The Richard Henry Lee Chapter (RHLC) of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) met on December 12th at Historic Christ Church in Weems.  Seventeen members and guests attended the event, including Virginia Society SAR President Ernie Coggins.

Following lunch, RHLC President Michael Rhodes reported on general chapter events of the past year. Chapter Secretary Stuart Kramer then conducted the election of chapter officers to serve in 2024.  Those elected were Michael Rhodes as President, Rev. Dennis Martin as First Vice President, Dirk Metzger as Second Vice President, Richard Manson as Third Vice President, Stuart Kramer as Secretary, and Dr. Todd Dabney as Treasurer.  Virginia Society SAR President Ernie Coggins then performed the induction ceremony for the newly elected officers.

The next schedule meeting of the Richard Henry Lee Chapter will be held on March 12, 2024 at Historic Christ Church in Weems, Virginia. The luncheon meeting is open to the public. 

The Sons of the American Revolution is a male lineage society that honors our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our Country.  Those interested in joining the Sons of the American revolution may contact Michael Rhodes at [email protected].

From left, President Michael Rhodes, 1^st VP Rev. Dennis Martin, 3^rd VP Richard Manson, 2^nd VP Dirk Metzger, Secretary Stuart Kramer, Treasurer Dr. Todd Dabney, Virginia Society SAR President Ernie Coggins

On Dec. 4, 2023, Bruce Laubach, president of the Williamsburg Chapter Sons of the American Revolution presented a Certificate of Recognition and SAR Scholarship Application package to Eagle Scout Nathaniel Horton at a Court of Honor of Troop 414 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Norge, Virginia.  Harley Stewart was also present, but not pictured, representing the Williamsburg Chapter.

AT THE ANNUAL CHAPTER MEETING OF THE WILLIAMSBURG CHAPTER OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION ON NOVEMBER 18^TH.

Ronald Miller, Michael Doucette, Tatton Mason, Ronald Adolphi, and William Dorn, receive a Certificate of Appreciation from President Bruce Laubach.

Ron Adolphi and Gary Dunaway receive Distinguished Service Certificates from President Bruce Laubach.

Compatriot's Steve Holm and Ron Adolphi receive their Life Membership certificates presented by President Bruce Laubach.

The Lydia Darragh Medal is presented to Kathy Dunaway for her service and support to the Williamsburg Chapter VASSAR by President Bruce Laubach.  This Medal is given to the lady who has provided significant service to the Chapter President during his term of office.

, the following members received the Rober Sherman Bronze Medal. John Lynch II Vice president, Steve Holm Seargent at Arms, Hunt Berryman Registrar, And Bruce Laubach President of the Williamsburg Chapter.  The medal is awarded in appreciation for service to the SAR. It is awarded in recognition of, and in appreciation of, outstanding services rendered to the chapter.

President Bruce Laubach presented the Roger Sherman Bronze Medal Oak leaf clusters to Eric Ely, Jim Morford Chaplin, and Roger Cross III past President.

President Bruce Laubach presents the Distinguished Service Medal to Treasurer Gary Dunaway.

The Battle of Great Bridge discussion Wednesday December 6^th Noon – 1:00pm.

Join Encyclopedia Virginia managing editor Patti Miller in conversation with Norfolk Chapter compatriot, former U.S. Marine and professor at the National Defense University Dr. Patrick Hannum and Jon Stull, docent at the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways History Foundation, to discuss the Battle of Great Bridge.

The Battle of Great Bridge was the first major battle of the American Revolution fought in Virginia and a significant, if little recognized, factor in the eventual Patriot victory over the British. Find out how Great Bridge changed everything.

This event is free, but registration is required.

Link: https://virginiahumanities.org/events/2023/12/the-battle-of-great-bridge/

Photo are the SAR participants with law enforcement and Mayor Charles Harbaugh.  (Photo courtesy of Marc Robinson.)

