The Railsplitter The Newsletter of the Department of Illinois, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

SUMMER 2019

OFFICERS: UPCOMING ENCAMPMENTS: INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Commander The schedule for future Encampments and Chaplain’s Corner Harry Reineke IV, PCC their hosts are as follows: Patriotic Instruction Chief of Staff “Keyboard Klacking” from the DSVC Steve Westlake, PDC, PCC Oct 2019, Camp #49, Sycamore A Word from the Dept. Secretary Senior Vice-Commander May 2020, Camp #443, Belleville Camp News Joe Hutchinson, PCC Oct 2020, Camp #1, No. Cook County Junior Vice-Commander And MORE! Gary Gunderson, PCC Future scheduling T.B.D. Secretary Steve Aarli, PCC COMMANDER’S CORNER: www.suvcwil.com and give your feedback to Treasurer myself or Brother Welch at Bill Johnson My dear Brothers, [email protected]. Council We hope that this new, mobile- Tom Osteicher, PCC It will be a short col- friendly plaorm will make future updates, Gene Walker umn from me this issue, as I edits, and changes-of-hands easier, and that Leigh Franklin am preparing for Fall Route the new site will be profitable for our De- Patriotic Instructor Picks at work, and the day partment and Camps. Michael J. Zafran aer picks, I go to the Naonal I would be remiss if I didn't greatly Chaplain Encampment. thank Brother Paul Zeien, PDC for the great Jerome Kowalski Reports are bring wrien, plans are work he's done for years with the old Graves Registration being made, but I did want to give you each Steve Aarli, PCC plaorm and site. Knowing what I know a heads up on what a couple of your Broth- Civil War Memorials now, it was really a great and heavy task he ers and commiees are doing around our Steve Anderson had. Department. Historian Lastly, it is me for someone to step Your Stephenson Memorial Plaza Terry Dyer, PDC, PCC up to be our Eagle Scout coordinator. Broth- commiee is working hard to ensure that Guide er Jim Lyon, PDC is seeking a Naonal Office, several "misplaced" brick orders will be man- Patrick McConnell and I'd like him to be able to focus on that ufactured and set at the site very soon. This Guard when it comes around. He's also asked to has been a headache for all involved, but I Rob Hauff step down. It would be great if someone Color Bearer have spoken with commiee chairman could take over this role for our Department. Leigh Franklin Brother Terry Dyer and he assures me that The Boy Scouts are, historically, great friends GAR Highway Officer we are back to "onward and upward" with of the Allied Orders of the GAR. We'd like to vacant this project. keep it that way. ROTC Coordinator I encourage each of you to do what That's all from me this me. Please Nick Kaup, PDC, PCC you can to solicit donaons (bricks are nice keep our delegaon traveling to the Naonal Eagle Scout Coordinator too, but cash donaons are beer) to the Encampment in your thoughts and prayers, Jim Lyon, PDC, PCC project. We are raising funds very slowly, Department Councilor that we all may travel safely and that the and each of us wants to see this completed Ron Clark, PDC, PCC Encampment proves "peaceful and harmoni- sooner rather than later. Department Organizer ous". Our new Department Signals Nick Kaup, PDC, PCC Officer, Brother Bobby Welch, has built a Steve Westlake, PDC, PCC In Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty, brand new website for the Department. Signals Officer Maintaining the old website was not Robert Welch Harry W. Reineke IV, PCC very streamlined or easy, he determined Real Sons Liaison Department Commander. Joe Hutchinson, PCC aer his appointment, so with my permis- Fraternal Relations sion he started from scratch. Leigh Franklin Please visit this new site at The Railsplitter SUMMER 2019 Page 2

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER: comes to a halt - because the medical Brothers and Sisters of the Allied Orders community deems that there is nothing were the lever that moved The Almighty Hospice. I find they can do to repair the damage or bring to allow me to continue on. He is appar- the word frighten- the patient back to a normal life. ently not finished with me yet. ing. Back in February of this year, I National Treasurer David Ten years was preparing myself mentally to enter McReynolds went into Hospice last week, ago my Mom and Hospice. Heart, thyroid and digestive as well as Wisconsin PDC Brian Dad were in Hos- problems were so acute that only a miracle McManus’ wife. Please pray for their pice, just six was going to save me. families - that the Lord gives them the months apart. Well, that miracle happened; one strength to get through these difficult They were both 91 of the five surgeons in the Midwest who times. If you agree with me - say Amen. years old. was capable and successful at reversing a Hospice is a place, in your home 16 year old gastro bypass surgery did the In Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty, or medical facility where you go to die. procedure on me - and my recovery began. Morphine is administered and nutrition I am sure that the prayers of my Chaplain Jerry

