In this issue:

• Upcoming Speakers and Events including: July Event - America250 Author Panel and Book Signing in Crabapple!
• 2026 Annual Spring Fling recap
• Did You Know? In Memoriam - Veterans honored; Historic McConnell-Chadwick House moves closer to national recognition; Capstone Gold; Callahan Grant; summer intern
• From the Archives: Classic No. 10 Universal Chopper
• The Gift I Didn't Expect - A Precious Bridal Book
• In Case you Missed them - America 250 March Lectures
• Hopewell Baptist Church Celebrates 175 Years
• Helping Children Discover their Family History

America 250 Author Panel and

Book Signing in Crabapple

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with an unforgettable afternoon honoring our nation’s rich history and enduring spirit. Hosted by The Daughters of the American Revolution and Poe and Company Bookstore.

Scan the QR code in the flyer above to purchase $10 tickets. Children under 12 are free.

Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Poe & Company Bookstore

Heritage Walk, Milton

The Authors' Panel features these nationally-known authors on Revolutionary War history:

Kostya Kennedy, Claire Bellerjeau, Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie, and Perrie Patterson, with moderator Dr. Greg Brooking, Ph.D. historian.

The authors will explore the stories, struggles, and triumphs that shaped America's journey over the past 250 years. Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison and moderator Dr. Greg Brooking are special guests.

Enjoy wine tastings by Liberty Cellars and

Coffee and Tea Samples by The Culper Coffee & Tea Co.

(based on the Culper Spy Ring)

Sponsors include: Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, The Jenny Doyle Group, Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society, Milton Historical Society, and Total Joint Specialists.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 11:00 a.m.



Milton Branch Library

Revolutionary Era Artifacts - Traveling Trunk program

The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) are planning a special traveling truck presentation designed to help children experience what everyday life was like in the 1770s.

Through hands on artifacts, replica clothing, tools and interactive activities, students will gain deeper understanding of how families lived, worked and supported the cause of American independence. The program aims to bring history to life in an engaging and memorable way, sparking curiosity about the Revolutionary era and the challenges faced by those who shaped our nation's founding.

This program welcomes historians of all ages. Great vacation learning experience for children!

A Milton Library America 250 program.

Wednesday, July 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m.



Milton Branch Library

Dying from Dysentery: Using History to Win the Oregon Trail

This program explores the history of The Oregon Trail computer game, highlighting what the game gets right and wrong while using history as a lens to better understand gameplay. It also frames the lesson as a strategy guide, showing how knowledge of real historical challenges can help players make smarter decisions and build a more successful campaign. Presented by Dr. David Bennett, Kennesaw State University

Dr. Bennett will explore the Oregon Trail as part of the Milton Library's America 250 presentation series. This program is geared for ages 8+. Adults will love the exploration, as well. 

Save the Date for the Autumn Shindig

Sunday September 27, 2026 from 2pm to 5pm

Photo Credit: Oksana Solovei

Photo Credit: Leslie Watson

Fun for the whole family!

• Free admission for kids under 12 accompanied by an adult
• Delicious barbecue from ‘Cue 
• Craft beverages by Six Bridges Brewing
• The Heard bluegrass band
• Hayrides
• Kid’s activities 
• Historical exhibits 
• Home crafts
• Door prizes
• And more…

Featured Item: the chance to win a beautiful Hermes handcrafted saddle!

We may find ourselves wondering how folks remember us after we die. One Board member remembers a gentleman dressed in workman’s clothes on a visit to Society headquarters in Crabapple Market a few years back. The gentleman was dancing a jig in the cramped archive surrounded by books, artifacts, and filing cabinets. The dancer? None other than Ralph Rucker, who was always smiling. 

We envisioned this article as just a brief announcement of his passing. That would not do him justice. Ralph was such a beloved resident in the Crabapple community that we have adapted his obituary courtesy of Northside Chapel, 1250 Crabapple Road. Ralph’s visitation will be held there on June 9, 2026, 5:00-8:00 p.m. and June 10, 2026, 12:00-4:00 p.m. The celebration of life will be June 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. 

“Ralph Wesley Rucker, 86, of Canton,GA, passed away peacefully in his home on June 2, 2026. 

“Ralph was born on September 26,1939 to Harry L. Rucker, Jr. and Sibyl Wood Rucker. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his precious wife, Sarah DeVore Rucker, and his brother, Howard Marcus Rucker. 

