The Long Rifleman Louisville-Thruston Chapter

Volume 2, Issue 5 September 2011 The Long Rifleman Louisville-Thruston Chapter

Gen. George Rogers Clark Founder of Louisville

Kentucky Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

2011-2012 Officers President’s Remarks

President: This month I want to call your attention to an important upcoming George E. Meyers event - the World War II Veterans Honor Flight. Approximately 120

President Elect: WW II veterans are scheduled to arrive from Washington D.C. at the John H. Huffman Sr. next Honor Flight event on Thursday evening, October 6, 2011, at Lou- isville International Airport. Everyone is invited to join us in honoring 1st Vice President: our WW II vets by gathering in the main concourse to welcome them Jon E. Huffman home from their trip. It’s a moving experience and a great way to thank them for their sacrifices and service. The exact arrival time has not been 2nd Vice President: set, but plan on meeting around 9:00 p.m. in the main concourse. Rev. Paul W. Smith Many thanks to compatriots John H. Huffman, Jon E. Huffman, Dick Bierman and Bill 3rd Vice President: Upton for representing our chapter at the 229th Anniversary Battle of Blue Licks Memorial Douglas T. Collins Service held on August 20, 2011, at Blue Licks State Park. I hear the food at the State Park Lodge is still great, the way I remember it from the 225th Anniversary in 2007. I’d also like to Secretary: express special thanks to Past President Henry Head for his 25 years of service to our society. David L. Head He has served us well in many capacities, and I hope he’s with us for many more.

Treasurer: Joseph L. Shields George E. Meyers Chapter President Registrar: Jessie Hagan Veteran’s Service Committee

Chancellor: Stephen C. Emery

Historian: Past President Henry Head, who Jon E. Huffman serves as chairman of the chapter’s Service to Veterans Commit- Chaplain: tee, is shown presenting a check Rev. Paul W. Smith for $400.00 to Volunteer Services representative Rhonda Smith at Past President: the V.A. Medical Center On Au- Henry E. Head gust 9, 2011. Our chapter’s dona- tion will be used for the Color Guard Cdr.: “Welcome Home to Veterans” Daniel N. Klinck account.

Volume 2, Issue 5 Page Two Constitution Week Luncheon Meeting

Fincastle Chapter, NSDAR was the host chapter for this year’s joint DAR/SAR/CAR Constitution Week Luncheon held at the Pendennis Club on September 10, 2011. The well-attended event was presided over this year by Regent Keitt Wood of Fincastle Chapter. A drum duet performed by Louisville Thruston’s Hayden Fuller and Chris Woo opened the meeting followed by posting of the Colors by members of the Dr. V. Edward Masters Memorial Color Guard. The featured speaker was Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, USMC (Ret.), whose talk was entitled “National Security and Global Terrorism.” Among those receiving presentations were Fincastle Chapter’s Lynn Renau, who was awarded the NSDAR Historical Preservation Medal and Louisville Thruston Past President Henry Head, who received a Service to Veterans award as well as a pin and certificate recognizing his 25 years as a member.

Fincastle Regent Keitt Wood pre- The Colors were posted by members of Dr. V. Edward Masters Memorial Color sided over this year’s meeting. Guard (L to R) David Head, Hayden Fuller, Will Schrader, Christopher Woo, Dan Klinck (Cmdr), Jon Huffman and Henry Head.

(L to R) George Meyers, President, Louisville Thruston, Maj. Gen. Richard Huck, USMC, Ret., Jessieanna Wells, KSDAR State Regent, Keitt Wood, Regent, Fincastle, Mary Krahulec, Regent, Isaac Shelby, Sharlene Cooper, Regent, John Marshall, Julie Hardaway, Regent, Peter Foree and Sylvia Gazak, Chaplain, Fincastle. Volume 2, Issue 5 Page Three Constitution Week Meeting (cont.)

Leslie Rogers Miller, KSDAR State Chaplain, is shown here with J. David Sympson, Past-President General, NSSAR.

Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, USMC (Ret.) spoke on “National Security & Global Terrorism.”

Past President Henry Head (R) was awarded a pin and certificate from President George Meyers recognizing his 25 years as a Louisville Thruston 1st Vice Regent Cynthia Comp- member. Henry also received a certifi- ton Stone (L) presented the cate of appreciation for his Service to NSDAR Historic Preservation Veterans. Medal to Lynn Renau. Volume 2, Issue 5 Page Four Constitution Week Meeting (cont.)

