The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution hold ten membership meetings during the year.
A couple of years back, George Stewart started the Speaker Series where we would invite someone from the community to share historical information about the area or its people. This added interest to our local meetings.
Recently, Scott Freeman recommended that we embark on a “Knowledge Exchange” to leverage the historical IQ of our own members. This has been a success! Members sign up for a meeting and share information about a Patriot ancestor, a famous event, or information about what life was like during America’s struggle for independence.
Most recently, Jack Bredenfoerder presented to our group the story of Joseph Plumb Martin, a 15 year old who signed up to fight in the revolutionary war. Jack also presents this topic to area elementary and middle school students as part of our chapter’s Youth Education efforts.
Jack Bredenfoerder sharing the Joseph Plumb Martin story to fellow SAR members during a recent Knowledge Exchange
Jack explained that Private Martin carried a sort of diary of his experiences during the Revolutionary War conflict, almost from beginning to end of the conflict. This diary was made into a book “Memoir of a Revolutionary War Soldier”, the narrative of Joseph Plumb Martin.
What makes this book / story unique is that it is one of the very few accounts of what it was like to live a soldiers life during this 6 years of war. From sleeping on cold wet ground, to not having shoes or proper clothing, to foraging in the fields and woods for anything they could eat to satisfy their extreme hunger.
This story is far away from the triumphs and victories, and is rooted in the day to day realities. I am currently reading the book and it is an easy and informational document to read. I encourage you to seek out the book and learn some reality based history.
Jack Bredenfoerder telling the Joseph Plumb Martin story to local elementary students
The book is available at http://www.doverpublications.com ISBN-13 978-0-486-45146-6 (yes, Amazon also sells)
If you missed Jack’s presentation, this is a great way to learn about what it was like to experience the Rev War conflict from the soldier viewpoint.
Thanks Jack for making this presentation!
