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.

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

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.