The Railsplitter The Newsletter of the Department of Illinois, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
WINTER 2019
OFFICERS: UPCOMING ENCAMPMENTS: INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Commander The schedule for future Encampments and National General Order 8: R.S. Upham Harry Reineke IV, PCC their hosts are as follows: Chaplain’s Corner Chief of Staff Patriotic Instruction Steve Westlake, PDC, PCC May 2019, Camp #67, Peoria Keyboard Klacking from the DSVC Senior Vice-Commander Oct 2019, Camp #49, Sycamore Camp News Joe Hutchinson, PCC May 2020, Camp #443, Belleville Junior Vice-Commander Oct 2020, Camp #1, No. Cook County And MORE! Gary Gunderson, PCC Secretary Steve Aarli, PCC COMMANDER’S CORNER: Our reenacting Brothers are looking Treasurer forward to gathering around the watch fires Bill Johnson My dear Brothers, again, while those of us who like to spend Council time with “dead veterans” are itching to get Tom Osteicher, PCC As we wind back into the cemeteries to clean, replace, and James Lyon, PDC, PCC down from the 12 Days mark the graves of our heroic and brave dead. Gene Walker of Christmas, I am re- We also approach Memorial Day Patriotic Instructor minded of the Epiphany (and Real Memorial Day), which we are obli- Michael J. Zafran story (with concurrent gated to keep sacred, in memory of the Boys Chaplain celebrations involving a who wore the Blue. Jerome Kowalski sweet bread-like cake We all have much on our plate, but I Graves Registration called King Cake in my hometown of New am proud to stand and speak in public about Steve Aarli, PCC Orleans) where 3 men of a completely differ- my Brothers in the Department of Illinois Civil War Memorials ent background than the Jewish child they who do so much, giving of their own time, Steve Anderson were visiting, trusted in their own wildly dif- talents, and treasures to ensure that no veter- Hitsorian ferent beliefs to worship that Child. an of our bloodiest war is ever forgotten. I Terry Dyer, PDC, PCC I am further reminded of the wildly dare say we make the gallant son of Illinois, Guide different beliefs that are held today in our General Logan, proud every year near the end Patrick McConnell Union of States and even among Brothers in of May. Guard our dear Order and our beloved Department. My Brothers, I am not lying or exag- Rob Hauff Without getting political, I know that we each gerating when I say that you are the reason I Color Bearer allow our own deeply held personal beliefs am, and continue to be, here. You are the Leigh Franklin guide us in the decisions we make as men, lifeblood of our Department, and if it wasn’t GAR Highway Officer husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, Sons, etc. for you, all of this would disappear and fade vacant I would be lying if I said I am not away. What a tragedy that would be! ROTC Coordinator concerned with what’s going on. I am. I have Please, my friends, keep up the great Bill Shipper been the victim of attacks from the political work you all do, and continue to bring honor Eagle Scout Coordinator extremes on social media. But I am pleased to the Union and her soldiers. Jim Lyon, PDC, PCC that all discussions I have with our Brothers Department Councilor are amiable, and conducted with a mind to- “On Fame's eternal camping-ground / their Ron Clark, PDC, PCC ward OUR deeply held mutual beliefs, that silent tents are spread / and Glory guards with Department Organizer all people are deserving of our interactions Solemn round / the bivouac of the Dead.” Nick Kaup, PDC, PCC being in the spirit of our founding principles: Steve Westlake, PDC, PCC Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty. God bless each of you, and our great land! Signals Officer As we move past the season for in- Paul Zeien, PDC, PCC stalling officers, and toward Spring, we have In Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty, Real Sons Liaison several events to look toward. First and fore- Joe Hutchinson, PCC most is our Department Encampment in May, Harry W. Reineke IV, PCC Fraternal Relations where I hope to stand for re-election as your Department Commander. Leigh Franklin Department Commander. The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 2
**************************************************** FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT SECRETARY
Greetings All,
It has been business as usual so far, fielding questions, correspondence, keeping National happy and making the Dept. of Illinois look good. Truly a labor of love. I need to send each Camp a gentle reminder that as we are in the season for Camp elections and installations, IT IS IMPERITIVE that each Camp file the FORM 22 within 30 days of Camp Installations. This is mandated by National. Even if your Camp has not changed officers, you are still required to submit this form. I will need them by the end of Feb- ruary 2019. As I mentioned at our October 2018 Dept. Encampment, I tentatively plan to retire as your Dept. Secretary in May 2021, at which time I will have completed ten years as your Dept. Secretary. National constitution does provide that a Department can ap- point an Assistant Dept. Secretary to work with the elected Dept. Secretary. At our May 2019 Dept. Encampment I plan to recom- mend that we appoint a willing Brother to this position with the hopes that he will take on my duties when I retire. The job is only as hard as you want to make it.
