THE NAPLES CRIER
Florida Society sons of the American revolution
SINCE 1975  NAPLES CHAPTER NEWSLETTER  MAY 2017
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Compatriots, I look
forward to our gathering
for the May 11th luncheon. The meeting promises to be exciting with
our
guest
speaker,
Dwight Brock, the Collier County Clerk of
Courts.
Interestingly,
this is where the Executive Branch of government intersects with the
President James M. McGarity III
judicial branch.
Our Chapter remains strong with the new members
we have coming on board and we are slowly filling our
key positions as volunteers step forward. To be plain
spoken we do need help in some areas and no small
weight is too little if you can lend a hand in our volunteer positions. If there are any techies out there we have
need of an editor for our newsletter and for a webmaster,
fun work that can be done from the comfort of
home. We have urgent need of a member to step up to
the position of secretary or assistant secretary, both vacant. We cannot conduct business with the State or National societies without one. These are the critical vacancies we need leaders to take on to keep us vibrant. There are also many other volunteer positions
from color guard to school liaison officer that you could
take on. Remember, these are volunteer positions, so if
it does not work out for you that's fine, it's not an enlistment.
For those who cannot be here this month we will miss
your presence as well as those of you who have drifted
away to escape the humidity of the coming summer season but will expect you back in paradise for our October
meeting in the fall. Safe journeys!
In May there will be the State Society's Annual Meeting in Kissimmee, Florida. Those interested can join us
there May 19th - 21st at Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake
Buena Vista South – 4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, Florida, 34746, (407) 597-4000.
If you really enjoy travel there is the upcoming National SAR Congress in Knoxville, Tennessee from July
7 - 10th at Hilton Knoxville, 501 West Church Avenue,
Knoxville, Tennessee, 37902-2591, (865) 523-2300.
THE NAPLES CRIER -
Many interesting personalities of our society attend
these functions, but all members may attend. I hope to
see some of you at one of these events.
Compatriot reflection:
As we enter May, I would direct your attention to 10
key events our patriot ancestors experienced during the
span of our Revolution that took place in the month of
May. These range from the first shots fired to the ratification of our Constitution.
- May 4, 1776 – Rhode Island becomes the first American colony to renounce allegiance to King George III.
- May 10, 1775 – A small Colonial militia led by Ethan
Allen and Colonel Benedict Arnold captures Fort Ticonderoga.
- May 10, 1775 – Representatives from the Thirteen Colonies begin the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
- May 12, 1780 – In the largest defeat of the Continental
Army, Charleston, South Carolina is taken by British
forces.
- May 14, 1787 – In Philadelphia, delegates convene a
Constitutional Convention to write a new Constitution
for the United States; George Washington presides.
- May 17, 1775 – The Continental Congress bans trade
with Quebec.
- May 20, 1775 – The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence is signed in Charlotte, North Carolina following receipt of news of the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
- May 23, 1788 – South Carolina ratifies the United
States Constitution as the eighth American state.
- May 26, 1783 – A Great Jubilee Day held at North
Stratford, Connecticut, celebrated end of fighting in
American Revolution.
- May 29, 1790 – Rhode Island becomes the last of the
original United State's colonies to ratify the Constitution
and is admitted as the 13th U.S. state.
Best regards,
J.M. McGarity
Chapter President
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1 - M AY 2017
Naples SAR Bernardo de Galvez
Luncheon Meeting - April 13, 2017
McCollugh, who gave a summary of the High School
Awards to be presented and the need for Chapter members to become engaged at their respective school presentations recognizing the accomplishments of the students
Location: Longshore Lakes Club, Phoenix Way, Naples in Collier County. President McGarity then recessed the
Call to Order at 12:00, Noon, by President James meeting for lunch to be served.
McGarity.
Following service of the luncheon, President McGariColors Posted by the Bernardo de Galvez Camp #13 Col- ty recognized Jim Meerpohl, Treasurer and Acting Secreor Guard, John McCollough, Sgt at Arms; Don Cahill tary to introduce the guest speaker. Jim Meerpohl asked
Camp Commander; Len Crame, Camp Flag Bearer.
