SINCE 1975 NAPLES CHAPTER S.A.R. NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2009 December Meeting Minutes President Roy Richardson presenting the N.S.S.A.R Eagle Scout Medal to Eagle Scout Christopher Muth as Compatriot Don Cahill, Eagle Scout Chairman offers congratulations. The Next Chapter Meeting The program will feature the Rumbaugh Oration Contest. Please see the article on Page 2. The next meeting of the Naples Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will be Thursday, January 7, 2010 at The Country Club of Naples located at 185 Burning Tree Drive, Naples. All guests are welcome. 11:30 Social; noon Luncheon. ($19) Telephone reservations to Compatriot McCullogh at (239)-642-6545. The third luncheon meeting for the 2009-2010 Season of the Naples SAR Chapter was called to order at noon on December 3, 2009, with President Roy Richardson presiding. It was held at The Country Club of Naples, 185 Burning Tree Dr. After the color guard posted the colors, Compatriot Ed Ferguson led chapter members and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance; Chaplain Charles Cortright gave the invocation; and the SAR Pledge was lead by Compatriot Harris Tucker. Then President Richardson welcomed the chapter members and guests. Foremost in this regard was the guest of honor, Eagle Scout Christopher Muth. Following this, President Richardson gave the following announcements: First, returned US Mail for Compatriot Robert Kuhlmeier, who moved to Rockford, Illinois, last year to be near family members, came to us with the notation that he has passed. Next, as noted in the minutes for the November luncheon meeting, our Crier Editor is First Vice President Harris Tucker. Third, (Continued on page 5) THE NAPLES CRIER - PAGE 1 - DECEMBER 2009
Next Meeting, Thursday, January 7, 2010 The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on the NASSP National Advisory List of Contests and Activities for 2009-2010. History of the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Oration Contest In 1945 an Ohio SAR member, Douglas G. High, originated this creative exercise in a Cincinnati Senior High. Two years later the NSSAR assumed National sponsorship. Douglas G. High passed away in 1952. In 1953 the National Society attached his name to the contest title as a memorial. He was the first Chairman on the NSSAR Oration Committee, serving in this capacity for five years. In honor of a Florida SAR member, this Oratorical event was renamed the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Oration Contest. For many years this Compatriot has shown an active interest in the welfare of youth and has been a creative promoter of this contest. The contest is designed to explore the influence of the revolutionary war on present day America. Purpose Of The National Contest 2009 2010 Meetings Thursday, January 7: Chapter Meeting, 11:30 Social, noon Luncheon, Country Club of Naples Friday, February 19: Joint Meeting with DAR, 6:00 pm, Country Club of Naples (Celebration Washington Ball. Colonial dress encouraged.) Thursday, March 4: Chapter Meeting, 11:30 Social, noon Luncheon, Country Club of Naples (JROTC Recognition program) Saturday, April 3: Annual Charter Day Picnic, noon, Veteran s Park (2010-2011 Officer Nominations) To bring American History to the high school student and focus on events of today. To draw an intelligent relationship between the past and the present. To clearly demonstrate freedom of opportunity as a basic right of our national heritage. To place a positive emphasis on the plans of our founding fathers. To emphasize justice under the law in the free society. To illustrate how the Revolutionary War influenced our freedom of expression. The preliminary rounds of the contest are held by Chapters and/or State Societies of the Sons of the American Revolution to select one winner from each participating state. In regions (SAR Districts) where no State Society sponsors an entrant, an SAR District entry is permitted. Prizes may be awarded to winners of Chapter and State Society (or District) competitions. Thursday, May 6: Chapter Meeting, 11:30 Social, noon Luncheon, Country Club of Naples (Election of officers for the year 2010-2011) JROTC Recognition Program March 4, 2010 The Naples Chapter SAR will host the Collier County JROTC program at their meeting, Thursday, March 4, 2010. From each school battalion we invite an instructor and a cadet they select to be honored for their excellence. JROTC instructors will be asked to introduce their cadets and give us a summary of the cadet s accomplishments. The cadets will be awarded the SAR JROTC Medal and Ribbon Bar. You will not want to miss this most exciting and uplifting program. THE NAPLES CRIER - PAGE 2 - DECEMBER 2009
