The regular monthly meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, Ohio Society, SAR, was held in the Banquet Room of the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio on Wednesday, 09 February 2011. This meeting is George Washington’s 279th Birthday meeting. President Donald Martin presided over a quorum of 12 members and 1 guest. Our guest was Mrs. Geron. President Martin opened the meeting at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Chapter Chaplain Curtis Fleisher gave the invocation.

President Martin temporarily closed the regular meeting to hold a special meeting for the purpose of nominating and electing a new Secretary-Treasurer-Registrar. Lee Vititoe had been elected at our November election meeting, but some personal health issues will prevent him from serving and he has resigned. Tony Robinson nominated Dr. Michael Geron as the new Secretary and Marvin Spradlin seconded the nomination. Dr. Geron was then elected unanimously. President Martin then closed the special meeting and reopened the regular meeting.

Secretary: Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the November 2010 meeting and as there were no changes, Marvin Spradlin moved to accept and Dr. Michael Geron seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer: Shawn Cox updated the activity of the Treasury. Marvin Spradlin moved to accept and Tony Robinson seconded. Motion passed.

Vice President: David Rieder had nothing new to report.

District Chairman: Tony Robinson reported that at the Winter BOM meeting it was voted to remove the reinstatement fee to the Ohio Society. Former members that would like to rejoin may do so now by submitting a reinstatement form and paying the current year dues without any additional fees. Tony then reported that our Eagle Scout essay contest candidate, Ben Rhoads, placed sixth out of twelve at the state level.

President: Don Martin thanked everyone in the chapter and the chapter officers for their support during his term as Chapter President.

Grim Glimpse of History: The subject of this month’s installment was Joseph Bloomfield, a revolutionary who now seems almost forgotten. He recounted his military career and his post war accomplishments.

Bob Fetters announced that the Patriot Graves Registration Committee will be conducting a Revolutionary War Veterans Grave dedication ceremony on Saturday, 2 July 2011 for Patriot Jacob Hines at Overly Chapel Cemetery in Ross County.

President Martin initiated our new member, James E. Smith, who is a descendant of Patriot Allen Christian. He then presented Dr. Michael Geron with two certificates for his newly approved supplemental ancestors, John Garlough and John Henry Garlough.

Past Chapter President Robert E. Grim installed the new chapter officers for 2011. They are:

Newly installed President Shawn Cox presented outgoing President Donald Martin with a Past President’s Certificate and Past Chapter President Pin. He then thanked everyone for their confidence in him in voting him President and he pledged to serve the chapter to the best of his ability.

Program: Tony Robinson presented a video telling the story of the First Continental Army and Baron Von Steuben.

New President Shawn Cox closed the meeting at 8:05 pm with the SAR Recessional.

The regular monthly meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, Ohio Society, SAR, was held in the Banquet Room of the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio on Wednesday, 10 November 2010. President Donald Martin presided over a quorum of 11 members and 4 guests. Guests were Mrs. Geron, prospective member James Smith and prospective member Greg Sander and wife Celeste. President Martin opened the meeting at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Chapter Chaplain Curtis Fleisher gave the invocation.

Officers Reports:
Secretary: Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the October 2010 meeting and as there were no additions or corrections, Robert Grim moved to accept and Dr. Geron seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer: Shawn Cox reported nothing to add to the distributed report. Robert Grim moved to accept and Dr. Michael Geron seconded. Motion passed. Shawn then reminded everyone that dues for 2011 are now due and reported that he will be accepting dues payments during and after the meeting.

Vice President: David Rieder had nothing new to report.

District Chairman: Tony Robinson gave an update on the progress of the building of the Center for Advancing America’s Heritage and encouraged the chapter and all members to consider donating at least $500 to the CAAH. Tony then reported that the National officers have been elected and the new President General is J. David Sympson. He then informed everyone that the national website has been redesigned and encouraged everyone to check it out.

President: Don Martin reported that Past President David Medert has been released from the hospital and is doing very well. David has been elected into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and he was inducted on 5 November 2010 at the Veteran’s Memorial in Columbus.

Grim Glimpse of History: The subject of this month’s installment was the history and origins of Armistice Day, or Veterans Day, and the process of congress making it a national holiday.

Bob Fetters announced that he will be conducting a Genealogy class on behalf of the Ross County Genealogical Society and he further announced that he is beginning to plan a Revolutionary War Veterans Grave dedication ceremony in 2011. Patriot Jacob Hines is buried in Ross County and has never been recognized as being a Revolutionary War Soldier.

Dr. Michael Geron, chair of the Nominating Committee, presented a slate of potential chapter officers for 2011. They are:

Secretary Shawn Cox reported that he attended the Fall BOM and Pt. Pleasant Memorial Service on 2-3 October and placed the Arthur St. Clair Memorial Wreath at Pt. Pleasant and received a streamer for our flag. He then presented the streamer to President Martin.

