Mary Whitney Phelps Marker Dedication

Four Phelps descendants will attend the dedication—coming from Virginia, Connecticut, New Mexico, and Arizona. Make plans to attend this special event!

Union Defender March 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE MARCH MEETING?

1) Members discussed plans for the Pea Ridge 150th anniversary weekend.

NEXT MEETING: The April meeting of Phelps Camp will be held at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, April 3 at 7 p.m.

DUES ARE DUE: Yes, it’s that time again! Dues are still $30 (the same as 2011). Please make your check or money order payable to “Phelps Camp No. 66, SUVCW” and mail to:

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

With many more 150th anniversary events on the horizon, we need the men of Phelps Camp to “re-enlist” and help the public remember those who fought and died to save the Union.

PHELPS GROVE MARKER DEDICTION CEREMONY: The members of Phelps Camp are cordially invited to a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Mary Whitney Phelps on Sunday, April 29. A new historical marker honoring the efforts of Mary Phelps to care for wounded Union soldiers, the body of General Nathaniel Lyon, and Civil War orphans, will be dedicated. The event will be held in Phelps Grove Park, at the corner of Brookside and Virginia in Springfield. Period craft demonstrations will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. that day, the Missouri State University Brass Quartet will play from 1:30-2 p.m. and the formal dedication ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Trinity Lutheran Church, 1 block west of the park. All camp members are encouraged to attend (wearing membership medals, of course), and volunteers are still needed for a color guard. Please contact Jeff Patrick (tam1rn@juno.com) ASAP if you have a musket and Union uniform and are able to attend.

PEA RIDGE ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND: On March 9, 10 and 11, members of Phelps Camp journeyed to Pea Ridge National Military Park to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the important battle. In addition to assisting with infantry and artillery living history demonstrations, Phelps Camp members conducted a special memorial program to honor the men of Phelps’ Regiment, Missouri Infantry.

On Saturday afternoon, camp members were joined by about 15 reenactors and 45 visitors on a hike from Elkhorn Tavern to the area where Colonel John Smith Phelps and his outnumbered regiment conducted a brave but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to hold the Union line against ferocious enemy attacks. After reading a brief account of the regiment’s role in the Battle of Pea Ridge, Jeff Patrick asked 21 of the reenactors present to read a short profile of each of the regiment’s casualties (killed or mortally wounded) in the battle. Kip Lindberg read the poem “When the Boys in Blue are Gone,” and a moment of silence ended the half-hour program. We were fortunate to be joined by a direct descendant of James Bedford Matney, a private in Company H, who died of his wounds a month after the battle. A number of reenactors told camp members that the program was very poignant and moving. The men of Phelps’ Regiment who made the ultimate sacrifice to save our Union were not forgotten on the anniversary of their first and only battle. Photos of the event will appear in next month’s newsletter.

PHELPS CAMP PURCHASES IMPORTANT HISTORICAL ARTIFACT: Phelps Camp recently purchased an important historical item on E-bay. The minute book of the Cape Girardeau chapter of the Sons of Veterans Auxiliary, covering the 1920-1929 time period, came up for auction, and the camp was the successful bidder, with the intention of donating it to an appropriate museum or archive. Although in less than perfect condition, the minute book is a rare find—in fact, relatively little survives to tell the story of the SUV and SUV Auxiliary in Missouri. The State Historical Society of Missouri’s research center in Rolla has expressed in interest in acquiring the book, so camp members will formally donate it to the SHS next month. One of the missions of the SUV is to preserve documents and memorabilia relating to the Union Army and Navy and associated veterans organizations, so hopefully Phelps Camp will have additional opportunities to acquire and donate other rare items.

CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE “CHALLENGE COINS” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE: The camp has purchased several SUVCW “Challenge Coins” for resale. Two designs are available—one for the Civil War 150th anniversary and one for the Grand Army of the Republic. Check out the designs: www.suvcw.org/SUVMerchandise/SUVOS_Sesqcoins.htm. These are priced to move at only $10 each! Jeff Patrick will have them available at upcoming meetings.

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 29: Phelps Marker dedication, Phelps Grove Park, Springfield, 2 p.m.

CAN DO! We made another successful “run” to the recycling center, so please bring your cans to the next meeting so that we can rebuild our stock.