***************************************************************************

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTION: of the Gettysburg Address in 1863. Lincoln’s assimilation of the Declaration of Independence would shape the future of the na- While researching how Americans, during the Civil tion. War era, celebrated Independence Day, I found that the practice of celebrating the Fourth of July quickly leveled off following Lincoln asserted that the authors of the Declaration of Independence understood the second paragraph as setting a the ratification of the Constitution. benchmark for free men whose principles should be realized “as Citizens became complacent about their freedom and fast as circumstances…permit.” They wanted that benchmark to only considered discrete aspects of the Declaration of Independ- be “familiar to all, and revered by all; constantly looked to, and ence when it served their purposes, one of the most important constantly labored for, and even though never perfectly attained, being equality. constantly approximated and thereby constantly spreading and deepening its influence, and augmenting the happiness and value For example, in the 1780’s several slaves won their of life to all people and all colors everywhere.” In response to freedom by arguing before the Judicial Court that Calhoun’s assertion that independence could have been declared the provision of the state’s bill of rights, crafted similarly to the without insistence on human dignity and inalienable rights, the Declaration of Independence, that all men were born free and fact that the forefathers had made its inclusion all the more glori- equal made slavery illegal. Similarly, in the early 1800’s work- ous. ers, farmers, women’s rights advocates and others used the words of the Declaration of Independence to give grounds for Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address stated briefly and elo- their quests for equality. quently beliefs that he had developed throughout the ten years prior to the speech, integrating points that reverberated those of However, these proclamations of men’s equal birth earlier Americans such as the Republicans of the 1790’s, eulo- aroused dissent especially in southern states. Virginia’s John gists Peleg Sprague and John Sergeant in the 1820’s, Virginian Randolph claimed that the notion of equality was “a falsehood, John Cooke, and Benjamin Wade in the 1850’s. Lincoln’s ideas and a most pernicious falsehood, even though I find it in the were not just his own but were an “expression of the American Declaration of Independence.” mind”, of course not representing all people’s beliefs, but what He went on to say that man was born in a condition of many had come to accept. “perfect helplessness and ignorance” and was dependent upon As Lincoln's and succeeding generations believed that others. South Carolina’s John C. Calhoun corroborated saying the Gettysburg Address consoled, inspired the people to continue that, “There was not a word of truth,” in the idea that men were their fight, and, above all, celebrated democracy and Union. So, created equal. He felt that the founding fathers had committed a Americans on July Fourth celebrate not only the Declaration of great error in this verbiage and said that separation from Britain Independence, but the collective work of many great patriots could have been justified without the use of the words, “all men who over the ensuing years have toiled to maintain our freedom are created equal.” and continually fight for equality for the people of our great , a former one-term Congressman country. from Illinois, was politically energized by these arguments. Lin- Submitted by Michael Zafran, coln, who heretofore had little interest in the Declaration of Inde- pendence, took up the mantle of equality for all, making the ar- Department of Illinois Patriotic Instructor guments of equity in the Declaration of Independence his priori- ty. He reshaped the ideals of the founding fathers in his speech- es, promoting the logic of equality, culminating in the eloquence The Railsplitter SUMMER 2019 Page 3