Compatriot Don Cahill to also provide some insights into
Invocation provided by Chaplain Robert C. Matthews, Jr. Mr. Southall’s contribution to our areas citizenship building through activity in Boy Scouts of America and as CuPledge Of Allegiance, led by VP General Larry Fehrenba- rator of Education and Armorer of the Collier County
ker, Grandson Compatriot Zachary Bell, Granddaughter Museum. Compatriot Meerpohl recounted the reason he
Mattie Bell, and Daughter Susan Bell.
wanted Mr. Southall to present was because David has
long been active in reenactments and recreating history of
American’s Creed led by Compatriot Jack Dennis
the pioneers and colonial citizens of Southeast United
S.A.R. Pledge was led by Compatriot Ed Ferguson.
States.
President McGarity recognized and welcomed several
David Southall gave a masterful and thorough presenguests.
tation on Bernardo de Galvez, the least known hero of the
- SAR Vice President General Larry Fehrenbaker, who, American Revolution. David described the life of de Galin turn, introduced his guest family members.
vez as one of military accomplishment, significant per- Big Cypress DAR members: Shirley Hoerle, Virginia sonal endangerment, and dedication to the cause of AmerBailey, Madonna Crame, and Annie McGarity - Mac- ican freedom from British rule. He used his position and
Lean.
personal fortune to support the Revolutionary effort. Ber- Guest Speaker David Southall, Guest Dan Dunnigan nardo’s motto of “I Alone” describes his courageous, galand the spouses of members present.
lant and successful engagement of the British forces garriAt that time the Podium was turned over to Registrar soned at Pensacola. This battle, upon which on his own
initiative, bottled up a large portion of the British fleet
Ed Lary for membership and induction ceremony.
Registrar Ed Lary presented and inducted 6 new mem- and prevented their reinforcement of troops, munitions,
bers, Richard Clark, James Laughlin, Lester Rooker ac- and supplies to relieve General Cornwallis’ forces trapped
companied by wife Rusty Rooker, and three sons (not in at Yorktown. David then ended his presentation by fielding numerous questions from the audience about de Galattendance) Robert, Charles, and Stephen Rooker.
Compatriot Lary then gave a report in which he informed vez including his involvement with negotiations at the
the audience that 22 new members will be added to our Treaty of Paris in 1783. President McGarity thanked DaChapter this calendar year and 6 in the month of April. vid Southall for his presentation ,stating he could have
This great effort was accomplished over a 9 month period listened to David’s presentation for another hour.
of time. Prospective new member Peter Papacostas in at- President McGarity then called upon Compatriot Chaptendance was also recognized at this point.
lain Matthews to provide the Benediction.
President McGarity welcomed the new members and con- 1st Vice President Leonard Crame led the Chapter in the
gratulated Ed Lary on his fine job of membership re- S.A.R. Recessional.
search. President McGarity urged the new Chapter Compatriots to write a 500 word Biography on their Patriot President McGarity closed the Luncheon Meeting at
ancestor so their accomplishments could be known and 1:35.
greater appreciated.
Respectfully submitted
President McGarity recognized Sergeant at Arms John Jim Meerpohl Acting Chapter Secretary
“So soon then as the public gets dissatisfied with my services, or a person is found better qualified to answer her expectation, I shall quit the helm with as much satisfaction, and retire to a private station with as much content, as ever
the wearied pilgrim felt upon his safe arrival in the Holy-land, or haven of hope.”
Washington to William Gordon, January 23, 1778
“An extra ration of liquor to be issued to every man tomorrow, to drink Perpetual Peace, Independence & Happiness
to the United States of America.”
General Orders, April 18, 1783
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2 - M AY 2017
April 13, 2017 Luncheon Meeting
Induction Ceremony : (L to R) James (Jim) Park Laughlin, Richard (Rick) Mason
Clark, Rusty Rooker wife of Lester (Les) Ware Rooker, J. Edward Lary, Registrar
David Southall, Program
Speaker
L to R: Treasurer and Acting Secretary Jim Meerpohl and Past President
and current Commander Bernardo de
Galvez Camp #13 Donald B. Cahill
Vice President General Lawrence Fehrenbaker, his daughter, Susan Bell,
Granddaughter Madeline Bell and
Grandson Zachary Bell, Junior member
Naples Chapter
L to R: Registrar Ed Lary and President James M.
McGarity III introducing new inductees.
Welcome New Members
James Park Laughlin
Travis Tanner Anderson
L to R: Mrs. Madonna Crame, Mrs. Virginia Bailey
and Mike Lester
Philip Raymond Thieler
Paul FX Thieler Jr.
Thursday, May 11th will be held at The Club at
Longshore Lake 11399 Phoenix Way, Naples FL.
34119. Social Hour @ 11:30 – 12:00 noon; Meeting
begins at 12:00 noon
Program: Dwight Brock, Collier County Clerk of Courts.
