The Past Comes Alive for the DAR

                           Brian Van Buskirk demonstrates the use of a flintlock musket

by Gayle Van Horn, 

            Who exactly were the soldiers that served in the American Revolutions? There were soldiers of the Continental Army that served all of the colonies, and the militia service that was comprised of small farmers, common laborers, boot makers and shopkeepers.

            On March 13, the Archibald D. Murphey chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, gathered at the Nantahala Library to learn about the role of the American Revolutionary soldier.

            The guest speaker was Mr. Brian Van Buskirk, a Revolutionary War re-enactor dressed in 18^th century clothes, and a twenty year U.S. Marine veteran. 

            Speaking in a first person interpretation, he conducted a military history program explaining his  role as a militia soldier and what was expected of him. Displays included a forage bag, backpack, clothing, rifles, utensils, and grooming supplies. Mr Van Buskirk demonstrated his 69 caliber flintlock musket, uses for a tomahawk, and the role of the bayonet.                

            Mr Van Biskirk demonstrated a past steeped in history and the origins of American democracy. We thank him for a fascinating program and his service to our country.

photo by Gayle Van Horn

Historic Quilts of the DAR Museum

Today we honor the talented ladies in our chapter, who tirelessly devote many hours to making the beautiful quilts for our local veterans.

Martha Pullen presents this new book exploring the DAR Museum quilt collection, which is known world-wide as a premier collection of early American quilts that celebrates both the rich heritage of quilting and the role women have played in America's history. DAR Curator of Costume and Textiles, Alden O'Brien, digs deep into historic documents and records to share stories and shed light on the actual women who worked magic with their needles, creating these beautiful quilts, counterpanes, table covers and other linens. Hardback, 144 pages. No patterns or instructions included.

For information on priceing and postage and handling go to: http://www.dar.org/omni/store/store32/historic_quilts_of_the_dar_museum_book_10253989630.html?nav=10253999430

DAR Host Genetic Genealogy Workshop

                      
Genealogists trace family trees through historical documents and vital records. Eventually, researchers discover after compiling a paper trial of their ancestors, their research abruptly halts at the dreaded ‘brick wall.’ To assist researchers in breaking through this dilemma, genealogist are using DNA testing to find the truth.

On December 8, 2012, the Moss Memorial Library in Hayesville, North Carolina, was the setting for Genetic Genealogy DNA Workshop. The workshop was hosted by Gretchen Wurth Mims, Regent of the Archibald D. Murphey chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The guest speaker was Larry Van Horn, a 35 year veteran of genealogy research, genealogy instructor, lecturer, and syndicated genealogy newspaper columnist.

                  
A genealogical test looks at a person’s genetic code, and is used to confirm various links where conventional source records do not exist or are incorrect. Portions of the workshop, included explanations of the new type of DNA test, which can be taken by men or women, to find and confirm ancestors from five to eight generations. This new form of DNA testing, is known as autosomal DNA, and involves checking your autosomal chromosomes, the other 22 pairs beyond the sex-linked X and Y. This type of new testing, broadens the matching path to all parts of your family tree. Three additional types of DNA projects were discussed including, Surname, mtDNA and Family Finder.

By the close of the workshop, those in attendance agreed now is an excellent time to be tested, and make it a part of their family genealogy.

Our chapter would like to thank the guest speak, attendees and Mrs Mary Fonda, Head Librarian, for use of the library facilities.

DAR Chapter Honors Cherokee Heritage

Lee Stasierowski presents a handcrafted souvenir mug to Jeff Murphy from the Archibald D. Murphey DAR chapter (photo by Gayle H Van Horn)
                                                                  

DAR Chapter Honors Cherokee Heritage

by Gayle Hennington Van Horn

Murphy                                                                      

            Nestled among the back rows of books and videos, is the new Cherokee Cultural and Language Center, at the Nantahala Regional Library. Since it’s dedication on October 13, it has become the newest genealogy resource center for researching your Cherokee Native American heritage.

            On November 14, members of the Archibald D Murphey chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, gathered at the new research center, to tour and discover the various resources available. Mr. Jeff Murphy, Library Coordinator and Administrator, and part Cherokee descendant, explained the various sources available such as; census records, microfilm, computers, and over 200 books including a selection of children’s books on the nations. Additional books and records are planned to enhance the selection.

            Recent numbers indicate there are over 500 known descendants of Native American heritage in Cherokee county. For those researching their heritage, they have at their disposal, to borrow for check-out, 11 volumes of Treasure of Cherokee Studies, Cherokee Archaeology, Cherokee History, The Trail of Tears, Indian Nations, and Cherokee literature. Reference books for on-site studies, include Eastern Cherokee Art, plant life, Removal of Cherokee Indians from Georgia and more.

            On display in the center are the hand-made mask of the seven Cherokee Clans that include; Wild Potato, Long Hair, Deer, Bird, Blue and the Paint Clan. Colorful native baskets and pottery compliment the displays. Future plans are for additional art and hand-made works.

