battle of Quebec, and suffered further injury in the Battle of Ridgefield when his horse was shot out from under him. His last battle injury was at Saratoga, and it occurred near where this monument is located at Tour Stop #7 - Breymann Redoubt. The leg wound effectively ended his career as a fighting soldier.
A boot and a two-star epaulet are draped over a howitzer barrel to symbolize an individual with the rank of Major General who suffered a wound during a battle in this location. A Laurel leaf wreath sits atop the howitzer, an emblem which often resonates victory, power, and glory.
The reverse of the monument is inscribed with the following quote:
“In memory of the most brilliant soldier of the Continental Army who was desperately wounded on this spot, the sally port of Burgoyne’s great western redoubt 7th October 1777 winning for his countrymen the decisive battle of the American Revolution and for himself the rank of Major General.
Speaker for the evening was Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Steve Ray who informed the membership about the meaning of the Boot Monument at the Saratoga Battlefield.
The Boot Monument is an American Revolutionary War memorial. Located in Saratoga National Historical Park, New York, it commemorates Major General Benedict Arnold's service at the Battles of Saratoga in the Continental Army, but contrives not to name him.
The monument commemorates Arnold's contribution to the Continental Army's victory over the British in the Battle of Saratoga. Arnold was wounded in the foot during the Battle of Quebec, and suffered further injury in the Battle of Ridgefield when his horse was shot out from under him. His last battle injury was at Saratoga, and it occurred near where this monument is located at Tour Stop #7 - Breymann Redoubt. The leg wound effectively ended his career as a fighting soldier.
A boot and a two-star epaulet are draped over a howitzer barrel to symbolize an individual with the rank of Major General who suffered a wound during a battle in this location. A Laurel leaf wreath sits atop the howitzer, an emblem which often resonates victory, power, and glory.
The reverse of the monument is inscribed with the following quote:
“In memory of the most brilliant soldier of the Continental Army who was desperately wounded on this spot, the sally port of Burgoyne’s great western redoubt 7th October 1777 winning for his countrymen the decisive battle of the American Revolution and for himself the rank of Major General.
James Huey Chapter Contestant Henry Wiygul wins State Essay Contest (April 12, 2014)
Mr. Henry Addison Wiygul, a senior at Cedar Creek Academy of Ruston was selected as the winner of the LASSAR Knight Essay Contest and received a $500 check, an Olympic sized ribbon, and a certificate for his hard work. Mr. Wiygul's entry titled “James Madison: The Man behind America” will continue to compete at our National Congress in Greenville, South Carolina.
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all high school students (9th through 12th grades) interested in the American Revolution to participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. The contest is open to all US Citizen and Legal Resident students attending home schools, public, parochial, or private high schools in that same grade range.
To participate, students must submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Each student’s essay will be judged based upon its historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, and documentation.
The contest is conducted in three phases: the local chapter, state-level society, and national phases. The contest must be entered through an SAR chapter near the student’s residence. In some cases, the contest may be entered at the state level (if the local society does not have chapters or the chapters are not participating) and a contact-at-large should be used to find out more contest details. The list of contest contacts listed below can provide you with assistance in entering the Knight Essay Contest. Only one entry per student is permitted per contest year.
A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR member listed below for further details.
Pictured l-r: Mrs. Wiygul, Henry Wiygul, LASSAR President Steve Ray, LASDAR Chapter Regent Melissa Wiygul
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all high school students (9th through 12th grades) interested in the American Revolution to participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. The contest is open to all US Citizen and Legal Resident students attending home schools, public, parochial, or private high schools in that same grade range.
To participate, students must submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Each student’s essay will be judged based upon its historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, and documentation.
The contest is conducted in three phases: the local chapter, state-level society, and national phases. The contest must be entered through an SAR chapter near the student’s residence. In some cases, the contest may be entered at the state level (if the local society does not have chapters or the chapters are not participating) and a contact-at-large should be used to find out more contest details. The list of contest contacts listed below can provide you with assistance in entering the Knight Essay Contest. Only one entry per student is permitted per contest year.
A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring SAR members, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR member listed below for further details.
Pictured l-r: Mrs. Wiygul, Henry Wiygul, LASSAR President Steve Ray, LASDAR Chapter Regent Melissa Wiygul
Chapter awards Knight Essay Contestant Henry Wiygul (March 23, 2014)
James Huey Chapter Presented their winner of the Knight Essay Contest, Mr. Henry Addison Wiygul, a senior at Cedar Creek Academy of Ruston. Mr. Wiygul was presented with a $100 check and a certificate for his winning entry titled “James Madison: The Man behind America”.
Our Chapter meeting focused on the planning of the LASSAR Annual meeting in April.
Pictured l-r: Chapter President Ted Brode and Henry Addison Wiygul
Our Chapter meeting focused on the planning of the LASSAR Annual meeting in April.
Pictured l-r: Chapter President Ted Brode and Henry Addison Wiygul
Chapter members attend George Washington Day Ceremony in Baton Rouge (February 22, 2014
LASSAR President Steve Ray and his son Alex Ray who are both James Huey Chapter members represented the Chapter during the George Washington Day ceremony held by the General Philemon Thomas Chapter in Baton Rouge at the State Capital by the LASSAR Washington Monument.
Chapter erects monument for local Patriot Don Juan Filhoil (February 21 - March 28, 2014)
Jean Baptiste "Don Juan" Filhiol, who is considered Monroe's founding Father, was born in Eymet, France on August 1st 1740 to Francois Filhiol and Anne Teyssonniere. He came to the Ouachita region in 1783 to establish a trading post along the Ouachita River. After the completion of a fort, the place be-came known as Fort Miro, named for the governor of Louisiana at the time. Later, upon the arrival of the first steamboat at the town, it was renamed ‘Monroe’ in honor of the steamboat ‘James Monroe.’
During the Revolutionary War Filhiol served in the army of General Galvez defeating the British along the Mississippi River and along the Gulf coast. Following the war, the Spanish government became alarmed at the increasing number of Americans illegally entering Louisiana as well as the Osage Indian threat to the long time settlers of the Ouachita. To ensure the peace and Spanish control of the Ouachita, Jean Filhiol was dispatched to the Ouachita as both Civil and Military Commander of the Poste du Ouachita. Jean remained commander of the post until 1800.
After the Louisiana Purchase, he retired to his plantation to farm. On September 28th 1821 Filhiol died on his plantation across the river from his be-loved Fort Miro and was buried in the Filhiol family cemetery. The cemetery fell into disuse. Surrounding homes used some of the stones as paving. When Filhiol Street, which is essentially under the new Interstate highway bridge in West Monroe, was widened, the remaining graves (including Jean's) were removed to St. Matthew Catholic Cemetery in Monroe.
Shortly after the Spanish Campaigns of the Revolutionary War, and before ascending the Ouachita, Filhiol married Francois Poiret on March 15, 1782 at the Opelousas Post where he was assigned prior to his appointment to the Ouachita. Born to them were Jean Joseph, Marie Barbe' and Edmond Landry Grammont Filhiol. All Filhiols’ in America descend from Jean and his wife, or their slaves who took the Filhiol name when freedom came.
The membership of the James Huey Chapter honored to erect a monument for one of our local patriots Don Juan Filhoil. Our Chapter would like to give special thanks to Dave Norris, the Mayor of City of West Monroe who allowed the monument to be erected and for workers to assist with the installation.
During the Revolutionary War Filhiol served in the army of General Galvez defeating the British along the Mississippi River and along the Gulf coast. Following the war, the Spanish government became alarmed at the increasing number of Americans illegally entering Louisiana as well as the Osage Indian threat to the long time settlers of the Ouachita. To ensure the peace and Spanish control of the Ouachita, Jean Filhiol was dispatched to the Ouachita as both Civil and Military Commander of the Poste du Ouachita. Jean remained commander of the post until 1800.
After the Louisiana Purchase, he retired to his plantation to farm. On September 28th 1821 Filhiol died on his plantation across the river from his be-loved Fort Miro and was buried in the Filhiol family cemetery. The cemetery fell into disuse. Surrounding homes used some of the stones as paving. When Filhiol Street, which is essentially under the new Interstate highway bridge in West Monroe, was widened, the remaining graves (including Jean's) were removed to St. Matthew Catholic Cemetery in Monroe.
Shortly after the Spanish Campaigns of the Revolutionary War, and before ascending the Ouachita, Filhiol married Francois Poiret on March 15, 1782 at the Opelousas Post where he was assigned prior to his appointment to the Ouachita. Born to them were Jean Joseph, Marie Barbe' and Edmond Landry Grammont Filhiol. All Filhiols’ in America descend from Jean and his wife, or their slaves who took the Filhiol name when freedom came.
The membership of the James Huey Chapter honored to erect a monument for one of our local patriots Don Juan Filhoil. Our Chapter would like to give special thanks to Dave Norris, the Mayor of City of West Monroe who allowed the monument to be erected and for workers to assist with the installation.
Chapter Hears From Local Author; Presents Poster Award (January 28, 2014)
During their January 28th meeting, the James Huey Chapter of the SAR heard from local author and our very own compatriot Major Jonathan Forrest Tuckett of Start. Major Tuckett talked about his new book “Method of Order: A True Hierarchy of Needs” that offers a Biblical response to the issue of Military Suicides.
As the author stated to the membership, it is an unfortunate fact of today's world that suicides are needlessly occurring in the ranks of the United States military. Based upon a new discovery, Major J. F. Tuckett offers a biblical response to the enigma of hopelessness with a scriptural-based leadership model tailored for any leader or subordinate in a civil or martial setting.
Tuckett, who has more than twenty years of experience serving his country, uses God's ways to help leaders build a foundation intended to strengthen a sense of belonging to God and build the resilience needed to emerge through adversity. As he moves through the seven churches of Revelation, Tuckett illustrates how God led his church with a coherent order, sharing a seven-stage leadership model that offers qualities of hope and contentment-known defenses against suicide. He examines concepts from each scriptural excerpt, ultimately seeking to help others discover humility, value as a unique individual, and companionship with God.
Method of Order relies on God's ancient truths to address a growing challenge in the United States military with the faith that His principles of leadership and followership can provide hope, purpose, and true meaning for anyone searching for answers.
At the same meeting, the James Huey Chapter awarded their Poster Contest winner, Mr. Zachary Atwood Moller of Ruston, $50 and a certificate for his winning entry. Mr. Moller's entry will now be judged by the Louisiana State Society of the SAR during their Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 12th in West Monroe where the winner will be awarded a $100 check and will advance to represent the State of Louisiana at the national level. This years poster contest theme was "Francis Marion: The Swamp Fox".
As the author stated to the membership, it is an unfortunate fact of today's world that suicides are needlessly occurring in the ranks of the United States military. Based upon a new discovery, Major J. F. Tuckett offers a biblical response to the enigma of hopelessness with a scriptural-based leadership model tailored for any leader or subordinate in a civil or martial setting.
Tuckett, who has more than twenty years of experience serving his country, uses God's ways to help leaders build a foundation intended to strengthen a sense of belonging to God and build the resilience needed to emerge through adversity. As he moves through the seven churches of Revelation, Tuckett illustrates how God led his church with a coherent order, sharing a seven-stage leadership model that offers qualities of hope and contentment-known defenses against suicide. He examines concepts from each scriptural excerpt, ultimately seeking to help others discover humility, value as a unique individual, and companionship with God.
Method of Order relies on God's ancient truths to address a growing challenge in the United States military with the faith that His principles of leadership and followership can provide hope, purpose, and true meaning for anyone searching for answers.
At the same meeting, the James Huey Chapter awarded their Poster Contest winner, Mr. Zachary Atwood Moller of Ruston, $50 and a certificate for his winning entry. Mr. Moller's entry will now be judged by the Louisiana State Society of the SAR during their Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 12th in West Monroe where the winner will be awarded a $100 check and will advance to represent the State of Louisiana at the national level. This years poster contest theme was "Francis Marion: The Swamp Fox".
Chapter hears presentation on the "Battle of Bunker Hill” (October 22, 2013)
The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775, during the Siege of Boston in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. The battle is named after Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts, which was peripherally involved in the battle. It was the original objective of both the colonial and British troops, though the majority of combat took place on the adjacent hill which later became known as Breed's HillTed Brode will present the "Battle of Bunker Hill”. Compatriot Ted Brode showed the Chapter membership the troop movements during the battle in detail.
Chapter Learns About Battle of Fort Mercer (August 26, 2013)
Ted Brode presented "The battle of Fort Mercer and the sinking of the HMS Augusta". Fort Mercer was an earthen fort on the Delaware River on its New Jersey shore constructed by the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Built by Polish engineer Thaddeus Kosciuszko under the command of George Washington, Fort Mercer was built in 1777 to block the approach to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in concert with Fort Mifflin on the Pennsylvania side. Pennsylvania in concert with Fort Mifflin on the Pennsylvania side. Fort Mercer was located in an area called Red Bank, in what is now the borough of National Park, Gloucester County, New Jersey. The fort was named in honor of Brigadier General Hugh Mercer who had died earlier that year at the Battle of Princeton. The fort's site is now part of Red Bank Battlefield Historical Park, which includes a monument and museum. Several cannons attributed to British warships lost supporting the attack on the fort, and others found buried at the fort itself, are in the park. The HMS Augusta was a 64-gun third rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched on 24 October 1763 at Rotherhithe. After running aground in the Delaware River Augusta ran aground and was accidentally destroyed by fire on 22 October 1777 during the Battle of Red Bank.
Our Chapter also inducted our new member Jonathan Forrest Tuckett and presented a supplemental certificate Leroy Stenzel.
Pictured l-r: Secretary/Treasurer Ted Brode, Forrest Tuckett, LASSAR President Steve Ray
Pictured l-r: LASSAR President Steve Ray, Leroy Stenzel, Secretary/Treasurer Ted Brode
Pictured l-r: Jim Miller, Leroy Stenzel, Gerald Graves, Dr. Jim Morock, Forrest Tuckett, LASSAR President Steve Ray, Secretary/Treasurer Ted Brod
Our Chapter also inducted our new member Jonathan Forrest Tuckett and presented a supplemental certificate Leroy Stenzel.
Pictured l-r: Secretary/Treasurer Ted Brode, Forrest Tuckett, LASSAR President Steve Ray
Pictured l-r: LASSAR President Steve Ray, Leroy Stenzel, Secretary/Treasurer Ted Brode
Pictured l-r: Jim Miller, Leroy Stenzel, Gerald Graves, Dr. Jim Morock, Forrest Tuckett, LASSAR President Steve Ray, Secretary/Treasurer Ted Brod
Judge Winters Explains Louisiana's Justice System (23 July, 2013)
During their July 23rd meeting, Judge Stephens Winters of the 4th District Court spoke to the Chapter about "The daily workings of the Louisiana justice system".
The 4th Judicial District of the Louisiana District Courts covers Ouachita Parish and Morehouse Parish. It is one of Louisiana's 42 judicial districts. The court handles civil, criminal, and juvenile cases, which are usually heard in Monroe and Bastrop.
Louisiana has 42 judicial districts, each with its own district court. Each of the districts serves at least one parish and has at least one district judge. Each district elects a chief judge.The Louisiana state legislature has the authority to change the types of cases heard in the district courts, and the number of districts, by a two-thirds majority vote. As of 2007, the legislature may establish new judgeships for district courts as well.
Louisiana district court judges are elected in partisan elections for six-year terms. On recommendation of the state's judiciary commission, the Louisiana Supreme Court may discipline or remove district judges from office.