Congratulations on an approved
Supplemental Application
Joseph William Meerpohl
Reservation form is on last page
For Patriot Ancestor Pvt. John Conrad Dotterer
1st Luncheon Program for next Season will be in
October 2017
THE NAPLES CRIER -
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3 - M AY 2017
80 DAYS AND COUNTING
“The Congress You’ll Not Want to Miss!”
July 6 – 13, 2017 – Knoxville, Tennessee
TENNESSEE SAR extends a special invitation to attend “The Congress You’ll Not Want to Miss!” The
2017 SAR Congress begins in 80 days, Thursday, July 6 to Thursday, July 13, in Knoxville.
In a series of emails, I plan to outline many of the Special Events at Congress, lodging options, side
trip tips for making sight-seeing plans, and things you can do while in Knoxville. We hope you will
share this information with all the members in your State Society. We want every member to understand that they are especially invited and are welcome to attend. Please share broadly each of these
informative Congress Planning emails.
Knoxville is a great American city, centrally located in the Eastern United States. New York City, Tampa, New Orleans, Kansas City, Green Bay and all points between are just a long day drive to Knoxville. And, there is an airport. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Knoxville was
established in 1786, a year before the US Constitution was adopted. It was established as the Territorial Capital in 1790, and became the first capital of Tennessee in 1796. The majestic Tennessee
River and the University of Tennessee anchor the heart of the city which is located just minutes
from the most visited of the 59 specially designated National Parks – Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2016 had more than 10 million visitors.
Steeped in rich early American history, one of the foremost Genealogical Research Libraries specializing on the westward migration is located three blocks from the host hotel, as are nearby museums, art galleries, and one of the most exciting outdoor downtown districts in the country, Market
Square. Miss this Congress and you’ll miss one of the best!
We are told that registration will be available on the SAR website within another week. So, make
plans to attend, today.
Email 2 will include hotel/lodging and travel information.
Email 3 will describe special events, including golf, tours, luncheons, and banquets.
Email 4 will introduce the special guest speaker and book signing opportunity.
Email 5 will describe dining options for state delegations.
Email 6 will describe genealogical research opportunities.
Email 7 will describe a few side trip tips suggestions.
Email 8 will describe how to purchase Congress Medals, Coin, Pins, and Rifle Raffle Tickets.
For more information, please contact Host Society 2017 SAR Congress Chair Rick Hollis
[email protected] | 615.812.2648 m | tnssar.org
(SEE NEXT PAGE FOR CONGRESS SCHEDULE)
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4 - M AY 2017
2017 CONGRESS SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, July 6
ExCom/Foundation Meeting - Host Hotel
FRIDAY, July 7
Golf Scramble – Three Ridges Golf Course - Knoxville
GUIDED TOUR 1: Overmountain Men
[Sycamore Shoals at Fort Watauga, Amis Mill and Home, Crockett Tavern]
Cocktail Reception with Heavy Hors d'oeuvres and Tour - East Tennessee History Center
SATURDAY, July 8
GUIDED TOUR 2: Born in the Backwoods
[Cumberland Gap and the Museum of Appalachia]
Host Society Reception and BBQ – Historic James White Fort
SUNDAY, July 9
SELF GUIDED TOUR: Frontier History and Natural Beauty in Cades Cove
Final Trustees Meeting - Host Hotel
Color Guard Parade from Hotel to Church
Memorial Service – First Baptist Knoxville
Ladies Tea – First Baptist Knoxville
General Society War of 1812 Reception and Tour – Blount Mansion
Genealogy Seminar – Host Hotel
MONDAY, July 10
Color Guard Breakfast
Color Guard Presentation of Colors to Open Congress – Host Hotel
Opening and Second Sessions of Congress - Host Hotel
Youth Luncheon - Convention Center
Minute Man Awards Presentation / Awards Ceremony - Host Hotel
TUESDAY, July 11
SAR District Breakfast Meetings – Host Hotel
Third Session of Congress - Host Hotel
VPG/GWEF, PG Luncheon – Host Hotel
First Lady’s Luncheon – Cherokee Country Club
Voting for SAR Officers – Host Hotel
President General Banquet - Convention Center
Special Guest Speaker – Historian and Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Jon Meacham
Color Guard Command Change Ceremony – Convention Center
WEDNESDAY, July 12
Closing Session of Congress – Host Hotel
New Trustees Meeting - Host Hotel
GUIDED TOUR 3: Ssshhhh!!! America’s Secret City [Oak Ridge]
Installation Banquet - Convention Center
THURSDAY, July 13
ExCom/Foundation Meeting - Host Hotel
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5 - M AY 2017
Patriot Ancestor Biographies
Ancestry biographies can be filled with interesting histories of the early
years in American History and experiences.
