Newsletter of the
Society of Mayflower Descendants
in the State of Florida
Chartered 31 July 1937
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.
Vol. 40 No. 1 Spring 2015
Richard S. Wheeler, Editor
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 governor) 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 dinner, 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 Colony 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 maturity (prior to age 25) and wishes to become a full member of our Society, please notify State Junior Membership Chair, Ruth Schlabach ([email protected]) – she will
in turn notify the necessary parties.
Governor Kenneth E. Carter
<><> 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
Counsellor’s Corner
13
14-15
Legal “Stuff” from Editor
16
Membership Info /Changes
16
(cont’d on pg 3)
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 1
“All natural persons over eighteen (18) years of age who can prove to FSMD’s and GSMD’s satisfaction that they are descended from a passenger on the Mayflower on the voyage which terminated at Plymouth, New England, in December 1620 shall be eligible for Regular Membership pursuant 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)
Name
Location
Larry Edward Royal
Westin Kenneth Fengler
Garrett Delano Fengler
Linda Ellen Panizzi Hess
Maurice Raymond Hitt
Matthew McCay Pardee
Nathaniel Kelley Pardee
Rosalind Hale Edmonds
Kristal Leigh Soderstrom Junkens
David Blackwell Lowe
Robert Eric Frederickson
Diane Jean Lambert Strickler
Eileen Cecelia Atkinson
Joan Roche Russell
Jennifer Lynn Champlain Vibral
Edward Cornelious Jacobs
Kathleen Gurney Welch
David Blaine Reidenbach
Nancy Fontana Connito
Cynthia Case Shafter
Joan Elizabeth (Brewster) Morgan
Marjorie Eileen Miller Ferrer
Sandra Thompson Tisdale
Tammy Camille Moore
Cheryl Jean Dickey McKitrick
Paul Arad Dunham
Ronald Lee Peck
Sanderson
Ft. Lauderdale
Ft. Lauderdale
Winter Springs
Dunnellon
Plano, TX
Plano, TX
Palm Harbor
Tahlequah, OK
{alm Beach
Inverness
Rockville, MD
Sarasota
Palm Harbor
Winter Haven
Los Angeles, CA
Earleville, MD
Orlando
Vero Beach
Port Orange
Winter Garden
Boynton Beach
Rockledge
Belleview
Fruitland Park
Tampa
Belleville, IL
Nancy (Howland) Washburne
Frank Anthony Bergren Jr.
Arlie Jean Crawford
Nancy Anne Crawford Gettys
Richard Arthur Schultz
Lawrence Everett Lymburner Jr.
Robin D. Teagarden
Dallas, TX
NEW MEMBERS
Gen/FL #s
87815/5079
87579/5086
87580/5087
87651/5088
87659/5094
87668/5095
87669/5096
87670/5097
87753/5099
87754/5100
87755/5101
87769/5102
87787/5103
87737/5098
87845/5104
87868/5105
87869/5106
87893/5107
87899/5108
87900/5109
87909/5111
87922/5112
87961/5113
88062/5116
88063/5117
88064/5118
88065/5119
Ancestor
Colony
Edward Doty
John Howland
John Howland
Isaac Allerton
John Alden
William Brewster
William Brewster
Thomas Rogers
Richard Warren
John Howland
Stephen Hopkins
John Alden
William Bradford
Francis Cooke
John Billington
William Bradford
Francis Cooke
William White
John Alden
John Alden
William Brewster
Degory Priest
Francis Cooke
William Mullins
William White
William Brewster
William Bradford
Warren
Alden
Alden
Howland
Mullins
Mullins
Mullins
Bradford
Bradford
Allerton
Chilton
Tilley
Tilley
Bradford
Fuller
Howland
Standish
Howland
Hopkins
Hopkins
Howland
Allerton
Cooke
Chilton
Chilton
Bradford
Samson
John Howland
John Howland
William White
William White
Isaac Allerton
Stephen Hopkins
William Brewster
Tilley
Tilley
Allerton
Allerton
Bradford
Standish
Brewster
Edward Doty
Allerton
John Howland
Tilley
Francis Cooke
Chilton
John Alden
Bradford
John Alden
Bradford
Thomas Rogers
Bradford
REINSTATEMENTS
Palm Beach Gardens
Palm Beach Gardens
St. Petersburg
Lehigh
Miami
59207/3950
67076/3611
43458/2197
39152/1049
77830/4342
67549/3634
42213/2142
TRANSFERS IN/OUT
Judith Lynn (Russell) Pratt Martin Jensen Beach
Betty Sue Palmer Moury
Bradenton
Edward Campbell Knapp
The Villages
Patricia Jean Featheringill McCarty Trinity
Steven Walter Pralle
Tampa
Jessica Ann (Reuf) Wheeler
St. Petersburg
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
