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Virginia Bulletin Virginia Society

Sons of the American Revolution

__________________________________________________________________ 2012-13 Volume XXXVI No. 1

WILLIAMS HANDED THE REIGNS

(L-R) Past-President Larry McKinley installs Henry P. “Phil” Williams III as VASSAR President, and then follows tradition by passing the State Gavel to him.

Eighty-nine Compatriots spanning 20 of Virginia’s Chapters gathered in Richmond, along with 38

wives and/or guest, enjoyed a blustery February weekend for the Virginia Society’s 2012 Annual Meeting. A nod for the most attendees went to the Richmond Chapter with 12, followed by the George Washington Chapter with 10, and the Thomas Jefferson Chapter with 9.

(L-R) Bill Broadus recognizes Bob Bowen for his hard work and dedication, having served in many different leadership roles over the years. At right, incoming commander Peter M. Davenport marches alongside retiring commander Rob An-drews, as the color guard prepares to post colors for the Saturday Night Banquet.

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Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution 2012-2013 Officers

Henry P. “Phil” Williams III, PhD President

841 West Leigh Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901 phil.williams.3rd@gmail.com

(434) 977-1949 (office), (434) 981-0444 (cell phone)

Kent S. Webber 1st Vice President 9405 Delancey Drive, Vienna, VA 22182-3410 kwebber10@gmail.com (703) 938-8141

William A. Broadus, Jr. 2nd Vice President 10133 Brandon Way, Manassas, VA 20109 wabroadusjr@aol.com (703) 361-2665

Reverdy E. Wright, PhD 3rd Vice President 705 Circle Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060-3207 vas.sar.rev@gmail.com

(540) 961-2452

Edward W. Truslow Secretary 110 Moray Firth, Williamsburg, VA 23188 ewtruslow@verizon.net (757) 565-2460

Frederick N. Elofson Treasurer 21 Paula Maria Drive, Newport News, VA 23606 fnecpa@msn.com

(757) 596-6825

R. Wayne Rouse Assistant Secretary-Treasurer

71 Hope Springs Lane, Stafford, VA 22554 wrouse4sar@aol.com

(540) 659-5258

Walter Jervis Sheffield, Esquire Chancellor

1314 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-3742 wjs@wshefflaw.com

(540) 371-2370

Brent D. Morgan Registrar

9091 Pantego Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23116-5837 brentster1@comcast.net

(804) 550-3039

Rev. Canon Henry N. F. Minich Chaplain

3115 Dundee Road, Earlysville, VA 22936 nm2n@virginia.edu

(434) 975-0569

Larry G. Aaron, D. Min. Historian 185 Martindale Drive, Danville, VA 24541-4515 Larry.aaron@gmail.com

(343) 770-3258

White M. Wallenborn M.D. Surgeon General

700 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903-1627 kenwallenborn@gmail.com

(434) 293-6779

Robert L. Bowen Trustee

78 Smithfield Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 semperfibob@cox.net

(540) 374-1720

Mark S. Brennan, Sr. Alternate Trustee

2120 Christendom Drive, Midlothian, VA 23113 vassar2011@gmail.com

(804) 237-8804

President Henry P. “Phil” Williams III, Ph.D.

2012 Message

Well, no one told me other-wise. It would appear that the verdant spring notwithstanding, little or no grass is growing un-der my feet. A week after my installation, I attended my first Leadership Conference in Louis-ville. It was exciting, instructive and productive. I also visited the Center for Advancing Amer-ica’s Heritage and saw the beautiful research library and the adjacent spaces which are to become a museum, educa-tional center and offices. When finished, it will be most impres-sive. Since then I have given talks, inducted officers, met the Compatriots of the Richmond and Rockbridge Volunteers, and delivered Greetings in Norfolk at the State DAR Convention and conducted the first-ever joint VASSAR-Chapter Flag certifi-cate presentation ceremony at UVa. Staged in front of the Ro-tunda and Mr. Jefferson’s statue, complete with UVa’s ROTC and the Thomas Jeffer-son Chapter Color Guard, and stands as a fine precedent for future presentation ceremonies

- continued on page 9 -

The on-line Virginia Bulletin is published quarterly by the Virginia Society, Sons of the

American Revolution. Editor: Andrew “Andy” Doss. Chapters wishing to report on their

activities, should send their reports to the Editor. Any items to be published on the website

should also be sent to the address above—email is preferred. Editor/Webmaster reserves

the right to decide what to publish.