Lee Vititoe announced that Ross County is looking for an artist to design a memorial marker to be dedicated to the 23 Ross County Veterans who died in Vietnam.

Program: Tony Robinson presented a video telling the story of the First Continental Army and Baron Von Steuben.

President Donald Martin closed the meeting at 8:05 pm with the SAR Recessional.

The special joint DAR/SAR meeting was held on Wednesday, 13 October 2010, in the Tyler Memorial Church in Chillicothe. President Don Martin presided over a large gathering of DARs and SARs and spouses and families. President Martin opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Chaplain Curtis Fleisher followed the Pledge with the invocation.

President Martin reported that Past President David Medert has been ill and was recently hospitalized. He then announced that David had been elected to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and asked Past President Robert Grim to elaborate on the details. Bob Grim, who is also a member of the Ohio Veterans HOF, reported that Medert was elected based on his service in the 82nd Airborne Division and is scheduled to be inducted on Friday, 05 November, at the Veterans Memorial in Columbus.

Compatriot Tim Barada introduced the speaker, Tom Kuhn, from the Ross County Historical Society. Mr. Kuhn provided a slideshow of pictures of artifacts and antiques with a local connection that is on display at the Ross County Historical Society Museum.

Following the program, President Martin closed the meeting with the SAR Recessional.

The regular monthly meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, Ohio Society, SAR, was held in the Banquet Room of the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio on Wednesday, 08 September 2010. David Rieder, Chapter Vice President, presided over a quorum of 11 members and 3 guests. Guests were Ohio Society, SAR, President John Franklin and wife Betty, and our speaker, Mary Ann Brown. Vice President Rieder was presiding due to the absence of the President. Vice President Rieder opened the meeting at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Chapter Chaplain Curtis Fleisher gave the invocation.

Officers Reports:
Secretary: Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the June 2010 meeting and as there were no additions or corrections, Robert Grim moved to accept and Tony Robinson seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer: Shawn Cox reported nothing to add to the distributed report. Robert Grim moved to accept and Tony Robinson seconded. Motion passed. Shawn further reported that he attended the Summer BOM and the Fort Laurens ceremony and delivered the Arthur St. Clair donation check to the Friends of Fort Laurens Foundation to help rebuild Ohio’s only Revolutionary War Fort.

Vice President: David Rieder had nothing new to report, but mentioned that President Martin will be presenting an SAR Eagle Scout Certificate to Joshua Sharenburg on 25 September in Chillicothe.

District Chairman: Tony Robinson reminded everyone of the upcoming Fall BOM and Point Pleasant Memorial Service to be held on 1-3 October. The BOM meeting will be held at Gallipolis and the Point Pleasant Ceremonies will be held at the battle site.

Grim Glimpse of History: The subject of this month’s installment was George Washington’s defeat at Brandywine at the hands of British General Howell on 11 Sept. 1777 and the Constitutional Convention ten years later when the Founders adopted the U. S. Constitution.

Bob Fetters announced that the joint DAR/SAR October meeting will be held at the Tyler Memorial Church in Chillicothe at 6:30 pm on 13 October. Tim Barada mentioned that the speaker will be Tom Kuhn from the Ross County Historical Society.

Prospective new member, James E. Smith, was introduced to the group and mentioned that his Patriot Ancestor was from Virginia.

Ohio Society President John Franklin brought greetings from the State Society and announced some upcoming events that Arthur St. Clair Chapter members can attend, including the Annual Moccasin Roast at Ft. Laurens on 25 Sept., the Fall BOM and Pt. Pleasant Memorial Service on 2-3 Oct. and the Central District meeting on 23 October.

Program: VP Rieder introduced the speaker, Maryann Brown, who presented a program about the history and current conditions of Thomas Worthington’s home, Adena.

Vice President David Rieder closed the meeting at 7:40 pm with the SAR Recessional.

The regular monthly meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, Ohio Society, SAR, was held in the Banquet Room of the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio on Wednesday, 09 June 2010. Donald Martin, Chapter President, presided over a quorum of 11 members and 8 guests. Guests included Waverly Fire Chief Randy Armbruster and wife, Assistant Chief Jeff Minshall, wife Dana and son Cole and prospective member Ross Matlock. President Martin opened the meeting at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Chapter Chaplain Curtis Fleisher gave the invocation.

Officers Reports:
Secretary: Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the May 2010 meeting and as there were no additions or corrections, Dr. Geron moved to accept and Tony Robinson seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer: Shawn Cox reported nothing to add to the distributed report. Dr. Geron moved to accept and Tony Robinson seconded. Motion passed.

Vice President: David Rieder reported having the flags at the Baker Ceremony.

