Camp White Sulphur Springs Soldiers Aid Society forms in Arkansas
By admin | August 11, 2008
Camp White Sulphur Springs Soldiers Aid Society forms in Arkansas
The citizens of Arkansas are proud to announce the formation of the Camp White Sulphur Springs Soldiers Aid Society, an organization for the concerned populace of central Arkansas.
In April, 1862, Arkansas was desperate. The only organized Confederate Army in the State was leaving. The Army of the Southwest, under the Command of Mjr.Gen. Earl Van Dorn, had just steamed down the White River from Jacksonport, AR headed toward the war east of the Mississippi on orders from Mjr.Gen. Albert Sidney Johnson.
Governor Henry Rector who in the face of extreme odds, held the government of Arkansas together and Brig. Gen. John Roane, former Governor of AR and resident of Pine Bluff, began to stop all Southern troops passing through Arkansas headed for the North and Eastern battlefields. They re-routed the troops to Pine Bluff, Little Rock, and Searcy.
Thus, began the story of the Forgotten Fortress of Arkansas: Camp White Sulphur Springs. It was a military base of operation for the defense of the Lower Arkansas and White Rivers. Camps Lee, R. G. Shaver’s, and Holmes, along with other smaller camps, were all located within one mile of present day Sulphur Springs. These camps served as Headquarters and Commissary. Due to the rampant spread of diseases, Camp White Sulphur Springs also became a hospital and consequently, the final resting place for many soldiers. Today, you can see the grave markers of the identified soldiers at rest. The central featured grave of White Sulphur Springs cemetery is the grave of the Unknown Confederate Soldier, whose remains were unearthed in 1997. http://www.wsscemetery.com/
CWSSSAS is made up of the wives, children, and civilian men who support the troops of the 1st Arkansas, Co. D of Pine Bluff, AR. Efforts will be made to raise much-needed funds and supplies for the men in gray (and occasionally, the Blue uniform of the 5th Kansas “Redlegs”). Future plans include fundraising events, School of the Soldier, a Lady’s Academy, memorial services, and parades.
“We are very excited about this new civilian group and are actively seeking new members,” said Miss Ellie of Little Rock. “I think it is time Arkansas had an organization strictly for people who want to participate in the reenacting hobby, but not necessarily in a military role and without affiliation with either the Union or the Confederate alliances. CWSSSAS will be available to the general public for events that would benefit from a Civil War era presence. Any donations we receive will be handed over for the use of our soldiers in the field. This is our civilian effort to promote the family side of an educational and fun hobby.”
For more information, contact Miss Ellie at ellen@speakingofladies.com or Mike at 1stark5thkan@comcast.net.
Topics: In The News | No Comments »
The Truth Behind the Hanging of David O. Dodd- An Addendum to Arkansas Civil War History
By admin | August 4, 2008
The Truth Behind the Hanging of David O. Dodd by Miss Ellie
As you all know, I am a fanatic about women in history. For years I have searched for some evidence of the assistance David O. Dodd received from three women, Minerva Cogburn, Mary Dodge, and Mary Swindle. As luck would have it, I stumbled upon a book at work, Forever We Remember, A Tribute to David Owen Dodd, by Anthony C. Rushing. There it was, the truth behind the hanging of DOD.
Minerva Cogburn was the friend of David’s sister, Senhora. On a particular occasion of David’s return to Little Rock, he had three letters to deliver. One was addressed to Minerva. This being the Christmas season, Senhora’s reply to Minerva’s letter described David as having partied and danced the season, paying “special attention to a young girl named Mary Dodge.”
Some believe it was through Mary Dodge that Dodd received the information from the Federal troops in Little Rock which led to his demise. Miss Dodge was the daughter of Dr. R. L. Dodge, who was on friendly terms with the Federal army and was seen many times within the Federal garrison. The following is an excerpt from the book:
…the officers who furnished the information, through
Mary, were suspected but were never known.
However, General Steele somehow knew the
information had passed through Mary’s hands and in
a private discussion with her father, Steele told him
that “while he felt sure his daughter did not realize or
appreciate the gravity of the offense, something had
to be done about it.” General Steele further stated
that “although he was being criticized for his
friendliness to the people of the South, he could not
visit drastic punishment, such as the offense required,
on a young girl.”
Dr. Dodge and his daughter, Mary, were sent by Federal gunboat to Vermont. Sadly, we know who took the “drastic punishment”.
