newsletter of the society of mayflower descendants in the...

The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015 page 1

Newsletter of the

Society of Mayflower Descendants

in the State of Florida

Chartered 31 July 1937

Vol. 40 No. 1 Spring 2015 Richard S. Wheeler, Editor

The Mayflower

by Dr. Jeremy Dupertuis Bangs Director, Leiden American Pilgrim Museum

Leiden, Netherlands

Copyright (c) 2011-2015 J. D. Bangs.

All rights reserved.

Used with Dr. Bangs’ written permission.

Governor Kenneth E. Carter

GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE

Dear Fellow Florida Mayflower Society Members:

S everal months have passed since we last communicated – these months have been extremely busy, but have been enjoyable and have passed quickly. Kathleen and I have had the privilege of visiting & speaking at several colonies.

We visited the Myles Standish Colony in Naples in January – Nancy (colony vice gover-nor) and Barry Ratner hosted us for the weekend – WOW – what a great time! We were completely spoiled by Angie and Jim Wakefield on Thursday night with a wonderful din-ner, which also included Muriel & Ren Cushing. On Friday night after the meeting, the Ratners had a get-together for the Colony at their home and we had time to meet and socialize with all of them, including past State Governor & DGG, Fran Lopus. The next weekend it was my honor to install the officers of my own James Chilton Colo-ny in The Villages – another great weekend. In February we visited the Edward Winslow Colony in Tallahassee and were hosted by colony governor, Eileen Martin. On Friday night we were invited to dine with several members of the colony (Suzanne & John Adams; Vicky & Bob Spooner, Eileen Martin and Kathleen and myself) – another great time. The next event we are looking forward to is the Spring BoA Meeting to be held at the Holiday Inn Express Tampa North – Telecom Park, 13294 Telecom Drive, Tampa, FL 33637. BOA MEMBERS, make sure you make your room reservations for Friday night – the meeting will be held on Saturday, 25 April at 9:00 A.M. – Please plan to attend. FSMD MEMBERS, please make sure you inform your colony secretary of any changes of address, telephone numbers, e-mail address – please keep them up-to-date. COLONY SECRETARIES, make sure you inform state Secretary, Jessie Brabham ([email protected]) – this will enable us to communicate with you on a regular basis. COLONY JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP CHAIRS – when a Junior Member reaches ma-turity (prior to age 25) and wishes to become a full member of our Society, please noti-fy State Junior Membership Chair, Ruth Schlabach ([email protected]) – she will in turn notify the necessary parties.

(cont’d on pg 3)

<><> IN THIIS ISSUE <><>

Governor’s Message 1, 3

Membership Changes 2-3

Colonies In Action 4-10

Spring BoA Meeting 11

2015 Scholarship Winner 12

Registration Form for 2015

Annual Meeting 13

Counsellor’s Corner 14-15

Legal “Stuff” from Editor 16

Membership Info /Changes 16


“All natural persons over eighteen (18) years of age who can prove to FSMD’s and GSMD’s satis-faction that they are descended from a passenger on the Mayflower on the voyage which terminat-ed at Plymouth, New England, in December 1620 shall be eligible for Regular Membership pursu-ant to Section 3 of this Article IV.” Article IV, Section 1, FSMD Constitution & By-Laws

MEMBERSHIP CHANGES (from 1 Dec 2014 through 30 Apr 2015)

NEW MEMBERS

Name Location Gen/FL #s Ancestor Colony Larry Edward Royal Sanderson 87815/5079 Edward Doty Warren Westin Kenneth Fengler Ft. Lauderdale 87579/5086 John Howland Alden Garrett Delano Fengler Ft. Lauderdale 87580/5087 John Howland Alden Linda Ellen Panizzi Hess Winter Springs 87651/5088 Isaac Allerton Howland Maurice Raymond Hitt Dunnellon 87659/5094 John Alden Mullins Matthew McCay Pardee Plano, TX 87668/5095 William Brewster Mullins Nathaniel Kelley Pardee Plano, TX 87669/5096 William Brewster Mullins Rosalind Hale Edmonds Palm Harbor 87670/5097 Thomas Rogers Bradford Kristal Leigh Soderstrom Junkens Tahlequah, OK 87753/5099 Richard Warren Bradford David Blackwell Lowe {alm Beach 87754/5100 John Howland Allerton Robert Eric Frederickson Inverness 87755/5101 Stephen Hopkins Chilton Diane Jean Lambert Strickler Rockville, MD 87769/5102 John Alden Tilley Eileen Cecelia Atkinson Sarasota 87787/5103 William Bradford Tilley Joan Roche Russell Palm Harbor 87737/5098 Francis Cooke Bradford Jennifer Lynn Champlain Vibral Winter Haven 87845/5104 John Billington Fuller Edward Cornelious Jacobs Los Angeles, CA 87868/5105 William Bradford Howland Kathleen Gurney Welch Earleville, MD 87869/5106 Francis Cooke Standish David Blaine Reidenbach Orlando 87893/5107 William White Howland Nancy Fontana Connito Vero Beach 87899/5108 John Alden Hopkins Cynthia Case Shafter Port Orange 87900/5109 John Alden Hopkins Joan Elizabeth (Brewster) Morgan Winter Garden 87909/5111 William Brewster Howland Marjorie Eileen Miller Ferrer Boynton Beach 87922/5112 Degory Priest Allerton Sandra Thompson Tisdale Rockledge 87961/5113 Francis Cooke Cooke Tammy Camille Moore Belleview 88062/5116 William Mullins Chilton Cheryl Jean Dickey McKitrick Fruitland Park 88063/5117 William White Chilton Paul Arad Dunham Tampa 88064/5118 William Brewster Bradford Ronald Lee Peck Belleville, IL 88065/5119 William Bradford Samson