In Fraternity, Charity & Loyalty, Steve Aarli, Secretary, DGRO The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 3
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER: 1870 by then President Ulysses S. Grant in until the 1870's. an attempt to unite the North and South, It is difficult for us to relate to the The end Christmas was observed in both camps. men and women of the Civil War era. In of 2018 and the Soldiers not actively campaign- spite of the extraordinarily different cir- beginning of 2019 ing used salt pork and hardtack to decorate cumstances in which they found them- were not easy for Christmas trees. Others enjoyed special selves, we can connect with our forebears me. Pains where I meals of turkey, oysters, pies, and apples. in traditions of Christmas. have never had However, many soldiers received By the mid-19th century, most of pains before drove no special treatment. In some units, cele- today's familiar Christmas trappings were me to the Emer- brating Christmas was not allowed. On already in place: carols, gift giving, and gency Room of December 25, 1862, soldiers from one unit tree decorations. my local hospital. were punished for celebratory gunfire for Charles Dickens had published Severe pain in my left shoulder led to an the holiday, when actually the gunfire was "A Christmas Carol" in 1843 and the Civil examination of my heart. One of the ves- for a funeral salute. War saw the first introductions of the sels was 70% blocked, and a roto rooter In 1862, the Lincolns visited in- modern image of a jolly and portly Santa had to be used before two stents could be jured solders at various hospitals. In Claus through inserted. 1863, many the drawings My tummy rebelled at the half Union sol- of Thomas dozen medications that were given to me, diers received Nast, a Ger- and my whole tummy and excrement sys- gifts of books man speaking tem are fouled up. I am in more pain and and clothing immigrant. discomfort than before, but they did let me "From Tad One out for New Years. Lincoln" as he of Nast's I got to go to the Chicago Light was moved by Christmas car- Artillery New Year’s gathering, and visit the plight toon for 1864 My adopted grandson - Ezra. It’s a lot when he was showed Lin- easier to explain a “flanking movement” taken to visit coln inviting with blue and gray pieces. He is a virtuo- the soldiers by his father. Confederate so violinist, and will, some day, be a Military exercises took place on troops into a warm lodge hall full of mer- member of our Order. December 25. In 1861, a blockade runner riment. Lincoln called Nast's use of Santa was caught by the Union navy and there Claus, "the best recruiting sergeant the were two skirmishes in Virginia and Mar- North ever had." yland. In 1862, Confederate general John From the diary of Alfred Bellard hunt Morgan engaged in his famous of the 5th New Jersey, "In order to make it Christmas Raid in Kentucky destroying 35 look as much like Christmas as possible, a miles of track of the Louisville & National small tree was stuck up in front of our Railroad. In 1863, Union forces destroyed tent, decked off with hardtack and pork, in the Confederate salt works at Bear Inlet lieu of cakes and oranges, etc." North Carolina. Several battles occurred ohn Haley, of the 17th Maine, between Confederate artillery and the Un- wrote on Christmas Eve that, "It is ru- ion Navy on the Stono River and near mored that there are sundry boxes and Charleston in South Carolina. In 1864, mysterious parcels over at Stoneman's the Confederates fiercely repelled the Fed- Station directed to us. We retire to sleep eral assault of sixty warships on Fort Fish- with feelings akin to those of children er. expecting Santa Claus." In Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty, Still with action taking place I can only imagine the thoughts around the troops on both sides, Christmas of our men and women in action for those Chaplain Jerry carols were sung such as "Deck the Halls", horrible years during Christmas. Both "Oh Come All Ye Faithful", and "Hark, sides fighting for their opinions yet untied PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTION: the Herald Angels Sing", all from the in the celebration of the birth of Jesus 1840’s, that are still sung today. Ameri- Christ. Christmas on the Battlefield can musical contributions to the season As the joys and celebrations of include "It Came Upon a Midnight Respectively Submitted, Christmas season comes to a close I Clear" (1850), "Jingle Bells", (1857), "We Michael Zafran, Patriotic Instructor, thought that I would share some of the Three Kings of Orient Are" (1857), and Department of Illinois marking of the season that occurred during "Up on the Housetop" (1860). the Civil War. Although Christmas cards were Although the official Federal popular in Europe, they were scarce in the holiday of Christmas wasn't declared until United States, and would not be enjoyed The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 4
KEYBOARD KLACKING ant in 1866 and was then sent to Fort that the G.A.R. was instrumental in his From DSVC Joe Hutchinson Monroe, VA. While there served as a election to Governor. guard over Confederate President Jeffer- Fritz said that since he was only A Portrait of a Real Son son Davis. 