“Growing up in the blissful community of Crabapple, Ralph was an avid outdoorsman and baseball player. Ralph graduated from Milton High School in 1957 where he was an accomplished pitcher for the Milton Eagles. After high school, Ralph attended Mercer University where he also played baseball. In the small community of Crabapple, the family attended Crabapple Baptist Church, the center of the community's small social life. Ralph developed a strong faith and belief in the Bible and it all began in that small country church.Through those lessons learned at Crabapple Baptist Church, Ralph developed a commitment to serving others. 

“Ralph has been faithful to assist in several places of need in his surrounding area, in the U.S., and abroad. To tornado victims in the northwest corner of Georgia, he was there with heavy equipment to clear trees and destroyed homes. He assisted multiple charities with needs in the Alpharetta and Roswell area. He was among the first to deliver water and supplies to Katrina victims in the early 2000s. Another impressive mission was when he followed his adventurous granddaughter, Abi, and his daughter, Deanne, to Uganda. Through their work, two orphanages were built. One of Ralph and his wife, Sarah’s, favorite charities was the Integrated Community Ministries of Sterns, KY founded by Barbara & Hilton Duncan. This organization worked to improve the graduation rate in one of the poorest communities of Kentucky from 52% in the year 2000 to 94% in the year 2020. Upon meeting Ralph Rucker, you would recognize he was a firm believer in hard work and expected the same from others. He believed you should work hard until you couldn’t work any more.

“Ralph is survived by his children, Scot Rucker (Cindy), Elise Rucker, Tracy Rucker Spivey (Terry), and Dee Rucker Provencial (Mike); brother, Hugh Rucker; sister, Jean Rucker Armstrong (Mike); as well as nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.” 

Another life well-lived in north Fulton.

The Wildflower Barn at Little River Farms in Milton, featured in Bob Meyers’s iconic book The Barns of Old Milton County, provided the perfect setting for the Milton Historical Society’s fifth annual Spring Fling held on the evening of April 24th. 

This beautiful Milton barn started its life as the steel-framed French’s Ice Cream Factory in downtown Atlanta. When it was threatened with demolition to make way for a new Atlanta Braves stadium in 1964, George Ivey, grandfather of Joe Ivey, current owner, had the barn dismantled and moved to its current location where it was reassembled, covered with wood and painted red. It later became the Wildflower Barn. 

Wildflower Barn then...

Photo credit: Bob Meyers

And now

Photo credit: Oksana Solovei

Enjoying the wonderful food, beverages, and company, local history lovers were treated to delicious appetizers.   

Photo credit: Oksana Solovei

Photo credit: Leslie Watson

Photo credit: Leslie Watson

Whimsical centerpieces greeted guests at each table with, “Where little sheep wander and every season tells a story. Be a part of our flock as we preserve and create history together.” 

Photo credit: Leslie Watson

Tina Collins, a popular folk and Americana musician from Asheville, provided the relaxing entertainment.

Photo credit: Leslie Watson

Photo credit: Oksana Solovei

The role of John Milton (our City’s namesake) in the American Revolution was shared – including being an Aide de Camp for Brigadier General Francis Marion and moving the state of Georgia records over 1,000 miles to other states for safekeeping during the war. 

Milton historic sites were on display. These structures – some over a century old – do more than simply stand as relics of the past. They tell the stories of the community that became our City of Milton.

These homes, barns, churches, and public buildings are more than just bricks and mortar; they are the living history of Milton.

Photo credit: Leslie Watson

Dr. Chip Reed, a Milton resident and member of the Historical Society, shared information about the mission of the Georgia Alabama Land Trust, which preserves land through conservation easements while still allowing ownership of the land. 

Photo credit: Oksana Solovei

Local Business Sponsors of the Milton Historical Society were thanked for their generous contributions to the Society. 

Photo credit: Oksana Solovei

Jeff Dufresne, currently a Trustee of the Society, was recognized for his many years of service and five years of leadership as President. 

Photo credit: Leslie Watson

In Memoriam - Veterans Honored

On Sunday May 17, 45 patriotic volunteers showed up to install 949 Veterans Memorial Markers. Two hundred and fifty markers line both sides of Hwy 9 in front of the Target shopping center along with 699 standing at attention on Birmingham Highway, Crabapple Road, Heritage Walk and Mayfield Road. 

This not-for-profit organization, which was originated by MHS Board member and founding president, Bill Lusk, places the markers for two weeks annually over Memorial Day and Veterans Day. 

