Private "Shorty" White attracted much attention to the Sons of Liberty Chapter table at the 42nd Annual Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree, June 10-12. Around 2,000 attendees were expected this year, and attendance did not disappoint.

"Shorty," the 6'2" mannequin, was dressed in the uniform of the Commander-in-Chief's Guard, complete with musket and bearskin helmet, and was the focus of discussion and photographs while chapter members distributed literature and worked to recruit new members. The Sons of liberty Chapter greeted hundreds of interested individuals from thoughout the entire state. While our Chapter funded the SAR presence, we worked on behalf of the entire State Society and referred many prospective members to other Chapters.

Lowell Downer worked all three days of the event, bringing along the mannequin with his uniform and musket, copies of SAR magazines, a slideshow of color guard events, and information about the chapter's Eagle Scout and JROTC programs. New Associate Member Gary Calvin was also there all three days, and set up a continuous exhibition of the Massing of the Colors DVD. In addition, Scott Campbell, David Hayball and long-time friend of the Chapter Jennifer Bishop were in attendance on Friday, providing one-on-one information to attendees about the privileges of membership, and advice on establishing patriot ancestry provenance.

David Hayball returned on Saturday and distributed several copies of the application worksheet to interested prospects.

Jim McHargue and David Eaton helped man the tables on Sunday, and Jim brought along his framed SAR certificate. Hundreds of copies of the chapter's leaflet, designed by Gary Bohannon, were distributed, and we hope to see the fruits of our efforts -- new members -- over the next few months.

Compatriot and Sons of Liberty Chapter member Sean D. Hayball was promoted to captain, US Army, on June 1. Sean graduated in 2006 from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in International Studies. He is currently serving with the 10th Mountain Division, the same unit in which his grandfather served, who saw combat in North Africa, Sicily, and Anzio as a B.A.R. man.

The 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) is a light infantry division of the United States Army based at Fort Drum, New York. It is a subordinate unit of the XVIII Airborne Corps and the only division-sized element of the US Army to specialize in fighting under harsh terrain and weather conditions. The division retains the "mountain" designation for historical purposes but is actually organized as a light infantry division.

The following is from a letter Sean sent to his dad, Past-President and current Secretary David Hayball:

The promotion ceremony is traditionally done with a call to orders, promoting the Soldier. The promoting officer puts on the new rank of the officer being promoted. This is followed by the Officer's Oath (though only necessary at the time of commission, it is tradition).  The promoting officer gives a short speech and then turns the floor over to the newly promoted officer so he can speak about his service, give honor to his fellow soldiers, and be congratulated by other members of the unit.

I joined the Army because I felt called by God to serve my country: to defend it, and to provide a better life and future for my family. Because I believe that doing unto others means protecting innocent people from terrorists, I responded to God's call to serve the people of the United States and live the Army values.

Doing our duty for God and country is a blessing and an honor to our family.

My loving wife supported my decision to join the Armed Forces, and is my constant source of strength. She also served proudly in the Army and continues to support our troops through volunteer work for the unit. We have four wonderful children together, and we daily pursue the freedom of religion to worship Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Love,

Sean

CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU Captain Hayball!

Mr. Duane Olson, of Lake Park, Minnesota, has made a very generous gift in the name of Marilyn (Turnell) Olson to the Walter G. Turnell ROTC Fund, administered by the Sons of Liberty Chapter.

Compatriot Walter G. Turnell established an endowment with the Sons of Liberty to ensure that the Chapter would be able to recognize outstanding ROTC and JROTC cadets in conjunction with the ongoing programs sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution. This year alone, our Color Guard Commander, Lowell Downer, has made 10 presentations of medals to cadets at the unit's award banquet.

In addition, the Fund underwrites the annual Massing of the Colors and Salute to Our Armed Forces, the largest celebration of George Washington's birth in the western US. Last year attended by more than 400 who watched as 25 ROTC and JROTC color guard units present the colors.

At the June 18 Chapter meeting, Duane's generous gift was presented to the membership. By unanimous assent, Duane was made an Associate Member for life in the Sons of Liberty. Reverend Springer led all in attendance in a prayer of remembrance of Marilyn, comfort for her loved ones, and for the strengthening of the ROTC/JROTC program.

Duane and Marilyn were married almost 44 years, before she passed away in 2010. Together they raised three children. A full web page, to become part of our permanent web site, will be designed to celebrate the legacy of Walter, Marilyn and Duane.

Thank you again Duane for your generous gift.

Past-President and current Secretary David Hayball launched a new concept in membership recruitment for the Chapter in April that is already producing results. On April 30, The Sons of Liberty Chapter hosted a free genealogical workshop at the LDS Family History Library in Westwood. Several members attended to assist, including Berni Campbell, Lowell Downer, Mike Biferno and Gary Bohannon. Several prospective members also attended, and two applications were started.

The concept is to assist persons interested in genealogy by making them aware of the many resources available to them in the Los Angeles area, and to interest them in membership in the Sons of Liberty Chapter.

The reception we received at the LDS Family History Library was very impressive. The staff was helpful and enthusiastic. The resources were comprehensive. The environment luxurious.

The plan is to have workshops in various locations throughout Los Angeles County, so that we cover the entire geography and make it easy for anyone to attend, no matter what corner of the county they reside.  Be sure to check the web site for upcoming events.

In addition, a free workshop will be held prior to each regular monthly Chapter meeting.  This is advertised on our web site, and at the May meeting, we had three prospective members attend, two of whom had never attended any meeting or Chapter function.  This concept will assist us in growing our Chapter to the point where we properly represent the Los Angeles area.  We have the biggest geography.  We should be the biggest Chapter.  And that is our goal.