Most photographs are provided by Bob Bowen, unless otherwise mentioned. Mr. Doss

wishes to thank Mr. Bowen, Mr. Wayne Rouse, and Mr. Matt Hogendobler for their assis-

tance in gathering details for his first attempt at making this newsletter.

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Chapter Excellence Streamers for 2011 went to the following Chapters: Matt Hogendobler (Norfolk), Ken Wood (Thomas Nelson,

Jr.), Mike Elston (George Washington), Pat Kelley (Thomas Jefferson), Ed Truslow (Williamsburg), Mark Brennan, Bill Broadus

(at podium), Dan Rolfe (Fairfax Resolves), Bernie Baker (Dan River), Bob Vogler (Col. George Waller), Walt Sheffield (Col.

Fielding Lewis), Bill Collier (Col. William Grayson), Martin's Station and Gen. William Campbell were not represented.

(L-R) President Mark Brennan hands out the 2011 Best Chapter Awards: Michael Elston and Bob Carr receive the Best Extra Large Chapter Streamer for the George Washington Chapter, Bill Collier receives the Best Large Chapter Streamer for the Col. William Grayson Chapter, and Kenneth E. Wood re-ceives the best Medium Size Chapter Streamer for the Thomas Nelson Jr. Chapter. The Best Small Chapter Streamer went to the Martin’s Station Chapter, not represented at the Annual Meeting.

Looking Back on the 2012 VASSAR Annual Meeting

2 0 1 2 P R E S I D E N T I A L A W A R D R E C I P I E N T S

BILL BROADUS PHIL WILLIAMS WAYNE ROUSE MATT HOGENDOBLER JOE DOOLEY

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Focusing on the 2012 VASSAR Annual Meeting …YOUTH AWARDS

(L-R) Bill Broadus and Mark Brennan stand with the 1st place winner of the Rumbaugh Orations Award, Joshua Underwood, who was sponsored by the Thomas Jefferson Chapter. The second place winner was Brianna McAuliffe.

Katie Lavender was recognized as the winner of the Knight Essay award, pictured with her parents.

(L-R) Mark Brennan and Lance Lyngar present the Eagle Scout Award 1st place honor to Jason Dreyzehner, spon-sored by the Gen. William Campbell chapter. Nicholas Aunspach received the 2nd place honor, and Wyatt Booth re-

ceived the 3rd place honor.

VASSAR DELEGATION ATTENDS JEFFERSON BIRTHDAY COMMEMORATION AT MONTICELLO

Thomas Jefferson Chapter President Mark Day,

Richmond Chapter VP George Corbett, VASSAR

Chaplain Father Nick Minich, Thomas Jefferson

Chapter Secretary Geoff Cobham, VASSAR 1st

VP Kent Webber and VASSAR 2nd VP Bill

Broadus presented Thomas Jefferson Chapter,

Richmond Chapter, and VASSAR Wreaths on

Jefferson's Birthday, on April 13th at Monticello

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Focusing on the 2012 VASSAR Annual Meeting …COMMUNITY AWARDS

(L-R) The Best Fire Safety Person of the Year Award was sponsored by the Richmond Chapter, and presented to Cap-tain Melvin V. Liverman III. The Hero of the Year award was sponsored by the Thomas Jefferson Chapter, and was presented to Brad Kennedy. The Best Law Enforcement Person of the Year award was sponsored by the Richmond Chapter and was presented to Detective Patrick Stewart.

APRIL EVENTS 8 - Halifax Days - Halifax, NC. 2:00 pm

13 - Thomas Jefferson's Birthday - Washington, DC. Jefferson Memorial, 10:00 am

14 - Central Virginia Multi-Chapter Meeting, Graves Mountain Lodge

15-16 - Battle of Petersburg - Petersburg, VA.

28 - President James Monroe birthplace - Westmoreland County, 10:30 am.

28 - President James Monroe's Birthday - Richmond, 3:00 pm.

(L-R) Sponsored by the Richmond Chapter, Matt McGuire of Maggie L. Walkers Governors School of Govern-ment and International Studies was honored with the Chester E. May Award for Teacher of the Year. Spon-sored by the Thomas Nelson Jr. Chapter, Mary Agnes Clark was presented the VASSAR Good Citizen of the Year award.