Some compatriots have more details for their ancestors than others; however, all biographies offer a look at the lives of our American Revolution
ancestors. Ed Lary, Registrar for the Naples Chapter FLSSAR, has researched many of his Revolutionary ancestors and starts our program to
present monthly biographies of our compatriots’ ancestors. Please consider submitting a biography of your ancestor. It may be sent to Ed Lary
or the Naples Crier editor at: [email protected]
My name is Irving Harris Tucker. I was
born in Providence, Rhode Island, about 15 miles from
Swansea, Massachusetts.
One of my patriotic ancestors, Lieutenant Colonel Peleg
Slade, was born December 8, 1729, in Rehoboth (now
known as Swansea), Massachusetts. Like many early colonists, he was a farmer. His family also provided ferry
service across the Taunton River between Fall River and
Swansea, Massachusetts.
The Taunton River is about 30 miles south of Boston,
Massachusetts, and flows for 40 miles toward Mount
Hope Bay and Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The
Taunton River’s length presented a problem for people
wanting to cross without traveling many miles on land.
The Indians provided ferry service for many years with
rafts and similar watercrafts. In 1674, Henry Brightman
and the Slade family were the first white people to own
and operate the ferry service known as Slade’s Ferry from
Swansea to Fall River. It began with row boats and similar man propelled power.
Rhode Island, and led a secret expedition to Tiverton,
Massachusetts.
From September 29th to December 30, 1777, he was stationed at Warwick, Rhode Island, and received pay for
military service from January 1778 to April 1, 1778.
“By order of Colonel Peleg Slade the men in Swansea
were joined in one company under Captain Peck to respond to an alarm at Tiverton.”
Peleg Slade was an ardent friend of his country’s cause
and used a good portion of his own money to help feed the
soldiers and he was also prominent in procuring soldiers
for the army.
This is a postcard depicting the Slade’s Ferry Bridge that
replaced the ferry in 1875. Trains rode the top level and
automobiles traveled on the lower level.
At age 36 (1765), Peleg Slade married Mary Mason Chase
with whom he had one son, Lloyd Slade born in 1789.
Being a member of the Swansea Company Militia, he responded to the call at Lexington on April 19, 1775. A militia is commonly used to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency
law enforcement, or paramilitary service, in times of
emergency without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. They respond to a “call” or
“alarm” from their daily civilian activities.
On February 8, 1776, he was chosen by the Massachusetts
legislature to serve as Second Major of the Bristol Company Regiment which included the Swansea Company
Militia.
On December 8, 1776, he served on an alarm at Bristol,
THE NAPLES CRIER -
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History of Continental Congress
From 1774 to 1789, the Continental Congress served as
the government of the 13 American colonies and later the
United States. The First Continental Congress, which was
comprised of delegates from the colonies, met in 1774 in
reaction to the Coercive Acts, a series of measures imposed by the British government on the colonies in response to their resistance to new taxes. In 1775, the Second Continental Congress convened after the American
Revolutionary War (1775-83) had already begun. In 1776,
it took the momentous step of declaring America’s independence from Britain. Five years later, the Congress ratified the first national constitution, the Articles of Confederation, under which the country would be governed until
1789, when it was replaced by the current U.S. Constitution.
The Imperial Crisis
Throughout most of colonial history, the British Crown
was the only political institution that united the American
colonies. The Imperial Crisis of the 1760s and 1770s,
however, drove the colonies toward increasingly greater
unity. Americans throughout the 13 colonies united in opposition to the new system of imperial taxation initiated
by the British government in 1765. The Stamp Act of that
year–the first direct, internal tax imposed on the colonists
by the British Parliament–inspired concerted resistance
within the colonies. Nine colonial assemblies sent delegates to the Stamp Act Congress, an extralegal convention
that met to coordinate the colonies’ response to the new
tax. Although the Stamp Act Congress was short-lived, it
hinted at the enhanced unity among the colonies that
would soon follow.
Did You Know?
Almost every significant political figure of the American
Revolution served in the Continental Congress, including
Samuel Adams, John Adams, John Hancock, John Jay,
Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Patrick Henry and George Washington.
