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

Carlisle Declaration of Independence

The First Presbyterian Church of Carlisle and Historic Carlisle, Incorporated, kindly invited Washingtonburg Chapter to join with them on July 1st, 2024, to recreate the historic Carlisle Declaration of Independence. Under the leadership of luminaries such as James Wilson (signer of the Declaration of Independence) and Ephraim Blaine (later Commissary General of the Continental Army), the citizens of Carlisle gathered on July 12th, 1774, to renounce the actions of the British in Boston and New England and to show their support. The reenactment 250 years later underscored the significance of the event and included key historical figures represented by members of the present congregation as well as members of Historic Carlisle, Incorporated, who with Washingtonburg Chapter, also provided local extras in 18th century attire. Awards were presented to Historic Carlisle and the First Presbyterian Church by Washingtonburg Chapter in recognition of this important and extraordinary effort, and a wreath was placed in the Church in honor of the courageous members who blazed a trail to independence in 1774.

Sword from the 134th Congress of the Sons of the American Revolution

One of the display vendors at the 134th Sons of the American Revolution Congress in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was a company owned by Compatriots from the New Jersey Society (NJSSAR), who specialize in reproductions of historical swords, particularly from the period of the American Revolution. The sword and baldric above were purchased from this vendor by the President of Washingtonburg Chapter, Dale J. J. Leppard, and worn during the week with colonial attire. The Lion’s head pommel caps a green dyed camel bone handle wrapped in wire.

First Time Delegates Attending 134th Annual Congress

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.

The Revolutionary War in Beaufort, South Carolina

Sources:
Sea Islander, “A View of Thomas Heyward, Jr.”, by Robert E. H. Peeples, August 1975, pp. 9-11.
The Revolutionary Soldier 1775-1783, by C. Keith Wilbur, Rowman & Littlefield, Guilford, pp. 10-12, 14, 19, 40-42.
https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_beaufort.html
https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_fort_lyttleton_1.html
https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_fort_lyttleton_2.html
https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_port_royal_island_1.html
https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_port_royal_island_2.html
https://www.hussarsaddlery.com/rev-war-american-copy
https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/declaration/bio19.htm
https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/declaration/bio43.htm

India and the American Revolution

Washingtonburg Chapter 1st Vice President, Dr. Jeffry Peter La Marca, at Fort Ligonier in Pennsylvania, wearing 18th century style chain mail from India, courtesy of the museum staff, who were explaining that chain mail was still worn in India during the 18th century to protect the wearer from the swords and bladed weapons which were in common use at the time. India was a theatre of operations during both the Seven Years’ War (known in America as the French and Indian War) and the American Revolution. With the entry of France and Spain into the struggle for American Independence, the War became a global conflict. The final Battle of the American Revolution was a Naval engagement fought between the French and the British on 20 June 1783 off the coast Cuddalore in India. Dr. La Marca was part of the Delegation from Washingtonburg Chapter, including President Dale Leppard, 3rd Vice President Eric “Dutch” DeVries, and District Deputy COL Samuel L. Russell, who attended the PASSAR Board of Management Meeting in Ligonier, Pennsylvania on August 3, 2024.

134th Annual Congress, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

President General John Dodd (L) and PASSAR President Kurt Winter (R)

Opening Session of the 134th NSSAR Annual Congress

PASSAR Officers (L-R), Treasurer Michael Seibert,
Secretary/2nd VP Dale Leppard, President Kurt Winter,
1st VP Peter Reinhart, 3rd VP Jason Miller, Registrar Eric Troutman

Washingtonburg Chapter Delegation (L-R)
District Deputy COL Samuel Russell, 1st VP Dr. Jeffry La Marca,
President Dale Leppard, 3rd VP Eric “Dutch” DeVries

Washingtonburg Chapter 1st Vice President Jeffry Peter La Marca
displaying his book “Simple Citations for Genealogical Sources“

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