Rutherford Weekly

Since 1975 in September and October, Revolutionary War period re-enactors bring the Overmountain Men story alive traveling along the Overmountain Victory Trail Association's (OVTA) March from Virginia to Kings Mountain. The Battle of Kings Mountain was the turning point of the Revolutionary War and America's road to freedom. OVTA's marchers said last week in Rutherfordton, it is vital to continue telling the story of the Overmountain Men. Recently on October 4 and October 5, approximately 15 OVTA re-enactors- from Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina- came into Rutherford County to share the story that is too often "untold," said Tonya Katzin of Tennessee. Beginning with breakfast hosted by Griffi th Rutherford Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution at the Boy Scout Hut in Rutherfordton, the OVTA Rutherford County story was unveiled during the two days. Leading the group was David Doan, president of the OVTA, who shared with DAR thanks for the breakfast. Most of the re-enactors travel in vehicles these days and sleep in their trucks, cars or camp. In the early days of the March in 1975, most re-enactors walked the 330 miles with support vehicles. DAR member Edith Edwards of Harris who has participated in four decades of the historic event, is looking forward to the 50th, she said. Wearing several OTVA and DAR patches on her sweater, Edwards knows it's important to continue the story. Katzin of Eidson, Tennessee was joined at her breakfast table at the Scout Hut by Mark Anthony of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, Ezekiel Wells of Oak Grove,Tennessee and Ivan Daniels of Tennessee. Ezekiel, 18, said he became interested in the OVTA as a Boy Scout and has a lifelong love of history. Melodie Daniels of Tennessee said it is important to keep the story alive. "There is not any better way to learn it than to live it. When you walk in the footsteps of those who gave you freedom...it is important for us to carry the legacy forward. My boys and I love it. We enjoy living history," Daniels said. Her sons are Gideon, 8, Cohen 13, and Ivan 15, and like their mother, were dressed in period attire. Gideon has been on the march since he was 18 months old. Daniel's in-laws' ancestors include Col. Andrew Hampton, buried in the Hampton Cemetery in Rutherford County. After breakfast in Rutherfordton, the group traveled to the Gilbert Town site off Oak Springs Road in Rutherfordton. There Doan was joined by Steve Ricker, director of interpretation, as they shared the history of the encampment at Gilbert Town. Bill Walther, 86, from Red Springs, Missouri, the eldest among the re-enactors, sat reverently in a chair as he heard the story. After the stories were told, Rutherford County Schools eighth graders rotated through four stations set up on the Gilbert Town property- blacksmithing, Revolutionary War weapons, history of the US fl ag, and colonial clothing. On October 5 breakfast was provided for the marchers at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, with County Historian Chivous Bradley assisting. The group told the story to Polk County students at Grays Chapel/Alexanders Ford and later on October 5, there was a presentation under the shelter at Grays Chapel concerning the decision to pursue Ferguson toward Kings Mountain. Following this program, there was an unveiling of a State Highway Historical Marker honoring the Overmountain Men at the intersection of County Line Road with NC Hwy 108. Alisa Doan, among the marchers, said she has begun her work as the chair of the 50th Year celebration of the OVTA and seeks any information regarding the March from its beginning. ISSUE NO. 41 • October 13, 2022 ISSUE NO. 41 • October 13, 2022 • • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 www.mooresautos.com www.mooresautos.com 345 South Broadway, Forest City 828-245-8067 IN HOUSE FINANCING IN HOUSE FINANCING M O O RE ' S AUTO S ALES ©Community First Media Community First Media BRING YOUR VEHICLE BY FOR US TO LOOK AT! NO APPRAISAL FEE CHARGED! Top Top Dollar Paid! Dollar Paid! YOUR VEHICLE YOUR VEHICLE We Want to Buy We Want to Buy N.C. TRACTOR & FARM SUPPLY 299 Railroad Ave., Rutherfordton • 828-288-0395 Mobile: 828-429-5008 • mf1dpshehan@gmail.com SALES • SERVICE • PARTS IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! PROUDLY SERVING RUTHERFORD, CLEVELAND, GASTON, LINCOLN, POLK COUNTIES AS THE AREAS HOMETOWN MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER. Great Selection Great Selection Jean Gordon Story & Photos Our 30 th Year • Over 25,000 Weekly Readers Melodie Daniels with Gideon, 8. OVTA marchers bringing OVTA marchers bringing history to life in Rutherford history to life in Rutherford OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH The Overmountain Victory Trail Marchers with members of the Griffi th Rutherford Chapter DAR in Rutherfordton. Rutherford County Historian Chivous Bradley listens and relives history. Storytellers David Doan & Steve Ricker, his 17th walk. OVTA President David Doan sharing the Gibert Town story. The eldest re-enactor Bill Walther with Shirley Tolar at Gilbert Town. St Stretchi hing 330 30 mil iles throu h gh four t st t ates (Vi Virginia, Tennessee, North th and South Carolina) the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail tr traces the route used by patriot militia during the pivotal Kings Mountain campaign of 1780. Follow the campaign by utilizing a Commemorative Motor Route which uses existing state highways marked with the distinctive trail logo, or 87 miles of walkable pathways. The large commemorative reenactment march marks the historic march by Overmountain Patriot Militia forces to the American Revolutionary War Battle of Kings Mountain, which took place on October 7, 1780. The Annual March is one of the largest annual National Historic Trail re reenactments of its type in the United States. The event spans over three weeks and passes through over 30 communities and portions of Virginia, Te Tenn nnes esse see, e, Nor orth th Car arol olin ina, a, and nd Sou outh th Car arol olin ina. a.

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