Colonial opposition made a dead letter of the Stamp Act
and brought about its repeal in 1766. The British government did not abandon its claim to the authority to pass
laws for the colonies, however, and would make repeated
attempts to exert its power over the colonies in the years
to follow. Colonists continued to coordinate their resistance to new imperial measures, but, from 1766 until
1774, did so primarily through committees of correspondence, which exchanged ideas and information, rather than
through a united political body.
The First Continental Congress
On September 5, 1774, delegates from each of the 13 colonies except for Georgia (which was fighting a Native-
THE NAPLES CRIER -
American uprising and was dependent on the British for
military supplies) met in Philadelphia as the First Continental Congress to organize colonial resistance to Parliament’s Coercive Acts. The delegates included a number
of future luminaries, such as future presidents John Adams (1735-1826) of Massachusetts and George Washington (1732-99) of Virginia, and future U.S. Supreme Court
Chief Justice and diplomat John Jay (1745-1829) of New
York. The Congress was structured with emphasis on the
equality of participants, and to promote free debate. After
much discussion, the Congress issued a Declaration of
Rights, affirming its loyalty to the British Crown but disputing the British Parliament’s right to tax it. The Congress also passed the Articles of Association, which called
on the colonies to stop importing goods from the British
Isles beginning on December 1, 1774, if the Coercive
Acts were not repealed. Should Britain fail to redress the
colonists’ grievances in a timely manner, the Congress
declared, then it
would reconvene
on May 10, 1775,
and the colonies
would cease to
export goods to
Britain on September 10, 1775.
Independence Hall in Philadelphia
By Ferdinand Richardt
After proclaiming these measures, the First Continental
Congress disbanded on October 26, 1774.
The Revolutionary War
As promised, Congress reconvened in Philadelphia as the
Second Continental Congress on May 10, 1775–and by
then the American Revolution had already begun. The
British army in Boston had met with armed resistance on
the morning of April 19, 1775, when it marched out to the
towns of Lexington and Concord to seize a cache of
weapons held by colonial Patriots who had ceased to recognize the authority of the royal government of Massachusetts. The Patriots drove the British expedition back to
Boston and laid siege to the town. The Revolutionary War
had begun.
Fighting for Reconcilliation
Although the Congress professed its abiding loyalty to the
British Crown, it also took steps to preserve its rights by
dint of arms. On June 14, 1775, a month after it reconvened, it created a united colonial fighting force, the Continental Army. The next day, it named George Washington as the new army’s commander in chief. The following
Congress (Continued on page 8)
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7 - M AY 2017
(Continued from page 7) Congress
month, it issued its Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, penned by John Dickinson
(1732-1808) of Pennsylvania, a veteran of the First Congress whose “Letters
from a Farmer of Pennsylvania” (1767) had
helped arouse opposition to earlier imperial
measures, and by a newcomer from Virginia,
Thomas
Jefferson
(1743-1826). In an effort to avoid a full-scale
The Assembly Room in Philadelwar, Congress coupled
phia's Independence Hall, where
the Second Continental Congress this declaration with the
Olive Branch Petition, a
adopted the Declaration of
personal appeal to BritIndependence
ain’s King George III
(1738-1820) asking him to help the colonists resolve their
differences with Britain. The king dismissed the petition
out of hand.
Declaring Independence
For over a year, the Continental Congress supervised a
war against a country to which it proclaimed its loyalty. In
fact, both the Congress and the people it represented were
divided on the question of independence even after a year
of open warfare against Great Britain. Early in 1776, a
number of factors began to strengthen the call for separation. In his stirring pamphlet “Common Sense,” published
in January of that year, the British immigrant Thomas
Paine (1737-1809) laid out a convincing argument in favor of independence. At the same time, many Americans
came to realize that their military might not be capable of
defeating the British Empire on its own. Independence
would allow it to form alliances with Britain’s powerful
rivals–France was at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
Meanwhile, the war itself evoked hostility toward Britain
among the citizenry, paving the way for independence.
In the spring of 1776, the provisional colonial governments began to send new instructions to their congressional delegates, obliquely or directly allowing them to vote
for independence. The provisional government of Virginia
went further: It instructed its delegation to submit a proposal for independence before Congress. On June 7, Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee (1732-94) complied
with his instructions. Congress postponed a final vote on
the proposal until July 1, but appointed a committee to
draft a provisional declaration of independence for use
should the proposal pass.
The committee consisted of five men, including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin (1706-90) of Pennsylvania.