The 4th Judicial District of the Louisiana District Courts covers Ouachita Parish and Morehouse Parish. It is one of Louisiana's 42 judicial districts. The court handles civil, criminal, and juvenile cases, which are usually heard in Monroe and Bastrop.
Louisiana has 42 judicial districts, each with its own district court. Each of the districts serves at least one parish and has at least one district judge. Each district elects a chief judge.The Louisiana state legislature has the authority to change the types of cases heard in the district courts, and the number of districts, by a two-thirds majority vote. As of 2007, the legislature may establish new judgeships for district courts as well.
Louisiana district court judges are elected in partisan elections for six-year terms. On recommendation of the state's judiciary commission, the Louisiana Supreme Court may discipline or remove district judges from office.
Chapter learns how to research American Indian Ancestry (June 25, 2013)
During their June meeting, retired Louisiana Tech librarian and compatriot Leroy Stenzel presented his program "Forgotten Ancestors" and informed the Chapter about how to reseach American Indian Ancestry. Compatriot Stenzel introduced the group to the "Dawes Packets" which were created by the Dawes Commission and was appointed by President Cleveland to negotiate with five tribes.
This series contains the original applications for tribal enrollments under the act of June 28, 1898, as well as supporting documents such as birth and death affidavits, marriage licenses, transcripts of testimony taken by the Commission, correspondence relating to the status of the application, and decisions and orders of the Dawes Commission.
This series contains the original applications for tribal enrollments under the act of June 28, 1898, as well as supporting documents such as birth and death affidavits, marriage licenses, transcripts of testimony taken by the Commission, correspondence relating to the status of the application, and decisions and orders of the Dawes Commission.
West Monroe High Cadet Honored by Chapter (May 2013)
During the James Huey Chapter's May meeting, Cadet Senior Airman Dallas D. Whitehead of West Monroe High School was presented the Sons of the American Revolution Jr ROTC Certificate and Medal by Chapter President Hamilton Winters. Cadet Whitehead was chosen as this years outstanding Jr ROTC Cadet by West Monroe ROTC staff.
Pictured l to r: Cadet Senior Airman Dallas D. Whitehead and James Huey Chapter President Hamilton Winters.
Pictured l to r: Cadet Senior Airman Dallas D. Whitehead and James Huey Chapter President Hamilton Winters.
Color Guardsmen Receive Medals (April 23, 2013)
During their April 23rd meeting, LASSAR President Steve Ray presents NSSAR Color Guard Certificates and Medals to James Huey Chapter Members Jim Miller, Ted Brode, and Gerald Graves for their attendance and support for Society events held throughout Louisiana during 2012.
Pictured l to r: Jim Miller, Steve Ray, Ted Brode, and Gerald Graves
Pictured l to r: Jim Miller, Steve Ray, Ted Brode, and Gerald Graves
Stephen Ray Elected State President (April 6, 2013)
Stephen Ray of West Monroe was sworn in as the 84th President of the Louisiana Society Sons of the American Revolution during their Annual Banquet held at the Landing Restaurant in Natchitoches. President Ray was the Organizing President of the James Huey Chapter and had served as State Assistant Secretary and State Secretary before his election of LASSAR State President.
Pictured: LASSAR President Steve Ray receives congratulations from James Huey Chapter President Hamilton Winters and parents Sandie and Stephens Winters of West Monroe.
Pictured: LASSAR President Steve Ray receives congratulations from James Huey Chapter President Hamilton Winters and parents Sandie and Stephens Winters of West Monroe.
Hamilton Winters Installed As Chapter President (March 26, 2013)
During their March 26th meeting, the James Huey Chapter of the Louisiana Society Sons of the American Revolution, Past President Fred Hamilton passes the gavel to President Elect Hamilton Winters.
At the same meeting, Ted Brode, secretary of the James Huey Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, along with president Fred Hamilton, presented a $50 check and a certificate to Malory Emanus, who accepted on behalf of her sister Kourtney Noelle Emanus of Jonesboro, who won the poster contest. The poster will be judged in the state SAR competition in Natchitoches.
At the same meeting, Ted Brode, secretary of the James Huey Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, along with president Fred Hamilton, presented a $50 check and a certificate to Malory Emanus, who accepted on behalf of her sister Kourtney Noelle Emanus of Jonesboro, who won the poster contest. The poster will be judged in the state SAR competition in Natchitoches.
Attorney General Caldwell Speaks (February 23, 2013)
On Tuesday the 19th, James Huey Color Guard and members of the Louisiana Society, Sons of the American Revolution posed for a photo with Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell after his presentation of "What's the future for Louisiana" which he delivered during the Benjamin Tennille Chapter's Annual George Washington Banquet held at the Bayou Desiard Country Club in Monroe. Pictured l-r: Hamilton Winters, Steve Ray, Gerald Graves, Ted Brode, Jim Miller, Eddie Emory, Buddy Caldwell, Fred Huenefeld, Dr. James Morock.
Compatriot Winter Tells of RNC Convention Experience (January 22, 2013)
The James Huey Chapter held their first meeting of the year at BBQ West Restaurant in West Monroe. Guest speaker for the evening was their own Hamilton Winters, who in August attended the Republican National Convention held in Tampa, Florida. Winters told of the experiences, circumstances of attendance, and the role he played.
Pictured L-R: Current Sec/Treasurer and Sec/Treasurer Ted Brode of West Monroe; President Elect Hamilton Winters of West Monroe; President Fred Hamilton of Ruston; Past President Steve Ray of West Monroe
Pictured L-R: Current Sec/Treasurer and Sec/Treasurer Ted Brode of West Monroe; President Elect Hamilton Winters of West Monroe; President Fred Hamilton of Ruston; Past President Steve Ray of West Monroe
Hamilton Winters Takes First Prize In Both Essay and Eagle Scout Competition (November 27, 2012)
During their November meeting, Hamilton Stephens Winters II of West Monroe was declared the James Huey Chapter's winner of the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship and the George and Stella Knight Essay Contest. Pictured (l-r) James Huey Chapter Sec/Tres Ted Brode, Contestant Hamilton Winters, James Huey Chapter President Fred Hamilton. Hamilton's entry will now advance to compete at the State Society Level.
Compatriot Ted Brode gave a presentation on the various vendors of period clothing and arms.
Compatriot Ted Brode gave a presentation on the various vendors of period clothing and arms.
Color Guard Presents Colors for Farmerville High School Veteran's Day Ceremony (November 12, 2012)
On 12 November 2012, the Farmerville High School Students held their 2nd annual brunch in honor of area Veterans. The area veterans are treated to music from the Farmerville High School Band, poetry readings and fine food prepared by the Farmerville High School Cafeteria Staff. When the Farmerville High School requested the James Huey Color Guard post colors for the event, our Color Guard gladly answered their call.
The James Huey Color Guard presenting the colors for the event pictured (l-r) are Steve Ray, Ted Brode, Jim Miller and Gerald Graves.
The James Huey Color Guard presenting the colors for the event pictured (l-r) are Steve Ray, Ted Brode, Jim Miller and Gerald Graves.
Chapter holds Veteran's Day Service at Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe (November 10, 2012)
Pictured is the second annual James Huey Chapter Veteran's Day Memorial Service held at the Hasley Cemetery Pavilion in West Monroe on 10 November 2012. Chapter members with the assistance of the West Monroe High School ROTC and local citizens placed over 750 flags on the graves of the veterans buried there. The flags were a donation made by Chapter Member Jim Miller his wife and Alice Fay both of West Monroe. The West Monroe ROTC placed the colors and the James Huey Color Guard fired a salute.
Compatriot Breard Tells of Early Monroe (October 23, 2012)
The James Huey Chapter members heard from Compatriot Sylvester Breard of Monroe and member of the Benjamin Tennille Chapter. Mr. Breard's book covers the history of Monroe from early settler adventures to post-Civil War recovery, this account of Monroe provides a timeline of the city from 1530 to 1936. Highlighting interesting events in Monroe’s development, this resource follows the locale from its beginning as a camp for explorers to a bustling city with fifty miles of paved streets. Memorable moments from the twentieth century include social, political, and economic developments. Some of the buildings described remained registered as National Historic Places in the twenty-first century..
Pictured left to right: Jim Miller, Sylvester Breard, Chapter President Fred Hamilton, Steve Ray, Ted Brode, Gerald Graves and Bill Kight
Pictured left to right: Jim Miller, Sylvester Breard, Chapter President Fred Hamilton, Steve Ray, Ted Brode, Gerald Graves and Bill Kight
Kelby Ouchley Speaks about new book "Flora & Fauna of the Civil War" (September 25, 2012)
Members of the James Huey Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution meet with local author Kelby Ouchley who spoke about his new book; "Flora & Fauna of the Civil War" during their September meeting.
The author informed the group that his book was derived from abundance of letters, diaries, and journals in which soldiers and civilians penned descriptions of plants and animals, sometimes as a brief comment in passing and other times as part of a noteworthy event in the soldiers and citizens lives. Refugees and armies alike tramped across the landscape foraging for food, shelter, and fuel. Wild plants and animals formed barriers for armies and carried disease, yet also provided medicine and raw materials necessary to implement war, greatly influencing the day-to-day life of soldiers and civilians. Of the thousands of books written about the Civil War, few mention the environment, and none address the topic as a principal theme. The author stated he collected and organized these first-person accounts of the Civil War environment, adding expert analysis and commentary in order to offer an array of fascinating insights on the natural history of the era.
Pictured l to r: Ted Brode, Taylor Mack, Steve Ray, Kelby Ouchley, Fred Hamilton and Jim Miller
The author informed the group that his book was derived from abundance of letters, diaries, and journals in which soldiers and civilians penned descriptions of plants and animals, sometimes as a brief comment in passing and other times as part of a noteworthy event in the soldiers and citizens lives. Refugees and armies alike tramped across the landscape foraging for food, shelter, and fuel. Wild plants and animals formed barriers for armies and carried disease, yet also provided medicine and raw materials necessary to implement war, greatly influencing the day-to-day life of soldiers and civilians. Of the thousands of books written about the Civil War, few mention the environment, and none address the topic as a principal theme. The author stated he collected and organized these first-person accounts of the Civil War environment, adding expert analysis and commentary in order to offer an array of fascinating insights on the natural history of the era.
Pictured l to r: Ted Brode, Taylor Mack, Steve Ray, Kelby Ouchley, Fred Hamilton and Jim Miller
Local DAR Members Join Huey Chapter at Wine Tasting (August 25, 2012)
On Saturday August 25th, members of the James Huey Chapter invited area members of both the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution for a wine tasting and a tour of the Landry Vineyards in Ouachita Parish. Pictured L-R: Bill Kight, Katie Collins, Ted Gibson, Regent Rebecca Stenzel of the Long Leaf Pine Chapter, Regent Diane Smith D'Arbonne Chapter, Leroy Stenzel, Secretary Steve Ray of the Louisiana Society SAR, Secretary Treasurer Ted Brode of the James Huey Chapter, Louise Tull, Roger Vick, President Fred Hamilton of the James Huey Chapter, Pat Vick, Freida Hamilton & Regent Barbara Gewin of the Tusquhoma Chapter.
Chapter hears author and compatriot Harry Neese and new book "Nothing Left to Lose" (July 24, 2012)
James Huey Chapter member and author Harry Neese presents his new historical novel "Nothing Left to Lose" to the membership. Available on Amazon: "Nothing Left to Lose" is an epic story of two families whose lives become part of a mass exodus of Isleños (Islanders) who are driven from their 1778 Spanish homeland in the Canary Islands. Feeling they have nothing left to lose, these young families set sail toward a new life knowing they can never come back. It’s January 1779 when their ship makes landfall in Spanish Louisiana. Stand beside them as they brave the chilly January winds and early morning fog leaning against the railing as the ship enters the mouth of the Mississippi River—the first river they have ever seen. Within months of their arrival, these young soldier-settlers help drive the British from the Mississippi River Valley ensuring victory for the American colonies. Harrison brings to life three generations—ordinary people—whose lives are entangled with the extraordinary events of world history. Danger lurked at every turn—every day! Their resilient story is filled with adventures, passion, disasters, wars, romance, and murder. Ultimately, with victory at the Battle of New Orleans, the Isleños (Islanders) find freedom as citizens of the young United States.
Chapter to hear “Gulf Coast Campaign” (June 26, 2012)
Ted Brode presented to the James Huey Chapter membership “The Gulf Coast Campaign”.
The Gulf Coast campaign or the Spanish conquest of West Florida in the American Revolutionary War, was a series of military operations primarily directed by the governor of Spanish Louisiana, Bernardo de Gálvez against the British province of West Florida. Begun with operations against British positions on the Mississippi River shortly after Britain and Spain went to war in 1779, Gálvez completed the conquest of West Florida in 1781 with the successful siege of Pensacola.
Pictured l-r: Chapter President Fred Hamilton and Secretary Treasurer Ted Brode
The Gulf Coast campaign or the Spanish conquest of West Florida in the American Revolutionary War, was a series of military operations primarily directed by the governor of Spanish Louisiana, Bernardo de Gálvez against the British province of West Florida. Begun with operations against British positions on the Mississippi River shortly after Britain and Spain went to war in 1779, Gálvez completed the conquest of West Florida in 1781 with the successful siege of Pensacola.
Pictured l-r: Chapter President Fred Hamilton and Secretary Treasurer Ted Brode
Chapter hears from WW II Hero (May 22, 2012)
A B Smith, of Monroe, WWII Veteran and Hero, who served in the 8th Air Force, 832nd Squadron, 486 Bombardment Group in Europe during the war as the nose gunner of a B-24 named "The Spirit of LSU", was the guest speaker for the monthly meeting of the James Huey Chapter. Mr. Smith will present ”His Memories of the War”. Smith told of his being shot down over Germany, his time in hiding, and eventual return to Allied territory.
Also at this meeting, Kourtney Noelle Emanus, winner of the Louisiana Society, SAR Poster Contest, was presented a $100 check and certificate from State President Tony L. Vets, State Secretary Stephen K. Ray, and LASSAR Poster Contest Chairman Bo Vets. Her winning entry will now be taken by President Vets to Phoenix to compete at the SAR 122nd Annual Congress. Pictured: State Secretary Stephen Ray, Poster Chairman Bo Vets, Kourtney Emanus, State President Tony L. Vets, and Chapter President Fred Hamilton.
ROTC Medal Awarded at West Monroe High School (May 14, 2012)
Cadet Chris Demarco of West Monroe High School was presented the Sons of the American Revolution’s Bronze JROTC Medal during a ceremony held at West Monroe High. Pictured: Col Jim Walker, Cadet 2nd LT Chris Damarco, and James Huey Chapter President Fred Hamilton, and TSgt Bruce Johnson.
ROTC Medal Awarded at West Ouachita High School (May 12, 2012)
West Ouachita C/LT David Cavell was presented the SAR JROTC award by James Huey Chapter President Fred Hamilton. David is a member of the West Ouachita Navy Cadet Corps Unit. During the ceremony C/PO3 Cadet Trent Key played "Anchors Away" on the trumpet.
Chapter hears “George Washington and the miracles of the American Revolution” & Induction of New Members & Poster Contest Winner (March 27, 2012)
Chapter hears Louis Redden of KNOE TV8 series "Back Roads" and his presentation “George Washington and the miracles of the American Revolution” (Part I) From surviving smallpox, and being the only surviving officer from a battle during the French and Indian War to which Washington was to have said; “But by the All-Powerful Dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me.” These and even more events that would coincide until Washington would ultimately lead our Army to victory against the British and later still lead our Country as our first President.
Pictured l-r: Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Ted Brode, Louis Redden, Chapter President Fred Hamilton
Our Chapter inducted three new members of the Parrott family of Ruston, Robert Davis Parrott, John Kemp Long Parrott and Clark David Parrott.
