Fall Railsplitter 2018a Railsplitter 2018.pdfGuide Patrick McConnell Guard Rob Hauff Color Bearer Leigh Franklin GAR Highway Officer vacant ROTC Coordinator Bill Shipper Eagle Scout

The Railsplitter The Newsletter of the Department of Illinois,

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

OFFICERS:

Commander

Harry Reineke IV, PCC Chief of Staff

Steve Westlake, PDC, PCC Senior Vice-Commander

Joe Hutchinson, PCC Junior Vice-Commander

Gary Gunderson, PCC Secretary Steve Aarli, PCC Treasurer Bill Johnson Council Tom Osteicher, PCC James Lyon, PDC, PCC Gene Walker Patriotic Instructor Michael J. Zafran Chaplain Jerome Kowalski Graves Registration Steve Aarli, PCC Civil War Memorials Steve Anderson Hitsorian Terry Dyer, PDC, PCC Guide Patrick McConnell Guard

Rob Hauff Color Bearer Leigh Franklin GAR Highway Officer vacant ROTC Coordinator Bill Shipper Eagle Scout Coordinator Jim Lyon, PDC, PCC Department Councilor Ron Clark, PDC, PCC Department Organizer Nick Kaup, PDC, PCC Steve Westlake, PDC, PCC Signals Officer Paul Zeien, PDC, PCC Real Sons Liaison Joe Hutchinson, PCC Fraternal Relations

Leigh Franklin

FALL 2018

UPCOMING ENCAMPMENTS:

The schedule for future Encampments and their hosts are as follows:

May 2019, Camp #67, Peoria Oct 2019, Camp #49, Sycamore May 2020, Camp #443, Belleville Oct 2020, Camp #1, No. Cook County

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Chaplain’s Corner Patriotic Instruction Camp News Monument Restoration Department Encampment Report And MORE!

COMMANDER’S CORNER:

My dear Brothers,

In the nearly 6

months which have

passed since my elec-

�on, I have been very

pleased to have a�end-

ed a number of events

as your Department

Commander.

I hit the ground running, a�ending

ceremonies, work days, and more.

I quickly distributed Department

Orders, including one for which I sought the

opinion of the Na�onal Counselor.

During August, I a�ended the Na-

�onal Encampment, which was, as always, a

grand �me.

In addi�on to catching up with

friends, encouraging posi�vity toward our

Department and our events such as Stephen-

son Plaza, and si+ng on the Creden�als

Commi�ee, I was able to make a last-minute

bid for Council of Administra�on.

This was a contested elec�on with 3

brothers vying for 2 seats. Brother Peter

Hritsko was the shoe-in as the one declared

candidate, and on the second ballot, I lost to

a “local” from New England with a 3 vote

swing.

I have decided, and have formally

announced my candidacy for an open seat

on the Council of Administra�on next year,

so I can bring Illinois issues to the Na�onal

Stage, as well as doing what I can to forward

the vision of our Order as a whole.

At that Encampment I was also ap-

pointed Na�onal Webmaster. AND, I have

not slowed down as YOUR Department Com-

mander.

I have made my first Camp visit, and

have 3 more scheduled in November, and

one in December.

I might not be able to visit your

Camp at a mee�ng, but I am a�emp�ng to

schedule myself for Officer Installa�ons and

Banquets.

Once Old Man Winter has come and

gone, I will try to get to some further away

Camps.

The only Camp I know I cannot visit,

much to my regret, is Reed Camp #24 in

Tuscola, as their mee�ngs are in the middle

of a work day, and that just doesn’t bode

well for my own schedule.

Brothers, the future of our Depart-

ment is bright. With strong, ac�ve Camps

throughout Illinois, we are well-poised for

growth in numbers, influence, and respect.

The momentum the Department

has been building over the years con�nues

to build. I am pleased to sit up here as your

Commander and represent you and your

Camps throughout this State and our en�re

Order.

In Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty,

Harry W. Reineke IV, PCC

Department Commander.

