Post 22 Franklin, Tennessee

Post 22

Franklin, Tennessee

Post 22 Franklin, Tennessee

About This Post

Post Namesake

John E. Stephens: Brigadier General John Edmondson "Mug" Stephens, born in Brentwood, Tennessee, was the top ranking officer from Tennessee to lose his life during World War I. John Edmondson “Mug” Stephens was from Nashville, Tennessee. He was born on ... READ MORE

Notable Members

-Thomas P. Henderson, first adjutant of Post 22 after the post had received its permanent charter in June 1924, joined by seven other Tennesseans during World War I in an attempt to kidnap the German Kaiser

-Milton Lillard (1925-1987), Past Commander, former ... READ MORE

Photos

HISTORY

1910

Death of Brigadier General John E. Stephens, Post 22 Namesake

Jan 4, 1919
John Edmondson “Mug” Stephens was from Nashville, Tennessee. He was born on 8 November 1874 in Brentwood, Tennessee, just 9 miles from Nashville and was studying at Vanderbilt University when appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point in the class of 1898. He was the son of John and Eliza Edmondson Stephens of Brentwood, Tennessee. He left Vanderbilt, but finished his degree there between graduation from West Point and his first assignment...
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Death of Brigadier General John E. Stephens, Post 22 Namesake

Temporary Charter: John E. Stephens Post 22

Sep 18, 1919
According to the Tennessee Department of the American Legion, Post 22 received a temporary charter on 18 September 1919. During that period of temporary charter, Dan Reilly, Leonard Armistead, Percy Jennette, and Dr. Dan German served as Post Commanders. Edward Buckner, W.W. Courtney Jr., H.R. Pinkerton, and Tom Henderson served as adjutants during that same time. During that period, the Post had between 58-76 members on the rolls.
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1920

The Review-Appeal: In Memory of Gen. Stephens

Jan 18, 1923
"Franklin and all Williamson county are indeed proud of the splendid military achievements of her lamented son, the late Gen. John E. Stephens, who died in France during the World War and at the zenith of his brilliant career, but the distinguished service situation which is published below, a copy of which was forwarded to his aged mother, Mrs. Eliza Stephens, adds much to a natural pride in a native son. The local post of..
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The Review-Appeal: In Memory of Gen. Stephens
Post Charter: John E. Stephens Post 22

Post Charter: John E. Stephens Post 22

Jun 30, 1924
Post 22 received its charter on 30 June 1924 and has had an active presence in Franklin since. The first Post Commander in after the permanent charter was granted was Cannon Kinard, with his adjutant Tom Henderson.
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Notable Member: Thomas P. Henderson

Jul 1, 1924
Thomas P. Henderson was the first adjutant of Post 22 after the post had received its permanent charter in June 1924. Tom, as he was known by most, served Post 22 as a service officer and adjutant for 25 years with his role as adjutant from 1924 until 1946. Captain Henderson, United States Army, had been joined by seven other Tennesseans during World War I in an attempt to kidnap the German Kaiser. Tom Henderson..
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Notable Member:  Thomas P. Henderson
Nashville's War Memorial Auditorium is dedicated

Nashville's War Memorial Auditorium is dedicated

Sep 21, 1925

After the conclusion of World War I, the Tennessee Historical Society

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1940

The Nashville Tennessean: "Banker Heads Franklin American Legion Post"

Jul 4, 1946

"Stewart Campbell, president of the Harpeth National Bank here and veteran of the second world war, was elected commander of John E. Stephens Post No. 22, American Legion, Tuesday night.  He succeeded Glenn Overby.

Frank W. Smithson was elected vice-commander; Dave Alexander adjutant, and Robert Jennings, Jr. and William E. Reynolds, color bearers.

The newly-elected officers were installed shortly after the election."

July 4, 1946 (page 10 of..

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The Nashville Tennessean:
The Nashville Tennessean: Franklin Legion Fetes Auxiliary

The Nashville Tennessean: Franklin Legion Fetes Auxiliary

Mar 21, 1947

"The John E. Stephens Post No. 22 of the American Legion entertained members of the aixiliary at a meeting this week at the newly-decorated Legion hall.  Stewart Campbell, post commander, presided over a brief business meeting.

Dave Alexander, service officer, reported that the post would be represented by David Johnston, junior from Franklin High Shcool, at "Boys Week" in Nashville.

Jimmy Sanders, magician, of Nashville, was the main entertainer for the evening."

 

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The Nashville Tennesseean: Big Brothers Bring Smiles to Hundreds

Dec 21, 1947

It appears that around Christmas time for many years, Post 22 was one of many in the area who collected items and baskets for Big Brothers.  Similar articles were also published in 1946 and 1956.

