Greg Wait

The members of Phelps Camp #66 deeply mourn the passing of our camp commander Greg Wait.  Greg was a dedicated supporter of many Civil War events in our community.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday September 19 at Greenlawn South Funeral Home in Springfield.  Services will follow at 2:00 P.M. with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery North.

Union Defender August 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE AUGUST MEETING?  Camp members discussed various items of camp business, and enjoyed watching the new video of the Battle of Shiloh that was produced by the National Park Service for Shiloh National Military Park.

NEXT MEETING:  The September meeting of Phelps Camp will take place at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, September 4 at 7 p.m. We will discuss several items of camp business, including plans for the September 22 ceremony near Elkland.  

CONDOLENCES TO JOHN RUTHERFORD:  The members of Phelps Camp extend their condolences to camp secretary-treasurer John Rutherford and his family. John’s father recently passed away in Ohio.

DUES ARE STILL DUE:  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.

CAMP COMMANDER WAIT REPRESENTS SUV AT WILSON’S CREEK BATTLEFIELD:  Camp Commander Wait represented the SUVCW at the Wilson’s Creek battle anniversary ceremony on Friday, August 10, 2012. In his remarks, Greg explained the history of the organization and highlighted our recent efforts to honor those who saved the Union. In addition, camp members Larry Toll and Todd Wilkinson were in attendance. Larry commanded the living history color guard, and Todd represented the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. 
SEPTEMBER 22 CEREMONY NEAR ELKLAND:  On Saturday, September 22, we will help the descendants of Union Corporal Thomas Keeling, 46th Missouri Infantry, dedicate a new headstone in his honor on private property near Elkland. Phelps Camp members are urged to attend, wearing membership medals, and those with living history clothing are encouraged to come in 1860s period attire. In addition, we need members with appropriate Union infantry uniform, accoutrements and weapon to volunteer for the color guard. 

The ceremony begins at 11 a.m., so camp members are asked to be at the cemetery no later than 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will last approximately one hour, and immediately following the event all camp members are invited to a potluck dinner at a nearby church.

Here are the particulars:
To get to the Orten-Tippin Cemetery-
From Springfield—Take I-44 East to the Marshfield exit. At the top of the ramp, turn left and pass over I-44. At the traffic light, turn right on Highway W. Travel 11.3 miles to Sunrise Road. Turn right at the “Y” in the road, stay to the right, and travel across the creek and through the woods to the property owner’s driveway. The address is 635 Sunrise Road, Elkland, Mo.

From Elkland—Take EE east to Highway W, then north (left) 2.2. miles to Sunrise Road. Turn right at the “Y” in the road, stay to the right, and travel across the creek and through the woods to the property owner’s driveway.
Watch for “Keeling” signs!
Following the ceremony, the potluck luncheon will be held at the St. Luke Church. To get there from the cemetery, turn left on Sunrise Road to Highway W. Turn left and go about 4.4 miles south on Highway W to Highway Y. Turn left. The church is about ½ mile on the right side of the road. 

Those attending the ceremony (non-camp members) are urged to bring a lawn chair if they cannot stand. There are no restroom facilities at the cemetery.

CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE “CHALLENGE COINS” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE:  Yes, we still have some! 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.

NEW ISSUE OF THE MISSOURI UNIONIST NOW AVAILABLE:  Check out the latest issue of the Department of Missouri’s newsletter at www.suvcwmo.org/newsletter.php

CAN DO!  Please bring your cans to the next meeting so that we can rebuild our stock.

Union Defender July 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE JULY MEETING? Sadly, the July meeting and Civil War weapons demonstration event at Kirk Singleton’s farm had to be postponed due to the ongoing drought and the possibility of accidentally setting fire to Kirk’s farm. We will attempt to reschedule the event this fall. 

NEXT MEETING:  Unfortunately, the drought continues, so we will not be able to conduct our “weapons demonstration” at the August meeting. Instead, we will meet at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, August 7 at 7 p.m. We will discuss the usual camp business and view the new Battle of Shiloh DVD, produced for the Visitor Center at Shiloh National Military Park.

DUES ARE DUE:  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.
If this section is highlighted, your dues have not been received.

CAMP DONATES RARE ARTIFACTS TO WILSON’S CREEK BATTLEFIELD:   The members of Phelps Camp recently voted to use camp funds to purchase a rare grouping of Civil War artifacts and donate those objects to Wilson’s Creek Battlefield. Here’s an excerpt from the press release issued by the battlefield:

“Phelps Camp No. 66, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War recently donated a collection of rare Civil War artifacts to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. A tintype photograph, two discharges, and family genealogical information, relating to Union soldier Thomas Jefferson O’Neal, were presented to battlefield Superintendent Hillmer.