Union Defender February 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE FEBRUARY MEETING?
1) Members discussed plans for the Pea Ridge 150th anniversary weekend.
2) Members enjoyed an excellent presentation by Phelps Camp member John Sutton on U.S. Army revolvers of the Civil War and Indian War periods. Members were allowed to closely examine a number of reproduction pistols.

NEXT MEETING: The March meeting of Phelps Camp will be held at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m.

DUES ARE DUE: Yes, it’s that time again! Dues are still $30 (the same as 2011). Please make your check or money order payable to “Phelps Camp No. 66, SUVCW” and mail to:

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

With many more 150th anniversary events on the horizon, we need the men of Phelps Camp to “re-enlist” and help the public remember those who fought and died to save the Union.

PEA RIDGE ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND: On March 9, 10 and 11, Pea Ridge National Military Park will present a number of programs to commemorate the 150th anniversary of this pivotal battle. Phelps Camp has been granted permission to conduct a special memorial program to honor the men of Phelps’ Missouri Infantry. At 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, members of Phelps Camp, Union reenactors and the general public will gather at Elkhorn Tavern on the Pea Ridge Battlefield, then walk about ¼ mile to the site where the regiment bravely fought the Confederates on March 7, 1862. We will conduct a brief (30 minute) ceremony there, and conclude with the presentation of a memorial wreath. How can you help? Apart from having camp members there (wearing their SUV medals, of course), we would like to have each camp member read a short biographical sketch of one of the regiment’s casualties (killed in action or died of wounds) at Pea Ridge. So come down to Pea Ridge on the 10th and help remember a group of southwest Missouri men who made the ultimate sacrifice to save our Union.

CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE “CHALLENGE COINS” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE: The camp has purchased several SUVCW “Challenge Coins” for resale. Two designs are available—one for the Civil War 150th anniversary and one for the Grand Army of the Republic anniversary. Check out the designs: www.suvcw.org/SUVMerchandise/SUVOS_Sesqcoins.htm. These are priced to move at only $10 each! Jeff Patrick will have them available at upcoming meetings.

UPCOMING EVENTS
March 9-11: Pea Ridge Battle Anniversary Living History/Commemorative Program.April 29: Phelps Marker dedication, Phelps Grove Park, Springfield.

CAN DO! We are close to having enough cans for another “run” to the recycling center, so please bring your cans to the next meeting.

Union Defender January 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE JANUARY MEETING?

1) Members enjoyed a pleasant visit from Missouri Department Commander Chris Warren. Chris shared his plans for the future and complimented the members of Phelps Camp for their efforts to honor the “boys in blue.” He also thanked the members for their hospitality.

2) Members discussed plans for the Pea Ridge 150th anniversary and the February meeting. 3) Camp elections were held, and the 2011 officers were unanimously elected for 2012.

4) Camp members unanimously agreed to take part in the Branson Veterans Parade on Sunday, November 11.

NEXT MEETING The February meeting of Phelps Camp will be held at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, February 7 at 7 p.m. We will perform the SUV ritual (don’t worry about memorizing anything, we will provide scripts!). Following the ritual, camp member John Sutton will present a program on Union Army handguns, and will bring examples for members to examine.

DUES ARE DUE Yes, it’s that time again! Dues are still $30 (the same as 2011). Please make your check or money order payable to “Phelps Camp No. 66, SUVCW” and mail to:

John Rutherford

1329 S. Meadowview Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804

With many more 150th anniversary events on the horizon, we need the men of Phelps Camp to “re-enlist” and help the public remember those who fought and died to save the Union.

CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE “CHALLENGE COINS” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE The camp has purchased several SUVCW “Challenge Coins” for resale. Two designs are available—one for the Civil War 150th anniversary and one for the Grand Army of the Republic anniversary. Check out the designs: www.suvcw.org/SUVMerchandise/SUVOS_Sesqcoins.htm. These are priced to move at only $10 each! Jeff Patrick will have them available at upcoming meetings.

UPCOMING EVENTS March 9-11: Pea Ridge Battle Anniversary Living History/Commemorative Program (see attached schedule).

CAN DO! We are gathering cans for another “run” to the recycling center, so it’s time to bring your cans to the next meeting.