District Chairman: Tony Robinson reminded everyone of the National Congress at the end of June and asked everyone that can attend to please do so that the Ohio Society can be well represented.

President: Don Martin informed everyone that he will be out of state from 17 June until 14 July and cannot be reached during that time. VP David Rieder will be acting President during this time and any chapter issues normally addressed by the President should be brought to VP Rieder’s attention.

Grim Glimpse of History: The subject of this month’s installment was John Dickenson, a soldier of the Revolution who opposed the Declaration of Independence and refused to sign it. He did, however, support and sign the Articles of Confederation and was listed as a signor of the Constitution.

Committee Reports:
Dr. Michael Geron, Chairman of the Flag Award Committee, reported that Past Presidents Robert Grim and Curtis Fleisher will present the Flag Award to Richard Maddux of Washington C. H.

Robert Fetters, Chairman of the Grave Registration Committee, reported that the Baker brothers grave marking ceremony was held on Saturday, 22 May 2010 at the Ater Cemetery near Clarksburg. He reported that the ceremony was successful with both DAR chapters and both SAR chapters each from Pickaway and Ross Counties taking part. The ceremony, which drew local media attention, was well attended by SARs and DARs, as well as local residents and descendants of both Revolutionary War Veterans.

Bob Fetters then reported that the October joint DAR/SAR meeting will be held at the Tyler Memorial United Methodist Church in Chillicothe on Wednesday, 13 October. The ladies of the church will serve dinner at 6:30 pm.

Other Business:
President Martin awarded the Fire Safety Award to Waverly Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Minshall. Assisting in the presentation was Fire Chief Randy Armbruster.

Tony Robinson reported that there will be a grave marking at Marietta on 01 July 2010.

Program: Compatriot Dr. Michael Geron introduced the speaker, Past Chapter President Terry Frazier, who presented a program titled “Pickaway County Place Names and Historic Highways”. He gave several examples of historic place names that have either change or disappeared over time. He then listed some historic names of modern day highways throughout Pickaway County.

President Don Martin closed the meeting at 8:10 pm with the SAR Recessional.

The regular monthly meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, Ohio Society, SAR, was held in the Banquet Room of the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio on Wednesday, 12 May 2010. Donald Martin, Chapter President, presided over a quorum of 13 members and 2 guests. President Martin opened the meeting at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Past Ohio Society President Tony Robinson gave the invocation.

Officers Reports:
Secretary: Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the April 2010 meeting and as there were no additions or corrections, Dr. Geron moved to accept and John Dearth seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer: Shawn Cox reported nothing to add to the distributed report. Dr. Geron moved to accept and John Dearth seconded. Motion passed.

Vice President: David Rieder had nothing to report.

District Chairman Tony Robinson reported that we had a very productive Ohio Society Conference in Chillicothe on 30 April, 1-2 May 2010. He then reported that we still need members to volunteer to help at the National Congress in Cleveland in June. He also announced that Past Chapter President Robert Grim will be serving as Genealogist for the Ohio Society for the next year.

President: Don Martin thanked everyone who volunteered to help with registration at the State Conference. Don reported that the Fire Safety Award, scheduled to be presented at this meeting, has been postponed until June due to a death in the recipients family.

Grim Glimpse of History: The subject of this month’s installment was the Drafting of the Declaration of Independence during May and June of 1776. Robert Grim described the men and outlined the process of creating and approving the Declaration through several weeks.

Other Business:
Robert Fetters reminded everyone of the Baker brothers grave marking ceremony on Saturday, 22 May at the Ater Cemetery near Clarksburg. He suggested to everyone who had a part in the program to arrive early enough to be prepared.

President Martin reported that he had attended the JROTC Awards Ceremony at Paint Valley High School and that he had awarded the SAR JROTC Medal to Cadet 1st Lieutenant Dakota Gardner.

President Martin noted that Robert Fetters will be searching for a location and program for the October joint DAR/SAR Meeting.

Robert Grim reported that Curtis Fleisher presented a JROTC medal to Cadet Luke Morris at Laurel Oaks in Wilmington on 28 April 2010.

President Martin presented William Alan Fetters, a new SAR member, with his membership certificate and rosette. Compatriot Fetters is a descendant of John Michael Fetters.

Program: Compatriot Robert Fetters introduced the speaker, his brother William, who presented a program titled “Founding Fathers: Rebels With A Cause”. The program focused on Revolutionaries John Hancock, Samuel and John Adams and covered the period immediately following the French & Indian War, when the British started taxing the colonists to help pay for the war. It examined the Stamp Act, Sons of Liberty, Boston Massacre and Tea Party and concluded with the First Continental Congress.

President Don Martin closed the meeting at 8:10 pm with the SAR Recessional.

The regular monthly meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, SAR, was held in the Banquet Room of the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio on Wednesday, 14 April 2010. There were 11 members and 7 guests present. President Donald Martin opened the meeting at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Chaplain Curtis Fleisher gave the invocation.

