INDEPENDENCE   CHAPTER
SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Bryan / College Station, Texas

Independence Chapter met at the Southwood Wings 'n' More in College Station at 6:30 p. m., President David Strawn presiding. The following 24 compatriots and visitors were present: Evelyn Aldred, Gus and Judy Baker, E. C. and Bettye Bashaw, James and Lillian Boone, Zach Christensen, Jack Dean, Charles and Nancy Ellis, Earl and Gaye Galloway, Elton Lacey, John and Katherine Morton, Walter and Fern Parker, Robert Schwart, David and Kathy Strawn, and Oren Swearingen. Texas Society President Frank Gibson and Susan Gibson were guests of the chapter.

Texas Society President Frank Gibson spoke on the state of the Society, and then presented an excellent program of songs of the American Revolution.

No business was transacted at this meeting.

The meeting adjourned shortly after 8:00 p. m.

James L. Boone, Jr.

Secretary-treasurer

Treasurer's Report: Balance in the chapter account as of January 24, 2000 is $573.43.

MINUTES OF THE CHAPTER MEETING on September 28, 1999

Independence Chapter met at the Southwood Wings 'n' More in College Station at 6:30 p. m., President David Strawn presiding. The following 25 compatriots and visitors were present: Gus and Judy Baker, John and Jackie Blair, James and Lillian Boone, Zach Christensen, Jack Dean, John and Marge Haislet, Carl Henry, Frances Henry, William Keels, Elton and Bonnie Lacey, John and Katherine Morton, Jane Portzer, Roger and Marsha Smith, David and Kathy Strawn, and Oren Swearingen. Dr. J. G. "Chip" Dawson and Beverly Dawson were guests of the chapter.

No business was transacted at this meeting. Dr. J. G. "Chip" Dawson, Associate Professor of History at Texas A&M University, presented a very interesting program about Doniphan's Epic March, the story of 800 volunteer citizen-soldiers who marched 3500 miles from Missouri--across deserts and mountains, through Indian territory--to Santa Fe and Chihuahua to hand a much larger Mexican Army force one of its most demoralizing defeats during the Mexican War.

The meeting adjourned shortly after 8:00 p. m.

James L. Boone, Jr.

Secretary-treasurer

MINUTES OF THE CHAPTER MEETING on June 24, 1999

Independence Chapter met at the College Station Ramada Inn at 11:30 a. m., Vice President Carl Henry presiding. The following compatriots and visitors were present: Gus Baker, John and Jackie Blair, James Boone, Carl Henry, Frances Henry, and Roger Smith.

BUSINESS

The secretary reported that minutes of the previous meeting had been sent to all members who have e-mail addresses, and were available at the meeting for those not on e-mail.

John Blair was elected to fill the vacant position of Chapter Genealogist/Registrar.

The secretary reported that the chapter had bought a copy of software that simplifies the process of preparing original and supplemental applications for SAR membership. The software displays the application form on the screen, and data is entered directly into the screen. The completed application is then printed onto a sheet of blank, SAR watermarked archival paper. The software was turned over to Compatriot Blair for use in preparing applications. The software is inexpensive, and members who are interested in preparing their own supplemental applications can obtain their own copies by sending a check for $21.45 to Cox SoftWare, 17410 Huntersglen Humble, TX 77396-1657. Ask for "SARApAid." For more information, see www.sar.org and www.flash.net/~coxsw on the World Wide Web. Blank archival paper can be obtained from the secretary.

PROGRAM

Vice President Carl Henry introduced Frances Henry, who presented an interesting and informative program about Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was an unusually gifted person who proved to be very valuable to the colonies, and later to the Republic. He was a printer by vocation, but his activities extended to all facets of his community. He established the first subscription library and was the prime mover for the establishment of paper money, a postal service, the militia, fire department, street pavement, fire insurance, and police protection. The people's respect for him was demonstrated when 20,000 mourners participated in his funeral procession. The chapter is indebted to Frances Henry for presenting this program.

The meeting adjourned shortly after 1:00 p. m.

James L. Boone, Jr.

Secretary-treasurer

MINUTES OF THE CHAPTER MEETING on May 27, 1999

Independence Chapter met at the College Station Ramada Inn at 11:30 a. m., President David Strawn presiding. The following compatriots and visitors were present: Gus Baker, E. C. Bashaw, Luther Bird, John Blair, Charlie Ellis, John Haislett, Carl Henry, David Strawn, Frances Henry, and guests Bill Lancaster, Mary Lancaster and Jackie Blair.