KEYBOARD KLACKING go, (South Padre Island near Brownsville). However, from this From DSVC Joe Hutchinson point on “the winds of war,” a tempest in the Gulf, and perhaps a little of the wrath of God were to change their plans in an unex- Anyone with any interest in Civil War history has heard pected and possibly a historic surprise. about the major battles and knows at least a couple names of For five days, from June 9 to 13, the ships sailed south- generals. Even some know the date and words of the Emancipa- west through rough seas and came to anchor “outside the (sand) tion Proclamation that President Lincoln issued on January 1, bar at Brazos Santiago.” However, it was flood season and the 1863. But did you know that in the days before the instant com- Rio Grande River had overflowed its banks. Brazos Santiago was munication of today that it took many days, weeks, months and a virtual swamp; the steamers stayed anchored for two days. On even YEARS for the word to get out to all parts of the country? June 15 the orders were changed; the ships turned around and What follows is an article that was published in the sailed north for a day. “Ordered to Aransas Pass, Texas, (near June 2019 issue of Traveler Weekly, Peoria’s longest running Corpus Christi).” The Official Record of the 29th Regiment, African-American newspaper. Third Brigade, Second Division reads, “June 16 – Arrived off Please read about the 29th USCT as they made their Aransas Bar; strong gales from the southeast; seven feet of water way to Texas and let their comrades know that they are free. on the bar, rendering it impossible to disembark the troops. The fleet being short of coal and water, was obliged to proceed to Original “” Celebration Witnessed by Galveston, Tex., the nearest point, for supplies.” Illinois 29th Regiment U.S. Colored Infantry “June 18 – Arrived off Galveston Bar.” The Official Records were very dry containing only hard facts of who, where By Carl M. Adams and when. The “OR Armies” makes no mention of a celebration. Gulf of Mexico–June 1865. In the confusing days following the Turning to JUNETEENTH: Freedom Day by Muriel Miller surrender of General Robert E. Lee and the funeral of President Branch, “…the news of freedom came by boat to Galveston, Abraham Lincoln, the 923 men of the Twenty-ninth United Texas… according to this legend, Black stevedores who were States Colored Infantry of Illinois, like everyone else, were un- loading and unloading ships at Pier 21 got wind of the news, and certain what the future held. The 29th USCT, formerly the First leaked it before the official announcement was made.” The Army Regiment Illinois Colored Volunteers, had been active for about Quartermaster Corps had always required the “work details” of one year of a two year enlistment. There was unfinished Army privates and sailors. The resupply would have mingled uni- business in Texas and Mexico. No had invaded Tex- formed work details with civilian longshoremen, resulting in the as during the war. So General U.S. Grant ordered 50,000 soldiers discovery that the uniformed USCT were not held in bondage to secure Texas back into the Union and to threaten the French and the coastal slaves had never heard of an Emancipation Proc- Army along the Mexican border with a military “show of force” lamation. News of this would have traveled up the chain–of- under the Monroe Doctrine. command very quickly. It is not known if the timing of the arrival of the 29th Left: Private Louis Martin (1840 – USCT had anything to do with the timing of Major General Gor- 1892) Company E; 1st Regiment don Granger’s public announcement of freedom. However, who Illinois Volunteers (Colored); 19th better to appreciate the accidental opportunity of Black soldiers Regt. US Colored Infantry born in with guns to lend credibility to his order and, if necessary, en- Arkansas and died in Springfield IL forcement of the orders. What is known is that on June 18, 1865, in 1892; and buried Oak Ridge the General ordered the Galveston City officials to ensure that all cemetery. Lewis Martin was re- the town’s people, including the servants, were to assemble the cruited from the river town of Al- next morning in the town square near the Ashton Villa for the ton, IL in February, 1864. Pvt. purpose of reestablishing the authority of the Federal Govern- Martin served from April thru July ment. 30, 1864 when his right arm and From the OR Armies: “June 19 – Went into the wharf; lower left leg were shot off almost took in supplies of coal and water.” Meanwhile in the Galveston simultaneously during the Battle of Town Square – “Official: Headquarters District of Texas Galves- the Crater just outside Petersburg, ton, Texas June 19, 1865 General Order #3 “The people are in- VA. As one might imagine, he suf- formed that in accordance with a proclamation from the Execu- fered PTSD (Post Trauma Stress tive of the United States, all slaves are free…” With the last four Disorder) and was granted a pension for his wounds, but died of words of the first sentence, the entire populace was struck dumb. exposure on a cold winter night in Springfield, age 52. Photo The crowd stood in silence until the final words: “…By Order of provided by the National Archives. Major General Granger, Commanding.” Excited whispers and

The African-American 25th Corps was to invade from a joyous expressions swelled into an explosive celebration that has sea-lift maneuver from City Point, Virginia. The 29th USCT, become legendary for over 150 years, known by the contraction composed of about a 50-50 split of Midwesterners and recently “June’teenth.” Juneteenth is now recognized as a state holiday in liberated slaves, were assigned to the steamers Wilmington and Texas and Oklahoma and the movement is spreading. William Kennedy and ordered to sail to Mobile Bay to resupply and await more specific operations orders. From Mobile they Continued on Page 4 were sent to the Mexican border to disembark at Brazos Santia- The Railsplitter SUMMER 2019 Page 4

Juneteenth continued from Page 3 Everyone was singing. We was all walking on golden clouds, hallelujah!” However, he didn’t specify Illinois Black soldiers. Juneteenth might be better understood by its historic Then there was the sobering note in the Illinois descriptive name, Emancipation Day, which dates back 169 years “Adjutant General’s Report”, Company G: “Private Morse, Jor- to 1833. In that year England’s Parliament abolished slavery in dan D.…Died at Galveston, Texas June 20, 1865.” His grave, if the West Indies and Great Britain and the King approved the act found, would be physical evidence and a lasting tribute to the effective August 28, 1833. The news was received with such 29th USCT presence at “Juneteenth.” delight, the people couldn’t wait until the 28th and joined in a The most convincing research was in E.A. Miller, Jr.’s universal celebration the first week of August, 1833. The news of work in the pension records at the National Archives and pub- English emancipation spread throughout the Caribbean Sea, in- lished in Black Civil War Soldiers of Illinois. Captain William E. cluding the southern ports of the United States and subsequently Daggett in command of Company F served with the 29th USCT up the Mississippi River Valley into Kentucky and Illinois. for over 18 months and was a respected veteran. However, on the Illinois has never had a state-recognized Emancipation occasion of June 19th, Capt. Daggett was reprimanded by his Day, which may seem historically inconsistent with the fact it is commander Colonel Clark E. Royce for “conduct unbecoming an the legal state of the author of the Emancipation Proclama-tion. officer.” In Galveston on the 20th, Capt. Daggett faced court- However, Emancipation Day has been periodically celebrated martial charges “…that he fraternized with enlisted men; specifi- here and Abraham Lincoln was aware of it even before he be- cally, he swam with them off the Galveston Pier, was drunk at came President. the time, and asked enlisted men to procure more alcohol for The 29th Regiment USCT was in Galveston for only him…” These men were certainly celebrating something. three days, 18, 19, and 20 June, 1865 since the Official Record So Juneteenth is not just for Texans anymore; Illinois shows: “June 21 – Put to Sea.” Galveston history does not show was well represented at the original Emancipation Day of Gal- record of their participation. While critics could argue this was veston, TX. While Illinois may not need an excuse for a picnic, purely speculative coincidence, there’s more. According to for- barbeque, or a party, June 19th is as good a day as any to cele- mer slave Felix Haywood, “Soldiers all of a sudden was every- brate the greatest social change of the 19th century. However, where. Coming in bunches – crossing and walking and riding. unlike Captain Daggett, be responsible with alcohol.