3 when his father died that he didn’t have After the war, he returned to many recollections of him. He said that On December 30, 2018, Real Son Wisconsin where he became a successful the death of his father hit his brother Bill Frederick “Fritz” Upham was called home entrepreneur and statesman. He was elect- quite hard as he had been “best buddies” to be with his ancestors and comrades in ed Governor of Wisconsin in 1894. with their father. arms. His first wife, Mary Kelly died in Bill was sent South to live with In his honor I am repeating por- 1912 and he married Miss Grace Mason of his mother’s relatives for two years after tions of an article I wrote for the Railsplit- Beaufort, NC in 1914. William Sr. was 73 William Sr. died because his mother had ter last year about the remaining Real and Grace was 30. He didn’t have biologi- remarried shortly after his death and Bill Sons: cal children from his first marriage. Two was having a difficult time adjusting to the Tim Pletkovich, formerly of sons were born to this union, William Jr. new arrangement. Fritz stayed with his Bryner Camp 67 in Peoria, Illinois, during in 1916 and Frederick “Fritz” in 1921. mother. his time on the National Special Commit- William Sr. was 75 when William Jr. was Prior to WW II, Fritz recalled tee on Real Sons and Daughters about 15 born. William Sr. lived until 1924 when how active the WW I veterans were in his years ago encountered first generation he died at age 84. community, giving talks to schools about sons of Civil War veterans, Eugene Mallo- the horrors of war and the need to stay out ry, Garland Pool, John Pool, William of future wars. Both William Jr. and Fritz Pool, Henry Shouse, Hiram Shouse, Fred- served in World War Two. Fritz enlisted erick Upham, and John Whitman as well as a private in the U.S. Army Air Corps in as several Real Daughters . He then pro- 1942 and served as a flight instructor in ceeded to enlist the men into our camp. 1943-44. He later served as a meteorolo- Br. Tim at the time was a middle gist for the Navy from 1944-45 in Oak- school teacher for Peoria District 150 and land, CA and briefly served on the aircraft had a brilliant idea to interest his class in carrier, Saratoga in the Pacific. history by having his students correspond After the war he received a de- with the Real Sons and Daughters to learn gree in geology from the University of about their lives growing up with fathers Wisconsin and settled in Fort Collins, Col- who fought in the Civil War and each of orado where he lived until his death, De- the Real Son’s experiences as veterans of cember 30, 2018. World War Two. At the end of Fritz’s narrative he The class project lasted a couple said, “War is an awful thing. But just think of years and the correspondences eventu- of the consequences would have been for ally ended up becoming a book entitled us as a nation, as well as the rest of the “Civil War Fathers” that was published by world, had we, the Allies, not intervened. Vandamere Press in 2007. For more de- (Above: the Upham family ca. 1923) That is a though more horrifying and tailed narratives please read Tim’s book. dreadful to consider than the most ghastly
The Upham Family Both William Jr. and Fritz re- images that one might look at from the William H. Upham Sr. enlisted as called Civil War stories from their father Second World War. Ours was an unavoid- a private in Company F, 2 nd WI Infantry as well as the fact that their father was the able sacrifice, an obligation to humanity. on May 11, 1861 which became part of youngest of eight children and that their It came at a very high cost. Yet had the the Iron Brigade. During that first sum- father was only about eight when his fa- Axis powers not been stymied, the cost mer, he fought in the Battle of Bull Run ther died. William Sr. learned the value of would have been greater.” where he was wounded in the chest and a good education, not expected to survive. He was listed in though he proba- early reports as having died and a funeral bly didn’t com- service was held for him in his hometown plete school past of Racine, WI. It was later learned that he eighth grade. had been captured and interned at Libby When given the Prison. He was exchanged and sent to opportunity to be Washington, D.C. where he met with Wis- sent to West consin Senator James Doolittle and Presi- Point, he took it. dent Lincoln. Fritz PVT Upham described the condi- related that his tions of his captivity. President Lincoln father William Sr. appointed him to West Point May 5, 1862. was an active He was commissioned a Second Lieuten- Republican and The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 5
Phillip H. Sheridan Camp 2 erans to attend the 75th reunion at Scottish Rite’s float for the event. (Photo
Gettysburg in 1938. courtesy of Ron Kirchgessner) Photos from Glen Ellyn Historical Socie- ty's dedication of the Marcellus E. Jones First Shot Monument. On October 19, 2018.
From left to right participants included At the November 13 Camp meet- Jerry Kowalski, National and Depart- ing Clinton Burr Soper Jr. was initiated ment Sons of Union Veterans Chap- into membership. Br. Soper hails from Bloomington, IL. lain; Larry Werline, Camp SVC and His ancestor was Treasurer; Joe Kessler, Camp JVC and Great-great Grandfa- Chaplain; Don Ferricks, Camp Com- ther, Hudson Burr, mander; Chuck Murphy, Patriotic In- who served as Adju- Attending from P. H. Sheridan Camp 2, structor; Richard Schatchsiek, Mem- tant of the 94th IL Department of Illinois, Sons of Union ber (and Colonel of the 114th Illinois INF. Hudson enlist- Veterans of the Civil War were: PCC Volunteer Infantry Regiment Reac- ed August 14, 1862 Gary Gunderson; PCC Bob Kurek; Camp, tivated); Stan Buckles, Camp Histori- as ADJ and was pro- Department and National Chaplain Jerry moted Captain. He Kowalski and Brothers Leigh Franklin, an, past Department of Illinois Com- mander, and flag bearer for the 114th; served until resign- and Fred Miller. Photos by B. Kurek. ing his commission and Gene Hall, Camp Council. September 3, 1864. John A. Logan Camp 26 Captain Burr was a member of W.T. Sher- man Post 146 of the Grand Army located At the end of John A. Logan in Bloomington, IL, Capt Burr died Feb. Camp’s November meeting, George Buss 17, 1891. of Freeport, IL provided a very realistic and memorable portrayal of President The Camp also Abraham Lincoln. The portrayal began elected and with Lincoln as a lawyer, and highlighting installed offic- the 1858 debates with Senator Stephen ers for the Douglas. George concluded with the Get- coming 2019 tysburg Address. term.
On the evening of Friday, No- vember 23, the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau held the 26th annual “Yule Like Peoria” walkabout open house in Peoria’s downtown. The Central Illinois Civil War Dance Society and Bryner Camp participated by having the G.A.R. Hall open and performed Civil War era John A. McClernand Camp 4 dancing.
