The first meeting of 2017 for the SaddleBrooke Genealogy Club opened with scenes of the Revolutionary War being reenacted on-screen.
Our guest speaker, Dave Troxel from Sun City West, appeared attired in an authentic Revolutionary War uniform worn by a Colonel Thompson in 1775. Dave Troxel has participated in many reenactments in his home state of Pennsylvania and has been active in Revolutionary War activities for over 16 years. He and his wife Connie both participate in these activities. He has served as the Adjutant General of the Brigade of the American Revolution, an international Revolutionary War reenacting organization, and currently serves as Adjutant of the Cumberland County Militia, 5th Battalion. He and Connie participated in the 225th anniversary of Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware (2001) and the list goes on.
On tables were displayed many items used during that period such as pistols, knives, rifles and a musket as well as a rack with many different uniforms and items of clothing worn by men during that war. We learned about colors worn on uniforms to designate areas where the soldiers came from. One question that seemed to get everyone’s attention was “How did you know who to shoot? Dave is a fountain of information on the subject and very interesting as he interjected real life experiences and details of many of the key events that occurred during that war. For example, the Revolutionary War started with the First Pennsylvania Regiment which was the first organization that signed up with the Continental Congress. We learned that phrases like “going off half cocked” and “lock, stock and barrel” originated during that timeframe. Also that the British feared our “riflemen” who were called “widow makers.” We found Dave Troxel’s presentation most informative and it helped us gain a greater understanding of our Revolutionary War ancestor’s lifestyle.
Additionally we were surprised when one of our members, Dave Williams, shared several wood carvings of Revolutionary War Soldiers he had created with the SaddleBrooke Wood Carving Club. He asked Dave Troxel if he thought they were authentic looking, who responded with a resounding “yes.”
Our next meeting is on February 2 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Coyote Room at the HOA 1 Clubhouse. All are welcome. Our featured guest will be Katie Gertz discussing the Transportation Act of 1718 in England. This act was responsible for bringing many of our descendants from England to America. Learn how England started out transporting 51 people convicted of minor crimes and expanded it to over 50,000. You may learn how and why some of you are here today.