Historic McConnell-Chadwick House moves closer to national recognition

Great PR from the City of Milton Newsletter:

“The McConnell-Chadwick House is one step closer to national recognition. This spring, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs determined the City-owned property is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, a key milestone that can unlock grant funding for preservation and future use.

“Built in the 1800s and tied to early Milton history, the home stands as a strong example of Greek Revival architecture. The Milton Historical Society led the effort to secure this designation and is now preparing the application for its national listing. If approved, the house would be Milton’s only property on the National Register of Historic Places.

“This progress creates new opportunities to preserve and repurpose the site, with potential uses ranging from a welcome center to cultural or community space. In the meantime, the City has taken steps to stabilize the structure and protect it from further deterioration.”

Late-breaking McConnell-Chadwick House News:

The Callahan Incentive Grant was awarded to the City of Milton by the Georgia Trust

In late May, the City received the following letter from the Georgia Trust:

“Congratulations! The City of Milton has been selected to receive a 2026 Callahan Incentive Grant for the McConnell-Chadwick House stabilization project. The Georgia Trust is excited to support your ongoing efforts to save this important piece of Georgia's history. We are particularly impressed with the City's willingness to engage with advocates and volunteers to ensure the preservation of the house.”

Sincerely,

Ben Sutton

Senior Director of Preservation

Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

Note: City Staff Sara Leaders and Shubha Jangam were instrumental in obtaining this award.

2026 Summer Intern

Dr. Chad Keller, Georgia State Director of the Heritage Preservation Program, has recently connected us with another graduate student in Historic Preservation. We look forward to working with our summer intern, who earned her undergraduate degree at Berry College. At Georgia State she is focused on the Public History track and loves to research and compose interpretive narratives of historic venues.

Symbiosis at its Best - Georgia Tech Capstone Gold

An early May morning at Milton’s Community Place saw a gathering of dedicated City Staff, Society members, an architectural historian (Society supporter Bob Gamble), and three very enthusiastic Georgia Tech engineering students. The focus of the meeting? Historic preservation - a living case study.

We were brought together to experience an extraordinary Capstone presentation featuring the McConnell-Chadwick House. It was the culmination of a semester’s work for two Civil Engineers: Raymundo Ruiz and Clemente Undurraga; and an Environmental Engineer, Roberto Prieto.

Roberto Prieto, Raymundo Ruiz, and Clemente Undurraga

Students hob-nobbing with David Bergmaier, City Staff

Problem Statements: The complexity and scope of their work was mind-boggling. The inspiration for their approach after researching the history and condition of the house included:

• No access, parking, or public infrastructure
• Potential loss of an historic asset without intervention
• Community is unaware of the property despite daily GA-140 traffic

The Approach: The Capstone team, under the direction of Georgia Tech professor Dr. Joe Manous, addressed the problems with a visionary three-pronged approach:

• Parking Lot and Access, addressing the logistical access problem
• Exterior Rehabilitation, addressing the condition problem
• Historic Trail, addressing the need for citizen awareness of the project; with historical markers along the trail helping to educate visitors

The students' 90-minute slide presentation laid out in detail the purpose, problems, constraints, schedules, cost/benefit analysis, return on investment for various adaptive reuse cases, and a detailed cost breakdown by line item.

Some examples:

Deliverables: The students’ work products were replete with a 205 page report, multiple schematics, CAD renderings, graphs and charts, and ideas for adaptive reuse - possibly a Milton interpretive site to attract heritage tourism.

The Symbiotic Collaboration between the City and the students, two of whom graduated later in May, was a win-win. The City benefits from an array of project plans and the students had months of an experiential, hands-on project to learn from.

Kudos to the City Staff for making this valuable project a reality:

• Sara Leaders - Community Development and Public Works Director,
• Rob Dell-Ross - Deputy Public Works Director,
• David Bergmaier - Facilities Manager, and
• Shubha Jangam - Principal Planner

It couldn’t have happened without you!

During an intriguing presentation entitled "General George Washington: A Brief Study in Command," Colonel Curtis Boren challenged the audience to test our knowledge of Revolutionary War battles with the quiz below.

Boren, an Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society member, spoke on May 21st at the Historic Mansell House in Alpharetta to a standing-room-only crowd made up of history lovers from multiple north Fulton cities.

While we took the quiz and searched our data banks for answers, the silence was broken only by chuckles and sighs as we realized the depth of what we had forgotten (or never learned in the first place)!