Note: The above article is from our world-famous newsletter Joshes & Chubs (August, 2008 Edition), dedicated in serving the Arkansas Civil War buff worldwide!
Topics: Research, Old But Helpful Newsletter Articles | No Comments »
Notes from the California Boys- A Reflection of the 2008 Gettysburg Reenactment
By admin | July 29, 2008
3rd at Gettysburg
Gettysburg 2008 Report
27 July
Carl Dotts. Colonel Commanding
Confederate Brigade
Sir:
It has been some time since I put this pen to paper and I feel that I must apologize for this delay in this report. Four of us from Company E were on detached duty when we found ourselves in the service of Hood’s Texas Brigade along with some other Arkansas boys. We four are Sgt. Richard Kline, Pvt. Sandy Newburn, Pvt. Todd Holmes, and Pvt. Tim Desmond.
ARKANSAS
Pvt. Holmes skirted through enemy lines, presumably on a furlough, to get to kinfolk in Cleveland, Ohio, before meeting up with us on the march in Maryland on 3 July. The remaining three of us found our own troubles in southern Arkansas. We were dead-beat tired after a wagon drive for thirty-six hours straight. This included stops to water and feed the horses. We traded driving shifts, but trying to sleep on the bouncing boards proved near impossible, but somehow we did, until arriving at the Vickers Farm in Hermitage, Arkansas. Richard’s cousin Beverly Dubose and her husband Ron hosted us for two nights stay. On the second day there it was the Sabbath and we in our uniforms, Ron accoutered up also, held a memorial service for Pvt. Kline’s Confederate Infantry ancestor Zachariah Clanton, buried at Union Hill Cemetery. A new stone, provided by the VA, had been placed at the grave during the past year. It was raining on us as the service began and by the time we fired our salute and played taps, we were soaked through in the heat and humidity. We’d heard the phrase at Shiloh last year, "better get used to it, ya’ll in the south." Ends up this was all true, the rest of this detached trip into Pennsylvania.
That afternoon we heard there were Yankees in the area. Sure enough, these Yankees were attempting to forage this farm, kill the boys there and do what-not to the women folk. The three of us lit out to the end of the pasture to draw them Yankees away from the main house. We formed a skirmish line and commenced firing with yells and orders. As we pushed the Yankees back into the woods, Sgt. Kline gave orders to make our shots count, and they did. One blue-belly got a lucky shot and hit me and stunned me fierce, but I was able to get back in the fight. Pvt. Newburn dropped no less than two Yankees as they were attempting to steal two hogs from the yard. Later these folks were so grateful, they gave us a fine meal.
Next morning we went fishin’ for catfish as long as Pvt. Sandy Newburn is tall. This was no joke because we seen them in a feeding frenzy at the huge pond. I’m only a private soldier in this here infantry, and the official record can be looked up, but those catfish heads were as big across as my foot with my brogans on. That afternoon, more of the Vickers family arrived. They gave us a tour of the entire farm and woods. Later, on the porch, we were able to treat them with a concert by us, the 3rd Confederate’s ‘Whiskey Mountain Hog Callers." In the end there was no less than twelve Vickers family and us singing ‘Hog Calling Time in Nebraska.’
The next morning was hard to leave, but we needed to arrive to Pine Bluff before dark. We assured the folks at Hermitage that the Yankees had skedaddled out of the area. They said they would be on the lookout for any of the northern sneaky rascals.
PINE BLUFF
Our supplies were going to last us but we had been requested to meet up with the 1st Arkansas Company "D" commanded by Captain Mark Kalkbrenner. He and his wife Sally and family, put us up in their personal home for two nights. The first night there was a fine feast of local beers and some Italian dish of flat bread baked with cheese, tomato sauce and other vegetables on top. Those present there were the Kalkbrenner’s, Sgt. Major Robert Hutcheson and his son, Rex Norris and Richard Norris, all of whom we met at Shiloh last year.
THE CEMETERY
This dinner was only topped off by the next evening’s affair, a cook out in the cemetery. That’s right. We had a prayer before eating BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs and potluck salads. Present at this affair were more people form the 1st Arkansas, which comprises also the members of their Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp, who found the original cemetery of a common grave of Confederate Defenders, identified who was buried there and obtained new stones to memorialize each soldier there. These dead were from the 9th Arkansas Infantry, which was mustered into service on 20 July 1861, into the Confederate Sates Army. We met there the member who personally bought the two private lots that make up the cemetery, other members who have kin buried there and kin’s markers there of ancestors whose bodies were never found.
