TNSSAR State Conference 2026

 

 

Kings Mountain Chapter has 3 Compatriots who are State Officers. Ben Stonecypher State President, Rob Richmond State Registrar, and Timothy Holder State Chaplain.

245th Anniversary of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse

 

Former Chapter President Alan Bell and current President Rob Richmond attended the 245th Anniversary Event of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in Greensboro, NC.

Meeting - Washington County Heritage Alliance Presentation

 

We were fortunate to have the Staff of the Washington County Heritage Alliance speak last night. Katie Edwards, Executive Director; Ryan Nedrow, Museum Manager; and Hannah Rogers, Program and Education Coordinator, presented their goals and plans for the Heritage Alliance for this upcoming America 250th anniversary. Lower Left: Larry Justice receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from Ben Stonecypher, Past President of Chapter.

In the News - Kings Mountain SAR, Heritage Alliance honor American Revolution patriots

 

Photo: Johnson City Press

Johnson City Press (Mar 13, 2026) - "The Kings Mountain Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Washington County Heritage Alliance have teamed up in honor of America’s 250 anniversary to honor local history.

The two organizations will partner to mark an American Revolution patriot grave every month in 2026, according to a press release.

On Thursday the Heritage Alliance presented Kings Mountain SAR Chapter President Rob Richmond with a check to help cover the costs for the grave markers."

Meeting - Compatriot Gordon Edwards and members of the Washington County Heritage Alliance

On Thursday, March 12, 2026, Compatriot Gordon Edwards, President of the Washington County Heritage Alliance, along with Katie Edwards, Executive Director; Ryan Nedrow, Museum Manager; and Hannah Rogers, Program & Education Coordinator, will present their goals and plans for the upcoming America 250th anniversary.

Our chapter has entered into a partnership with the Alliance to mark Patriot graves each month throughout the region during 2026. The recent grave marking on February 27 was one of our most successful events, thanks in large part to the support and collaboration of the Washington County Heritage Alliance. 

Date/Time:  Thursday, March 12, 2026  6:00PM

Place:  Food City Market, 920  N. State of Franklin Rd. Johnson City

        Depot Room – (Mezzanine- elevator/stairs across from Starbucks kiosk)

If you are interested in attending, please contact David Carr to make Reservations.

In Memoriam - Richard "Dick" Alan Linn

Richard “Dick” Alan Linn (September 29, 1941 - March 2, 2026), 84, of Baileyton, TN went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 2nd, 2026. Richard passed with loved ones by his side after a brief illness.

Richard, born September 29th, 1941, was the son of James Nathan and Sara Gertrude (Null) Linn of Washington, PA.

A 1963 graduate of Waynesburg College in Pennsylvania, his occupational endeavors focused on serving others. He served as assistant manager and youth counselor for YMCA’s in Washington, PA and Carlisle, PA. Richard went on to be Superintendent of Pennsylvania State Parks, including Black Moshannon, Curwensville, Sizerville, Sinnemahoning, Gifford Pinchot, Denton Hill, Lyman Run, Prouty, Patterson, and Cherry Springs. He served 21 years in city government as Borough Manager of Port Allegany, PA, Village Administrator in Cooperstown, NY, and City Manager of Neptune Beach, FL. Upon retiring from the public sector, Richard and his wife Patricia purchased and operated an RV park & campground in Baileyton, TN, returning him to the camping style of life he grew up with in the Boy Scouts, YMCA, and state parks, as well as a personal enjoyment carried on with his family.

With over five decades of service to freemasonry, Richard was a member of Lodge #580 F&AM Masonic Lodge Austin (PA), Eulalia Lodge #342, serving as worshipful master, Coudersport Consistory and Commandery, and Baileyton Masonic Lodge #520. He was also a member of the Jericho Shriners in Kingsport, TN and the Kings Mountain, TN chapter of Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by sisters Carol Gertrude Huddleston and Margaret Katherine King. Survivors are his wife of 45 years, Patricia Rukgaber Linn, son James Garth Linn of Atlantic Beach, FL, daughter Cassandra Linn Ruff (Erik) of Concord, NC, son Alan Hunter Linn of Jacksonville, FL, grandson Ethan Charles Ruff and granddaughter Ella Joy Ruff, and brother James Hugh Linn of Port St. Lucie, FL.

Liberty Tree Dedication honoring Patriot George Haynes (1757–1836)

 

On February 28, 2026, the Kings Mountain and Watauga Chapters of the Tennessee SAR co-hosted a Liberty Tree Dedication honoring Patriot George Haynes (1757–1836) at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site.

Members from the John Sevier, Benjamin Cleveland, and Stephen Holston Chapters of the TNSSAR also participated in this meaningful ceremony.

Photos courtesy of Chad Bailey, Kevin Witherell and Tim Massey

Grave Dedication Ceremony Honoring Three Patriots at Old Dutch Meeting House

 

On February 27, 2026, the Kings Mountain Chapter of the Tennessee SAR hosted a grave marking ceremony honoring three Revolutionary War Patriots: Cassimore May (1752–1836), Conrad Keicher (1750–1826), and John Adam Wattenbarger II (1760–1825).

We were honored to have members participating from the Watauga, John Sevier, Benjamin Cleveland, State of Franklin, and Stephen Holston Chapters of the TNSSAR. The John Sevier-Sarah Hawkins and State of Franklin DAR Chapters also participated in the event.

Special thanks to Compatriot Gordon Edwards and the Washington County Heritage Alliance for their invaluable assistance in planning and coordinating this meaningful event.

Images courtesy of Chad Bailey, Kevin Witherell, Tim Massey and Rob Richmond

Meeting - New Member and Dr. Timothy Holder - February 12, 2026

Rob Richmond and Jim Faust

Dr. Tim Holder

We were pleased to welcome our newest member, Jim Faust, to the Kings Mountain Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. We also extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Timothy Holder for an outstanding and engaging presentation featuring five fascinating stories about James Madison. His talk provided fresh insights into the life and leadership of our fourth President.

Dr. Timothy Holder will be speaking on the "Lessons from the Life of James Madison"

Dr. Holder will be speaking on the "Lessons from the Life of James Madison" on Februrary 12, 2026 @ 6:00pm in The Depot Room located at Food City 920 N State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604.  If you are interested in attending, please contact David Carr to make Reservations.

Dr. Timothy Holder is a historian, author, and speaker who presents more than 50 times a year to civic groups, churches, schools, and other organizations. He has written approximately 20 books, primarily focused on early American presidents and faith, and currently teaches history online for Liberty University and Walters State Community College. In addition to his academic work, he has appeared as an actor in films, television, and commercials. Much of his professional life overlaps with that of his wife, Jill Holder, with whom he has co-authored a book and taught classes. His interests center on faith, family, early American history, and a handful of well-defined personal passions.