For each Revolutionary War battle below, indicate whether it was a W (win) or L (loss) for General George Washington and the Continental Army. 

Note: For answers and a recap of Col. Curtis Boren’s assessment of General Washington’s record, see our Autumn newsletter. You'll have plenty of time to look up the answers. Have fun!

Battle of Long Island - 8/27/76

Battle of Kip’s Bay - 9/15/76

Battle of Harlem Heights - 9/16/76

Battle of White Plains - 10/28/76

Battle of Fort Washington - 11/16/76

Battle of Fort Lee - 11/20/76

Battle of Trenton (1st) - 12/26/76

Battle of Trenton (2nd) - 1/2/77

Battle of Princeton - 1/3/77

Battle of Brandywine - 9/11/77

Battle of Germantown - 10/4/77

Battle of Monmouth - 6/28/78

Battle of Yorktown - 9/14/81 to 10/19/81

Bonus Question:

Which battle of the Revolutionary War was the bloodiest? (Count casualties for both sides.)

• Brandywine
• Bunker Hill
• Saratoga
• Long Island

Sheila Tritt Cary, great great granddaughter of Milton residents Mr. and Mrs. John Hamilton, recently donated furniture and many interesting pieces to the Society. Sheila’s great Aunt’s Isabella and Irene Hamilton grew up in a house near the McConnell-Chadwick House in a home built by their father, John Hamilton. Isabella and her parents, John and Jeanetta, taught at the Hickory Flat School. The house John built still stands on Arnold Mill Road. 

No. 323 Universal Food Chopper

Photo credit: Sheila Tritt Cary Collection/Isabella and Irene Hamilton Estates

1899 Advertisement

Photo credit: Library of Congress, Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company

One item donated was model 323 Universal Food Chopper. In their day, choppers or grinders like this one were kitchen workhorses which is why they enjoyed popularity for so many years. They were the forerunner to electric home meat grinders and food processor appliances. The most well-known, like this one, were made by the Landers, Frary & Clark company from New Britain, Connecticut which began production in 1897 and continued amazingly until 1965. They were sold with three blade sizes: coarse, medium, and fine. They are still usable today if one has the time to care for them properly, putting them in the category of a “functional antique.” Made of iron with a tin coating they require disassembly and cleaning like a cast iron pan after each use.

There were several sized models in the Universal line - 0 to 3, the 323 being one of the mid-sized models. Because of the weight, it could leave scars on the owner’s table or counter so second small pieces of wood were often placed at the clamp points. Another often used tip was to finish grinding several pieces of bread at the end of the food prep to help clean fat, juice, or food left on the auger without getting a finger stuck. 

One could chop or grind fresh or cooked meat, vegetables, fruit, or nuts into nut butter. The last of the garden veggies in the fall could be chopped by these to make chow chow. Potatoes and veggies could be ground into hash. My grandmother used to make the most delicious turkey or ham sandwich spread from left over holiday meat combined with pickles and onions using a grinder like this. Before the holiday, cranberries were also chopped to good consistency for fresh relish popular with the family. I enjoy making the same fresh relish during the holidays today, but made with an electric food processor. Some people report currently using the fine blade to hand grind coffee beans today. Seeing one of these in a pantry would lend a certain air of history to a home. 

Editor's note: One Board member has a similar grinder from generations past, labeled 'Fleisch wolf' - German for meat grinder. They are virtually indestructible and a prized possession!

It happened on an ordinary Christmas afternoon. My sister handed me a brown envelope and said she had “something extra” for me. I wasn’t prepared for what was inside — a fragile bridal book our mother had created as a young woman in love, long before any of us existed.

Opening it felt like stepping into her world. I discovered a version of Margaret Estelle Milton I had never truly known: a socialite, a community figure, a young woman admired enough to be featured in the local newspaper. Even after her marriage, the paper clung to her maiden name, a small but touching sign of how deeply she was rooted in her hometown.

Family tree and precious photos marking the day

Sentiments to remember

Her handwritten notes revealed a nine‑month engagement shaped by responsibility and patience — she is finishing her nursing training; groom Benedict Dubas is completing his military service. Their wedding was small, held in a Nebraska Catholic church, but the joy radiated from every page.

Wedding Traditions of the Time

As I read through her bridal book, I was reminded of how different weddings were in mid‑century America. Long engagements like theirs were common, especially when military service or professional training stood between a couple and their future. Weddings themselves were typically modest affairs, centered around the bride’s home church and followed by a simple reception in a parish hall or family home.