So, if you haven’t already done so, consider lending a hand.  Do you know someone who qualifies, or might qualify, for membership?  Please bring them to the next Chapter meeting.  Our Chapter’s growth depends on you.

The following was submitted by Compatriot Mike Biferno, who attended our inaugural Chapter Genealogical Workshop at the LDS Family History Library. Mike was able to solve a 20-year mystery using the resources available at the workshop.

"Lost but Not Forgotten" by Michael Biferno

While attending a recent SAR meeting at the LDS Family History Center in West Los Angeles, a question from one of our members about US military burials piqued my interest. I have been searching for the final resting place of my great, great grandfather, Sylvester Barrett, killed in the Civil War, for about 20 years. I've taken my family to visit the battle field in Petersburg, Virginia; we've obtained records from the National Archives, and done online research, but have been unable to find him.

Well today was different. With help from the Family History Center, I was guided to his burial site via the web site www.findagrave.com. It's ironic that I've driven by and flown directly over the Alexandria cemetery, just south of Washington, DC, never knowing he was there all the time.

If you are interested in exploring your family history, join us sometime at a Son's of the American Revolution working meeting. There may be a surprise for you too, as members of our SAR chapter can help you find long lost ancestors, buried but not forgotten in one of our national or local cemeteries.

Why not attend the next Chapter workshop? You might be able to break through that genealogical wall you have faced for years!

The second quarter saw two great speakers at our Chapter meetings.  The first was Ward White, who gave a wonderful presentation on White family genealogy.  Ward went in-depth on his family and the many connections a genealogist is able to find.  He reminded us all that going back eight generations will produce 16,384 direct ancestors.  With those numbers, who knows what you’ll find?  Isn’t that what attracted us to genealogy in the first place?

Ward White receives a Chapter medal from President Gary Bohannon for his informative presentation on White genealogy.

During the June meeting we were treated to a presentation by Compatriot and Chapter Vice President Conrad Palmisano. Conrad began his film career in 1970 as a stuntman in the 1970's TV Series "The Young Rebels." Since 1980, he has become one of the most sought after Second-Unit Directors, with scores of top films to his credit. He has served as the President of the Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures for four terms, serving on the Board of Directors of the Screen Actors Guild, and serves on the Blue Ribbon Committee of the World Stunt Awards.

Conrad discussed his introduction to motion pictures and discussed his genealogy, and how historical events intertwined with his ancestors.  Again, it was a wonderful reminder that genealogy is not just names and dates, it’s events, places, and history.  The presentation also underscored the importance of our Patriot Ancestor biographies, and how, with a little research about places and events, we can better understand the world of our ancestors.

Conrad Palmisano receives a Chapter medal for his interesting presentation.

Associate Member Gary Calvin receives a Chapter medal and Certificate of Appreciation for his tremendous work in putting together the Chapter's tables at the SCGS Jamboree.

Attendees enjoy conversation during lunch at our meeting.

Associate Member Lou Farnsworth and Reverend Vic Springer discuss Revolutionary War events.

Mary Ellen and General John Mohler, Gary Calvin, and Lowell Downer enjoy the presentation.

Kathryn Palmisano, Compatriot Dana Patten and Virginia Emrey-Patten.

Compatriot Elliott Graham inspects a still from Conrad Palmisano's first professional acting role, in a Revolutioary War television series!

The 136th CASSAR Spring Meeting of the Membership was held in Irvine, April 8-10.  If you have not attended a membership meeting, you are encouraged to do so.  It is interesting to see the workings of the State Society,  and a great opportunity to meet the officers, past and present, of both the State and National Societies. 

The highlight of the meeting is, of course, the formal dinner.  It’s a great place to enjoy an evening of fellowship and conversation.  The Sons of Liberty Chapter was well-represented this year.  Attending were President Gary Bohannon and his wife Sandy,  First Vice-President Ron Johnson and his wife Barbara, Secretary and past-President David Hayball and his wife Laurie,  Treasurer David Eaton, Past-President James McHargue and his wife Paula, Genealogist and Color Guard Commander Lowell Downer and his wife Marie.

This year, President Bohannon, First Vice-President Ron Johnson, Secretary Hayball and Genealogist/Color Guard Commander Lowell Downer attended the meeting as deligates. Please plan on attending next year.  Watch the web site for dates as we enter 2012.

Two new biograhies were adeed to the library recently. The Chapter needs your input!  In viewing other SAR Chapter sites, I came across something that’s a great idea: publishing the biographies of the Chapter member’s Patriot Ancestors.  This is not only of interest to the other Chapter members, it serves as an important resource to our cousins out there who are searching for their ancestors.  What better way to honor the memory of those who sacrificed for our nation’s founding that to tell their story.

Don't think your effort matters? the following was from an email received shortly after a member posted his biography of William Hinkley:

"Thank you for posting comprehensive information about Nathaniel Hinckley. I have been unable to locate a confirming source that Nathaniel Hinckley and Mercy Nickerson's daughter Mercy is the same person who was born April 21, 1771 and married Simpson Goodspeed February 16, 1792. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. --Ray Zuck"

Your effort will help others in their quest for family history.

The reason I chose the illustration of a faceless patriot used for our web site is that most of us don’t know what our ancestors looked like.  Their features are lost to us.  However, with a little work, we can all find out where they were and what their life was like at the time of the Revolution, based on contemporary accounts of the people around them.  This brings them to life and makes the Revolution more real to all of us.

So, I invite all Chapter members to submit a biography for each of their Patriot Ancestors.  Each can be as long or as short as you like (that’s another advantage of the Web).  You can use illustrations as well, but keep in mind the must be your own photos, or images in the public domain.

We already have some posted on our Web site, so take a look and get started on yours today!

View the biographies>>