Thomas O’Neal, a native of Marshall County, Tennessee, moved to Springfield, Missouri, in 1858 and became a blacksmith. He enlisted in Capt. Holland’s Company, Missouri Home Guard in June 1861. After his discharge that October, he enlisted in Phelps’ Regiment, Missouri Infantry. After his service in Phelps’ Regiment, O’Neal served in a third unit, the 6th Regiment, Provisional Enrolled Missouri Militia. According to family information, he also participated in the Battle of Springfield on January 8, 1863, and was wounded in the battle. Following the Civil War, O’Neal married and engaged in ‘mercantile pursuits.’ He died in 1901 and is buried in the Springfield National Cemetery.

‘We are very grateful to the members of Phelps Camp for purchasing and donating these precious artifacts. Material relating to members of Phelps’ Regiment is extremely scarce, and these items will be added to our museum collection, preserved in our climate-controlled storage area, and made available to researchers,’ said Superintendent Hillmer.

CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE “CHALLENGE COINS” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE:  Yes, we still have some! 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
August 10: Battle of Wilson’s Creek 151st anniversary ceremony, 10 a.m. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.
September 22 (tentative): Headstone dedication ceremony in Elkland, Missouri (details TBA).

NEW ISSUE OF THE MISSOURI UNIONIST NOW AVAILABLE:   Check out the latest issue of the Department of Missouri’s newsletter at www.suvcwmo.org/newsletter.php

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 July 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE JUNE MEETING?
1) Members discussed the upcoming Branson Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, November 11.
2) Camp Commander Wait reported on his visit to the Daughters of Union Veterans state convention, held in Springfield on June 2, 2012.
3) Jeff Patrick reported that he has been in contact with a lady in Kansas City, who asked if the camp would be interested in participating in a headstone dedication ceremony near Marshfield in September. The event will be coordinated with the DUV, and details will be forthcoming.

NEXT MEETING:  The July meeting of Phelps Camp will be held at the Kirk Singleton farm near Billings on Tuesday, July 10 at 7 p.m. Please note that the meeting time and place have changed for the July meeting only! More details are attached.

DUES ARE DUE:  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:  Yes, we still have some! 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:
August 10: Battle of Wilson’s Creek 151st anniversary ceremony, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.

NEW ISSUE OF THE MISSOURI UNIONIST NOW AVAILABLE:   Check out the latest issue of the Department of Missouri’s newsletter at www.suvcwmo.org/newsletter.php

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 May 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE MAY MEETING?
1) Members discussed a special activity for the July meeting (details TBA).
2) Members discussed plans to purchase and donate historical materials to local, state and national historical organizations.

NEXT MEETING:  The June meeting of Phelps Camp will be held at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, June 5 at 7 p.m.  

DUES ARE DUE:  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:  A number of Phelps Camp members and their families were part of the large crowd on hand to celebrate 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 was dedicated. Due to the threat of inclement weather, the event was moved to Trinity Lutheran Church. There, Phelps Camp members provided a Civil War color guard, (see attached photo) camp secretary John Rutherford delivered the keynote address, and several other members of the camp took photographs and enjoyed the program. Congratulations to Phelps Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans, for a successful program and for placing another monument to honor those who sacrificed so much for our nation.

PHELPS CAMP DONATES RARE BOOK TO THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MISSOURI:  On May 10, Camp Commander Greg Wait and Senior Vice Commander Jeff Patrick journeyed to Rolla, Missouri, and met with John F. Bradbury, director of the State Historical Society of Missouri Research Center there. Wait and Patrick officially presented the rare, original minute book of the Cape Girardeau camp, Sons of Union Veterans Auxiliary to the SHS (see attached photo). The minute book details the activities of the organization from 1920-1929. SUV Auxiliary material relating to Missouri is extremely scarce, and Mr. Bradbury was quite happy to add it to the Research Center’s collection.

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 EVENTSJune 23-24: The U.S. Soldier at Wilson’s Creek (living history program at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield).

NEW ISSUE OF THE MISSOURI UNIONIST NOW AVAILABLE:  Check out the latest issue of the Department of Missouri’s newsletter at www.suvcwmo.org/newsletter.php

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 April 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE APRIL MEETING?
1) Members discussed plans for the Mary Phelps marker dedication ceremony.
2) Members discussed a special activity for the July meeting (details TBA).

NEXT MEETING:
The May meeting of Phelps Camp will be held at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. 

DUES ARE DUE:
It’s not too late! 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.

A BUSY MONTH FOR PHELPS CAMP:Members of Phelps Camp participated in two ceremonies in April, with a third (the Mary Phelps marker dedication) planned for the end of the month.
On April 14, member Steve Weldon spoke at the dedication ceremony for a new historical marker in Montevallo, Missouri, commemorating the skirmish fought there in 1862 (see attached photo). In addition, camp members Greg Wait, Kip Lindberg and Gary Riley participated in a ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas, dedicating a new headstone for a member of the 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry. Huzza!

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: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.

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!