From the Department Secretary:

Thanks to PCinC Mark Day, I was able to purchase from E-bay a Past Department Commander Medal that was presented to Bro. Charles A. Brady Jr. who served as Commander of the Depart- ment of Illinois SUVCW in the year 1960. I am currently trying to find more information on Bro. Brady. The Department has no records prior to the late 1990’s. I plan to present this to the Dept. of Illinois this October to be kept by our Dept. Historian. In Fraternity, Charity & Loyalty, Steve Aarli, Dept. Sec.

ROTC/JROTC Awards:

Northwestern University’s MIDN 2/C Cadet Nathan Burnett, Taft High Old Glory Camp 6165 Commander Patrick Miller with PDC Nick Kaup. School, Chicago with PDC Nick Kaup. John Bigwood with Cadet Ethan King of Loyola University in Chicago. The Railsplitter SUMMER 2019 Page 5

General Custer Camp 1 the rock itself. It was brought to the ceme- Ceremonies. Pastor Stevan Saunders gave We hope your ceremonies tery by the rail road adjacent to the proper- the Invocation. Brother Zafran led the were successful as we continue to honor ty from the battlefield site. attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance & the Boys in Blue for their commitment, National Anthem. courage and sacrifice. Respectfully submitted, The Color Guard consisted of

Brother Nick Kaup Cadets from the Joliet Central JROTC, along with members of Sheridan Camp #2. General P. H. Sheridan Camp 2 After introduction by Camp For nearly 15 years, the P.H. Sheridan Commander Ted Ill, local Historian Camp #2, members have marched in the Thomas Fletcher gave his views on Plano annual July 4th Parade in downtown in the Civil War. Hinsdale, Illinois. General remarks from Dept. of Illinois, Commander Harry Reineke IV were well received, followed by Historian Susan Ollis , and Past Regent F.A. Bartle- son Chapter, NSDU 1861- Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago: Geo. A. Cus- 1856. Presentations by Command Sgt. ter Camp #1 replaced 228 headstones Major Sean Carney, Illinois Nat’l Guard twenty-six years ago becoming the first and Anthony Vaughn, Field Services awardee of the Commander-in-Chief Mgr.IL. Dept. of Veteran Affairs were Camp of the Year 1993/94. also done. This year was not different, except that we The dedication ceremony for had a better turn out of Brothers willing Franklin William Lord, 1848-1938, the to help. The walk started at 10AM and it Last Civil War Buried in Kendall County was nearly 85 degrees, but all the mem- was handled by Roger Knigge, and assist- bers were able to finish. Last year they ed by Cadets from JROTC Joliet. finished in even warmer weather. Dedication of the 8 new head- stones was completed by PDC Westlake with assistance from Norman Northcutt, the descendant of Archibald Northcutt Camp #1 with the Chicago Light Artillery. who also placed a wreath on Northcutt’s new headstone. Brother Rogers, and Wendall Dowiny, Sr. Vice-Commander of Leon Burson American Legion Post #395, Pla- no, spoke on the history of the Rodman Cannon, and the refurbishing project. l/r: Sean Ill, Michael Zafran, CC Tedd Ill, Following the three dedications, JVC Roger Knigge, PCC Gary Gunder- Mulligan’s Battery (IL SUVCW SVR), son, Nat’l Chaplin Jerry Kowalski, Lee presented an Artillery Salute. Camp #2 Lassingne, PDC Steve Westlake, Secy vocalist Michael Zafran, led the group in Robert Rogers, PCC Jim Zingales, Chuck singing The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Keysor. American Legion Leon Burson Post #395

Dedication of Little Rock and Gris- performed a rifle salute. Taps was per- wold Cemeteries in Plano, Illinois. formed, by PH Sheridan Camp #2, mem- ber Richard Stanczak. The Benediction Ceremonies were held on Satur- was delivered by Brother Zafran, and day June 1st, with three separate dedica- Master of Ceremonies, Lee Lasseigne tions. The two cemeteries have 79 Civil delivered closing remarks. “The Rock” Monument completed in War Veterans buried, Camp #2 was able Thanks go to Little Rock Twp. 1994 with upgrades coming this summer. to obtain and oversee the setting of 8 new Supervisor, Dick Wade and employee headstones. Shannon, who were extremely helpful Rock of Chickamauga, Rosehill Cemetery The Army JROTC from Joliet in bringing this project to a close. with Geo. A. Custer Camp PCC Braun. Central assisted in setting the headstones The ceremony followed the original Gen- and cleaning the old markers. Cadets also (Photos on Page 6) eral George Thomas GAR Post program painted the base of the Rodman Cannon, as requested by the members who are bur- and the Camp placed a bronze plaque to Respectfully submitted by: ied around this actual boulder with no commemorate the occasion. Brother Robert Rogers headstones. Their names are inscribed on Brother Lasseigne was Master of The Railsplitter SUMMER 2019 Page 6

Camp 2 continued from Page 5

Roger Knigge who conducted the research on new headstones, dedicates Last Solder in Kendall Co. Cadet from JROTC Joliet, salutes wreath for new Headstone. Command Sgt. Major Sean Carney, Illi- nois Nat’l Guard addresses the group.