Bridal books like my mother's were cherished keepsakes of the era. Young brides carefully saved newspaper announcements, shower invitations, pressed flowers, and handwritten notes — not just to remember the day, but to preserve a piece of their identity as they stepped into married life. Local newspapers often published detailed engagement and wedding announcements, and it wasn’t unusual for editors to continue using a bride’s maiden name out of respect for her family’s standing in the community.

Society page clippings

Margaret Milton's brother Jake Milton, Margaret, sister Doris Milton

And then there were the pranks — a tradition as old as the weddings themselves. In rural towns and among military friends, it was almost expected that newlyweds would return to a home “prepared” by well‑meaning pranksters. Beds were short‑sheeted, strings were tied across doorways, rice or cereal was sprinkled under the covers, and alarm clocks were hidden to ring throughout the night. These antics were meant as a sign of affection and camaraderie, a playful send‑off into married life.

A Glimpse Into Their First Night

That context made my mother’s notes even more vivid. On their wedding night, they returned to an apartment booby‑trapped by my father’s military buddies. Strings hung everywhere. Grape‑Nuts were sprinkled under the sheets. Alarm clocks were hidden to ring every hour until morning. I could almost hear my mother’s exasperated laughter as she wrote it.

A Keepsake That Became a Legacy

That Christmas, I didn’t just receive a keepsake. I met my mother as she once was — young, vibrant, celebrated, and full of life. The bridal book is now a cherished piece of our family’s story, and a reminder that the people who raised us had entire lives before we ever arrived. It also stands as a small but meaningful piece of Milton family history, preserving the traditions, humor, and community spirit of a bygone era.

Women and Folklore in the

American Revolution



Dr. Heather Holliman, Ph.D.

Brenau University

Dr. Heather Holliman’s March presentation on the myths associated with our origin story sparked us to take a deep dive into images, paintings, and stories that brought the colonists together. Effectively using the Socratic method of questions and answers, she showed us images and used stories from the Revolutionary period that actually made us think and come up with some guesses.

Many familiar images enhanced her talk. Some examples and their coded meanings:



• Lumberjack Paul Bunyan - westward expansion, settling the country
• Betsy Ross - creating a national unifying symbol
• Johnny Appleseed - creating abundance and wealth, helping neighbors
• Cornwallis’ surrendering at Yorktown - victory over the British Empire (he actually wasn’t there, only French and Colonial soldiers are in the picture)
• Sunbeams streaming from above - the favor of Divine Providence
• Eagle (either with a chalice or stepping on a scepter) - strength, freedom, fueling the nation, defeating the British Monarchy
• Washington crossing the Delaware - courage, leadership
• Signing the Declaration of Independence - unity of the cause (all the participants depicted were not actually in the same room at the same time)

Photo credit: 1776, Library of Congress; E. Savage, Liberty in the formof the goddess of youth, giving support to the bald eagle

Example of a Phrygian cap

About the cap atop the flagpole with the American Flag: Known as the Phrygian cap originating in ancient Turkey; in ancient Rome freed prisoners and those enslaved wore these caps as symbols of their new status as free men; also used in revolutionary France in images and coinage, the Liberty Cap symbolized allegiance to the republican cause.

Women in Revolutionary War lore: Consider the 1773 Boston Tea Party and the Sons of Liberty. British import taxes were due upon unloading the tea - so the Sons of Liberty unloaded it, right into Boston Harbor. Dr. Hollimon spoke of Sarah Bradlee Fulton, who is credited with the idea that Tea Party participants should wear Mohawk disguises to avoid detection by British officials. She was called 'Mother of the Tea Party’ and was a member of the Daughters of Liberty. A cohort of hers, Elizabeth Dyar mixed and applied the paint to the men.

Women’s importance peaked during this period with the boycott of British goods. The Edenton, NC Tea Party is an excellent example. Although a female Liberty was the seceding colonists’ new emblem of America, the Daughters of Liberty had no independent political rights. Many calls were made on the women’s own patriotism before and during the Revolutionary War in the form of boycotting British goods, managing and defending farms and estates in their husbands’ absence, and materially supporting the American soldiers.

In response to the Tea Act of 1773, the Provincial Deputies of North Carolina resolved to boycott all British tea and cloth received after September 10, 1774.  