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Darrin M. Schmidt

Bronze Color Guard Medal

Wayne Rouse

Meritorious Service

George Washington Chapter

Best Chapter Website

Walter H. Neville

Virginia Society

State Service Medal

Bob Carr

Virginia Society Medal

Larry G. Aaron

Virginia Society

State Service Medal

More Recognitions at the 2012 VASSAR Annual Meeting….

Williamsburg Chapter

Best Chapter Website

Dan River Chapter

Carroll Wright Award

George Washington Chapter

Donald W. Baldwin Award

MAY EVENTS 5 -Albemarle Barracks Marker Ceremony, 11:00 am

12-14 - Raid on Martin's Station - Ewing, VA 10:00 am

26 - Blockhouse Celebration, Duffield, Virginia

19 - Wreath Laying at Tomb of the Unknown - Arlington, VA. 6:15 pm

28 - National Memorial Day Parade - Washington, DC.

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More Coverage of the 2012 VASSAR Annual Meeting….

JUNE EVENTS 17-18 - Battle of Ramsour's Mill - Lincolnton, NC.

18 - Society of the War of 1812 - “Salute to Madison”, Library of Congress

22 - Special Wreath Laying Ceremony - Monticello, VA.

22-24 - NSSAR Conference on the American Revolution - Monticello, VA.

30 - Joint SAR/Society of 1812 Plaque Dedication Ceremony - Fincastle, VA.

Everyone knows how hard Mike Lyman works to keep the VASSAR Graves Database

up-to-date. His work is admired and greatly appreciated, and he was presented with a

Distinguished Service Medal at the 2012 meeting as s small token of appreciation for

his efforts. Have you seen his work he does for the Virginia Society of the War of

1812?

Check it out at:

WWW.1812VA.ORG

Three HUZZAHS! to Mr. Lyman!

Travis Bowman, 6th generation descen-

dant of Peter Francisco portrayed Fran-

cisco for the Friday evening activity and

is shown here receiving a Certificate of

Appreciation from Mark Brennan.

Renu Brennan received the Martha

Washington Medal for her steadfast

support of Mark and the society.

2012 President Williams pre-

sents the Patriot Medal to 2011

President Mark Brennan.

Marilyn Williams shares some thoughts with the

guests at the Saturday night banquet.

Sharon Morgan received a Certificate of Appreciation in

honor of her planning and work for the 2012 meeting.

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From Commander Peter M. Davenport:

Members of the Virginia Society Color Guard participated in a number of events since the first of the year. The year started with

the Commemoration of the 231st Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina on January 14, 2012. February events

included the 231st Anniversary Celebration of the Crossing of the Dan River in South Boston, Virginia on February 18, 2012 and

the posting of the colors at the George Washington’s birthday celebration sponsored by the District of Columbia Society held at

Fort Myer. The Color Guard also posted the colors the VASSAR Annual Meeting in Richmond and at a change of command

ceremony, outgoing commander Rob Andrews passed leadership of the Color Guard to incoming commander Pete Davenport. In

March, Virginia guardsmen traveled to North Carolina for the celebration of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. - continued on Page 10

(L-R) Ken Wallenborn, Peter Davenport, Andy Johnson, Bob Vogler, Larry McKinley, President Williams, Gary Hollandsworth, Lance

Lyngar, Bernard Baker, Dennis Fritts, Larry Aaron, and Patrick Kelly

(L-R) Mike Tomme, Bill Broadus, Larry McKinley, Dar-

rin Schmidt, Peter Davenport

(L-R) Lance Lyngar, Bob Vogler, Peter Davenport,

Mark Brennan, Larry Aaron, Bill Broadus, Wayne

Rouse, Larry McKinley, Andy Doss, and Dennis Fritts

B A T T L E O F G U I L F O R D C O U R T H O U S E

B A T T L E O F C O W P E N S C R O S S I N G O F T H E D A N

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- continued from Page 8

Thus far in April, the Color Guard provided an escort for Virginia Society President Henry P. “Phil” Williams during the Jefferson

birthday wreath presentation ceremony at the Jefferson Memorial in the District of Columbia and posted the colors at the Central

Virginia Multi-Chapter Meeting held at the Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, Virginia.

Although provision for three regional Color Guard commands (Northern Virginia, Western and Tidewater regions) has existed for

some time in the Virginia Society Handbook, regional commanders have now been named. Larry McKinley is the Northern Virginia

Regional Commander, Dennis Fritts is the Western Region Commander, and Christopher Melhuish is the Tidewater Regional Com-

mander. The Committee also authorized acquisition of necessary equipment for each of the regions to better support regional events.