These two gentlemen were very adamant about Arkansas’ role in the War Between the States and said, "They [historians] say nothing ever happened in Arkansas; let them come here." They are right of course, besides the actions at Pine Bluff there was Bentonville and Pea Ridge in the northeast corner of the State. But their reference to "Let them come here" is also about the common grave, the trench of the buried Confederates, as done in Shiloh and elsewhere, where the mass graves is the last insult upon injury, that the Union would do to their Confederate enemy but not treat their own that way. Let them come to Pine Bluff where these guys are identifying the dead in this trench and placing a stone for each one. Also there was their main graves registrar Edgar Colvin. Edgar we met at Shiloh.
Also we met, finally, one very nice fellow we’d heard of at Shiloh and who would not be going with us all to Gettysburg, Ron "Buddha" Kelly. Mark Kalkbrenner had arranged for us to view the 3rd Confederate Infantry battle flag at one of the Little Rock museums. Because of our scheduling problems, we weren’t able to do that. It was just great that he tried to do that for us. We did tour the MacArthur War Museum in Little Rock with Mark and his youngest daughter Elizabeth.
TO GETTYSBURG
Having officially fallen in with this Co. D of 1st Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, we followed them into Tennessee and into Virginia, and after one overnight stay, into Maryland, east along Chambersburg Pike to Gettysburg. After registering in a nearby tin shed, we were led to and found our camp spot. It was uphill for a mile. There was a bustling of wagons and tents in the clearing between the clumps of woods. Our official unit was Trans-Mississippi Volunteer Infantry or TMVI, of which Huckabee’s Brigade was attached also. Some of our unit was camped in the woods including our Colonel and Sgt. Major Bob "Hutch" Hutcheson.
Co. D Street was in the corner of a clearing next to the woods where our Colonel and Sgt. Major were. The rectangle field we were in was mostly Army of Northern Virginia Infantry and was about thirty acres of tents. There was that many camped in Huckabee’s Brigade in the woods adjacent to us. There was a line of woods on the opposite side beyond, which were two fields our size with more Confederate Infantry and dismounted Cavalry. In those fields were also all the Confederate Artillery, but I never did get a clear idea how they were organized. The artillery folks we knew in there were Becky Redwine, Tom Buckman, Moose Dutton, Anita Hatch and Anita’s son Jonah Hatch for whom we carried a musket, ammo and two edged arms.
This was Thursday afternoon. When we arrived our company street was already in place. Our 1st Sgt. Mike Lewis was absolutely superb in having things set up and running. He had the Captain’s tent up with a fly awning; he had a place for "you California folk’s" planned out. It was great. He had been there two days with his fiancée Miss Ellie. Also already there were two other 1st Arkansas couples Bill and Sue Farmer and Hays and Flo Swayze. Mardy Clardy had her tent up soon next to Edgar Colvin. Falling in with us from Texas were Kirt Barnett and Lonnie Palmer. We set up our part of the Camp. We had Todd Holme’s tent set up before he arrived from Ohio, which he did before dusk. Also tented on the street were Ron Cate, Rex and Richard Norris.
Five other privates from 5th Louisiana fell in with us at the first formation. They were camped in the woods. I never got their names except but one, Skeeter with red beard and he was my file leader on Saturday.
The official count of participants was around 15,000. All of us are published in a paper giving each person’s name.
Respectfully Submitted
I Remain Your Obedient Servant
Tim Desmond, Pvt.
Co E
3rd Confederate Infantry Regiment
The above is an addendum of the Joshes & Chubs Newsletter, (Located at the top of the page) dedicated in serving Arkansas Civil War buffs around the world!
Topics: Living Histories | No Comments »
The Soap Box: Dispatches from Cyber Space
By admin | July 22, 2008
With over 56,000 visitors to our website, it seems these numbers are starting to represent Civil War buffs from countries all over the world such as Italy, United Kingdom, Columbia, and Mexico. Look at the map to the left and you can see the interest in our hobby is far-reaching.
What does this mean for the 1st Arkansas? Just keep having fun doing what you love to do: live history. Events are being posted and maintained on the website, showing visitors that we are an active group of living historians associated with the perpetuation of a true representation of the Civil War soldier. With only a few more events left in the 2008 season, this is a prime time to clean the cobwebs from the musket, dust off the Yankee Soil from your brogans, and prepare for a great (and extremely hot) march in White Hall at the 2008 Founder’s Day on August 23.