REINSTATEMENTS Nancy (Howland) Washburne Dallas, TX 59207/3950 John Howland Tilley Frank Anthony Bergren Jr. 67076/3611 John Howland Tilley Arlie Jean Crawford Palm Beach Gardens 43458/2197 William White Allerton Nancy Anne Crawford Gettys Palm Beach Gardens 39152/1049 William White Allerton Richard Arthur Schultz St. Petersburg 77830/4342 Isaac Allerton Bradford Lawrence Everett Lymburner Jr. Lehigh 67549/3634 Stephen Hopkins Standish Robin D. Teagarden Miami 42213/2142 William Brewster Brewster

TRANSFERS IN/OUT Judith Lynn (Russell) Pratt Martin Jensen Beach 69766/5085 Edward Doty Allerton TRANSFER IN FROM NC Betty Sue Palmer Moury Bradenton 61328/3506 John Howland Tilley TRANSFER IN FROM VA Edward Campbell Knapp The Villages 75158/5089 Francis Cooke Chilton TRANSFER IN FROM CT Patricia Jean Featheringill McCarty Trinity 44800/5090 John Alden Bradford DUAL WITH OH Steven Walter Pralle Tampa 50940/5091 John Alden Bradford TRANSFER IN FROM OK Jessica Ann (Reuf) Wheeler St. Petersburg 69854/5092 Thomas Rogers Bradford TRANSFER IN FROM TN


Barbara Allison (Chase) Ruef St. Petersburg 52588/5093 Thomas Rogers Bradford TRANSFER IN FROM TN, DUAL WITH AK Nancy (Howland) Washburne 59207/3950 John Howland Tilley TRANSFER OUT TO TX Seth Pomeroy Washburne 75656/4188 Fraancis Cooke Tilley TRANSFER OUT TO TX Kasie Mary Hope Rockledge 87629/5110 Peter Brown Hopkins TRANSFER IN FROM NC

RESIGNED IN GOOD STANDING John Benson 78729/4393 Richard Warren Tilley Jennifer Lockhart Jennison 78938/4405 William Brewster Warren Harry DeWayne Selsor 82706/4704 William Bradford Warren Taylor Morgan Simms 82665/4701 William Brewster Warren Frank Isaac Lailer 74299/4094 John Alden Tilley Mary Elizabeth Brewster 72436/3974 William Brewster Hopkins Rachel Dougherty Brewster 71358/3902 William Brewster Hopkins William Matthew Brewster 71359/3903 Willliam Brewster Hopkins Gail Lee Keiser 85912/4952 Stephen Hopkins Tilley Roger Warren Roszell 86453/4984 John Alden Tilley Claire Aleita Taplin 78018/4353 Stephen Hopkins Tilley

SUPPLEMENTALS Kathleen Louise Shaw Rottino 83630/4766 William Brewster Bradford Jacqueline Loraine Arsenault 82951/4725 William White Howland Lucia Ann (Goodhue) Fallo 66879/3596 William White Standish Karen Jane (Stump) Hixson 86324/4979 Stephen Hopkins Fuller Angela d’Elseaux Wakefield 94563/4837 William Brewster Standish Patricia Ann Linton Converse 84540/4835 George Soule Chilton Sharon Lyn Peck Pomerantz Rapp 86666/5016 John Alden & Mullins Priscilla Mullins Heidi Hanes Handley 84600/4839 George Soule Howland Ann Schofield (Lambert) Kremer 86965/5047 Edward Doty Standish

IN MEMORIAM Name Date of Death Gen/FL #s Ancestor Colony Rosalie Lucile Smith Clark 11 Feb 2014 42998/2167 Isaac Allerton Mullins Warda Henrietta (White) Porter 19 Feb 2013 66880/3597 William White Bradford Susan Diane Dreier Culverhouse 20 Jan 2015 55817/2983 John Alden Allerton Joan Baer Drury 01 Jan 2015 61153/3251 Richard Warren Cooke Virginia Anne (Pierce) Heller 15 Oct 2014 58680/3829 William Brewster Fuller Verlyn Foster Powell 14 Nov 2014 38526/1020 John Alden Brewster Dorothy Mae (Gant) Hawkins 11 Sept 2014 61777/3295 Edward Fuller Tilley Edith Catherine Gibbons Sachs 22 Feb 2015 39312/1070 Isaac Allerton Standish Stephanie D. Earle 18 Nov 2014 42861/2159 Richard Warren Winslow Anne Ashton Pendleton Kelly 28 Feb 2015 86828/5033 John Howland Bradford Alys Yager Morrison 06 Mar 2015 23795/362 George Soule Fuller Betty Margaret Webb Styer 08 Mar 2015 35954/2056 John Howland Tilley Jay Hopkins Tiffin 09 Mar 2015 33751/4445 James Chilton Bradford Renaldo Hamilton 24 Feb 2015 77481/4313 Stephen Hopkins Howland Sharon Marie Littlefield Winter Pratt 10 Jan 2015 80104/4477 George Soule Tilley

GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE (cont’d from pg. 1) REMEMBER: The 78th Annual Florida State Meeting will be held at the Waterfront Inn, 1105 Lakeshore Drive, The Villages, FL 32162 on Friday & Saturday, 20-21 November. Our guest speaker will be Dr. George Garmany, GSMD Assistant Governor Gen-eral. His topic for the Friday night banquet will be “New England Captivities: Terrorism at the turn of the 18th Century” – and he will give a brief update to the BoA on Saturday morning with regard to the “Cole’s Hill Anthropological Project.” Please hold the dates and plan to attend. Look for further information in the Fall 2015 issue of The Florida Pilgrim in October. A registration form for the meeting is included in this newsletter. Thank you for your continued support; we look forward to our future colony

visits. Ken

Kenneth E. Carter FSMD Governor [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


<><><><><> NEWS FROM ACROSS THE SUNSHINE STATE - OUR COLONIES IN ACTION <><><><><>

EDWARD FULLER COLONY

A t the regular meeting of the Edward Fuller Colo-ny held on Saturday 6 Dec 2014. incoming col-ony governor Tom Williamson presented out-

going colony governor (and FSMD Deputy Governor) Jim Preston with a lithograph of the Mayflower in recognition of his devoted service to the colony and its membership.

The colony also held a memorial service for former colony governor Blythe Thomas who passed away two days after Thanksgiving. (photos courtesy of Jim Preston)

JAMES CHILTON COLONY

F ifty members and guests of the James Chilton Colony gathered on Satur-day 17

Jan 2015 at the Laurel Manor Country Club in The Villages for the installation of its new slate of officers for 2015-2017. Pictured at right is incoming colony gov-ernor Marcia Dalkalitsis. Other officers installed were: Vice Governor & Historian Shirley Smith Corresponding Secretary Barbara Bateman Recording Secretary Stephen “Scrib” Kelly Treasurer Kenneth E. Carter Elder Beverly Hulett Captain James Roorbach Past Governor Stephen “Scrib” Kelly Member-at-Large Tom Hodges Member-at-Large Tom Herrick Member-at-Large Ruth Wible The installation ceremony was conducted by new state Governor Ken Carter who was one of the charter members of Chilton Colony when it was formed in 2003 and who served as its initial colony governor from 2003-2005. He continues to serve as colony treasurer and, so, was part of the anomaly of having installed himself in office. Governor Carter also spoke at length about recent developments at the state and national society lev-els, and presented a program dealing with his Mayflower ancestor Isaac Allerton, “colonial entrepreneur.”

L to R: Tom Williamson and Jim Preston


State Governor Carter presented Marcia Dalkalitsis with her “new” Colony Governor’s Medal and past colony governor Scrib Kelly presented Marcia with her gavel (photo at right). The next scheduled meetings will be held on 28 March at Spruce Creek South for our Annual Picnic; 26 September in the Jefferson Room at Laurel Manor; and as Hosts for the 20-21 No-vember State Meeting to be held at the Water-front Inn in The Villages. The meeting was adjourned by colony governor Marcia Dalkalitsis.

HENRY SAMSON COLONY

M embers and guests of the Henry Samson Colony met for lunch on Wednesday 21 Jan 2015 at The

Helm Club at The Landings in Lee Co., Florida. In the photo opposite, L to R, guest Bill Sharp, President of the Indiana Society of the SAR, is welcomed by colony member Robert McGuire. In the photo below, Dr. & Mrs. Wesley Hig-gins await the meeting.


EDWARD WINSLOW COLONY

T he Winslow Colony's outreach and education efforts are highlighted by an annual presentation by Robert and Vicki Spooner, dressed in period clothes, of the Pilgrim story to fourth graders at North Florida Christian School, located in Tal-lahassee. This activity has been a continuing effort for over 20 years, and has given over 1000 children the factual story

of our founding Mayflower ancestors. Following the presentation each year, the children are encouraged to write and/or draw on poster boards about these early historical stories. The top entrants are awarded cash and other prizes, and all entrants receive certifi-cates. Bob and Vicki Spooner, education chairs of the Winslow Colony, present-ed this program on November 20th, 2014, to the 4th grade classes at North Florida Christian School. The subject of the program was on the Pil-grims and the First Thanksgiving. 36 children submitted posters for our Mayflower Poster Contest. All the posters were displayed at the Leon County Library during the month of January in 2015. The winners of the Poster Contest were: 1st place - Jabez Garcia (pictured above right), 2nd place - Adriana Green, 3rd place - Elijah Sykes, and honorable mention went to Maddie Mayo and Logan Albritton. Essays from the presentation were submitted in January The winners of the Mayflower Essay Contest were: 1st place - Adriana Green, 2nd place - Maddie Mayo and 3rd place - Kennedy Evans. Ribbons and monetary gifts will be given to the children at a future North Florida Christian Chapel service.

JOHN ALDEN COLONY (L to R standing) Rosemary Wilson, Bill Wilson, Susie Wuest and myself joined Bill Forsyth (seated) for his 100th Birthday party at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach on 22 Sept 2014. Bill had a great time receiving his congratulations, jiving to live mu-sic and enjoying punch and cake (some of you will recognize your cards around his cake). Always the gentleman, he graciously

thanked us for attending. Alexandra Harris Colony Governor


EDWARD DOTY COLONY

T he Edward Doty Colony held a Valentine’s Day business meeting at the Pensacola Genealogy Library on Saturday 14 Feb-ruary 2015. Red was most definitely the color of the day. It was nice to see and catch up with folks as we munched on a Valentine’s Day spread of

finger foods. Colony governor Patricia Crumly shared the key topics discussed at the 77th annual members meeting in Sarasota on November 22nd. Everyone was encouraged to go online if they wished to read the approved bylaws. Instructions were given on how to obtain this infor-mation. She then passed around photos of all the newly elected BoA members. Noted was editor Richard Wheeler’s special attempt to get more people to view the Pilgrim online. This can make a drastic dent in expenditures and reduce costs to the Florida Society of Mayflower Descendants, saving thousands of dollars. After the meeting two books were presented to Genealogy Library administrator Bill Nelson. He was most appreciative to add these to the collection.

