Speaker at last night's Meeting was awesome - Tom Jackson

Members present at Spring Creek BBQ on Hwy 6 in Missouri City were not disappointed.  Our President through his contacts secured another fine speaker for our Bi-Monthly Meeting.

Our speaker was Tom Jackson and his topic was “The Contributions of the Orange and Green.”   The slide presentation detailed the history of the Irish people and their subsequent arrival in America.  Tom presentation went on the highlight the contributions of Irish soldiers, sailors, and commanders within the American military during the Revolution.

Tom's Irish roots start in 1730 with the birth of his patriot ancestor Jeremiah Dial Sr in County Cork, Ireland. His son, the future patriot Jeremiah Dial, Jr. was born in Dublin in 1758 and the family left from Ulster in 1772 bound for Charleston South Carolina.  He has presented to over 10,000 students and adults on topics concerning the American Revolution.

Tom belongs to approximately 30 lineage societies or certificate programs and has held leadership positions in various lineage organizations. He was the founding national Treasurer of Order and Founders of North America and has returned to that position today. He is the national Founding Treasurer for the Sons and Daughters of Officers of the Colonial Militia and continues in that position today. He served as President (2021-2022) of the Texas Genealogical College. He served as President (2019-2022) of the Sons of the Revolution in Texas.

Furthermore,  within the state of Texas, he is a member of: 1718 San Antonio Founding Families and Descendants, First Families of Bexar County, Alamo Defenders Association, Sons of the Republic of Texas, Texas First Families, Descendants of Texas Rangers, Gone to Texas Pioneer Certificate and The Order of the Granaderos y Dámas de Gálvez.

Tom has served the National Society Sons of the American Revolution, as a Trustee (2019-2022), as President (2018-2019) of the Council of State Presidents, as Chairman Host Committee National Congress (2018), and as national chair of education and communications committees. 

Tom has served the Texas SAR as President (2018-2019).  He was made an Admiral in the Texas Navy in 2018.

Professionally, Tom is a CPA, a Certified Information Systems Auditor, and a CGMA. Academically his undergraduate degree and graduate work are both from the University of Texas in Austin. He has been a national lecturer on Information Technology, an instructor in accounting at the University of Texas at Austin, and an adjunct professor in accounting at Houston Baptist University. At the corporate level he taught seminars in statistics and auditing. He was a contributing editor to the textbook, “Theory and Practice” and taught night classes using the text.

 He has been a locally elected official for 34 years and most recently served as President of the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. He earned Master Trustee status in 2016 and he was Board Vice President the year they were named Honor Board for the state of Texas. As a Trustee he presented on various topics at both national and state conferences. He was one of 42 trustees who served at the state level. He also concluded his second term as a board member of Girl Scouts, San Jacinto Council

Exploring the NATIONAL SAR Website - The Store

 Our National SAR Website is loaded with gift items to enhance your membership.  The following are a few items available.

Apparal (shirts, hats, ties)     

Insignia, Metals and Coins             

                                                          Combination Set     Sons and Daughters pin         US Flag & SAR Flag

                                                   

                                                  250th Anniversary Pin     Continental Congress Pin      Continental Congress Patch

                                                                                  250th Anniversary Ornament

                                                                   

                                                     

Update of Viewer Stats for March (27th). Also additional interesting facts on viewer locations

                                3/11     3/16    3/17    3/18     3/21      3/27

Today                      16        20          8        41      119       130

Yesterday                28        54        77       77       263       143

This Month           777    1071      194     1227    1703    2107

Last Month          2752   2752    2752     2752    2752    2752

I will only mention most of the following only one time, found it interesting.  

Found that there were more to the Stats page in Google that just the above info.  For example, it shows what stories were viewed and what times that they were viewed.  Tracks what platform was used to view from, for example, TXSSAR or Google or Apple, etc.

But, also from what countries the Blog is viewed.  All information is Charted.  

Hong Kong      310

United States   202      

China              149   

Beligium            9

Other                  7  

Austria and France      4 each   

United Kingdom; Indonesia; India; and Iran      2 each

Canada; United Arab Emirates; Switzerland; Ghana; Georgia; Russia; Spain; Germany   1 each

prepared by Jim Penny

ON THIS DATE IN THE REVOLUTION - MARCH 26th

 South Carolina becomes an independent state.