But the declaration was primarily the work of one man,
Thomas Jefferson, who penned an eloquent defense of the
natural rights of all people, of which, he charged, Parlia-
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ment and the king had tried to deprive the American nation. The Continental Congress made several revisions to
Jefferson’s draft, removing, among other things, an attack
on the institution of slavery; but on July 4, 1776, Congress
voted to approve
the Declaration of
Independence.
Waging the War
The Declaration of
Independence allowed Congress to
seek alliances with
foreign countries,
and the fledgling
U.S. formed its
Congress Voting Independence
most important alliance early in 1778 by Robert Edge Pine and Edward Savage
with France, without the support of which America might well have lost the
Revolutionary War. If the Franco-American alliance was
one of Congress’s greatest successes, funding and supplying the war were among its worst failures. Lacking a preexisting infrastructure, Congress struggled throughout the
war to provide the Continental Army with adequate supplies and provisions. Exacerbating the problem, Congress
had no mechanism to collect taxes to pay for the war; instead, it relied on contributions from the states, which
generally directed whatever revenue they raised toward
their own needs. As a result, the paper money issued by
Congress quickly came to be regarded as worthless.
The Articles of Confederation
Congress’s inability to raise revenue would bedevil it for
its entire existence, even after it created a constitution–the
Articles of Confederation–to define its powers. Drafted
and adopted by the Congress in 1777 but not ratified until
1781, it effectively established the U.S. as a collection of
13 sovereign states, each of which had an equal voice in
Congress (which became officially known as the Congress
of the Confederation) regardless of population. Under the
Articles, congressional decisions were made based on a
state-by-state vote, and the Congress had little ability to
enforce its decisions. The Articles of Confederation would
prove incapable of governing the new nation in a time of
peace, but they did not seriously undermine the war effort,
both because the war was effectively winding down before the Articles took effect, and because Congress ceded
many executive war powers to General Washington.
Congress’s final triumph came in 1783 when it negotiated
the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Revolutionary
War. The Congressional delegates Franklin, Jay and Adams secured a favorable peace for the U.S. that included
not only the recognition of independence but also claim to
almost all of the territory south of Canada and east of the
Mississippi River. On November 25, 1783, the last British
Congress (Continued on page 9)
PAGE
8 - M AY 2017
(Continued from page 8) Congress
troops evacuated New York City. The Revolutionary
War was over and Congress had helped to see the country through.
However, the Articles of Confederation proved an imperfect instrument for a nation at peace with the world.
The years immediately following the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783 presented the young American nation with a series of difficulties that Congress could not
adequately remedy: dire financial straits, interstate rivalries and domestic insurrection. A movement developed
for constitutional reform, culminating in the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. The delegates at the convention
decided to scrap the Articles of Confederation completely and create a new system of government. In 1789,
the new U.S. Constitution went into effect and the Continental Congress adjourned forever and was replaced
by the U.S. Congress. Although the Continental Congress did not function well in a time of peace, it had
helped steer the nation through one of its worst crises,
declared its independence and helped to win a war to
secure that independence.
April 13, 2017 - Special Board Meeting
A special Board meeting was called for and convened at
1:45 following the Luncheon, to decide to comply with
the Bank Of America’s request to supply the Bank with
Florida Approved and registered Articles of Incorporation for the Naples Chapter. In attendance: President
James McGarity; 1st VP Leonard Crame; 2nd VP Tom
Woodruff; Acting Secretary, and Chapter Treasurer, Jim
Meerpohl; Board Member at Large, and Sgt at Arms,
Donald Cahill; and Sgt. at Arms John McCollough.
After a brief discussion on the reason and need for action, Treasurer Jim Meerpohl presented the Articles of
Incorporation to be executed to bring the Naples chapter
into compliance.
The motion to approve the cost to incorporate, execute the Articles and submit same to the Florida Dept.
of State was made by Compatriot Len Crame, seconded
by Compatriot Don Cahill and approved unanimously
by members present.
President McGarity then closed the Board meeting
at 1:58.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Meerpohl Acting Chapter Secretary
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JROTC AWARD CEREMONY/
PRESENTATIONS
JROTC Award Ceremony / Awards presentation dates are scheduled for the following
dates and high schools:
We are looking for compatriots wishing to volunteer to represent our chapter in presenting these awards at any specific ceremony. The dates and locations are:
Date
High School
Time
Location
3 May 2017
9 May 2017
9 May 2017
10 May 2017
10 May 2017
Barron Collier HS
Lely HS
Naples HS
Immokalee HS
Gulf Coast HS
1900
0900
1800
0900
1800
Auditorium
Auditorium
Auditorium
Auditorium
Auditorium
Please contact President James M. McGarity III
email: [email protected]
OPEN POSITION for EDITOR of THE
NAPLES CRIER NEWSLETTER
Fly Your Flag
Any day you wish,
As of December 31, 2016, the editor of the Crier resigned his position. Mario Ashley has been having much
success with his business and he and his wife just had
their first child so he no longer has the time.