The Railsplitter FALL 2018 Page 2

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER:

Do you remember as you were grow-ing up seeing signs at profes-sional sporting events that said: JOHN 3:16 I don’t see them much anymore. I

guess it too has become Politically Incor-rect to state that: GOD SO LOVES THE WORLD..... Here is another explanation/translation of that piece of scripture that I really like, from The Message: 16-18 “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone

can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Any-one who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone

who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. Something for us to think about. In Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty,

Chaplain Jerry

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTION:

Between the years 1862-1864, when citizens came to the realization that the Civil War was not going to end quick-ly, they started to hoard federal coinage. Consequently, most Americans did not see a Federal coin during this period due to this stockpiling. Merchants needed some type of exchange for their goods and services. Thus, came the dawning of the privately minted Civil War Tokens. These tokens are divided into three classifications: store cards; patriotic tokens; and sutler tokens.

All were used as currency. Most were struck in copper and lesser amounts in brass and nickel. There was also a small

amount made from other compositions as well. All were used primarily in the North-east and Midwest. Store cards were not cards at all, but tokens that on one or both sides, dis-play the name and/or location of a private-ly-owned business. Patriotic tokens typically used a patriotic slogan which was pro-Union such as "Union Forever," Old Glory," and "The Union Must Stand". Images of the flag, Presidents Washington and Jackson, along with likenesses of Civil War gener-als were used on the obverse of the tokens.

Sutler tokens were like store cards, but instead of listing the name of a privately-owned business they bore the name of a particular army unit and the name of the sutler who conducted transac-tions with the regiment. Sutlers were merchants who sold provisions to soldiers in the field, often from the back of a wagon or from a tent, travelling with the soldiers to out of the way battle stations. These are by far the rarest and most valuable. Switching our focus specifically to the State of Illinois, most tokens were minted in Chicago. There were approxi-mately 38 Illinois tokens coined. Some of the names minting the tokens were: Clau-dius Avery, Watchmaker; Baierle’s Sa-

loon; Barker and Ilsley: Hardware, Nails,

and Stoves; Flagg and MacDonald’s,

Boots and Shoes; O. Kendall's Sons and

Company, Bread Sellers; A. Meyer, Rag

Store; and Walter Treleaven, Gold Pen

Maker. Other Illinois towns minting only one token were: Alton, Bloomingdale, Dixon, Duquoin, Dunleth, Durand, El Paso, Elgin, Lacon, Lasalle, Lena, Lodi, Marengo, Mendota, Ottawa, Palatine, Peo-ria, Peru, Pontiac, Springfield, Sycamore, and Woodstock. Of particular interest is the one

minted by Robert Naper, who sold dry goods and groceries. Of course, Naper-ville was named for his family and it is the most valuable of all Illinois tokens. Many of the tokens bore the de-nomination of Not One Cent. This was in part, because the reverse of many of the tokens resembled the tail of the Indian Head penny, which had been minted by the government during this era. There

were also tokens which said, “Not One Cent for the Widows,” making a political statement about the amount of money that was spent to make war, but with little go-ing to veterans and widows. The use of tokens came to a halt when Congress enacted the Coinage act of April 22, 1864. This acted also is mostly remembered for the introduction of, "In God We Trust" on the newly minted 2-cent piece. The legality of the tokens was decided on June 8, 1864 when Congress passed 18 U.S.C. #486. This made the minting and usage of non-government issued coins punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, a prison term of up to 5 years, or a combination of both. So, Brothers, look in your junk drawers where you keep nuts, bolts, or washers for these gems. Don't forget the old sewing baskets as an excellent source for these gems. As in all things collectible, there are many fake tokens that have been reproduced. Consult your local coin dealer if you are interested in collecting these tokens. Information credit for content of this article goes David McCormick of Antique Week, and Steve Vesely, owner of Icoin in Joliet, IL. Steve is an expert in this field and a friend of the SUVCW.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael J. Zafran, Patriotic Instructor,


KEYBOARD KLACKING From DSVC Joe Hutchinson

At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month 100 years ago, the armistice was signed ending the “War to End All Wars”.