            We would like to thank Mr. Jeff Murphy for his interesting program and dedication to the library’s excellent new research center. Additionally, we thank our Vice Regent, Michele Altenderfer,  a 16^th generation part Cherokee, and talented artist, specializing in Native American art, for organizing our November meeting.

the writer is a member of the Archibald D. Murphey chapter

 

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Archibald Murphey Chapter Host DAR Genealogy Workshop

 

                      Larry Van Horn explains the basics of DNA testing in genealogy  (photo by Gayle H Van Horn)

Archibald Murphey Chapter Host DAR Genealogy Workshop
 by Gayle Hennington Van Horn

 

Murphy

          On November 3, 2012, the Nantahala Regional Library in Murphy, North Carolina, was the setting for a DAR Genealogy Workshop, hosted by Gretchen Wurth, Regent of the Archibald D. Murphey chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

            The work shop guest speaker, was Larry Van Horn, a 35 year veteran of genealogy research, genealogy instructor, lecturer, and syndicated genealogy newspaper columnist. Larry is a native of San Antonio, Texas, who served 23 years in the U.S. Navy, and retired in 1993 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

            The workshop included an array of topics, covering beginners do’s and don’t, and the five major Internet genealogy websites (Ancestry, Family Search, Genealogy Bank, Fold Three, and Rootsweb). Larry also discussed the use of DNA testing as a genealogy tool and organizing your Revolutionary War research.

            Of special interest to those attending, was a basic walk-through of organizing photo files, genealogy documents and using genealogy software.

            After the presentation, the workshop hostess and Mr. Van Horn assisted the attendees with research problems and their ancestral lineages.

            Future genealogy workshops are currently in the planning stages, and will be announced as plans are finalized.

the writer is a member of the Archibald D Murphy chapter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grave Marker Dedication for Local Rev War Patriot

We, the descendants of the heroes of the American Revolution, who by their sacrifices, established the United States of America, reaffirm our faith in the principles of liberty and our Constitutional Republic, and solemnly pledge ourselves to defend them against every foe.

 by Gayle Hennington Van Horn

            On October 13, 2012, descendants, Sons of the American Revolution (Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter Georgia Society), Old Unicoi Trail Chapter DAR, and representatives of the Archibald D. Murphey DAR chapter, gathered in the Old Ledford Chapel Cemetery in Clay County, North Carolina, to dedicate a revolutionary grave marker.

            Pvt. Peter G. Ledford, Sr., served for North Carolina during the American Revolution. He enlisted March 1781 in the North Carolina Militia, and served in the Calvary, and was active in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina. After his war service, he returned to Clay County, North Carolina, and remained until his death October 13, 1854.

            During the ceremony, Megan Cook, a descendant, read an inspiring biography to the large group of spectators from North Carolina and Georgia. The unveiling of the SAR Marker was conducted by John Sims Ledford and Eli Cook, both descendants of Pvt. Ledford. 

            The dedication of the Marker, was conducted by David Anderson, Chaplin of the Blue Ridge Mountain SAR Chapter. Mrs. Mary Kathryn West, representing the Archibald D. Murphey DAR chapter, presented a patriotic wreath, against a backdrop of a Revolutionary War color guard.

            Joshua Craig, a Bagpiper, from the Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter SAR, played an emotional rendition of Amazing Grace, followed by the playing of Taps. Mourn Muskets Salute, a solemn tribute to a fallen Patriot, was performed by the Militia, a display of muskets raised high and the muzzles slowly rotated to point straight down.

            Following the benediction and SAR Recessional, family members and ceremony participants gathered for grave side photos to honor Pvt. Peter G. Ledford, Sr.

Members of the Archibald D Murphey chapter (Gayle Van Horn, Roni Davis, Cecilia Phillips amd Mary Katherine West), meet and pose with Rev War ceremony participants.           

 

We honor and thank Pvt. Ledford for his service and dedication for his country in the American Revolution.

 

 

 (photos by Larry Van Horn)

 

DAR Honors Local Veteran

Opal Kogucki and Sandy Shoch present Oscar Valdez with a Quilt of Valor for his service

DAR Honors Local Veteran
by, Gayle Hennington Van Horn

            The Archibald Murphey chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, gathered in October, at Doyle’s Cedar Hill Restaurant, to honor a local veteran of the Korean Conflict.

            Oscar Valdes, a lively 81 year old, spent his formative years in the rough street gangs of the South Bronx in New York City, a life where “food was scare and gangs the only alternative.” At age 16, he considered joining the Navy and quickly decided “being a swabbie was not for me.”

            At age 17, he joined the U.S. Army, training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In June 1950, while home on leave, he received a telegram to return to duty. War had broken out in Korea as 100,000 soldiers from the North crossed the 38^th parallel that divided South Korea from Communist North Korea. Eighty thousand troops were quickly called, including Oscar Valdez. 

            Serving on the front line of battle he noted, “ I saw so much horror and unbelievable bravery.” Oscar served one year in battle and proudly notes he is a member of the Frozen Crosin,” a reference to a ten-day battle in extreme cold. For his bravery, he was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V for Valor.

            After the Army, he served in the Florida National Guard for over 20 years as a 1^st Sgt, and 36  years with the US Postal Service. Today, he plays a vital role in Murphy’s local community, serving on the burial details for veteran services, and the VFW chapter in Peachtree, among many other interest.

            He recently commented, “the American people don’t owe me anything because what I did during my military career was due to love of country.”

            To honor his service, the local chapter presented a Quilts of Valor patriotic quilt, made by our talented ladies.

            Oscar Valdes presented an inspiring and heartfelt story to the ladies of the Murphy DAR. We thank him for his service and dedication to our country.

the writer is a member of the Archibald D Murphey Chapter NSDAR