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 50^th 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!

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.

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/