Sylvia Gazak is shown here describing the “We Remember 9/11” flag, recently pur- chased by KSDAR and on display at the meeting. Jack Jouett Society, NSCAR held a bake sale in conjunction with the Constitution Week meeting.

Louisville Thruston Chapter’s next scheduled event will be the Christmas Dinner/Dance set for Friday evening, December 9, 2011, at the Louisville Boat Club. Compatriots, this is an opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal com- bined with great music, and all in the spirit of good fellowship. Further details including reservation forms will be sent to members in early November, but circle December 9th on your calendars now.

Color Guard Activities

Color guard members prepare to post the Colors at Drummers Hayden Fuller (L) and Christopher the joint DAR/SAR Constitution Week luncheon Woo performed a duet at the start of the Sep- meeting on September 10, 2011. tember 10th meeting. Volume 2, Issue 5 Page Five Color Guard (cont.)

Color guard commander Dan Klinck prepares to salute Compatriot Dick Bierman congratulates a the Colors at a Tea Party function on August 13, 2011, new American citizen at the Naturalization at the Evangel Conference Center in Louisville, KY. Proceedings on August 12, 2011.

A new historic marker was unveiled at a public cere- Compatriots Jon E. Huffman (L) and Ed Myles are shown mony held on September 17, 2011, at “Linden Hill,” here with Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, Adjutant General, Ken- the former home of Col. Frederick Geiger located in tucky National Guard, at the dedication ceremony for the new the Butchertown area of Louisville. Approximately historical marker on September 17, 2011. 200 persons attended the event sponsored by the Kentucky Historical Society. Volume 2, Issue 5 Page Six Strategic Battle of Blue Licks, Kentucky

Each year, several thousand visitors gather at Blue Licks Battlefield State Park in Robertson County, KY to watch a re- enactment of the bloody encounter that took place there on August 19, 1782. The Battle of Blue Licks was one of the last engagements between American and British forces during the Revolutionary War. Over seventy Kentucky militiamen died in the battle including Daniel Boone’s son, Israel.

The following article by Past-President General J. David Sympson first appeared in the Spring 2007 issue of the SAR Magazine. Compatriot Sympson has been an active member of Louisville Thruston Chapter for twenty years during which time he has served our society in various posi- tions at the local, state and national levels. He recently completed his term as 2010-2011 Presi- dent General.

The Strategic Battle of Blue Licks, Kentucky

The Revolutionary War continued in the remote western territory long after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and the British Army at Yorktown. The frontier had experienced fighting since 1777 when George Rogers Clark established the Fort at the Falls of the Ohio (now Louisville, Kentucky).

Background of the Western Theatre

The British, allied with the Indians, controlled the territory north of the Ohio River with fortifications at Fort Detroit (now Detroit, Michigan), Vincennes (now Vincennes, Indiana) and at Kaskaskia and Cahokia (both populated by French settlers) located along the Mississippi River in what is now Illinois. South of the Ohio River, settlers were arriving on the western side of the mountains mostly through the Cumberland Gap, located in what is now southeastern Kentucky.

The fighting was not conducted in the conventional regimented for- mations of the Eastern Theatre, but more accurately described as Indian fighting. The British and Canadians would provide the leadership and direct the major assaults, and the Indian allies would supply the troops and in addition provide smaller raiding parties under their own leadership. The Patriots were militiamen comprised of English (71%), Scots-Irish (14%), and other nationalities (15%); the entire frontiersmen were expected to fight. Many raids resulted in battles; deadly skirmishes and atrocities were conducted back and forth across the Ohio River by both sides. Kentucky was first referred to as “Kentucky County,” part of Virginia. In 1780, it was divided into three large Virginia counties: Lincoln, Fayette, and Jefferson.

Among the battles, Lieutenant Colonel George Rogers Clark captured Sackville and Lt. Governor Henry Hamilton, known as the hair-buyer, in 1779 at Vincennes (now Vincennes, Indiana). The raids south of the Ohio River included atrocities such as the destruction of Ruddle and Martin Stations in 1780. Under the direc- Daniel Boone is a legendary figure through- tion of British Captain Bird and Indian Agent Alexander McKee, an out the history of early Kentucky. He was an army that included 200 Canadian Rangers, Tories, about 600 Indi- active participant in the Battle of Blue Licks. ans, and fortified with several cannons, set out to attack Fort

