A Tribute to One Woman on International Women’s Day

March 15, 2007, one week from today, will mark the 226th anniversary of Margaret Mitchell’s standoff with a British officer described in The Spring House: Most Important “House” in Family’s History. She was in her late sixties at the time, but she didn’t let her age or her situation as a widowed woman stop her from negotiating with Lord Cornwallis for the release of her son Adam, who had been captured by the British in the Battle for Guilford Courthouse, a “pivotal battle in the War for Independence.”

The following excerpt from the Afterword of Spring House: Book 1 in the Westward Sagas summarizes the importance of Margaret Mitchell to her family and to her country:

Adam’s mother Margaret, a pillar of strength to the Mitchell family, surely instilled the strong character traits Adam Mitchell was known for. Records show she negotiated with the British for the release of her son who was taken a prisoner of war at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Family documents record that she defied the British inside her spring house on the evening of the battle, preventing them from taking the Mitchells’ pewter ware and turning it into valuable ammunition to be used against the colonists. Although she remained devoted to the memory of her husband Robert and never remarried, she and Mr. Mac (John McMachen) enjoyed a close friendship until her death in 1788.

[tags]Battle for Guilford Courthouse, Margaret Mitchell, Adam Mitchell, Spring House, American Revolution, Westward Sagas[/tags]

Texas Independence Day

Last week was busy. I attended the 19th Texas History Forum sponsored by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas on February 23rd and heard some excellent speakers — you can read about them on the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library. Then on March 1, the meeting of the William Barret Travis Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas featured Kristi Miller Ulrich, Research Scientist Associate, Center for Archaelogical Research in the University of Texas at San Antonio.

A highlight of the week was the Texas Independence Day Celebration at the Alamo on March 2, 2007. The Alamo Mission Chapter of the Daughters of Republic of Texas, the organization that has been the custodian of the Alamo for more than a hundred years, sponsored the event. State Senator Jeff Wentworth delivered the address, Children of the Republic of Texas took part, and flags were presented to ten local schools.

I participated as a member of the William Barret Travis Chapter of the Sons of the Texas Revolution. After the event, we captured the attention of downtown tourists in our regalia, and we’re always glad to bring attention to the history of the Republic of Texas.

Nancy Coppock commented at American Thinker: “Another March 2nd has come and gone with barely a mention of it here in Texas. For those not fluent in Texas history, March 2, 1836 was the date of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Now, granted there were some mentions in the local newspaper and some celebrations throughout the state but overall the date passes largely unnoticed.”

The Sons and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas — and I as a proud Son — want to remind Texans — and anyone who will listen! — of the bravery and fortitude of the Texas founders that led to freedom, and ultimately to statehood.

[tags]Texas Independence Day, Alamo, Sons of the Republic of Texas, Daughters of the Republic of Texas[/tags]

“Educational, entertaining and a good read”

AllBooks Review recently reviewed Spring House: “Fans of American history will find this a fascinating, fact filled read. The author puts a personal spin on history, making it more appealing to readers. Educational, entertaining and a good read.”
You can read the complete review by Reviewer Shirley Roe at AllBooks Review.

Carnival of Genealogy, 19th Edition

The latest edition of the Carnival of Genealogy is up and filled with fascinating stories about houses and memories associated with them.

[tags]genealogy, Carnival of Genealogy[/tags]