The Edenton Tea Party was one of the earliest organized women’s political actions in United States history. On October 25, 1774, Mrs. Penelope Barker organized, at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth King, fifty-one women in Edenton, North Carolina. Together they formed an alliance wholeheartedly supporting the American cause against ‘taxation without representation.’

Photo credit: Philip Dawe, artist. A Society of Patriotic Ladies, at Edenton in North Carolina. March 25, 1775. British Cartoon Collection. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

The women organized sewing bees to make cloth and other household products, and plan recipes using local goods. These good ladies were satirized in the British press. The political cartoon sends the message that these were not good women, showing a neglected child and the women sporting the faces of British politicians.

Credits: northcarolinahistory.org , Wikipedia, and the Library of Congress

Other notable women: 



• ‘Molly Pitcher’ - Mary Hayes was pregnant during the Battle of Monmouth, where she carried water for soldiers and to cool artillery guns; so the call may have been, ‘Molly, get a pitcher!’ Dr. Holliman apprised us of the fact that some myths and symbols were composites of the exploits of a number of people - “one story out of many.”
• Deborah Sampson emerged as a symbol for female involvement in the war. Already an indentured servant with limited prospects, she dressed as a man and enlisted under the name of Robert Shurtlieff. She fought in 1781 and her future husband received a pension for her service.
• Georgia’s own Nancy Hart had a habit of walking into British encampments and acting demented. She used information she overheard to spy for the colonists and relay British plans. When her home was occupied by the British, she stole their guns and turned them on the soldiers. Six skeletons were later found on her property. She is the namesake for the only Georgia county named for a woman.

Defining moments of the era: Dr. Holliman cited the examples in her talk as defining moments in telling the story of the Revolutionary War. When she asked her students at Brenau recently what moments they remember from 21st century history, they responded with the Covid pandemic, the ‘me too’ movement, and stories of September 11th.

Her entire lecture was thoughtful, enlightening, and well received.

Thomas Paine, Common Sense and

Patriot Thought

Dr. Amy Dunagin, Ph.D.

Kennesaw State University

Meeting the man behind the pamphlet

In another excellent America 250 presentation at the Milton Library, Dr. Amy Dunagin explored the document that helped spark the American Revolution and the man behind it. It’s often said that all history is stories, and Thomas Paine’s story is a doozy!

English birth: Thomas Paine started out as an English Patriot, having lived in England for 37 years. Just who were the Patriots in 18th century British politics? Largely urban professionals, in occupations such as trade and manufacturing, they aligned themselves with the British party of Patriot Whigs, or just Patriots.

Their opposition were the establishment Whigs. The Patriots believed in free trade vs control by landed gentry and aristocrats. The Patriots considered the colonies to be consumers of goods from British ships and therefore good for England.

Town of Lewes,

East Sussex, England

Photo credit:

BBC Alamy, Russell Higham

White Hart Hotel, Lewes

Photo credit: BBC, Nick Smith Photography

Early life: Though educated only to age 12, Paine was steeped in ideology. His day job was as a middle class stay maker for women’s corsets. Early in life he lost a wife and baby and went to sea. He became a reporter for the excise tax system and was active in civic groups in East Sussex, England, notably the debate group, the Headstrong Club. Originating at the White Hart Hotel in Lewes, it fostered the Enlightenment principles that helped shape the U.S. Paine’s initials are carved in the fireplace. The club still meets at the Elephant and Castle in Lewes.

In the words of William Morris (1834–1896): "You can see Lewes lying like a box of toys under a great amphitheatre of chalk hills ... on the whole it is set down better than any town I have seen in England."

Paine's acquaintance with Benjamin Franklin afforded him a letter of introduction, used when he landed in Philadelphia in 1774. Paine’s fresh start allowed him to connect with a newspaper and become politically active. His Common Sense pamphlet, published anonymously in January of 1776, gave Paine an opportunity to introduce a new political order both in America and Europe. The year 1776 saw 100,000 copies in circulation. 

Paine’s Common Sense arguments: He held that government needed to be limited and convinced colonists to fight to gain their republic. He thought that the only role of government was to protect freedom and security. Paine listened to people’s concerns about separation from England and for every ‘con’ he supplied a ‘pro’ for rebellion. For example, monarchy and hereditary succession made people too isolated to govern effectively - “Law is King, no other.” America is too large and distant to be governed by the United Kingdom. His successful writing was informal and direct, no references to Aristotle! Paine’s idea that free colonies would actually benefit England was reiterated in Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations. 