69766/5085
TRANSFER IN FROM NC
61328/3506
TRANSFER IN FROM VA
75158/5089
TRANSFER IN FROM CT
44800/5090
DUAL WITH OH
50940/5091
TRANSFER IN FROM OK
69854/5092
TRANSFER IN FROM TN
page 2
Barbara Allison (Chase) Ruef
St. Petersburg
52588/5093
Thomas Rogers
TRANSFER IN FROM TN, DUAL WITH AK
59207/3950
John Howland
TRANSFER OUT TO TX
75656/4188
Fraancis Cooke
TRANSFER OUT TO TX
87629/5110
Peter Brown
TRANSFER IN FROM NC
Nancy (Howland) Washburne
Seth Pomeroy Washburne
Kasie Mary Hope
Rockledge
Bradford
Tilley
Tilley
Hopkins
RESIGNED IN GOOD STANDING
John Benson
Jennifer Lockhart Jennison
Harry DeWayne Selsor
Taylor Morgan Simms
Frank Isaac Lailer
Mary Elizabeth Brewster
Rachel Dougherty Brewster
William Matthew Brewster
Gail Lee Keiser
Roger Warren Roszell
Claire Aleita Taplin
78729/4393
78938/4405
82706/4704
82665/4701
74299/4094
72436/3974
71358/3902
71359/3903
85912/4952
86453/4984
78018/4353
Richard Warren
William Brewster
William Bradford
William Brewster
John Alden
William Brewster
William Brewster
Willliam Brewster
Stephen Hopkins
John Alden
Stephen Hopkins
Tilley
Warren
Warren
Warren
Tilley
Hopkins
Hopkins
Hopkins
Tilley
Tilley
Tilley
Bradford
Howland
Standish
Fuller
Standish
Chilton
Mullins
Colony
Mullins
Bradford
Allerton
Cooke
Fuller
Brewster
Tilley
Standish
Winslow
Bradford
Fuller
Tilley
Bradford
Howland
Tilley
SUPPLEMENTALS
Kathleen Louise Shaw Rottino
Jacqueline Loraine Arsenault
Lucia Ann (Goodhue) Fallo
Karen Jane (Stump) Hixson
Angela d’Elseaux Wakefield
Patricia Ann Linton Converse
Sharon Lyn Peck Pomerantz Rapp
83630/4766
82951/4725
66879/3596
86324/4979
94563/4837
84540/4835
86666/5016
Heidi Hanes Handley
Ann Schofield (Lambert) Kremer
84600/4839
86965/5047
William Brewster
William White
William White
Stephen Hopkins
William Brewster
George Soule
John Alden &
Priscilla Mullins
George Soule
Edward Doty
Gen/FL #s
42998/2167
66880/3597
55817/2983
61153/3251
58680/3829
38526/1020
61777/3295
39312/1070
42861/2159
86828/5033
23795/362
35954/2056
33751/4445
77481/4313
80104/4477
Ancestor
Isaac Allerton
William White
John Alden
Richard Warren
William Brewster
John Alden
Edward Fuller
Isaac Allerton
Richard Warren
John Howland
George Soule
John Howland
James Chilton
Stephen Hopkins
George Soule
IN MEMORIAM
Name
Date of Death
Rosalie Lucile Smith Clark
11 Feb 2014
Warda Henrietta (White) Porter
19 Feb 2013
Susan Diane Dreier Culverhouse 20 Jan 2015
Joan Baer Drury
01 Jan 2015
Virginia Anne (Pierce) Heller
15 Oct 2014
Verlyn Foster Powell
14 Nov 2014
Dorothy Mae (Gant) Hawkins
11 Sept 2014
Edith Catherine Gibbons Sachs
22 Feb 2015
Stephanie D. Earle
18 Nov 2014
Anne Ashton Pendleton Kelly
28 Feb 2015
Alys Yager Morrison
06 Mar 2015
Betty Margaret Webb Styer
08 Mar 2015
Jay Hopkins Tiffin
09 Mar 2015
Renaldo Hamilton
24 Feb 2015
Sharon Marie Littlefield Winter Pratt 10 Jan 2015
Howland
Standish
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 General. 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]
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 3
<><><><><> NEWS FROM ACROSS THE SUNSHINE STATE - OUR COLONIES IN ACTION <><><><><>
EDWARD FULLER COLONY
A
t the regular meeting of the Edward Fuller Colony held on Saturday 6 Dec 2014. incoming colony governor Tom Williamson presented outgoing 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.
L to R: Tom Williamson and Jim Preston
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 Saturday 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 governor Marcia Dalkalitsis. Other officers installed were:
Vice Governor & Historian
Corresponding Secretary
Recording Secretary
Treasurer
Elder
Captain
Past Governor
Member-at-Large
Member-at-Large
Member-at-Large
Shirley Smith
Barbara Bateman
Stephen “Scrib” Kelly
Kenneth E. Carter
Beverly Hulett
James Roorbach
Stephen “Scrib” Kelly
Tom Hodges
Tom Herrick
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 20032005. 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 levels, and presented a program dealing with his Mayflower ancestor Isaac
Allerton, “colonial entrepreneur.”
