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Friday, December 24, 2010

Union Defender December 2010















What Happened At The December Meeting?

1) Members and their wives enjoyed fine fellowship and food at Ruby Tuesday’s in Republic (see attached photo, thanks to Bob Drake).

NEXT MEETING

The January meeting will be held at the Visitor Center at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 7 p.m.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Happy Holidays to the members of Phelps Camp and their families, and best wishes for 2011!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Union Defender November 2010





WHAT HAPPENED AT THE NOVEMBER MEETING?

1) Jeff Patrick reported that the headstones for the two graves in Kirksville have been set (see attached photo). We are now planning an official dedication ceremony for next April.

2) Members were again encouraged to read and contribute material to the Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).
3) Herb Jackson reported that male living history volunteers are needed for the annual Candlelight Tour at Fort Scott National Historic Site on Friday and Saturday, December 3-4. If you are able to help, contact Galen Ewing at 620-223-0310.
4) Members were asked to think about a possible camp publishing project for the Wilson’s Creek 150th anniversary reenactment next August.
5) Members enjoyed the second of a two-part presentation on the history of the Grand Army of the Republic.


FOR LINCOLN AND LIBERTY!

Camp members Greg Wait, Kip Lindberg and Jeff Patrick participated in ceremonies marking the 150th anniversary of the election of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois. A crowd of approximately 300 people, led by living history “Wide Awake” Lincoln supporters, escorted Mr. Lincoln (Lincoln impersonator Fritz Klein) from the Old State Capital to the Lincoln Home, where Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln welcomed well-wishers.


NEXT MEETING
The December meeting will be a dinner meeting. All members and spouses are encouraged to join us in fellowship at Ruby Tuesday’s in Republic (on Highway 60, across from Wal-Mart) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7. Please RSVP to Jeff Patrick by December 6, either by e-mail (tam1rn@juno.com) or by phone (732-2662, ext. 226).



Union Defender October 2010

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE OCTOBER MEETING?

1) Jeff Patrick reported that the headstones for the two graves in Kirksville have been delivered, and payment for their installation has been sent to the monument company. We are now planning an official dedication ceremony for next April. Union veteran Dr. A.T. Still, the father of osteopathic medicine, is buried in the same cemetery, so we will mark his grave as well.

2) Members were again encouraged to read and contribute material to the Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).
3) Steve Weldon reported that the Carthage Park Board has approved our proposal to erect a monument in Central Park. The proposal will now go before the Carthage City Council. A prominent southwest Missouri artist has agreed to design the monument. More details TBA.

5) Members were asked to think about a possible camp publishing project for the Wilson’s Creek 150th anniversary reenactment next August.

6) Camp members Gary Riley, David Coffman, Greg Wait and Jeff Patrick represented Phelps Camp at the Pioneer Descendants Festival in Douglas County on October 2. While there, they discovered that the headstones of two Union veterans buried in nearby Yates Cemetery need to be replaced. New stones will be ordered this winter.

NEXT MEETING

The regularly scheduled monthly meeting was postponed due to Election Day, so the next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, November 9 at 7 p.m. at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. We will have the conclusion of a special program about the history of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Condolences

The members of Phelps Camp wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Jeff Patrick and his family. Jeff's father, Grover Patrick, passed away in Indiana on Tuesday. Mr. Patrick was a World War II veteran and former mayor of Ligonier, Indiana. Please keep the Patrick family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Union Defender September 2010

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE SEPTEMBER MEETING?

1) Jeff Patrick reported that the headstones for the two graves in Kirksville have arrived. Despite our instructions, one was delivered to Kirksville and one to Republic! Jeff and Greg Wait will deliver the stone to Kirksville on Friday, September 10.

2) Members were again encouraged to read and contribute material to the Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).
3) Larry Toll reported that a required IRS “EIN” number has been secured for our SVR unit, and all the necessary paperwork has been submitted.
4) Steve Weldon reported that the Carthage Park Board will consider our proposal to erect a monument in Central Park at their monthly meeting on October 4. Jeff Patrick will attend and represent the camp.

5) Interest has been expressed in attending the Springfield Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 6. Greg Wait will contact parade officials to obtain more information.

6) Members examined a copy of the new Daughters of Union Veterans book, MARKING CIVIL WAR HISTORY IN THE OZARKS: A Guide to Civil War Markers and Monuments in Twenty-Four Southwest Missouri Counties. Ordering information is available on the DUV website: http://duvmissouritent22.org.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, October 5 at 7 p.m. at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. We will have a special program about the history of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.)


Friday, September 3, 2010

Union Defender August 2010

What Happened at the July Meeting?