 

On this day in history, March 26, 1776, South Carolina becomes an independent state when it adopts its own Constitution, the second of the original 13 colonies to do so. South Carolina was the center of the American Revolution and the patriot movement in the south.

 

Prior to the war, patriots such as Christopher Gadsden, Thomas Lynch and John Rutledge had led the movement of resistance against Great Britain’s taxes. South Carolina even had its own “Boston Tea Party” when citizens threw a ship full of tea into the Cooper River.

           

South Carolina sent five representatives to the Continental Congress in 1774. Henry Middleton, a South Carolinian, served as a president of that Congress. Another South Carolinian, Henry Laurens, would serve as President of the Continental Congress for a year from 1777 to 1778.

 

In January, 1775, the Royal Governor of South Carolina, Lord William Campbell, dissolved the colonial assembly, forcing the members to meet on their own and form an extralegal government body. In March of 1776, this body adopted its own Constitution, along with the name “General Assembly of South Carolina.” The new state’s president was John Rutledge and its first vice president was Henry Laurens.

 

South Carolina was the center of the Revolution in the south, with over 200 battles fought on its soil, more than any other state. The British made an early attempt to invade the south at Charles Town in 1776, but this attempt was driven back at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, forcing them to retreat to the north and make another attempt to take the south later.

 

In December, 1779, the British southern strategy commenced with the capture of Savannah, Georgia. They quickly moved into South Carolina and began a siege of Charles Town in March, 1780, that lasted two months. Large American armies were captured at Charles Town and Camden and the coastal areas were quickly taken over.

 

The British attempted to raise a Loyalist army in the south, but this proved harder than they expected. Militia leaders such as Francis Marion and Andrew Pickens harassed the British with guerrilla techniques and gradually gained the upper hand. When Continental Army General Nathanael Greene arrived, the tide began to turn. Greene and the militia leaders gradually wore the British down and began taking control of the string of British forts in the back country. Eventually, the British were driven back into Charles Town alone on the coast.

 

After the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the war, the British evacuated the city on December 14, 1782. This day is celebrated as “South Carolina Independence Day,” to this day. The city of Charles Town was then renamed “Charleston” because the citizens thought it sounded less British!

Courtesy of

Jack Manning

President General

2019 – 2021

National Society Sons of the American Revolution

February 27, 2024 Business Meeting Minutes

 

                                          February 27, 2024 Business Meeting

Officers Present:

Carl Hill – President, interm Registar                                  Don Rollins – Sgt. at Arms

Mike Green – Newsletter Editor, interm Registar               Phil Whitley - Chaplin

Jim Penny – Webmaster

Officers Missing due to illness:

Lovell Aldrich and Steve Barber

Reports

Treasurer : Carl Hill reported that the Treasury had a balance of $10,74.54. Two remaining checks remain outstanding from last years JROC Awards. One for $300 and one for $500. 

The purpose of these awards that are to first recognize a nominated JROC cadet in Fort Bend ISD and Lamar Consolidated ISD and then assist with cost of College. 

 Discussion followed with ideas to prevent this from repeating. One point was made that for future awards it was suggested to require use within 6 months. Another for it to be managed by the JROC Program at the School District. There were additional ideas. 

They will be considered but must meet the ability to track for compliance with the use of donated funds.

 Our District 7 VP, Richard Zdunkewicz has again raised $1250 for our Chapter’s JROC Award Program. In addition, the Beaumont Chapter was not going to use their donated funds, so Richard has divided between 2 other Chapter and Alexander Hodge Chapter. The result is that our Chapter got an extra $416.64. This will allow Alexander Hodge to award two-$500 scholarships to FBISD and two-$300 scholarships to LCISD. If were are unable to locate the two cadets that have not used their scholarships, the checks may have to be cancelled and the money returned to our account. Carl went over the metals that he has in stock to award this year. 

 Annual IRS Filing 501C paperwork – Carl said that he will be completing that soon. 

Registar: Carl reported that he has received back the Certificates for Jonathan Buford and Jason Barnes have been received and plan on inducting into the Chapter at the next Meeting on March 26th at Spring Creek BBQ. An additional 5 inquires into membership have come in. 