Pictured l-r: Robert Davis Parrott, John Kemp Long Parrott, Clark Davis Parrott and Chapter President Fred Hamilton
James Huey Chapter of SAR awarded their Poster Contest winner, Ms. Kourtney Noelle Emanus of Jonesboro, a $50 check and certificate for her winning entry. Ms. Emanus's entry will now be judged by the Louisiana State Society of the SAR during their Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 20th in Alexandria where the winner will be awarded a $100 check and will advance to represent the State of Louisiana at the national level. This years poster contest theme was "The Battle of Guilford Courthouse". Pictured: President Fred Hamilton & Ms. Kourtney Noelle Emanus.
Pictured l-r: Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Ted Brode, Louis Redden, Chapter President Fred Hamilton
Our Chapter inducted three new members of the Parrott family of Ruston, Robert Davis Parrott, John Kemp Long Parrott and Clark David Parrott.
Pictured l-r: Robert Davis Parrott, John Kemp Long Parrott, Clark Davis Parrott and Chapter President Fred Hamilton
James Huey Chapter of SAR awarded their Poster Contest winner, Ms. Kourtney Noelle Emanus of Jonesboro, a $50 check and certificate for her winning entry. Ms. Emanus's entry will now be judged by the Louisiana State Society of the SAR during their Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 20th in Alexandria where the winner will be awarded a $100 check and will advance to represent the State of Louisiana at the national level. This years poster contest theme was "The Battle of Guilford Courthouse". Pictured: President Fred Hamilton & Ms. Kourtney Noelle Emanus.
Chapter hears “George Washington and the miracles of the American Revolution” Part II (April 24, 2012)
Chapter hears Louis Redden of KNOE TV8 series "Back Roads" and his presentation “George Washington and the miracles of the American Revolution” (Part I) From surviving smallpox, and being the only surviving officer from a battle during the French and Indian War to which Washington was to have said; “But by the All-Powerful Dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me.” These and even more events that would coincide until Washington would ultimately lead our Army to victory against the British and later still lead our Country as our first President.
Pictured: Louis Redden
Pictured: Louis Redden
Compatriot Wamul Owens receives LASSAR Silver Medal for Heroism (April 21, 2012)
During the Banquet of the Annual Convention of the Louisiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution held April 21st in Alexandria; Wamul Owens of West Monroe was presented the SAR Medal of Heroism for his water rescue of 8 persons involved in a Cheniere Lake boating accident on Sunday "Mother's Day", May 9th 1948 in Ouachita Parish. Pictured Left to Right: Dr. Chris Owens, President Elect Tony Vets, Secretary Elect Steve Ray, Wamul Owens, and State President Dr. James A. Morock. The Smith family of Bawcomville had bought a boat and the father took the whole family out for a ride. The Smith's boat capsized and Wamul and his father just happened to be at the dock and saw what happened and launched their boat and Wamul's father told him to go get those people. Wamul made it to the site and began pulling them out. Wamul said most were barely above water when he made it to them. The baby was face down in the water with his diaper sticking up and he was the first one Wamul got in the boat. Then he said one of the little girls had sunk under the water and her blonde hair floated up that he could see which he used to pull her up and into the boat. Wamul stated he kept moving on once he gave them slaps on the back until they started breathing on their own and then he would move to the next one. He said the last one was the mother who was barely hanging on and with the boat full the most difficult one to get aboard. The mother stated she had lost sight of the father, Robert Smith who unfortunately drowned. Wamul Owens is a true hero and we are proud to have him as a member of the James Huey Chapter.
Chapter Members Tour Fort St. Jean Baptiste in Natchitoches (January 29, 2012)
After the LASSAR Board of Directors meeting on January 29th 2012, members of the James Huey Chapter toured Fort St. Jean Baptiste in Natchitoches. Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, or Fort des Natchitoches, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, US, is a replica of an early French fort based upon the original blueprints of 1716 by Sieur Charles Claude Dutisné and company. The settlement which became the town of Natchitoches was founded in 1714 by French Canadian Louis Antoine Juchereau de St. Denis as the first permanent European settlement in the lands later encompassed by the Louisiana Purchase. In 1722, Juchereau de St. Denis in 1722 became commandant of Fort St. Jean Baptiste des Natchitoches. The fort was devised as a trading and military outpost to counter any Spanish incursions into French territory. Soon it became a center of economic significance, particularly with neighboring Caddo tribes. After 1764, Fort St. Jean was abandoned, with the transfer of Louisiana (New France) to Spain. The exact location of the fort has since been lost. In 1979, the fort was reconstructed in the vicinity of where the fort is believed to have been located. Today, the fort is an attraction within the Cane River National Heritage Area. The site is also host to living history re-enactments of what life in the fort was like in the 1750s.
Pictured l-r: Carter Campbell, LASSAR Asst. Sec. Steve Ray, Gerald Grave, Fort Reenactor, Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Ted Brode
Pictured l-r: Carter Campbell, LASSAR Asst. Sec. Steve Ray, Gerald Grave, Fort Reenactor, Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Ted Brode
World War II Hero Speaks to Chapter (January 24, 2012)
Members of the James Huey Chapter of the SAR and guests were truly fortunate to have John H. McCarter, Jr., Monroe resident and former Professor of Geology at ULM and Professor of Geography at LA Tech speak to us about his service to our country during World War II. McCarter spoke about his service as a Sergeant in the Army Air Corp’s 5th Air Force of the 380th Bomb Group as a flight engineer and turret gunner on a B24 nicknamed “Battle Weary” that was based at that time in Nadzab, New Guinea. Although the crew of the “Battle Weary” had received a Presidential Citation for their participation in the bombing of Balikpapan oil refinery in Borneo, McCarter told us of what he considered his most memorable flight.
While bombing the Japanese air field at Wewak, New Guinea the “Battle Weary” was taking flak called “ack ack” from enemy fire from the ground being directed by a Japanese fighter plane. The then Sgt. McCarter stated the flak had caused great damage to their craft. Seeing their B24 was crippled, McCarter stated the enemy pilot took advantage of the situation and began to work on shooting them down. From his vantage point, McCarter said he could only see tracer bullets leaving the front of their plane. McCarter said that he radioed to the nose gunner Tony DeFeo and asked; “What are you shooting at?!” with Tony’s reply; “It’s not coming from me!” Realizing that the enemy plane was firing at them from behind and was now turning to fly over for a kill shot, McCarter stated he turned his turret with its duel 50 caliber machine guns and fired on the enemy plane causing it to explode in a ball of fire. Seeing the damage to their plane and while covered in gasoline that was spraying everywhere inside, McCarter stated he quickly sprang to action by first grabbing a fire extinguisher and running through the bomb bay on a one foot wide gang plank to put out a fire at the tail end of the plane. McCarter said this was quite unnerving as the bomb bay doors were open and he saw the earth racing below on either side of the plank. After the fire was extinguished, it was then McCarter stated he turned his attention to the leaking hydraulic lines and control wires. McCarter stated that all of their fortune rested on his intimate knowledge of the hydraulic and control systems. Prior to his joining the Army Air Corp, McCarter was an employee of the Consolidated Aircraft Company in San Diego, California where he had help build B24’s like theirs. “There are ten miles of hydraulic lines in a B24 and after our fight, I was pinching and bypassing as many broken lines as I could locate as well as connecting as many control wires together to keep us flying” stated McCarter. While working on repairs to the plane, McCarter said his attention turned to the wounded crew. There was the tail gunner “The Count” Urbanski, who was knocked unconscious during most of the fight; the pilot, Capt. Benbow; co-pilot Lt. Gerollinger; radio operator Jack Rivers; bombardier Lt. Wentze; nose gunner Tony Dafaeo; navigator Barnes; were all wounded by flak. A substitute waist gunner whose name McCarter could not recall received a crippling head-wound from a bullet that left him incapacitated. Their other waist gunner, “Blackie” Brazil, was shot in the spine and would later die on the flight back to their base. McCarter stated at the beginning of his presentation that he wanted to dedicate his talk to all of the crew of the “Battle Weary”, but most of all to “Blackie” Brazil. McCarter said that “Blackie” deserved the most recognition, being that “Blackie” had been given 4F status as not being fit to serve due to his small size, yet he insisted on fighting and serving his country. McCarter stated that “Blackie” had given all to his country and in his mind was the real hero of the day. McCarter stated that he turned 90 last July, but considers that day over Wewak on May 7th 1944 to be his new birthday and considers himself only 67 years old, because he thinks himself very fortunate to be alive. That bombing mission ended the ability for the Japanese to use their airfield in Wewak thus shorting the war. McCarter said that to his surprise, 50 years later he learned the Japanese pilot he had shot down had also survived that day as well.
While bombing the Japanese air field at Wewak, New Guinea the “Battle Weary” was taking flak called “ack ack” from enemy fire from the ground being directed by a Japanese fighter plane. The then Sgt. McCarter stated the flak had caused great damage to their craft. Seeing their B24 was crippled, McCarter stated the enemy pilot took advantage of the situation and began to work on shooting them down. From his vantage point, McCarter said he could only see tracer bullets leaving the front of their plane. McCarter said that he radioed to the nose gunner Tony DeFeo and asked; “What are you shooting at?!” with Tony’s reply; “It’s not coming from me!” Realizing that the enemy plane was firing at them from behind and was now turning to fly over for a kill shot, McCarter stated he turned his turret with its duel 50 caliber machine guns and fired on the enemy plane causing it to explode in a ball of fire. Seeing the damage to their plane and while covered in gasoline that was spraying everywhere inside, McCarter stated he quickly sprang to action by first grabbing a fire extinguisher and running through the bomb bay on a one foot wide gang plank to put out a fire at the tail end of the plane. McCarter said this was quite unnerving as the bomb bay doors were open and he saw the earth racing below on either side of the plank. After the fire was extinguished, it was then McCarter stated he turned his attention to the leaking hydraulic lines and control wires. McCarter stated that all of their fortune rested on his intimate knowledge of the hydraulic and control systems. Prior to his joining the Army Air Corp, McCarter was an employee of the Consolidated Aircraft Company in San Diego, California where he had help build B24’s like theirs. “There are ten miles of hydraulic lines in a B24 and after our fight, I was pinching and bypassing as many broken lines as I could locate as well as connecting as many control wires together to keep us flying” stated McCarter. While working on repairs to the plane, McCarter said his attention turned to the wounded crew. There was the tail gunner “The Count” Urbanski, who was knocked unconscious during most of the fight; the pilot, Capt. Benbow; co-pilot Lt. Gerollinger; radio operator Jack Rivers; bombardier Lt. Wentze; nose gunner Tony Dafaeo; navigator Barnes; were all wounded by flak. A substitute waist gunner whose name McCarter could not recall received a crippling head-wound from a bullet that left him incapacitated. Their other waist gunner, “Blackie” Brazil, was shot in the spine and would later die on the flight back to their base. McCarter stated at the beginning of his presentation that he wanted to dedicate his talk to all of the crew of the “Battle Weary”, but most of all to “Blackie” Brazil. McCarter said that “Blackie” deserved the most recognition, being that “Blackie” had been given 4F status as not being fit to serve due to his small size, yet he insisted on fighting and serving his country. McCarter stated that “Blackie” had given all to his country and in his mind was the real hero of the day. McCarter stated that he turned 90 last July, but considers that day over Wewak on May 7th 1944 to be his new birthday and considers himself only 67 years old, because he thinks himself very fortunate to be alive. That bombing mission ended the ability for the Japanese to use their airfield in Wewak thus shorting the war. McCarter said that to his surprise, 50 years later he learned the Japanese pilot he had shot down had also survived that day as well.
At the same meeting, the James Huey Chapter of SAR awarded Ms. Betty Jo Harris, a history teacher at River Oaks School in Monroe, a certificate and $100 prize for winning the "Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teachers Award" contest. Ms. Harris's application was forwarded and judged by the Louisiana State Society SAR and has been declared the State winner. Ms. Harris will be awarded a certificate and $500 prize during their Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 20th in Alexandria. Ms. Harris's application has now been forwarded to the National Society in Louisville Kentucky where she will represent Louisiana and compete for a chance to win a prize valued at $1400.
Pictured l-r, Past President Steve Ray, Betty Jo Harris, and President Fred Hamilton.
Pictured l-r, Past President Steve Ray, Betty Jo Harris, and President Fred Hamilton.
In addition,Davis Mcgruder Harris was named the winner of the James Huey Chapter’s Arthur M & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship Contest and $100 prize. Harris’s winning application with essay about his patriot ancestor Peter Bruin was chosen as the winner by the Eagle Scout Contest Committee Chairman Chris Owens. Harris’s application was submitted to the Louisiana State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution where he will be competing against other entries by Chapters throughout the State for a $500 cash prize. The contestant chosen to represent Louisiana will be announced during their annual meeting on April 20th in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Pictured l-r: Chairman Chris Owens, Davis Harris, President Fred Hamilton
Pictured l-r: Chairman Chris Owens, Davis Harris, President Fred Hamilton
Chapter hears Lee Estes "The Dixie Overland Highway-US 80 Louisiana's most historic public road"
Presentation of Medals & Induction of New Members and Officers (November 22, 2011)
Author and veteran, Lee Estes of Monroe spoke to our James Huey Chapter about "The Dixie Overland Highway - US 80 - Louisiana's most historic public road". The Dixie Overland Highway was an auto trail across the southern United States. It was conceived in July 1914 by the Automobile Club of Savannah, which envisioned a practical all-year driving route from Georgia to California. It was originally developed as a cross-country route, from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean making history as the first ever ocean to ocean highway route. In 1925, the federal Joint Board on Interstate Highways created U.S. Route 80, largely following the route of the Dixie Overland Highway. Mr. Estes informed the membership about the affects this road played in North Louisiana.
Our Chapter presented the Meritorious Service Medal to Compatriot Jim Miller and of the Martha Washington Medal to Alice Fay Miller for their work coordinating and the participation in ceremony at the Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe where more than 500 flags they donated marked the graves of the veterans graves. pictured l-r: Alice Fay Miller, Jim Miller and Chapter President Steve Ray
Our Chapter recognized the service of our veterans with the presentation of Military Service Medals to Compatriots: Theodore Hamilton Brode III, Doyle Richard Grant, Gerald David Graves, James William Kight Jr., James William Miller, Wamul Robert Owens, Leroy George Stenzel Jr.
pictured l-r: James William Miller, Theodore Hamilton Brode III, James William Kight Jr., Gerald David Graves, Wamul Robert Owens, Leroy George Stenzel Jr., Chapter President Elect Fred Hamilton, Chapter President Steve Ray
Our Chapter inducted our newest members: Jack Nelson Beasley, Jon Hamilton Beasley, Leroy George Stenzel Jr., Van Taylor Tarver III
pictured l-r: Chapter President Steve Ray, Van Taylor Tarver III, Leroy George Stenzel Jr., Jon Hamilton Beasley, Jack Nelson Beasley, Chapter President Elect Fred Hamilton
Our Chapter installed our newest Officers: Fred Hamilton as our new Chapter President and Ted Brode as our new Secretary/Treasurer.
pictured l-r: Chapter Registrar Jim Miller, Past Registrar, Ted Brode, Secretary/Treasurer, Fred Hamilton Chapter President, Steve Ray, Past Chapter President
Our Chapter presented the Meritorious Service Medal to Compatriot Jim Miller and of the Martha Washington Medal to Alice Fay Miller for their work coordinating and the participation in ceremony at the Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe where more than 500 flags they donated marked the graves of the veterans graves. pictured l-r: Alice Fay Miller, Jim Miller and Chapter President Steve Ray
Our Chapter recognized the service of our veterans with the presentation of Military Service Medals to Compatriots: Theodore Hamilton Brode III, Doyle Richard Grant, Gerald David Graves, James William Kight Jr., James William Miller, Wamul Robert Owens, Leroy George Stenzel Jr.
pictured l-r: James William Miller, Theodore Hamilton Brode III, James William Kight Jr., Gerald David Graves, Wamul Robert Owens, Leroy George Stenzel Jr., Chapter President Elect Fred Hamilton, Chapter President Steve Ray
Our Chapter inducted our newest members: Jack Nelson Beasley, Jon Hamilton Beasley, Leroy George Stenzel Jr., Van Taylor Tarver III
pictured l-r: Chapter President Steve Ray, Van Taylor Tarver III, Leroy George Stenzel Jr., Jon Hamilton Beasley, Jack Nelson Beasley, Chapter President Elect Fred Hamilton
Our Chapter installed our newest Officers: Fred Hamilton as our new Chapter President and Ted Brode as our new Secretary/Treasurer.
pictured l-r: Chapter Registrar Jim Miller, Past Registrar, Ted Brode, Secretary/Treasurer, Fred Hamilton Chapter President, Steve Ray, Past Chapter President
Chapter Works With SCV to Support Chenault Museum's Salute to Veterans (November 5, 2011)
Veterans Day Program at Chennault Aviation and Military Museum that had some 200 visitors that day. Richard Gentry (local living-history buff) did a superb job of orchestrating the various reenactors of all military eras into a very enjoyable program for the folks who came. There was even a firing demonstration pitting a musket carrying militiaman of the Revolutionary War (played by Steve Ray) against a US Army WWII reenactor sporting a M-1 Carbine. I am afraid I lost that contest as he emptied his clip faster than I could start the reload of my musket.