The Civil War Graves Registration Project has exploded over the past few weeks. I will be renaming the Project very soon, as I am now the Web Master of several other Arkansas Civil War websites, including the Arkansas Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Several camps from around the state have submitted their own graves registry information, thus putting the number of graves to be entered onto the site at nearly a thousand. A big "Thank You" to those who have offered help in locating Civil War graves in our area. Keep the info coming in.
Keep telling all your friends about ArkansasToothpick.Com, dedicated in serving Arkansas Civil War buffs around the world!
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Charles “Chuck” Olin Durnett (September 18, 1941 - July 4, 2008)
By admin | July 6, 2008
Charles "Chuck" Olin Durnett
(September 18, 1941 - July 4, 2008)
Charles “Chuck” Olin Durnett, 66, of Little Rock died on July 4, 2008. A native of Colorado, Chuck traveled extensively in his youth as the ward of his older brother, a non-commissioned officer in the Air Force. After earning a degree in Mathematics from Missouri Valley College, he married and began a family. A position with Dun & Bradstreet brought Chuck to Little Rock in 1972, where he established himself in the business, non-profit, and political arenas. At the time of his death, he was a former political consultant, a past President of the Arkansas Society of Association Executives, former Vice President of the Arkansas Credit Union League, a past Commander of the General Robert C. Newton Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a past president of the Arkansas Civil War Heritage Trail, a member of the Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, the Arkansas Division Commander of the Army of the Trans-Mississippi of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, editor of the Civil War Roundtable of Arkansas, a commentator on governmental and political affairs, and a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
Charles Durnett is survived by his wife, Kay Durnett, his son and daughter-in-law Jason Durnett and Debbie Smiley of St. Louis, Missouri, his son and daughter-in-law Jairus Durnett and Tammy Slish of Memphis, Tennessee, his daughter and son-in-law Jennelle and Timothy Richardson of Zionsville, Indiana, and six granddaughters.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 1:00 p.m., with Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300 assisting.
The family asks that donations be made to the Arkansas Civil War Heritage Trail Foundation, P.O. Box 20905, White Hall, Arkansas 71612 in lieu of flowers.
A Word From A Friend About Chuck:
I very well remember the first time I laid eyes on Charles Durnett, I was not impressed. I also remember hearing him speak his first nonscripted words and once again I was not impressed. In fact I was distressed and thought we are going to have to deal with this boob and he is the Commander of the Little Rock Camp.
I must put things into perspective before going further. Several years ago the reenactors of central Arkansas performed the retrial of David O. Dodd at the Annual DOD Ceremonies held each year in January. Charles was one of the Union Officers who held young David O. Dodd’s life in the balance and all Charles O. Durnett would say was "Guilty". Every time he was asked a question by the prosecutor "Guilty" was his response.
Afterwards at the SCV Executive Council Meeting for the Arkansas Division the Charles introduced himself as the new Commander of the R.C. Newton Camp and said "And I can probably insult you all". My first thought was the about the already disgusting play I had witnessed and now one of the hanging officers was continuing with a non Confederate attitude. He is going to get his comeuppance.
However, this was not the case. This was just the wry extra dry sense of humor that Charles O. Durnett possessed and he was extremely prolific about using it. There are few Compatriots who could carry off a joke with such a straight face and deadpan expression. Just this last April during the Annual Arkansas Division Convention Commander Durnett surprised me with the CSS Arkansas Award. This was one he had personally named and my receiving it was a total surprise. This was the way Charles liked things. He enjoyed watching the expression change on someone’s face as the wind went out of their sails or the blood ran from their cheeks.
A hearty laugh was a good cure for most things and Charles enjoyed jokes whether he was giving or recieving. The butt or the head no difference.
In the past few years I have called him by several names: Chucky Baby, Our Chubby Little Commander, or Charles "The Zero" Durnett and perhaps a couple I cannot put in print however, each one was with a love and admiration for him as both my friend and compatriot.
And as his friend and fellow compatriot I say that the Arkansas Division has lost a good man and solid Confederate. It saddens my heart thinking about no longer being able to go down to the "Wierdo" place on 6th street in Little Rock after Executive Council Meetings and sharing pizza, calzones,and a pitcher of cold beer. Charles O. Durnett is no longer with us and he will be missed however I am sure the Good Lord will look on the Charles O not as Charles "Zero" but instead he will see Charles O. and the O stands for Original, the one and only, my friend and Commander. You are gone but your memory will long be with us.