RICHARD WARREN COLONY

T he winter meeting of the Warren Colony was held on Saturday 7 Feb 2015 at the San Jose Country Club

in Jacksonville with two dozen members, guests and prospective members present. In keeping with this year’s general theme of local First Coast historical events and plac-es, colony deputy governor Alice Clark ar-ranged a very special presentation by guest speaker Craig Morris, Lead Park Ranger at the National Park Service’s Timucuan Ar-cheological and Historical Preserve at Fort Caroline Park His presentation was titled “Story of Timucuan and French Huguenots at Fort Caroline” and was well received by all. Fort Caroline was the first French colony in the present-day United States, located on the banks of the St. Johns River. It was established under the leadership of René Goulaine de Laudonnière on 22 June 1564, as a new territorial claim in French Florida and a safe haven for Huguenots. The French settlement came into conflict with the Spanish, who established St. Augustine in September 1565, and Fort Caroline was sacked by Spanish troops under Pedro Menéndez de Avilés on 20 September 1565. The Spanish continued to occupy the site as San Mateo until 1569.

Front row L-R: Suzanne Weathers, Ruby Flowers, Barbara Page, Bunny Halligan, Rebecca Richardson. Second row L-R: Jerry Crumly, Helen Correll, Ellen Addison, Barbara Boster, Genevieve Tavares, Bill Nelson (Librarian), Patricia Crumly. Third row L-R: Jack Halligan, Ward Correll, George Igo, Peter Tavares, Jim Richardson.

Fort Caroline National Memorial


Following the meeting, the colony’s Executive Board met to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of colony governor Harry Selsor, who had stepped down for personal reasons. Colony secretary John G. Howland was unanimously appointed to succeed Selsor for the remainder of his 3 year term.

EDWARD WINSLOW COLONY

FSMD Governor Ken Carter and his wife Kathleen visited the Winslow Colony at its meeting on 14 Feb 2015 in Tallahassee. Pictured above from L to R are John Adams, former colony governor and current FSMD Elder Suzanne Adams, current colony gov-ernor Eileen Martin, Ken Carter, Kathleen Carter, and colony education chairs Vicki Spooner and her husband Bob Spooner.

MYLES STANDISH COLONY

T he winter meeting of the Standish Colo-ny was held on Friday 9 Jan 2015 at the Longshore Lakes Country Club in

Naples. The guest speaker was newly installed FSMD Governor Ken Carter who was making his first colony visit as governor. In the photo at left, Ken presents immediate past FSMD Governor (and current GSMD Cap-tain General) Reynolds P. (Ren) Cushing with his past state governor’s medal. In the photo below, Ken greets FSMD Historian Muriel C. Cushing.


JOHN HOWLAND COLONY

T he winter meeting of the John Howland Colony was held on Monday 2 Mar 2015 at the Mayflower Retirement Communi-ty Center off Aloma Avenue in Winter Park. Colony governor (and FSMD Treasurer) Hank Dressel presided. The guest speaker was Jack Butler of the Florida State Genealogical Society and his topic was “13 Things You Didn’t Know About

The Census.” Jack Butler is an experienced professional genealogist, lecturer and author who has been helping folks track their ancestors for more than ten years. As a 6th generation Floridian, with strong ties to neighboring states, he has researched extensively through-out the South. But as his client's ancestors frequently came south from points north, Jack has also conducted significant work in New England, Canada and the United Kingdom. He currently serves as Past President of the Florida State Genealogical Society and President of the Florida Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

ELIZABETH TILLEY COLONY

F ormer state Governor Betty M. Styer, 98, of Sarasota, died Sunday 8 March 2015. She was born 21 September 1916, in LaCrosse WI. She taught home economics, including 29 years in Lincoln Park, MI. She and Leo moved to Sara-

sota in 1974. They were active in condo affairs. They traveled extensively on genealogi-cal searches. She was a founder of the Genealogical Society of Sarasota and in 1982 was one of the charter members of the Elizabeth Tilley Colony of the Florida Mayflower Society. She served as the 4th colony governor from 1988 to 1990, as state governor from 1990 to 1993, and as Florida’s AG (assistant general) and DGG (deputy governor general) on the General Board of Assistants of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Surviving are her son, James of Sarasota; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Prede-ceased are her husband, Leo; daughter, Patricia; and sister, Virginia Buchanan. Betty was a treasure to all who knew her and will be sorely missed.

GOVERNOR WILLIAM BRADFORD COLONY

T he winter meeting of the Governor William Bradford Colony was held on Saturday 7 Feb 2015 at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Colony

vice governor (and FSMD Captain) Helen Bennett in-troduced the guest speakers, FSMD Junior Members and twin sisters Julia and Catherine Schlabach. They called their presentation “The Dashes Are Us,” with the dashes referring to people’s lives between their birth date and death dates. They gave highlights of the lives of their ancestors, who include Mayflower passenger William White, his son Resolved White, Re-becca Barrett wife of Colonel James Barrett (The Shot Heard around the World). They also spoke about Viola Erskine Davis and her sons as well as their father Jar-ey’s Amish family from Ohio. Julia and Catherine shared a detailed poster-sized family tree of their ma-ternal and paternal lines. Their mother Ruth Schlabach is Junior Membership Chair for FSMD. All three are members of the James Chilton Colony. Julie and Catherine are students at