November 3, 2018 was a By Steve Anderson, Memorials Officer. beautiful day as Camp 4 recognized the last Civil War Veteran buried in Col. John C. Bryner Camp 67 Menard County, Onen Jensen. He was Br. Ron Kirchgessner and dog a resident of Athens, IL and he passed Yogi appeared with members of his medi- on December 21, 1941, two weeks to cal corps at both the Peoria Veteran’s Day the day after the bombing of Pearl Parade and Santa Claus Parade. He is a Harbor. He was one of 95 Illinois vet- member of the Masons and repainted the The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 6
Col Friedrich Hecker Camp 443 Old Glory Camp 6165
Hecker Camp Installation Dinner Union Ridge Cemetery:
Old Glory Camp 6165 had their first project completed in time for Veter- ans Day weekend. It was 33 degrees but sunny on Saturday, November 10th. We honored all veterans and re- dedicated the General B.F. Butler Post #754, Grand Army of the Republic Can- non Memorial. I believe the old Boys In Blue are pleased with our work. 2018 Member of the Year Richard Piper This site had been a project of presented by Russell Schliecher SVC for P.H. Sheridan Camp #2, Dept. of Illinois Camp Commander John Fulton back in 2000. They had replaced a number 2019 officers Col. Friedrich K. Hecker of headstones. We have continued the Camp #443 SUVCW Department of Illi- project as the new Chicago-based Camp nois left to right: Garry Ladd PCC Coun- 6165 and adopted this site as our perma- selor, John Stanton JVC, Harry Reineke nent project. More research and head- IV DCC of Illinois, David C. Wildermuth stones will be ordered and landscaping for CC, Richard Piper Treasurer, Greg Zelins- next spring. ke PCC Counselor, Russell Schliecher Our ceremony featured a JROTC SVC, Justin Ottolini Secretary, Robert unit from neighboring Taft High School, Koerber Guide. our SVR unit, Battery L, 1st Illinois Light Artillery, keynote speaker (and camp asso- ciate) author Robert I. Girardi, DC Harry Guest Speaker Ed Bachesta President St. Reineke IV, and National Chaplain Je- Clair County Genealogical Society rome Kowalski. We are very pleased to have hit the ground running and finished this phase of the project before the real snow flies. Our camp is eighteen months old and we are blessed to have some very devoted brothers in our ranks. Twelve meetings per year, four Department of Illinois CC Harry Reineke guest speakers, seven business meetings IV swearing in 2019 Hecker Camp Com- and one holiday party. We mix social, mander David C. Wildermuth. fellowship and business meetings together over the course of the calendar year in additional to department and national en- Special Guest Lansing Hecker Great campments. Grandson of Col. Friedrich Hecker
Dr. Benj. Stephenson Plaza @ Rose Hill Cemetery, Petersberg, IL
2018 Devotion to Duty Award John Stan- Hecker Camp Paver. ton presented by Russell Schliecher SVC for Camp Commander John Fulton
Some of the attendees as our colors are IN FRATERNITY, CHARITY raised. (Continued on page 10) AND LOYALTY The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 7
Special Tour of the Old State Capitol at Springfield by General McClernand Camp 4
Above left is a picture of the Illinois State Capitol from the 2nd Street side and on the right, compliments of David Joens, Director of the Illinois State Archives, view of the floor plan for the Capitol building’s 1st floor. For reference, in the floor plan from top (Stratton Building side) to bottom (2nd Street side) is west to east and from left (Edwards Street side) to right (Monroe Street side) is south to north.
It wasn’t until just lately that I discovered that Civil War Illinois, all having made significant contributions in the Civil art can be found in three different rooms in the Illinois State Cap- War. A mezzanine level was later added to this room to maxim- itol Building. On October 24, 2018 Mr. Joens led the roundtable ize use of space in on a tour of those three rooms and explained the history of Me- the Capitol building morial Hall, aka the Hall of Flags, before it was moved from the and as a result, to Capitol Building to the Centennial Building in the summer of our delight, these 1924. paintings are now at The Capitol has four wings, west, east, north, and south. eye level. One of the rooms housing Civil War art is on the 4th floor in the The paint- east wing, above the Governor’s Office. The other two rooms are ing of an unidenti- on the 1st floor in the south wing. These details are provided so fied Private ( Left ) that by referencing the overhead map on the cover page, you can on the back wall in visually fix the location of the three rooms. Room 400 easily Civil War artwork is in Room 400, which was formerly represents all part of one of the locations for the Hall of Flags; Room 100, 258,000 plus boys which was another location for the Hall of Flags; and Room 116, from Illinois that served in the Civil War under the leadership of which served as the Adjutant General’s Office when the Hall of the Commander in Chief, President Abraham Lincoln and the Flags was located across the hall in Room 100. Commanding General of the Army, U. S. Grant. It is easy to figure out that when designing the State On one of the side walls in Room 400 is a painting of Capitol Building planners allowed for ample wall space to dis- General U. S. Grant. On the other side wall is a painting of Presi- play Illinois’ Civil War flags. Ceilings are high throughout the dent Abraham Lincoln. Capitol and the artwork in the rooms where the flags were for- merly housed was painted on the upper section of the walls, near the ceiling, so that flags posted beneath them would not conceal the paintings. In two of the rooms, mezzanines have since been added so that today, the viewer is at eye level with the paintings. There is no mezzanine in the third room so onlookers have to look up- ward to view several artful dedications to major battlefields in which troops from Illinois were engaged. This would be an ideal room for a roundtable meeting and such an opportunity is being explored. Standing from left to right is David Joens, Greg Seifert, Chuck Room 400 - Senate Hearing Room Murphy and, to his front, Rose Connolly, Larry Werline, and
Nancy Chapin. On the right side of the painting is Carolyn Koeh- What is now a Senate Hearing Room, Room 400 origi- ler, Tom Doyle, Teresa Parth, Don Parth, Linn Haramis and, in nally didn’t exist when the capitol opened and was actually the his front, Mary Disseler. upper reaches of Room 300. There are Civil War paintings on the upper reaches of the walls that portray three different men from (Continued on page 8) The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 8
(Continued from page 7) Room 116 - Office of the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) Room 116 is in the large area in the south wing on the east side of the hallway. There are two relief sculptures in the Legislative Reference Bureau. To see them one must proceed