As you are probably aware, we sent out a notification that
we were looking for a new editor, but we did not receive
any response. Fortunately, Harris Tucker has volunteered to fill in until we are able to determine who will
be able to help in the future, but this is only a temporary
measure and we cannot depend on him for long.
If any member has a child or grandchild who might be
interested, please contact our president. Some children
need a “public service” credit at school (either high
school or college) and this might help them achieve that
requirement.
but especially Armed
Forces Day (3rd Saturday
in
May),
5/20/2017; Memorial
Day (last Monday in
May and half staff until noon) 5/29/2017, Flag Day,
6/14; Independence Day, 7/4; Labor Day, 9/4/2017;
Patriot Day (Terrorists' attack 2001), 9/11; Constitution Day, 9/17; Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October), 10/9/2017; Veterans Day, 11/11; George
Washington's Birthday, 2/22/2018 (observed
2/19/2018), Patriots’ Day (Battle of Lexington &
Concord, Mass.) (Third Monday in April), Monday,
4/16/18; and such other days as may be proclaimed
by the President of the United States.
If you or a relative would be interested, please contact
President James McGarity III: email: [email protected]
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10 - M AY 2017
Florida Society 2017 Spring Board of Managers
And Annual Meeting
SE Region Chapters are the Host chapters for the 2017 Spring BOM.
Friday, May 19, 2017 thru Sunday May 21, 2017
Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista South
4955 Kyngs Heath Road
Kissimmee, Florida, 34746
407-597-4000
Rates - $139.00 / night. Parking is free per contract.
The bedroom features two queen beds, a 37-inch flat screen television, alarm clock radio with MP3
connection and a separate vanity & sink. Granite wet bar equipped with microwave oven and refrigerator. The bathroom offers modern decor, granite vanity, and plush towels. Relax in our luxuriously furnished living room featuring a sleeper sofa, armchair, and 42-inch flat screen television. 505 sq. feet
If you are attending the 2017 Spring BOM meeting in Orlando, the Ladies Auxiliary will be holding a
50/50 Raffle. Remember, the proceeds from the Raffle allow the Ladies Auxiliary to give generous
checks to the FLSSAR Youth Program winners.
UP COMING BOMs (Board of Managers Meetings)
ALL SAR Members are welcome
Fall 2017, BOM
October 13-15, 2017
Host Region TBD
Winter 2018. BOM & Rumbaugh Contest
February 3, 2018
Host Region TBD
For more information about any upcoming FLSSAR BOM, please contact: President James M.
McGarity III: email: [email protected]
The BOMs bring together SAR members from across Florida for an opportunity to socialize
and learn more about the SAR activities throughout Florida. If you have never attended, you
are encouraged to join our representatives. Contact President James M. McGarity III: email:
[email protected], if you would like a ride or to learn of others planning to attend.
“I run as fast backwards as forwards to convince our enemy that we are like a crab. We can run in any direction, as
long as it is away."
General Nathanael Greene's description of his strategy for defeating the Crown army under Cornwallis, 1780 they were trying to tire out the enemy by making them run around also getting them away from their supplies.
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“As to pay, Sir, I beg leave to Assure the Congress that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to have
accepted this Arduous emploiment at the expence of my domestk ease & happi⟨ness⟨,I do not wish to make any proffit from it.”
