This is Al Metts I send this to the Hodges list, to each of the Hodges/ Abbeville researchers and to Mr William Spurlock. I sent Mr. Spurlock copies of these documents. Juno does not do attachments, so these are OCR copies. (This scanner causes me problems. Good Luck!) I start with my message to William Spurlock. ------------------------------------------------- Sir, You asked about prior actions. I wrote to Governor Hodges - Attachment 1 He answered delegating the action - Attachment 2 Letter to Skelton Attachment 3,4 5. The Governor of SC is a worthless person (He took the Confederate flag off the Capitol!) Also, he did nothing to help us. He passed the action to Skelton. Skelton never answered my letter and did nothing. Other Hodges researchers wrote to Skelton - no answer. The list at Attachment 5 were sent copies and I wrote each individually. Not one of them would help. The worthless SAR editor said that he would be interested in the story AFTER we got justice!! There was no answer from the DAR. Strom Thurman's staff person said it was a legal matter, not political. In SC, the local newspaper ran a story - no results. The local officials have not done anything when requested by researchers who live in the area. I hope you can stir them up. I fought 12 campaigns in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. I am a combat infantryman, but, now, I am 80 years old. It is too late!! Al Metts ----------------------------------------------------- MY LETTER TO GOVERNOR HODGES OF SC Juno e-mail for [email protected] printed on Friday, February 02, 2001, 10:05 AM Dear Governor Jim Hodges, This message concerns the desecration of the grave of an heroic militiaman who served South Carolina during the American Revolution. The name of this soldier is JOHN HODGES. He is buried near the South Carolina town of HODGES, named for his son, General George Washington Hodges, who fought in the War of 1812. John Hodges’ father, Richard Hodges, brought his family from Essex County, VA, to Abbeville District before the American Revolution. Before the war started, Richard died leaving his wife, Elizabeth Jones Hodges, with twelve children. Indians attacked and burned her cabin, captured one of her daughters, and the family had to find safety in the woods. Young John Hodges was fifteen years old when he joined the South Carolina militia. His Revolutionary War military record in recorded in the U.S. Archives. The Hodges farm became Hodges, SC. Their cemetery is near the town. In 1990, the 27 tombstones, some over 150 years old, were intact. By 1992, a man named Tom Buzhardt had opened a go-cart track (Piney Grove Go Cart Track) next to the Hodges cemetery. He has allowed his customers to desecrate and vandalize the graves of the Hodges family. By 1995, 16 of the tombstones had been broken. The area is littered with trash, broken beer bottles and other debris. Descendants made offers to buy the cemetery, but he refused. Two port-a-john toilets are placed less than 4 feet from one of the graves. Descendants visited the cemetery in September, 2000, and sadly report that the tombstones of John Hodges, the Revolutionary soldier, and of his wife, Frances, have been broken near the bases and lie upon the ground. Sir, I am a 79 year old combat infantryman. I taught ROTC at The Citadel after returning from World War II. John Hodges is one of my ancestors and I suspect that he may be one of yours as well. My first American Metts (Metz) ancestor arrived in Charleston in 1742. 1 live in San Antonio, Texas. Please forgive me for the length of this letter. It could be a lot longer. Many Hodges descendants know of the cemetery problem. We hope that you will be interested in helping us stop the continuing desecration of the grave of our heroic ancestor. Gladly, I will provide more information. Sincerely, Albert Caswell Metts, Jr. Colonel, Infantry, Retired United States Army ---------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA Office of the Governor January 26, 2001 Dear Mr. Metts: Governor Hodges has asked me to thank you for your recent e-mail and for sharing your concerns with him regarding the Hodges Family Cemetery near Hodges, South Carolina. In an effort of to be of assistance to you, I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of your correspondence to Mr. Stephen Skelton, Historic Preservation Programs, South Carolina Department of Archives and History, 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223 with my request that he respond to you directly with any information he might have concerning your inquiry. Again, thank you for writing and for sharing your concerns with Governor Hodges. If our office can be of assistance