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 4
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 November State Meeting to be held at the Waterfront 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 Higgins await the meeting.
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 5
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 Tallahassee. 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 certificates.
Bob and Vicki Spooner, education
chairs of the Winslow Colony, presented this program on November 20th,
2014, to the 4th grade classes
at North Florida Christian School. The
subject of the program was on the Pilgrims 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 music 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
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 6
EDWARD DOTY COLONY
T
he Edward Doty Colony held a Valentine’s Day business meeting at the Pensacola Genealogy Library on Saturday 14 February 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 information. 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 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
the collection.
Nelson (Librarian), Patricia Crumly.
Third row L-R: Jack Halligan, Ward Correll, George Igo, Peter Tavares, Jim Richardson.
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 places, colony deputy governor Alice Clark arranged a very special presentation by guest
speaker Craig Morris, Lead Park Ranger at
the National Park Service’s Timucuan Archeological 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
Fort Caroline National Memorial
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.
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 7
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 governor 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 Colony 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 Captain General) Reynolds P. (Ren) Cushing with
his past state governor’s medal. In the photo
below, Ken greets FSMD Historian Muriel C.
Cushing.
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 8
JOHN HOWLAND COLONY
T
he winter meeting of the John Howland Colony was held on Monday 2 Mar 2015 at the Mayflower Retirement Community 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 throughout 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 Sarasota in 1974. They were active in condo affairs. They traveled extensively on genealogical 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. Predeceased 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 introduced 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, Rebecca 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 Jarey’s Amish family from Ohio. Julia and Catherine
shared a detailed poster-sized family tree of their maternal and paternal lines.
Their mother Ruth Schlabach is Junior Membership
Chair for FSMD. All three are members of the James
L to R: Catherine Schlabach and Julie Schlabach
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)
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 9
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 everyone’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 colony secretary Barb Bateman and captain Jim Roorbach of members’ experiences doing the genealogical research necessary to complete 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 Villages 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 Saturday 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 family 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 treasurer. (article and photo courtesy of colony governor Alexandra Harris)
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. Augustine. 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 including 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. Augustine.
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 Indianapolis 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 cortesy of Jim Preston)
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 10
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 Adams. 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 officers were present, as were DGG Muriel Cushing 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,
L to R: FSMD Secretary Jessie Brabham, FSMD Governor Ken Carter
seconded and carried to approve the minutes
and FSMD Deputy Governor Jim Preston listen attentively
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 expenditure. 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 processed. 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 Memorial 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 requested. 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, amendments to Section 9 will delete the references to the colony secretary. The BoA also approved the revised FSMD Officers’ Handbook 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 Governor 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 officer 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 ians on staff. Historically FSMD has reimbursed its Historian for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the performance 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.
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 11
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 General 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 government. As the Pilgrims spent time in Leiden, life was very hard, but it was when they saw their children forgetting 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 maintain 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 competition 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 person 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 better place just like my ancestors. My aim is to be active and committed to preserving the memories of the Pilgrims.”
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 12
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
Mayflower Banquet (7-10pm): $38.00 per person x
people =
$__________
$
0.00
$_________
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)
TOTAL ENCLOSED (if registering more than one person, you may write one check for the grand total)
$
0.00
$__________
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
1105 Lakeshore Drive
The Villages, FL 32162
Phone: 1-844-247-8929
Website: www.waterfrontinnvillages.com/
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
Discounted room rates are as follows:
Standard (1 King or 2 double beds) guestroom
$120.00
upgraded rooms at the following rates (subject to availability)
waterview $130.00 waterview w/balcony $140.00
PLUS Sumter County Occupancy Tax of 9%
page 13
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 issues/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 regarding this new feature.]
A
colony historian raised the question whether Florida’s new privacy law applies 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 FSMD Counsellor Richard S. Wheeler, Esq.
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 contains “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, association, 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 information on behalf of a covered entity or governmental entity.
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 14
“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[], maintain[], 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 required 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 answer 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 federal, 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 elements 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. However, neither identifying number is “issued on a government
document used to verify identity” within the meaning of Section 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 combination 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 appears 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.
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 15
Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Florida
Richard S. Wheeler, Editor
26 Forest Lane
Eustis, FL 32726-5366
[email protected]
PRSRT STD
US Postage Paid
Hanover, PA
17331
Permit No. 4
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 organization 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. Photos 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 material 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.
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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 condolences and include the departed member in an appropriate memorial service.
The Florida Pilgrim - Spring 2015
page 16