Officers Reports:
Secretary: Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the March 2010 meeting and as there were no additions or corrections, Dr. Geron moved to accept and Tony Robinson seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer: Shawn Cox reported nothing to add to the distributed report. John Dearth moved to accept and David Rieder seconded. Motion passed.

Vice President: David Rieder had nothing to report.

OHSSAR President Tony Robinson reminded everyone of the Ohio Society State Conference that will be held on 30 April, 1-2 May 2010 at Chillicothe. He reported that the plans are running on schedule and we should have an eventful Conference.

President: Don Martin asked the chapter for more volunteers to help with registration and tours at the State Conference. Don reported that he received a thank you letter from Mrs. Betty Cochenour, who was awarded a Flag Certificate from our chapter. He then reminded everyone of the National Congress to be held in Cleveland in June and told of the need for volunteers for that. He reported that we have no entries for the Patriotic Poster Contest this year.

Grim Glimpse of History: The subject of this month’s installment was Events in the Month of April in American History. Our Past President, Robert Grim, provided a list of various things that occurred throughout April that helped shape our countries history.

Other Business:
Robert Fetters reminded everyone of the Baker brothers grave marking ceremony on Saturday, 22 May at the Ater Cemetery near Clarksburg.

Robert Grim reported that Curtis Fleisher will be awarding a JROTC medal to Cadet Luke Morris at Laurel Oaks in Wilmington on 28 April 2010. Robert Grim moved to purchase another JROTC medal and Dr. Geron seconded. Motion passed.

State President Tony Robinson presented the EMT Award to Brandon K. Bentley, of Chillicothe.

Program: Compatriot Curtis Fleisher introduced the speaker, Bob Russell, from the Fayette County Sheriffs Office who presented a program about the riot of 17 October 1894 at the Fayette County, Ohio courthouse. His program included an overview of the crime committed by William “Jasper” Dolby, his arrest and the riot that ensued. He summed the program up with a description of what happened to everyone involved in the incident.

President Don Martin closed the meeting at 8:20 pm with the SAR Recessional.

The regular monthly meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, SAR, was held in the Banquet Room of the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio on Wednesday, 10 March 2010. There were 12 members and 3 guests present. President Donald Martin opened the meeting at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Chaplain Curtis Fleisher gave the invocation.

Officers Reports:
Secretary: Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the January 2010 meeting and as there were no additions or corrections, Dr. Geron moved to accept and John Dearth seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer: Shawn Cox reported nothing to add to the distributed report. Robert Grim moved to accept and Dr. Michael Geron seconded. Motion passed.

Vice President: David Rieder had nothing to report.

President: Don Martin reminded everyone about the upcoming OHSSAR Annual State Conference on 30 April, 1-2 May 2010 in Chillicothe. He reported that we will be the Host Chapter and as such, we will need volunteers for Registration on Friday and Saturday and volunteers to escort the Ladies Auxiliary on their tour of Adena.

President Martin reported that the chapter had been notified of the fact that Fergus Moore, a Revolutionary War Patriot, is buried in the Westfall Cemetery with a simple family marker and no government tombstone. He then explored options on whether or not we could mark this grave with a Revolutionary War Veteran tombstone.

President Martin reported that we will be awarding a Flag Certificate to Betty Cochenour of Chillicothe.

President Martin also reported that the Emergency Medical Services Award will be awarded in April.

Other Business:
Robert Fetters reminded everyone of the Baker brothers grave marking ceremony on Saturday, 22 May at the Ater Cemetery near Clarksburg.

Grim Glimpse of History: The subject of this month’s installment was Robert Morris, businessman and banker who helped to finance the Revolutionary War.

Robert Grim, chair of the Awards Committee, reported that he had purchased the supplies needed for the upcoming year, but that they amounted to $53.50 more than the chapter had approved. Robert Fetters moved to approve the additional $53.50 and Dr. Geron seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Program: Compatriot John Dearth introduced the speaker, Noble Yoshida, who presented a program about the relocation of 120,000 Japanese-Americans on the west coast during World War II.

President Don Martin closed the meeting at 8:00 pm with the SAR Recessional.

The regular monthly meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, SAR, was held in the Banquet Room of the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio on Wednesday, 13 January 2010. There were 10 members and 2 guests present. President Donald Martin opened the meeting at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Chaplain Curtis Fleisher gave the invocation.

Officers Reports:
Secretary: Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the November 2009 meeting and as there were no additions or corrections, Tony Robinson moved to accept and Dr. Geron seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer: Shawn Cox reported nothing to add to the distributed report. Lee Vititoe moved to accept and Dr. Michael Geron seconded. Motion passed.

Vice President: David Rieder had nothing to report.