Lecanto High School, where they carry a heavy academic load in the International Baccalaureate program and are on the school’s track team. Four evenings a week they take dance lessons. By actively involving junior members in colony meeting programs, we can develop their interest in our society and encourage their participation in the future. (photo and article courtesy of colony secretary Elizabeth Werner)

L to R: Catherine Schlabach and Julie Schlabach


JAMES CHILTON COLONY

T he 4th annual Spring picnic of the James Chilton Colony was held on Saturday 28 Mar 2015 at the Spruce Creek South Community Clubhouse in Summerfield, FL. Chilly temperatures prompted the group to move the picnic indoors for every-one’s comfort, a wise and welcome decision. Colony governor Marcia Dalkalitsis called the meeting to order and colony

elder Beverly Hulett offered the invocation. Colony captain Jim Roorbach led all in the pledge of allegiance to the US flag and the salute to the Mayflower Society flag, then read The Mayflower Compact. Colony vice governor and historian Shirley Smith read the ancestors’ rollcall. The program, entitled “Unusual Roads to the Mayflower Society,” was an open discussion led by colo-ny secretary Barb Bateman and captain Jim Roorbach of members’ experiences doing the genealogical research necessary to com-plete the application process. Ken Carter (as colony treasurer) reported on the colony’s financial condition (which is strong) and (as state Governor) reported that the colony is hosting the 78th annual membership meeting at the Waterfront Inn in The Villag-es on 20-21 Nov 2015. He passed out registration forms (see pg. 13 of this newsletter) and urged all colony members to plan to attend. Immediate past colony governor Scrib Kelly reported that the colony is sponsoring a genealogical workshop on Satur-day 15 May 2015 from 10am to 1pm at the Pinellas Library in The Villages.

JOHN ALDEN COLONY

O n Saturday 28 Feb 2015 three members of the John Alden Colony manned a table at Family Discovery Day, a local fami-ly history-genealogy event in Plantation, FL Information about the Mayflower General Society, the Florida State Society, and John Alden Colony was displayed. Many attendees

expressed interest in learning more about the Mayflower Society. With hopes of recruiting some new members, those interested will be invited to the next John Alden Colony meeting. In the photo, opposite, left to right: Janet Edwards, colony captain; Judy McCollum, colony vice governor; and Susie Wuest, colony treasur-er. (article and photo courtesy of colony governor Alexandra Har-ris)

RICHARD WARREN COLONY

T he Spring meeting of the Richard Warren Colony was held Saturday 18 Apr 2015 at the San Jose Country Club in Jacksonville with colony governor John Howland presiding

and with 7 members and 13 guests in attendance. Nine of the guests are potential members at various stages of working with colony historian Mary Ellen Boyd on their applications. Colony deputy governor Alice Clark arranged the program dealing with the impact of Henry Flagler on Saint Augustine, specifically about the “Amusements During the Flagler Era.” The program covered things guests at the hotels did to entertain themselves (or be entertained) while spending Winter in St. Augus-tine. This program was given by author and historian Dr. Thomas Graham (pictured at left). Dr. Graham is professor emeritus of history at Flagler College. He is the author of several books in-cluding Flagler's St. Augustine Hotels and The Awakening of St. Augustine, as well as Mr. Flagler’s St. Augustine. He received his PhD in history from the University of Florida in 1973 and his MA

and BA degrees from Florida State University in 1967 and 1965. He is a past president and honorary life member of the St. Augustine Historical Society and has served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Historical Society. Born in Miami in 1943, his family tree reaches back through the Sanchez and Alvarez families to the early 1600s in St. Au-gustine.

EDWARD FULLER COLONY

T he Spring meeting of the Fuller Colony was held at the Harborside Restaurant in Winter Haven. We had the honor of a interesting talk on World War II in the South Pacific by Retired Navy Rear Admiral Walt Wittholz who spoke from first

hand experience as he delivered the two atomic bombs transferred from the USS Indian-apolis to his LST at Tinian Island. In the photo at right, colony governor Tom Williamson and Rear Adm. Wittholz display an artist’s rendering of his LST. (article and photo cor-tesy of Jim Preston)


SPRING BoA MEETING

T he Spring meeting of FSMD’s governing body, the Board of Assistants (“BoA”), was held on Saturday 25 Apr 2015 at the Holiday Inn Express Tampa North off the Fletcher Ave exit of I-75 in Temple Terrace, FL, hosted by the Edward Fuller Colony. The meeting was called to