Affectionately and Reverently Submitted
Everett Burr
Past ArkDivCmdr
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Commander Durnett Memorial Service
By admin | July 5, 2008
The Commander of the Arkansas Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Charles (Chuck) Durnett passed away July 4, 2008 at St. Vincent Inf. in Little Rock, AR. The Memorial Service is set for 1 p.m. on Tuesday July 8th at St Mark’s Episcopal Church located at 1000 N Mississippi St, Little Rock, AR 72207. If you wish to wear a uniform, that will be acceptable. For those wishing to send something to the service, The Family is asking in lieu of Flowers to send a donation to one of Chuck’s favorite organizations:
The Arkansas Civil War Heritage Trails Foundation
P. O. Box 20905
White Hall, Arkansas 71612
Click for driving directions to the memorial service.
Topics: News, Memorial Services | No Comments »
The Gray Line- News from General HQ
By admin | June 24, 2008
SCV Membership
SCV Membership is currently 29,801 including 3,268 Life Members and 52 Real Sons, and an additional 259 cadet members. The SCV also has well over 50,000 dues delinquent former members who may want to rejoin your camp. If you would like a mailing list of your camps delinquent members, please contact the GHQ staff. Every SCV member needs to continue to recruit new members while encouraging current members to make the commitment to be long term members which is the best way to grow the SCV. Life memberships are a great value at only $500 up through age 64, $250 for age 65 to 79, and $125 for age 80 and up. These rates will increase on August 1, 2008 as the rates are tied to a multiple of annual dues.
Prorated Dues
Please take advantage of prorated dues for new members and reinstating former members during the last six months of the fiscal year. During June and July 2008 the prorated dues amount is only $32.50 which will pay the member through July 31, 2009. Please take advantage of this fine opportunity to keep members in another year and so the camp will not have to go back to the members in a few months asking for dues a second time.
Nathan Bedford Forrest Boyhood Homecoming
The annual fund raising celebration will be held all day on Saturday June 21, 2008 at the Forrest Boyhood Home near Chapel Hill TN. Please come to this event to see the progress on the restoration of this unique early 1830s structure, join the fun, and help support the efforts to raise additional funds to speed up the restoration work. The days events will include infantry, cavalry and artillery demonstrations, historic speakers, special live period music, food and much, much more. Donation items for this years silent auction are much needed. Please contact Bryan Sharp at (800) 380-1896 ext 201 or membership@scv.org to donate. A map and schedule of the days events is posted at http://elmspringscsa.com .
Concord Reunion
All SCV members and camps are encouraged to attend the 113th Annual General Reunion which will be held in Concord NC during the period July 16 to July 19, 2008 and hosted by the Captain Jonas Cook SCV Camp 888. Their website is http:// www.jonascookcamp.com for registration and hotel info including a schedule of events. There are a number of important documents that are related to this event and normal SCV business with which you will need to be familiar.
Credentials Form
You may print this document, which is attached to this electronic version of The Gray Line as a .pdf file, on plain paper. Please ensure that GHQ has the names of the correct camp Commander and Adjutant in their database records because one of these two officers must sign the credentials form to validate it. The credentials committee will check the name against the master camp rosters. Please do not send the signed credentials form back to the GHQ as it must be retained and taken to Concord NC by your camps delegate(s).
2008 Awards Program Information sheet
This information should answer all of your questions concerning national awards for this reunion. You may download a distinguished camp award entry form at member services, forms and documents on the SCV website at this link: http://www.scv.org/pdf/distCampAwardForm.pdf You may also download the annual camp report form at this link: http:// www.scv.org/pdf/camp_reporting_form.pdf and this report should be completed and transmitted to GHQ no later than July 10, 2008.
Camp Rosters Friends of the SCV (FOSCV)
As a way to recognize persons who support the SCV, but do not meet the requirements for membership, the GEC previously adopted the Friends of the SCV concept which has now come to fruition. For a minimum initial donation of $40, the Friend will receive a nice certificate suitable for framing, a lapel pin and a one-year subscription to the Confederate Veteran magazine. Subsequent donations of $30 or more each year will maintain their subscription and friendship. Please note that Friends are not SCV members, may not exercise any rights of membership to include claiming to be members. The Friends of the SCV application may be accessed on the SCV website, http://www.scv.org/pdf/FOSCV_MembershipApplication.pdf . Camps which already have associate membership programs in place for their supporters who do not have Confederate ancestry are free either participate in this program or continue their current system.
