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Pvt. Jude Hall, DAR #217131

On October 31, 2023, Jude Hall was verified by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. His DAR Patriot number is 217131. His verified child is George Washington Hall (the only one to date, though there are many more children). Barb B. in CA is the first to claim him. The Taylor family of TX has applied for him as a CAR ancestor. We hope many more follow!

Here is a shot I took on Oct 31, whilst celebrating this fantastic news down at Jude’s Pond. The stone is a potential part of his cellar wall. (The site/cellar hole is officially registered as a archeological site.) Halloween is a day when they say the “veil is thin”… do you see anything??

Jude and his family was the topic at of my speech at the New Hampshire DAR Fall Conference in mid-October. In attendance that day was the DAR President General, Pamela Rouse Wright. After the speech, she asked me some questions, and promised to help things along. And she did! Thanks!!

I am also grateful to NH State Regent, Kay Sternenberg, for extending an invitation for me to speak about Jude & Rhoda to such an enthusiastic crowd 🙂

In the speech, I also introduced this new book by Glenn Knoblock “Strong and Brave Fellows”: New Hampshire’s Black Soldiers and Sailors of the American Revolution, 1775-1784 ? (My friend, Gail G. gifted me one in the mail. Thanks!) The following week, when I was down in Washington, DC visiting the DAR Museum & headquarters, I found it in their library, too. I opened it to Jude’s page and took this shot.

I spoke with the author, Glenn, today. He told me that he already spoke last week to the DAR chapter in Wolfeboro, NH. Hooray! Those DAR ladies get things done 🙂

For those of you who are not familiar with the DAR, it is a non-partisan organization with a three-fold national mission of: Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism. To become a member, you must have an ancestor who served in, or contributed to, the Revolutionary War effort.

The genealogist women in the 25 chapters of the NHDAR (and there are a LOT of them) want to dig into his book and make things happen in their towns, too. Hallelujah!

I wonder what will happen next….

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Solstice 2020: taking the show on the road!

Host an online holiday gathering with a local-mystery author

Happy Holidays to all!

In this dark and quiet time near the Winter Solstice, who wouldn’t enjoy the bright company of friends for an hour – even if online? I offer to you the opportunity to Zoom-host a local-mystery author in your circle of friends or book group.

That’s right: you, me, your friends, (and a glass of wine or tea) all gathered online for a women’s circle or book group. Cozy!! Fun!!

No problem if you have not read the books, I have a mini power-point that will familiarize everyone with the main themes. After the presentation you can all ask me questions about research, writing, publishing, the books, or my mission & other projects.

Here is the official blurb I sent to the papers. You can cut and paste it into an email invite to your friends. I would very much enjoy visiting with you, via Zoom, in the next few months 🙂

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Local author and art-activist, RM Allen, is now available to speak to your Zoom book group or social club about her trilogy of historical-fiction mysteries. Her quick and fun mysteries are set in familiar locations throughout downtown Exeter, NH. They bring to life some Black citizens of our past, when Exeter was home to the highest percentage of Blacks in the State.

>>“Incident at Exeter Tavern” features Black Revolutionary War soldier, Jude Hall and his family.

>>“Incident at Ioka” features Black Abolitionist poet James M. Whitfield.

>>“Incident at Exeter Depot” set in Suffragette-era, features Black entrepreneur, John Garrison Cutler, and Rebecca Walker and her family. (spring 2021)

The author has spent many hours at the Exeter Historical Society researching these unsung people. She has also dug up some strong women from our past to lead the stories such as: Tabitha Tenney, Betsy Clifford, and Dr. Alice Chesley.

The fictional sleuth is Maryvonne, a modern-day artist with French flair and an ability to peer into the past.  We follow Maryvonne around Exeter as she sets up her easel, attends art shows, book talks, festivals, and speaks with people who may seem quite familiar to you. All the things we used to do in person before the pandemic!

The Exeter Newsletter has written two pieces on RM Allen’s work, and how it relates to her activism to help shine a light on our true history.

Both Water Street Bookstore and Amazon/Kindle carry the books. She has pledged 100% of the book profits, which totals $1000 so far, to benefit a tangible Black Heritage project in downtown Exeter, NH.