Sec’y/Treasurer Rogers, Wendell Dowiny Sr. Vice Commander Post 395, dedicates refurbished Rodman Can- non.

Last Soldier in Kendall County. Anthony Vaughn, Field Services Mgr. IL. Dept. of Veteran Affairs.

CC Ted Ill and Dept. Commander Harry Reineke IV also address the group.

Susan Ollis delivered a very emotional Norman Northcutt, G Grandson speech regarding the work of the Sons, of Archibald Northcutt places wreath on PDC Steve Westlake dedicates the head- and Cadets from Joliet. new headstone obtained by PH Sheridan stones. Camp #2. The Railsplitter SUMMER 2019 Page 7

Gen. McClernand Camp 4 Shoup, the last war-time commander of They are the only Illinois sol- On Saturday, May 4, PDC Stan the 114th; and the mausoleum of former diers to serve in the Civil War who at- Buckles delivered a program at the Illi- Private and Illinois Governor, John B. tained the high rank of Major General and nois State Military Museum about the Tanner. elected Governor of the State of Illinois. 114th Illinois Volunteers at the 1864 bat- The cemetery drive is part of a This campaign is designed to not tle of Brice’s Crossroads. Stan has a book summer Civil War speaker series co- only engage and partner with the commu- coming out in the fall on the history of the sponsored by the Springfield roundtable nity to bring further acclaim to Civil War 114th. and hosted by Books on the Square, a veterans buried in Central Illinois ceme- In partnership with the Spring- book shop downtown at 427 E. Washing- teries, but to enhance the visibility of the field Civil War Round Table and Camp ton Street that is affectionately known as Sons as we act to preserve the “history 4’s patriotic instructor, Illinois College in Camp BOTS. Brothers Larry and Chuck and legacy of veterans who fought to save Jacksonville hosted the first Benjamin P. serve on the summer planning committee. the Union”. Thomas Civil War Conference on May Camp BOTS makes for wonder- General Oglesby is buried in 18, 2019. Speakers included Civil War ful Civil War speakers’ venue. For more Elkhart, IL and General Palmer in Carlin- author and retired Vicksburg battlefield information on the three upcoming pro- ville, IL. Much more information will be historian, Terry Winschel; budding Civil grams, please contact Brother Chuck at forthcoming about this offensive in due War author, Mark Flotow; Illinois Col- [email protected]. course. lege Professor Emeritus, Dr. James Davis; And summer is in full-swing. Illinois State Historian, Dr. Sam Wheeler; Brothers Larry Werline and Gene Walker and prolific Civil War author and former are again hosting “History Comes Alive” Shiloh park ranger, Dr. Timothy B. programs several days a week at the Old Smith. Next Year’s conference is set for State Capitol and the 114th Volunteers, May 16, 2020. Anyone can attend and it Reactivated, are hosting their weekly Flag is avowed that Department of Illinois Retreat ceremony at Lincoln’s Tomb on brothers would find it to be a most agree- the twelve Tuesday eves of summer at 7 able assembly. sharp. On Memorial Day, May 27, Camp 4 partnered with the 114th Infantry Regiment, Reactivated, to produce a Me- morial Day ceremony in the shadow of Larry Werline (above) presents Lincoln’s Tomb at the GAR Mound in first person U. S. Grant programs through Oak Ridge Cemetery. It was a beautiful the summer at the Old State Capitol and day and the colors, military drill demon- will be the featured speaker at Camp stration, musket fire, and the wreath-rich BOTS on August 8th. mound made for an extremely pleasant 151st Decoration Day. On June 8th the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Reactivat- ed, dedicated a memorial on the Brice’s Above :The 114th firing a Memorial Day Crossroads battlefield where on June 10, volley in at the GAR Mound ( below ). 1964, the regiment sustained heavy casu- alties but held firm. The 114th includes several very proud Camp 4 Sons, to in- clude Richard Schatchsiek, Stan Buckles, Don Ferricks, David Preston, Robert Chestnut, and Ron Clark. On the evening of June 13th the Brother Richard Schatchsiek first-ever Civil War Cemetery Drive was (above) is the Colonel of the 114th Illi- held at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Participat- nois Volunteer Infantry Regiment and he ing in the event were Camp 4’s Richard volunteers at the Illinois State Military The only Springfieldan to hold Museum where, among other things, he Schatchsiek, SVC & Treasurer, Larry the post of GAR Commander in Chief, Werline, and PI, Chuck Murphy. Musical helps look after Civil War artifacts that John Baptist Inman, is buried in Oak for many years were on display in Memo- accompaniment made the event even Ridge Cemetery in what can fairly be more enjoyable as Civil War era songs rial Hall in the State House before they called a nondescript grave. were moved to the Centennial Building in were sang, fiddled, bugled and drummed Planning is underway for a fit- by eleven different performers. 1924. Watching him handle and explain ting tribute to CinC Inman in the fall. such treasures is very educational and Presentations were delivered Planning has also begun to pay tribute to beside the graves of Grant’s daughter, quite moving. Richard J. Oglesby in 2020 and John M. Continued on Page 8 Nellie Grant Jones; Colonel Samuel Palmer in 2021. The Railsplitter SUMMER 2019 Page 8