Genuine George Washington Quote During the Revolutionary War
THE NAPLES CRIER -
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11 - M AY 2017
The Naples Crier
Established 1975
Newsletter for members of the Naples Chapter,
Florida Society, Sons of the American Revolution
Email: [email protected]
Website: NaplesSAR.org
Naples Chapter of the FLSSAR
Officers (2017-2018)
President: Honorable James M. McGarity III *
email: [email protected]
Immediate Past President: Michael E. Garey*
email: [email protected]
1st Vice President: Leonard W. Crame *
email: [email protected]
Naples Chapter Committee
Proposed Chairmanships 2017-2018
2nd Vice President: Thomas B. Woodruff *
email: [email protected]
Secretary: Vacant
Awards Ceremonies ………….…..…
Michael E. Garey
Asst. Secretary: Vacant
Charter Day 2018 …………………....... Leonard Crame
Chapter Database/Email ………......…… J. Edward Lary
Treasurer: Anthony (Jim) Meerpohl *
email: [email protected]
Registrar: J. Edward Lary, Jr. 1
Color Guard ………………………..... Donald B. Cahill
Editor Naples Crier / Newsletter… …… I. Harris Tucker
DAR Liaison ……………………...… Robert S. Withey
email: [email protected]
Eagle Scout ……………………....…… Leonard Crame
Chancellor (Acting): Honorable James M. McGarity III *
email: [email protected]
Chaplain: Robert C. Matthews, Jr.
Election Worker Coordinator …................ Jim Meerpohl
Flag Display …………………...…………... Vacant
Good Citizenship (Chairman)……….. Michael E. Garey
email: [email protected]
Law Enforcement …………..….…….… Acey Edgemon
Historian: Donald B. Cahill
Membership ………………….…..………J. Edward Lary
email: [email protected]
Sergeants-at-Arms: 1) Donald B. Cahill 1
2) John L. McCullough
Bernardo de Galvez Camp #13:
Commander Donald B. Cahill
1
Naples Crier Editor and Webmaster:
Membership Directory ………....…….… J. Edward Lary
Middle School Poster Contest …... ……........ Vacant
Nominating/Slate……………..……… Michael E. Garey
Rumbaugh Oration Contest …...…………… Vacant
Publicity ………………………..….
Thomas Woodruff
Reservations …………………...………...Leonard Crame
I. Harris Tucker
J.R.O.T.C …………………...……….. Danny Hornbeck
email: [email protected]
Sunshine ………………….....… Robert C. Mathews, Jr.
* Board of Directors for (2017-2018)
1
At-Large Member Board of Directors for (2017-2018)
THE NAPLES CRIER -
Veteran Service Awards…………
Danny Hornbeck
Webmaster …………………..….…….. I. Harris Tucker
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12 - M AY 2017
The Naples Crier
c/o I. Harris Tucker
8919 Park Road, Apt 4015
Charlotte, North Carolina 28210-7612
DWIGHT E. BROCK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Collier County.
May 2017
DWIGHT E. BROCK
May 13th Luncheon Meeting
speaker
Dwight Brock was first elected Clerk in January l993. He is now serving
his 6tb consecutive four year term as the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Collier County. As a licensed Attorney at Law in Florida and a Certified Public Accountant he is uniquely qualified for his duties as Clerk where he is
the Accountant, Auditor, Keeper of Records, and "Watchdog" of Public
Funds for Collier County. It was Dwight's steadfast determination to protect the public's right to know how tax dollars were being spent in Collier
County that led to the recent Florida Court ruling affirming the Clerk's role
as auditor of public funds. Prior to serving as Clerk, Dwight was Assistant
State Attorney for 10 years in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit where be was
involved in notable cases like the Steven Benson pipe bomb murder and
the Ashley Financial fraud case. Defendants were convicted in both cases.
Dwight graduated from Florida State University in 1975 with a Bachelor
of Science degree; from Stetson University in 1979 with a Master's Degree
in Business Administration; and from Nova Law Center with Juris Doctorate in 1982. Dwight was born in the Panhandle of Florida and grew up in a
small country town.
He and his wife, Cheryl, reside in Naples and his son, Bradley, is a student
at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
LUNCHEON MEETING
RESERVATIONS required for THURSDAY, May 11, 2017 @ 11:30 AM
The Club at Longshore Lake is very accommodating and will provide special diet meals, if advised a week in advance. To enable The Club at Longshore Lake to better accommodate us for both room size and meal quantities,
we are asked to provide them with the number of reservations a few days before each meeting. Accordingly,
compatriots and others planning to attend the luncheons are asked to let us know by telephone, email or by completing the reservation form below and
mailing your check payable to Naples Chapter SAR:
c/o Leonard Crame, Assistant Treasurer, P.O. Box 990190, Naples, FL 34116-6067
Tel: (239) 455-7295; Email: [email protected]
________ Luncheon (s) @ $25. = _____________
Your name (Print) ________________________________________Non-Sugar dessert__________
Guest names (Print) ______________________________________ Non-Sugar dessert__________
Additional names: _____________________________________________________________
Send your reservation request & payment to be received by Thursday, May 4, 2017
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