HAVE YOU SEEN THE LATEST “UNIONIST”? Check out the November issue of the Missouri Unionist (Department of Missouri newsletter) at:

www.suvcwmo.org/newsletter.php

Union Defender December 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE DECEMBER MEETING? Camp members enjoyed good food and fellowship at our holiday dinner at Ruby Tuesday in Republic. Camp Commander Wait wished all members of Phelps Camp and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

NEXT MEETING The January meeting of Phelps Camp will be held at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, January 3 at 7 p.m. We will discuss plans/activities for 2012. Missouri Department Commander D. Christopher (Chris) Warren will be our special guest. All camp members are encouraged to attend and meet our department commander.

CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE “CHALLENGE COINS” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE The camp has purchased several SUVCW “Challenge Coins” for resale. Two designs are available—one for the Civil War 150th anniversary and one for the Grand Army of the Republic anniversary. Check out the designs: ww.suvcw.org/SUVMerchandise/SUVOS_Sesqcoins.htm. These are priced to move at only $10 each! Jeff Patrick will have them available at upcoming meetings.

UPCOMING EVENTS March 3-4: Pea Ridge Battle Anniversary Living History/Commemorative Program (details TBA).

CAN DO! We are gathering cans for another “run” to the recycling center, so it’s time to bring your cans to the next meeting.

HAVE YOU SEEN THE LATEST “UNIONIST”? Check out the November issue of the Missouri Unionist (Department of Missouri newsletter) at: www.suvcwmo.org/newsletter.php

Union Defender November 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE NOVEMBER MEETING?

1) Members discussed the Zagonyi’s Charge ceremony on October 22. Michael Price will submit an article about the event to The Banner and the Missouri Unionist.

2) Members agreed that our December meeting should be a dinner meeting (see notice in this newsletter).

3) Members discussed conducting a memorial ceremony at Pea Ridge National Military Park in March 2012, to honor the men of Phelps’ Regiment.

4) Jeff Patrick reported that the Mountain Grove Community Foundation did not approve our grant request to restore the Civil War soldier monument in Mountain Grove. Camp members are now exploring other funding opportunities.

ZAGONYI’S CHARGE CEREMONY Members of Phelps Camp were joined by more than 40 visitors in commemorating the 150th anniversary of “Zagonyi’s Charge” (the first battle of Springfield) on Saturday, October 22 at Zagonyi Park in Springfield. Camp members Herb Jackson, Steve Weldon, John Rutherford, Jeff Patrick, Kip Lindberg and Larry Toll made remarks, along with Sally McAlear of the Phelps Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans. The Wilson’s Creek artillery crew ended the 45-minute ceremony with a dramatic (and very loud) shot from their 6-pounder cannon. Thanks to all the members of Phelps Camp for attending this important ceremony to honor the men of Fremont’s Body Guard and White’s Prairie Scouts who fought and died at Springfield.

NEXT MEETING The December meeting of Phelps Camp will be our traditional holiday gathering. We will gather for dinner at Ruby Tuesday’s in Republic (Highway 60, across from Wal-Mart) on Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. All camp members, spouses and other family members are cordially invited. Please RSVP to Jeff Patrick (417-732-2662, ext. 226 or e-mail tam1rn@juno.com) no later than Sunday, December 4.

CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE “CHALLENGE COINS” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE The camp has purchased several SUVCW “Challenge Coins” for resale. Two designs are available—one for the Civil War 150th anniversary and one for the Grand Army of the Republic anniversary. Check out the designs: ww.suvcw.org/SUVMerchandise/SUVOS_Sesqcoins.htm These make excellent holiday gifts, and are priced to move at only $10 each! Jeff Patrick will have them available at the holiday dinner meeting on December 6.

CAN DO! We just made a “run” to the recycling center, so now it’s time to rebuild our “stock.” Please bring your cans to the next meeting.

New Tombstones In Kirksville

Members of Phelps Camp No. 66, Department of Missouri, recently visited the graves of Jacob and Sitha Sholley in Forest-Llewellyn Cemetery in Kirksville, Missouri. The camp ordered and installed headstones for Jacob, a member of the 11th and 2nd Missouri State Militia Cavalry regiments, and Sitha, who served in her husband's regiments as a nurse. Pictured, left to right, are Jeff Patrick, Greg Wait, Gary Riley and David Coffman.