order at 9am by Governor Ken Carter. The invocation was given by Elder Suzanne Ad-ams. The pledge of allegiance to the US flag and the salute to the Mayflower Society flag were led by Captain Helen Bennett. The call of the roll was conducted by Secretary Jessie Brabham. Seven of the 8 elected state offic-ers were present, as were DGG Muriel Cush-ing and AG (and immediate past Governor) Ren Cushing. Two of the 3 members-at-large were present, and 12 of the 16 colonies were represented by either the colony governor or a designated substitute. Secretary Brabham declared that a quorum was present for the conduct of any business to properly come before the meeting. A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the minutes of the prior BoA meeting held on 22 Nov 2014 in Sarasota. Officers’ reports followed. Treasurer Hank Dressel reported that Education Committee chair Alvene Watson has requested $750 to hand out as awards at the Florida History Fair. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed to approve that ex-penditure. Secretary Jessie Brabham reported that maintenance of all secretarial records is up to date. Her AOL email address will be only for her personal business and her William Mullins Colony business. All State business should be directed to her new state email which is [email protected]. She thanked everyone for their continued support. Historian Muriel Cushing reported 39 new members, 8 approved supplementals, 2 junior applications pending in Plymouth, 76 total applications pro-cessed. GSMD Captain General Ren Cushing commented that Plymouth is behind by 400 applications. Elder Suzanne Adams reported that she received information about 15 FSMD member deaths. This included information from 10 colonies. 14 Memori-al Certificates were prepared and mailed. One member had no family information. Captain Helen Bennett reported that US Flag and Mayflower Society Flag (with cases & stands) were passed to her at the 2014 Annual Meeting in Sarasota and will be brought to all future BoA and member meetings. Counsellor Richard Wheeler was absent due to a medical issue but filed a written report that, since the last BoA meeting last November, he had replied to 8 requests for legal advice. He also wrote a memo about FSMD’s legal status for use by colony treasurers who are challenged by their banks. Under new business the BoA voted to approve an amendment to Standing Rule 8.1.1. to increase the annual dues from $30 to $34 effective for 2016; and to approve an amendment to Standing Rule 4.9.3. to increase the Transfer In fee from $11 to $15 effective for 2016. Both changes were required by the action taken by GSMD at its 40th Triennial Congress last September to increase national dues from $11 to $15 effective for 2016. The BoA also approved an amendment to Article IV Section 9 of FSMD’s Constitution & Bylaws dealing with Internal Transfer procedures. As presently written, Section 9 specifies that requests for transfer from one colony to another within FSMD shall be handled by the secretary of the colony to which transfer is request-ed. Past practice in several colonies has been that the colony historian has handled such matters. In order that each colony may be free to designate whatever colony officer it wishes as the person responsible for handling internal transfer requests, amend-ments to Section 9 will delete the references to the colony secretary. The BoA also approved the revised FSMD Officers’ Hand-book that had been prepared and circulated by Governor Ken Carter and Counsellor Richard Wheeler. Immediate past Governor Ren Cushing moved and Deputy Governor Jim Preston seconded that the BoA appoint current Gover-nor Ken Carter as acting AG for FSMD at the GSMD General BoA to be held this September in CT. Ren is appointed as FSMD’s AG under our new Constitution & Bylaws but he was elected GSMD’s Captain General in 2014 and, as such, is a member of the General BoA and GSMD’s Executive Committee. He asked for and was given advice by GSMD that “an Executive Committee of-ficer may also represent his/her state society as DGG or AG, however it is recommended that the state society appoint an Acting DGG or AG to represent it at meetings of the GBOA and Congress so that their state society retain both votes.” The BoA also approved the motion made by Governor Carter and seconded by Standish Colony governor Don Cahill that FSMD pay the State Historian a pedigree fee of $15 for each application processed, effective immediately. FSMD is the 4th largest state Mayfower society in terms of membership size and growth. Each of the larger societies (i.e., MA, CA and NY) have paid histor i-ans on staff. Historically FSMD has reimbursed its Historian for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the perfor-mance of the Historian’s duties but has not compensated the Historian for the substantial time and effort required. The BoA’s action corrects this oversight.

L to R: FSMD Secretary Jessie Brabham, FSMD Governor Ken Carter and FSMD Deputy Governor Jim Preston listen attentively


2015 FSMD SCHOLARSHIP WINNER — CHAD TUCKER OF OAKLAND PARK, FL At its 25 Apr 2015 meeting, the State BoA approved the recommendation of the FSMD Scholarship Committee, Laura Sharpe Brock as chair, and awarded the $2,500 FSMD 2015 Scholarship to Chad Tucker, a 18 year old high school senior with a 4.0

GPA and a class rank of 2 out of 98. Chad is a descendant of John Alden and is a junior member of the John Alden Colony in Ft. Lauderdale. Chad’s sponsor was his grandfather, Col. Edward Delano Sullivan, who served as Alden Colony governor from 1988-1990, as FSMD Governor from 1993-1996, as GSMD Counsellor Gen-eral from 2002-2005 and as GSMD Governor General from 2005-2008. Chad plans to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville and pursue a course of study leading to a B.S. in engineering and then a master’s degree. His career goal is to “become an engineer and improve communities around the world.” Chad’s essay on “how has being a Mayflower Descendant influenced the way you act and think about your abilities, education, talents and future goals” is set forth below.

* * * “Many people never know or care about their ancestors. Thanks to my

grandfather and all his research and the historians, I know about my

ancestors. More important is that not only do I know who they are but

how they lived, the struggles and challenges they faced and overcame.

Being a Mayflower descendant has given me the opportunity to listen to

stories about the Pilgrims from other descendants at various Mayflower

society meetings, Not only did I listen and learn about my heritage, but

I visited the Plimoth Hall, Plimoth Plantation, and best of all dressed in

clothes like my ancestors wore and walked the same path as them from the Mayflower House to the Church.

As I explored my ancestors’ past, I realized my past made me who I am today. Thanks to my ancestors, I have

the ability to pursue any dreams or ideas I possess. Because of their devotion, strong beliefs, and unity, I live in

a country where I enjoy religious freedom and where no religion is imposed on me by a central ruler or govern-

ment. As the Pilgrims spent time in Leiden, life was very hard, but it was when they saw their children forget-

ting their heritage that inspired them to make the dangerous journey on the Mayflower. The Pilgrims came to

America to keep their family values and make a better life for their children. They risked everything to get what

they wanted and to pursue their dreams. As a descendant, I know life is not easy, but I am willing to persevere

to achieve my goals, just like how the Pilgrims had to persevere to establish a new colony.

