Captain John Smoot Chapter Maryland Society Sons of the American Revolution Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico & Worcester Counties
April 29, 2017
Annual Report of the Captain John Smoot Chapter, MDSSAR for 2016
On January 9, 2016, 3rd Vice President James A. Adkins, Chapter President Ray Jackson and Secretary Mike Irish attended the MDSSAR Board of Officer and Managers meeting at the Maryland Club in Baltimore, MD.
On January 28, 2016, our chapter received two new members, Compatriot Philip Asbury Insley, Jr., National # 197514 and Compatriot Harrison Cropper Brennan, National # 197516.
On February 20, 2016, 3rd Vice President James A. Adkins, Chapter President Ray Jackson and Secretary Mike Irish attended the MDSSAR Annual George Washington Luncheon at the Eagle’s Nest (formerly Towson) Golf and Country Club in Phoenix, MD.
On April 16, 2016, 3rd Vice President James A. Adkins, Chapter President Ray Jackson and Secretary Mike Irish attended the MDSSAR Annual meeting at the Joseph L. Davis Post of the American Legion in Havre de Grace, MD. 3rd VP James Adkins was promoted to 2nd VP.
A chapter meeting was held on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore in Salisbury. New member, Dr. Philip Insley, Jr., was presented with a certificate and rosette by MDSSAR President Bill Smithson and Chapter President Ray Jackson. Presidents Smithson and Jackson also presented Compatriot Mark Tyler with the Silver Roger Sherman medals and certificate for researching and hosting the marking of the birthplace of Samuel Chase. Mark Tyler also discussed a play he is directing, “1776 the Musical,” which will be performed at the Pocomoke High School in June. After the play, Mark will email Dr. Ray Thompson concerning a commentary about the “Battle of the Bulge” naval battle onboard a ferry in Kedges Straits. Lou Raborg presented and spoke about a copper kettle and drinking cup from the revolutionary war period. Our guest speaker was MDSSAR President Bill Smithson. His topic was on the goals of the MDSSAR. Attendees included MDSSAR President Bill Smithson, Sandra R. Wallis-Smithson, DAR Governor, William Paca Chapter, 2nd VP James Adkins, Organizing Secretary C. Louis Raborg, Jr., Becky Raborg, Chapter President Ray 2 Jackson, Pat Stevens, Secretary Mike Irish, Compatriots Mark Tyler, Melvin Bradley, Dr. Philip Insley, and prospective member Donald Willey.
In June, Compatriot Mark Tyler directed, “1776 the Musical,” which was performed at the Pocomoke High School. On Saturday, June 18, 2016, President Ray Jackson and Secretary Mike Irish attended the performance.
On Saturday, September 24, 2016, the General Perry Benson Chapter of the D.A.R. sponsored a “Celebrate Constitution Week” event at the Dorchester County Library in Cambridge, Maryland. Our chapter was asked to support the event with re- enactors. Compatriot Mark Tyler volunteered to portray Roger Sherman and Actor Robert Forester volunteered to re-enact Ben Franklin. The event was hosted by D.A.R Compatriot Jean Simmons. President Ray Jackson and Secretary Mike Irish attended the event as well.
After the event, she emailed, “Dear Mr. Jackson, I would like to thank the SAR for supporting the Celebrate Constitution Week Event at the Dorchester County Library. Re- enactors Mark Tyler and Robert Forester gave a stellar performance. The professional and gracious manner in which Mike and Mark helped to facilitate this event was greatly appreciated. It was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with you and the SAR. Best regards, Jean Simmons, General Perry Benson Chapter of the D.A.R.”
On October 20, 2016, over forty SAR and DAR members and guests attended a guided tour to Smith Island and the site of the famous Revolutionary War Battle of the Barges (also known as the Battle of Kedges Straits). The tour was arranged and sponsored by the Captain John Smoot Chapter of the Maryland State Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Joining the tour and providing an informative discussion of recent research done at the battle site was the Assistant State Underwater Archeologist for the Maryland Historical Trust, Troy Nowak.
After departing from the Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, Maryland, on board the charter boat, Barbara Ann III, the group braved the foggy morning waters of the Tangier Sound and journeyed the approximately 12 miles that separates Smith Island from the mainland. Along the way, Compatriot and tour organizer, Mark Tyler, provided narration of the events leading up to the engagement.
Today, the general vicinity of the battle site is marked by the Solomon's Lump lighthouse in Kedges Straits, which sits atop a caisson in the middle of the straits. Local Smith Islander's still tell the folktale that Solomon ("Uncle Sol") Evans (1760-1852), for whom Solomon's Lump is named, always claimed that he watched the Battle of the Barges from atop a tree in his yard located near the northern tip of Smith Island. 3 Upon arriving at the lighthouse, the SAR tour attendees participated in a brief memorial service to honor those patriots who fought and died in Kedges Straits. Participating in the laying of wreaths and flowers over the water were members of chapters of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution from across Maryland and Virginia.
After the memorial service, the tour proceeded to the town of Ewell on Smith Island where the group was treated to a presentation by Troy Nowak of the Maryland Historical Trust. Mr. Nowak discussed how the Trust conducted an extensive archeological survey of Kedges Straits during 2011 in order to ascertain if any physical evidence of the battle has survived. Because none of the ships in this battle sank, the survey team attempted to locate any evidence of objects (potentially edged weapons, firearms, cannon balls, etc.) that fell to the bottom during the battle. Using magnetometer and side scan sonar systems, the survey of the site indicated at least one location that could contain archeological objects from the battle. Further underwater exploration, involving diving archeologists, would have to be done to identify specific objects and potentially retrieve them for study and public display.
After a delicious Smith Island seafood luncheon, the tour group had time to tour the exhibits of the Smith Island Cultural Center, which included a recently conserved cannon ball recovered on the Island that is believed to be from the War of 1812. The group then returned to Crisfield after a return cruise. The weather, company and learning made for a truly remarkable experience and was enjoyed by everyone. For at least that one day, the members of the tour group were able to connect with our patriot ancestors in a very special, experiential way that they are not likely to forget.
An article about the above event was written by Compatriot Mark Tyler. This excellent article appeared in the Crisfield County Times.
On October 22, 2016, Second Vice President James A. Adkins, President Ray Jackson and Secretary Mike Irish attended the MDSSAR Semi-Annual meeting in historic Chestertown, Maryland.
A special thanks to all officers and members of the Captain John Smoot Chapter for your support during 2016. We look forward to your continued support in 2017.
Respectfully submitted,
Raymond L. Jackson, President 9026 Kingfisher Court Hebron, Maryland 21830 410-251-5800(c) 4 e-mail [email protected]