18th century militia man The 14th and 15th Colonies The American Revolution pitted brother against brother, friend against friend. Like any other war, it was the civilian population that bore the brunt of the conflict. Many people do not know of Florida s role in the American Revolutionary war. Florida provided a strong support base for British forces in the colonial south. The loyalists had a very deep devotion to their King and Country. To them it was not a war for independence it was a civil war. East Florida had a small professional regiment of soldiers. They were scattered throughout the colony protecting the frontier from Indian attacks and guarding the coast from pirate invasions. To help defend their homes, many of these proud loyal subjects banded together for what they believed to be their common cause to preserve their way of life. When the American Revolution began in 1776, the population of British East Florida was only a total of 4,000 people. After the war began, there was a rapid increase of loyalist families flocking to the safety of British Next Meeting, Thursday, January 7, 2010 The American Revolution in East Florida Florida. The majority of loyalists came from Georgia and the Carolinas. Because of their support of the King, many were forced from their home at gunpoint, arriving with no more than the clothing on their backs. These loyal British subjects maintained their allegiance to King George. Many continued to provide services of a military nature, or other beneficial types of services. For the most part East Florida was protected by citizens formed into local militia; many of them were volunteers. These units were raised by the royal governor. The militia were paid for their service, and served for a fixed time period. There were two distinct groups of loyalist volunteer units. The East Florida Rangers were a cavalry unit mainly consisting of frontiersmen. These men knew the lay of the land and were excellent horsemen. A Militia Man s Life The East Florida Militia was an infantry unit made up of townspeople and frontiersmen. Many free blacks and slaves also served. They wore a mixture of town and frontier dress; such as hunting coats, trousers, a variety of headgear and buckskins. The men from the coastal region wore the jackets, hats, and breeches found in the colonial towns. Militia men had a personal flintlock musket or pistol which fired round lead balls that were not very accurate. They may also have had a long frontier knife or bayonet to attach to THE NAPLES CRIER - PAGE 3 - DECEMBER 2009 their weapon. They had a cartridge box to carry ammunition and a round wood or tin canteen for water. They carried food and small items in a haversack made of linen with a three button flap. A knapsack made of linen or canvas, painted to be waterproof, held extra clothes, shoes and other personal items. The food ration for a militia man consisted of a pound of bread, a pound of meat (salt fish, beef or pork), about 5 ounces of dry beans or peas, and rum. Fresh meat included local cattle or hogs. Preparation of food was up to the soldier, but many times it would become a group meal with others pooling their limited food resources. The Battle of Thomas Creek The battle of Thomas Creek took place on May 17th 1777 when the British formed their forces into three columns and attacked the rebels. It was in a location near Thomas Creek somewhat south of where it empties into the Nassau River. Surprised and greatly outnumbered by the British and their allies, almost half of the rebels fled as soon as the battle started. About 50 rebels stayed and continued to fight bravely. It wasn t until the British Regulars and militia with fixed bayonets, turned the rebel flank that the American s mounted their horses and fled under heavy enemy fire. The rebels lost eight killed, nine wounded and thirty-one captured. The Indians in retaliation fell upon the captives and murdered all but (Continued on page 5)
Next Meeting, Thursday, January 7, 2010 Naples Chapter of the N.S.S.A.R Officers President: Roy G. Richardson, royndory@aol.com 1756 Sanctuary Pointe Court, Naples, FL 34110-4157 (239) 597-6266 Immediate Past President: John L. McCullough jmccullough1@peoplepc.com 285 Stella Maris Drive S., Naples, FL 34114-9622 (239) 642-6545 1st Vice President: I. Harris Tucker, NaplesSAR@gmail.com 7654 Pebble Creek Circle #103, Naples, FL 34108-6538 (239) 593-8348 Secretary: Charles T. Sweeney Chuck_sweeney@msn.com 7007 Greentree Drive, Naples, FL 34108-7527 (239) 566-3307 Treasurer: W. Richard Hazen wrhazen@vermotel.net 2011 Gulfshore Blvd. N. #52, Naples, FL 34102-4632 (239) 430-3634 Assistant Treasurer: Charles T. Sweeney Chancellor: James M. McGarity, III Chaplin: Charles E. Cortright Registrar: W. Richard Hazen Historian: Donald B. Cahill Sergeant-at-Arms: John L. McCullough Committee Chairmen The Naples Chapter of the S.A.R has undertaken many community projects designed to educate children and adults on the history and principles of our Revolutionary ancestors. Your Chapter needs compatriots to assist in these projects. Please contact one of the officers to let the Chapter know where your talents and interests might best be applied. While the Chapter maintains a number of projects, many do not require a great deal of time when shared by Compatriots. Committee Chairmen Awards: John L. McCullough Ceremonies: John L. McCullough Membership Data Base: Charles T. Sweeney Color Guard: Donald B. Cahill Eagle Scout Program: Donald B. Cahill Email: I. Harris Tucker and Charles T. Sweeney Law Enforcement: Edward T. Ferguson Membership: W. Richard Hazen Newsletter Editor: I. Harris Tucker Publicity: I. Harris Tucker JROTC: John L. McCullough Yearbook Editor: Charles T. Sweeney Eagle Scout Christopher Muth and Compatriot Don Cahill, Chairman of Eagle Scout Committee. THE NAPLES CRIER - PAGE 4 - DECEMBER 2009