to you in some other way, please let us know. Sincerely, Erna S. Jacobs Public Information Coordinator CC: Mr. Stephen Skelton, South Carolina Department of Archives and History ---------------------------------------------------- LETTER TO MR. SKELTON February 1, 2001 Mr. Stephen Skelton Historic Preservation Programs South Carolina Department of Archives and History 8301 Parklane Road Columbia, South Carolina 29223 Dear Mr. Skelton: You have been sent a copy of the letter to me from the Office of Governor Jim Hodges, dated January 26, 2001. It tells me that you have been given the responsibility for helping the descendants of Revolutionary soldier John Hodges prevent the continuing desecration of the Hodges Cemetery in Hodges, South Carolina. Your acceptance of this challenge will be appreciated My first thought was to wonder why this task was given to your office rather than to some law enforcement unit. Of course, I realized that the Governor knows a lot more than this old combat infantryman with 12 campaigns in three wars. Governor Hodges respects the fact that the history of the wonderful state of South Carolina is involved. Our great nation will always be indebted to South Carolina, one of the original thirteen colonies, for its role in the development of this nation and in the fight for independence. Every history of the Revolution describes the important role that South Carolina played. For your great state to stand by and allow the grave of an heroic Revolutionary soldier to be desecrated would be shameful in our nation of free men! To look the other way and ignore this disgraceful conduct would be scorned by all patriotic Americans. As a patriot, I hope that you agree with me. Please let me tell you a few facts about John Hodges. His family came from Virginia before the Revolution. His father died before the war, leaving a poor widow with many children. The Indians were fighting for England. They came to the Hodges home and burned it. The poor widow fled to the woods to hide her family. The Indians captured her daughter, Dorothy, and took her to Alabama. When he was fifteen years old, young John Hodges yolunteered and served in the South Carolina militia for the rest of the war. He fought in the battles of Old Ninety-six and Chaota Town. He served under General Greene and Captain Rosamond was his company commander. His tombstone lies flat on the ground, broken by vandals. It is surrounded by trash. The writing on the stone begins, "In Memory of Major John Hodges". He lived until 1834, continued to serve in the militia, and was a major during the War of 1812. John Hodges was the father of twenty children! Every one of them lived to maturity. Naturally, the area where the Hodges farm was located became Hodges, South Carolina. When all were adults, a reunion was held in Hodges. Every member of the family was present - an unbroken family! Also, naturally, there are many descendants of the Revolutionary soldier. Many have the surname "Hodges". Others have names like Metts, Forrester, Mungo or Rosamond. I tell you this to emphasize that the desecration of the Hodges Cemetery is very important to many people in South Carolina and in locations all over America. Many of these people are very disappointed that South Carolina would allow the vandalism to continue for so long. Our present efforts are not the first try to get correction of the vandalism. In 1995, Mrs. Mary Clyde Mungo of Lancaster, South Carolina, where the Governor was born, tried to get authorities to stop the vandalism. At that time, the tombstone of John Hodges had been damaged, but the one for his wife, Frances, had not. Now, her stone and almost every other stone in the cemetery has been broken. Mrs. Mungo wrote many letters. She was referred to The Department of Archives. They sent her some papers about laws and sent copies of her letter to a "State Law Enforcement Division, Chief Stewart" and to the Sheriff of Greenwood County. Neither bothered to help her in any way. The only real interest came from that great patriot, statesman and true gentleman, Senator Strom Thurman. He promised that he would help. He contacted the Zoning Department in Greenwood County. Then, the good Senator must have forgotten about his promise. As I approach four score years, I find no fault with that great old man. My memory fades as each day passes. I do hope that you, Mr. Skelton, will not fail to give us just support. We Hodges researchers are organized to persevere until we get results. Every letter or message including the Governor’s letter and this one are being entered into the Internet so that all descendants are kept informed and that a record is maintained. I am writing an