Camp 4 continued from Page 7 General John A. Logan Camp 26

Pictured below is Dr. Timothy B. Smith On May 19th, John A. Logan Camp par- and Terry Winschel, nationally recog- ticipated in a rededication of Veterans nized Civil War experts who spoke at the Memorial Circle at the intersection of Civil War Conference at IC. North Main and Auburn in Rockford, IL. The Camp’s role was sharing the Color Guard function with Auburn High School’s JROTC. Those present included local officials, veterans’ organizations, and Churchill’s Grove Neighborhood As- sociation.

General Oglesby’s Mausoleum in Elkhart Cemetery pictured below is not far from beautiful Gillet Chapel.

“Captain” John Baptist Inman (above) served as the Commander in Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic 1925-1926.

He was the custodian of Memorial Hall Rockford’s Third Ward Alderman Chad when it was in the State House and he was Tuneberg was the Master of Ceremony. very active in planning the move to the Camp Commander Terry Dyer PCC/PDC brand new Centennial building back in read a poem by John Hendricks in remem- 1924. brance of the Boys in Blue. Maj. General John Borling (Ret.) provided the keynote Proceedings near the mausoleum and in He was Drummer Boy in the Civil War address. the chapel shall be smartly executed and and he served as a Captain in the Spanish very favorable on the eyes and ears come American War. Veterans Memorial Circle was originally

October 2020. dedicated on November 13th 2013 by the While CinC of the GAR, the State of Illi- John A. Logan Camp and Mary Logan nois authorized him office space in Room Auxiliary. 422 of the State House. His grave is parallel with Lincoln’s Tomb on the far In 2014, four plaques were added describ- east side of the cemetery. ing the military history of Rockford and Winnebago County residents. One plaque honors the community members who served in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War.

On May 10-11, 2019, a new flag was raised and 350 volunteers planted more than 850 perennials and 8,400 annuals, including red, white and blue petunias. Information on the memorial can be found at rockfordveteranscircle.org.

Continued on Page 9

The 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Reactivated, funded the memo- In Fraternity, Charity, Above is a recent draft of the book cover rial (above) that now marks the spot on for Brother Stan Buckles’ soon to be pub- Brice’s Crossroads battlefield where the lished book, “Not Afraid to Go Any- regiment stubbornly held its ground in And Loyalty where, A History of the 114th Regiment 1864. Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

The Railsplitter SUMMER 2019 Page 9

Camp 26 continued from Page 8 the G.A.R. Hall. Pictured are the Dept. of PCC Joe Hutchinson and wife Linda par-

On May 27th, John A. Logan Camp and Illinois officers, CinC Donald Shaw and ticipated in the annual Memorial Day Mary Logan Auxiliary participated in the Council Paul Davis. ceremony at Springdale Cemetery in Peo- 149th Annual Memorial Day Service at ria. Joe’s wife Linda placed flowers on Kishwaukee Community Church in Still- the grave of the Palmer brothers, the first man Valley, IL. Civil War interments from Peoria.

\ The service, normally held at Kish- waukee Cemetery, was held at the church due to rain. Approximately 150 people were in attendance.

The Kishwaukee Cemetery Association, local officials, and Stillman Valley stu- dents took part in the service. On May 18 Brother Ron Kirchgessner

(3rd from left ) represented the Camp at a dedication ceremony honoring Medal of Honor recipient CPL Thomas C. Murphy of Co. I, 31st IL INF in Green Valley, IL.

Groundbreaking was held on June 22 for the reinstallation of the first Civil War monument in the State of Illinois, affec- tionately called “The Shaft” at Springdale Cemetery. Camp Commander Terry Dyer PCC/PDC read from a GAR book published in 1888. Camp Chaplain Richard Hoovler PCC Joe Hutchinson also attended and PCC read the Memorial Day Prayer. took photographs. Rockford Police Chief Daniel G. O’Shea Below is the actual Medal of Honor. presented the Memorial Day Address. Stillman Valley American Legion per- formed a three-volley salute and the Kishwaukee Trumpeters played Taps.

Steve Anderson Memorials Officer DSVC Joe Hutchinson and Dept. Council Gene Walker (center) were on hand to Colonel John Bryner Camp 67 help with the digging.

