2006 MINUTES – SOCIETY OF MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE

The annual meeting of the Tennessee Mayflower Society was held November 11, 2006 in Knoxville, Tennessee at The Rothchild Catering and Conference Center.  Governor Lyn Baker called the meeting to order and welcomed members and guests.  Jim Cowherd, Deputy Governor, gave the opening prayer, after which Alan Cowherd, Junior Member, led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Nikki Faulkner read The Mayflower Compact and Gov. Baker recognized members by their Mayflower lineag: Alden -6, Allerton – 4, Billington – 1, Bradford – 2, Brewster – 6, Cooke – 5, Doty – 1, Hopkins – 5, Ed. Fisher Hopkins – 5, Howland – 4, Mullins – 7, Rogers – 1, Sampson – 1, Soule – 1, Standish – 5, Tilley – 4, Warren – 10, White - 2.

Secretary Nikki Faulkner read the minutes from the 2005 meeting in Chattanooga. They were approved.

Historian Christopher Taylor’s report included that since our 2005 meeting, there were 25 new member applications (of which 2 were pending at the time of our last meeting) and 10 supplemental applications approved by Plymouth this year.  Tennessee currently has 6 new applications and 4 supplementals pending in Plymouth.  There are two new applications and 2 supplementals approved in state with 22 new applications and 2 supplementals pending in state.   Historian budget costs were significantly decreased this year due to careful use of email communication.  He reported that it is now easier to process supplemental lineage papers and is encouraging members to add supplementals to their credentials.  The TSMD Historian’s library is up to date with all current lineage books and is being used extensively in his researching applications. 

The following were recommended for election into the Tennessee Mayflower Society:

From Tennessee:                                            From Outside Tennessee:

Jane Gates Lies, Franklin                            Aleene G. Nelson, The Woodlands, TX

Dorothy Pouder, Nashville                                  Richard d. Weber, Lula, GA

Suzanne Haselton, Nashville                                  Sharon Kelly, Buford, GA

Dennis Ray Boyd, Nashville                                    Brian C. Kelly, Buford, GA

Russell L. Pellett, Nashville                                  Eric A. Kelly, Buford,

Julie Ann Reeves, Nashville                                  J. Fred Griffith, Amissville, VA

Todd F. Hughes, Nashville                                  Andrew Brown, Sturgeon Lake, MN                 

Nancy Weber Winn, Lyles                              Lawrence Russell Pellett,             

Carrie H. Teply, Murfreesboro                           Southington, CT

Glen W. Jones, McMinnville

Cheryl Watson Mingle – McMinnville

Shirley Dreaden, Waverly

Jill D. Greenman, Memphis

Lisa M. Lewis, Hixson

Marilyn J. Jake, Knoxville

In his absence, the report of Education Chairman Charles Ward was read by the Secretary.  The Society has renewed it’s sponsorship of the David H. Gray History Fair in Chattanooga.  This program is now associated with National History Day and coordinates with that nationwide program in the guidelines for their local program.  The TN Society sponsored money for the history fair itself, and also provided funds for our independent prize, the Tennessee Mayflower Descendant’s Award, the winner having their name engraved on a plaque given by our TN Society, which is on display at the Chattanooga Regional History Museum.  Charles continues to speak to local elementary schools and adult groups regarding the Mayflower, Pilgrims, and Plymouth Colony and encouraged other members to also become involved in their communities through such outreach.

Treasurer Marta Tetzeli presented the treasurer’s report (attached).  We had total assets of $15,016.59.   There currently are 184 members, including one reinstatement.   John M. Wadsworth II resigned in good standing.  Charles Walworth transferred his membership to California.  Jane C. Branton was dropped for non-payment of dues. Valued members who died this year include former Treasurer, Stuart Gill, Signal Mountain, TN; former Secretary, Lois Barnes, Nashville, TN; Milton Walton of Big Rapids, MI, Mary Elliott of Chattanooga, TN, and Scott R. Davis of North Hollywood, CA. We had 59 Tennessee Life Members including two new life members since the last meeting.

Junior Membership Chairman, Joe Brady, reported that 16 new Junior members were received this year.  Discussion followed concerning the need for correction to the wording on the Jr. Membership Application and Certificates.  Joe submitted his resignation as Jr. Membership Chairman, and it was accepted by Gov. Baker.

DGG Dennis Klotter’s report for the 2006 Board of Assistants meeting in Denver, Colorado which was read by AG Roger Young in Dennis’s absence.  Each state society is asked to make sure their by-laws are in compliance with IRS-990. GSMD had 1022 new members who joined in various state societies since 1/1/06.  A delegate from the state of New York brought a complaint regarding insignia, specifically about the State Governor’s medals use after office.  No action on this matter was taken at this time

Old Business: None

New Business:

The new applicants proposed by the Historian for admission to the Tennessee Mayflower Society were voted upon favorably and welcomed as new members.

Following discussion, it was moved and seconded to remove from the Jr. Membership Application and Certificate any wording alluding to “direct blood descendant” so as to avoid future confusion that Jr. Membership automatically leads to full GSMD membership once the individual reaches the age of 18.  The vote was favorable and the motion carried.

Following discussion, it was moved and seconded to allow $250 towards creating a TSMD website.  Member Brian Starr graciously volunteered to create and manage the new website which he hopes can be up and running in early 2007. The vote was favorable and the motion carried.

Harry F. “Hank” Faulkner, husband of Sec. Nikki Faulkner, was recognized for his article published in the current October 2006 Mayflower Quarterly titled: Amanda Wood Reed, Mayflower Descendant and Founder of Reed College.  This is Hank’s second article published in The Mayflower Quarterly.

Gov. Baker announced the 2007 Meeting of TSMD will be held in Memphis with the date to be announced later. Marta Tetzeli will help coordinate arrangements for it.

Program:  Stephanie Cowherd introduced the program speaker, Dr. Ernest Freeberg Associate Professor of History at the University of Tennessee.  Dr. Freeberg gave a most interesting program concerning the life of Laura Bridgeman as documented in his new book: Before Helen Keller.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Nikki Faulkner, Secretary

Thirty-two individuals, including 13 General Members, 1 Junior Member, and 18 guests gathered for conversation, delicious luncheon, business, and a most interesting program.