Union Defender December 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE DECEMBER MEETING?  Members met for our annual holiday dinner and enjoyed fine food and fellowship at Ruby Tuesday’s in Republic. Senior Vice Commander Patrick extended “season’s greetings” and best wishes for 2013 to all members of Phelps Camp and their families.

NEXT MEETING: Because the first Tuesday of 2013 falls on New Year’s Day, the January meeting of Phelps Camp would normally be moved to Tuesday, January 8. But because this January 8 is a very special anniversary in local history, the January meeting of Phelps Camp will be cancelled, and members are urged to attend our own John Rutherford’s presentation on the Battle of Springfield at the Springfield-Greene County Library Center instead (see below).

BATTLE OF SPRINGFIELD ANNIVERSARY EVENTS: January promises to be a very busy month as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederate General John S. Marmaduke’s attack on Springfield and the heroic Union defense of the city. Phelps Camp members have been asked to participate in some of these events.

Here are the highlights: Tuesday, January 8, Noon, Park Central Square in Springfield: Official 150th anniversary ceremony, sponsored by the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation. Phelps Camp has been asked to provide a Union color guard.

Tuesday, January 8, 6:30 p.m., Springfield-Greene County Library Center: Presentation by our own John Rutherford and Dr. Bill Piston on the successful Union defense of Springfield in 1863.

Wednesday, January 9, 6:30 p.m., Springfield-Greene County Library Center: President Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by Fritz Klein of Springfield, Illinois) will present an address on slavery, emancipation and the war in Missouri. Phelps Camp has been asked to provide an escort, under arms, for President Lincoln.

Friday, January 11, 6:30 p.m., Springfield-Greene County Library Center: Our own Michael Price will present a program on the Battle of Hartville, the other Union success during Marmaduke’s Raid. Many other events are scheduled. For a detailed list, go the Library Center’s website (thelibrary.org/programs) and click on the “Bookends” link. Please contact Jeff Patrick (350-7192 or tam1rn@juno.com) if you are available for the Tuesday or Wednesday events.

RECYCLING OFFICER NEEDED:  The position of camp recycling officer is once again open. If you are willing to collect, store and transport aluminum cans for the camp, please contact Jeff Patrick (contact information above). The camp has earned a significant amount of money through the years thanks to our recycling efforts.

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:  The new issue of the Department of Missouri’s newsletter is scheduled to be published on or about December 14. Check it out at www.suvcwmo.org/newsletter.php

Union Defender November 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE NOVEMBER MEETING?

1.  Members discussed the upcoming Veterans Day parades in Springfield and Branson. 
2.  Members were urged to think of ideas for utilizing the Greg Wait Memorial Fund.

NEXT MEETING:  Traditionally, the members of Phelps Camp make the December meeting a dinner gathering to celebrate the holidays.  This year, we will meet at the Ruby Tuesday’s in Republic (on Highway 60, across the street from Wal-Mart) on Tuesday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m.  Spouses, children or significant others are welcome to attend as well.  Please RSVP to Jeff Patrick (417-350-7192 or tam1rn@juno.com) no later than 3 p.m. Monday, December 3 so he can contact the restaurant and reserve our table.     

VETERANS DAY PARADES:  Phelps Camp participated in two area parades on the weekend of November 10-11.

On Saturday, November 10, members of Phelps Camp formed a Civil War colorguard and portrayed General and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant for the Springfield parade.  The new, 1.3 mile parade route was lined with spectators, many of whom applauded and cheered the “boys in blue,” the Stars and Stripes and the Grants.  Our thanks to Bob and Jake Clanton, Kip Lindberg, Larry Toll, Jeff Patrick, and Jim and Patty Millikin for participating in the “new” Springfield Veterans Day parade.

On Sunday, November 11, camp members formed the “Parade of the American Soldier” unit for the Branson parade.  Despite threatening weather, the stalwart members of Phelps Camp “soldiered on” and were within sight of the end of the parade route when it started to rain.  A very large crowd of spectators thoroughly enjoyed our entry, and cheers and applause rang out all along the route.

Our thanks to Bob Clanton, John Rutherford, Eddie Cox, Jeff Patrick, Larry Toll, David Coffman, Gary Riley, Jonny Clanton, Chris Strodtman, Harry Clanton, Kip Lindberg, Herb Jackson, David Mills and Kirk Singleton for participating in one of the biggest Veterans Day parades in the nation.

Huzza to the men of Phelps Camp for paying tribute to those who fought and died for our freedom!

RECYCLING OFFICER NEEDED:  The position of camp recycling officer is once again open.  If you are willing to collect, store and transport aluminum cans for the camp, please contact Jeff Patrick (contact information above).  The camp has earned a significant amount of money through the years thanks to our recycling efforts.

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:  The new issue of the Department of Missouri’s newsletter is scheduled to be published on or about December 14. 

Check it out at www.suvcwmo.org/newsletter.php

 

Union Defender October 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE OCTOBER MEETING?
1) Camp members shared memories of Camp Commander Greg Wait.
2) Members discussed the upcoming Veterans Day parades in Springfield and Branson.

