Life in the Palmetto State: The Constitution, Revolution and SAR

One of the great things about being a member of Clarendon County Historical Society is that we get to hear dynamic speakers that are at the top of their craft.

I am serving as the president of our group, and that affords me extra behind-the-scenes time with these knowledgeable individuals, and believe me, I pick their brains.

Our last meeting, which was held on Sept. 17, was no different.

We enjoyed thoroughly Larry Gamble and his lovely wife, Edith. (They make a great team, by the way.)

Gamble is the president of the Col. Matthew Singleton Chapter SAR, state secretary South Carolina SAR and reorganizing senior president of the Gamecock Society C.A.R.

It was actually Constitution Day, and he came dressed in what one of the colonials of the day might have worn in that critical time in our nation's history.

He told us that the Constitution was actually finished 239 years earlier on the date of our meeting when the delegates signed the final document in the Pennsylvania Statehouse, now Independence Hall. The process went from May 25 to Sept. 17, 1787, and it was finally ratified June 21, 1788.

I thought the framers of this sacred document just met for a few days, just long enough to scribble some words on paper, that they already knew what it was going to say.

Oh no, nothing could be further from the truth. That part of the story you will have to look up. It's way too much to cover in my limited space I am allowed, but oh so worth it to research.

Our speaker was so tremendous.

He spoke of the Revolutionary War and the grit and determination displayed by the soldiers and leadership fighting for one common and unified cause, the repeal of the British crown's government in our burgeoning country.

And of course, he talked about the exploits of our famous S.C. general, Gen. Francis Marion, how he baffled the redcoats with his cunning and skill in the early 1780s.

He told how he got his name the "Swamp Fox," his victories and his impact on an army from a foreign land that was completely lost when it came to guerrilla war tactics Gen. Marion employed against them.

The role our mosquito- and snake-infested, cypress knee-riddled, deep muddy swamps played in the eventual victory for our great nation by a ragtag militia bent on the eradication of a scourge from across the Atlantic Ocean.

Last but not least, Gamble spoke on the SAR, Sons of the American Revolution.

He elaborated on how you can research your lineage to see if your ancestors did in fact participate in that great American conflict that took place on our hallowed grounds so many years ago.

As a member of the SAR, there are three things to know.

1. Your patriot ancestor could be male or female, performed in military service, civil service or performed a patriotic duty. Patriotism is not limited to only being a war fighter.

2. Its primary mission is education and promoting patriotism by keeping our nation's foundational history alive. That includes protecting records, doing necessary research, preserving Revolutionary War era sites and educational promotions/presentations like he did for us at our last meeting.

3. They try to be highly active in local communities.

Some examples are:

- Recognizing Eagle Scouts and JROTC cadets

- Sponsoring essay contests

- Speech contests

- Patriot grave-marking ceremonies for Revolutionary War veterans

His presentation was not only highly informative and well thought out, but his flair for the subject was also entertaining. He made an otherwise dry subject very palatable. I would highly recommend attending one of his presentations if you ever get the opportunity.

Before I conclude, allow me to give a plug for our group.

We only meet three times a year in the Clarendon County council chambers meeting room in a very comfortable setting.

Dues are minimal, the speakers are always interesting and knowledgeable, and it is a place where like-minded historians can gather and immerse themselves in their favorite topics.

May God bless you!

Lee Reaves Jr. is president of Clarendon County Historical Society.