2013 Chapter Meetings
(All meetings held at the Hilton Executive Park Hotel, 5624 Westpark Drive in Charlotte, NC 704-529-5963. Click here for directions to the hotel.)
19 SEPTEMBER, 6:00PM - Join special 
guest television journalist and novelist Joe Epley for a colorful and lively look at "The Kings Mountain Campaign and its impact on the occupation of Charlotte Town." RSVP coming soon!
21 NOVEMBER, 6:00PM
NC Patriot Gravesite Locations
Join the NC Ladies Auxiliary!
The North Carolina Ladies Auxiliary began on October 10, 2009, and we are the 17th state with an auxiliary!
The Auxiliary only meets when the men meet. Dues are $10. We invite all ladies in our Mecklenburg Chapter and from all NCSSAR Chapters to join!
Download the membership application by clicking here!
Please contact Shelia Wood via email or call 704-846-7323.
The Mecklenburg Chapter was chartered on April 27, 1928 as a chapter in the State of North Carolina Society of the sons of the American Revolution.
Charlotte is a Hornet's nest of rebellion.
- British General Cornwallis after he was driven out of the city by hostile residents.
The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was signed on May 20, 1775, making Mecklenburg County the first part of the Thirteen Colonies to declare independence from Great Britain.
May 16, 2013 - Mecklenburg Chapter Members Enjoy History
The Mecklenburg Chapter May membership meeting was an enjoyable social event as we welcomed new members and prospective members and learned more about the Revolutionary War history around our area of Charlotte and North Carolina.
Approximately 55 members and guests enjoyed a roasted pork tenderloin dinner with all of the trimmings! The socializing and networking was a great deal of fun as old members and new members mingled, laughed and exchanged stories.
The evening's presentation was from chapter member and area historian and museum docent Tom Phlegar (above in photo). Tom's presentation highlighted all of the local and regional Revolutionary War battles, leaders and stories behind the scenes that surrounded Charlotte and North Carolina. Tom's humor and little-known facts weaved together an exciting and informative show that all enjoyed.
We also welcomed two new members during the evening, Mike McDonald, at right in photo above, and local historian Bill Anderson, at left in photo above. NCSSAR and chapter president Jim Wood officially welcomed these two gentlemen into our chapter.
May 4, 2013 - Abraham & Hezekiah Alexander Grave Markings
The Mecklenburg Chapter sponsored a dual Patriot grave marking to honor the graves of Patriots Abraham Alexander and Hezekiah Alexander with a SAR marker at the historic Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church cemetery in Charlotte today. In the photo below, new Mecklenburg chapter member David Alls (in front) carries the SAR flag as member Tom Phlegar (at left) marches the Color Guard in playing his drum.
Abraham moved from Maryland to North Carolina in 1746 seeking a better life. “He was one of the original signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence,” said Jim Wood, NCSSAR state president and event organizer. “His real estate ventures helped him acquire a nice fortune, plus he was related to many prominent and wealthy citizens in Mecklenburg County.”
Sometime after 1754, Hezekiah immigrated to North Carolina as a blacksmith; it was as a farmer that he made his fortune. On April 1, 1767 he purchased land from his brother John, containing over three hundred acres located on a branch of Sugar Creek. In 1774 he built a stone house to accommodate his wife, Mary Sample, and their growing family. The house still stands in Mecklenburg County and is often open for tours by the historical association.
In the photo above, Mecklenburg chapter member Ken Luckey, a descendant of Hezekiah Alexander, unveils each of the SAR grave markers during the ceremony.
April 26, 2013 - Mecklenburg Digital Scrapbook Wins Award
Our 2012 Mecklenburg chapter Digital Scrapbook won 1st place in the electronic scrapbook category at the NCSSAR annual state conference in Asheville April 26-27. "This is the third year that we have entered a digital scrapbook in the new electronic scrapbook category," said Jay Joyce, chapter vice president. "North Carolina was the first state to introduce the electronic scrapbook category to encourage chapters to develop digital scrapbooks."
Traditional paper scrapbooks still dominate the number of entries in the total scrapbook category each year, but the electronic digital scrapbooks are gaining popularity. "I think the real advantage to the digital scrapbook is the obvious ability for more people to view the activities from the past year as it is posted on the web," adds Joyce. "We used pure digital photography when we produced our chapter's digital scrapbook so the images are crisper, brighter and download quickly."
