The Benton Dispatch

Trivia

Private Robert Shurtleff received a bayonet wound to his head and two leg wounds ion battle in 1783. He removed the musket balls from his leg wounds himself. Later after being hospitalized for a fever, the treating physician made a surprise discovery about Robert. Do you have any idea what it is?????

Thomas Cook Memorial Dedication Service

May 12^th 11:00 AM at the Sandcreek Friends Cemetery south of Columbus hope to see you there?

Patriot David Benton

It is amazing that David Benton survived the many ordeals that he faced during the American Revolution. His pioneer days in western New York following the war were also filled with many perilous struggles. There is some evidence that he participated in the War of 1812. Had he not survived his many close encounters with the grim reaper, then each of us that are a direct lineal descendant would in some way be a little different person than we are.

In 1780 while he was 16 ½ years old, he enlisted in the militia in the defense of the Mohawk Valley. In a disastrous encounter at Stone Arabia, his regiment survived a defeat in which many of the command were killed and scalped. The survivors were disbanded and sent home.

He next enlisted as a marine on the ship “Favorite”, a brig of 16 guns, displacing 130 tons, and manned by 89 including the officers. The “Favorite” has captured a British ship and David and others were put aboard to sail the prize home. However before reaching port, they were seized by the British frigate, “Alpheus” and taken prisoners of war at sea. The British fleet was sailing to rescue Cornwallis at Yorktown. David was held prisoner during this voyage to the Capes of Virginia, where the British fleet was defeated by the French under the command of Admiral de Grassee.

Being in chains or perhaps-holding bay in the bottom of the ship that was part of a defeated fleet has to be counted as another close call. Had his ship been one of those sunk, he surely could not have survived.

What was left of the British fleet returned to New York where David was put aboard the infamous ship “Jersey”? He was held here from September 1781 until January 1782, when he was basically over and a prisoner exchange was affected. Approximately 11,000 men died on board this ship during the war, including one of David’s cousins.

Carl Gregor Mitton

Indiana Satiate Society SAR

Upcoming Events

Indiana Society of the American Revolution

April 21st2007
Indiana Society SAR Spring Meeting



 We're looking forward to seeing you at the Saturday,

21 April, "annual" Indiana Society SAR House of

Delegates meeting at the Spring Mill Inn, Spring Mill

State Park, Mitchell.  If you haven't registered yet,

it is not too late as the deadline for mail-in

reservations has been extended.

The new deadline for getting your meeting registration

in the mail is next Thursday, 12 April 2007.  Please

include a check for $25.00 per person made out to the

Daniel Guthrie Chapter, INSSAR, and mail it to Dr. T.

Rex Legler II, Treasurer, 4630 Chatham Dr.,

Bloomington, IN 47404.  Should you make a last minute

decision to attend, walk-ins can be registered at the

door.

April 28^th2007

Bethel DAR New Chapter Reception

The new DAR chapter, Bethel, is holding their "get acquainted" reception for all DAR chapters in their district. This is protocol for new DAR chapters to do. They want it to be a "First Class" affair (and we help make it that way).
Muster at 1:15 at St. John's Lutheran Church 6630 Southeastern Ave., Indianapolis (just west of Five Points Road). Parking will be behind the church. The event will begin at 2:00 in the new chapel, with reception following adjacent to the chapel. The opening program will be short.
We will: (1) March in to organ music, (2) Use their American flag, (3) Carry additional flags for pageantry, (4) then prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, Singing of National Anthem, & DAR pledge. Reception follows.

There may be up to 100 DAR members present, and the local newspaper (Wannamaker "The Informer") is invited.

Please let me know if you can participate. sar.stuart@gmail.com

April 29^th2007

Lawrence County History Fest, Murray Park, Bedford

Date: Sunday, 29 April
Where: Murray Park, Bedford, Indiana (IN37 - east on IN58 to Stalker School – turn left and follow signs)
Time: Set up: 1100 E.D.T.
Step: 1200-1700 E.D.T.
Task: Set up an information table to answer questions on history, uniforms, the SAR, etc.
Contact: Bob Howell (812) 278-7007 or howell1938@hpcisp.com if you can participate.
Note: The Lawrence Co History Fest is dedicated to honoring and preserving our Indiana heritage. There will be battle reenactments, military encampments from the Revolutionary War to WW II, antique farm & machinery show, Civil War dancing, crafts, etc.

The Indiana DAR will have their annual meeting and banquet at the Marriott East in Indianapolis. They plan to have CAR youth participate in this year's color guard.

More information to follow.