Miniature War Service Medal
Based upon a member suggestion, the SCV General Headquarters has developed a War Service Medal (WSM) Lapel Pin which is a miniature version of the medal. Both new WSM recipients, as well as any member who has previously received the award, may order the new lapel pin from the SCV Merchandising Section for a cost of $10.00 plus the appropriate shipping and handling charge.
Logo merchandise
Camps may use the SCVs trademarked logo on clothing and other merchandise items for sale within the camp provided that the camps name or number, or both camp name and number, appear along side the logo. Logo items may only be worn or purchased by active SCV members. There have been several recent incidents where the SCV logo has been misused by both individuals and rogue businesses who were attempting to sell items through the internet for personal profit. The SCV vigorously protects its logo.
2008 IRS Annual Electronic Notice Filing Requirement
SCV camps with gross receipts less than $25,000 a year are not required to file an IRS Form 990 tax return; however, beginning in 2008 at the end of the current fiscal year, all camps will be required to submit an annual electronic notice. This will be a simple task, providing camp officer contact information that must be accomplished online between August 1st and December 15, 2008. You may not make this report before August 1, 2008. The SCV will provide further guidance and assistance on completing this task as we near the end of the current fiscal year.
SCV Affinity Credit Card
Texas Independent Bank and the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) have had a mutually beneficial affinity credit card arrangement for the past nine years. TIB terminated the contract on April 30, 2008 after which the SCV receives no benefit from purchases made. The bank claims their action is due to the small number of SCV card holders. TIB further refused to provide to the SCV the names and addresses of current card holders; however, TIB did allow the SCV to print a one time announcement on each cardholders monthly statement. TIB will also send each affinity card holder a new generic TIB card to replace the current cards with the SCV logo and others with General R. E. Lee featured. The SCV is seeking a new contract with a different bank; however, at the time this is being published we have not been successful. If you wish to continue to support the SCV through a new affinity card, please provide your name and address to SCV, P O Box 59, Columbia TN 38502-0059, by email to exedir@scv.org, or phone (800) 380-1896 ext 207.
Sixth Annual Sam Davis Youth Camp
The co-ed camp will be held from Sunday July 27th to Saturday August 2nd at Magnolia State Park, Millen GA, between Waynesboro and Millen at a beautiful historic site. The deadline for applications is Monday July 21, 2008. You may download an application at http://www.scv.org/pdf/2008SamDavisYouthCampApplication.pdf Scholarships are available for deserving youth whose parents or host SCV camp cannot afford the tuition; however, the camper, his family or host SCV camp must arrange transportation for the child to get to and from the camp site according to the camp schedule. For more info: http://www.scv.org/samdavis
Important Notice
If you or any of your Compatriots would like to receive occasional notices and announcements from the official, SCV news source, please visit http://www.scv.org/maillistSubscription.php. The Gray Line is only being sent via email on the internet through the official SCV News List! If any member of your camp would like to join the SCV News List, please direct him to the link above where he can sign up for this service. Please forward this Gray Line, as it contains useful information, on to all members of your camp.
Confederate Veteran Magazine
The May June 2008 CV magazine is currently being printed and should go into the mail on approximately June 20, 2008. Please understand it is mailed at Non Profit bulk mail rates and the US Postal Service will not forward it if you have a change of address. Please report address changes as soon as they are known. If you have any question about GHQ having your correct information, you can check it by entering your SCV ID number and your last name in the box at the following link: http://www.scv.org/checkData.php . If a correction needs to be made, you will see a form for that purpose, which will notify Elm Springs to update their records. You may also call GHQ on (800) 380-1896 or send an email to the appropriate secretary with an address change.