On 21 October 2023, the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter conducted a muster to commemorate the Culpeper Minutemen during the Revolutionary War.  Michael Weyler, 2nd VP, Virginia Society presented greetings.  He mentioned the unit began due to the Boston Port Act.  In Virginia, this was an attack on the  colonies ability to engage in free commerce and their liberties.  Next, the Virginia House of Burgess declared 26 May 1774 a day of prayer and fasting to acknowledge the plight of Bostonians.  Lord Dunmore then dissolved the House of Burgess.  On 1 August, the first Virginia Convention passed resolutions supporting non-importation of British goods and non-exportation of colonial goods to Britain.  In March 1775, the Second Virginia Convention, produced guidelines for defensive action.  The third convention met in July, authorizing the creation of Virginia military districts  This led to the formation of the Culpeper Minute Battalion.  Compatriot Bill Schwetke presented their story.  Culpeper completed its battalion with a company of riflemen.  They were required annually to conduct two 12-day battalion training periods and monthly four day company training sessions (except for the three winter months).  The battalion was led by Colonel Talliaferro, Lieutenant Colonel Stevens and Major Marshall.  Four companies were led by Captains Buford, Jamison, Reverend McClanahan and Williams with the company of riflemen commanded by Captain Green. 

They began training September 1775, then marched to Williamsburg, arriving 21 October.  They wore hunting shirts the color of leaves, that were emblazoned with "Liberty or Death", carryed a flag emblazoned with a rattlesnake, the words "Don't Tread on Me" and Patrick Henry's "Liberty or Death".  On 25 October, British ships attempted to bombard Hampton.  Captain Buford took a company of riflemen, stationing them in a house at a breastwork.  At daybreak, the ships arrived to begin bombardment.  They were met with accurate, withering fire.   British sailors could not man their guns, which led to the ships fleeing to safety.  As a result of the Culpeper actions, they captured the British ship, the Hawk Tender.  Returning to Williamsburg, they joined Colonel Woodford's 2nd Virginia Regiment and marched to block Great Bridge south of Norfolk. At daybreak 9 December, a company of British grenadiers charged across the bridge.  The Culpeper Minutemen, led by Billy Flora, a free black man from Princess Ann County stopped the attack, causing a British retreat to Norfolk and the safety of their ships. 

In existence for 15 months, the Virginia Legislature disbanded the battalion in December 1776.  Their actions at the Battle of Great Bridge, along with their service at Hampton and Norfolk, significantly impacted the outcome of the Revolutionary War.

Dignitaries included Culpeper Mayor Frank Reaves, Jr. and Supervisor Tom Underwood.  Wreaths were presented by Virginia State, six SAR Chapters, (Culpeper Minutemen, George Mason, Fairfax Resolves, Norfolk, Col James Wood II and Sgt Major John Champe) and  DAR from Culpeper Minute Men, Fauquier Court House and Lanes Mill Chapters.  A musket squad fired a salute in honor of the men of the Culpeper Minute Battalion. 

Photo are SAR participants at Culpeper Minute Battalion monument, l. to r. Mark Crain, Brett Osborn, Charles Jameson, Chip Daniel, Dave Cook, Mark Sink, Ken Morris, Ken Bonner, Bill Schwetke, Jim Cordes, Mike Dennis and Mike Weyler.

At the Williamsburg Chapter, SAR meeting and luncheon on August 12^th, Chapter President Bruce Laubach presented the SAR Bronze Eagle Scout Fund Certificate to Ron Adolphi.

The Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award is a national recognition approved by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). It is presented Ron for his outstanding dedication to the Scouting Program.

The General William Campbell Chapter of the SAR with Black’s Fort and Royal Oak Chapters of the DAR and the Overmountain Victory Trail Association was busy in the last 10 days in the main events of the year centered on the mustering of militias from Abingdon, Virginia, under Col William Campbell to the meeting with Overmountain militias commanded by Cols Isaac Shelby and John Sevier at Sycamore Shoals, near today’s town of Elizabethton, TN. This was a National event on September 16, for the march to the Battle of Kings Mountain in South Carolina.

In the Washington County, VA, area, the Campbell SAR Chapter with the DAR observed the annual memorial with laying of wreaths to Col William Campbell and his loyal servant John Broddy at two cemeteries, Aspenvale and the John Broddy cemeteries (both in today’s Smyth County).  Campbell’s marking was a rededication with a newly set Patriot’s stone and Broddy’s was a grave marking with a Patriot’s stone. We did a flag retirement and a presentation of a flag.

On Sunday, October 8, 2023, the New River Valley Chapter attended an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held by Scout Troop 158 in Blacksburg, VA.  Our chapter awarded Eagle Scout Certificates to Patrick Davis, Seth Provenzano, and Gideon Colliver.  Information was announced for Eagle Scout awards at Chapter, VASSAR Convention and NSSAR Convention and written material provided to those interested.