One incredible story: Paine went on to support revolutions in England and France, he was one of nine to draft the French constitution. Dr. Dunagin told of Paine’s remains meeting an ignominious end: William Corbett thought that as Paine was an Englishman, his remains should be honored by burial in England. When he shipped Paine’s bones there, they were sadly lost to history. No monument remains.

In Paine’s words, “ My attachment is to all the world.”

We thank Thomas Paine for being in the right place at the right time in American history.

Dr. Amy Dunagin with the Sons of the American Revolution;

Society Program Chair, Carl Jackson, is on the right

April 14, 2026 was a sunny beautiful spring day - a perfect day to celebrate Hopewell Baptist Church’s 175th anniversary.

The congregation began the day with worship service and fellowship beginning at 11:00 a.m. followed by a delicious lunch in the fellowship hall at 1:00 p.m. 

By 2:15 p.m., congregants and guests settled into the beautiful sanctuary with lovely stained-glass windows and handsome millwork crafted by Kim Heard, one of the church deacons. 

Current pastor, Rev Lee Gaddis, welcomed everyone to the celebration.

Folks in attendance enjoyed hearing anecdotes from six prior pastors and their wives, who played very special and important roles in the life of the church and its members.

Photo credits: Oksana Solovei              

Special guest speakers shared recollections of growing up in the church and the importance of Hopewell Baptist Church in their lives, several of whom met their future spouses through the church. 

During the celebration, several speakers shared how Hopewell Baptist Church was constituted on April 14, 1851 with 15 original members - male and female, Black and white - who include among their numbers Sophie and Thomas Burgess and Sarah and Francis Bates, names that are familiar to those who travel on roads in the rural part of Milton. Other familiar family names, like Henderson and Wilkie, were mentioned throughout the afternoon. Hopewell Baptist has been here since before the Civil War, which one of the speakers said is, “almost ancient history.”

The red-bricked building that we all know as Hopewell Baptist Church started life looking slightly different. 

It was a white building that was situated right on the “road,” which was a two-lane wagon road. In 1942, the church was moved to its current location. In 1959, the church was bricked by a local brick mason and some church members.

Over the years, the church has been added onto and remodeled becoming the church we recognize today. If you look carefully, you can see the lines of the original church. 

Photo credits: Hopewell Baptist Church

To carpet or not to carpet? While many anecdotes were shared that afternoon, Marion Wright Sutton, the wife of Pastor Bud Sutton shared an anecdote that speaks to decorating trends that many of us, sometimes to our chagrin, have followed over the years. 

Starting in the 1960’s, people began covering their hardwood floors with carpeting. The church elders decided that they would follow the trend. One of the deacons was adamantly opposed and was very vocal about it because he said, “it would take the spirit out of the church,” but after a few months of deliberation the church elders voted to install carpet. 

Soon afterward, the church had a communion service followed by the washing of feet. During the ceremony, a teenage girl said she wanted to be saved. The deacon in question, caught up in the moment “got happy” as Marion said, began shouting and was filled with the spirit. Suddenly he passed out and fell on the carpet. And according to Marion, they never heard him complain about the carpet again. This was one instance when following the carpeting trend had a happy ending. 

After 175 years, Hopewell Baptist Church continues to be a cherished historic site in Milton and remains committed to its mission, actively supporting the community through the Georgia Baptist’s Children’s Home, the High Tower Food and Clothing Bank, vacation bible school, Easter egg hunts, and summer camps. They are also longtime supporters of the election process, opening their gym to host one of the biggest polling locations in Fulton County. And, as a number of the speakers noted, they are already looking forward to celebrating their 200th anniversary. 

Photo credit: Oksana Solovei

The Thomas Byrd House Connection

The Hopewell Baptist Church historical marker remembers the Byrd family:

"Hopewell Baptist was constituted on April 14, 1851, with 15 original Members. Members first met in the home of Rhoda Byrd Rogers (Thomas Byrd house). Rhoda was the youngest daughter of Judith May Byrd, an original church member."

Karen Fowler, Director of the Milton Senior Center, shared the following photos of the Byrd family - including Rhoda Byrd Rogers - with the Society.

Collie Day, Rhoda Byrd Rogers (seated), Mary Rogers Day

Rhoda B. Rogers was daughter of Thomas Byrd

April 2018 gift to the Milton Senior Center

Malasia Adaline Barnwell Townsend and her 16 year old son Robert M. Townsend shortly after he enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1861.