1) Jeff Patrick reported that the headstone applications for the two graves in Kirksville are still being processed by the V.A. He hopes to have an update at the next meeting.

2) Members were again encouraged to read and contribute material to the Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).
3) A letter has been drafted to the Carthage, Missouri city administrator, asking the city’s permission to allow the SUV to place a monument to the Union veterans of the Battle of Carthage on city property. In anticiaption of a favorable reply, members of Phelps Camp are asked to think about a design and appropriate text.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, September 7 at 7 p.m. at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Union Defender June 2010

What Happened at the June Meeting?

1) Herb Jackson reported the receipt of a letter from SUVCW National Counselor Robert Grim regarding the Zagonyi monument. Mr. Grim recommended that the camp consult an attorney to determine the monument’s ownership. Herb will contact the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for further advice.

2) Members agreed that a portion of the donation received from the upcoming Fort Scott event should be used to purchase a traveling display that camp members can use at public events. Jeff Patrick will check on design options, cost, etc.

3) Commander Wait reported that the SUVCW National Encampment will be held in Overland Park, Kansas this August. He is planning on attending the event, along with Senior Vice- Commander Jeff Patrick.

4) Todd Wilkinson reported that Phelps Camp now has a “Facebook” page, and encouraged Facebook members to have a look.

5) Members agreed to make the July meeting a “Graves Registration” meeting (see below).

7) Members were again encouraged to read and contribute material to the new Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).

Fort Scott "Parade of the Soldier"

Several members of Phelps Camp assisted with “Good Old Days” at Fort Scott National Historic Site by presenting the “Parade of the American Soldier” program on June 5-6. Despite extremely hot weather, thousands of visitors came to the fort and thoroughly enjoyed the camp’s display. Camp members received many compliments for sharing their knowledge with park visitors. The City of Fort Scott made a sizeable donation to Phelps Camp for providing the program. A big “thank you” goes to camp members Greg Wait, Steve Weldon, Larry Toll, Gary Riley, David Coffman, Jeff Patrick, Kip Lindberg and Kirk Singleton for their efforts!

Next Meeting

The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, July 6. We will meet at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield at 6 p.m. in order to carpool to Stone County. Our plan is to “read” several cemeteries in the Galena and Cape Fair areas. Please bring water. Clipboards, pens and forms will be furnished. If you prefer, you can meet us at the Galena Cemetery at 6:45.

The Galena Cemetery is located southwest of town. If approaching Galena from the west on MO 248, turn right on Blunk Road, then left on Cemetery Road.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Union Defender May 2010

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE MAY MEETING?

1) Jeff Patrick reported that the VA headstone forms have been mailed to the Kirksville City Clerk’s Office. As soon as they are returned with signatures we can order the stones, with a possible dedication/memorial service this fall.

2) Larry Toll reported that the forms and other paperwork necessary to register our Sons of Veterans Reserve unit have been completed and will be mailed to the department.

3) Members were reminded about the Boone Home and Fort Scott events.

4) Jeff Patrick gave a slide program on his recent trip to the National Civil War Naval Museum and the National Infantry Museum, both in Columbus, Georgia.

5) Members were again encouraged to read and contribute material to the new Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 5-6—Parade of the American soldier event at Fort Scott National Historic Site, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, June 1 at 7 p.m. at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.

BOONE HOME “SPRING FROLIC”

Despite brief showers, six members of Phelps Camp presented a portion of the “Parade of the American Soldier” program for the “Spring Frolic” at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site in Ash Grove, Missouri. Camp members represented the American soldier during four important periods (Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War and Civil War). Although attendance was light, the visitors seemed to enjoy the presentation and asked many questions.

The Union Defender April 2010

WHAT HAENED AT THE APRIL MEETING?

1) Herb Jackson reported that he has contacted the owner of the property where the Zagonyi’s Charge monument is located, but that the owner claims ownership of the monument as well. The property owner would like to have Phelps Camp issue a letter acknowledging his “donation” of the monument to the camp. Herb has sent a letter to the National Counselor and Commander asking for legal advice as to how we should proceed.

2) Members were reminded about the Fort Sand Springs ceremony (see later in this issue).

4) Jeff Patrick gave an update on the Kirksville headstone project. He informed the membership that the historical “fact-checking” has been completed, so he will proceed with ordering the two headstones from the V.A. If all goes well, we will have a dedication ceremony this fall.

5) Members were encouraged to read and contribute material to the new Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 15—Parade of the American Soldier event at the Nathan Boone Home State Historic Site, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
June 5-6—Parade of the American soldier event at Fort Scott National Historic Site, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, May 4 at 7 p.m. at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.

CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE AND SAND SPRINGS CEREMONIES

Four members of Phelps Camp provided the color guard at the Civil War Round Table of the Ozarks 50th anniversary dinner on April 17. Approximately 170 people attended the dinner and enjoyed a presentation by Civil War historian and author Dr. Steven Woodworth of Texas Christian University.

On April 24, Camp Commander Wait and members John Rutherford, Herb Jackson, Kip Lindberg, Bob Clanton, Bob Drake and Jeff Patrick attended the Fort Sand Springs monument dedication near Marshfield. Members of Phelps Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans presented a fine program. Due to inclement weather, the ceremony was moved to a nearby church, which was filled to capacity with approximately 125 people. Well done ladies!

Monday, April 12, 2010

John S. Phelps


The Missouri Republican of yesterday contained the following:
"Col. Phelps left this city yesterday, for Washington, in improved health."
Col. Phelps is a man of wide experience, great ability and tried patriotism. His residence is in Springfield, Missouri. He has been, for several years, in command of a Missouri regiment, and performed distinguished services in the battle of Pea Ridge. Two sons were with him in that fight, and one of them was severely wounded. Colonel Phelps' wife, after the battle of Wilson's Creek devoted herself to the care of our wounded, and hundreds of grateful soldiers testify to her kindness. It was she who cared for the body of General Lyon, and caused its restoration to his friends. Col. Phelps, now that the armed rebels are driven out of his Congressional district, feels justified in taking his seat as its representative in Congress. His high character and dauntless courage---his services in the field and experience as a legisltor---will give him great influence at Washington, which, we have no doubt, he will exert with wisdom.---Cin. Commercial
Indianapolis (Indiana) Daily Journal, April 25, 1862.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Fort Sand Springs Monument Dedication

The Mary Whitney Phelps Tent #22, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, will host a dedication ceremony for their Fort Sand Springs monument on April 24, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. The program will take place at the intersection of State Highway 38 and Timber Ridge Road (County Road 626) in Webster County. Colors will be presented by the 4th Missouri Cavalry (U.S.), a local reenacting unit. The ceremony will feature a history of Fort Sand Springs and a 21-gun salute. Descendants of soldiers who served at the fort will also be recognized.

For more information about the monument and the activities of the Mary Whitney Phelps Tent, please visit their web site at http://duvmissouritent22.org

Saturday, April 3, 2010

The Union Defender March 2010

What Happened At The March Meeting?

1. Herb Jackson reported that he is still attempting to locate the owners of the property where the Zagonyi's Charge monument is located. Richard Cochran announced that the has made contact with Wommack Monument Company, and that they are interested in moving the Zagonyi monument when that time comes.

2. Phelps Camp has been asked to assist with a headstone dedication ceremony for a Union veteran in Boone County, Arkansas later this year.

3. Members selected "Company D, Phelps' Regiment, Missouri Infantry as our SVR persona.

4. Members discussed a project in Kirksville, Missouri to mark the graves of a Union veteran and his wife who served as a Union army nurse. Jeff Patrick informed the membership that a few historical facts need to be checked before the headstone application forms can be mailed to the V.A.

5. Members were encouraged to read and contribute material to the new Phelps Camp blog, http://www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com/

Upcoming Events

April 17---Civil War Round Table of the Ozarks 50th anniversary dinner, Springfield. Guest speaker: Dr. Steven Woodworth from Texas Christian University. Topic: Grant's Vicksburg Campaign. Further details available at http://history.missouristate.edu/wgpiston/CWRT/cwrt.htm

April 24---Dedication of the Fort Sand Springs Monument near Marshfield, 1:30 p.m.

May 15---Parade of the American Soldier event at the Nathan Boone Home State Historic Site, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Welcome A New Member

Phelps Camp welcomes a new member Gary Brimmer of Battlefield, Mo. Gary's ancestor, William Hartman served in the 35th Iowa Infantry and the 2nd Iowa Cavalry. Welcome, Gary!

Sherman and Pea Ridge Ceremonies

Several members of Phelps Camp attended the February 28 ceremony at General William T. Sherman's grave in St. Louis. A large crowd of spectators and reenactors turned out for the event.

On March 7, Camp Commander Wait gave a powerful address at the Pea Ridge Anniversary Ceremony. Several members of the camp were in attendance at that ceremony as well.

Dues Are Due!