One might ask, “What does World War I have to do with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War?” The answer is simple. Just as we are the de-scendants of Civil War Veterans, so too were many WWI veterans. Many sons and grandsons of Civil War veterans were called to serve in what was the most cata-clysmic event in their lives. Just as our ancestors left their farms and towns when President Lincoln called for troops to “Save the Union”, so too did their sons and grandsons step up to “Save the World”. The last WWI veteran from the United States was Frank Woodruff Buck-les. Buckles was born to James Clark Buckles and Theresa J. Keown in Betha-ny, Missouri, on February 1, 1901. He had ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1917 at the age of 16, one of 4.7 million Americans who served and was one of 2 million who were sent to Europe. He served driving ambulances and motorcy-

cles near the front lines in Europe. Buckles was awarded the World War I Victory Medal at the conclusion of that conflict, and the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal retroactively following the medal's creation in 1941, as well as the French Legion of Honor in 1999. After WWI, he traveled the globe as a purser on commercial ships and was captured in Manila when Japan invaded the Philippines in 1941 during WW II. He endured 38 months as a civilian prisoner before being freed in a daring military raid. After WW II, he lived a quiet life. Buckles married Audrey Mayo in San Francisco and moved to Gap View Farm

near Charles Town, West Virginia. A wid-ower at age 98, he worked on his farm until the age of 105. In his last years, he was named Honorary Chairman of the World War I Memorial Foundation. As chairman, he advocated the establishment of a World War I memorial in Washington, D.C. Buckles campaigned for the District of Columbia War Memorial to be renamed the National World War I Memorial. He testified before Congress in support of this cause, and met with President George W. Bush at the White House. He did not live to see his dream accomplished. Frank died February 4, 2011 at age 110. Lawmakers moved ahead with resolutions that would allow his casket to be displayed at the Capitol Rotunda, and plans were already in the works for his burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Because Mr. Buckles served just one enlistment in the Army and returned from France with no wounds or medals for bravery, he was eligible under Arlington National Cemetery protocols only for in-urnment in a vault for cremated remains. In March 2008, the Bush administration ordered a rare exception for an old cor-poral of the so-called war to end all wars. His funeral was on March 15, 2011, at Arlington National Cemetery, with President Barack Obama paying his respects prior to the ceremony with full military honors. The 2015 National Defense Au-thorization Act established the World War I Centennial Commission, which was giv-en the authority to build the memorial in Pershing Park, located at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. On November 9, 2017, the World War I Centennial Com-mission held a ceremonial groundbreak-ing. However, the last WWI veteran’s spokesman, David DeJonge, who started the effort with Frank Buckles, has launched a campaign to stop Pershing Park and continue pushing for the Nation-al Mall. The memorial is still not complet-ed. Many of our towns and cities built monuments to remember our fallen war dead and those who returned, some with deep scars. Let us not forget ALL who served on this Veterans Day. In Peoria we are blessed to have monuments honoring veterans from all conflicts. Some were built shortly after

their respective wars while others were built only recently. Those who fail to re-member the past are doomed to repeat it.

Above: Rededication of the restored

Averyville (Peoria) WW I monument .

October 28, 2014.

ELECTION DAY IS NOV. 7

Brothers, remember it is our duty as Americans to vote. With that being said, It is against the Rules and Regulations of our Order to outwardly support any candidate while representing the Sons or wearing the membership badge, whether in public or at Camp meetings or functions.

General Custer Camp #1

Custer Camp recently held their quarterly business meeting and installed officers for the coming term. Pictured are standing L-R: Don Sherman, CC Tom Hauff, SVC Rob Hauff, P.I. Jerry Smith, Bill Kummerow, Bill Kreml, Ken Smith. Seat-ed L-R: JVC Nick Kaup, Ellsowth Mills, John Bigwood, Mark Braun, Mike Brown

Submitted by Nick Kaup, JVC Camp 2


Phillip H. Sheridan Camp 2

Forgotten Joliet Civil War Veteran

Recognized

Joliet, IL -- As we now honor those last remaining members of our “Greatest Gen-eration” who served during World War II, our ancestors noted the passing of the last Civil War veterans with reverence. As the last elderly veterans of that war slowly died off in the 1930’s and 1940’s, commu-nities mourned their passing. Local veter-ans’ groups and fraternal organizations combined to provide elaborate military funerals for them. Large processions pro-ceeded from local funeral homes to the cemeteries that provided their final resting places. Their experiences and sacrifices were recounted and lauded in local news-papers. Unfortunately, some of those heroes have been forgotten over time and their final resting places are now un-marked. The Philip H. Sheridan Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) in conjunction with the Fredrick A. Bartleson Chapter NSDU, and Oakwood Cemetery conducted a dedica-tion ceremony for 48 new headstones on the previously unmarked graves of Civil War veterans buried in historic Oakwood