Our Mecklenburg chapter has earned a 1st place award each of the past three years that the electronic scrapbook category has been open. Visit the 2012 Mecklenburg Chapter Digital Scrapbook here.
March 24, 2013 - Mecklenburg Member Receives Top Award
Mecklenburg chapter member Robin Spencer Lattimore (on left in the photo below), of Rutherfordton, was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on behalf of North Carolina Governor Patrick L. McCrory on Sunday, March 24.
The ceremony was held at St. John’s Church in Rutherfordton, and was hosted by the Rutherford County Historical Society. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the highest civilian honors that can be presented by the Governor of North Carolina to a citizen of the state. Notable recipients include Billy Graham, Andy Griffith, Charles Kuralt, Richard Petty, Bob Timberlake and Michael Jordan.
Former Rutherford County Sheriff C. Philip Byers nominated Lattimore for the honor in recognition of his work as a historian, educator and author. Lattimore’s portfolio of published works includes more than 20 books that celebrate the history and heritage of Rutherford County and other communities in western North Carolina.
Feb. 23, 2013 - 237th Anniversary of Moores Creek Bridge
The 237th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge was held today at Moores Creek National Battleground. In the photo below, members of the NCSSAR Color Guard gather to honor the historical site where Patriots withheld a Loyalist attack, securing North Carolina’s fate in their push for Independence. The actual Moores Creek Bridge and earthworks are reconstructed, but their locations are precise. Mecklenburg chapter members Jim Wood and Ken Luckey represented our chapter at the event.
Feb. 21, 2013 - President Thomas Jefferson Visits Charlotte
Our Mecklenburg chapter sponsored a community dinner with special guest President Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by historical actor and producer Bill Barker. There were 170 people in attendance, with approximately 140 guests from the general public. During the evening, President Jefferson spoke on the founding principles of liberty and freedom, his most-admired person, George Washington, his loving wife Martha Jefferson, his beloved home in Virgina, Monticello, and fielded many questions from the audience.
(In the photo above, President Thomas Jefferson addresses the Mecklenburg chapter
President's Day community dinner as NSSAR Registrar and National Color Guard
Commander Mike Tomme looks on.)
Our Mecklenburg chapter also inducted four new members and presented our annual SAR Eagle Scout Scholarship Award to William Cato of Charlotte. "Our plans are to invite either George Washington or Benjamin Franklin to Charlotte next February during President's Week," said Tom Phlegar, program and event chairman of the Mecklenburg SAR chapter.
(In the photo above, NCSSAR president Glenn Sappie, at left, poses with Mecklenburg SAR Eagle Scout Scholarship recipient William Cato and NCSSAR Eagle Scout Program Chairman Tim Berly on February 21, 2013 in Charlotte.)
Jan. 28, 2013 - Mecklenburg Chapter Awards CMPD Detective
The Mecklenburg chapter awarded the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal to CMPD Detective Sergeant Darrell Price today. "Sergeant Price has faithfully served the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for 30 years, serving as an incredibly experienced and well-respected detective, finishing his career as the supervisor of the Sexual Assault Unit," said Jay Joyce, vice president of the Mecklenburg chapter. "Sergeant Price pioneered the implementation of a Cold Case Unit that examines cases of sexual assault using DNA and other methods to bring these suspects to justice." Pictured below are Sergeant Darrell Price, CMPD. on left, and Jay Joyce, on right.
Jan. 19, 2013 - Mecklenburg Attends Battle of Cowpens
Mecklenburg chapter members attended the 232nd Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens. Members in attendance included Ray Maxson, Ken Luckey, Paul Callanan, and Jim Wood. In the photo below, Mecklenburg chapter president Jim Wood presents honors and a wreath at the Cowpens National Monument.
Dec. 19, 2012 - Mecklenburg Sheriff's Deputy Honored
Deputy Sheriff Stephanie Marshal (below in photo)l has served with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office since April of 1997. Today, she received the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Award from Mecklenburg chapter vice president Jay Joyce. Stephanie is assigned to the federal U.S. Marshals Hornet’s Nest Violent Crimes Task Force and daily assists this agency in locating and arresting fugitives. She developed these valuable skills during her several years on the Sheriff’s domestic violence unit where she excelled at locating and arresting the perpetrators of domestic violence and assisting their victims.
In addition to these skills, Stephanie is a General Instructor, who is counted on to train new recruits, and she earned the unique distinction of being the first and only state certified female firearms instructor in the history of our agency. Stephanie has proven herself a well-rounded professional officer, often teaching middle-school age children about domestic violence with Operation Youth Awareness. Mecklenburg chapter vice president Jay Joyce presented the award.