On May 5 PCC Joe Hutchinson presented Eagle Scout awards to Harshith Tripathi, Jefferson Kolmer, and Thomas Millard of On Flag Day, June 14, DSVC Joe Troop 333, WD Boyce Council. Hutchinson attended a dedication for a monument honoring Revolutionary War Veteran, LT John Dusenberry in Down- town Peoria.

The Metamora Courthouse Civil War Dancers and the 77th Il. Vols. pose with the new “Old Abe” that will sit atop the monument.

It is hoped that the project will be com- On May 11, the Camp hosted the Depart- pleted by October to celebrate on the day ment of Illinois Annual Encampment at of its original Dedication in 1866. The Railsplitter SUMMER 2019 Page 10

Col. Hecker Camp 443 Decoration Day observances and Civil Today there is still around 200 graves War Memorials for St. Clair County were unmarked. Most of these veterans were Below are photos of a Flag Day program held in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Belle- German/Americans serving in Illinois and given by Commander David Wildermuth ville, Illinois. Missouri Union units which helped save of Col. Freidrich K. Hecker Camp #443 , St. Louis across the river. Department of Illinois.

He visited a summer camp program at William Holliday Grade School on June 14th in Fairview Heights Illinois.

The program started off with explanation of the proper respect that should be shown to our National Colors.

Col Friedrich K. Hecker Camp #443 Above: CC Dave Wildemuth presents Hecker Dept. of Illinois decorated near 300 Civil Camp Colors. Below: Cannon salute. War Veterans graves with flags for Me- morial weekend.

He asked for a volunteer to help with the presentation of Colors and to lead in the pledge. After the pledge he then ex- plained about our flag and that it repre- sents everyone in the room and what a Hecker Camp is working on getting the great cost it is to protect our freedoms. area around the monument repaired and getting headstones for the unmarked graves.

On May 30, brothers of Hecker Camp met to remove flags and to hold a Deco- ration Day Service.

Hecker Camp float in Belleville's Memo- rial Day parade.

Around the monument there are 69 C.W. As Camp Commander I first would like Vets that were relocated in 1906 from the to thank those Brothers & Belleville county poor farm. School Dist. 201 JROTC Cadets and any- one else who helped place flags at Walnut Hill. David Wildemuth, Commander

EDITOR’S NOTE: CORRECTION In the Spring Railsplitter, in the Camp 443 News, the drum in the Bob Mohrman At the end of the program each partici- Collection was from the 43rd Illinois pant was given a small American Flag. Vols., not the 36th Illinois Vols. as re- Each were asked to present their flag to ported. someone they know who served or is still serving to protect us. The Railsplitter SUMMER 2019 Page 11

Proceedings of the 136th Annual Department of Illinois Encampment, May 11, 2019 As reported by DSVC Joe Hutchinson (Note: Meeting minutes were sent to Camps by Dept. Sec. Aarli)

Opening Ceremony: The 136 th Annual Encampment was in advance and that it was a struggle for some Camps to foot the opened By Department Commander Harry Reineke IV at 12:30 bill. Normally a Camp would have to seek reimbursement at the pm at the Greenhut Memorial G.A.R. Hall in Peoria, IL. The roll Encampment. A monetary cap was selected with receipts re- of officers was called. Several Officers were absent, but a quor- quired. This amount would not necessarily be spent but will be um was present. The roll of Camps was called and all had repre- made available if needed. The vote was 13 to 9 for the proposal. sentatives except Reed Camp 24. DC Reineke introduced the Bills: Sec. Aarli, Chaplain Kowalski and ROTC Nick Kaup sub- past Dept. Commanders who were present, members of the Aux- mitted bills for reimbursement and payment was approved. iliary who were present, Nat. C of A Paul Davis and C in C Donald Shaw. C in C Shaw gave a brief speech thanking the October Midterm Encampment: Camp 49 in Sycamore will Dept. and wishing us to have a productive meeting. He also said host. Date: Saturday October 19, 2019. Location: Sycamore that it is his job at National to make things easier for the Camps United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave. Sycamore, Ill. as he said the work of the Order is done at the local level. 60178. Details T.B.D.

Reports: The minutes of the last Encampment were accepted Nominations for Officers: Br. Westlake read the slate of offic- into the record along with all Dept. Officer and Camp reports. ers and DC Reineke called for nominations from the floor (none The Treasurer’s report was distributed to the membership pre- received). The current officers will remain with the exception of sent and approved. Sec. Aarli reported that after the gains (19) Council where Br. Lyon took his name from consideration and and the losses (29) were totaled the membership totaled 223, a Br. Zeien was retiring from the position of Signals Officer. Br. net loss of 10 from the previous year. DC Reineke gave his an- Leigh Franklin will assume the open position on Council and nual report to the Department. Robert Welch will assume Signals Officer. As there were no contested offices the slate was approved by acclamation. The Communications: Secretary Aarli read some items that had officers were installed by C in C Shaw. come to his inbox, most relating to the upcoming National En- campment, including letters of recommendation for Brothers Delegates to the National Encampment: The following Broth- running for positions at National. It was decided that the Dept. ers were chosen to represent the Dept. at the National Encamp- should send letters of recommendation for Brother Reineke who ment in August: Jerry Kowalski, Mike Zafran, Wayne is running for Council of Administration and Brother Lyon who Wehrheim, Dave Wildemuth, Gary Gunderson, Chuck Wright, is vying to become Quartermaster. He also reminded the Camps Tim Horn, and Jerry Smith. PDC’s are automatic Delegates and to be vigilant regarding Phishing by persons representing them- the rest of the membership in good standing are named as alter- selves as National or Dept. officers requesting personal data or nates. money. Good of the Order: Br. Nick Kaup has been assisting Br. Ship-