Ohio Society President Tony Robinson reminded everyone about the Winter Board of Management meeting that will be held at Findley, Ohio on 5-6 February and encouraged all members to attend. He then reminded Treasurer Shawn Cox to file the chapter 990-N Tax Exempt Status report with the IRS. Tony then reported that the planning for the Ohio Society annual meeting in May in Chillicothe is running smoothly and we can expect to have a couple speakers and additional entertainment for the dinner. He is also planning a trip to Adena for the ladies during the State Conference.

President: Don Martin reported that Vice President David Rieder represented him and presented the Military Service Medal to Compatriot David R. Medert, who served in the 82nd Airborne Division and was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He then asked if anyone knew of anybody that would be interested in participating in the Oration Contest, Eagle Scout Essay or the Patriotic Poster Contest, to please pass the word and encourage them to submit something for consideration. The theme for the poster contest this year is The Battle of Bunker Hill.

Robert Fetters distributed the 2010 Biographical Sketch and Program Booklets to the members present and discussed the contents of the booklet and pointed out some differences from last years edition.

Grim Glimpse of History: The subject of this month’s Grim installment was Henry “Lighthorse Harry” Lee, a hero of the Revolutionary War and an active post-war participant in Virginia politics.

Robert Grim, on behalf of the Awards Committee, requested permission to purchase supplies needed for the coming year. Curtis Fleisher moved to allow up to $120 to be spent for the purpose of purchasing new supplies. David Rieder seconded and the motion passed.

Program: Compatriot Lee Vititoe presented a program dealing with several popular myths about the Revolutionary War, and offered several facts to debunk the myths. Some of the myths dealt with Great Britain not knowing what it was getting into and claimed it could not win the war. Other myths claimed the soldiers were always ragged and hungry and that the militia was useless. Lee explained the myths to the group and gave some examples to contradict them.

President Don Martin closed the meeting at 7:50 pm with the SAR Recessional.

The regular monthly meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, SAR, was held in the Banquet Room of the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio on Wednesday, 18 November 2009. There were 8 members and 5 guests present. President Donald Martin opened the meeting at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Curtis Fleisher gave the invocation.

Officers Reports:
Secretary: Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the October 2009 meeting and as there were no additions or corrections, Dr. Michael Geron moved to accept and John Dearth seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer: Shawn Cox reported nothing to add to the distributed report. He reported that a few members still hadn’t paid their dues for 2010 and he expressed regret that one member, John Highland, has resigned membership in the SAR. Mr. Highland cited age, failing health and driving distance as reasons for his resignation. Curtis Fleisher moved to accept and John Dearth seconded. Motion passed.

Vice President: David Rieder had nothing to report.

President: Don Martin reminded everyone to update their biographical sketches, if necessary. He then asked if anyone was interested in participating in the oration contest. Don reported that U. S. Veterans gravestones must be ordered by the next-of-kin. If no relatives are known, then it is the responsibility of the cemetery caretaker or the Township Trustees to order the Veterans government military tombstone.

Don Martin reported that there were still a few openings for programs in 2010. He then reminded everyone that there is a double Revolutionary War grave marking ceremony planned for 22 May 2010 in the Ater Cemetery for two patriot brothers, Bartholomew and John Baker.

The Nominating Committee recommended keeping the same set of officers from 2009: Don Martin, President; David Rieder, Vice President; Shawn Cox, Secretary-Treasurer; Robert Fetters, Genealogist. The only change was the appointment of Curtis Fleisher to the position of Chaplain. Dr. Michael Geron moved to accept the slate of officers and Lee Vititoe seconded. Motion passed.

The Awards Committee had a Military Service Medal to award to David Medert, but due to Compatriot Medert’s absence, it will be awarded at a different date.

Program: David Rieder introduced our speaker, Gary Argonbright, an amateur Archeologist, who spoke about the Revolutionary War Patriot Col. Richard Clough Anderson and his home “Soldier’s Retreat”. Mr. Argonbright began by giving the Revolutionary timeline of Richard C. Anderson, who seemed to have known many of the Founding Fathers and participated in several major battles. He then presented a slideshow of the Archeological dig of Anderson’s home, “Soldier’s Retreat”, in the 1970’s.

President Don Martin closed the meeting at 8:15 pm with the SAR Recessional.

The special DAR joint meeting with the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, SAR, was held at The Bell Tower in Bourneville, Ohio. President Donald Martin led the SAR compatriots in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. There were 11 members and several wives present enjoying the delicious meal catered by the folks at the Bell Tower.

The guest speaker for the evening was Jeffrey Gering, director of the Chillicothe VA Medical Center. Mr. Gering spoke about the VA Center’s service to veterans in the past, what they offer veterans today and described the modernization and renovation projects that are going on today to better serve veterans in the future. He then finished by answering several questions from both the DAR and SAR.