Dec. 10, 2012 - Charlotte Firefighter Receives SAR Award
Mecklenburg chapter vice president Jay Joyce presented the SAR Fire Safety Commendation Medal to Firefighter Joshua Johnston of the Charlotte Fire Department. On December 14, 2011, Fire Company Engine 15-B responded to a house fire on Shamrock Dr. where a handicapped person was reported to be inside. While other crew members prepared to advance a hose line to stop the spread of fire, firefighter Joshua Johnston advanced beyond the fire without a hose line in search for the victim. The victim was located and responsive without injury. Firefighter Johnston carried the victim through the house and out to the front lawn for observation. In the photo below, Jay Joyce presents the award to Firefighter Johnston.
Nov. 10, 2012 - Charlotte Veteran's Day Parade
Mecklenburg chapter members Tim Berly, Ray Maxson, Ken Luckey, Tom Phlegar, and Jim Wood participated in the lead Color Guard unit for the annual Charlotte Veteran's Day Parade held in Uptown Charlotte. Chapter member Jim Prosser chairs the annual parade through his position as Director of Veteran's Affairs with Mecklenburg County.
Nov. 11, 2012 - Flag Retirement Ceremony
The Mecklenburg chapter sponsored a Flag retirement ceremony in cooperation with VFW post 4059. Compatriots Jim Wood and Ray Maxson represented the SAR and assisted in the proper retirement of 611 Flags. Photos of the ceremony are below.
Oct. 7, 2012 - Battle of Kings Mountain 232nd Anniversary
Mecklenburg chapter members participated in the 232nd Anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain today at Kings Mountain National Military Park in Blacksburg, SC. Mecklenburg chapter members Jim Wood, Paul Callanan, Ray Maxson, Tim Berly, Doyle Campbell, Rusty Davis, Kenneth Luckey, David Allen, Jim Prosser, and Jay Joyce participated. Photos from the event are included below.
Oct. 2, 2012 - Flag Certificates Awarded to Charlotte Businesses
Mecklenburg chapter member and chairman of the chapter Flag Certificate program, Pete Hubicki, presented two SAR Flag Certificates to two Charlotte businesses and the men who manage those businesses.
"Our first flag certificate was presented to Paul Thompson, owner of Charlotte's oldest fine art gallery, Coffey and Thompson," said Hubicki. "They opened the business in 1946 to become Charlotte's first Uptown art gallery, custom frame shop and art restoration center."
Mr. Thompson is a WWII veteran and he framed the SAR Flag Certificate to hang in the main room of his gallery. (in the photo below, Paul Thompson, at left, receives the flag certificate from Pete Hubicki, at right.)
"Our second flag certificate was awarded to the Barnhardt Manufacturing Company and the company CEO Thomas L. Barnhardt," said Hubicki. "Barnhardt Manufacturing Company is a 110-year old company, fifth generation family business." (in the photo below, Mr. Barnhardt, on the left, receives his SAR Flag Certificate from Pete Hubicki.)
Sept. 23, 2012 - Marking & Registering Patriot Grave sites
The Mecklenburg chapter has been actively involved with researching, discovering, finding and registering Revolutionary War grave sites across North Carolina. Chapter member Ray Maxson is chairing the project to discover and document verified Patriot grave sites for as many North Carolina Patriots as possible.
In addition to Ray Maxson, new chapter member Ken Luckey has been traveling around North Carolina and recording documented Patriot grave sites. See the verified listings of NC Patriot grave sites here.
In the photo on this post above, Mecklenburg chapter president Jim Wood participates in documenting Patriot grave sites in the Thyatira Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Salisbury, NC. Ray Maxson, Ken Luckey and Jim Wood are using GPS readings to accurately report and register each grave site's actual GPS location. These coordinates can be entered into Google Earth's website and the user can actually view the grave site through this website!
Sept. 23, 2012 - Patriot Grave Marking in Salisbury, NC Cemetery
The Salisbury and Mecklenburg chapters co-sponsored a grave marking ceremony for Revolutionary War Patriot John Barr at Thyatira Presbyterian Church cemetery in Salisbury. Patriot Barr relocated from Pennsylvania to western Rowan County, NC, in 1769.
Grady Hall, president of the Salisbury chapter, and Jim Wood, president of the Mecklenburg chapter, co-coordinated the event. Also in attendance from our Mecklenburg chapter were Tim Berly, Ray Maxson, Ken Luckey, and Jay Joyce.
