Tag: Dale Leppard

Washingtonburg Compatriots attend 18th Century Market Fair at Fort Loudoun

Compatriots Steve Burd, Todd Hockensmith, Ray Mowery, Dale Leppard, Brian Engle, and Doug Cubbison all attended the 18th Century Market Fair at Fort Loudoun 20-22 April 2025. Doug Cubbison was a featured presenter at the speakers’ tent. Brian Engle was encamped at the event portraying his Revolutionary War ancestor, Christian Shively, a Northumberland County Ranger on the frontier. The other members of Washingtonburg Chapter used this opportunity to acquire items for display and wear at those activities and events in which they represent Patriots of the American Revolution. Acquisitions included a Regimental Coat, wooden canteens, a neck knife, a Gorget, small replica period pewter coins, and various other items.

Brian Engle portraying a Ranger during the American Revolution at his camp

Patriot Cause Evoked

The following article was provided in Representative Perry Stambaugh’s Capitol Report issued on May 28, 2025. Rep. Stambaugh can be contact through his website at https://www.repperrystambaugh.com/

During the May 23 ceremony honoring the service of Revolutionary War patriot Jacob Stambaugh, I learned about Jacob’s Continental Army uniform from Dale Leppard, genealogist and registrar and past president of the Washingtonburg Chapter (Perry and Cumberland counties) of Sons of the American Revolution. A descendant of Jacob’s, Leppard sported a regimental coat worn by the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line in 1779 and further commissioned a leather cap, regimental flag, and knapsack unique to the unit. 

 Dr. Steven Messner, chairman of the Perry County America250PA Committee, right, and committee member Dale Beaver, left, posed with me and Nancy Bratton, who owns the property where Jacob Stambaugh is buried.

Last Friday, I spoke at a ceremony on the Spring/Centre township line east of Elliottsburg where a Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) grave marker was unveiled recognizing a Revolutionary War patriot — in this case, my great-great-great-great-grandfather Jacob Stambaugh (April 18, 1761-May 29, 1837).

Born Johann Jacob Stambach in Berks County, Pa. — then on the fringe of settlement in colonial America — Jacob anglicized his name early in life and during the War of Independence served with American troops in the Light Infantry Company of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line. Later, he was a corporal in the Northampton County militia.

During his time in the Continental Army, Jacob fought at the Battle of Stony Point, N.Y., in 1779, where American troops captured the British fortification in a well-planned, three-phase nighttime assault with unloaded muskets, using only bayonets and courage. Jacob apparently was part of the first wave of the attack.

In 1788, Jacob and his brother and their families embarked to find new lands in Kentucky but halted their journey somewhere in Central Pennsylvania due to reports of troubles with Native Americans on the western frontier. As a result, Jacob settled on the farm near Elliottsburg — now owned by his descendant, Nancy Bratton — where he is buried. At some point Jacob even served as a first lieutenant and then captain in the Cumberland (now Perry) County militia.

In my remarks, I pointed out some of the reasons young Americans like Jacob fought against British rule and its repressions of liberty and freedom. I noted that while we have enjoyed fruits of the Continental Army’s victory (chiefly, an independent United States governed as a representative, constitutional Republic for nearly 250 years), the fight to preserve the Revolutionary principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution continues today and will shortly fall to the next generation.

The event was sponsored by the Perry County Committee of the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA), as well as the Perry County Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and Washingtonburg (Cumberland and Perry counties) SAR Chapter.

(Full disclosure: Jacob’s oldest son, John Jacob Stambaugh II, who died before his father in December 1832, acquired the farm in Green Park where I reside.)

Interesting Discovery

While visiting the shops in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Compatriots Dale Leppard and Rev. Douglas Reagan discovered a Revolutionary War Tooth Key. These instruments were used for tooth extraction. Our first Commander-in-Chief and President George Washington would have been familiar with this device. Hero of the American Revolution Paul Revere was trained in Dentistry and would also have been familiar with this device. It was Paul Revere who identified the body of Dr. Joseph Warren based upon the dental work that he had performed.

Washingtonburg Chapter Holiday Dinner at Two Mile House in Carlisle

Past President and current Genealogist Dale Leppard with wife Susan Riley
(photo by Anthony Ebersole)

Despite a few last-minute cancellations due to inclement weather and illness, approximately 50 members and guests of Washingtonburg Chapter gathered at historic Two Mile House in Carlisle on the 15th of December 2024 for the annual Holiday Dinner. The annual event encourages 18th century attire, which was worn by nearly half of those attending. The meal was catered by Chef Mark Little of New Bloomfield and featured an 18th century fixed plate menu, which was supplemented by hot and cold period punches prepared by Compatriot Brian Engle. Colonial era music was provided by Forbes Road Frolic, attired in 18th century clothing with period instruments. Carriage rides in the light snow were provided by Benchfield Farms of Newville, whose drivers and attendant were in colonial attire. A toast to His Excellency George Washington was made using Rye made at Mount Vernon according to the recipe of Our First President and Commander-in-Chief. Those attending signed the guest list in the form of a reproduction Revolutionary War Militia roster using a quill pen and ink well. Each setting included a souvenir program and menu as well as a tavern bill customized to Two Mile House. Reproduction newspapers dating from the period were circulated among the guests. The Two Mile House property was owned in the late 18th century by Ephrain Blaine, Commissary General of the Continental Army. The house is predominantly of Georgian construction, but a part of the kitchen dates to the late 18th century consistent with the ownership period of Blaine.