Thanks to Compatriot Gerald Graves for the tent, flag bases, and help at the Chenault Museum. We all had a good time and met some nice folks.
Group photo of James Huey Members Present l-r: Taylor Mac, Gerald Graves, Ted Brode, Steve Ray and Jim Miller
Thanks to Compatriot Gerald Graves for the tent, flag bases, and help at the Chenault Museum. We all had a good time and met some nice folks.
Group photo of James Huey Members Present l-r: Taylor Mac, Gerald Graves, Ted Brode, Steve Ray and Jim Miller
James Huey Chapter join Avoyelles Parish in Patriot Salute (October 29, 2011)
Louisiana Society Militia CG and 80 attendees at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church cemetery at Mansura, Avoyelles Parish met on Sat. Oct 29th 2011 to officially dedicate & mark a bronze cast cenotaph inscribed with 37 names of Louisiana Militia men who were documented for military service with the Galvez Expedition (1779) that defeated British garrisoned troops at Natchez, Baton Rouge and Mobile Bay and later, Pensacola.
These soldiers’ graves and markers were lost after their burial following the establishment of the 1790 first church cemetery on the Avoyelles prairie. All the soldiers’ graves and markers were neglected for over 210 yrs., following the building of a church at this site. A few years ago, Rev. Chad Partain arrived at St. Paul’s Church as the Pastor and he began to research records. He joined with Carlos Mayeux, Jr. and Randy DeCuir in their efforts to donate a plaque in memory of the soldier’s RevWar service.
Photographed by Lester Bordelon appear Louisiana Society Militia CG Cmdr. Jimmy Miller; militiamen Jim Mitchell, Bert Menge, Carter Campbell and Steve Ray, Pres. at James Huey Chapter, West Monroe, LA and separately, LASSAR Compatriot Bob Hess, Attakapas Chapter, Lafayette, holding the Galvez flag adjacent to James R. Taylor from our Mississippi Society SAR CG. Louisiana militia color guardsmen presented a fusillade to salute the 37 French Revolutionary War allies and their attending families, who settled in Avoyelles having served to defeat the British during the Revolutionary War.
These soldiers’ graves and markers were lost after their burial following the establishment of the 1790 first church cemetery on the Avoyelles prairie. All the soldiers’ graves and markers were neglected for over 210 yrs., following the building of a church at this site. A few years ago, Rev. Chad Partain arrived at St. Paul’s Church as the Pastor and he began to research records. He joined with Carlos Mayeux, Jr. and Randy DeCuir in their efforts to donate a plaque in memory of the soldier’s RevWar service.
Photographed by Lester Bordelon appear Louisiana Society Militia CG Cmdr. Jimmy Miller; militiamen Jim Mitchell, Bert Menge, Carter Campbell and Steve Ray, Pres. at James Huey Chapter, West Monroe, LA and separately, LASSAR Compatriot Bob Hess, Attakapas Chapter, Lafayette, holding the Galvez flag adjacent to James R. Taylor from our Mississippi Society SAR CG. Louisiana militia color guardsmen presented a fusillade to salute the 37 French Revolutionary War allies and their attending families, who settled in Avoyelles having served to defeat the British during the Revolutionary War.
Chapter hears Nell Calloway, Director of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum "Who Is the Man Chennault" (October 25, 2011)
Nell Calloway, Director of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. Her topic will be "Who Is the Man Chennault". Ms. Calloway has been the Director of Chennault Aviation and Military Museum since 2008. The granddaughter of General Claire Chennault, the founder of the Flying Tigers, Nell has a passion for the museum’s mission that is both keenly professional and deeply personal. She leads the Chennault family’s vision for the General’s legacy through the museum and her constant work around the USA and Asia. She has worked tirelessly, both nationally and internationally, to remind people of the close relationship between the United States and the people of China and Asia during World War II.
Officer Elections were also held during this meeting for the following positions with candidates running unopposed were as follows:
President - Fred Hamilton
Secretary/Treasurer - Ted Brode
Officer Elections were also held during this meeting for the following positions with candidates running unopposed were as follows:
President - Fred Hamilton
Secretary/Treasurer - Ted Brode
Chapter learns about Von Steuben and Firing Drill Commands (September 27, 2011)
The James Huey Chapter membership watched a video: Von Steuben's Continentals: America's first Army (Part II) followed by a presentation from Compatriot Ted Brode "Firing Drill Commands"
Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben (born Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin von Steuben; September 17, 1730 – November 28, 1794), also referred to as Baron von Steuben who was a Prussian and later an American military officer. He served as Inspector General and a Major General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He was one of the fathers of the Continental Army in teaching them the essentials of military drills, tactics, and discipline.[1] He wrote Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States, the book that served as the Army's drill manual for decades. He served as General George Washington's chief of staff in the final years of the war.
Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben (born Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin von Steuben; September 17, 1730 – November 28, 1794), also referred to as Baron von Steuben who was a Prussian and later an American military officer. He served as Inspector General and a Major General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He was one of the fathers of the Continental Army in teaching them the essentials of military drills, tactics, and discipline.[1] He wrote Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States, the book that served as the Army's drill manual for decades. He served as General George Washington's chief of staff in the final years of the war.
Chapter Oration Winner Competes at National (July 28, 2011)
Hamilton Winters represented Louisiana in the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest at the 121st Congress meeting of the National Society of the Sons of the America Revolution in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He is pictured with the President General of the National Association who awarded Hamilton with $200 for his competing in the oration competition. The Louisiana Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution awarded Hamilton with $250 savings bond, $100 cash, and paid his expenses of traveling to the national competition.
Hamilton is 16 and is President of the Junior class at West Monroe High School. He is the son of Sandie and Stephens Winters.
The oration contest is open to all students, grades 9 - 12 in the public, parochial, private, and home schools. The subject must deal with an event, personality, or document pertaining to the Revolutionary War and show a relationship to America today.
Pictured l-r: President General James David Sympson with Hamilton Stephens Winters II
Hamilton is 16 and is President of the Junior class at West Monroe High School. He is the son of Sandie and Stephens Winters.
The oration contest is open to all students, grades 9 - 12 in the public, parochial, private, and home schools. The subject must deal with an event, personality, or document pertaining to the Revolutionary War and show a relationship to America today.
Pictured l-r: President General James David Sympson with Hamilton Stephens Winters II
Chapter hears Compatriot Richard Grant Speaks on "Lt. Michael Gaar of Virginia" (July 26, 2011)
Michael was the son of Johann Adam Gaar, and Elizabeth Kaffer, an immigrant from Bavaria. Michael married Elizabeth Wilhoit ca 1766 in Culpepper, Va. They eventually settled in what was then Wilkes Co, and is now Elbert Co. Ga. Lt Michael GAAR enlisted during 1780 in Capt. Elijah Kirtley's Minute Men company, Lieut. Col. Edward Steven's regt., Culpeper County, Virginia. Revolutionary service source: State of Kentucky Act for Revolutionary Pension Apps. at Franklin Co., KY Court dated 17 Sept., 1832 for James Taylor, Pvt. Culpeper Co., Minute Men VA militia. Bio by Compatriot Jim Mitchell who is Richard Grant's cousin and also a descendant of Lt Michael GAAR.
Pictured l to r is Caleb Grant and his grandfather Richard Grant during the James Huey Chapter meeting on Tuesday July 26th where Richard Grant presented a talk about his patriot ancestor Lt. Michael Gaar of Virginia.
Also pictured is Jim Mitchell placing a wreath at the grave of Lt. Michael Gaar
Pictured l to r is Caleb Grant and his grandfather Richard Grant during the James Huey Chapter meeting on Tuesday July 26th where Richard Grant presented a talk about his patriot ancestor Lt. Michael Gaar of Virginia.
Also pictured is Jim Mitchell placing a wreath at the grave of Lt. Michael Gaar
Chapter learns about the stone age techniques of flint knapping (June 28, 2011)
Carl Bryant of Start, Louisiana, master of flint knapping presented "Flint Napping, From the Stone Age to the Industrial Age" - The history of working stone into tools. Wikipedia states: "Knapping is the shaping of flint, chert, obsidian or other conchoidal fracturing stone through the process of lithic reduction to manufacture stone tools, strikers for flintlock firearms, or to produce flat-faced stones for building or facing walls, and flushwork decoration." Mr. Bryant also discussed about the relationship with flint lock weapons and their need of flints and knapping was a needed industry of the day to keep countries supplied with replacement flints as well as demonstrated how to work stone.
Chapter hears author Lee Estes & Hamilton Winter's Oration Contest Entry (May 24, 2011)
Local author, Lee Estes, spoke to the membership about his book "Fading Warriors" that details the service of 47 veterans of World War II. Mr. Estes, a hero himself, and as his own description of his book quotes; "My name is Lee Estes. I was in Co. F/376th and went over with the division. I was evacuated on Jan. 26, 1945 with frozen feet. Recently, I have completed a book titled Fading Warriors which chronicles the stories from 47 veterans of World War II. These experiences include all branches of service and all theaters of operation. The volume contains 280 pages, more than 150 photographs, some other never before seen graphics, and is completely indexed. My experience as a rifleman in F Co. is just one among this collection. Fifteen of the people featured have already passed on. There is one long lingering mystery from the war revealed in one soldier's story."
Hamilton Winters, a Senior of West Monroe High School, presented his speech to the membership titled "The Face of Freedom" for his entry in the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest. LASSAR President, Dr. James Morock, presented Hamilton with his award and certificate for his winning entry. Hamilton will represent Louisiana at the NSSAR competition to be held in Winston-Salem, NC.
Pictured L - R; Dr. James Morock, LASSAR President, Hamilton Winters, and Steve Ray James Huey Chapter President
Hamilton Winters, a Senior of West Monroe High School, presented his speech to the membership titled "The Face of Freedom" for his entry in the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest. LASSAR President, Dr. James Morock, presented Hamilton with his award and certificate for his winning entry. Hamilton will represent Louisiana at the NSSAR competition to be held in Winston-Salem, NC.
Pictured L - R; Dr. James Morock, LASSAR President, Hamilton Winters, and Steve Ray James Huey Chapter President
Chapter learns about "The Federalist Papers" & LASSAR Poster Contestant Awarded (April 26, 2011)
James Huey Chapter members were informed about the "The Federalist Papers" by Ms. Martha Hayden of Monroe. Ms. Hayden further informed the group about the writings of the three men responsible; Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison and the affect their 85 essays that were originally written anonymously to inform readers why the "Articles of Confederation" should be passed over for a new "Constitution" that would give a framework for a strong central government yet still allow States rights and personal freedoms. These papers were published under the name "Publius" in honor of the Roman consul and to not allow the reader to be influenced by the names of the statesmen authors, but by their ideas alone. These papers were meant to counteract the efforts of the Anti-Federalist and their writings of the day.
Ty Hogg wins 1st Place and $100 in the Louisiana State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Poster Contest. Ty's poster will now represent the State of Louisiana during the national contest held in June. Pictured James Huey Chapter President Steve Ray, Ty Hogg and Poster Contest Chairman Bill Kight.Meritorious Service Medals were presented to Ted Brode and Harry Neese during James Huey Chapter Meeting on Tuesday 4/26/2011 for their work promoting SAR. Ted Brode was recognized for his work in the creation of the James Huey Chapter Color Guard. Harry Neese was recognized for his work in the creation of the James Huey Chapter Website.
Ty Hogg wins 1st Place and $100 in the Louisiana State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Poster Contest. Ty's poster will now represent the State of Louisiana during the national contest held in June. Pictured James Huey Chapter President Steve Ray, Ty Hogg and Poster Contest Chairman Bill Kight.Meritorious Service Medals were presented to Ted Brode and Harry Neese during James Huey Chapter Meeting on Tuesday 4/26/2011 for their work promoting SAR. Ted Brode was recognized for his work in the creation of the James Huey Chapter Color Guard. Harry Neese was recognized for his work in the creation of the James Huey Chapter Website.
James Huey Chapter Poster Contestant Wins at LASSAR Annual Meeting in Covington LA (April 9, 2011)
Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest Chairman, Bo Vets presents a $100 to the winner of the Louisiana State Society to the entry by Ty Hogg of Drew Elementary School in West Monroe LA. Accepting for Ty Hogg is James Huey Chapter President Steve Ray.
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students' masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in that same grade range. Young artists with an enthusiasm toward art, a love of American history, or a passion in creative expression can submit their posters to their local SAR chapter for competition. While the Americanism Poster Contest begins at the local level, students' masterpieces may eventually be judged and monetarily awarded at the national level in June at the annual SAR Congress.
Chapter Presents the NSSAR Bronze Emergency Medical Service Award & Inducted New Members & Poster Contest Winner (March 22, 2011)
The James Huey Chapter would like to thank the Winters family for alerting us to the fast thinking and action of an off duty West Monroe Fireman and EMT, Lance Smithson for saving wife and mother Sandie during a choking emergency at the Winters' home. Hollin Winters alerted her brother and called 911. An Eagle Scout, Hamilton Winters began lifesaving measures, and neighbor Smithson was alerted and gave Sandie emergency care. They all are to be congratulated. The James Huey Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution honored Smithson the NSSAR Emergency Medical Service Award.
Pictured l-r: Stephens Winters, Hamilton Winters, Lance Smithson, Sandie Winters, and Hollin Winters.
Compatriot Bill Kight, our James Huey Poster Contest Chairman, showed off the fine artwork of our first James Huey Chapter Poster Contestant winner Ty Hogg of the Drew Elementary School in West Monroe. Ty's poster will represent our at our State Convention on Saturday April 9th.
Pictured l-r: Poster Contest Chairman Bill Kight, Ty Hogg, Chapter President Steve Ray.
Our Chapter inducted our newest members; James William Kight Jr., Gerald David Graves and Charles Lionel Rand III into our Chapter.