Any Society members having uniforms or equipment that they are no longer using are encouraged to donate such items to the Vir-

ginia Society Color Guard for use by its active and prospective members. A tax deduction letter will be provided. To arrange deliv-

ery of such items, please contact me at pmdavenpo@aol.com.

RESTORATION OF MICHAEL TROUT’S CEMETERY

by Craig H. Trout, SAR #156304 (Photos by Hank Almond)

Georg Michael TROUT was born 1750 in Bart Twp, Lancaster, PA. He was the son

of the immigrant Hans Nicholas TRAUT (1730-1780), and the grandson of the immi-

grant Johann Wendel Georg TRAUT (1689-1760). He had recently widowed and emi-

grated with his children together with a number of neighbors from Kleinfischlingen

(near Landau), Electoral Palatinate, Holy Roman Empire (now in Südliche Weinstraße,

Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany). "Wentel" arrived in Philadelphia in 1738 and almost im-

mediately settled with his young family in what is now Paradise Twp, near Strasburg,

Lancaster, PA.

Young Georg Michael TROUT was about 2 years old when his father, Hans Nicholas

TRAUT, moved his young family from Bart Twp, Lancaster, PA to Augusta County,

VA, and purchased a tract of land on Cub Run near the base of Peaked Mountain (now

called Massanutten Mountain) near the current village of Montevideo in what is now

Rockingham County. Georg Michael TROUT was only 3 years old when he then lost

his father, Hans Nicholas, in a tragic accidental weapon discharge on 17 Jul 1753. Ultimately, the courts determined in 1766 the

young fatherless children should be "bound out," but young Georg Michael TROUT was 16 years old and would soon reach his ma-

jority.

Ten years later, with the coming of the Revolutionary War, Georg Michael was now 26 years old and had established his reputation

in the valley as a mature and responsible young patriot. Accordingly, on 3 Dec 1776, Georg Michael TROUT was chosen as Ensign

in Captain David LAIRD's Company, Augusta County Militia. Later that same day, Capt. LAIRD was elected to command a com-

pany of regulars in the Virginia Continental Line and was immediately replaced by Capt. Robert CRAVENS. By the end of the day,

Ensign Georg Michael TROUT was serving under Capt. Robert CRAVENS and would continue to do so for the next two years. By

January, Georg Michael Trout was promoted from Ensign to Lieutenant, and played a very important role in leading detachments of

men in the 1777-1778 Indian campaigns in the Tygerts Valley. In those early times, an infantry company had a captain, a first lieu-

tenant, a second lieutenant, and an ensign.

Near the close of the war, in 1780, Lt. "Michael" Trout married Elizabetha BAER

who was born in 1752 in Berks County, PA, the daughter of John BAER and Cath-

erine Elizabeth MILLER.

Georg Michael TROUT filed his last will and testament on 12 Apr., 1819, and died in

1822 at age 72. "Michael" is buried with his wife "Elizabeth" at his side. Her younger

sister, Anna BAER is buried close by. Their graves are protected by a small iron

fence enclosure that is located on the south side of 5180 Trissels Road just west of

Harpine Hwy. a few miles south of Broadway.

A son and daughter of Michael Trout married a daughter and son of Matthias Miller,

another Revolutionary War Patriot recognized by Fort Harrison several years ago.

Trout and Miller Halls at Roanoke College recognize their contributions.

Research has confirmed his true birth date as 1750, and his final rank was Lieutenant.

Both errors were apparently made when his replacement stone was placed in the late

1800s.

After Restoration Tim Knight, Donna Robinson, Bill Robinson,

Hugh Hutchens, Gene Holsinger, David Dean,

Dan Pinnell, (Not pictured -- Hank Almond)

Before Restoration

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Reminisces of Kenneth C. Patty, as shared by Compatriot Tom Burch to

former VASSAR President Art Batten in 2008 CONVENTION ARMY

ROADSIDE MARKER

CEREMONY

MAY 5, 2012 AT 11:00 AM

518 BARRACKS FARM RD.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. 22901

RAID ON

MARTIN”S STATION

MAY 12 - 14, 2012 AT 10:00 AM

EWING, VA. 22901

Please note that the VASSAR Website will

be modernized over the next year or so, a

few pieces at a time. An effort will be

made to make it more interactive, and eas-

ier to update - along with making it com-

patible with various mobile devices. In or-

der to do this, a lot of the current site needs

to be completely overhauled to meet cur-

rent standards, so there might be some

unexpected changes that show up from

time to time.

