CASSADAGA — Recently, chapter president Steve Boothe gave a talk about the Kings Mountain Battle occuring during the Revolutionary War southern campaign to the Chautauqua County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, touring the site by way of slides.

Nowadays, the site features a state park from the starting point of Shelby, N.C., and King’s Mountain National Military Park. An asphalt walkway winds through the region providing walking access through the site of the battle. Boothe noted that Grandpa Jones has celebrated the battle with his musical rendition of “Sweet Lips.”

The battle was a pivotal, decisive victory for the over-the-mountain patriots, defeating the British loyalists under the command of British Major (or colonel) Patrick Ferguson, who lost his life on that day on Oct. 7, 1780, astride his horse. Of Scottish origin, Ferguson had invented a very innovative, breech-loading rifle, and once had his rifle aimed at General Washington, but chose not to fire. His unit was connected, at a distance, with British General Cornwallis at the time of the King’s Mountain Battle. Before the onset of the battle, Ferguson had issued very stern remarks which had deeply angered the American patriots, threatening them with sword and fire.

A number of American officers, Isaac Shelby, Benjamin Cleveland, Edward Lacey, William Campbell, John Sevier, Joseph McDowell, Joseph Winston and others, participated in the battle, some of whom became political leaders later in life in Kentucky and Tennessee.

It was the British who had taken the war to the south, believing they would secure assistance from more loyalists in the region than in the north. The American over-the-mountain men engaged in a guerilla-like, Indian-fighting style, making use of the terrain, rocks, shrubbery and trees. The British and Tories seemingly had advantage atop the hill. Oftentimes, the British and Tories overshot the American patriots, shooting downhill over the heads of the patriots. Ferguson exhibited much bravado, but eventually was killed with as many as 7 or more bullet wounds. He used a whistle and wore a checkered coat, easily revealing his whereabouts.

In other business, Registrar Harry Lent reported that Charles Criss is transferring his membership to a chapter in eastern New York state. A parade is set to take place on September 14 at Sinclairville at 10 a.m. as part of the history fair in which the SAR color guard anticipates participating.

The next meeting, a fellowship meeting, is set for noon Saturday at the Stockton Hotel. While there is no set program, members may share any reports they may have. Lunch will be ordered off the menu.

The SAR is a fraternal organization whose members trace their ancestry back to people who served the cause of liberty in the continental army, militias, congress, or other cpacity. For more information, please contact Boothe at 574-7995.