OPENING ACTIVITIES

President Strawn led the flag pledges and Chaplain Parker said the Invocation. Visitors and guests were introduce

BUSINESS

President Strawn reported that minutes of the previous meeting had been sent to all members who have e-mail addresses, and were available at the meeting for those not on e-mail. The balance in the treasury was not known and not reported. It was also reported that the application of the two Doctors Wiprud have been approved.

PROGRAM

Vice President Carl Henry introduced the program about the History of College Station and presented by Bill Lancaster. Mr. Lancaster told of the passenger train of the Southern Pacific that formerly went through College Station and made its only stop between Houston and Dallas here. The fare was about $5 to Dallas and only about $2 to Houston. He explained the development of the College Park area as a result of the directive by Texas A&M sometime around l939/40 that those who were living in on campus housing must move to off campus quarters within the next two years. College Station had been incorporated only about a year before in 1938. He also had a photocopy of the 1935 telephone book for the Bryan, TAMU and Kurten area, which was only six 8 « by ll inch sheets which gave the book 24 pages when folded and stapled in the middle. He finally related that he was involved in an effort to help draft a new and more current history of College Station and it was due to be reviewed sometime late in the current year, 1999.

The meeting adjourned shortly after 1:00 p. m. with the Closing Admonition, led by President David Strawn.

Charles H. Ellis

Secretary Pro-tem

Independence Chapter met at the College Station Ramada Inn at 11:30 a. m., President David Strawn presiding. The following compatriots and visitors were present: Gus Baker, John Blair, James Boone, Charlie Ellis, Carl Henry, Frances Henry (speaker), Walter Parker Sr., and David Strawn.

President Strawn led the flag pledges and Chaplain Parker said the Invocation.

BUSINESS

Secretary-treasurer Boone reported that minutes of the previous meeting had been sent to all members who have e-mail addresses, and that the minutes were a part of the April chapter newsletter (The Indy 40), which was mailed to all members of record, including the new members from the Washington Chapter. The balance in the treasury was $321.27 as of April 29.

Compatriot Charles Ellis reported that he had represented Independence Chapter at the Texas A&M University Parents' Day ceremonies on April 18, and that he presented Silver ROTC Medals to the following cadets: Aaron Brown (Army, B-1), Ryan Wills (Air Force, SQ-2), Heath Medley (Navy, K-2), Nicholas Huly (Marine Corps, E-2).

There was some discussion about the change of meeting day to the fourth Thursday of the month. It was decided to continue this plan another month. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a. m. on Thursday, May 27, 1999.

President Strawn introduced Frances Henry, who presented a program on President George Washington. This is the bicentennial of the year of his death, and the Daughters of the American Revolution is making a special project of the observance of this event. Mrs. Henry provided many interesting details on the private life of President Washington.

The meeting adjourned shortly after 1:00 p. m. with the Closing Admonition, led by President David Strawn. Chaplain Walter Parker pronounced the Benediction.

James L. Boone, Jr.

Secretary-treasurer

Independence Chapter met at the College Station Ramada Inn at 11:30 a. m., President David Strawn presiding. The following compatriots and visitors were present: Gus Baker, John Blair, James Boone, Charlie Ellis, Carl Henry, Frances Henry, Ken Neurnberg, Walter Parker Sr., David Strawn, Oren Swearingen, and District 8 Vice President Jack Morton.

President Strawn led the flag pledges and Chaplain Parker said the Invocation. Visitors and guests were introduced.

BUSINESS

Secretary-treasurer Boone reported that minutes of the previous meeting had been sent to all members who have e-mail addresses, and copies were available at the meeting for those not on e-mail. The balance in the treasury was $358.19 as of March 22.

District VIII Vice President Jack Morton reported that the Board of Managers of the Texas Society, at the Annual Meeting of the Society on March 12-14, had approved the merger of Washington and Independence Chapters, with Independence being the surviving chapter. The merger would become effective with the new fiscal year on April 1. Compatriot Morton also reported on the Annual Meeting, and pointed out that several changes to the Constitution were made. Details of the meeting will appear in the next issue of The Texas Compatriot.

Secretary Boone reported that he had received the Washington Chapter roster, and that the 13 members of that chapter would begin receiving meeting notices in time for the April meeting.

Plans for the new fiscal year, April 1-March 31, were discussed. After polling those present, it was decided to try Thursday as the day for future meetings. Several possible programs for future meetings were suggested: legislators representing this district, director of the Brazos Valley Arts Council, director of hospice, Bill Lancaster (local history), steamboats on the Brazos, and David Chapman (early history and local impact of Texas A&M).

It was decided to include widows of former compatriots on the chapter mailing list, and to invite them to future meetings.