New Confederate war service record research tools
Military Research at the National Archives. The SCV was contacted by Kelley Bevis, a law student in Washington DC who is an avid researcher at the national archives and will obtain that hard to find service record quicker and more cheaply than the using the governments service. Full Confederate service records are only $30, two-week turnaround faster and cheaper than going through the federal government. Email texlabooks@gmail.com or visit www.kelleybevis.com. Many of you are looking for your Confederate Ancestor’s service records. Through their partnerships with organizations such as the National Archives, Footnote.com currently offers over 4 million Confederate Soldier service records. These documents will help you obtain your ancestor’s proof of service. Currently available: Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for the states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas & Virginia with more states to come soon, Confederate Amnesty Papers, Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900 & much more Why not start your Footnote free trial now? http:// www.footnote.com/scv.php?xid=69
DNA Service Offered to SCV Members
If you are interested in furthering your own genealogical research, the SCV has made arrangements to allow our members to do this research using their DNA through a company called Family Tree DNA. Genetic genealogy through the use of DNA is growing rapidly. It allows us to connect with other people who perhaps may have more information to add to your family mystery. Family Tree DNA has set up a group program, offering us discounts and profit sharing for the SCV. Please visit Family Tree DNAs web site https://www.familytreedna.com and look it over. If you decide you would like to join the project you can do so from this link: https://www.familytreedna.com/ surname_join.aspx?code=K17699 Family Tree DNA has offered excellent discounts to SCV members. The process is very simple should you wish to participate.
Cadet Membership
Cadet membership was established in 2006 for males from birth to 12 years of age who are otherwise eligible for SCV membership. You may access an application that may be completed on line at this link: http://www.scv.org/pdf/ SCVCadetApplicationFillable_20080501.pdf. The completed application can then be submitted along with $10 to General Headquarters (GHQ) to include the Camps approval. The GHQ will enter the young man in the database, assign him a SCV membership number, and all records will be the same as a full member except that his membership status will be different. The names of cadet members will not appear on the camp membership roster nor will they receive the Confederate Veteran magazine. A new cadet member joining for the year August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009 will be status CM08. Once the young man becomes 12, he may pay his regular dues to have his status changed to the appropriate fiscal year which will make him a full member.
Future Reunions
The 2009 SCV National Reunion will be held in Hot Springs AR and hosted by the James M. Keller Camp 648, and the 2010 Reunion will be held in Anderson County SC and hosted by the Manse Jolly SCV Camp 6. Montgomery AL is the proposed site for 2011 Reunion, and the GEC will be recommending this location to the 2008 Annual General Reunion attendees at Concord NC in July 2008.
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History Revised by Political Correctness in Louisiana
By admin | May 5, 2008
The news of the changes in long-standing proclamations declaring Confederate History and Heritage Month observances in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana has prompted the following statement from Christopher M. Sullivan, Commander-in-Chief, Sons of Confederate Veterans:
"We learned with immense dismay of the mayors of Bossier City and Shreveport, Louisiana, departing from a long- standing tradition of issuing proclamations honoring Confederate History and Heritage Month.
"According to local news accounts they have taken it upon themselves to change the observance to ‘Civil War History Month’.
"This is a direct act of political correctness that takes on more serious proportions as it undertakes revising or eliminating true history in America.
"Cities, counties and states annually issue proclamations honoring the various cultures and events that have made the greatness of America. Confederate History and Heritage Month is one of the most widely known throughout the United States with hundreds of proclamations and observances each year which honor the Confederate soldiers who are recognized by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs with the same rights and recognition as all veterans of U. S. service.
"It is indeed disheartening to see the success of this recognition distorted and intentionally eliminated by a small element whose agenda is to impugn or eradicate the history of the Confederate military."
"It is our hope the people of Shreveport and Bossier City will show a spirit of fairness and patriotism by effectively speaking out against censorship and historical revision."
Contact, J. A. Davis, SCV PR & Media Committee, 770 297-4788.
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA COMMITTEE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
History Revised by Political Correctness in Louisiana
Elm Springs, Columbia, TN
April 14, 2008
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3rd Arkansas Infantry Letters Found (Part 5)
By admin | May 3, 2008
A Pine Bluff businessman shared recently with the Arkansas Toothpick Staff a short series of letters written by a couple of brothers in the 3rd Arkansas Infantry from Hamburg, Arkansas. We will be sharing these letters for the first time with the public one at a time, due to download size of each scan.
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Frances Clalin AKA Jack Williams
By admin | April 29, 2008
Frances Clalin known by her married name of Frances Clayton, was a woman who disguised herself as a man in order to fight in the American Civil War. She served in the Missouri artillery and cavalry units for several months. Frances Clayton took up all the manly vices. To better conceal her sex, she learned to drink, smoke, chew, and swear. She was especially fond of cigars. She even gambled, and a fellow soldier declared that he had played poker with her on a number of occasions.