Location: Marriott East, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date: May 5th2007, Saturday
Muster: 5:00 PM
Step: 6:00 PM

Task: Post Colors
POC: Steve Oberlin soberlin@inssar.org

May 12^th2007

Patriot Thomas Cook (1756-1844) Grave Dedication, Sandcreek Friends Cemetery, Azalia , Indiana
Date: Saturday, 12 May
Time: Muster: 1000 E.D.T.
Step: 1100 E.D.T.
Task: Patriot Grave Dedication
Contact: R. D. Howell, Sr. (812) 278-7007 or howell1938@hpcisp.com, or
James Jackson, Jr., (812) 372-2217 or proudveteran1941@comcast.net
Note: Directions to Sandcreek Friends Cemetery:
a. From Columbus - south on US31 toward Seymour to County 650S, west on 650S to cemetery.
b. From Seymour - north on US31 toward Columbus, pass through Azalia, at County 650S, west on 650S cemetery..
c. From I-65 - take the SR58 Walesboro Exit and go east about 3.5 miles to US31, turn south to 650S, west on 650S to cemetery.

May 12^th2007

Memorial Services 3 Patriots

The Clarence A. Cook Chapter is hosting grave ceremonies for three prominent Hoosier compatriots. Bronze SAR markers will be presented to the burial sites of Benjamin Harrison, William English and Clarence A. Cook.

Location: Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date: May 12th2007
Time: TBD
Task: Grave marking ceremony. Details upcoming.
POC: Stuart Hart sar.stuart@gmail.com

May 19th2007

Heritage Days Parade, Harrodsburg

Time: Muster: 1300 E.D.T. on West Popcorn Road by Bennett Lane
Step: 1400 E.D.T.
Task: Present the Colors
Contact: R. D. Howell, Sr. (812) 278-7007 or howell1938@hpcisp.com

May 26^th & 27^th 2007

Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous, George Rogers Clark Historical Park, Vincennes, IN
Dates: Saturday, 26 May, and Sunday, 27 May
Where: George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, 401 South 2nd, Vincennes, Indiana
Time: 0900 to 1700 C.D.T. (times approximate)
Task: Educate attendees regarding the SAR and encourage recruitment.
Contact: Bob Howell (812) 278-7007 or howell1938@hpcisp.com if you can participate.
Note: Recruiting tent will be set up at or near the Park HQ flagpole. ALL Compatriots are encouraged to participate. Uniforms are desired (NO polyester – NPS requirement). Those without uniforms may wear appropriate civilian attire. We need maximum of 3-4 Compatriots on Saturday to minimize any conflict with 500 Festival Parade, if the Color Guard’s entry is accepted, and any number on Sunday.

May 26^th2007

**THIS IS A TENTATIVE EVENT**

Join Cook Chapter Compatriot Andy Townsend and his family to dedicate a new military headstone for his patriot ancestor, William Townsend.
Location: Morgan County, near Martinsville, Indiana
Date: May 26th2007
Time: TBD
POC: Steve Oberlin soberlin@inssar.org

Arrive in time to eat (around noon) a free meal. Step at 1:30 to raise the flag and salute veterans. Musket salute is included. Location is 8129 Mitthoeffer Rd. in the Acton, IN area. Map will be sent to attending participants. Please let me know if you can participate. sar.stuart@gmail.com

28 May, Monday - Acton DAR Memorial Day Event(s)

In addition to the regular Acton Cemetery commemoration, the DAR is planning on unveiling a historical marker in Acton. We attempt to coordinate this with the annual Washington Park service.
Details are forthcoming.

27 June, Thursday - Alpha Xi Delta Convention

Hyatt Regency Downtown, Indianapolis

Task: Post colors during opening ceremony.
Step: 9:00
Details forthcoming.
POC - Steve Oberlin soberlins@inssar.org

2-4 July, Mon-Wed - Symphony on the Prairie, Indianapolis

For the fifth consecutive year, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has again invited the now world renowned INSSAR Color Guard to participate in the July 4th series at Conner Prairie. Those who have participated in the past will attest to how enjoyable this opportunity is for the SAR as well as the public.
When: July 2, 3, 4
Where: Conner Prairie, Fishers, Indiana
Time: TBD (Approximately 6:30 – 9:00 PM)

Additional details forthcoming.

1 September, Saturday - Patriot Jerrels Grave Ceremony

Patriot William Jerrels grave ceremony. Location is in Mt. Zion Cemetery, southeast of Winchester, IN. Detail map will be sent to participants. Muster at 10AM, ceremony at 11:00. Contact Tom Schnuck (main POC)tkschnuck@comcast.net or Stuart Hart (descendant) sar.stuart@gmail.com if you can participate. The Muncie Continental Chapter is conducting the ceremony. There will be a musket salute. Local newspaper will be invited.

16 September, Sunday - Steve Jeffris Caboose Festival, Acton

Arrive in time to eat (around noon) a free meal. Step at 1:30 to raise the flag and salute veterans. Musket salute is included. Location is 8129 Mitthoeffer Rd. in the Acton, IN area. Map will be sent to planned participants. Please let me know if you can participate sar.stuart@gmail.com

Trivia

Private Robert Shurtleff was really Roberta Deborah Sampson she was a female who had hidden her identity so that she could serve in the Revolutionary War.

Point of contact David Benton Chapter, SAR

James Harvey, j4im@yahoo.com

We will gladly answer any questions you have or assist you in becoming a member of the SAR.

Point of contact for Benton Dispatch

Jim Jackson

proudveteran1941@comcast.net