OHSSAR State President Tony Robinson reported that there will be an Ohio Society float in the Circleville Pumpkin Show Parade on Friday evening, 23 October. He invited and encouraged all SAR, DAR and CAR members to participate in the parade. He stated there will be a reception preceding the parade.

Bob Fetters reported for the Graves Registration Committee that there is a double Revolutionary War grave marking ceremony planned for 22 May 2010 for two patriot brothers, Bartholomew and John Baker. One brother lived in Pickaway County while the other brother lived in Ross County and both are buried in the Ater Cemetery in Ross County. Because the brothers were residents of both counties, both SAR chapters and both DAR chapters in Ross and Pickaway counties will be involved in the ceremony.

Tony Robinson reported that he had been notified that the government will no longer provide military headstones for American veterans from the past free of charge. He then encouraged every member of the DAR and SAR present to write to their congressmen and voice their disapproval of this.

President Don Martin closed the joint meeting with the SAR Recessional.

The regular meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, SAR, was held following dinner at the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio. President Donald Martin called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Curtis Fleisher gave the invocation. There were 11 members and 8 guests present.

Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the June 2009 meeting and the treasurer’s report. There were no corrections to either report. There was a motion to accept the Secretary and Treasurer report as distributed by Robert Grim and seconded by Dr. Michael Geron. Motion passed. Secry-Treas. Shawn Cox reported that he will be selling raffle tickets for $5 for a 50/50 split the pot. This is a fundraiser sponsored by the Ohio Society to help defray the cost of hosting the National Congress in 2010.

President Don Martin reported that he and Secretary Cox had attended the Summer BOM meeting and Fort Laurens ceremony at Bolivar in July and received a streamer for the flag. He then reported that our chapter awarded two Flag Certificates this past year and reminded everyone of the criteria for the Flag Award and asked everyone to look for candidates to nominate for next year. The theme for next years poster contest will be the Battle of Bunker Hill.

President Martin announced that the next meeting will be held on 21 October at the Bell Tower in Bourneville and it will be a joint meeting with the DAR. The guest speaker will be Jeffrey Gering, director of the Chillicothe VA Medical Center. Reservations are to be made through the call committee with Secretary Cox having the final tally by 14 October.

Robert Grim’s “Grim Glimpse of History” covered the Constitutional Convention and recounted some of the experiences of the delegates to the convention.

Bob Fetters reported for the Graves Registration Committee that there is a double Revolutionary War grave marking ceremony being planned for sometime in May 2010 for two patriot brothers, Bartholomew and John Baker, both buried in the Ater Cemetery in Ross County.

Lee Vititoe gave a report on the SAR booth at the Ross County Fair. He reported that he has six prospective applicants that may be interested in membership in the SAR.

After some discussion, it was decided that our chapter would like to enter a float into the Circleville Pumpkin Show Parade on Friday evening, 23 October. Marvin Spradlin made a motion to participate in the parade and Tim Barada seconded. Motion passed. Dr. Geron made a motion to seek financial assistance from the State to help sponsor a float in the parade and Marvin Spradlin seconded. Motion passed. President Martin appointed Tim Barada, Bob Fetters, David Rieder, Marvin Spradlin to serve on the Parade Committee and appointed Curtis Fleisher to chair the committee.

Robert Grim made a motion to increase our dues by $5 to cover the $5 increase that will be paid to the National SAR. It was seconded by Curtis Fleisher. Motion passed.

Robert Grim, chairman of the Awards Committee, with assistance from Ross County Sheriff George Lavender, presented the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal to Randy Sanders of the Ross County Sheriffs Department.

President Don Martin presented the program for the evening. In “Signers of the Declaration of Independence” he spoke about the men who signed the Declaration and what happened to them during and after the war. Many fought in the war and were captured or died from wounds or hardships of war. Many more had their homes looted and burned and their possessions stolen and they died poor.

With no other business, President Don Martin closed the meeting with the SAR Recessional.

The regular meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, SAR, was held following dinner at the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio. Vice President David Rieder called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Chaplain Tony Robinson gave the invocation. There were 11 members and 25 guests present.

Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the May 2009 meeting and the treasurer’s report. There were no corrections to either report. There was a motion to accept the Secretary and Treasurer report as distributed by Tony Robinson and seconded by Dr. Michael Geron. Motion passed.

There was no Presidents report due to the absence of President Don Martin and Vice President David Rieder had nothing to report.

Ohio Society President Tony Robinson reported that he has named Robert Grim as Chair of the Grants Committee and reminded the chapter that the Fort Laurens BOM and Wreath Laying Ceremony is scheduled for July 25th at the site of Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort in present day Bolivar. Tony then reported that the Ohio Society Color Guard will be at the Ashville Fourth of July Festival on 28 June for a church service that will feature Patrick Henry Jolly, a descendant of Patrick Henry.