—DeAnne Blanton and Lauren M. Cook, They Fought Like Demons
Frances Clayton was a woman who fought in the Union as a man named Jack Williams. She served in cavalry and artillery units, but it is unknown what unit she served in. The newspapers that reported her story told conflicting information, but most said that she and Elmer L. Clayton, her husband, had enlisted together in a Missouri regiment the fall of 1861, even though they were from Minnesota. Frances was born in Illinois and married Elmer who was born in Ohio, so both were from the North. They had a farm in Minnesota and Frances did housework until she enlisted for war. Frances and Elmer were also to have had three children. Elmer and Frances served side by side during the American Civil War until 1863, when he died in battle.
Frances is known to have fought in the Battle of Fort Donelson in Tennessee, February 13, 1862, where the Union won after three days of fighting. During this battle Frances was wounded, but was not discovered because of her injury. It wasn’t extremely hard for Frances to convincingly play the part of Jack Williams. She was tall and masculine, and had tan skin. She had also worked on perfecting manly activities such as smoking, drinking, chewing tobacco, swearing and gambling. Frances was quite fond of cigars as well. By doing these things, Frances increased her manly character so that she would fit in and others wouldn’t see past her disguise.
This plan was clever and effective, as some news reports state that Frances was never discovered to be a woman, but instead was discharged when she confronted her superiors.
Frances was also a said to be a good ‘horse-man’ and ‘swordsman’, and the way she carried herself in stride was soldierly, erect, and masculine. She was well trained and knew her duties well, but was also a respected person who commanded attention in the way she acted. It was said of Frances in one report that she did her duties at all times and was considered to be a fighting man. Frances was engaged in seventeen battles other than Fort Donelson, including the Battle of Murfreesboro December 31, 1862, where her husband died. The Battle of Murfreesboro was referred to as Stones River by the Union. Elmer was only a few feet in front of Frances when he died, but she didn’t stop fighting. She stepped over his body and charged when the commands came. There are two stories about how Frances was discovered to be a woman. One is that after this battle at Stones River, Frances decided to let her true identity become known and she was discharged a few days later in Louisville 1863, but the other is that Frances was wounded in the hip at Stones River, and was discharged after being discovered that way. Frances did fix the mistakes, but this error creates doubts about what really happened. After being discharged Frances tried to get back to Minnesota, and then decided to collect the bounty owed her deceased husband and herself, as well as to get some of Elmer’s belongings.
It is also speculated that she wanted to reenlist, but she was unable to. Her train was attacked by a Confederate guerrilla party, and she was robbed of her papers and her money. Frances then went from Missouri to Minnesota, then to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and on to Quincy, Illinois.
In Quincy a fund was created to aid her quest for payment by former soldiers and friends. Frances was last reported to be headed for Washington, D.C. Frances became popular with the newspapers. Her story was published in about six different papers, but they got her story jumbled up. In some articles it was stated that Frances had been wounded and discovered at Stones River where her husband died, but others said she was wounded at Fort Donelson, and was able to keep her identity a secret until her husband died and she went to her superiors with her secret. Frances was actually wounded at Donelson and was able to keep her secret unknown, and she corrected these misunderstandings in her last interview but she never stated what regiment she had served in. This was probably never asked of Frances, because the reporters were more interested in the story of a devoted wife, rather than the actual details of JackWilliams’ soldier life.
Frances didn’t become particularly well-known for her hardships or bravery, but she was still recognized for her acts of soldiery. Frances’ picture is on book covers and in pages of Civil War books, though not much information is given about her in them. This is most likely because the news wasn’t interested in her soldier life as much as it was her wife life, making it hard to find data-filled resources about her. Also, books dedicated to women like Frances have many stories to tell about more famous women, taking up the room to go into greater detail on Frances and other unfamiliar women.
Frances was brave, strong-willed and went through a lot to be with her husband, which is a noble deed. Because of her choice to be with him, she helped in battles and served her country in a way that an estimate of only 400 other women did. Frances was wounded a total of three times for her country, and was even taken prisoner once, all the while supposedly remaining Jack Williams. Frances worked hard to do her duties as a soldier, and served her country by her husband’s side for two years until he died. During these years Frances served in cavalry and artillery units for the Union. Frances gave up a lot to do this, but did it anyway. She saw her husband die right in front of her and continued to fight. Frances wasn’t even able to receive her back pay or bounty after her discharge because she was robbed by Confederate guerrillas.
This article can be downloaded from the May, 2008 edition of the newsletter located at the top of the page…great Civil War articles written by Civil War buffs in Arkansas.
Topics: Research, Old But Helpful Newsletter Articles | No Comments »
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