December 21, 1947 (page 64 of 110). (1947, Dec 21). Nashville Tennessean (1923-1972)

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The Nashville Tennesseean: Big Brothers Bring Smiles to Hundreds

1950

Baseball Team Photo

Baseball Team Photo

Apr 1, 1951
The family of Elbert L. Ashworth, seated front and center in this 1951 photo, found this photo of the Post 22 baseball team. Elbert later went on to serve in the Army from 1959-1961. His son-in-law for shared this with us.
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The Nashville Tennesseean: Franklin Fire Kills 4 (Post 22 raises relief funds for family)

Oct 26, 1959

"Bob Jennings, commander of American Legion Post 22 here, said last night his organization is starting a drive to raise funds for the Lee family."

 

October 26, 1959 (page 2 of 20). (1959, Oct 26). Nashville Tennessean (1923-1972) Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1900256338?accountid=33208


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The Nashville Tennesseean: Franklin Fire Kills 4 (Post 22 raises relief funds for family)

1980

Noteable Member: Past Commander Milton Lillard

Noteable Member: Past Commander Milton Lillard

Mar 4, 1987

We found a fascinating article about Milton entitled "Williamson Schools problems near same" giving a number of details about this past commander. 

Article quote: "After graduating from Bethesda High, Lillard served in the Navy during World War II.  When he returned, he attended Peabody College for Teachers where he earned his bachelor of science degree and later his master's degree.  In 1949 he began teaching math and social studies at Bethesda School.  He spent about 12..

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2000

The Tennessean: Obituary for Past Commander Stewart Campbell

Aug 13, 2000

Stewart Campbell was a Past Commander (elected 1946) for Post 22.

 


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The Tennessean: Obituary for Past Commander Stewart Campbell

2010

The Tennesseean: Obituary for Past Adjutant Abram Baker

The Tennesseean: Obituary for Past Adjutant Abram Baker "A.B." CHURCH Jr.

Apr 24, 2011
CHURCH, JR., Mr. Abram Baker "A.B."Age 81 of Franklin, TN. April 22, 2011.
 
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Member featured on ESPN: Mike Reeder

Jul 20, 2011
From ESPN: "Making history in an inspirational way" by Ben Houser and YouTube Video from E:60 Mike Reeder is a 63-year-old Vietnam War veteran who lost his legs in an explosion during combat, yet he excels at golf. In the past 20 years, he has shot par and made a hole-in-one, and he has a golf handicap of less than 10. His swing -- from his self-designed wheelchair -- leaves an impression on..
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Member featured on ESPN:  Mike Reeder
Member featured in Williamson Herald: Mike Reeder

Member featured in Williamson Herald: Mike Reeder

Nov 11, 2011
Carole Robinson Staff Writer On any given day, Mike Reeder can be found somewhere on a golf course. During his years on the course he has made a hole-in-one and he has hit the little white ball at the Holy Grail of courses - The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrew's in Scotland, one of the oldest and prestigious golf clubs in the world - and several prestigious courses in the United States...
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American Legion Riders Charter

Jul 23, 2012
Franklin ALR were chartered 23 July 2012. Charter Members: James Amundsen, Bruce Barker, Bill Brown, Mike Schmidt, and David Pilgrim
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American Legion Riders Charter
Williamson Herald: American Legion Golf Tournament

Williamson Herald: American Legion Golf Tournament

Nov 7, 2012
Story/Photo by Carole Robinson Kicking off National Armed Forces Week, Golfers Brandon Parkhurst and Steve Martin shake hands with American Legion Post 22 members Mike Schmidt and James Amundsen at the ninth hole designated the veteran's hole and marked with an American flag during a Golf Tournament at Forrest Crossings Monday, sponsored by Twin Peaks Restaurant. Inspiration for the tournament was Post 22 member Vietnam Veteran Mike Reeder, who lives within view of the course..
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Member featured in Williamson Herald: Paul Fleenor

Feb 13, 2013
by Carole Robinson, Staff Writer Col. Paul Fleenor, U.S. Army, retired, is January's Darrell Waltrip Automotive's Hometown Hero. Several years ago Fleenor was inspired to organize the first Honor Flight in Middle Tennessee and the second in the state after watching a brief news story on the subject. Honor Flight was founded in 2005 by Earl Morse, a physician assistant and retired Air Force Captain to get as many World War II veterans to Washington..
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Member featured in Williamson Herald:  Paul Fleenor
Williamson County Proclamation: American Legion Day

Williamson County Proclamation: American Legion Day

Sep 9, 2013
Williamson County Commission Meeting declaring American Legion Day. http://www.williamsoncounty-tn.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1038
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