NEXT MEETING: Because the presidential election falls on our meeting day (November 6), we will need to reschedule the next camp meeting. The November meeting of Phelps Camp will take place at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Monday, November 5 at 7 p.m. Martin Aubuchon, our department commander, will attend, and we will have a special presentation by camp member Herb Jackson. Herb will deliver a program on several personalities who fought at Wilson’s Creek and found themselves facing former friends and colleagues. We will also finalize plans for the upcoming parades in Branson and Springfield.

CONDOLENCES TO GARY RILEY: The members of Phelps Camp extend their condolences to camp member Gary Riley and his family. Gary’s father recently passed away in Mountain Grove.

VETERANS DAY PARADES: Phelps Camp will participate in two area parades on the weekend of November 10-11. On Saturday, November 10, we will be part of the Springfield parade. The new parade route will go from Hammons Field, west on Trafficway, south on Benton, west on St. Louis to the square, then south on South to Elm—a total of 1.3 miles. Phelps Camp will furnish a Civil War colorguard, but we still need two members in modern clothes to carry our banner. Other members in modern clothes are welcome to march along with the colorguard as well. Units will begin lining up at 9 a.m., the parade begins at 10, and ends by Noon.

On Sunday, November 11, the camp will march as the “Parade of the American Soldier” in Branson. At least two members in modern clothes are needed to carry our banner for that parade as well.

Questions? Please contact Jeff Patrick at 732-2662, ext. 226, or by e-mail at tam1rn@juno.com.

KEELING CEREMONY: On Saturday, September 22, members of Phelps Camp helped 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 made up the color guard, were present in the audience, and made remarks during the ceremony. Approximately 70 people were present for the dedication, and Corporal Keeling’s descendants hosted a luncheon following the ceremony at a nearby church. Our special thanks to Bob Clanton and his family, who set Corporal Keeling’s headstone and participated in the ceremony.

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

IN MEMORIAM 
Gregory Wait
(October 3, 1954 - September 10, 2012)

Gregory Wait, 57, of Springfield, Missouri passed away September 10, 2012. Greg was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 3, 1954. Greg was a graduate of Kickapoo High School in 1972 and was a dentist at Sunshine Dental for 30 years. Greg loved re-enacting the Civil War, he loved history and baseball. Greg is preceded in death by his parents Janet and Frank Wait. Greg is survived by his wife Paula, step son Tim Minkler and wife Kim. Two brothers; Steve and David Wait. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. with visitation one hour prior at Greenlawn Funeral Home South. The family request in lieu of flowers donations to be sent to Phelps Camp SUV, John Rutherford 1329 S. Meadowview Ave. Springfield, MO. 65804 

Gentlemen:
Phelps Camp has suffered a devastating loss. Greg Wait was both our brother in the SUVCW and a good friend.

Although a faithful member of Phelps Camp, I recall that Greg was more than a bit
reluctant when asked to serve as camp commander for the first time, several years ago.
Once elected, however, Greg took his duties very seriously, devoted considerable time, money and effort to the camp, and quickly became an outstanding commander.

In the wake of such a loss, we may be tempted to lose interest in camp activities. I
think Greg would be quite disappointed if we did so. He earnestly believed in the goals
of our organization, urged other members to do their utmost to support the SUVCW, and
asked for (and received) a great deal of support from our members. Greg would have
wanted us to continue the work of honoring those who saved the Union, with undiminished enthusiasm and determination.

To paraphrase Mr. Lincoln, one of Greg’s heroes, it is for us the living to be dedicated
to the unfinished work which he so nobly advanced, and be dedicated to the great task
remaining before us.

Jeff Patrick

CONDOLENCES: 

 

“Jeff & Members of Phelps Camp:

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Greg Wait. He was a good man, and an asset to
our organization. Please let me know his arrangements, and where condolences may be
sent. If there is anything I can do for your camp during this difficult time, please do
not hesitate to contact me.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Chris Warren, PDC
McCormick Camp # 215 – SUVCW”

“Past Department Commander Chris Warren forwarded your email message regarding the passing of Greg Wait.

This is sad news. Please accept my condolences to you and your camp brothers. Please
share my sincere sympathy to the family of Greg Wait.

I have heard and seen a lot of information about Greg, and I was hoping to meet him in
person in a camp visit this fall.
If there is any information that you or the family would like to share please send it to
me.

May the word of God and the salvation of our savior Jesus Christ provide comfort to you
and the family of Greg Wait.

In Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty

Martin Aubuchon
Commander
Department of Missouri
SUVCW”

“To the Phelps Camp: We will miss our friend. Greg was always a kind and gentle supporter of our Tent and we are very sorry for his loss.

Mary Whitney Phelps Tent #22, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.”

NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting of Phelps Camp will take place at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at 7 p.m.

For the past several years, members who have attended the October camp meeting have
enjoyed a slice of excellent pecan pie, made by Nancy Clanton, in honor of Greg Wait’s
birthday. We will continue that tradition at our upcoming meeting, as we share our
memories of Greg. Nancy has generously offered to make several other varieties of
pie as well. Come celebrate the life and legacy of our recently departed camp commander. 

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.