Next Meeting, Thursday, January 7, 2010 (Continued from page 3) EAST FLORIDA 16, who were saved by a British officer with much difficulty. Only 42 of the rebels escaped to the safety of Georgia. Loyalist Stronghold The colony of East Florida was a major support base for British operations in the southern colonies. Many believe that Florida was George Washington s third front. Florida was major stronghold because of the support by the colonists and the provisions that were provided to British soldiers in the other colonies. It was invaded several times from Georgia by Continental soldiers. The two incursions into East Florida ended in defeat for the Continentals. It was this strong showing of force from the militia, men who had been driven from their homes, that turned the tide in this fighting. When the American Revolution was over, these same loyalist were sad because many of them had to leave the country of their birth. They too believed in America. (Continued from page 1) The Genealogical Society of Collier County has scheduled its next meeting for Tuesday, December 8th at the Moorings Presbyterian Church, Moss Hall, 791 Harbor Drive, at 7:30 PM. Fourth, The Big Cypress DAR Chapter has scheduled an 11:00 AM meeting for Friday, the 11 th of December at The Country Club of Naples. Further, acting Big Cypress DAR Chapter Regent Trudy Withey announced that we are cordially invited to attend a special holiday musical treat during their December luncheon on Friday, December 18, 2009, at The Country Club of Naples. Under the direction of Dr. Ron Doiron, a small group of musicians known as the Troubadours, which is part of The Bach Ensemble of Naples, will perform Christmas songs and carols. Attendance is by pre-pay only. The cost is $20 per person, and it must be confirmed by December 11, 2009. Fifth, the January SAR Luncheon will feature The Rumbaugh Oration Contest. Compatriot John McCullough will head up the program. Judges and timers are needed. Finally, the December Chapter Board meeting will be held at Jason s Deli, December 17 th at 11:30 AM. Following the announcements, lunch was served. Then Compatriots Jim McGarity and Don Cahill, both Eagle Scouts in their own rights, led us in a program concerning the largest youth organization in the United States The Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has over four million youth members in its age-related divisions. Since its founding in 1910, more than 110 million Americans have been members. The goal of the BSA is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations. The highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program is the Eagle Scout. Accordin g to C ompatriot McGarity, when it comes to achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and earning the title Eagle, only two out of one hundred who become Boy Scouts finish the trail. Having said that, Compatriots McGarity and Cahill then asked our guest of (Continued on page 6) This is the regimental crest of the 16th Foot, the professional soldiers of the British army who were scattered ineffectually throughout Florida. It was the local militia that repelled Continental army invasions. Florida Web Sites Shy Wolf Sanctuary, a fascinating sanctuary for wolfs and wolf dogs: http://shywolfsantuary.com Wild Life Bob photographs awesome wild life photographs: http://www.wildlifebob.com American Indians: http://www.firstpeople.us THE NAPLES CRIER - PAGE 5 - DECEMBER 2009
(Continued from page 5) Next Meeting, Thursday, January 7, 2010 honor, Eagle Scout Christopher Muth, to say a few words about himself and to tell us what he wishes to do in the future. Eagle Scout Christopher Muth is a 17 year old student at Gulf Cost High School. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout under the tutelage of Scoutmaster McGarity in Troop 325. He received this prestigious award during October 2009. Christopher is an exceptional student, having skipped a grade during his early matriculation years. He favors mathematics. During this past summer he attended a special engineering class at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana, which required the building and the presentation of a robotic project. This spring, Christopher will graduate from high school. He plans to further his education by earning an engineering degree. He has applied to Georgia Tech, Michigan, Notre Dame, Cornell, Emory Riddle, and Florida State. Thus far he has been accepted to three of these Universities Georgia Tech, Michigan, and Emory Riddle. Since he requested early acceptance to Cornell, should the university grant him his request he ll gladly go to Ithaca on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake in Central New York. Following this, Eagle Scout Christopher Muth was presented the NSSAR Eagle Scout Medal and given a Certificate of Appreciation. Respectfully submitted, Charles T. Sweeney, Secretary President Richardson extends to all compatriots and their families Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year. UPDATE Compatriot James McGarity has advised us that Eagle Scout Christopher Muth, on December 10th, received notification from Cornell University of early acceptance. Clearly his accomplishments to date are outstanding and his future is extremely bright. We are very proud of him. Congratulations! Patriots of the American Revolution A magazine edited and published by T.M. Jacobs in Fort Myers, Florida. To learn more about this publication or to subscribe you may go to www.patriotsar.com. For more information, one may also write to: Patriots of the American Revolution Two If By Sea Publishing, LLC 12995 S. Cleveland Avenue Suite 141 #1776 Fort Myers, Florida 33907 THE NAPLES CRIER - PAGE 6 - DECEMBER 2009