Nelson at what is now Louisville, Kentucky. The Indians refused to attack the larger fort commanded by LTC George Rogers Clark (called “Long Knife” by the Indians), and the strategy was changed to attack Ruddle and Martin Stations Volume 2, Issue 5 Page Seven Blue Licks (cont.) located in what is now central Kentucky. The cannons forced the surrender of Ruddles Station. As soon as the gates were opened the Indians rushed in seizing people, claiming them as prisoners, the old and sickly were killed while babies were pulled from their mothers’ arms and bashed and thrown into fires. The prisoners were divided and required to carry the plunder while the Indians rode their stolen horses. Sadly, Martin Station, located a few miles away, suffered the same fate. Approximately 27 were killed, and 470 captives of the British and Indians began a death march to Fort Detroit.

British, Indians Plan, Call Off Attack

In 1782, British and Indian allies amassed a force in the wilderness territory (now OHIO) and set out to attack Fort Henry in Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia). The force was comprised of 150 British Rangers under the command of Captain William Caldwell, along with approximately 1,100 Ohio Indian Nation Allies, supervised by Captain Alexan- der McKee and Simon Girty, a British Indian Liaison Officer known for championing the Indians’ perspective. The ex- pedition was called off after is was reported that LTC George Rogers Clark was preparing to once more mount an offen- sive into the Ohio Indian Nation Territory, which is now in the state of Ohio. Most of the British and a large number of Indians returned home.

The more zealous members stayed and formed a smaller force comprised of about 50 British Rangers, commanded by Capt. William Caldwell, supported by Simon Girty and Alexander McKee, who supervised the approximately 300 re- maining Indian allies. They decided to cross the Ohio River and attack in Fayette County, Virginia. Attacking Louisville was considered, and once more the Indian Allies were reluctant because of the reputation of LTC Clark. Instead it was decided to cross the Ohio River at the present location of Cincinnati, Ohio, and follow the Licking River into central Kentucky.

The Army proceeded south arriving at the abandoned Ruddle Station. At this point possibly a strategy was formed to attack a station in central Kentucky, knowing a retaliatory force would be raised and a withdrawal would be pursued, setting up the possibility of an ambush and destruction of a much larger force and establishing an encounter that was to their advantage.

Bryan’s Station Chosen For Attack

The decision was made, and Bryan’s Station, located in the northeastern section of the most populated part of Kentucky, was chosen. On August 15, 1782, when the Army arrived in the evening, approximately 44 militiamen defended the station, and two express riders rode toward Lexington for reinforcements. Initially the invaders remained hidden; however, their presence was known giving rise to one of Kentucky’s most remembered folklore stories. The forts in Kentucky were normally dry, without a water source, since farm animals were often quartered inside at night to keep marauding Indians from stealing them. On the morning of August 16, it was decided a contingent of pioneer ladies led by Polly Hawkins Craig would fetch water from a spring located a short distance from the fort. Did the woman really fetch the water and return safely, against an army that was partially commanded by Capt. McKee, who had permitted earlier the Indian atrocities at Ruddle and Martin Stations? And, wouldn’t the defenders have capitulated if the women were captured? Historians can only speculate. The author of this article is a direct descendant of Polly Hawkins Craig, her son John was the temporary commander of the fort during the siege.

Eventually Caldwell’s force showed themselves, but never mounted a serious assault. Toward the middle of the day of the 16th a relief company arrived from Lexington. After a brief skirmish with the Indians, 17 rode into the fort and the remainder withdrew to Lexington for additional reinforcements. The skirmish at the station continued, resulting in the deaths of five militiamen. Shortly after sunrise on the 17th, Caldwell’s Army withdrew, after destroying crops and the buildings located outside the station, and returned to Ruddle Station. They proceeded north along a hunter’s path. Volume 2, Issue 5 Page Eight Blue Licks (cont.)

This engraving is reproduced from “Virginia’s Western War 1775-1786” by Neal Hammon. Depicted is a contingent of Pioneer ladies led by Polly Hawkins Craig fetching water a short distance away from the fort on August 16, 1782. The DAR Kentucky Society has a chapter named for Ms. Craig.

On the morning of August 18, 1782, mostly mounted militiamen reinforcements arrived at Bryan’s Station. Col. John Todd, from Fayette County, was the ranking officer of those assembled. LTC Stephen Trigg, from Lincoln County, commanded 130 men, and LTC Daniel Boone, from Fayette County, commanded 50 men. A large contingent was expected to arrive a few days later from St. Asaph’s in Lincoln County under the command of Col. Benjamin Logan. The last troops arrived by midmorning, and the mounted militia began the pursuit of Caldwell’s forces, passing Ruddle Station about halfway to Lower Blue Lick. There are two licks located close together—a smaller lick on the south side of the Licking River and a larger one on the north side.

