The SAR Magazine

NOV 2015

The SAR MAGAZINE is the official quarterly publication of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution published quarterly.

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FALL 2015 37 VERMONT SOCIETY The Vermont Society SAR (above) joined forces with the DAR, 2nd Continental Regiment of Artillery, the Hoosick Township Historical Society and others at the Bennington Memorial Aug. 16. The crowd of more than 100 gathered on the Bennington Battlefield in remembrance of the victory by a Colonial force comprising 2,000 militiamen over a detachment of 700 British soldiers under the command of Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum. The battle occurred 238 years ago, Aug. 16, 1777. VIRGINIA SOCIETY The Lt. David Cox Chapter held its 67th annual anniversary and awards recognition luncheon on Aug. 22. The meeting was held jointly with the Appalachian Trail Chapter, New River Pioneer Chapter and Stuart Wilderness Road Chapter, DAR; and the John Carroll Society, C.A.R. Special guests included VASSAR President Dr. Reverdy E. Wright; Regent Lavaughn Edwards, New River Pioneers Chapter, DAR; Effie Thompson, first vice-regent of the Appalachian Chapter, DAR; Carolyn Honeycutt, Becky Bryant and family; and prospective new members Ricky Dalton and Donald Trausneck. After the luncheon, the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal was presented to Honeycutt, retired Carroll County circuit court clerk, who served 24 years in office and was a true friend for the preservation of county historical documents and records so that future generations will have access to their history. The SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medal was presented to Bryant for her many years of dedicated volunteer service in the Carroll Galax area. From sponsoring a cottage at the Southwestern Training Center for people with intellectual disabilities to volunteering at area hospitals and nursing homes, Bryant exemplifies the SAR principles of good citizenship. Col. James Wood II Chapter Clergyman and retired teacher Larry W. Johnson is a husband, father and grandfather (17 grandchildren). After spending many years researching his forefathers, the past president of the Col. James Wood II Chapter in Winchester, Virginia, discovered some exciting truths regarding a fourth-great grandfather named Abel Johnston who served during the American Revolution. Due to the required testimony about Pvt. Johnston before awarding his pension to his widow, many stories were recorded, allowing Compatriot Johnson to learn much more than is usually known about a relative so long removed. These were stories he wanted to share with his grandchildren and others—details of which today's young people can hardly imagine. In his search to know Abel Johnston better, Johnson collected authentic gear, supplies and even clothing his forefather would have worn. It's all worked into his program, "Liberty Man: the Story of a Young Private Called to Fight for Freedom." A history major, Johnson has a unique gift of storytelling and relating to children. Adults are enthralled as well, perhaps as they try to test his knowledge and his ability to stay in character. His hope is to so excite children about history that they begin to want to know more. The presentation is from the view of the private, which makes it unique. The program can be as simple or as in-depth as the teacher and/or the age of the students dictate. Those interested in Johnson's live history presentation may reach him at (540) 635-5521 or by visiting www.libertyman.net . A "Liberty Man" was a Patriot versus a Loyalist, known as a "King's Man." "Horse" was term for the cavalryman or dragoon as "Foot" was for an infantry unit. Billy Mitchell presents the Bronze Good Citizenship Medal to Becky Bryant. Liberty Man Larry W. Johnson

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