through the working offices of the bureau and climb up a narrow, winding staircase to the mezzanine level. As soon as you reach the top step one of the first things that you see on the far wall is a sculpture of Edward Baker. ( Above) Forming 90 degree angles from a wall adjacent to and on the left of the Baker facing the camera. ( Above ) sculpture is a number of floor The tour included more than the three rooms described -to-ceiling bookshelves. Nes- above, but they were the focal point. Mr. David Joens deserves a tled in-between two of the ton of credit. In addition to serving as director of the Illinois State bookshelves is a relief sculp- Archives, he is a first-rate historian and an excellent tour guide. ture of a Civil War soldier You simply would not believe all that he explained as standing next to a tent. we made our way from room to room. Though individuals may Though currently not in such have been aware, as a group we never realized how much State an open location, it was just Capitol history we didn’t know about including our association as magnificent as the Baker with the State of Iowa, building materials that aren’t what they relief sculpture. Photo left. appear to be, revelations about the paintings that adorn the south wing hallway, and noting the arrangement of the magnificent Room 100 - House Meeting Room statues that encircle the rotunda above the 4th floor, just to name This room is located at the far end of the first floor’s a few. We certainly tip our hat to Director Joens. south wing, directly across the hall from Room 116, on the west Happy New Year side of the building. It seats 26 people and is just the right size And last but not least, we want to wish you a Happy for a well-attended roundtable meeting. We tentatively have it New Year. We have a lot to look forward to in 2019. We have booked for our April 18 meeting when Lincoln Home National presentations coming up by our very own Teresa Parth and the Historic Site Superintendent, Timothy S. Good, is scheduled to Tri-State’s Roundtable Commander, Dr. Tim Jacobs. We’ll be present. As compared to the other two rooms, no mezzanine had meeting in the State Capitol, hosting the first Thomas forum. been added so one must look up to view the art in this room. It We’ll once again enjoy another Civil War summer speaker series was none other than Larry Werline that brought to our attention at Camp BOTS, and we’re starting the year off right Thursday the misspelling of Chickamauga. ( Above right) evening with Gene’s PowerPoint program of his great-great The cavalry painting in the front of the room was my grandfather’s travails. intent when I snapped this picture and though it is hard to make Until then, Chuck Murphy, Camp 4. out, note the tribute to Gettysburg in the upper right hand corner The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 9 Some Books Recommended for Reading with personal editorial comments included Submitted by Darrell Clevidence, SUVCW Bryner Camp #67 [email protected]
Rising in Flames: Sherman’s March and the Fight “Ten Minutes of Blind Confusion”: The Battle for a New Nation ; J. D. Dickey; Pegasus Publish- of Aiken, South Carolina, Kilpatrick vs ers, 2018. Wheeler: Includes extensive reference to Galesburg native R. Wayne Jones with Thomas D. Perry; Laurel Mary Ann Bickerdyke and Illinois politician and Hill Publishing LLC, 2011. soldier John Logan. Also often references battle As well as describing the actual battle in Aiken actions involving various Illinois regiments. The between cavalry forces on February 11, 1865, , author, I think, is one-dimensional in his views of Jones and Perry (members of SCV) offer a southern perspective the War and of our country of the 1800’s – he probably would of Sherman’s advance into the Carolinas. The 92 nd Illinois have been a Radical Republican abolitionist. He is inconsistent Mounted Infantry was at the center of this battle. Includes a nice in his description of the behavior of Union forces as they moved bibliography and discussion about post-war development in the through Georgia and South Carolina. For example, he repeat- Aiken area. I sense that there remains a deep anger towards edly claims Sherman limited and disciplined his troops and Gen. Kilpatrick yet today and that is implied within his book. only focused on targets of military value – so what about the un- Among other atrocities, the burning of nearby Barnwell (“Burn restrained burning and looting of private homes and barns? -well” according to Kilpatrick) is cited. And what about the terrorizing of women of the South? The Reconstruc on Years: The Tragic A er- Sherman’s March ; Burke Davis; Random House, 1980. math of the War Between the States; Walter Coffey; AuthorHouse Publisher, 2014 A detailed study of Sherman’s March through Georgia and South Carolina. Unlike Dickey’s Coffey, a na ve of Illinois, is a member of SU- recent book, Davis (a native of North Carolina) VCW. This excellent study references and docu- presents a tale of terror and suffering, including ments year-by-year the poli cal and social tur- the documentation of several rapes. Interestingly, moil that arose following the War and which the 103 rd Illinois Regiment from Fulton County is s ll affects and influences our country today. referenced several times and includes events involving Captain Charles Wills. Figh ng for the Confederacy, the Personal Recollec ons of General Edward Porter Alex- The War Outside My Window: The Civil War ander; Gary W. Gallagher, editor; University Diary of LeRoy Wiley Gresham, 1860-1865 ; Janet E. Croon, Editor; Savas Beatle LLC, Pub- of North Carolina Press, 1989. lisher, 2018. Alexander’s recollec ons preceded his Mem- An intriguing eye witness account of what life was oirs of a Confederate. Alexander, an engi- like in and around Macon, GA, during the entire neer, is analy cal in describing life in the Ar- span of the War. LeRoy Gresham was a young my of Northern Virginia, Longstreet’s Corps in par cular. man who suffered a devastating leg injury at the These recollec ons center on his personal life and experi- age of 12 and thereafter was essentially immobile. He also was frequently ill (diagnosed in retrospect as probably suffering from ences while serving the CSA and were wri en without the tuberculosis). But he, at his young age, was able to write, ob- intent of circula on within the general popula on. Alexan- serve, and communicate and he did that daily. He died at the der, I believe, was a highly competent officer and gentle- age of 17 in June, 1865. man. I do sus pect that he, like many others, had wit- The Civil War: a Narrative ; trilogy by Shelby nessed and experienced such horrible blood shedding that Foote; Penguin Random House Publishers, 1958. he became somewhat desensi zed to death on the ba le- A classic study of the War, arguably with a south- field. Note: Gary W. Gallagher is recognized as one of ern slant. It took me several months to finish America’s leading historians. reading the three volumes. Very detailed, Rebel Yell: the Violence Passion and Re- stresses personalities. During his writing, Foote says he travelled to each significant site during demp on of Stonewall Jackson; S. C. the same time of the year as the actual action. I Gwynne; Scribner Publishers, 2014. would suggest that this is a must-read for any serious student of A comprehensive, friendly presenta on of the Civil War Jackson’s life and career.
