2005 MINUTES – SOCIETY OF MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE

 

The annual meeting of the Tennessee Mayflower Society was held on November 12, 2005 at The Bluff View Inn (Martin House) in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Governor Dennis C. Klotter (Dennis) called the meeting to order, then welcomed members and guests.  James Y Cowherd (Jim), Deputy Governor, gave an opening prayer, and Alan Cowherd, Junior Member, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  The number of members  recognized by their Mayflower lineage included John Alden -9, William Bradford 1, William Brewster 7, Francis Cooke 5, Edward Fuller 1, John Howland 7, Richard More 2, William Mullins 7, Thomas Rogers 1, Myles Standish 4, John Tilley 7, and Richard Warren 5, Isaac Allerton 4, Steven Hopkins 3, William White 2..

 

Nina H. Faulkner (Nikki) gave the Secretary’s report.

 

Charles M.Ward, Jr., Historian gave the Membership Report: There was one new member by original application and two new members by transferring in this year, as well as two applications pending in Plymouth and one application pending in State.  There are currently a half a dozen or so applicants who are working on the worksheet phase of their application, and of these, several are revising their documentation.

 

The new member elected to membership was:

Claire Perky (Mrs. Daniel J.)General #74757, TN #359;  795 Crazy Doe Road, Lexington, TN 38351-6513.

 

The two new members received by transfer were:

Brian Daniel Starr, General #73138 and TN #360; 117 Redbud Drive, Hendersonville, TN 37075

 

Beverlee Wightman (Mrs. Carl A.) General #73502 and TN #361; 4591 Greenwood Drive, Jonesborough, TN 37659.

 

Charles suggested the establishment of a $10 transfer fee when a member from another state society transfers his/her membership to the TN Society.

 

Charles announced the election to the General Society of a new Historian General, Ann Lainhart.  Other news from the Triennial Congress was that a motion was carried to accept lineages through three female Mayflower passengers with known maiden names.  Those three ladies are:  Mary Norris, wife of Isaac Allerton, Elizabeth Fisher, second wife of Stephen Hopkins. And Joan (Hurst) Rogers, wife of John Tilley.  In ending his six years as Historian, Charles gave some fascinating statistical facts including that during his term he approved 33 applications, 26 of which were original applications and 7 of which were transfers in.  All 33 were approved by Plymouth. This averages 6 a year, or one new member every six months over the past six years.

 

Education Report – Charles M. Ward, Jr. ,Chair,  reported that the Tennessee Society was no longer associated with the David H. Gray History Fair, due to management difficulties at the Chattanooga Regional History Museum (CRHM).  We are currently looking for new projects for our participation and hope that recent changes in the CRHM may result in a renewed participation in the David H. Gray History Fair. Mention was made that copies of the Mayflower Quarterly are donated by our society for many public libraries throughout Tennessee. Throughout the year Charles gave many talks to elementary school children regarding the Mayflower and the Pilgrims as well as distributing educational materials on the subject to schools and children.

 

Treasurer Report - Carolyn Purdy Baker (Lyn) presented the treasurer’s report (attached).  The total assets were $12,152.52.  There currently are 163 members, including one reinstatement and two who were dropped at this meeting for non-payment of 2004 and 2005 dues. Those dropped were Phyllis White Baxter and Betty Jane Williams Gleason.  We had no resignations and no transfers out this year. There are 56 Life Members including one new life members since the last meeting.

 

Lyn said  available lovely lapel pins with the Mayflower insignia are available for purchase at $5.00 each.  A number of pins were sold today.

 

The Nominating Committee, consisting of Nikki Faulkner, Chairman, Marta Tetzeli, and Gayle Happell, nominated the following to hold state office for the next three year term of 2005-2007:

 

Carolyn Purdy Baker, Governor; James Y. Cowherd, Deputy Governor, Treasurer, Marta S. Tetzeli; Secretary, Nina H. Faulkner,; Historian, Christopher Taylor; AG Dennis C. Klotter and DGG, Carolyn Purdy Baker.  A motion to accept these officers was made, seconded, and voted favorably upon by the membership.  Governor Klotter conducted the Installation of Officers Ceremony.

 

Joseph A. Brady, Junior Membership Chair, reported that 2 new Junior members were received this year. He encouraged members to submit applications for their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or anyone.   A newly designed lovely Junior Membership Certificate is available for those who become Junior Members. The applications of two new Junior Members were taken at today’s meeting.

 

The 2005 report of General Congress was presented by AG and immediate past GSMD Secretary General, Roger L.Young.  Roger reported that there was discussion and a motion tabled until next meeting concerning revision of the GSMD Constitution.  The revision concerns our Constitution’s compliance with Massachusetts law and possible liability exposure to the General Society.  Roger encouraged all members to read the proceedings detailed in the December 2005 issue of The Mayflower Quarterly.  He announced the 2006 Board of Assistance meeting will be in Denver, Colorado.  In consideration of how expensive it has become for travel and hotel arrangements to attend these General Society meetings, Roger suggested that our Tennessee Society consider an increase in the stipend for our voting representatives, the AG and DGG (or member acting officially on their behalf).

 

Old Business - There was no old business..

 

New Business – Charles Ward moved and it was seconded that we charge a $10 transfer fee for those who transfer into our Tennessee Society.  After discussion, the vote was favorable.

 

Roger Young moved and it was seconded that the stipend for travel expenses to attend the General Congress and board of Assistants meetings offered to the AG and DGG (or member acting officially in their behalf ) for travel expenses be increased from the current $200 to $500 per person.  After discussion, the vote was favorable.

 

There also was discussion concerning the merits and downsides of raising our Tennessee dues.  It was noted that the General Society will most likely increase dues within the next two years. No action was taken on this matter.  It will be reviewed at a later date.

 

Jim Cowherd handed out chances to win the door prize, a lovely wood plaque, laser engraved with the likeness of The Mayflower.  This was hand made by Wisconsin Society member, Al Bortles.  Mr Bortles donated one of these plaques to each State Society.  These plaques are available for purchase for $68.00 by contacting Mr. Bortles at 1523 Ontario Drive, Janesville, WI 53545, or at www.uniquewoodplaques.com. Mary H. Elliott, Chattanooga, Tennessee was the lucky winner.

 

Program – Charles Ward introduced the program speaker, Lavonne Jolley, current President of the Hamilton County Historical Society and member of many genealogical societies.  Mrs. Jolley spoke on The Massachusetts Bay Colony.  As a token of appreciation, Governor Klotter presented Ms. Jolley with a replica of a 17th century spoon hand crafted at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusettes.  A written copy of Mrs. Jolley’s program  will be available to review  at our Tennessee Society website.

 

Thirty-nine individuals, including four Junior Members gathered for conversation, delicious luncheon, business, and a very interesting program.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Nikki Faulkner, Secretary