The meeting adjourned shortly after 1:00 p. m. with the Closing Admonition, led by President David Strawn. Chaplain Walter Parker pronounced the Benediction.

James L. Boone, Jr.

Secretary-treasurer

Independence Chapter met at the College Station Ramada Inn at 11:30 a. m., President Walter Parker presiding. The following compatriots and visitors were present: Alan and Ruth Alter, Gus Baker, Luther Bird, James and Lillian Boone, Charlie Ellis, Ken Kimball, Walter Parker Sr., Roger E. Smith, David Strawn, Oren Swearingen, District 8 Vice President Jack Morton, and the speaker, Miss Lindsay Whitworth.

President Parker led the flag pledges and Chaplain Strawn said the Invocation.
Visitors and guests were introduced.

Secretary-treasurer Boone reported that minutes of the previous meeting had been sent to all members who have e-mail addresses, and copies were available at the meeting for those not on e-mail. The balance in the treasury was $364.13 as of February 22.

There was some discussion about the possibility of merging the Washington and Independence chapters; this decision will probably be made by the Board of Managers in the annual society meeting in March.

In view of the fact that the fourth Monday meeting date was determined by a survey that was made about fifteen years ago, it was decided to poll current members to determine the optimum date for future meetings (two other chapters in the district use the third Thursday, so this day should be avoided).

Texas Society Vice President Jack Morton installed the officers who will serve the chapter in 1999-2000. They are as follows:
David C. Strawn, President;
Carl Henry, Vice President (not present);
James L. Boone, Jr., Secretary-treasurer; and,
Walter L. Parker, Sr., Chaplain.

Lindsay Whitworth, Freshman anthropology major at TAMU, spoke on her archaeological expedition to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico last Summer.

This was an Earthwatch expedition, and Independence Chapter was one of her sponsors. She related her experiences, which included the culture shock that results from being suddenly immersed in a totally different culture, the thrill of finding ancient artifacts (fossils, animal bones, etc.), and the value of learning the basics of archaeological research. She plans to go to Mexico again after her sophomore year.

The meeting adjourned shortly after 1:00 p. m. with the Closing Admonition, led by President David Strawn. Chaplain Walter Parker pronounced the Benediction.

Respectfully submitted.

Independence Chapter met at the College Station Ramada Inn at 11:30 a. m., President Walter Parker presiding. The following compatriots and visitors were present: Joe Bax, Luther Bird, Charlie Ellis, Carl Henry, Frances Henry, Ken Kimball, Walter Parker Sr., Walter Parker, Jr., David Strawn, Oren Swearingen, District 8 Vice President Jack Morton, and the speaker, Dr. Dan Hanna.

President Parker led the flag pledges and Chaplain Strawn said the invocation. Visitors and guests were introduced.

Having been mailed to members previously, the minutes of the November meeting were not read. Frances Henry presented bookmarks honoring the bicentennial year of the death of George Washington. The bookmarks bear the name of Independence Chapter, and can be used for recruiting new members. Jack Morton, Vice President for TXSSAR District 8, spoke on the importance of attendance at the annual meeting of the Texas Society in Kingwood March 12–14.

The following officers were elected to serve the chapter from April 1, 1999 through March 31, 2000:

A joint meeting of the William Scott and La Villita Chapters of the DAR at the Hilton Hotel on February 6 was announced. SAR members are invited. Tickets are $14. each, and can be reserved with Sheri Roussel at 2533 Longmire, College Station 77845.

Dr. Dan Hanna, retired TAMU horticulture professor, made a presentation on stained glass art. He told of the history of glass and the way in which it is colored. He displayed beautiful examples of some of his art work. He designed a replacement window for a Methodist church in Oklahoma City that was damaged when the Federal Building was bombed.

The meeting adjourned following the closing admonition, led by President Parker.

(These minutes prepared by Frances Henry, in the absence of the chapter secretary).

Treasurer's report: Chapter account balance as of February 14, 1999 is $364.13.

Independence Chapter met at the College Station Ramada Inn at 6:30 p. m., President Walter Parker presiding. The following Compatriots and visitors were present: Alan and Ruth Alter, Joe Bax, Luther and Bernice Bird, James and Lillian Boone, Charlie and Nancy Ellis, Carl Henry, Frances Henry, Walter and Faye Parker, David and Kathy Strawn, Oren Swearingen, Roger and Marsha Smith, Dal and Mabel Dreher, and the speaker, General Tom Darling.

President Parker led the flag pledges and invocation. Visitors and guests were introduced.

There was no business transacted.

