H.M. Queen Maria I of Portugal, Patriot Ancestor

H.S.H. Dom Filipe Alberto Folque de Mendoca, Count of Rio Grande, a member of the Constitutionalist branch of the Royal House of Portugal, Compatriot of Washingtonburg Chapter, was approved for membership in the Sons of the American Revolution in 2019 by virtue of his descent from HM King Carlos III of Spain and the Indies. In 2023, through a supplemental application, for the first time, his ancestress HM Queen Maria I of Portugal and the Algarves was approved as a Patriot ancestor. The event was marked by a Resolution of the Pennsylvania Legislature sponsored by Representative Thomas Kutz. Dom Filipe was presented the SAR International Medal in June of 2023 at the Penn Harris Convention Center in Camp Hill by Former President General Davis Wright. Among many other acts, Queen Maria gave support to a crew of American sailors captured by the British and dropped off on the Azores Islands. She provided them with food and shelter and transported them to Lisbon where they could board friendly ships and rejoin the fight. Regardless of compensation, that act alone would have qualified her as a Patriot, however, when Benjamin Franklin later offered Her Majesty recompense, she refused. At that time, she ruled over a vast Kingdom that included Brazil, parts of Africa, and Portuguese India. Dom Filipe is proud of the connections of his ancestors to the founding of the United States of America and his membership as a Compatriot of Washingtonburg Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.

Washingtonburg Chapter Logo

Washingtonburg Chapter Joins Wreaths Across America

WASHINGTONBURG’S
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA CEREMONY
SATURDAY DECEMBER 14, 2024 — 10:00 am
Middle Spring Presbyterian Church & Cemetery
(135 Middle Spring Rd – Shippensburg, PA)

To sponsor a wreath:

Visit this website: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/181029/Overview/?relatedId=180890
Click the red “Sponsor Wreaths” button in the top right corner
Select the number of wreaths you would like to sponsor
Click the red “Review My Sponsorships” button
Complete the payment information
Email me to make a grave-specific wreath sponsorship: raymondmowery@hotmail.com

* Your sponsorship is tax deductible, so print your receipt.

Our goal is to sponsor 100 wreaths to cover all veterans’ graves in the Lower, the Upper, and the Modern Cemeteries. For every 2 wreaths that are sponsored, we receive a 3rd free wreath. All wreaths that we sponsor above 100 will be donated to other Wreaths Across America locations, like Spring Hill Cemetery or Locust Grove Cemeteries across town.

Washingtonburg Chapter Honors Revolutionary War Patriots

The Washingtonburg Chapter, PASSAR sponsored a grave marking ceremony, which recognized the contributions of five Revolutionary War Patriots buried in the Big Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Newville, Pennsylvania. The Patriots who received the SAR Grave Markers are: Capt. Thomas Buchanan, Major William McFarlane, Sgt. William Denning, Artificer William Ferguson, and Pvt. Peter Tritt.

Washingtonburg Chapter President, Dale John Joseph Leppard officiated at today’s ceremony.

President Leppard provided the backdrop regarding the significance of those who were honored.

Washingtonburg Secretary/Treasurer, Steven Scott Burd, was our guest speaker.

Secretary/Treasurer Burd places a SAR Marker on the grave of a Revolutionary War Patriot.

SPCO Todd Allen Hockensmith, USN (Retired) places a marker on the grave of a Revolutionary War Patriot.

The SAR Grave Marker that was placed on five Patriot graves today.

Associate Member Raymond Andrew Mowery IV, Washingtonburg Chapter, PASSAR and Jeffry Peter La Marca, President Jockey Hollow Chapter, NJSSAR carry wreath honor all of the Revolutionary War Patriots buried at the Big Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery (including Patriots whose graves have not yet been marked).

Associate Member Mowery and President La Marca, adjust wreath.

(Left to Right): Jockey Hollow President La Marca, Washingtonburg President Leppard, and Associate Member Mowery in authentic 18th Century garb.

Following today’s grave marking ceremony, Washingtonburg Chapter Members and guest attended a BBQ and Chapter Meeting at the William Denning State Park.

President Leppard led today’s meeting. In addition to Washingtonburg Chapter business, he also discussed the Intolerable Acts in recognition of events that eventually sparked the revolt against the British.

Secretary/Treasurer Burd receives the Bronze Henry Knox Medal from President Leppard in recognition of his outstanding service to the Washingtonburg Chapter.

Compatriot Steven Pearson Messner receives the Bronze Henry Knox Medal from President Leppard in recognition of his outstanding service to the Washingtonburg Chapter.

Compatriot Steven Lee Dedmon and Associate Member Glen Halliman are related to Danel Boone! However, both men are descended from two of his sisters.

SAR Commemorates 250th Anniversary of Intolerable Acts

and Conducts Grave Marking Ceremony that Pays Tribute to Cumberland County Patriots

The Washingtonburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is hosting a commemorative event to honor fallen patriots from the American Revolution. This solemn ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at the historic Big Spring Presbyterian Church in Newville, Pennsylvania.