My ancestors instilled in me the values of teamwork, dedication, and determination. What allowed the Pilgrims’

success was when they joined as one and signed the Mayflower Compact. The Compact bonded them to main-

tain and pursue the common goals for the good of all. Over the past four years, I have been involved in FIRST

Robotics as the team driver and team captain. This taught me the value of teamwork and how when we work

together to achieve a common goal how much stronger we become. Our drive team prays before each competi-

tion not to ask God to let us win, but rather to thank Him for all He does. We are the only team at the State and

National competitions who prays as a group. Just like my ancestors believed, life focused on family and God

and that family matters come first, it is of paramount importance to me that my life is focused on God, hard

work, family values, our country’s freedom, and that the law applies equally to everyone. I strive every day to

be Christ-like and to be an example to others.

In this modern blended world, it is easy to forget to honor the things important to us - God, freedom, equality,

duty and our lineage. I for one choose not to forget my heritage, I am a hardworking, honest, and devoted per-

son who realizes the sacrifices my ancestors made so that I could have a better life. Thanks to them, I have a

great life where I freely worship God, attend school, enjoy my family, and follow my dreams. I have a true love

of learning. With my knowledge, I plan to obtain a degree in engineering and make society and America a bet-

ter place just like my ancestors. My aim is to be active and committed to preserving the memories of the Pil-

grims.”


ALL members, their children & grandchildren (whether already junior members or not), spouses, partners and guests

are cordially invited to attend the

78th Anniversary Annual Meeting

of

Society of Mayflower Descendants

in the State of Florida hosted by the James Chilton Colony

November 20-21, 2015 Waterfront Inn

1105 Lakeshore Drive, The Villages, FL 32162

MEETING REGISTRATION FORM (deadline for receipt of meeting registration is Saturday October 31, 2015)

MEMBER NAME __________________________________ GUEST NAME(S) ________________________________________ (please print clearly as these are the names which will be used on the meeting identification badges) STREET __________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP _______________________________________ PHONE (_________) ______________________________ EMAIL _______________________________________________ COLONY NAME __________________________________ TITLE (if an officer) ____________________________________ Friday 20 Nov 2015 Non-Refundable Registration Fee for each adult member & guest $4.00 ( $4 x ______ =) $__________ Social Hour (6-7pm): cash bar $ 0.00 Mayflower Banquet (7-10pm): $38.00 per person x people = $_________

Thanksgiving Dinner including Harvest Salad, Chef’s Homemade Soup, traditional roast turkey with pan gravy, cranberry sauce and dressing, green beans almondine, Idaho mashed potatoes, honey ginger glazed baby carrots, fresh baked assorted rolls, coffee, decaf or iced tea, Mayflower Cake for dessert. Those with special dietary requirements PLEASE SEND THAT INFO WITH THIS REGISTRATION FORM.

ANYONE WISHING TO WEAR TRADITIONAL MAYFLOWER ATTIRE DURING THE BANQUET IS ENCOURAGED TO DO SO

Special Guest Speaker: Dr. George Garmany, GSMD Assistant Governor General, whose topic will be “New England Captivities: Terrorism at the turn of the 18th Century.” Saturday 21 Nov 2015 BOA & General Membership Meeting (complimentary refreshments) $ 0.00 TOTAL ENCLOSED (if registering more than one person, you may write one check for the grand total) $__________ All registration forms with a check payable to “James Chilton Colony FSMD” should be mailed to colony treasurer Ken Carter, 1202 Arriago Way, The Villages, FL 32162-0106, so he receives it before Saturday, October 31, 2015.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS (advance registration required; book before October 31, 2015 to get the preferential group rate;

please mention “Mayflower Society Special Rate”)

The Waterfront Inn Discounted room rates are as follows: 1105 Lakeshore Drive Standard (1 King or 2 double beds) guestroom $120.00 The Villages, FL 32162 upgraded rooms at the following rates (subject to availability) Phone: 1-844-247-8929 waterview $130.00 waterview w/balcony $140.00 Website: www.waterfrontinnvillages.com/ PLUS Sumter County Occupancy Tax of 9%


COUNSELLOR’S CORNER [Editor’s Note: This is a new feature which is being added for the first time on a trial basis. From time to time, the State Counsellor is asked by state or colony officers for legal advice regarding one aspect or another of FSMD’s (or a colony’s) activities and operations. The Counsellor responds in writing to the one who requested the advice, with a copy to the State Governor so he is made aware of the issue which was raised and the legal advice given to resolve that issue. This new feature shares selected is-sues/advice with all FSMD members so everyone may be fully informed. Please email the Editor at his address on the back cover if you have questions or comments re-garding this new feature.]

A colony historian raised the question whether Florida’s new privacy law ap-plies to the database of member information which is maintained by FSMD at the state level or by colony officers (most likely, the colony secretary

and/or historian) at the local level. Chapter 2014-189 of the Laws of Florida added a new Section 501.171 (called the Florida Information Protection Act of 2014) to Chapter 501 of the Florida Statutes. Chapter 501 deals with consumer protection matters. In general, this law requires specified entities to take reasonable measures to protect and secure data containing personal information which is maintained in electronic form. It also requires such entities to report breaches of security to the Florida Department of Legal Affairs (which is given the authority to enforce the law by levying civil penalties against violators). Under certain circumstances, notices must also be given to consumer credit reporting agencies and to affected individuals. This law applies only to a “covered entity,” a “governmental entity” or a “third-party agent.” Section 501.171(2) provides

(2) REQUIREMENTS FOR DATA SECURITY.—Each covered entity, governmental entity, or third-party agent shall take reasonable measures to protect and secure data in electronic form containing personal information.