Cemetery in Joliet, Illinois. The ceremony was held on Satur-day, September 15th, at 1pm at the Ceme-tery located at 1200 East Cass Street in Joliet. This was the capstone of a pro-ject undertaken jointly by the Philip H. Sheridan Camp # 2 of the Civil War (SUVCW), the Fredrick A. Bartleson Chapter NSDU, and the Oakwood Ceme-tery. The project was designed to rig-orously identify and document all Civil War veterans buried in the cemetery, pro-cure and install new grave markers on

those graves needing them and straighten and clean the markers on other Civil War veterans’ graves in the cemetery. Many of those soldiers served in units that were raised in part in Will Coun-ty, including the, 20th, 39th, 45th, 46th, 55th, 58th, 64th, 66th, 100th and 153th Illinois Infantries and the 4th, 13th Illinois Cavalry. In addition, men who served in regiments from Indiana, Maine, Minneso-ta, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wis-consin and the United States Colored Troops are also buried in the Cemetery. Many of them were active mem-bers of the Bartleson GAR Post. Materially aiding in the success-ful completion of the project were the Jo-liet Central JROTC, along with the Joliet West JROTC, who together had six work days. They set the (49) new markers, and cleaned of over 200 military markers. During the dedication ceremony local historians Susan Ollis and Frank Kalisak discussed the area’s experience in the Civil War and the experiences of sev-eral of the Civil War veterans buried in the Cemetery.

Right:

SUVCW Na-

tional Chap-

lain Jerome

Kowalski pro-

vided the invo-

cation and an

inspirational

message.

Local dignitaries and leaders of Civil War heritage groups provided reflections on the event’s significance. A rifle salute was provided by the 10th Illinois Infantry and a period artillery salute by Mulligan’s Battery. This is the group’s 17th cemetery project in the area, accounting for over 200 new headstones on previously un-marked Civil War veteran graves.

Text from Br. Bob Rogers, edited by

DSVC Joe Hutchinson and photos from

Br. Mike Zafron, Camp 2

Special Commendation: The General Philip H. Sheridan Camp #2 is proud to recognize Brother Robert Rogers on his receipt of the Meri-

torious Service Award with Gold Star. He was awarded this honor by Commander in Chief, Mark Day, at the August, 2018 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) National En-campment in Framingham, Massachusetts. Bob joined Sheridan Camp #2 in January of 2009 and was installed at the Christmas banquet. He is a direct descendant of his great-grandfather Alfred Rogers, born in Adams County, New York who served in a private company of the 35th New York Infantry. Two of Alfred’s younger brothers also served in the Civil War. Wesley A. Rogers (b. 1831) in Adams County died in a veteran’s home in Minneapolis, MN on February 17, 1924. Wesley was a Private Co H in the 2nd Regiment of the Minneso-ta Infantry. His other brother Martin served in the Wisconsin Infantry and died in Minnesota in April of 1926. Bob’s dedicated involvement in the SUVCW’s Monument and Memorial Project has seen him personally involved in setting over 300 cemetery markers for Civil War veterans or Civil War heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice in their effort to preserve the Union. He has also participated in clear-ing brush and debris from cemeteries housing Civil War graves that have suf-fered from lack of attention, so the dignity of these courageous soldiers could be re-stored. Bob has led the charge in clean-ing and raising an estimated 1,000 mark-ers. In these efforts he has been a role model to a number of Scouts and JROTC cadets who have assisted in the work. Cemetery projects in Northern Illinois that Bob has overseen include: Oakwood in Joliet, Little Rock and Gris-wold in Plano, Maple Hill in Elwood, Oswego Township in Oswego, Full-ersburg in Hinsdale, Mt. Greenwood in Chicago, West Aurora and St. Joseph in Aurora, Riverside in Montgomery, West Batavia in Batavia, and Hillcrest in Bol-ingbrook. Brother David Bailey has assisted Bob in researching the location of Civil War gravesites in support of this work. Bob resides in Bolingbrook, Illi-nois with his wife of many years, Barbara, who encourages and supports his involve-ment in the SUVCW.


He retired from Continental Can Company after 31 years of work.