Malasia (aka Melissa) is the granddaughter of Captain Thomas G. Byrd and Judith May Byrd.

To engage children to discover their Family History start with a discussion in a quiet area in your home. Try to avoid any distractions that might break up discussion. Have photos to reference and materials to share; allow feedback from children. Start with a discussion and give the kids a member of the family to learn more about - an aunt or uncle or cousin. Plan to meet again on Family History in a month; make sure to circle on a calendar for all to see when the next meeting is going to happen.

My husband and I discussed our Family Histories with our son over forty years ago in this manner and have talked to two grandsons also. After my father retired, he started on a journey to learn more about his Morris family roots. He wrote articles for the local community newspaper about the North Fulton area. He always found genealogy to be rewarding. 

Template courtesy of FreeFamilyTreeTemplates.com

Tip: to use this example, click Family Tree Template

Family Trees are helpful to reference. Bibles have insert pages you can reference and children can be involved in tracing their names in the family bible. In today’s research world there are companies that will trace your family history for fees. You can also access many resources for Family Tree templates - some require fees. PBS networks often have programing concerning heritage searches. 

A great project for older children might be to embroider a simple family tree. This shows Aubrey Morris' family.

An example of keeping your family history close at hand.

Middle photo shows Aubrey Morris with daughters Rebecca, Rhoda, and Susan.

An example of a conversation with family concerning my Family History: In the 5th decade of the 20th Century I was born on November 4th. My father Aubrey R. Morris married my mother Tera T. Griffin on September 23, 1949. My mother had just finished Grady Hospital Nursing School and my father was the Crime Reporter for the Atlanta Constitution. Both of my parents were raised on farms in Georgia. The first time my father met my mother he knew she was his chosen one for a wife. My parents named me Mary Rebecca after my father's mother Mary Perkins Morris and my mother's great grandmother Rebecca Solomon Griffin. My parents lived in a small apartment on Peachtree Street in Atlanta.

Rebecca Morris Fricton pictured with her great great Aunt Missouri Rowe Davis. Rebecca is age 18 months and Aunt Missouri is age 73. Missouri passed at age 75.

Note on the back of the black and white photo taken by Aubrey Morris. Notes like this provide great factual history.

Rebecca's inspiration: My parents raised three daughters in the Atlanta area. Raised me to be respectful of my elders and supportive of family members. The picture of me sitting in my Great Great Aunt Missouri’s lap is one of my father’s pictures that he took with his favorite Rolex camera. My Aunt was Missouri Rowe Davis of Berrien County, Georgia. She was the eldest daughter of 19 children of Richard Rowe. My Aunt Missouri was a pioneer woman - she was actually married to a Mr. Davis but found out she preferred to live on her own, passing at age 73. She has always been an inspiration to me; I come from stubborn stock of rural independent women.

Page from Tucker Family bible recorded in August 1900.

Ancestry printout of Raymond Russell Morris dating back to the mid-1700s; half brother of

Aubrey Morris.

Importance of families: Growing up I experienced being with Morris family relatives and Griffin family relatives. A special time would be yearly family reunions held at parks or churches. I knew most of my great aunts and uncles and their children. At reunions you would get to see the new babies born to the families and witness names added to family bibles. At funerals we attended usually family and friends would share a meal in the surrounding area.

As we celebrate the 250th Birthday of America I invite you to learn more about your roots and family trees.  

Editor’s note: Many online sites offer suggestions on how to involve children in learning family history. National Geographic Kids website offers “family-tested ideas from the experts…”

“Encourage children to ask grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and other relatives about kid-friendly topics. Here are a few to get the ball rolling:

• What was their favorite childhood toy?
• Where did they live as a child? What was their home like?
• How did they meet their spouse?
• What was the biggest event of their childhood?

“If possible, record the interviews to create a video keepsake. Or request written replies to preserve the stories and handwriting in a scrapbook.”

Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals awarded at 2026 University of Virginia Founder’s Day observance provide insight into the Adams and Jefferson relationship. Jane Kamensky, president and CEO of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, finished the award ceremony with the following, "We have been leaning at Monticello for the last year into the friendship, the rigorous and difficult friendship, between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams." In 1813, Adams wrote to Jefferson and said, "You and I ought not to die before we have explained ourselves to each other.” Kamensky said, “That is my toast: To civic friendship and to explaining ourselves to each other.”

UVA Today newsletter

Note: The Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal is the highest award that UVA offers. The University does not award honorary degrees.

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