General Thomas Darling made an excellent presentation in which he described the TAMU Corps of Cadets–past, present and future. The Corps continues to be an essential component of the student body at Texas A&M University. General Darling has retired as Commandant of the Corps, and is now working for the Corps Endowment program. He stressed the importance of building up an endowment sufficient to fund the Corps on an ongoing basis, without dependence upon University budget appropriations.

The meeting adjourned following the closing admonition, led by President Parker.

Respectfully submitted.

James L. Boone, Jr.
Secretary-treasurer

Treasurer's report: Chapter account balance as of November 23, 1998 is $428.50.

Independence Chapter met at the College Station Ramada Inn at 11:30 a.m., President Walter Parker presiding. The following Compatriots and visitors were present: Gus Baker, Luther Bird, John and Jackie Blair, James Boone, Charlie Ellis, Carl Henry, Frances Henry, Walter Parker, Oren Swearingen, and Dal and Mabel Dreher.

President Parker led the flag pledges and invocation. Visitors and guests were introduced.

The secretary presented the minutes of the September meeting; the treasury balance on October 26 was $383.36. Following some discussion, it was decided to have an evening dinner meeting in November so that compatriots who have daytime conflicts could attend. The program would be provided by a representative of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University.

Compatriot Gus Baker made an excellent presentation on "Why General Braddock Could Be Considered a Patriot." Braddock, with about 4000 troops, marched from Alexandria, VA toward Fort Duquesne, PA. When Braddock's force was near its objective, the French and Indians, numbering about 2000, ambushed the British-American troops, and sent them in a panic-stricken retreat. Baker's thesis is that Braddock's defeat actually aided the American colonists' efforts during the Revolution. His reasoning is that many of the militiamen and volunteers retreated to North Carolina, and became a nucleus for the southern forces, whose battle successes later were instrumental in winning the American Revolution; George Washington's efforts to rally the troops during the ambush at Fort Duquesne brought attention to his leadership skills, leading to his selection as the commander-in-chief of the American troops. Finally, Braddock's defeat led to the feeling that Americans would fare better without British support–the independent attitude that supported calls for independence. In the final analysis, one might conclude that Braddock unwittingly aided the Americans' drive for independence from Britain. Perhaps he was a patriot after all.

The meeting adjourned following the closing admonition, led by President Parker.

Respectfully submitted.

James L. Boone, Jr.
Secretary-treasurer

Treasurer's report: Chapter account balance as of November 12, 1998 is $431.50.

Independence Chapter met at the College Station Ramada Inn at 11:30 a.m., President Walter Parker presiding. The following Compatriots and visitors were present: Alan and Ruth Alter, Gus Baker, Luther Bird, John and Jackie Blair, James Boone, Charlie Ellis, Carl Henry, Frances Henry, Ken Kimball, Walter Parker, Oren Swearingen, and the speaker, Joe Michael Feist.

President Parker led the flag pledges and invocation. Visitors and guests were introduced.

The secretary presented the minutes of the July meeting; the treasury balance on September 28 was $390.40.

Compatriot Ellis reported that he is continuing to make improvements to the chapter web site www.phoenix.net/~chellis/sar.htm . He added that he plans to maintain minutes of the previous six meetings on the site.

Joe Michael Feist, Managing Editor of The Eagle, presented an interesting and informative program about the role of the community newspaper. He pointed out that the success of a democracy depends on well-informed citizens, and that a newspaper attempts to fulfill this role. A major problem (or opportunity) is the fact that more news stories are available each day than can be published in the space available, and the editor is faced with the decisions as to which stories are published. The Eagle tries to balance the pros and cons on controversial issues, so that readers are fully informed. He tries to make sure that opinions are limited to the Opinions Page, and that unbiased news appears on the other pages. He is always open to suggestions, as well as criticisms. A lively discussion followed the presentation.

The meeting adjourned following the closing admonition, led by President Parker.

Respectfully submitted.

James L. Boone, Jr.
Secretary-treasurer

Treasurer's report: Chapter account balance as of Octobe 26, 1998 is $383.36.

Independence Chapter met at the College Station Ramada Inn at 11:30 a.m., President Walter Parker presiding. The following Compatriots and visitors were present: Alan and Ruth Alter, Gus Baker, John and Jackie Blair, James Boone, Charlie Ellis, John and Marge Haislett, Carl Henry, Frances Henry, Walter Parker, Roger Smith, Oren Swearingen, Dal Dreher, Jack Morton, Robert Malone, Buddy Walker, and Ryan Satterthwaite.

President Parker led the flag pledges and invocation. Visitors and guests were introduced.