Battle of Blue Licks Takes Place

By evening of August 18th, Caldwell’s Army had camped at the licks. By the next morning, August 19th, they knew the location of Col. Todd’s forces - only a few miles south of the lick. To meet the Kentucky militia, Caldwell placed his men on both sides of a ridge, about 3,500 feet north of the Licking River ford. The ford itself was a very narrow and shallow crossing located at the bottom of an A-shaped bend in the Licking River. The position was ideal, allowing a withdrawal for the defenders and cover (tree line), but not for the attackers, who had the river behind them and open fields to cross.

What happened next is the subject of a great deal of speculation. The account that best described the situation was by Capt. Gabriel Madison:“We halted till sunup on the 19th within four miles of the Lick. Then marching in three parallel lines to the heights opposite the Blue Lick, where, on discovering a party of the Enemy….No gen’l order given after this period, the spies found the Enemy….had gone on, Major Megary crossed with his division, after which Col Trigg with his, and Col. Boon following…”

Another account, less likely but more popular as another one of Kentucky’s folklore stories, had the militia army stopped on the south side of the Licking River to discuss their strategy when Major McGary issued his challenge and the troops followed. McGary spurred his horse into the water, calling out: “All who are not damned cowards follow me, and I will show you the Indians.” Volume 2, Issue 5 Page Nine Blue Licks (cont.)

By both accounts the Virginians followed Major McGary, fording the river at the narrow ford then advancing to within 200 yards of the tree line before waiting to attack Caldwell’s forces. Daniel Boone and Capt. Patterson’s Fayette County troops moved to the left, with Trigg’s Lincoln County troops under Major McGary and Major Harlin to the middle of the line, with Capt. Bulger on the right. The line covering 600 yards consisted of 130 men, since every tenth man secured the horses. The river would prevent a quick withdrawal.

The attack started around 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. with a mounted assault under Harlin. About the same time, Boone and Capt. Patterson’s forces advanced. While Boone and Patterson were successfully pushing the enemy back, Harlin’s mounted infantry suffered heavily. The Indians flanked Bul- ger’s troops with an early casualty of Lt. Col. Trigg, followed by Col. Todd and Capt. Bulger. Bulger’s men were outflanked, and the line started retreating from right to left. Panic spread down the line with McGary’s ordering a retreat. He then rode to warn Boone, who was advancing in the woods.

After McGary’s warning, Boone realized the Indians now were in the rear of his position. Daniel Boone ordered his men and his son Israel to mount up and break through the Indians. Capt. Peterson, who was wounded in a previous battle, returned toward the ford leaving Boone in charge. Aaron Reynolds insisted Capt. Peterson take his horse and escape. Israel waited for his father and was mortally wounded; Daniel had to leave his son on the battlefield. The retreat across the open field and the ford of the Licking River resulted in even more casualties.

In fifteen minutes the battle was over. Seventy-seven Virginians were killed, with many of the men being killed after being captured, resulting in only 11 captives being taken to Fort Detroit. Colonel Logan’s relief force buried the dead. In- dian raids continued south of the Ohio River, and on November 4, George Rogers Clark led an army of 1,128 militia troops across the Ohio to attack the Ohio Indian Nation. Included were Col. Benjamin Logan and now full Colonel Daniel Boone.

J. David Sympson Past-President General

(Note: Special recognition and thanks must be given to Compatriot Neal Hammon for his knowledgeable advice on the many conflicting accounts of the battle.) Volume 2, Issue 5 Page Ten Blue Licks (cont.)

Sources

1. “Daniel Boone and Defeat at Blue Licks,” by Neal Hammon. 2. “British Attacks Against Ruddle and Martin Stations June 1780,” by Don Lee and Martha Pelfrey. 3. The American Revolution, 1775-1783: An Encyclopedia: “Blue Licks, Kentucky, Battle of,” by Ted Franklin Belue.