(Con nued on page 10) The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 10
fortable part is the reference that O’Reilly makes to the diary of (Recommended Reading, Continued from Page 9) John Wilkes Booth and the suggestion that maybe Secretary I had no idea that Gen. Jackson taught mathematics before the Stanton was involved in the disappearance of 18 War (allegedly he was not very good at it) and I find that of per- pages from the book. sonal interest. Nor did I know that General Jackson was a Killing England; Bill O’Reilly and Martin deeply religious man. Jackson’s skilled maneuvers in the Shen- Dugard; Henry Holt & Co., 2017. andoah Valley are clearly described. Recommended reading. A very readable study of life in the Colonies and Light Horse Harry Lee and the Legacy of the the extent and nature of the Revolutionary War. American Revolution ; Charles Royster; Alfred O’Reilly makes it clear that the involvement of A. Knopf, Publisher, 1981 France was critical to the American success. He also presents An excellent look at life in Virginia and the Colo- Gen. Washington as a truly remarkable leader. The portion of nies prior to and during the Revolution. Lee’s the war conducted in the South is well-presented. The content role as a leader of cavalry, a highly trusted of- of O’Reilly’s book illuminates the extent of divisiveness between ficer for George Washington, is a highlight. the Patriots and the Loyalists and how some view the conflict as Lee’s youngest child, Robert E., would not see really a Civil War. his father after the age of 6 due to Harry’s illness. An interest- Also included from The Great ing look at military action during the Revolution and an expo- Courses: sure to the family legacy of a future military general. “The American Revolution” by Killing Lincoln ; Bill O’Reilly and Martin Professor Allen C. Guelzo Dugard; Henry Holt & Co., 2011. “The American Civil War” by An excellent reference for studying the nature of Professor Gary W. Gallagher the conspiracy that led to the death of President Lincoln. Well written, easy to read. An interest- ing feature is the follow-up on the lives of the major persons involved at the time. One uncom-
********************************************************* (Camp 6165 con nued from page 6)
DC Harry Reineke IV addresses the Keynote Speaker and Camp 6165 Associ- Cannon Salute a endees with his remarks. ( Below) ate Robert I. Girardi.
NJROTC Color Guard, Ta High School. CC Nick Kaup presen ng an apprecia on award to the Union Ridge Trustee David Group photos of Camp 6165 Brothers. Totsch. (Middle top )
In F., C., & L., Nick Kaup, CC, Camp 6165 The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 11
Excerpted from the Illinois State Genealogical Society Quar- all Civil War Union veterans buried at Calvary Cemetery. A terly Journal Vol. 50, No. 4: welcome address by Robert Rogers, Graves Registrar of Sheri- dan Camp 2 was followed by remarks by SUVCW Illinois De- Civil War Veterans Buried in Calvary Cemetery, Aurora, partment Commander Harry Reineke IV and Sheridan Camp 2 Kane County, Illinois: An Update to the Illinois Honor Roll. Commander Steve Westlake. Jerome Kowalski, the National Chaplain of the SUVCW delivered an invocation and benedic- By Roger L. Knigge tion. LaGrange Park Boy Scout Troop #111 (Scoutmaster John Wilcek) served as color guard and Mulligan’s Battery fired a This is another in a series of articles presented by Phil- cannon salute. lip H. Sheridan Camp #2 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the On August 25, 2018, representatives of Sheridan Camp Civil War (SUVCW). These articles identify and document the 2 joined Scoutmaster Darren McArdle, Boy Scouts Dylan service of Civil War veterans buried in Chicago area cemeteries. Schmidt of Aurora Troop #28 and volunteer Lisa Platt to ad- The present effort lists veterans interred in Calvary dress the condition of the existing headstones in the cemetery. It Cemetery (aka: Irish Catholic Cemetery), Aurora, Illinois and was determined that most would need cleaning and some would includes a summary of work completed on-site at that facility. require resetting and straightening. This work was successfully The list of Civil War veterans was prepared using the completed during the day. Sheridan Camp 2 had previously en- 1929 Illinois Honor Roll and the updated 1956 version pub- gaged the services of a private restoration company to clean lished by the Illinois Veterans Commission. repair and reset a headstone that had been badly damaged. Each veteran’s name was compared with unit rosters or This was the 18 th Civil War headstone project complet- muster-and-descriptive rolls for various states as well as national ed by Sheridan Camp 2. These efforts have resulted in over 300 records to verify service and rank. Pension index information new markers being installed. For further information about these was used to identify any instances of the individual serving in projects, contact Robert Rogers, “[email protected]”. multiple units or under aliases. Any variances between more Calvary Cemetery is located in Aurora, Illinois on the recent research and listing in the 1929 and 1956 Honor Rolls east side of North Lake Street (Rte. 31) just south of Indian was noted and when available, birth and death dates and loca- Trail. The Catholic Church purchased it December 15, 1855. At tions were included. the time title was transferred, it was farm land situated north of A Sheridan Camp #2 walk-through at Calvary revealed the city limits. The cemetery initially served several parishes. In that vandalism had resulted in many Civil War headstones being 1872, its maintenance fell exclusively to the Irish American par- broken, toppled or scattered. Some gravesites were unmarked. ish of St. Mary’s. The last burial was in 1946. Access from Lake To correct the latter, documentation was submitted to the US St. was cut off in 1951, resulting in the isolation of the cemetery Department of Veterans Affairs and four new markers were pro- that encouraged vandalism. The volunteer efforts and work done cured. With