One of the individuals is a relative of the patriot, Alexander Hodge. Since try to get the relationships proven for Robert Goodwin and submitted to the State SAR. At the beginning of the year there were 16 members who hadn’t paid their Dues. Several issues had preventing them from completing the online payments. Including one of the member who had died. After contacting the members 8+ of those who hadn’t paid completed the online payment of dues. 

Other Announcements and Discussions: 

1. Speakers for 2024 are filled except for 2 months. Tom Jackson will be the speaker for the March meeting. 

2. Carl handed out the SAR pin that commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026. The National SAR will have additional Challenge coins that commemorate events during the Revolution. These can be purchased online.

 3. A member purchased one Challenge coin as a Door Prize for a member in attendance at our next meeting on March 26th. 

4. Carl said that he would like to schedule a time for a tour of the re-creation Independence Hall on the Campus of Houston Christian University (the old HBU).

Prepared by Jim Penny

Tonight is the Bi-monthly Membership Meeting at Spring Creek BBQ in Missouri City - invitation to all.

 Our President, Carll Hill, sent out a friendly reminder that our chapter's dinner meeting is tonight at Spring Creek Barbeque in Missouri City. 

We will start to gather at 6:30 and the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.

We will have a Speaker

In Memoriam - February 20 2011 Robert "Bob" Benton Lewis

 

594th patch

 ROBERT "BOB" BENTON LEWIS, 87, passed away on February 20, 2011. He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Ida Lewis; four brothers and one sister. He was born in 1923 near Camden/Corrigan, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores Lewis; sons, Robert Lewis Jr and his wife, Abby, Nate Lewis and his wife, Amy, John Lewis; grandchildren, Carrie, Ginny, Andrew and his wife, Ariel, Robert III, Brett, David, Jared, Natalie, Lindsey, and Aidan; and a host of many other family and friends.

Bobby was a proud World War II Pacific Veteran in the Amphibs 594th EB & SR.   He served during World War II in the 594th Engineer Amphibian Regiment.  

The 594th Boat and Shore Regiment was a military engineer unit in the United States Army in the 4th Engineer Special Brigade (4th ESB).   The 4th Brigade was made up of three Amphibian Regiments (534th; 544th, and the 594th).  Each Regiment had two Battalions, a Boat Battalion consisting of Companies A, B, and C, and a Shore Battalion consisting of Companies D, E, and F.  

Robert began the Website, armyamphibs.com to organize and preserve the history of the 594th EB & SR.  He remained the contact point for the Website, as well as maintaining it.  Robert was the author of several of the Articles, such as, "ON TO CORREGIDOR with "F" Co., 592d Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment _____R. B. Lewis".

He was a 1953 graduate of the University of Houston and helped start the ROTC Band. Bobby thoroughly loved the grocery business in Texas and Ohio. He was extremely active in his personal life taking up hobbies as a runner, golfer, bowler, surfer, motorcyclist, bicyclist, swimmer and dancer. His friends included everyone from retail magnates, to astronauts, to lawyers and doctors, salesmen and every small child and dog he ever met. He was even affectionately known as "Bobby" by his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

He is interned in the Houston National Cemetery at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston Texas.  A graveside service with military honors was held prior to interment.

It was encouraged to make donations to Houston Hospice at 1905 Holcome Blvd. in Bobby's honor.

prepared by Jim Penny 

In Memoriam - April 26, 2003, Samual "Sam" Bartholomew

 SAMUEL (SAM) BARTHOLOMEW, 48, of Sugar Land, passed away April 26, 2003. 

 He was a past President in 2002 of Alexander Hodge Chapter #49 of the Son of American Revolution.  His first Revolutionary Patriot was approved 2001.  He went on to document five additional patriots with two in 2002 and three in 2003.  His ancestor patriots served in the Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Virginia.

His Visitation was held on April 29, 2003 at the Settegast-Kopf Co. in Sugar Land.  His Funeral Service was held on April 30, 2003 at Christ United Methodist Church of Sugar Land with burial being at Forest Park Westheimer.  His Obituary was carried in the Houston Chronicle on April 28th, 2003.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions was requested to be made to Christ United Methodist Church Habitat for Humanity Fund, 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.