article for the Sons of the American Revolution Magazine to tell the story and to get members in South Carolina to support our cause. Years ago, the Texas Highway Department tried to build a road across an old historic cemetery. The Ladies of the Daughters of the American Revolution descended upon Austin and the State of Texas passed and enforced laws to protect cemeteries. Our descendant daughters plan a similar action in South Carolina. I do not enjoy seeing South Carolina criticized. I love that state. I have lived in Charleston. I have done research in that state and seen many old cemeteries in conditions nearly as bad as the Hodges Cemetery in Hodges, South Carolina. Your help will be documented and read by many Americans. Most religions consider cemeteries to be sacred soil. Most states have severe laws that are strictly enforced to protect cemeteries. The religious and sentimental aspects are important. Also, sir, as the chief of the Historic Preservation Programs, you know that the information on the ancient tombstones has documentary evidence needed for historical research. I have heard that the history of ancient Rome was written from the tombstones of the dead! I have told our members to remain optimistic. Patience and persistence will lead to success. I hope that you will join our crusade, Mr. Skelton. Sincerely /s/ cc: Senator Strom Thurmond 217 Russel Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 Governor Jim Hodges 1205 Pendleton Street, Room 308 Columbia, South Carolina 29201 SC Genealogical Society, Inc Post Office Box 492 Columbia, SC 29202-0492 South Carolina Genealogical Society P. 0. Box 3468 Greenwood, SC 29648 Mr Winston C. Williams Editor, The SAR Magazine P. 0. Box 26595 Milwaukee, WI 53226 Mrs Joel Morris Wagoner Chairman, DAR Magazine 1776 D Street, NW Washington, DC 20006

Hi, I am not a Hodges' descendant but became interested in your plight to have someone do something regarding John Hodges' gravesite at Hodges, SC. In the May 2001 issue of 'The Carolina Hearld & Newsletter is an article with basically the same information as below entitled 'Desecration of a Revolutionary War Soldier's Grave' (Page 14/15) by Colonel lbert Caswell Metts, Jr. This quarterly is published by the South Carolina Genealogical Society, Inc. Mr. Metts, I wasn't certain if you knew this article had been printed and wanted to let you know it has! As for not getting any attention from the SC Government, it is likely due to the cutting of every budget in SC. However, one group got his attention someway and had him re think the education budget. Now, I am one who believes in education for all, however, when they start talking of dimissing the mentally handicapped and having other programs, it just doesn't make any sense. I hope there will be a way to resolve this problem with the owner. If I was allowing what he is in this cemetery, I'd be afraid of having night mares! I live just a few miles from this area, but have not been there yet. I will tell all I know about this terrible injustice. Joyce McManus ----- Original Message ----- From: Albert C Metts, Jr. <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 6:52 PM Subject: [HODGES-L] Hodges vs Gov SC | This is Al Metts | | I send this to the Hodges list, to each of the Hodges/ | Abbeville researchers and to Mr William Spurlock. | I sent Mr. Spurlock copies of these documents. Juno | does not do attachments, so these are OCR copies. | (This scanner causes me problems. Good Luck!) | I start with my message to William Spurlock. | ------------------------------------------------- | Sir, | | You asked about prior actions. | | ----------------------------------------------------- | MY LETTER TO GOVERNOR HODGES OF SC | Juno e-mail for [email protected] printed on Friday, February 02, 2001, | 10:05 AM | Dear Governor Jim Hodges, | This message concerns the desecration of the grave of an heroic | militiaman who served South Carolina during the American Revolution. The | name of this soldier is JOHN HODGES. He is buried near the South Carolina | town of HODGES, named for his son, General George Washington Hodges, who | fought in the War of 1812. | John Hodges' father, Richard Hodges, brought his family from Essex | County, VA, to Abbeville District before the American Revolution. Before | the war started, Richard died leaving his wife, Elizabeth Jones Hodges, | with twelve children. Indians attacked and burned her cabin, captured one | of her daughters, and the family had to find safety in the woods. Young | John Hodges was fifteen years old when he joined the South Carolina | militia. His Revolutionary War military record in recorded in the U.S. | Archives. | The Hodges farm became