The event will feature an official SAR Grave Marking Ceremony at the Big Spring Cemetery, located next to the church. Participants are welcome to wear 18th-century attire to add to the historical significance of the occasion.

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to a catered lunch at a nearby pavilion within Colonel Denning State Park. A nominal fee will cover the meal, with details provided upon RSVP (reservation) to help with headcount.

Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Intolerable Acts

This gathering coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Intolerable Acts, a series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 in response to colonial resistance, culminating in the Boston Tea Party.

The afternoon will feature a brief presentation on the Intolerable Acts, followed by the Washingtonburg Chapter SAR regular quarterly business meeting with award presentations.

Earning the Bronze 250th Anniversary Medal

All participants are eligible to earn points towards the Bronze 250th Anniversary Medal program. This program recognizes individuals who contribute to events commemorating the American Revolution.

RSVP and Participation

To RSVP for the event and the catered lunch, please contact us. Indicate the number of people attending in your RSVP.

We encourage everyone to join us in honoring the sacrifices of the patriots who secured American independence. This event is a meaningful way to connect with history and celebrate the legacy of our forefathers.

Additional Information

The NSAR Washingtonburg Chapter awards medals for participation in commemorative events. For details on the Bronze 250th Anniversary Medal program, please contact us.

About the National Sons of the American Revolution

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR) is a lineage society composed of male descendants of the patriots who fought for American independence in the Revolutionary War. The NSSAR is dedicated to preserving American history and promoting good citizenship.

Respectfully,
Dale J. J. Leppard
President and Genealogist, Washingtonburg Chapter SAR

Perry County Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution Flag Day

Perry County Chapter Regent Bobbi Wertz-Hoy
welcoming the newly elected Regent

Washingtonburg Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution was represented at the Flag Day Luncheon hosted by the Perry County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution on June 1st, 2024. Featured presentation included the celebrated rugs created in a style created by Perry Countian, Magdalena Briner Eby. Following the luncheon, members of the Chapter produced a short video of the Pledge of Allegiance which was subsequently aired by ABC27.

December 17, 2023 Quarterly Meeting & Holiday Dinner

On December 17, 2023, the Washingtonburg Chapter held its first Holiday Dinner at the historic Two-Mile House at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Guests were encouraged to wear period dress!

EPHRAIM BLAINE, WASHINGTONBURG, AND TWO MILE HOUSE.

Ephraim Blaine was born in 1741 in Londonderry in the Kingdom of Ireland. He immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1745 with his parents and settled in Toboyne Township, then in Cumberland but today in Perry County. He was commissioned an Ensign in the Royal American Regiment and served with distinction at Fort Ligonier as commanding Lieutenant during the French and Indian War. After the war he settled in Carlisle and focused on commercial activities in the Indian trade, with mills, etc., until his election as Sheriffof CumberlandCounty. He lived at the house still standing at 4North Hanover Street, next to the First Presbyterian Church where he worshipped. As tensions with the British increased, he was once again commissioned a Lieutenant, this time of a Company of Associators. As a result of the closing of the Port of Boston, the citizens of Carlisle, including Ephraim Blaine, Francis Allison, John Armstrong, Robert Callendar, Jonathan Hoge, and James Wilson, met at the First Presbyterian Church on July 12th, 1774, to denounce the tyranny of the British in what is sometimes called the “Carlisle Declaration of Independence”. As a result, Ephraim Blaine was appointed to a Committee of Correspondence. During this time he was also engaged in diplomatic efforts with the Indians. He went on to serve as Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel of Cumberland County Battalions of Militia. He was further appointed County Lieutenant and subsequently Commissary, then Deputy Commissary General of Purchases, and finally Commissary General, by Congress. During the American Revolution Washingtonburg served as the main source of ordnance and commissary supply for the Continental Army during the Mid-Atlantic Campaign. In the late 18th century, Ephraim Blaine owned the property upon which Two Mile House was erected. It is believed that the kitchen and an adjacent section of the dwelling date to the ownership of Ephraim Blaine, but proof remains lacking. The Georgian stone architecture dates to circa 1820 and is currently in the possession of the Cumberland County Historical Society.

Perry County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Centennial

Reenactor and gunsmith Terry Elliott making a presentation on early Rifle styles and makers.

Washingtonburg Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution was represented at the Centennial Celebration and Luncheon of the Perry County Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution at the Whitetail Lodge in Marysville on October 1st, 2023. The event was well-attended and included the presentation of the restored charter for the chapter and a recitation of its history. The luncheon included a selection of period foods from the era of the Revolutionary War, the era of the founding of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the era of the establishment of the Perry County Chapter. A further presentation showcasing the known Revolutionary War Patriots of the County was on display.