Pictured l-r: Bill Kight, Gerald Graves, Chuck Rand and Chapter President Steve Ray
Our speaker for the evening was Compatriot Chuck Rand who spoke about his patriot ancestor "Lt. Thomas Semmes".
Pictured l-r: Stephens Winters, Hamilton Winters, Lance Smithson, Sandie Winters, and Hollin Winters.
Compatriot Bill Kight, our James Huey Poster Contest Chairman, showed off the fine artwork of our first James Huey Chapter Poster Contestant winner Ty Hogg of the Drew Elementary School in West Monroe. Ty's poster will represent our at our State Convention on Saturday April 9th.
Pictured l-r: Poster Contest Chairman Bill Kight, Ty Hogg, Chapter President Steve Ray.
Our Chapter inducted our newest members; James William Kight Jr., Gerald David Graves and Charles Lionel Rand III into our Chapter.
Pictured l-r: Bill Kight, Gerald Graves, Chuck Rand and Chapter President Steve Ray
Our speaker for the evening was Compatriot Chuck Rand who spoke about his patriot ancestor "Lt. Thomas Semmes".
Chapter Color Guard Assists Benjamin Tennille Chapter at GW Banquet (February 22, 2011)
Congressman Rodney Alexander spoke at the George Washington Banquet hosted by the Benjamin Tennille Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution on February the 22nd at the Bayou Desiard Country Club. Congressman Alexander informed the attendees of the happenings in Congress and Louisiana's 5th Congressional District. Members of the James Huey Chapter Color Guard served during the event.
Pictured l-r: Carter Campbell, Ted Brode, Congressman Rodney Alexander, Gerald Graves and Jim Miller
Pictured l-r: Carter Campbell, Ted Brode, Congressman Rodney Alexander, Gerald Graves and Jim Miller
Eagle Scout Recognized (January 11, 2011)
James Huey Chapter LASSAR awarded the James Huey Eagle Scout Award and $100 cash prize to Hamilton Stephens Winters for his winning entry. Pictured from left to right; Eddie Enlow and Rick Haney both of the BSA Louisiana Purchase Council, Eagle Scout Hamilton Stephens Winters, Eagle Scout Committee Chairman Dr. Chris Owens and Chapter President Steve Ray.
Attendees also had the pleasure of hearing speaker and Compatriot Ted Brode's presentation of: "Balthazar Ricard DeVilliers and the history of the Arkansas Post".
Attendees also had the pleasure of hearing speaker and Compatriot Ted Brode's presentation of: "Balthazar Ricard DeVilliers and the history of the Arkansas Post".
Law Enforcement Medals Awarded (November 23, 2010)
On November 23rd 2010, the James Huey Chapter posthumously awarded the NSSAR Bronze Law Enforcement Commendations to three of our area’s heroes.
Cpl. Marchale Canty of the City of Ruston Police Department. On September 13th 2010, while investigating a suspicious SUV that was parked in front of Ambrose Automotive on I-20 Frontage Road in Ruston, Cpl. Canty received three gunshot wounds from assailants who fled the scene. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting. Cpl. Canty was presented his award for his service. Pictured (L-R) Chapter President Steve Ray, Marchale Canty and Sharonda Gipson
K9 Sgt. Thomas “Tommy” Alexander of the City of Rayville Police Department. On September 11, 2010, while responding to a report of the breaking glass, Sergeant Alexander, who was the closest officer to the scene, responded to the call that was outside the city limits of Rayville. While conducting a search of the property, Sgt Alexander took fire from three suspects who were hidden inside the home and was killed in the line of duty. One suspect was apprehended by responding deputies who heard the shots as they arrived at the scene. The two other suspects were apprehended a short time later. A 20 year veteran of law enforcement, Sergeant Alexander, had served with both the City of Rayville Police Department and the Richland Parish Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. The award was presented to Sgt. Alexanders widow, Mary Alexander for her husband’s service. Pictured on Back Row L-R: Joan Howard, Mary Williams, Clara Wilson, Chapter President Steve Ray; Middle Row L-R: Thelma Bess, Deborah Jackson, Mary Alexander, Chasity Mamon, Takesha Alexander, LaDeanna Davis; Front Row: A'Yonna Mamon
K9 Cpl. Clovis Wayne "J.R." Searcy, Jr. of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office. On March 4th, 2010, near Louisiana 34, South of West Monroe, Cpl. Searcy was wounded in the line of duty while responding to a call of aggravated assault on Browning Road and reports that the suspect was trying to run over people with his vehicle. Deputies confronted the suspect who was outside his vehicle at the scene. Cpl. Searcy, with taser in hand, ordered the suspect to put his hands up. As he was lifting his hands, the suspect drew a pistol from the small of his back and fired two shots hitting Cpl. Searcy twice. Cpl. Searcy was taken to St. Francis Medical Center where he died from his wounds two days later. Cpl. Searcy had served 8 years with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and is survived by his father, brother, wife and two children. The award was presented to Cpl. Searcy’s father, Clovis Wayne Searcy, Sr for his son’s service. Pictured(L-R) Cody Wayne Searcy, Ginger Searcy, Clovis Wayne Searcy, Sr., Chapter President Steve Ray
Compatriot Ted Brode was the speaker for the November 23rd meeting. Compatriot Brode presented "A Colonial Christmas" that discussed the traditions and meals of the day as well as what our Patriot ancestors likely experienced while fighting to win our Country’s freedom.
Cpl. Marchale Canty of the City of Ruston Police Department. On September 13th 2010, while investigating a suspicious SUV that was parked in front of Ambrose Automotive on I-20 Frontage Road in Ruston, Cpl. Canty received three gunshot wounds from assailants who fled the scene. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting. Cpl. Canty was presented his award for his service. Pictured (L-R) Chapter President Steve Ray, Marchale Canty and Sharonda Gipson
K9 Sgt. Thomas “Tommy” Alexander of the City of Rayville Police Department. On September 11, 2010, while responding to a report of the breaking glass, Sergeant Alexander, who was the closest officer to the scene, responded to the call that was outside the city limits of Rayville. While conducting a search of the property, Sgt Alexander took fire from three suspects who were hidden inside the home and was killed in the line of duty. One suspect was apprehended by responding deputies who heard the shots as they arrived at the scene. The two other suspects were apprehended a short time later. A 20 year veteran of law enforcement, Sergeant Alexander, had served with both the City of Rayville Police Department and the Richland Parish Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. The award was presented to Sgt. Alexanders widow, Mary Alexander for her husband’s service. Pictured on Back Row L-R: Joan Howard, Mary Williams, Clara Wilson, Chapter President Steve Ray; Middle Row L-R: Thelma Bess, Deborah Jackson, Mary Alexander, Chasity Mamon, Takesha Alexander, LaDeanna Davis; Front Row: A'Yonna Mamon
K9 Cpl. Clovis Wayne "J.R." Searcy, Jr. of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office. On March 4th, 2010, near Louisiana 34, South of West Monroe, Cpl. Searcy was wounded in the line of duty while responding to a call of aggravated assault on Browning Road and reports that the suspect was trying to run over people with his vehicle. Deputies confronted the suspect who was outside his vehicle at the scene. Cpl. Searcy, with taser in hand, ordered the suspect to put his hands up. As he was lifting his hands, the suspect drew a pistol from the small of his back and fired two shots hitting Cpl. Searcy twice. Cpl. Searcy was taken to St. Francis Medical Center where he died from his wounds two days later. Cpl. Searcy had served 8 years with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and is survived by his father, brother, wife and two children. The award was presented to Cpl. Searcy’s father, Clovis Wayne Searcy, Sr for his son’s service. Pictured(L-R) Cody Wayne Searcy, Ginger Searcy, Clovis Wayne Searcy, Sr., Chapter President Steve Ray
Compatriot Ted Brode was the speaker for the November 23rd meeting. Compatriot Brode presented "A Colonial Christmas" that discussed the traditions and meals of the day as well as what our Patriot ancestors likely experienced while fighting to win our Country’s freedom.
Chapter Marks Grave of James Huey (November 6, 2010)
James Huey Chapter of the Louisiana Society of the Son's of the American Revolution held a grave dedication ceremony in honor of our Chapter's namesake, James Huey. The James Huey Color Guard presented colors and fired a salute in honor of James Huey and all Veterans who have served our Great Nations Armed Forces. We would like to thank all who attended, especially the 18 descendants of James Huey, the members of the Chief Tusquahoma Chapter and Long Leaf Pine Chapter of the DAR and the members of the Benjamin Tennille Chapter, Enemund Meullion Chapter, Natchitoches Chapter, George Washington Chapter and Pierre George Rousseau Chapter of the SAR - Estimate of 60 in attendanc
Good Citizenship Medals Awarded (October 26, 2010)
NSSAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medals were presented to Marcel Higgins, Jerome Dixon and Rodney Ward of the Swanson Center for Youth for their work to restore the J S Clark Cemetery in Monroe. Pat Moore and Dr. Ollibeth Reddix, Jurors of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, were in attendance for the presentation.
Pictured l-r: Police Juror Ms. Pat Moore, Jerome Dixon,James Huey Chapter President, Stephen "Steve" Ray, Police Juror Dr. Ollibeth Reddix, Rodney Ward, Marcel Higgins.
Police Jurors, Dr. Ollibeth Reddix and Ms. Pat Moore present the James Huey Chapter President, Stephen K. “Steve” Ray, a Proclamation expressing the Ouachita Parish Police Jury’s appreciation to him for his efforts in organizing groups and service to assist the Jury’s efforts of maintenance and improvement of the J. S. Clark Memorial Park Cemetery and the Veterans interred there during their recent meeting.
Pictured l-r: Police Juror, Dr. Ollibeth Reddix, James Huey Chapter President, Stephen K. “Steve” Ray and Police Juror Ms. Pat Moore.
Author and Compatriot Harry Neese presents talk about his book "From Worlds Apart...The Story of Jesse Neese and Carrie Falcon". Harry told us of his patriot ancestors are Martin Neese of German descent and Gaspar Falcon of the Canary Islands and the unlikely events that brought his grandparents together. Great Job Harry!!!
Pictured l-r: Police Juror Ms. Pat Moore, Jerome Dixon,James Huey Chapter President, Stephen "Steve" Ray, Police Juror Dr. Ollibeth Reddix, Rodney Ward, Marcel Higgins.
Police Jurors, Dr. Ollibeth Reddix and Ms. Pat Moore present the James Huey Chapter President, Stephen K. “Steve” Ray, a Proclamation expressing the Ouachita Parish Police Jury’s appreciation to him for his efforts in organizing groups and service to assist the Jury’s efforts of maintenance and improvement of the J. S. Clark Memorial Park Cemetery and the Veterans interred there during their recent meeting.
Pictured l-r: Police Juror, Dr. Ollibeth Reddix, James Huey Chapter President, Stephen K. “Steve” Ray and Police Juror Ms. Pat Moore.
Author and Compatriot Harry Neese presents talk about his book "From Worlds Apart...The Story of Jesse Neese and Carrie Falcon". Harry told us of his patriot ancestors are Martin Neese of German descent and Gaspar Falcon of the Canary Islands and the unlikely events that brought his grandparents together. Great Job Harry!!!
DAR Regent is Special Guest (September 28, 2010)
Barbara Gewin, Regent of the Chief Tusquahoma Chapter of the West Monroe DAR during the James Huey Chapter's meeting on the 28th of September 2010. Barbara informed our group about the mission of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and both our Chapter's recent joint efforts in promoting Constitution Week.
The Chief Tusquahoma Chapter of the West Monroe DAR invited the chapter to participate in their Constitution Day celebration on Trenton Street in West Monroe Louisiana.
Bell Tower in West Monroe, site of Bell Ringing Ceremony to celebrate signing of United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.
The Chief Tusquahoma Chapter of the West Monroe DAR invited the chapter to participate in their Constitution Day celebration on Trenton Street in West Monroe Louisiana.
Bell Tower in West Monroe, site of Bell Ringing Ceremony to celebrate signing of United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.
Chapter Assists DAR (September 17, 2010)
Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day, formerly observed the third Sunday in May) is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is normally observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia.
When Constitution Day falls on a weekend or on another holiday, schools and other institutions observe the holiday on an adjacent weekday.
The law establishing the present holiday was created in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd to the Omnibus spending bill of 2004. Before this law was enacted, the holiday was known as "Citizenship Day". In addition to renaming the holiday "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," the act mandates that all publicly funded educational institutions, and all federal agencies, provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution on that day. In May 2005, the United States Department of Education announced the enactment of this law and that it would apply to any school receiving federal funds of any kind.
Photos L-R: Bell Tower in West Monroe, site of Bell Ringing Ceremony to celebrate signing of United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. Steve Ray, bell ringer and President of James Huey Chapter, SAR. Members of Chief Tusquahoma Chapter, DAR and James Huey Chapter,SAR
When Constitution Day falls on a weekend or on another holiday, schools and other institutions observe the holiday on an adjacent weekday.
The law establishing the present holiday was created in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd to the Omnibus spending bill of 2004. Before this law was enacted, the holiday was known as "Citizenship Day". In addition to renaming the holiday "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," the act mandates that all publicly funded educational institutions, and all federal agencies, provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution on that day. In May 2005, the United States Department of Education announced the enactment of this law and that it would apply to any school receiving federal funds of any kind.
Photos L-R: Bell Tower in West Monroe, site of Bell Ringing Ceremony to celebrate signing of United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. Steve Ray, bell ringer and President of James Huey Chapter, SAR. Members of Chief Tusquahoma Chapter, DAR and James Huey Chapter,SAR
Teenagers Awarded NSSAR Bronze Medal for Heroism (August 24, 2010)
Sixty two years ago, Wamul Owens pictured on the left, saved 8 people on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1948, from a boating accident on Cheniere Lake not a hundred yards from the location where Josh McDowell and Chris Smith performed their rescue. I did not know of Mr. Owens’s story until he shared it with us at our June meeting after we awarded Corporals Brandon Waggoner and Jeff Winborne of the Monroe Police Department the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal for their water rescue of a Farmerville mother and son in April 2010.
Mr. Wamul Owens, a James Huey Chapter member, presented the NSSAR Bronze Medal for Heroism to our most recent heroes, Josh McDowell and Chris Smith during our Chapter meeting. While on a trip to WalMart during the early morning of July 17, 2010 to buy swimming trunks and food for a planned day at Caney Lake in Jackson Parish LA, Joshua Ray McDowell 19 and Christopher Allen Smith 14 encountered a vehicle that had run off the levee road (LA HWY 3033) and into Cheniere Lake located in Ouachita Parish LA. According to the State Police report, the vehicle had floated 130 feet from the bank of the levee of the lake and become submerged to the roof. The driver of the vehicle shouted to the young men that his son was still strapped inside the vehicle. McDowell and Smith swam to the vehicle and opened the door and freed the child. Joshua Ray McDowell who had recently taken CPR training and worked with the child who had stopped breathing. The child recovered at the scene. It was at that time the young men noticed the other was floating face down in the water, Joshua Ray McDowell swam to and pulled the mother to the roof of the vehicle, but unfortunately, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
All credit God for having them at the right place and the presence of mind to take action to help those in need. These men are HEROES!!!
Our guest speaker of the evening was Dr. Samuel W. Mitchem, author, historian and a former professor of geography and military history at ULM. Dr. Mitchem had written more than 40 book including Hitler’s Legions, Rommel’s Desert War, Rommel’s Last Battle: The Desert Fox in the Normandy Campaign and Panzers in Winter; The German Army and the Battle of the Bulge and has also appeared on the History Channel, CBS and NPR. Dr. Mitchem's presentation was "The Battle of the Bulge; the German Perspective" was a great hit with all that attended.