the assistance of Darren McArdle of Aurora Boy by Sheridan Camp 2 was an effort to correct some of the dam- Scout Troop #28, these new headstones were installed in the fall age done to Civil War headstones. The Rockford Catholic Dio- of 2017. cese has recently undertaken landscape improvements to en- On Memorial Day weekend 2018, a ceremony was held hance the overall appearance of the property. to dedicate the new headstones and commemorate the service of **************************************************************** Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War more. Brother Rogers has invested a significant amount of his life Office of the Commander-in-Chief and energy to not only the work of cleaning and Mark R. Day installing grave markers but also in doing most of the required 104 Mullbury Place research, pursuing and making contacts with the various cemeter- Lynchburg, Virginia 24502 ies, and completing the paperwork with the Veterans Administra- General Order # 36 SERIES 2017-2018 tion as well as local government agencies. Brother Rogers zeal 11 August 2018 and passion for his work with grave markers makes him stand out among his peers and he has become an example for others to em- The Commander in Chief and Council of Administra- ulate. Brother Rogers is not one dimensional in his work for the tion, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, take great pleas- Order; he is also involved in other programs of the Sons of Union ure in presenting the Meritorious Service Award with Gold Star veterans of the Civil War. He actively advises young men inter- to Brother Robert Rogers, Department of Illinois for “Meritorious ested in planning Eagle Scout projects which are related to the Achievement” and superior performance in the accomplishment goals of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and he at- of the ideals and principles of the Sons of Union Veterans of the tends Boy Scout Courts of Honor regularly. Civil War. The efforts of men like Brother Rogers, stand as exam- From his very first meeting, as a Son of Union Veterans ples of service and most surely reflect the principles of Fraternity, of the Civil War member, Brother Rogers has dedicated himself Charity, and Loyalty we espouse to. Having brought great credit to the task of replacing and cleaning the grave markers of Veter- upon himself and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War ans in the cemeteries of DuPage County, Illinois where his home Brother Robert Rogers is highly deserving of this award. camp, the Phillip Sheridan Camp #1, is located. Over the last five years Brother Rogers has completed projects involving the clean- Ordered this 11th Day of August 2018. ing of thousands of markers and the replacement of hundreds Mark R. Day The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 12
The History of the Greenhut Memorial G.A.R. Hall community and pledges were solicited. Among a number of subscriptions reported, was one from Comrade Joseph B. Green- By Joseph M. Hutchinson, PCC Bryner Camp 67 hut, in the sum of $1000 accompanied by letter of heartfelt In order to under- wishes for success of the enterprise. stand why the Joseph Benedict Greenhut was born in Austria and set- G.A.R. Hall was tled with his family at age nine in growing Chicago. When the th built we must know War broke out, he was one of the first volunteers in the 12 IL what the G.A.R. Volunteers. After being wounded, he was discharged to recuper- nd stands for and who ate and after recovering, enlisted in the 82 IL Infantry. He saw the men were. action in many areas including Gettysburg. After the war, he settled in Peoria where he became prominent, owning the Mon- Dr. B. F. Stephen- arch distillery. He always retained a fondness for Peoria even son of Springfield, after moving to New York to enter retailing. He kept apprized of Ill organized the the fundraising for the Memorial Hall and continued to increase Order of the Grand his pledge up to $10,000.00, a monumental sum. The Post elect- Army of the Re- ed to name the proposed building after their generous benefac- public in the State tor. of Illinois in 1866. A site was secured on Hamilton St. for $4000.00. It The object of the was the former site of the New Church of Jerusalem; also know organization was to as the Swedenborg Church. Architects submitted proposals and assist disabled and the firm of Hewitt and Emerson was chosen. Bids for construc- unemployed soldiers. A ritual was drafted under his supervision, tion were let, with Wm. Allen Son and Company having the and the first post of the new order was formed at Decatur, Ill. winning bid of $14,800.00. The actual cost of the building, in- Other posts were soon mustered throughout Illinois and other cluding lot, would grow to $22,800.00. states. The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1909 and construc- Bryner Post No. 67 was organized October 9, 1879 in tion progressed rapidly. The building was completed by late honor of Colonel John C. Bryner who was instrumental in rais- December and the dedication ceremony was slated for Decem- ing and training several regiments from Peoria and who died on ber 30, 1909. However, the fundraising campaign was $4000 March 19, 1865 at Camp Butler in Springfield while reorganiz- short of the money needed. When J. B. Greenhut came to Peoria ing the 47 th Illinois Volunteers who had been decimated in bat- for the ceremony, he inquired as to the situation. After hearing tle. of the shortfall, he pledged to cover the remaining $4000 stating, “Don’t worry about it. We will dedicate the hall without a dollar The Post rented a hall for nearly thirty years in the third of debt. Send your bills to me.” A couple of years later he creat- story of the Rouse building at 105 South Adams Street. For lack ed a $6000.00 trust fund to maintain the hall. of income, the expense of maintaining this hall became burden- The G.A.R. Hall was in use by the Comrades for only some. In addition to this, the Comrades becoming aged, pre- a short period when the hands of time started to overtake them. vented