Neither FSMD nor any of its colonies falls within the definition of any of these three entities and, therefore, neither FSMD nor any of its colonies is covered by this law. In addition, neither FSMD nor any of its colonies stores data in electronic form which con-tains “personal information.” Thus, this law simply does not apply to us. “Covered Entity” “Covered entity: is defined in Section 501.171(1)(b) as follows:

(b) “Covered entity” means a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, trust, estate, cooperative, associa-tion, or other commercial entity that acquires, maintains, stores, or uses personal information. For purposes of the notice requirements in subsections (3)-(6), the term includes a governmental entity. (emphasis added)

FSMD is an unincorporated membership “association” under Florida law but is a charitable, not a “commercial” entity. Thus, it is not a “covered entity.” “Governmental Entity” FSMD is also not a “governmental entity” which is defined in Section 501.171(1)(f) as

(f) “Governmental entity” means any department, division, bureau, commission, regional planning agency, board, district, authority, agency, or other instrumentality of this state that acquires, maintains, stores, or uses data in electronic form containing personal information.

“Third-Party Agent” Finally, FSMD is not a “third-party agent” which is defined in Section 501.171(1)(h) as

(h) “Third-party agent” means an entity that has been contracted to maintain, store, or process personal infor-mation on behalf of a covered entity or governmental entity.

FSMD Counsellor Richard S. Wheeler, Esq.


“Personal Information” Even if FSMD (and its colonies) were a “covered entity,” the law would still not apply to us because we do not “acquire[], main-tain[], store[], or use[] personal information” of our members. “Personal information” is a defined statutory term of art, which is defined very specifically as follows:

(g)1. “Personal information” means either of the following:

a. An individual’s first name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of the following data elements for that individual: (I) A social security number; (II) A driver license or identification card number, passport number, military identification number, or other similar number issued on a government document used to verify identity; (III) A financial account number or credit or debit card number, in combination with any re-quired security code, access code, or password that is necessary to permit access to an individual’s financial account; (IV) Any information regarding an individual’s medical history, mental or physical condition, or medical treatment or diagnosis by a health care professional; or (V) An individual’s health insurance policy number or subscriber identification number and any unique identifier used by a health insurer to identify the individual. b. A user name or e-mail address, in combination with a password or security question and an-swer that would permit access to an online account.

2. The term does not include information about an individual that has been made publicly available by a feder-al, state, or local governmental entity. The term also does not include information that is encrypted, secured, or modified by any other method or technology that removes elements that personally identify an individual or that otherwise renders the information unusable.

We DO collect the first and last names of our members but NOT in combination with any of the other data elements described in (I) through (V) above. One of the data ele-ments which we do collect and store both on the state and colony levels is the membership identification number issued by GSMD and the FL member identification numbered issued by FSMD upon a member’s election to membership. Howev-er, neither identifying number is “issued on a government document used to verify identity” within the meaning of Sec-tion 501.171(1)(1)a.(III), above. Thus, we do not collect “personal information” within the first half of the definition in Section 501.171(1)(g)a., above. In some but not all cases, we DO collect the email addresses of our members and prospective members but NOT “in com-bination with a password or security question and answer that would permit access to an online account.” In fact, we do not maintain any “online account” for members. Thus, we do not collect “personal information” within the second half of the definition in Section 501.171(1)(g)b., above. The notice requirements of the act (i.e., notice to the FL Department of Legal Affairs and notice to individuals of any security breach) likewise apply only to a “covered entity,” which does not include FSMD or any of its colonies. It ap-pears the act is intended to apply to banks or other financial institutions (including investment companies and stock brokers) which maintain financial accounts for customers or issue credit/debit cards associated with such accounts. Also covered are health insurance companies, hospitals, doctors and other medical providers. The FL Department of Legal Affairs has exclusive authority to enforce the act by bringing action against violators for imposition of civil penalties. The act does not create a private right of action for individuals whose personal information is disclosed due to a breach of the act.


Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Florida Richard S. Wheeler, Editor 26 Forest Lane Eustis, FL 32726-5366 [email protected]

LEGAL “STUFF” FROM THE EDITOR

T he Florida Pilgrim is the official newsletter and the copyrighted property (© 2011-2015 — all rights reserved) of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Florida (“FSMD”), an unincorporated voluntary membership organiza-tion recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) educational organization. It is published three times a year in

May, October and December. Please send submissions, comments or suggestions to the Editor at the postal or email address listed above. Items submitted for publication may be shortened or otherwise edited and published at the Editor’s discretion. Pho-tos should be in jpg format, be taken using the highest resolution setting on your camera, and be accompanied by identification of all persons depicted so an appropriate caption can be included. Sister Mayflower societies have permission to reprint any ma-terial with appropriate attribution. All others must obtain prior written permission from the Editor. All published items reflect the opinions of their authors and not necessarily those of FSMD, which does not vouch for the accuracy of any information contained herein.

MEMBERSHIP INFO CHANGES

If you have had (or expect to soon have) a change in any of the following: Your name (e.g., in case of marriage or divorce) Your permanent mailing address Your email address Your phone number Your preference for delivery of the newsletter (i.e., email, online, USPS, or

none ) please send an email to the state secretary at [email protected]. Please put “Membership Info Change - _________ Colony” in the “Subject” line and fill in the blank space with the name of your colony. Thank you. If you have a friend or family member who’s a FSMD member and who passes away, please let our state secretary know that too so we can send a note of con-dolences and include the departed member in an appropriate memorial service.

PRSRT STD US Postage Paid

Hanover, PA 17331

Permit No. 4

newsletter of the society of mayflower descendants in the...

Documents