L-R Compatriot Wamul Owens, Josh McDowell, Chris Smith, Chapter President Steve Ray
Mr. Wamul Owens, a James Huey Chapter member, presented the NSSAR Bronze Medal for Heroism to our most recent heroes, Josh McDowell and Chris Smith during our Chapter meeting. While on a trip to WalMart during the early morning of July 17, 2010 to buy swimming trunks and food for a planned day at Caney Lake in Jackson Parish LA, Joshua Ray McDowell 19 and Christopher Allen Smith 14 encountered a vehicle that had run off the levee road (LA HWY 3033) and into Cheniere Lake located in Ouachita Parish LA. According to the State Police report, the vehicle had floated 130 feet from the bank of the levee of the lake and become submerged to the roof. The driver of the vehicle shouted to the young men that his son was still strapped inside the vehicle. McDowell and Smith swam to the vehicle and opened the door and freed the child. Joshua Ray McDowell who had recently taken CPR training and worked with the child who had stopped breathing. The child recovered at the scene. It was at that time the young men noticed the other was floating face down in the water, Joshua Ray McDowell swam to and pulled the mother to the roof of the vehicle, but unfortunately, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
All credit God for having them at the right place and the presence of mind to take action to help those in need. These men are HEROES!!!
Our guest speaker of the evening was Dr. Samuel W. Mitchem, author, historian and a former professor of geography and military history at ULM. Dr. Mitchem had written more than 40 book including Hitler’s Legions, Rommel’s Desert War, Rommel’s Last Battle: The Desert Fox in the Normandy Campaign and Panzers in Winter; The German Army and the Battle of the Bulge and has also appeared on the History Channel, CBS and NPR. Dr. Mitchem's presentation was "The Battle of the Bulge; the German Perspective" was a great hit with all that attended.
L-R Compatriot Wamul Owens, Josh McDowell, Chris Smith, Chapter President Steve Ray
Chapter Recognizes Two Law Enforcement Officers (June 22, 2010)
Corporal Brandon Waggoner and Corporal Jeff Winborne, off-duty Monroe City Police Officers who were beginning night fishing trip at Lake D’Arbonne in Union Parish Louisiana. They had just stepped into their boat when they heard the sound of car tires and a splash and both saw the red tail lights of the car in the water. Both Corporals Waggoner and Winborne took swift action moved in position to rescue Ms. Truly Wade and her 5 year old son from the water. Both men credit God for putting them at the right place at the right time.
Photo left to right: Cpl Brandon Waggoner and Cpl Jeff Winborne and Steve Ray, James Huey Chapter President.
Photo left to right: Cpl Brandon Waggoner and Cpl Jeff Winborne and Steve Ray, James Huey Chapter President.
Chapter Studies the Battle of Guilford Courthouse (May 25, 2010)
Tuesday, May 25th at 6:45 pm at the West Ouachita Branch Library, 188 Hwy 546, West Monroe, members of the James Huey Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution of Ouachita Parish the presentation made on the Battle of Guilford Courthouse by Compatriot Jim Miller. The Battle of Guilford Court House was fought on March 15, 1781, during the American Revolutionary War, at a site which is now in Greensboro, the seat of Guilford County, North Carolina. The British force under the command of Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis defeated Major General Nathanael Greene's Americans. However, the British Army, suffered a considerable number of casualties during the battle.
Organizations Join Forces to Restore Veterans Graves at J S Clark Cemetery (May 22, 2010)
When Dr. Ollibeth Reddix, Ouachita Police Juror met Steve Ray, President of the new James Huey Sons of the American Revolution of Ouachita organization and also active member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, things began to happen. Reddix has long been concerned with the state of the J. S. Clark Cemetery on Burg Jones Lane in Monroe. Gravestones had tipped over, were mildewed and in need of repair. Her concerns were brought to the attention of Ray and between the two of them a plan to start cleaning up was originated. After a visit by Reddix and Juror Pat Moore, to the SCV meeting in March, Ted Brode, Camp Commander of the Major Thomas McGuire SCV and the membership voted to help clean and repair the gravestones of veterans buried at J. S. Clark Cemetery . Brode stated, “We would hope that all Americans have not lost their sense of family and respect for all the men who served faithfully in the time of war. We are glad to help with this project.”
Recently when the new chapter of The James Huey Chapter of the Sons of American Revolution of Ouachita was chartered, Ray, as President also garnered the support of that organization to help with the project;.; "Ray remarked, “All veteran’s bleed red! They have fought for our country and deserve a proper resting place.”
Two more organizations helped with this phase of the work. American Legion Post 99, led by Commander Joe Malone from the N. E. Louisiana War Veterans Home represented a group of veterans from WWII and Vietnam, who reside at the home and meet monthly with Malone. He stated, “No matter what era we fought in, we are still a “Band of Brothers”. The resting place of these men must be maintained and respected.”
Freddie Downs, Commander of American Legion Post 521 on Powell Ave. and his 320 members from all wars since WWII help the community in many ways including scholarships for children of Veterans, an oratory contest in which the contestants can win a speech contest with a top prize of $18,000.00 down to prizes of $1500.00. Young people compete from all over the country on the topic of the Constitution and Amendments. Assisting at the N. E. Louisiana War Veterans Home and helping the Jr. ROTC groups at area high schools are other ongoing projects. Banners will be placed at the entrances of five cemeteries on Memorial Day in Monroe and West Monroe by Post 521.
Reddix placed American Flags on all of the Veterans graves in preparation for a Memorial Service to be held on Memorial Day at the cemetery at 10:00 am. When asked how she felt about the project of bringing these fine organizations together to help with the clean-up, Reddix stated, “My heart wells up when I see the support that was given here today. There is much more to do and it will be well to work together to get everything accomplished. It makes me appreciate the spirit of togetherness and friendship of these groups. A special thank you goes to Steve Ray for helping me put this whole project together. He is our “energizing bunny”!
~~~~~~~
People listed in attached photo by #
J S Clark Cemetery 1 - Pictured: Freddie Downs, Commander of American Legion Post 521
J S Clark Cemetery 2 - Pictured: Joe Malone, Commander of American Legion Post 537 at the N. E. LA War Veterans Home
J S Clark Cemetery 3 - Pictured l-r: Ted Brode, Commander of the Major Thomas McGuire Sons of Confederate Veterans, Joe Malone, Commander of American Legion Post 537 at the N. E. LA War Veterans Home, Steve Ray, President of James Huey Sons of the American Revolution of Ouachita, Dr. Ollibeth Reddix, Ouachita Parish Police Juror, District D and Freddie Downs, Commander of American Legion Post 521
J S Clark Cemetery 4 - Pictured l-r: Steve Ray, Ted Brode, Freddie Downs
J S Clark Cemetery 5 - Pictured l-r: Gerald Graves, Ted Brode
Recently when the new chapter of The James Huey Chapter of the Sons of American Revolution of Ouachita was chartered, Ray, as President also garnered the support of that organization to help with the project;.; "Ray remarked, “All veteran’s bleed red! They have fought for our country and deserve a proper resting place.”
Two more organizations helped with this phase of the work. American Legion Post 99, led by Commander Joe Malone from the N. E. Louisiana War Veterans Home represented a group of veterans from WWII and Vietnam, who reside at the home and meet monthly with Malone. He stated, “No matter what era we fought in, we are still a “Band of Brothers”. The resting place of these men must be maintained and respected.”
Freddie Downs, Commander of American Legion Post 521 on Powell Ave. and his 320 members from all wars since WWII help the community in many ways including scholarships for children of Veterans, an oratory contest in which the contestants can win a speech contest with a top prize of $18,000.00 down to prizes of $1500.00. Young people compete from all over the country on the topic of the Constitution and Amendments. Assisting at the N. E. Louisiana War Veterans Home and helping the Jr. ROTC groups at area high schools are other ongoing projects. Banners will be placed at the entrances of five cemeteries on Memorial Day in Monroe and West Monroe by Post 521.
Reddix placed American Flags on all of the Veterans graves in preparation for a Memorial Service to be held on Memorial Day at the cemetery at 10:00 am. When asked how she felt about the project of bringing these fine organizations together to help with the clean-up, Reddix stated, “My heart wells up when I see the support that was given here today. There is much more to do and it will be well to work together to get everything accomplished. It makes me appreciate the spirit of togetherness and friendship of these groups. A special thank you goes to Steve Ray for helping me put this whole project together. He is our “energizing bunny”!
~~~~~~~
People listed in attached photo by #
J S Clark Cemetery 1 - Pictured: Freddie Downs, Commander of American Legion Post 521
J S Clark Cemetery 2 - Pictured: Joe Malone, Commander of American Legion Post 537 at the N. E. LA War Veterans Home
J S Clark Cemetery 3 - Pictured l-r: Ted Brode, Commander of the Major Thomas McGuire Sons of Confederate Veterans, Joe Malone, Commander of American Legion Post 537 at the N. E. LA War Veterans Home, Steve Ray, President of James Huey Sons of the American Revolution of Ouachita, Dr. Ollibeth Reddix, Ouachita Parish Police Juror, District D and Freddie Downs, Commander of American Legion Post 521
J S Clark Cemetery 4 - Pictured l-r: Steve Ray, Ted Brode, Freddie Downs
J S Clark Cemetery 5 - Pictured l-r: Gerald Graves, Ted Brode
Forming Chapter receives Charter (May 15, 2010)
At the LASSAR annual meeting held May 15th 2010, 120 years to the day that Natchitoches native Col William Houston Jack took to the floor of the state senate and organized the Louisiana Society, James Huey Chapter Organizing President Steve Ray accepted the signed charter from State President Bill Allerton and VPG Tom Jacks. It was a year earlier during our Annual Meeting hosted by the George Washington Chapter I heard the presentation "LASSAR 2020" by Tom Jacks and their vision to grow new Chapters in our State and Bill Allerton's urging the membership at that meeting to make it happen. I got great satisfaction receiving the Charter for our Chapter from these men and that I was able to help advance our Society's mission and to help turn their vision into a reality.
l to r: Bill Allerton, Steve Ray, Tom Jacks
l to r: Bill Allerton, Steve Ray, Tom Jacks
New Chapter Chartered in West Monroe (April 27, 2010)
On Tuesday, April 27th at 6:45 pm at the West Ouachita Branch Library, 188 Hwy 546, West Monroe, the members of the James Huey Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution of Ouachita Parish will induct new members, install new officers and sign it's Charter. The founding membership are Carter Campbell, Eddie Emory, Ted Gibson, Richard Grant, Fred Hamilton, Jim Miller, Jim Mitchell, Harry Neese, Joey Neese, Chris Owens, Greg Owens, Wamul Owens, Clark Parrott, John Parrott, Robert Parrott, Chuck Rand, Alex Ray, Steve Ray. Our Chapter had the honor of having Compatriot William "Bill" Allerton, Vice President General, NSSAR to preside over the swearing in of the Chapter Officers who are as pictured l-r: Jim Miller, Registrar; Carter Campbell, Vice President; Alex Ray, Honorary Secretary/Treasurer; Steve Ray, President.
VPG Allerton also inducted our newest member as pictured l-r: Chris Owens, Harry Neese, Richard Grant, Eddie Emory, Wamul Owens and Joe Neese.
Pictured: VPG Allerton passed the Chapter President's Gavel to Chapter President Steve Ray.
Present for the Chapter Photo are: Back Row l-r: Richard Grant, Ted Gibson, Dr. Chris Owens, Harry Neese, Steve Ray, Joey Neese, Pat McHenry; Middle Row l-r: Fred Hamilton, Wamul Owens, Eddie Emory, Jim Miller, Bill Allerton, Carter Campbell; Front Row l-r: Alex Ray, Jim Mitchell
After meeting photo; Bill Allerton, Steve Ray, Pat McHenry, Carter Campbell
VPG Allerton also inducted our newest member as pictured l-r: Chris Owens, Harry Neese, Richard Grant, Eddie Emory, Wamul Owens and Joe Neese.
Pictured: VPG Allerton passed the Chapter President's Gavel to Chapter President Steve Ray.
Present for the Chapter Photo are: Back Row l-r: Richard Grant, Ted Gibson, Dr. Chris Owens, Harry Neese, Steve Ray, Joey Neese, Pat McHenry; Middle Row l-r: Fred Hamilton, Wamul Owens, Eddie Emory, Jim Miller, Bill Allerton, Carter Campbell; Front Row l-r: Alex Ray, Jim Mitchell
After meeting photo; Bill Allerton, Steve Ray, Pat McHenry, Carter Campbell
History
As a young boy and as most boys do, I would visit my grandparents during summer vacations and listen to the stories they would tell. It was my grandmother, Edra Wofford Ray, who stirred interest in my own heritage with her story about Samuel Arthur Brown, “Uncle Sam” to her, and his story of the Brown Family’s Patriot, and her great-great grandfather, Arthur Brown of Pitt County, North Carolina. Arthur was a Private in the 3rd Regiment of the North Carolina Militia and was in Captain Anthony Sharp’s Company, under the command of Major Redding Blount, and saw action in the Battle of Eutaw Springs. While giving aid to a wounded compatriot, he was bayoneted completely through his chest by a British Soldier, only missing his heart by inches. Left on the field for dead, Arthur survived the ordeal and went on to raise a family of six children and eventually settled in Carroll County, Tennessee. Arthur later told his grandson, Samuel Arthur Brown, that our Nation was made up of States, like a quiver of arrows. Alone each could be easily broken, but held together they contained the power to overcome. When the “War Between the States” began, it was his grandfather’s words of wisdom that young Samuel Arthur remembered and was the deciding factor in his choice to fight for the Union.
Years later, as a Sanitarian for the State of Louisiana’s Office of Public Health, and living in West Monroe, I became acquainted with Fred Huenefeld, Chapter President of the Benjamin Tennille Chapter of Monroe, Louisiana. Fred invited me to their luncheon meetings and I became interested in joining the Society. Two of my friends, Carter Campbell and Barry Vogt, who also had patriot ancestors, joined me in the quest for SAR membership during the early months of 2008. We all worked together to complete our applications and submit them to our Chapter Genealogist, Pat McHenry for approval. We were all accepted as members by September of 2008.
By the time the ink had dried on my application, Fred appointed me as a Louisiana State Society Board Member to represent the Benjamin Tennille Chapter. Fred asked me to attend the 2009 State Society meeting in New Orleans in April and give a report to the Chapter. It was during that meeting that I witnessed what SAR is all about and what it could offer our communities. I watched as deserving young people throughout the State received recognition and awards for their achievements.
During our LASSAR business meeting, Tom Jacks, then Vice President General of the Southern District, gave a presentation titled “LASSAR 2020” that was written by our then State Society President, Bill Allerton. Tom outlined a 10 year plan to grow our State Society in both membership as well as Chapters. Tom’s presentation inspired me to think about what I could do for our Louisiana Society. Compatriot Tony Vets of Alexandria had already been working on establishing a new Chapter in Natchitoches, and he and his son Bo’s enthusiasm was contagious. I was caught up in the excitement enough to join them and pledge to join the George Washington Endowment Fund that Compatriot John Wallace of Alabama, Past Vice President and current Chair of the George Washington Endowment Fund, presented to our State Society. It was later that I found out that all of our donations that year would earn our State Society the Walter Buchanan "BUCK" Meek Award for the largest percent of members who were George Washington Endowment Fund donors.
While at the Convention, I realized that Ouachita Parish had a large enough population base to support a new Chapter. I immediately began to think of what a new chapter should be called. I decided the best answer was to name it in honor of a patriot who was buried in the community. While at the Convention, I quizzed several Compatriots about northeast Louisiana and the patriots buried there. To my surprise all stated there were no other patriots buried in northeast Louisiana other than Benjamin Tennille. Undaunted, on my 5 hour drive from New Orleans to West Monroe, I began to formulate a plan to search for patriots that might have been overlooked by previous seekers.