229th Anniversary - Battle of Blue Licks

Blue Licks Battlefield State Park, located some 40 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky, was established in 1927 to enshrine the memory of the men who died in the fighting at Blue Licks. In 1928, the General Assembly of Kentucky ap- propriated the money for the erection of a 34 foot granite obelisk inscribed with the names of those who died on August 19, 1782. At the base of the monument are the names of the Indian tribes that fought in the battle. Each year a ceremony is held at the park to mark the anniversary of the battle. On Saturday, August 20, 2011, KYSSAR compatriots from seven chapters gathered at Blue Licks to participate in the ceremonies, which included posting the Colors, a floral wreath tribute, a flag folding ceremony and a black powder gun salute with muskets and rifles.

Charlie Scott conducted a flag KYSSAR President Forrest Chilton folding ceremony with assistance (L) awarded Compatriot Dick Bierman from Chuck Scott (L) and Jon with the Meritorious Service Medal. Huffman Compatriot Josh McCain took part in the black powder gun salute.

The KYSSAR Color Guard was comprised of compatriots from five chapters throughout the state. A total of 14 flags were carried in the ceremony. Volume 2, Issue 5 Page Eleven 229th Anniversary (cont.)

Each year on the anniversary of the battle, Blue Licks Battlefield State Park stages a re-enactment of the ambush and fighting that took place there between red coated British forces and their Indian allies against Kentucky militiamen. The following pictures were taken on August 20, 2011.

Membership News

Since the publication of the July newsletter, the Louisville Thruston Chapter is pleased to announce the addition of three new compatriots. A warm welcome to Samuel S. Waters IV, Thomas E. Waters and Richard A. Vance. Volume 2, Issue 5 Page Twelve In Memoriam National Society William Lee Broomfield died Sunday morning, August 21, 2011 at Sons of the American his home in Athens, Georgia at age 91. Bill was born in Richmond, Revolution Kentucky, a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and a retired Credit Manager with General Electric. He was a U.S. Army veteran http://www.sar.org of WW II, joining the National Guard in 1940, entered regular service in 1941 and was discharged in November 1945. He was a medic in the Asia Pacific Theater where he served in the Philippines and New Guinea. Bill had been a member of Louisville Thruston Chapter since 2005. “The Long Rifleman” Is Published John Goodall Crutchfield of Louisville, passed away on June 28, Five Times Annually 2011 at age 82. After earning a degree in agriculture from the Univer- sity of Kentucky, he returned home to Trenton, Kentucky and trans- Jon E. Huffman, Editor formed the family farm into a dairy farm. He entered the U.S. Navy 6605 Falls Creek Road Louisville, Kentucky as an officer and rose to the rank of lieutenant commander, serving as 40241 an aviator flying jets and helicopters off aircraft carriers. He obtained a law degree from Vanderbilt University and practiced law for over Phone: (502) 429-8906 50 years. John had been a member of Louisville Thruston Chapter since 1993.

Jack Braxton Miller, age 87, a resident of Jamestown, Kentucky, passed away in a Lexington hospital on March 9, 2011. Jack was a veteran of WW II, where he served in the U.S. Navy. Upon his return Visit our Web Site at: photo not available from the Navy, he enrolled at the University of Kentucky where he http://louthrustonsar.org received his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in 1950. He served two terms as Russell County Attorney and nearly 20 years as District Judge (serving Russell, Wayne and Clinton Counties). Jack had been a Louisville Thruston member since 1972.

Announcements and Upcoming Events

Thursday, October 6, 2011 - Honor Flight: Approximately 120 World War II veterans are scheduled to arrive back in Louisville from their visit to Washington D.C. Come and join with us to welcome them home. Thursday evening at 9:00 p.m.in the main concourse of Louisville International Airport.

Saturday, October 8, 2011 - KYSSAR State Meeting: The KYSSAR Fall Meeting will be held at the James Harrod Conference Center, Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Registration at 10:30 a.m. and the regular meeting will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, October 22, 2011 - Honor Flight: The final Honor Flight of the year at Louisville International Airport will be on Saturday evening. Contact the newsletter editor (see above) for more information.

Saturday, October 29, 2011 - Board of Governor’s Meeting: Louisville Thruston Chapter board members will meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Demolay Commandery Bldg., 1410 Gardner Lane (near the main post office).

Friday, November 11, 2011 - Veteran’s Day Parade: The Louisville Thruston Color Guard will march in the parade, which will start at approximately 11:00 a.m. in downtown Louisville, beginning at Third Street and then proceed down Main Street to Ninth Street, where it will conclude at the reviewing stand.

Friday, December 9, 2011 - Christmas Dinner/Dance: Louisville Thruston Chapter’s annual Christmas gala of fine dining, good music and great fellowship will be held again this year at the Louisville Boat Club.