In the photo below, Dr. Charles Frederick Floyd, a 3rd generation great grandson of John Barr, and a member of the Salisbury chapter, unveils the SAR grave marker.
And in the photo below, Mecklenburg chapter president Jim Wood renders honors to Patriot John Barr during the grave marking ceremony.
Sept. 22, 2012 - Cemetery Dedication Ceremony in Concord, NC
The Lt. Col. John Phifer Chapter sponsored a cemetery dedication ceremony today at the Phifer Family Cemetery in Concord, NC. There are 57 documented grave sites in this prestigious family cemetery, including Patriots Martin Phifer and John Phifer. Approximately 65 people attended the ceremony, including NCSSAR state president Glenn Sappie and the NCSSAR Color Guard. From our Mecklenburg chapter, Jim Wood, Tim Berly, Tom Phlegar, Ken Luckey, and Jay Joyce attended the ceremony.
In the photo below, Jim Wood presents a SAR Certificate of Accomplishment to John Misenheimer, president of the Lt. Col. John Phifer chapter, on behalf of the North Carolina Society, Sons of the American Revolution for the chapter's planning and presentation of the cemetery dedication.
And in the photo below, the Lt. Col. John Phifer chapter members unite to unveil the cemetery monument.
Sept. 20, 2012 - US Airways Crash Survivor Addresses Chapter
The Mecklenburg Chapter held our Fall membership and dinner meeting for a special presentation from Dave Sanderson, the last survivor off US Airways Flight 1549 on January 15, 2009, when it crashed into the Hudson River in New York City. Mr. Sanderson spoke of his plight to help others out of the sinking plane while freezing water rose quickly above his ankles, knees and waist.
As he was the last passenger out of the plane, there was no room on the wing for him to stand, so his only option was to jump into the freezing river and try to swim to one of the NYC ferries that had arrived on the scene. Mr. Sanderson told a riveted audience of SAR members that there were many heroes that day, mainly, as he said, the emergency workers, the ferry operators, and the Red Cross volunteers.
Mr. Sanderson is an extremely active volunteer on the celebrity speaker's circuit with the American Red Cross, speaking at over 300 events during the past two years. He is an avid US Airways customer and says that his mission is to spread the story of his survival and try to help others through his generosity of speaking at events and helping the Red Cross raise funds. See Dave Sanderson in the photo below as he addresses the Mecklenburg Chapter.
August 18, 2012 - Mecklenburg Chapter Sponsors New Chapter
Members of the Mecklenburg Chapter sponsored a genealogy and prospective member and new chapter meeting in Kings Mountain. Five prospective SAR members and two prospective DAR members were in attendance. Mecklenburg chapter members Jim Wood, Doyle Campbell, Neil Hohmann, and Jay Joyce answered questions and talked to prospective members about joining the SAR and the genealogy steps for discovering their ancestry. Prospective members who are interested in starting a new chapter in the Kings Mountain and Shelby, NC areas should contact Doyle Campbell at 704-739-5485 or email doylecampbell@carolina.rr.com.
August 18, 2012 - The 232nd Anniversary of Musgrove's Mill
Mecklenburg chapter member Ken Luckey (in the photo below) represented our chapter at the 232nd Anniversary of the Battle of Musgrove's Mill in Clinton, SC. The Battle of Musgrove Mill, August 19, 1780, occurred near a ford of the Enoree River, near the present-day border between Spartanburg, Laurens and Union Counties in South Carolina. During the course of the battle, 200 Patriot militiamen defeated a combined force of approximately 300 Loyalist militiamen and 200 provincial regulars.
July 21, 2012 - The 232nd Anniversary of the Fight at Colson's Mill
Mecklenburg chapter members Paul Callanan, Tim Berly and Jay Joyce attended the 232nd Anniversary of the Battle at Colson's in Norwood, NC today. The Battle at Colson's was fought in mid-July 1780 in the area known as the "Fork" in the lower Yadkin-Pee Dee River Valley, at the confluence of the Pee Dee and Rocky Rivers. In the photo below, Mecklenburg chapter vice president Jay Joyce renders honors during the wreath presentation ceremony.
July 14, 2012 - The Battle of Huck's Defeat at Brattonsville
Members of the NCSSAR joined with the SCSSAR and The Col. William Bratton Chapter to honor the Patriots who fought in the Battle of Williamson's Plantation, or also known as Huck's Defeat in Historic Brattonsville. Mecklenburg Chapter members Ken Luckey, Jim Wood and Tim Berly participated. The members of the combined Color Guard are pictured below at the historical monument.