He received his BBA from the University of Texas in Austin. He was a past president of the Parks Board for the City of Sugar Land as well as a member of the Fort Bend Chamber Leadership Cass. Sam was a devoted member of Christ United Methodist Church where he was very active as a volunteer for the church youth group. 

Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Cynthia as well as, a daughter, a sister and a brother and both his parents.

additional added by Jim Penny

In Memoriam - July 27, 2003; County Judge James Clyde Adolphus (wasnt mentioned in Chapter Blog in 2003)

 In an effort to ensure every past member who has died was given a proper "In Memoriam" highlight in the Blog, I begin with James C. Adolphus. (jgp).

COUNTY JUDGE JAMES CLYDE ADOLPHUS  

Judge James C. Adolphus was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 10, 1929. He died in Sugarland, TX on July 27, 2003.  

He attended the University of Texas, then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the outbreak of the Korean War.  He completed Aviation Cadet Training and was a Lieutenant in the Air Force and served 22 years in the Texas State Guard where he retired in 2002 as a Lt. Colonel.

He had a successful career in oil and gas Industry.

Judge Adolphus served three terms as a City Councilman in Missouri City, Texas and thirteen years as a Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace in Fort Bend County and retired as County Judge of Ft. Bend County.  He decided not to seek re-election because of poor health.  He subsequently was diagnosed with lung cancer.   Jim was a stalwart member and office holder for the Republican Part of Fort Bend County.

He was deputy chief of the Houston Volunteer Mercy Corps for 17 years, a past Commander of the Albert Sidney Johnston Chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a member of the Military Order of the Stars and Bars, Sons of the American Revolution, Sugarland Rotary Club, a 32nd Degree Mason, Richmond Lodge, and an avid fisherman.

His Obituaries were published in the Houston Chronicle on July 29, 2003 and another one on Aug 4, 2003

His Services was handled by Miller Funeral Services of 7723 Beachnut St., Houston.  Visitors were received at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Ingram Room, 4900 Jackwood, Houston, Tx. on Tuesday, July 29, 2003.  The Service followed in the Church at 10 am.

Interment was in the Morton Cemetery, 401 North Third St., Richmond, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the Adolphus family requested that donations be made to the Fort Bend American Cancer Association or the West Fort Bend Heart Association.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lynda Cooke Adolphus and two sons and three daughters and several grandchildren.

An Elementary school, Judge James C Aldolphus located in Richmond in the Lamar Consolidated School District. It opened in August of 2013 and was named in his honor.

additional added by Jim Penny

In Memoriam - List

 I am making an effort to arrange the "In Memoriam" list of deceased members from most recent to most distant.  

Second, I am making an effort to ensure sure that all has an Obit and some description of their life and/or role in SAR or the Alexander Hodge Chapter.

Members or friends of the Chapter that have been around awhile and know that some information on their life is missing, please email me and let me know.

It also looks like members who died before 2019 did not get a story in our Blog, their obit is written as a Link embedded in the Memoriam List and not a Link to a story in the Blog.

Members who died in 2019, 2020, and 2023 have both.  

I will work on getting a Story in the Blog for those that were missed.  Unfortuately, will not be able to get into the Blog Archive for the actual year that they died.  Looks like possibly 14 past members were missed.

I would appreciate any of your thoughts on the issue!

prepared by Jim Penny

State Convention in San Antonio on March 11-14. Online Registration ending soon

 Texas Society - Sons of the American Revolution

2024 Annual Meeting – April 11 (Thursday) to April 14 (Sunday) 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton – San Antonio Airport- 611 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX - Phone: (210) 340-6060

 

Vol 118 No.3, 2023-2024 Winter Issue of SAR Magazine has several Alexander Hodge Chapter related entries

 

Members of the Alexander Hodge Chapter #49 can read several mentions of either members or the Chapter in the just arrived Issue 118 N0. 3 of the SAR Quarterly Magazines.

On Page 41 in the "In Our Memory" Section, our late Vice President, Everett Shaw Gardiner is listed.

On Page 44 in the "Welcome New Members" Section, Jonathan Robert Buford is listed.

On Page 47 in the "When You Travel" Section, Alexander Hodge Chapter meeting time and place is mentioned along with giving the address for the website.

looks my Article didnt make it this Quarter's Magazine.