A photo gallery documenting the event may be found here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1dVASb-gCCFQe2XHVG

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Washingtonburg Chapter Displays at the Army Expo ‘24

Stop by our booth! The Washingtonburg Chapter, SAR is present this weekend at this year’s Army Expo ‘24 at the United States Army Heritage and Education Center. Come visit us today or tomorrow (September 14th and 15th) between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. each day. Past President Dale Leppard and President Jeff La Marca are present. Several Chapter members have already stopped by.

Highlights from Washingtonburg Chapter Meeting on 8/17/24

As previously reported, the Washingtonburg Chapter held elections at our recent meeting; our new board consists of:

President Jeffry Peter La Marca, Ph.D.
1st Vice President Most Rev. William Martin Sloane, Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D.
2nd Vice President TSgt. Eric Nolan “Dutch” DeVries, USAF (Ret.)
3rd Vice President Steven Pearson Messner, Ed.D.
Secretary/TreasurerSteven Scott Burd
Registrar/GenealogistDale John Joseph Leppard
ChancellorMaj. James Bryan Oerding, USA (Ret.), Ph.D.
Chaplain Most Rev. William Martin Sloane, Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D.
Sergeant at ArmsDouglas Reginald Cubbison
HistorianDouglas Reginald Cubbison
Past PresidentDale John Joseph Leppard
Washingtonburg Chapter, PASSAR Board of Directors elected on August 17, 2024.

During the meeting, several members received awards, accolades, or kudos for their contributions to our organization; including the following:

President Dale Leppard presents the Bronze Henry Knox Achievement Medal to the Most Rev. William Martin Sloane.

President Dale Leppard presents the Bronze Henry Knox Achievement Medal to Historian and Sergeant at Arms Douglas Reginald Cubbison.
President Dale Leppard presents the Bronze Henry Knox Achievement Medal to Maj. James Bryan Oerding, USA (Ret.), Ph.D.
President Dale Leppard presents the 134th Congress Medal to SCPO Todd Allen Hockensmith, USN (Ret.).
President Dale Leppard presents the 134th Congress Medal to Dr. Steven Messner.
President Dale Leppard presents the 134th Congress Medal to Maj. James Bryan Oerding, USA (Ret.), Ph.D.
Outgoing President Dale Leppard presents the Bronze Meritorious Service Medal to incoming President, Dr. Jeff La Marca.
Outgoing President Dale Leppard instituted a new Washingtonburg Chapter tradition by passing on a ceremonial sword to the incoming President, Dr. Jeff La Marca.

Washingtonburg Chapter Meeting and Elections

Past Chapter President Dale J. J. Leppard with SAR Flag

Washingtonburg Chapter conducted its Quarterly Meeting and Annual Elections August 17th, 2024 at the USAHEC in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Officers elected were President Dr. Jeffry Peter La Marca, 1st Vice President and Chaplain The Most Rev. William Martin Sloane, 2nd Vice President TSgt Eric Nolan “Dutch” DeVries, USAF (Ret.), 3rd Vice President Dr. Steven Pearson Messner, Secretary/Treasurer Steven Scott Burd, Chancellor MAJ James Bryan Oerding, USA (Ret.), Registrar/Genealogist Dale John Joseph Leppard, Sergeant at Arms and Historian Douglas Reginald Cubbison.

Attending were Dale J. J. Leppard, William M. Sloane, William S. Sloane, Charles L. Brackbill, Steven P. Messner, Douglas R. Cubbison, Samuel L. Russell, James B. Oerding, Sandra Oerding, Gregory T. O’Brien, Raymond A. Mowery IV, Todd A. Hockensmith, Jeffry P. La Marca, Douglas H. Reagan, Alexander Rushton. “Dutch” DeVries provided technical support and Steven S. Burd provided reports by proxy.

In addition to the Washington handshake tradition, which is an unbroken line of transmission of a handshake beginning with George Washington through Chapter founder and first Chapter President, John Cecil Fralish, Jr., outgoing Chapter President Dale J. J. Leppard instituted a new tradition of a Chapter sword which will be passed from Chapter President to Chapter President for use as a symbol of office during their incumbency.

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

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