July 4, 2012 - Jim Wood Featured on News 14 History Story
Mecklenburg Chapter president Jim Wood was featured in a new story on News 14 here in Charlotte about the Revolutionary War history found across Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Watch the news story by clicking here or on the photo below.
June 23, 2012 - The 232nd Anniversary of Ramsour's Mill
Mecklenburg Chapter members Jim Wood, Paul Callanan, Tim Berly, and Ken Luckey joined the NCSSAR & SCSSAR Combined Color Guard to participate in the 232nd Anniversary of the Battle of Ramsour's Mill in Lincolnton, NC. In the photos below, Jim Wood, Mecklenburg Chapter President, delivers honors, and the combined NCSSAR & SCSSAR Color Guard poses for a group shot.
June 13, 2012 - Flag Certificate Presented at Chapter Social
In the photo below, Mecklenburg chapter president Jim Wood presents a SAR Flag Certificate to Mary, owner of Carolina Prime Steakhouse in Charlotte, for properly displaying and flying the U.S. flag continuously. The next chapter social lunch will be held at 11:30am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at Carolina Prime Steakhouse.
June 11, 2012 - Flag Day is June 14th - Let Us Remember
FLAG DAY – JUNE 14 “There is no better symbol of our country’s values and traditions than the Flag of
the United States of America.
Chosen by the Continental Congress in 1777, it continues to exemplify the profound
commitment to freedom, equality and opportunity made by our founders more that two
centuries ago.
Our flag’s proud stars and stripes have long inspired our people, and its beautiful red, white and blue design is known around the world as a beacon of liberty and justice. Today, America’s Flag graces classrooms, statehouses, courtrooms and churches, serving as a daily reminder of this Nation’s past accomplishments and ongoing dedication to safeguarding individual rights.
The brave members of our Armed Forces carry “Old Glory” with them as they fulfill their mission to defend the blessings of democracy and peace across the globe; Our banner flies from public buildings as a sign of our national community; And its folds drape the tombs of our distinguished dead.
The Flag is a badge of honor to all – a sign of our citizen’s common purpose. This week and throughout the year let us do all we can to teach younger generations the significance of our Flag. Its 13 red and white stripes represent not only the original colonies, but also the courage and purity of our Nation, while its 50 stars stand for the separate but united States of our Union.
Let us pledge allegiance to this Flag to declare our patriotism and raise its colors high to express our pride and respect for the American way of life.” (from a Proclamation by President Bill Clinton – 1986)
June 9, 2012 - Mecklenburg Participates in Double Grave Marking
Mecklenburg members Jim Wood and Ray Maxson participated in a Patriot double grave marking ceremony with the Capt. George Dickey chapter in Rutherfordton, NC. The two Patriots were Robert Taylor and his son, Joshua. These two patriots are ancestral grandfathers to chapter president Jim Brewer and chapter vice president John Taylor of the Capt. George Dickey chapter. (In the photos below, Jim Brewer, at left, and Jim Wood, at right, conduct the grave marking ceremony. And in the second photo below, Ray Maxson prepares to present our chapter wreath and honors during the ceremony.)
June 8, 2012 - Flag Certificate Presented to Korean War Veteran
Long-time Charlotte resident and Korean War veteran, Walter Padgett (at right in photo below with Pete Hubicki on left), was awarded the Flag Certificate from our Mecklenburg Chapter for displaying the U.S. Flag continuously and correctly at his home in honor of Flag Day to be held on June 14, 2012.
“In 1987, the national office of the Sons of the American Revolution authorized a Flag Certificate to be presented to individuals, companies and government agencies that fly the U.S. Flag for patriotic purposes only,” said Pete Hubicki, Mecklenburg SAR chapter chairman of the Flag Certificate program.
Walter Padgett has lived in his house in Charlotte for 43 years and regular commuters and neighbors have seen his flagpole and trident for years. “I always fly the U.S. Flag and the USMC insignia flag,” says Padgett, a retired Master Sergeant who served in the USMC for 21 years first fighting in the Korean War and then serving as a Drill Instructor. “I use the third flag pole to alternate flags like the ‘Stars & Bars,’ the ‘Don’t Tread on Me’, and the Vietnam MIA,” adds Padgett. “We added the trident in 1986.”