Yes, it's that time again. 2010 dues for Phelps Camp and the SUVCW remain at $25! Please send a check or money order to:

John Rutherford
1329 South Meadowview
Springfield, Missouri 65804

Any donations for camp projects will also be greatly appreciated! Unfortunately, unpaid members will have to be dropped after the April meeting.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. As this will be the 148th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh, we will watch a video about the battle and career of Union hero General W.H.L. Wallace.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Union Defender February 2010

What happened at the February Meeting?
1. Herb Jackson reported that the University Club has enthusiastically agreed to our proposal to move the Zagonyi's Charge monument from its current location to Zagonyi Park. Herb will now try to locate the owners of the property and city officials to discuss the move.

2. Members were asked to provide a Union and Confederate color guard for the Civil War Round Table 50th anniversary dinner on April 17.

3. Members were informed of the annual General William T. Sherman memorial ceremony to be held at the general's gravesite in St. Louis on February 28. Several camp members are planning to attend.

4. Members discussed a project in Kirksville, Missouri to mark the graves of a Union and his wife, who served as a Union Army nurse. Jeff Patrick volunteered to contact Department Commander Smarker regarding the project.

5. Members were encouraged to read and contribute material to the new Phelps Camp blog, www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com

Upcoming Events
March 7-8---Battle of Pea Ridge Anniversary. Living history activities all weekend, ceremony at 10 a.m. Sunday, Pea Ridge National Military Park.

April 17---Civil War Round Table of the Ozarks 50th anniversary dinner, Springfield. Guest speaker: Dr. Steven Woodworth from Texas Christian University. Topic: Grant's Vicksburg Campaign. Further details available at http://history.missouristate.edu/wgpiston/CWRT/cwrt.htm.

April 24---Dedication of the Fort Sand Springs Monument near Marshfield.

Next Meeting
The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.

Dues are due
Yes, it's that time again. 2010 dues for Phelps Camp the SUVCW remain at $25! Please send a check or money order to:

John Rutherford
1329 S. Meadowview Ave.
Springfield, Missouri 65804

Any donations for camp projects will also be greatly appreciated.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Union Defender January 2010

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE JANUARY MEETING?

1) Members held camp elections. All the officers from 2009 were re-elected, with the exception of Junior Vice Commander. Kirk Singleton is our new Junior Vice. Congratulations Kirk!

2) Members filled out forms to join our new SVR (Sons of Veterans Reserve-ceremonial) unit. Anyone interested in joining the SVR can do so at the next meeting. Larry Toll is the non-commissioned officer in command of our SVR unit.

3) Members reviewed the very busy schedule for 2010 (see later in this issue).

4) Members discussed a possible cemetery project in Kirksville, Missouri.

5) Members were encouraged to read and contribute material to the new Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

March 7—Battle of Pea Ridge Anniversary Ceremony
April 17—Civil War Round Table of the Ozarks 50th anniversary dinner, Springfield.
April 24—Dedication of the Fort Sand Springs Monument, near Marshfield.
May 31—Memorial Day ceremony at the Springfield National Cemetery.
June 5-6--Parade of the American Soldier event, Fort Scott National Historic Site.

July 4—Possible event at “I Love America,” Springfield.
August 10—Battle of Wilson’s Creek Anniversary Ceremony.
October 2-3—Pioneer Days, Ava.

November 6--Springfield Veterans Day Parade.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, February 2 at 7 p.m. at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.

DUES ARE DUE!

Yes, it’s that time again. 2010 dues for Phelps Camp and the SUVCW remain at $25! Please send a check or money order to:

John Rutherford

1329 S. Meadowview Ave.

Springfield, MO 65804

Any donations for camp projects will also be greatly appreciated!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The 1899 Reunion

“The 1899 Reunion,” Christian County (Mo.) Republican, May 18, 1899, 5

The Christian Co. Veterans Association have decided to hold the Reunion this year at the town that will give the largest bonus and the full control of the grounds. Ozark is really the best place in the county, best able to take care of large crowds, good grounds and abundance of good water, and we hope our citizens will make a successful effort to secure this gathering. The Reunion will be held in August, and will continue three days. A meeting should be held and committees appointed to solicit subscriptions. Let us have it.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Sand Springs

The Mary Whitney Phelps Tent #22, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, recently had a monument erected near the site of Fort Sand Springs, in Webster County, Missouri. It can be found at the southeast corner of Missouri 38 and Timber Ridge Road. The monument is approximately one mile from the site of Fort Sand Springs.

A small Union post was located at Sand Springs during the Civil War. A skirmish was fought there on January 9, 1863, one day after the Battle of Springfield. Confederates under General Joseph Shelby scattered the Union garrison in a brief fight. Shelby's men camped at Sand Springs that evening, then destroyed the post before moving towards Hartville the next day.

Plans for a dedication program will be announced shortly. For more information about the Mary Whitney Phelps Tent, please visit their web site at http://duvmissouritent22.org/