Immediately upon my return home, the first place I checked was www.footnote.com. This site allows access to copies of original records, including pension applications of Revolutionary Soldiers, both approved as well as the ones that were rejected. I scoured over the documents and on the first attempt I located a pension filed in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. It was a man named James Huey, who at the time of his pension application was 96 years of age. This document contained information given under oath on April 19th 1838, that stated James Huey was aged “ninety-six years and rising”, and that he resided in the Parish about 20 miles from the Court House. Huey went on to describe several tours of duty while serving with the South Carolina Militia, and that he fought in the battles of Cowpens and Eutaw Springs during the American Revolution. Born in Augusta County, Virginia, James and his family moved to Chester County, South Carolina when he was 14. He remained in Chester County until January, 1812, when the Huey family and several other families journeyed four months westward from South Carolina to where they eventually settled in Ouachita Parish in April of that year. Huey’s pension application was rejected because it did not have enough supporting documentation, and it was filed in the wrong court, but it is apparent that Huey was a Patriot.
Click HERE for a pdf file of James Huey's pension application and obituary.
For those who are not familiar with Louisiana; Parishes are the same as Counties as with all of the other 49 States. Ouachita Parish in James Huey’s day also spelled in court records as “Washita”. Ouachita also was one of the first Parishes in Louisiana and was the parent of eleven other Parishes in northeast Louisiana. With the knowledge that there was only a 20 mile span from the courthouse to his home, I knew that James Huey would have probably lived in present day Ouachita Parish. I checked the www.Ancestry.com site, a company that has copies of records of United States Land Grants, to see if I could locate anything for James Huey. To my surprise, James received a land grant on November 13, 1826, for 80 acres signed by President John Quincy Adams. Huey’s property is located in the present day community of Indian Village that is located on the Jackson Parish side of the Jackson/Ouachita Parish line. It was at that moment I knew who I wanted to name the new Chapter after.
I shared these facts with Carter Campbell and also Jim Miller, who at the time was an inactive SAR member of the Tennille Chapter. Both Jim and Carter were excited about the prospect of forming a new Chapter as they were unable to attend the noon meeting time of our Tennille Chapter. Jim, Carter and I all worked at locating as much information about James Huey as we could gather.
A great source of assistance came from Larry Forman and Lora Pepper of the Genealogy Department of Ouachita Parish Public Library System. Together, they found that Huey’s obituary appeared in the “Ouachita Standard” on Friday March 29th 1839. Jim Miller’s wife, Alice Faye, also contributed to the effort and located James Huey’s will at the Ouachita Parish Courthouse. In his will, James states that his wish was to be buried next to his daughter in law. Laura Pepper provided me with the locations of the cemeteries in the vicinity of James’s Land
Grant. Carter and I inspected all of the sites and realized that the Bryan Cemetery was within a quarter mile of James Huey’s original land grant and it also contained the oldest marked burials. Pricilla Huey, who was a daughter in law of James Huey, is buried there and with that information, Jim Miller presented the information to the VA and was able to get a marker for Huey’s gravesite.
At the same time, I had been telling our Louisiana State Society President, Bill Allerton, about my dream of forming a new Chapter in northeast Louisiana. I explained that it would be a compliment to the Benjamin Tennille Chapter, since we would not be competing with them as the members interested in forming the new Chapter were unable to attend luncheon meetings. Bill loved the idea and appointed me Forming Chapter President. After hearing that Jim Miller, an inactive member, was interested in becoming active again, Bill gave me the State list of inactive members. Bill told me that the bylaws stated we would need a minimum of 15 active members to form a new Chapter. I had told Bill that I would like to form a new Chapter by our Society Convention in 2010, which was also the 120th Anniversary of LASSAR. Bill said that would be great, two new Chapters forming in Louisiana would be amazing and that we had not had a new Chapter in Louisiana in over 10 years!
It was the last week in July that James Huey’s headstone arrived at Jim Miller’s home. On Saturday, August 1st 2009, Jim Miller, Ted Brode and I met Fred Huenefeld at the Bryan Cemetery to set the stone. I had contacted the local paper to document the moment. The three of us wrestled with the over 200 pound stone and set it into place over the grave of James Huey. The story went viral and spread all over the state. Since the setting of James Huey’s head stone, there have been 10 newspaper articles that appeared in the 4 local papers of Ouachita Parish.
The list of Louisiana Inactive Member that Bill provided was very productive, and I was able to find four other men, Clark Parrott, John Parrott, Robert Parrott and Fred Hamilton, who all felt the same way about the meeting time and were supportive of our efforts to form a new Chapter. I had informed all of the inactive members about what to do to become reinstated. All of the inactive members had now paid their dues and I now had 9 people and only needed 6 more to meet the required 15. Carter Campbell and I made SAR sales pitches every chance we got.
A very fertile site for prospective new members was my local Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp where Carter Campbell and Jim Miller were also members. We were able to locate five interested men, Ted Brode and his son Ted Jr., Eddie Emory Jr., Chuck Rand, and Gerald Graves. Pat McHenry, the Genealogist of the Tennille Chapter, suggested that we work with Wamul Owen and his two sons Dr. Chris Owens and Dr. Greg Owens. We picked up another Tennille Chapter member, Ted Gibson who lives in Jackson Parish and he also said the noon meeting time was not an option for him either.
Richard Grant was brought to our attention by Compatriot Jim Mitchell, a Past President of the Piney Woods Chapter in Texas. Jim Mitchell, a native son of West Monroe, heard of our efforts to form a Chapter and wanted to join as a dual member, and wanted to be there to pin his cousin Richard Grant at the Chapter forming meeting.
I received a call from Bill Allerton and he told me about a man who lived in Rocky Branch named Harry Neese who had written a book “From Worlds Apart… The Story of Jesse Neese and Carrie Falcon” about a his patriot ancestors Gaspar Falcon a militiaman from the Valenzuela Settlement, present day Donaldsonville, Louisiana and Martin Neese of Henry County, Tennessee. After speaking with Harry, he was very enthusiastic about joining our Chapter and said that his son Joe wanted to join as well.
I used the opportunity of the marking of James Huey’s grave to promote our upcoming Chapter meeting on August 25th as a present to myself as it was also my birthday. It was during that meeting, we voted to hold all of our meetings on the 4th Tuesday of each month. The turnout was great. There were 24 in attendance, 20 of whom were prospective members. Most of these men had some knowledge of their patriot ancestors and all expressed interest in joining SAR. From that point on we met on the same day each month until we were able to get everyone’s applications turned in to our State Registrar, Clifford Normand. Carter Campbell and I went on a marathon of application writing. God had truly granted us a miracle and we now had enough people interested to form the Chapter once all of the applications cleared National. By our January 2010 LASSAR Board Meeting in Alexandria we had more than the necessary number of applications sent to National to become a Chapter, so we waited until enough had cleared to achieve the magic number of 15. Our State Society voted to grant Charters to both Tony Vets’s Natchitoches Chapter and our James Huey Chapter in Ouachita Parish.
In early March we received the word at national that all of our applications had been approved and we had exceeded the 15 member requirement to form our Chapter. We would be able to Charter with 16 members and we held our final forming meeting on March 23rd 2010, which was also my son Alex’s birthday. We elected our new officers and officially adopted our Chapter namesake and bylaws with all motions passing unanimously. Jim Miller was elected Registrar, Carter Campbell was elected Vice President and I was elected President. The Chapter even saw fit to elect my son Alex as honorary Treasurer. On April 27th we signed our new Chapter Charter and our State Society President Bill Allerton came and inducted our new members and installed our new officers.
It was during our Chapter Charter signing that we awarded our first NSSAR Bronze Good Citizenship Award to one of our Ouachita Parish Police Jurors, Dr. Ollibeth Reddix. In December of 2009 a co-worker of mine, Buddy Smith, was contacted by Dr. Reddix, a local dentist and pastor of her Church, was a newly elected Police Juror for Ward D. Dr. Reddix told him of the J. S. Clark Cemetery that was in her Ward and the terrible plight that had befallen it. Ten years earlier, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury had become the owner of this property as it had become insolvent. The lack of drainage in the area was such that she was concerned that the caskets might literally float from the graves. When Buddy and I toured the site, the grass was uncut, and there was trash everywhere. I was shocked to find veterans graves with their stones fallen on the ground or leaning. The most horrifying site of all was located in the back corner of the property where veteran’s markers were stacked up in a pile. To add insult to injury, a neighboring property owner was grazing his two horses inside the Cemetery! Our Agency chose not to be involved, however, I personally contacted Dr. Reddix and told her that I was the Forming Chapter President of the James Huey Chapter and I wanted to help. I met with Dr. Reddix at the cemetery and told her that as a whole it would be difficult to convince anyone to work on a cemetery anywhere unless it involved the family members of the people buried there. She was aware of the veterans buried at the site and I informed her that the one thing that would transcend all would be the veterans who were buried there. To prove my point, I invited her to our Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp meeting and told her to tell this story to them and see what would happen. Dr. Reddix’s parents, who were active in the Civil Rights Movement, told me “you are crazy”, but said that God sends people to help and she agreed to my request. Dr. Reddix and another Juror Pat Moore attended our SCV meeting. She made her presentation and at the end I made a motion that we support Dr. Reddix’s efforts to clean up the cemetery. It passed unanimously. Dr. Reddix and I would go on to enlist help from several of the American Legion Posts and received their support as well. With assistance from the Ouachita Parish Police Jury to locate the grave sites of the veterans whose markers were stacked in a pile in the back of the cemetery, members of both the LASSAR and LASCV worked with American Legion Members to set as many of the stones as could be matched to the located graves.
Our SAR and SCV group would return again on another trip to check, square and level every one of the known 94 veteran stones that we could locate. While I was talking to Dr. Reddix on the phone during my son Alex’s baseball practice, a friend Rodney Ward who worked at Swanson Center for Youth overheard what I was talking about and asked to involve his young men at their facility. Dr. Reddix, excited about the whole thing, asked if I would come to the Police Jury meeting and support her efforts to clean up the J. S. Clark Cemetery and wanted me as the Forming President of the James Huey Chapter and citizen of Ouachita Parish to make a statement about the appalling conditions at the site. It was there that I made the suggestion to the Police Jury that they could work in conjunction with Swanson Center for Youth to keep the site picked up of trash and maintain the grounds. The whole Jury loved the idea and agreed that they would financially support the work and buy the needed equipment for the Swanson Youth to maintain the site. Bill Allerton had previously told me that I should invite our Police Jury to our Chapter’s Chartering Ceremony and it was at that time I did just that, but added that we would be presenting Dr. Reddix a NSSAR Good Citizenship Medal for the work she had done for the J. S. Clark Cemetery. Three of the jurors attended our Chapter Chartering Ceremony.
Well, both Tony Vets and I did it! We had formed the first new Chapters in Louisiana in over 10 Years! The next stop was the LASSAR’s 120th Anniversary to be held in the old Capitol Building Senate Chambers in Baton Rouge. Both Tony and I received our Chapter Charters for the Natchitoches Chapter and our James Huey Chapter from our Louisiana State Society President, Bill Allerton. I must say that Bill and all of the Officers of the LASSAR must be commended for the work they did to help both Tony and I achieve our goals. During our September Society Board Members Meeting, our President, Leonard Rohrbaugh announced the Louisiana State Society had received the Syracuse Award for the most new Chapters formed in a year by a Society.
Since the presentation of our Charter in May of 2010 our Chapter has strived to live up to the goals of what SAR is about. We continue to meet every 4th Tuesday and have provided a program about a historical topic. During our June meeting we presented two NSSAR Bronze Law Enforcement Commendation Medals to Monroe City Police Corporals Brandon Waggoner and Jeff Winborne for their off duty water rescue of a Farmerville mother and son who’s car had run off into Lake Darbonne.
During our August meeting we presented two NSSAR Bronze Medals for Heroism to Josh McDowell and Chris Smith for their water rescue of a Calhoun father and son, who’s car had run off into Cheniere Lake. Compatriot Wamul Owens presented the medals to the two teens. It was during that meeting, Compatriot Owens recanted events that took place in the same area of Cheniere Lake on Mother’s Day in 1948, when he was 16 and had single handedly saved 8 people from drowning in almost the same location 62 years earlier.
During our October meeting we revisited the progress of the J. S. Clark Cemetery and presented NSSAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medals to Marcel Higgins, Jerome Dixon and Rodney Ward of the Swanson Center for Youth for their work to restore the J. S. Clark Cemetery in Monroe. It was during that meeting that Ouachita Parish Police Jurors, Dr. Reddix and Pat Moore presented me with an Ouachita Parish Proclamation for the work I had done for the J. S. Clark Cemetery.
On November 6th our Chapter held a memorial ceremony and dedicated a memorial stone to our Chapter’s namesake, James Huey. Members of our Chapter chipped in and we bought a granite stone and SAR bronze marker to commemorate the occasion. We showed off our new James Huey Chapter Color Guard, which could not have happened without the help of Compatriot Ted Brode III and his son Compatriot Ted Brode IV, who was our piper. Bill Allerton, now Vice President General, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Leonard Rohrbough, President of the LASSAR, DAR was represented by members from the Chief Tusquahoma Chapter, Long Leaf Pine Chapter and Fort Miro Chapter. SAR was represented with members from the Natchitoches Chapter, Pierre George Rousseau Chapter, George Washington Chapter, Enemund Muellion Chapter and the Benjamin Tennille Chapter. There were at least 16 descendants of James Huey present at the event and with a father and son, Jack and Ron Huey interested in joining our Chapter!
During our Chapter meeting this month we will be presenting NSSAR Bronze Law Enforcement Commendation Medals in memory of Corporal J. R. Searcy of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office and Rayville Police K-9 Sergeant Thomas "Tommy" Alexander. Who had both lost their lives in the line of duty. Corporal Marchale Canty of the Ruston Police Department will also be presented for his heroism under fire.
Our Chapter has formed committees for the ROTC Award, Eagle Scout Award, and the Poster Contest to allow our young people to represent our area of the State in these contests. I must admit that I have enjoyed this entire time I served as the Chapter President and can only think that the others who have participated feel the same way. I’m proud to say that Compatriot Fred Hamilton followed me as the Chapter President in 2012 and Compatriot Hamilton Winters followed him in 2013
Compatriots! SAR is not just about meetings, it’s about the meaning of what we do that needs to be the message that we send to our communities and our Nation as a whole.
Years later, as a Sanitarian for the State of Louisiana’s Office of Public Health, and living in West Monroe, I became acquainted with Fred Huenefeld, Chapter President of the Benjamin Tennille Chapter of Monroe, Louisiana. Fred invited me to their luncheon meetings and I became interested in joining the Society. Two of my friends, Carter Campbell and Barry Vogt, who also had patriot ancestors, joined me in the quest for SAR membership during the early months of 2008. We all worked together to complete our applications and submit them to our Chapter Genealogist, Pat McHenry for approval. We were all accepted as members by September of 2008.
By the time the ink had dried on my application, Fred appointed me as a Louisiana State Society Board Member to represent the Benjamin Tennille Chapter. Fred asked me to attend the 2009 State Society meeting in New Orleans in April and give a report to the Chapter. It was during that meeting that I witnessed what SAR is all about and what it could offer our communities. I watched as deserving young people throughout the State received recognition and awards for their achievements.
