Chapter History

The Marquis de Lafayette Chapter in Fayetteville began with an organizational meeting at the Fayette County Library on January 22, 2002. Dr. Douglas Stansberry, who had recently moved into the community, saw the need for a chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution in the area. With Dr. Stanberry’s guidance, there were six organizational meetings held throughout early 2002, and the Board of Managers granted a petition for a charter on July 13, 2002, with the help of state SAR President Dr. Milton Johnson. The new chapter was named for the Marquis de Lafayette, for whom Fayette County is also named.  The Charter Banquet was held on August 10, this date being the same as when Lafayette joined the forces of George Washington.

The new chapter began life with some 16 charter members and membership has grown to some 90, with more than 50 supplementals also verified so far. The chapter has had regular monthly meetings since the organizational meeting in 2002, and has become very active in nearly all SAR programs. Among the awards won by the Marquis de Lafayette Chapter have been the 2002 NSSAR Liberty Bell Americanism Award & Streamer, and the 2002 NSSAR President General’s Activity Streamer Award, the 2003 USS Stark Memorial Award and the 2003 Americanism Poster Contest 1st Place (Nationally).

The chapter now includes members from Coweta and Henry Counties as well as Fayette, Clayton and South Fulton, and is a very active force for promoting patriotism in the “southern crescent.” Our chapter members actively participate in parades (usually with our float) and as part of the state and local color guards. We work very cooperatively with our fellow patriotic organizations, the DAR (five chapters in our area) and with the CAR. Our members have held and continue to hold a number of state and national offices within the SAR.

Our Presidents have been:

2002-2004            Dr. Douglas Stansberry
2005                       John F. Sloan
2006-2007            J. Michael Tomme, Sr.
2008                       Bloise “Bo” Armstrong Hill
2009                       David Jessel
2010                        Lewie Dunn
2011                        Geoffrey Oosterhoudt
2012                       Robert Wylie
2013                       Robert Wylie
2014                       Bloise “Bo” Hill
2015                       Knox Herndon
2016                       John E. Swab

Our activities include, marking graves, working in conjunction with the American Legion on Memorial Day and other patriotic observances, participating in our traditional “Let Freedom Ring” ceremony on July 4th at the Fayette County Courthouse, taking part in July 4^th parades in Peachtree City and Newnan, as well as Christmas parades in McDonough and Newnan, taking part in the Veteran’s Day parade in Atlanta, recognizing outstanding boy scouts, public safety personnel and JROTC cadets, sponsoring poster, essay and oration contests for local students, and recognizing those who properly display the American flag. We also assist, in any way we can, the hospitalized veterans in our area and at the VA hospital.

We also have in our Chapter, former Chapter Presidents from other Chapters and they are; Charles Hal Dayhuff, III, former President of the Abraham Baldwin Chapter, Charlie Newcomer (dual member) former President of the Samuel Butts Chapter, Douglas H. Stansberry (former Society President of Mexico) and former President of the Piedmont Chapter, James Goodrum, former President of the McIntosh Chapter, Scott Gilbert former President of the Samuel Butts Chapter and Tony Martin former President of the Samuel Butts Chapter.

We have in our Chapter former State President’s, Charles Hal Dayhuff, III, who served as State President from 1991-1992; Charlie Newcomer who served as State President 2007-2008.

We have had several to serve as GASSAR Regional Vice Presidents from our chapter.  They are Lewie Dunn and David Jessel.

Michael “Mike” Tomme, Sr., is the first State President to come from our Chapter. He served from 2010-2011.

Michael “Mike” Tomme, Sr., is the first NSSAR National Trustee and Alternate Trustee to come from our Chapter. He served as National Trustee and Alternate Trustee from 2011-2013.

Michael “Mike” Tomme, Sr., is the first NSSAR National Color Guard Adjutant, Vice Commander and Commander to come from our chapter and state.

Michael “Mike” Tomme, Sr., is the first NSSAR General Officer from our chapter to serve. He was elected Registrar General for two terms (2) 2012-2014.

Michael “Mike” Michael Tomme, Sr., was elected as NSSAR Treasurer General at the 2014 Congress in Greenville, SC.

Michael “Mike” Tomme, Sr., was elected as NSSAR Secretary General at the 2015 Congress in Louisville, KY. 2015.

Michael “Mike” Tomme, Sr., was elected as the 113^th President General of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution, at the 2016 Congress in Boston, MA, 2016. He is only the third person from Georgia elected as President General.

Our Chapter looks forward to being more productive in the community in years to come as the banner carrier for the SAR in Atlanta’s south metro area.  Our chapter has been active over the years in all areas of the community.  We must continue to be a beacon for the south metro area.