Keeping in mind that the site is run by a

volunteer staff, suggestions are always

welcome and appreciated.

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- continued from page 2

at large institutions/corporations. Next weekend, I will lay a wreath at the Jefferson Memorial in DC and preside over the

CMM-hosted multi-chapter meeting at Graves Mountain. Of course, there has been plenty of “housekeeping” sorting out my

transition as well as other State officers and new Committee Chairs.

I would like to remind the Chapters to visit the VASSAR Website, now under the capable Direction of Andy Doss. Overtime,

look for some streamlining and user-friendly modifications. And, while there, please pull up my Presidential Initiatives under

the Admin tab. Three of the initiatives offer a streamer for Chapter Participation at events on May 5, June 22, and June 30. In

the spirit of friendly completion, may I remind you all that attendance at these, together with submission of the Americanism

Score Sheet, will appear as Question 14 on the Chapter Report. But, who’s counting? Hope to see many of you at those terri-

fic events. As I said in my Acceptance Speech, the work you are doing is important and noble. Do it with pride, humility and

Thanksgiving for this Blessed country we hold so dear. For my part, I am more than honored to serve as your 92nd President.

Huzzah!

Fraternally,

Dr. Henry P. (Phil) Williams III

Left - President Williams prepares

to hand Jim Robeson of the Rich-

mond Chapter a SAR Challenge

Coin to be used toward meeting this

years Presidential Initiatives.

Right - President Williams poses

with Halford Ryan (right), newly

installed president of the Rock-

bridge Volunteers, with Richard

Weede (left) at his side.

A VASSAR delegation attends the commemoration of President

Madison's 161st birthday.

(L-R): Francs Lay, CMM; Peter Broadbent, Richmond; John

Dickie, former VASSAR President; Bill Schwenke, CMM; Don

Jennings, CMM; Lance Lyngar, CMM President; Jerry Hub-

bard, CMM; George Corbett, Richmond; Phil Williams, VAS-

SAR President; Nick Minich; VASSAR Chaplain; Jim Robeson,

Richmond President.

P r e s i d e n t W i l l i a m s

2 0 1 2 P r e s i d e n t i a l I n i t i a t i v e s

Attend the May 5th Roadside Marker

Ceremony in Charlottesville

Attend the June 2nd wreath ceremony at

Jefferson’s gravesite at Monticello

Attend joint Revolutionary War and War

of 1812 marking in Fincastle, VA on

June 30

Submit an Americanism Award Report

Form

Y O U C A N C O N TA C T P H I L AT

p h i l . w i l l i a m s . 3 r d @ g m a i l . c o m

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Virginia Society

Sons of the American Revolution

CHAPTER DIRECTORY

Clinch Mountain Militia Tazewell area

Colonel Fielding Lewis Virginia’s Eastern Piedmont Region

Colonel George Waller Martinsville area

Colonel James Wood, Jr. Northwest Virginia

Colonel William Grayson Prince William County area

Culpeper Minute Men Virginia’s Central Piedmont area

Dan River Danville area

Fairfax Resolves Fairfax County

Fincastle Resolutions Roanoke Valley area

Fort Harrison Harrisonburg area

General Daniel Morgan Staunton area

General William Campbell Abingdon area

George Mason Arlington County

George Washington Alexandria

James Monroe Upper Northern Neck

Lieutenant David Cox Galax/Independence

Martin’s Station Cumberland Gap

New River Valley New River Valley area

Norfolk Norfolk/Virginia Beach area

Overmountain Men Gate City

Richmond Richmond/Petersburg

Rockbridge Volunteers Lexington

Richard Henry Lee Lower Northern Neck

Thomas Jefferson Charlottesville

NSSAR 122nd

NATIONAL

CONGRESS

Phoenix, AZ

July 7-11

F L A G C E R T I F I C A T E P R E S E N T E D A T

U N I V E R S I T Y O F V I R G I N I A

The UVa ROTC Color Guard and the Thomas Jefferson Chapter

Color Guard, along with VASSAR President Williams, VASSAR

Flag Committee Chair Dr. Kirk Sheap and VASSAR Chaplain

Rev. Canon Henry N. F. Minich stand with retired CEO Leonard

W. Sandridge who accepted the flag certificate on behalf of the

University.