Awards: DC Reineke presented certificates to all of the Dept. per in his role as ROTC Coordinator. He said that since the pro- Officers thanking them for their service the previous term. He gram has been changed so that schools apply to National first, awarded Terry Dyer “Brother of the Year” and Old Glory Camp that communication between National, schools and the Camps 6165 as “Camp of the Year”. has been poor. He wished that the program be turned back to the Depts. to administer. Old Business: PDC Lyon reported that his committee had yet to Br. Aarli showed the membership write a ceremony to go along with the presentation of ribbons a framed G.A.R. lithograph (right) for flags. Br. Walker reported that the monument project at Ver- that was donated to the Dept. The mont, IL in Fulton County had been completed and that he lithograph showed two “Old Sol- would be requesting a dedication ceremony once a date could be diers” walking together. The picture set. Br. Hutchinson reported that the fundraising for the “Shaft” was to have been used for a postage monument that is to go in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria was stamp. almost completed and the groundbreaking would be coming up. Br. Dyer reported that he had New Business: Changes to the Bylaws required by National received a flag that was used by re- were approved. The membership approved placing a full page enactors representing Camp Fuller in ad in the Nat. Encampment book. Br. Aarli suggested a clarifica- the 1970’s. tion in the Dept. Bylaws for Life Member exemption of dues. Br. Zafran asked all veterans There was much discussion, both for and against having Life present to stand for a round of ap- Members exempt from Dept. and Camp dues. The topic was plause. tabled until the next encampment so that a committee could be Br. Aarli reported that he was planning to retire as Dept. formed to explore the subject. C in C Shaw said that Nat. has Secretary in 2021. He requested that an individual step up who had three Life Member programs over the years with varying was willing to take on the position and be willing to be an assis- rebates to Camps and Depts. A proposal was made that a spe- tant secretary for the next two years to learn the job duties. cial program and fund be set up to help Camps with procuring Closing Ceremony: The 136 th Annual Encampment of the De- meeting places when they host the Dept. Encampment. It was partment of Illinois was closed at 3:55 pm. noted that many venues now require significant down payments The Railsplitter SUMMER 2019 Page 12 DEPARTMENT INSIGNIA ITEMS

Brother Harry Reineke IV has Lapel Pins and Cufflinks with the Department Insignia available for purchase by the Brothers of the Department. Also available by special order are baseball caps and polo shirts by Gold Medal Ideas . Any profits will go to the Depart- ment. Shipping extra--call.

Lapel Pin Cuff Links Embroidery Sample for Shirts and Hats

Please order using the form below

Department Lapel Pin ______x $ 7.50 = ______Department Cufflinks (pr.) (EXTREMELY LIMITED QUANTITIES) ______x $20.00 = ______Department Ball Cap ______x $16.00 = ______Department Polo Shirt (without name) ______x $22.00 = ______(with name) ______x $25.00 = ______SUB TOTAL ______Shipping (call) ______TOTAL______

Name for Polo Shirt: (Print Clearly) ______

Please send form and a check made out to: Brother Harry W. Reineke IV 605 Main Street For information phone: (630) 806-9693 Batavia, IL 60510

**********************************************************************************************************

FACEBOOK PAGES: SUVCW Old Glory Camp 6165, Dept of RAILSPLITTER DEADLINES: IL The following Camps have Facebook Fall: October 15 * Winter: January 15 pages. Feel free to like and share these DEPARTMENT FACEBOOK PAGE: Spring: April 15 * Summer: July 15 pages with your friends. Illinois Department Sons of Union Vet- Please submit articles by the above dead- SUVCW Camp #1, Dept of IL erans of the Civil War lines. Articles may be edited for length and corrected for grammar and spelling. PH Sheridan Camp 2, Sons of Union DEPARTMENT WEBSITE: Not all photos may be used. New issues Veterans of the Civil War, Dept of Illi- http://www.suvcwil.com/index.html should come out about two weeks after nois NATIONAL WEBSITE: the deadline. SUVCWJohn A. Logan Camp #26 Send to “[email protected]”. http://www.suvcw.org/ Gen. E. F. Dutton Camp #49 Sons of Un- Text should be attached as MS-Word docs ion Veterans or contained in the body of the E-mail. Photos should be JPG attachments. Col. Friedrich K. Hecker Camp #443 (SUVCW) Remember, this is YOUR newsletter.