During our LASSAR business meeting, Tom Jacks, then Vice President General of the Southern District, gave a presentation titled “LASSAR 2020” that was written by our then State Society President, Bill Allerton. Tom outlined a 10 year plan to grow our State Society in both membership as well as Chapters. Tom’s presentation inspired me to think about what I could do for our Louisiana Society. Compatriot Tony Vets of Alexandria had already been working on establishing a new Chapter in Natchitoches, and he and his son Bo’s enthusiasm was contagious. I was caught up in the excitement enough to join them and pledge to join the George Washington Endowment Fund that Compatriot John Wallace of Alabama, Past Vice President and current Chair of the George Washington Endowment Fund, presented to our State Society. It was later that I found out that all of our donations that year would earn our State Society the Walter Buchanan "BUCK" Meek Award for the largest percent of members who were George Washington Endowment Fund donors.
While at the Convention, I realized that Ouachita Parish had a large enough population base to support a new Chapter. I immediately began to think of what a new chapter should be called. I decided the best answer was to name it in honor of a patriot who was buried in the community. While at the Convention, I quizzed several Compatriots about northeast Louisiana and the patriots buried there. To my surprise all stated there were no other patriots buried in northeast Louisiana other than Benjamin Tennille. Undaunted, on my 5 hour drive from New Orleans to West Monroe, I began to formulate a plan to search for patriots that might have been overlooked by previous seekers.
Immediately upon my return home, the first place I checked was www.footnote.com. This site allows access to copies of original records, including pension applications of Revolutionary Soldiers, both approved as well as the ones that were rejected. I scoured over the documents and on the first attempt I located a pension filed in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. It was a man named James Huey, who at the time of his pension application was 96 years of age. This document contained information given under oath on April 19th 1838, that stated James Huey was aged “ninety-six years and rising”, and that he resided in the Parish about 20 miles from the Court House. Huey went on to describe several tours of duty while serving with the South Carolina Militia, and that he fought in the battles of Cowpens and Eutaw Springs during the American Revolution. Born in Augusta County, Virginia, James and his family moved to Chester County, South Carolina when he was 14. He remained in Chester County until January, 1812, when the Huey family and several other families journeyed four months westward from South Carolina to where they eventually settled in Ouachita Parish in April of that year. Huey’s pension application was rejected because it did not have enough supporting documentation, and it was filed in the wrong court, but it is apparent that Huey was a Patriot.
Click HERE for a pdf file of James Huey's pension application and obituary.
For those who are not familiar with Louisiana; Parishes are the same as Counties as with all of the other 49 States. Ouachita Parish in James Huey’s day also spelled in court records as “Washita”. Ouachita also was one of the first Parishes in Louisiana and was the parent of eleven other Parishes in northeast Louisiana. With the knowledge that there was only a 20 mile span from the courthouse to his home, I knew that James Huey would have probably lived in present day Ouachita Parish. I checked the www.Ancestry.com site, a company that has copies of records of United States Land Grants, to see if I could locate anything for James Huey. To my surprise, James received a land grant on November 13, 1826, for 80 acres signed by President John Quincy Adams. Huey’s property is located in the present day community of Indian Village that is located on the Jackson Parish side of the Jackson/Ouachita Parish line. It was at that moment I knew who I wanted to name the new Chapter after.
I shared these facts with Carter Campbell and also Jim Miller, who at the time was an inactive SAR member of the Tennille Chapter. Both Jim and Carter were excited about the prospect of forming a new Chapter as they were unable to attend the noon meeting time of our Tennille Chapter. Jim, Carter and I all worked at locating as much information about James Huey as we could gather.
A great source of assistance came from Larry Forman and Lora Pepper of the Genealogy Department of Ouachita Parish Public Library System. Together, they found that Huey’s obituary appeared in the “Ouachita Standard” on Friday March 29th 1839. Jim Miller’s wife, Alice Faye, also contributed to the effort and located James Huey’s will at the Ouachita Parish Courthouse. In his will, James states that his wish was to be buried next to his daughter in law. Laura Pepper provided me with the locations of the cemeteries in the vicinity of James’s Land
Grant. Carter and I inspected all of the sites and realized that the Bryan Cemetery was within a quarter mile of James Huey’s original land grant and it also contained the oldest marked burials. Pricilla Huey, who was a daughter in law of James Huey, is buried there and with that information, Jim Miller presented the information to the VA and was able to get a marker for Huey’s gravesite.
At the same time, I had been telling our Louisiana State Society President, Bill Allerton, about my dream of forming a new Chapter in northeast Louisiana. I explained that it would be a compliment to the Benjamin Tennille Chapter, since we would not be competing with them as the members interested in forming the new Chapter were unable to attend luncheon meetings. Bill loved the idea and appointed me Forming Chapter President. After hearing that Jim Miller, an inactive member, was interested in becoming active again, Bill gave me the State list of inactive members. Bill told me that the bylaws stated we would need a minimum of 15 active members to form a new Chapter. I had told Bill that I would like to form a new Chapter by our Society Convention in 2010, which was also the 120th Anniversary of LASSAR. Bill said that would be great, two new Chapters forming in Louisiana would be amazing and that we had not had a new Chapter in Louisiana in over 10 years!
It was the last week in July that James Huey’s headstone arrived at Jim Miller’s home. On Saturday, August 1st 2009, Jim Miller, Ted Brode and I met Fred Huenefeld at the Bryan Cemetery to set the stone. I had contacted the local paper to document the moment. The three of us wrestled with the over 200 pound stone and set it into place over the grave of James Huey. The story went viral and spread all over the state. Since the setting of James Huey’s head stone, there have been 10 newspaper articles that appeared in the 4 local papers of Ouachita Parish.
The list of Louisiana Inactive Member that Bill provided was very productive, and I was able to find four other men, Clark Parrott, John Parrott, Robert Parrott and Fred Hamilton, who all felt the same way about the meeting time and were supportive of our efforts to form a new Chapter. I had informed all of the inactive members about what to do to become reinstated. All of the inactive members had now paid their dues and I now had 9 people and only needed 6 more to meet the required 15. Carter Campbell and I made SAR sales pitches every chance we got.
A very fertile site for prospective new members was my local Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp where Carter Campbell and Jim Miller were also members. We were able to locate five interested men, Ted Brode and his son Ted Jr., Eddie Emory Jr., Chuck Rand, and Gerald Graves. Pat McHenry, the Genealogist of the Tennille Chapter, suggested that we work with Wamul Owen and his two sons Dr. Chris Owens and Dr. Greg Owens. We picked up another Tennille Chapter member, Ted Gibson who lives in Jackson Parish and he also said the noon meeting time was not an option for him either.
Richard Grant was brought to our attention by Compatriot Jim Mitchell, a Past President of the Piney Woods Chapter in Texas. Jim Mitchell, a native son of West Monroe, heard of our efforts to form a Chapter and wanted to join as a dual member, and wanted to be there to pin his cousin Richard Grant at the Chapter forming meeting.
I received a call from Bill Allerton and he told me about a man who lived in Rocky Branch named Harry Neese who had written a book “From Worlds Apart… The Story of Jesse Neese and Carrie Falcon” about a his patriot ancestors Gaspar Falcon a militiaman from the Valenzuela Settlement, present day Donaldsonville, Louisiana and Martin Neese of Henry County, Tennessee. After speaking with Harry, he was very enthusiastic about joining our Chapter and said that his son Joe wanted to join as well.
I used the opportunity of the marking of James Huey’s grave to promote our upcoming Chapter meeting on August 25th as a present to myself as it was also my birthday. It was during that meeting, we voted to hold all of our meetings on the 4th Tuesday of each month. The turnout was great. There were 24 in attendance, 20 of whom were prospective members. Most of these men had some knowledge of their patriot ancestors and all expressed interest in joining SAR. From that point on we met on the same day each month until we were able to get everyone’s applications turned in to our State Registrar, Clifford Normand. Carter Campbell and I went on a marathon of application writing. God had truly granted us a miracle and we now had enough people interested to form the Chapter once all of the applications cleared National. By our January 2010 LASSAR Board Meeting in Alexandria we had more than the necessary number of applications sent to National to become a Chapter, so we waited until enough had cleared to achieve the magic number of 15. Our State Society voted to grant Charters to both Tony Vets’s Natchitoches Chapter and our James Huey Chapter in Ouachita Parish.
In early March we received the word at national that all of our applications had been approved and we had exceeded the 15 member requirement to form our Chapter. We would be able to Charter with 16 members and we held our final forming meeting on March 23rd 2010, which was also my son Alex’s birthday. We elected our new officers and officially adopted our Chapter namesake and bylaws with all motions passing unanimously. Jim Miller was elected Registrar, Carter Campbell was elected Vice President and I was elected President. The Chapter even saw fit to elect my son Alex as honorary Treasurer. On April 27th we signed our new Chapter Charter and our State Society President Bill Allerton came and inducted our new members and installed our new officers.
It was during our Chapter Charter signing that we awarded our first NSSAR Bronze Good Citizenship Award to one of our Ouachita Parish Police Jurors, Dr. Ollibeth Reddix. In December of 2009 a co-worker of mine, Buddy Smith, was contacted by Dr. Reddix, a local dentist and pastor of her Church, was a newly elected Police Juror for Ward D. Dr. Reddix told him of the J. S. Clark Cemetery that was in her Ward and the terrible plight that had befallen it. Ten years earlier, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury had become the owner of this property as it had become insolvent. The lack of drainage in the area was such that she was concerned that the caskets might literally float from the graves. When Buddy and I toured the site, the grass was uncut, and there was trash everywhere. I was shocked to find veterans graves with their stones fallen on the ground or leaning. The most horrifying site of all was located in the back corner of the property where veteran’s markers were stacked up in a pile. To add insult to injury, a neighboring property owner was grazing his two horses inside the Cemetery! Our Agency chose not to be involved, however, I personally contacted Dr. Reddix and told her that I was the Forming Chapter President of the James Huey Chapter and I wanted to help. I met with Dr. Reddix at the cemetery and told her that as a whole it would be difficult to convince anyone to work on a cemetery anywhere unless it involved the family members of the people buried there. She was aware of the veterans buried at the site and I informed her that the one thing that would transcend all would be the veterans who were buried there. To prove my point, I invited her to our Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp meeting and told her to tell this story to them and see what would happen. Dr. Reddix’s parents, who were active in the Civil Rights Movement, told me “you are crazy”, but said that God sends people to help and she agreed to my request. Dr. Reddix and another Juror Pat Moore attended our SCV meeting. She made her presentation and at the end I made a motion that we support Dr. Reddix’s efforts to clean up the cemetery. It passed unanimously. Dr. Reddix and I would go on to enlist help from several of the American Legion Posts and received their support as well. With assistance from the Ouachita Parish Police Jury to locate the grave sites of the veterans whose markers were stacked in a pile in the back of the cemetery, members of both the LASSAR and LASCV worked with American Legion Members to set as many of the stones as could be matched to the located graves.
Our SAR and SCV group would return again on another trip to check, square and level every one of the known 94 veteran stones that we could locate. While I was talking to Dr. Reddix on the phone during my son Alex’s baseball practice, a friend Rodney Ward who worked at Swanson Center for Youth overheard what I was talking about and asked to involve his young men at their facility. Dr. Reddix, excited about the whole thing, asked if I would come to the Police Jury meeting and support her efforts to clean up the J. S. Clark Cemetery and wanted me as the Forming President of the James Huey Chapter and citizen of Ouachita Parish to make a statement about the appalling conditions at the site. It was there that I made the suggestion to the Police Jury that they could work in conjunction with Swanson Center for Youth to keep the site picked up of trash and maintain the grounds. The whole Jury loved the idea and agreed that they would financially support the work and buy the needed equipment for the Swanson Youth to maintain the site. Bill Allerton had previously told me that I should invite our Police Jury to our Chapter’s Chartering Ceremony and it was at that time I did just that, but added that we would be presenting Dr. Reddix a NSSAR Good Citizenship Medal for the work she had done for the J. S. Clark Cemetery. Three of the jurors attended our Chapter Chartering Ceremony.
Well, both Tony Vets and I did it! We had formed the first new Chapters in Louisiana in over 10 Years! The next stop was the LASSAR’s 120th Anniversary to be held in the old Capitol Building Senate Chambers in Baton Rouge. Both Tony and I received our Chapter Charters for the Natchitoches Chapter and our James Huey Chapter from our Louisiana State Society President, Bill Allerton. I must say that Bill and all of the Officers of the LASSAR must be commended for the work they did to help both Tony and I achieve our goals. During our September Society Board Members Meeting, our President, Leonard Rohrbaugh announced the Louisiana State Society had received the Syracuse Award for the most new Chapters formed in a year by a Society.
Since the presentation of our Charter in May of 2010 our Chapter has strived to live up to the goals of what SAR is about. We continue to meet every 4th Tuesday and have provided a program about a historical topic. During our June meeting we presented two NSSAR Bronze Law Enforcement Commendation Medals to Monroe City Police Corporals Brandon Waggoner and Jeff Winborne for their off duty water rescue of a Farmerville mother and son who’s car had run off into Lake Darbonne.
During our August meeting we presented two NSSAR Bronze Medals for Heroism to Josh McDowell and Chris Smith for their water rescue of a Calhoun father and son, who’s car had run off into Cheniere Lake. Compatriot Wamul Owens presented the medals to the two teens. It was during that meeting, Compatriot Owens recanted events that took place in the same area of Cheniere Lake on Mother’s Day in 1948, when he was 16 and had single handedly saved 8 people from drowning in almost the same location 62 years earlier.
During our October meeting we revisited the progress of the J. S. Clark Cemetery and presented NSSAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medals to Marcel Higgins, Jerome Dixon and Rodney Ward of the Swanson Center for Youth for their work to restore the J. S. Clark Cemetery in Monroe. It was during that meeting that Ouachita Parish Police Jurors, Dr. Reddix and Pat Moore presented me with an Ouachita Parish Proclamation for the work I had done for the J. S. Clark Cemetery.
On November 6th our Chapter held a memorial ceremony and dedicated a memorial stone to our Chapter’s namesake, James Huey. Members of our Chapter chipped in and we bought a granite stone and SAR bronze marker to commemorate the occasion. We showed off our new James Huey Chapter Color Guard, which could not have happened without the help of Compatriot Ted Brode III and his son Compatriot Ted Brode IV, who was our piper. Bill Allerton, now Vice President General, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Leonard Rohrbough, President of the LASSAR, DAR was represented by members from the Chief Tusquahoma Chapter, Long Leaf Pine Chapter and Fort Miro Chapter. SAR was represented with members from the Natchitoches Chapter, Pierre George Rousseau Chapter, George Washington Chapter, Enemund Muellion Chapter and the Benjamin Tennille Chapter. There were at least 16 descendants of James Huey present at the event and with a father and son, Jack and Ron Huey interested in joining our Chapter!
During our Chapter meeting this month we will be presenting NSSAR Bronze Law Enforcement Commendation Medals in memory of Corporal J. R. Searcy of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office and Rayville Police K-9 Sergeant Thomas "Tommy" Alexander. Who had both lost their lives in the line of duty. Corporal Marchale Canty of the Ruston Police Department will also be presented for his heroism under fire.
Our Chapter has formed committees for the ROTC Award, Eagle Scout Award, and the Poster Contest to allow our young people to represent our area of the State in these contests. I must admit that I have enjoyed this entire time I served as the Chapter President and can only think that the others who have participated feel the same way. I’m proud to say that Compatriot Fred Hamilton followed me as the Chapter President in 2012 and Compatriot Hamilton Winters followed him in 2013
Compatriots! SAR is not just about meetings, it’s about the meaning of what we do that needs to be the message that we send to our communities and our Nation as a whole.