Robert Grim’s presentation on the Battle of Bunker Hill and Breed‘s Hill was this months installment of the “Grim Glimpse of History”.

Dr. Michael Geron, chair of the Flag Committee, introduced Curtis Fleisher who sponsored this years award winner. Curtis presented the Flag Award to Charles & Becky Holloway, of Fayette County, for correctly displaying the American Flag at their home at all times, day or night.

Bob Fetters reported that Dee Hathaway of the DAR invited our chapter to share a booth at the Ross County Fair in August. The membership felt this was a good idea and VP Rieder asked everyone to consider volunteering some time to help the DAR with the booth.

Tony Robinson, on behalf of the Awards Committee, with assistance from Fire Chief Barnes presented the EMS-Fire Award to Mark Gray, of the Chillicothe Fire Department.

Vice President David Rieder presented Bob Fetters with his 39th supplemental ancestor certificate for his patriot ancestor, William Reeder. Bob then introduced his grandson, Matthew Billock, who is the newest member and first junior member of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter. Matthew has joined based on the service of his patriot ancestor, George Fetters.

Dr. Michael Geron introduced the speaker for the evening, Joe Forte, who presented the program “America’s First Veterans”. Joe Forte began his discussion with a review of the history of early colonial wars and continued with the Revolutionary War focusing on the Western Theater. He discussed the soldiers of Pennsylvania who served under General McIntosh and marched out of Fort Pitt and built Fort McIntosh and Fort Laurens. These men were then stationed at Fort Laurens suffering through a very cold winter, starvation and constant attacks from Indians.

With no other business, Lee Vititoe moved and Tony Robinson seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Vice President David Rieder closed the meeting with the SAR Recessional at 7:55 pm.

The regular meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, SAR, was held following dinner at the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio. President Donald Martin called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Chaplain Tony Robinson gave the invocation. There were 13 members and 14 guests present, including 7 Ohio Society officers and the Camp Charlotte Chapter President, Richard Hartinger. President Martin introduced the Immediate Past Ohio Society President Tim Ward who in turn introduced the other 6 Ohio Society officers. They were: Trustee Dick Fetzer, 1st Vice President John Franklin, 2nd Vice President Jim Fast, Treasurer/Registrar Gregg McCullough, Past President Paul Wilke, Past Secretary Jack Langlitz.

Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the April 2009 meeting and the treasurer’s report. There were no corrections to either report. There was a motion to accept the minutes as distributed by Robert Grim and seconded by Dr. Michael Geron. Motion passed. Then a motion was made to accept the treasurer’s report by Robert Grim and seconded by Dr. Geron. Motion passed.

President Martin reported that he had attended the Spring BOM Meeting on 2 May 2009. Our chapter Eagle Scout Representative, Peter Tyree had won the state competition but could not attend the BOM Meeting. Our chapter Patriotic Poster Contest winner, Taylor Bentley came in 2nd in the state competition, but could not attend our meeting to receive her award. President Martin will be giving the awards to these students at their school award ceremonies.

Robert Grim’s “Grim Glimpse of History” covered the Patriot George Taylor, one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Taylor was relatively unknown and today is almost forgotten because he was a Pennsylvania delegate to the Continental Congress for only a few months when he signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Dr. Geron, chairman of the Flag Committee, announced that he is still accepting nominations for the Flag Certificate Award to be awarded in June.

Robert Grim announced that Curtis Fleisher awarded the JROTC Medal to Phil Townsend at Laurel Oaks on 29 April and Don Martin announced he awarded the ROTC Medal to Michael Mays at Paint Valley on 14 May.

Prospective members Roger Brewer and Bob Blue were introduced.

Past Ohio Society President Tim Ward awarded Marvin Spradlin with a Past Chapter President certificate.

Ohio Society Past President Tim Ward and Ohio Society Trustee Dick Fetzer installed Tony Robinson as the new Ohio Society President. After the installation ceremony, Tony gave a few remarks beginning by thanking his wife, the Ohio Society officers and his home chapters for all their support. Tony then announced that he had created a new committee to work with grants and the monies the SAR provides for scholarships and other programs. He has also created a committee called the Spirituality of Our Founders. This committee will explore the morals and standards of our founders so that they may be emulated by today’s leaders. Tony also announced that he will continue to award the Distinguished Chapter Award and that he wants the Veterans Affairs Committee to be active in remembering and working with our veterans. Tony then announced his new slate of chairmanships for all society committees.

Tim Barada introduced the speaker, Bob Blue, who presented a program about the history of aviation in Ross County and the history of the Chillicothe airport on North Bridge Street. He then provided information and stories about some of the local aviation pioneers of Ross County.

The regular meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, SAR, was held following dinner at the Golden Corral in Chillicothe, Ohio. There were 12 members and 3 guests present. President Donald Martin called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. Chaplain Tony Robinson gave the invocation.

Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the March meeting and the treasurer’s report. There were no corrections to either report. There was a motion to accept the minutes as distributed by Dr. Michael Geron and seconded by Tim Barada. Motion passed. There was then a motion to accept the treasurer’s report by Dr. Michael Geron and seconded by Curtis Fleisher. Motion passed. Secretary Shawn Cox then reported that he had begun working on a website for the chapter. He then gave a description of how the website will be set up and invited everyone to check it out and report back to him with any comments or suggestions on what should be added. The new web address is:

Vice President David Rieder was absent due to a conflict with his work schedule so there was no Vice President report.

Tony Robinson reminded the membership that the annual Ohio Society State Conference is coming up on May 1, 2 & 3, 2009 and that our chapter’s Eagle Scout essay contest winner, Peter Tyree, has won the state competition and will be honored at the conference.

In Robert Grim’s “Grim Glimpse of History” he discussed the Revolutionary War history associated with the month of April. On April 19, 1775, the “shot heard round the world” was fired at Lexington which is now called Patriots Day. The Continental Congress approved the preliminary treaty ending the Revolution on April 15,1783. The Treaty of Paris was officially signed by the United States, Great Britain, Spain and France on Sept. 3, 1783. With the Treaty of Paris, the U. S. was officially recognized as an independent nation, establishing our boundaries, permitting fishing rights off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada and allowed Loyalists to reclaim seized property from the war.

Bob Fetters reported that the grave of Thomas Oliver was already marked as a Revolutionary War Patriots grave and doesn’t need a rededication.

Judging was held in the Chapter Patriotic Poster Contest and the top three were announced. They were:

President Don Martin presented the War Service Medal to Lee Vititoe.

President Don Martin presented the Military Service Medal to Tim Barada.

President Martin presented the program for the meeting discussing the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution. He discussed the modern day school textbook interpretation of the amendment and compared that to the original intent of our Founding Fathers. He then clarified the true purpose of the 2nd Amendment by citing the speeches and writings of many of our leading Founding Fathers.

With no other business, President Donald Martin closed the meeting with the SAR Recessional at 7:40 pm.

The regular meeting of the Arthur St. Clair Chapter, SAR was held following dinner at the Golden Corral in Chillicothe.  There were ten members and six guests present.  President Donald Martin called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR.  The invocation was delivered by Chaplain Tony Robinson.

Officers Reports
There was no Vice President report due to the absence of VP David Rieder.

Secy-Treas. Shawn Cox distributed the minutes of the previous meeting and the Treasurers report to the membership.  As there was no corrections, a motion was made to accept them by Dr. Geron and seconded by Curtis Fleisher.  The Secretary-Treasurers Report was then approved as delivered.

President Martin reminded everyone that our April meeting will be at the Golden Corral on the 15th, instead of holding a joint meeting with the Camp Charlotte Chapter.  He then reminded the membership that we needed a program for that night.

President Martin reported that he will be presenting ROTC certificates and medals at Laurel Oaks Career Development Center on 29 April and at Paint Valley High School on 14 May.  Curtis Fleisher will be assisting with the presentations.

It was reported that in response to an inquiry by a compatriot from Louisiana, about the grave of Thomas Oliver, a Revolutionary War veteran buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery, that Oliver does already have a grave marker stating he was a Revolutionary veteran.

Curtis Fleisher asked that the Call Committee keep the Chapter informed on the health of our members that cannot make it to the meetings.

Robert Grim presented his “Grim Glimpse of History” on the evacuation of Boston on 17 March 1776.  On 4 March, George Washington ordered fortifications to be built on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston so that cannons could be brought up from Fort Ticonderoga to fire on the British in Boston.  The British had hoped to use their ships in the Boston Harbor to attack the American position, but a storm had prevented this from happening.  So after the Americans had their guns in place on Dorchester Heights, the British agreed to surrender Boston.  On 17 March 1776, the British evacuated Boston.  In addition to St. Patrick’s Day, that day in Boston is now known as Evacuation Day.

Marvin Spradlin was awarded the Bronze Color Guard Medal and a Past Chapter Presidents Pin and Certificate.

President Martin awarded Fire Chief Mike Stanley, of Waverly, Ohio, the Fire Safety Commendation Award.

Curtis Fleisher introduced the guest speaker, Lauran Perrill who presented the slideshow program, “Abraham Lincoln’s Life in Pictures”.  Her program covered Lincoln’s entire lifetime, from his birth in Hodgenville, Ky., in Indiana, New Salem and Springfield, Illinois and through the White House years.  She concluded with his death on 15 April 1865 and burial in Springfield.

As there was no other business, President Martin adjourned the meeting with the Recessional at 8:00 pm.