them attending the meetings of the Post. It became a William M. Livingston, the last member of Bryner Post 67 and question of some change having to be made. the last surviving Civil War veteran in Peoria County passed th The matter of the Post securing quarters where they away on Memorial Day, May 30 , 1945 at the age of 97. would be rent-free or owning their own rooms had been spoken The auxiliary organizations would meet a similar fate. of for a number of years, but no definite action had been taken. The Wilson Circle Ladies of the G.A.R., Bryner Women’s Re- Comrade Byron C. Bryner, Commander of the Post in 1908 and lief Corps, the Aunt Lizzie Aiken Tent of the Daughters of Un- son of Col. Bryner was very much interested in securing a home ion Veterans, and the William Thrush Camp 25 Sons of Veter- to be owned and controlled by the Post, submitted the following ans would continue to hold meetings at the hall until their num- scheme: That it would be possible to raise among the Comrades bers dwindled to the point that they could no longer raise funds and friends the sum of $4000-6000 with which a building which sufficient to maintain the building. would answer their needs. The matter was brought before the There was no money for needed repairs. Demolition Post on the evening of November 19, 1908 striking a hearty re- orders loomed. In early 1972, concerned citizens quickly formed sponse. the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation, with the GAR Hall as their first project. Over 40 years of fundraising brought the The Post placed the matter of the building in the hands hall back from the brink. However, money is needed to pay for of the Post Trustees, Eliot Callender, A.L. Schimpff and Wm. P. work done in 2008 to construct modern restroom and kitchen Gauss, and on motion, the Post Commander B.C. Bryner, the facilities. An elevator for handicap accessibility was added in Post Commander Elect Frank W. Ash and the Post Quartermas- 2015. ter Philip Smith and James M. Grimes were added. 2019 will mark the 110th anniversary of the Greenhut A general discussion was had regarding the building Memorial G.A.R. Hall and the 140th anniversary of the Colonel scheme, location, securing of funding, etc. It was decided that John C. Bryner Post 67, Grand Army of the Republic. the solicitation of funds be for the present confined to “old sol- diers.” The fundraising was later expanded to include the whole The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 13
2019 Annual Lincoln Tomb Ceremony
All are invited to participate in the 63th Annual Lincoln Tomb Ceremony, sponsored by the SUVCW and MOLLUS, commemorat- ing the 154nd Anniversary of President Lincoln’s death. It will be held at the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL at 10 AM on Saturday, April 13, 2019.
The Department of Illinois SUVCW Benjamin Stephenson Memorial at Rose Hill Cemetery in Peters- burg will be at 3:30pm following the luncheon.
Headquarters Hotel: President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 701 E. Adams St., Springfield,IL 62701. The room rate is $102.00 for sin- gle - quad. A10% dining discount at Lindsay’s Restaurant is included. Call 1-866-788-1860 for reservations and mention “Sons of Union Veterans”. Reserve your room by March 22, 2019. After this, the remaining blocked rooms will be released. Wreaths may be ordered from local Springfield florists. Instruct the florist to have the wreath delivered c/o the Lincoln Tomb, Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, by 9 AM on Saturday, April 13th. Luncheon will be held at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel at 12:30PM. The luncheon program will feature a talk by Mary Todd Lincoln on "My Side of the Story". Luncheon cost is $35.00 per person.
For event info, go to the SUVCW web site (suvcw.org) or contact Robert Petrovic at: [email protected] or 636-274-4567. ------OBSERVANCE WREATH PRESENTATION (please print clearly) Organization name in full in full:______Name & title of wreath bearer:______e-mail address:______if no e-mail, home address:______City, State, & Zip code:______
To insure being recognized in the program, this notice MUST be received no later than April 1 st at the address shown below.
OBSERVANCE LUNCHEON Please accept ____ luncheon reservation(s). Please list name, e-mail address, home address & phone number of person responsible for picking up tickets at the door. PLEASE PRINT.
Name:______E-mail:______Address:______Phone:______City, State & Zip Code:______Abe's Braised Short Ribs ______Roasted Turkey ______Vegetarian ______Include remittance of $35.00 per person for each lunch reservation payable to National Organization SUVCW.
Reservations must be made by April 1st and cancellations by the same date in order to receive refund. There will be no extra tickets sold at the door. Make a copy of this form for your records and send original with remittance to:
ROBERT M. PETROVIC 6519 CHEROKEE LANE CEDAR HILL, MO 63016 P# 636-274-4567
For Military Parade Information, please contact: Edward Krieser, Commander 4th Military Dist. SVR 597Round Mountain Rd. Walnut Shade, MO 65771 [email protected]
The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 14 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
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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- From the Editor: I encourage you to sub- SUVCW Camp #1, Dept of IL erans of the Civil War mit ANYTIME, but for time sensitive items like upcoming events, be sure to get PH Sheridan Camp 2, Sons of Union DEPARTMENT WEBSITE: them in early. New issues should come Veterans of the Civil War, Dept of Illi- http://www.suvcwil.com/index.html out about two weeks after the deadline. nois NATIONAL WEBSITE: Send to “[email protected]”. SUVCWJohn A. Logan Camp #26 Text should be attached as MS-Word docs http://www.suvcw.org/ Gen. E. F. Dutton Camp #49 Sons of Un- or contained in the body of the E-mail. ion Veterans Photos should be JPG attachments. Col. Friedrich K. Hecker Camp #443 Remember, this is YOUR newsletter. (SUVCW)