The secretary presented the minutes of the July meeting; the treasury balance on August 24 was $425.40. The secretary stated that minutes for the August meeting as well as for all subsequent meetings would be transmitted by e-mail to all compatriots for whom he has e-mail addresses. One paper copy of the minutes of previous meetings will be brought to subsequent meetings for the benefit of those who do not have e-mail. Minutes will be sent via U. S. Mail to compatriots who request them. The secretary reported that Habitat for Humanity had offered to present a program to the chapter.

Compatriot Ellis reported that he is continuing to make improvements to the chapter web site;

Buddy Walker and Ryan Satterthwaite presented a first-hand account of what it was like to participate in the re-enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg. Walker wore a Federal uniform and Satterthwaite wore a Confederate uniform for the presentation. Each had weapons, equipment and accouterments typical of the era. They pointed out that re-enactors may portray Federal or Confederate troops, depending upon the needs at the time of the re-enactment. Their reward is to achieve a feeling of actually going back in time and experiencing the battle. This was an excellent program that held the attention of all who were present.

The meeting adjourned following the closing admonition, led by President Parker.

Respectfully submitted.

Treasurer's report: Chapter account balance as of September 28, 1998 is $390.40.

Independence Chapter met at the College Station Ramada Inn at 11:30 a.m., President Walter Parker presiding. The following Compatriots and visitors were present: Alan and Ruth Alter, Gus Baker, Luther Bird, James Boone, Charlie Ellis, Walter Parker, Roger Smith, David Strawn, and Clint Mathews.

David Strawn led the invocation and President Parker led the flag pledges. Visitors and guests were introduced.

Charles Ellis reported that the chapter website on the Internet World Wide Web is up and running. The site includes current and past officers, membership roster, chapter history, minutes of previous meetings, and an announcement of the next meeting. There are email links to all members whose email addresses are known, and there are links to TXSSAR and NSSAR websites. Internet visitors can obtain membership information, as well as an application worksheet from the chapter web pages, and can request information from chapter officers by clicking on their names. Compatriot Ellis also plans to add program and award archival information. He was complimented on a job well done.

The Secretary reported that Lindsay Whitworth was unable to secure sufficient support for her proposed Earth Watch project in Russia, and was planning a similar expedition to Mexico.

We had a very nice presentation by Clint Matthews concerning the activities of the Still Creek Ranch, 'the Children's Promised Land'. He stated that the goal was to give children a second chance, share the love of Jesus Christ with them and restore their confidence by instilling in them a Christlike character. He further explained the educational opportunities of the associated school, the extracurricular activities such as basketball, 4-H projects, woodworking, mechanics, church activities and mission trips. Within the past year the Ranch has added a Girl's Home in addition to the existing Boy's home at a location about ten miles south-west of the Boy's ranch. He expressed his gratitude to the local community for the support the Ranch receives.

The meeting adjourned following the closing admonition and benediction by Chaplain Strawn.

Respectfully submitted.

Treasurer's report: Chapter Account Balance as of August 24, 1998 is $425.40.

MEETING of June 22, 1998

The Independence Chapter met at the College Station Ramada Inn at 11:30 a.m., President Walter Parker presiding. The following Compatriots and visitors were present: Alan and Ruth Alter, Gus Baker, James Boone, Charlie Briggs, John Haislett, Carl Henry, Frances Henry, Ken Neumberg, Walter Parker, and Oren Swearingen

President Walter Parker led the invocation and flag pledges. Visitors and guests were introduced.

A request from Lindsay Whitworth for financial support for her participation in an Earth Watch project in Russia was discussed. Miss Whitworth is a May 1998 graduate of A&M Consolidated High School (4.0 GPA), and will be enrolled in the Anthropology program at Texas A&M University this Fall. Her plans are to develop a program on Russia suitable for presentation in elementary schools. The Chapter voted to provide her with $200 to assist in her project. She is to present a program to a future Chapter meeting.

Vice President Carl Henry introduced the speaker, Compatriot Charlie Briggs. Compatriot Briggs presented a talk on the "Harvey Massacre". John and Ellizabeth Talbot Harvey settled on land north of Calvert before the Texas Revolution. Indians raided their homestead, killing John, Elizabeth and their son. Their daughter, Ann, was carried off and sold to a Mexican Army General in Laredo. Members of the family later recovered Ann. Ann grew to adulthood, married Sanders Briggs, and lived for many years in the Calvert area. Compatriot Briggs is a descendant of Ann and Sanders Briggs.

The meeting adjourned following the Closing Admonition and benediction.

Respectfully submitted

Treasurer's report: Chapter Account Balance as of July 27, 1998 is $438.40.

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