Hodges, SC. Their cemetery is near the town. In | 1990, the 27 tombstones, some over 150 years old, were intact. By 1992, a | man named Tom Buzhardt had opened a go-cart track (Piney Grove Go Cart | Track) next to the Hodges cemetery. He has allowed his customers to | desecrate and vandalize the graves of the Hodges family. By 1995, 16 of | the tombstones had been broken. The area is littered with trash, broken | beer bottles and other debris. Descendants made offers to buy the | cemetery, but he refused. Two port-a-john toilets are placed less than 4 | feet from one of the graves. Descendants visited the cemetery in | September, 2000, and sadly report that the tombstones of John Hodges, the | Revolutionary soldier, and of his wife, Frances, have been broken near | the bases and lie upon the ground. | Sir, I am a 79 year old combat infantryman. I taught ROTC at The Citadel | after returning from World War II. John Hodges is one of my ancestors and | I suspect that he may be one of yours as well. My first American Metts | (Metz) ancestor arrived in Charleston in 1742. 1 live in San Antonio, | Texas. Please forgive me for the length of this letter. It could be a lot | longer. Many Hodges descendants know of the cemetery problem. We hope | that you will be interested in helping us stop the continuing desecration | of the grave of our heroic ancestor. Gladly, I will provide more | information. | Sincerely, | Albert Caswell Metts, Jr. | Colonel, Infantry, Retired | United States Army | ---------------------------------------------------------- | STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA | Office of the Governor | | January 26, 2001 | Dear Mr. Metts: | Governor Hodges has asked me to thank you for your recent e-mail and for | sharing your concerns with him regarding the Hodges Family Cemetery near | Hodges, South Carolina. | In an effort of to be of assistance to you, I have taken the liberty of | forwarding a copy of your correspondence to Mr. Stephen Skelton, Historic | Preservation Programs, South Carolina Department of Archives and History, | 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223 with my request that he respond to | you directly with any information he might have concerning your inquiry. | Again, thank you for writing and for sharing your concerns with Governor | Hodges. If our office can be of assistance to you in some other way, | please let us know. | Sincerely, | | Erna S. Jacobs | Public Information Coordinator | CC: Mr. Stephen Skelton, South Carolina Department of Archives and | History | ---------------------------------------------------- | LETTER TO MR. SKELTON | February 1, 2001 | Mr. Stephen Skelton | Historic Preservation Programs | South Carolina Department of Archives and History | 8301 Parklane Road | Columbia, South Carolina 29223 | Dear Mr. Skelton: | You have been sent a copy of the letter to me from the Office of Governor | Jim Hodges, dated January 26, 2001. It tells me that you have been given | the responsibility for helping the descendants of Revolutionary soldier | John Hodges prevent the continuing desecration of the Hodges Cemetery in | Hodges, South Carolina. Your acceptance of this challenge will be | appreciated | My first thought was to wonder why this task was given to your office | rather than to some law enforcement unit. Of course, I realized that the | Governor knows a lot more than this old combat infantryman with 12 | campaigns in three wars. Governor Hodges respects the fact that the | history of the wonderful state of South Carolina is involved. Our great | nation will always be indebted to South Carolina, one of the original | thirteen colonies, for its role in the development of this nation and in | the fight for independence. Every history of the Revolution describes the | important role that South Carolina played. For your great state to stand | by and allow the grave of an heroic Revolutionary soldier to be | desecrated would be shameful in our nation of free men! To look the other | way and ignore this disgraceful conduct would be scorned by all patriotic | Americans. As a patriot, I hope that you agree with me. | Please let me tell you a few facts about John Hodges. His family came | from Virginia before the Revolution. His father died before the war, | leaving a poor widow with many children. The Indians were fighting for | England. They came to the Hodges home and burned it. The poor widow fled | to the woods to hide her family. The Indians captured her daughter, | Dorothy, and took her to Alabama. When he was fifteen years old, young | John Hodges yolunteered and served in the South Carolina militia for the | rest of the war. He fought in the battles of Old Ninety-six and Chaota | Town. He served under General Greene and Captain Rosamond was his company | commander. His tombstone lies flat on the ground, broken by vandals. It | is surrounded by trash. The writing on the stone begins, "In Memory of | Major John Hodges". He lived until 1834, continued to serve in the | militia, and was a major during the War of 1812. | John Hodges was the father of twenty children! Every one of them lived to | maturity. Naturally, the area where the Hodges farm was located became | Hodges, South Carolina. When all were adults, a reunion was held in | Hodges. Every member of the family was | present - an unbroken family! Also, naturally, there are many descendants | of the Revolutionary soldier. Many have the surname "Hodges". Others | have names like Metts, Forrester, Mungo or Rosamond. I tell you this to | emphasize that the desecration of the Hodges Cemetery is very important | to many people in South Carolina and in locations all over America. Many | of these people are very disappointed that South Carolina would allow the | vandalism to continue for so long. Our present efforts are not the first | try to get correction of the vandalism. | In 1995, Mrs. Mary Clyde Mungo of Lancaster, South Carolina, where the | Governor was born, tried to get authorities to stop the vandalism. At | that time, the tombstone of John Hodges had been damaged, but the one for | his wife, Frances, had not. Now, her stone and almost every other stone | in the cemetery has been broken. Mrs. Mungo wrote many letters. She was | referred to The Department of Archives. They sent her some papers about | laws and sent copies of her letter to a "State Law Enforcement Division, | Chief Stewart" and to the Sheriff of Greenwood County. Neither bothered | to help her in any way. The only real interest came from that great | patriot, statesman and true gentleman, Senator Strom Thurman. He promised | that he would help. He contacted the Zoning Department in Greenwood | County. Then, the good Senator must have forgotten about his promise. As | I approach four score years, I find no fault with that great old man. My | memory fades as each day passes. I do hope that you, Mr. Skelton, will | not fail to give us just support. | We Hodges researchers are organized to persevere until we get results. | Every letter or message including the Governor's letter and this one are | being entered into the Internet so that all descendants are kept informed | and that a record is maintained. I am writing an article for the Sons of | the American Revolution Magazine to tell the story and to get members in | South Carolina to support our cause. Years ago, the Texas Highway | Department tried to build a road across an old historic cemetery. The | Ladies of the Daughters of the American Revolution descended upon Austin | and the State of Texas passed and enforced laws to protect cemeteries. | Our descendant daughters plan a similar action in South Carolina. I do | not enjoy seeing South Carolina criticized. I love that state. I have | lived in Charleston. I have done research in that state and seen many old | cemeteries in conditions nearly as bad as the Hodges Cemetery in Hodges, | South Carolina. Your help will be documented and read by many Americans. | Most religions consider cemeteries to be sacred soil. Most states have | severe laws that are strictly enforced to protect cemeteries. The | religious and sentimental aspects are important. Also, sir, as the chief | of the Historic Preservation Programs, you know that the information on | the ancient tombstones has documentary evidence needed for historical | research. I have heard that the history of ancient Rome was written from | the tombstones of the dead! | I have told our members to remain optimistic. Patience and persistence | will lead to success. I hope that you will join our crusade, Mr. Skelton. | Sincerely | /s/ | cc: | Senator Strom Thurmond | 217 Russel Senate Building | Washington, DC 20510 | | Governor Jim Hodges | 1205 Pendleton Street, Room 308 | Columbia, South Carolina 29201 | | SC Genealogical Society, Inc | Post Office Box 492 | Columbia, SC 29202-0492 | | South Carolina Genealogical Society | P. 0. Box 3468 | Greenwood, SC 29648 | | Mr Winston C. Williams | Editor, The SAR Magazine | P. 0. Box 26595 | Milwaukee, WI 53226 | | Mrs Joel Morris Wagoner | Chairman, DAR Magazine | 1776 D Street, NW | Washington, DC 20006 | | | ==== HODGES Mailing List ==== | - | Faye Dyess [email protected] Listmanager | Learn and Enjoy IRC Chats-Step by Step Instructions-It's free and fun | http://www.flash.net/~gen4m/ | When in doubt, save thy message overnight and reread it in the light of dawn. | |