Submitted by Mike Zafran

John A. McClernand Camp 4

A Special Guest Camp 4 appreciates the fact that our namesake, John A. McClernand, is buried about a hundred yards or so north-east of Lincoln’s Tomb. Despite our ef-forts to give it a good scrubbing, his grave marker, though significant in size, the

letters and words are so worn that they are extremely difficult to make out. Im-agine how thrilled we were to re-cently come into contact with General McClernand’s

Great-great-great Grandson McClernand “Mac” Crawford of Indiana. Photo above

In May he delivered a program at a combined meeting of the Springfield Civil War Roundtable and Camp 4. He is a gifted, colorful speaker and his stories and anecdotes about the family’s life in Springfield leading up to the war were very informative and highly entertaining. Though we wish the General’s headstone was easier to read, Mac brought him and the family into much clearer fo-cus and we sincerely appreciated his knack for public speaking and an out-standing presentation. Memorial Day In addition to the afternoon pro-gram at Camp Butler, for years the Sanga-mon County Inter-veterans Council has coordinated the Memorial Day services at Oak Ridge Cemetery, including specific morning programs at the State’s WW II, Korean War, Vietnam War memorials and at the G.A.R. Mound behind Lincoln’s Tomb. Due to the efforts of our Camp Commander, Don Ferricks and with spe-cial assistance from Brother Gene Walker, a special agreement was reached enabling the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regi-

ment, Reactivated, and Camp 4 to take over the responsibility for coordinating and staffing Memorial Day services at the G.A.R. Mound. Members of the 114th marched by drumbeat to the foreground, posted the colors, fired three volleys and played Taps. Several Brothers, also members of the 114th, and other Brothers read Gen-eral John A. Logan’s General Order #11 and the poem, “Blue and the Gray”. Members of the 114th escorted representatives of nine different partici-pating service organizations, including Camp 4, to place wreathes among the graves of the Union Civil War dead. The Camp is looking forward to co-managing the event henceforth.

History Comes Alive Springfield is a destination city for Lin-coln and Civil War history buffs. State officials go out of their way to offer a va-riety of programs and presentations throughout the summer months called “History Comes Alive” at the Old State Capitol. Early in the Civil War, Illinois Governor Richard Yates asked Captain Ulysses Grant to help organize and outfit Illinois regiments. He along with the Gov-ernor and other State officials, had offices in the Old State Capitol.

One of the weekly draws throughout the summer is a first person presentation of General Grant. Camp 4’s SVC Larry Werline is a nationally known General Grant presenter and his programs delivered in Representative Hall are al-ways among the most well attended. It is not unusual for him to enlist the help of Brother Gene Walker, who portrays Grant’s aid, General John Rawlins and he even sometimes recruits other first-person presenters including National and Department of Illinois SU-VCW Chaplain Jerry Kowalski, who por-trayed General George H. Thomas on July

17 and 18 this summer. Submitted by Brother Chuck Murphy,

Patriotic Instructor, Camp 4

John A. Logan Camp 26

On September 15th, John A. Lo-gan Camp rededicated the Civil War Me-morial at Rockton Township Cemetery in Rockton, IL. Those in attendance included the Mary Logan Auxiliary #20, American Legion Walter Graham Post 332, Rockton Township Cemetery Administrator, and Rockton Herald Newspaper. Camp Commander Terry Dyer PCC/PDC presented the rededication ad-dress and Camp Chaplin Phil Thompson PCC provided the prayer.

The ceremony was concluded by the American Legion providing a three-volley salute and playing of Taps. The Civil War Memorial that was originally dedicated in 1897 by the G.A.R. was restored by the John A. Logan Camp

on June 23rd. The National Registry of Known Civil War Artillery identifies the cannon as a 4.2” Army Parrot Rifle made in 1864.

Submitted by Steve Anderson,

Memorials Officer, Camp 26


Colonel John C. Bryner Camp 67

Original 1866 Monument progress: The fundraising is halfway to the goal. The approximate cost to complete the project was revised to be $60,000.00. Bob Hoffer, one of the committee members, has been busy applying for grants. Bruce Brown, another committee member, held an open house at his restaurant, Papparazzi on July 15 that raised several thousand dollars in donations. A press conference was held at the Peoria Riverfront Museum on July 23, where a piece of the monument is on dis-play. Several local organizations were present and pledged support for the pro-ject: Peoria Historical Society, Central Illinois WW II Re-enactors, NAACP, and Peoria Riverfront Museum. Professor Fisher Stolz from the Bradley University Sculpture Dept. announced his support. Using many photos of the origi-nal eagle that sat atop the shaft, a digital file was created and a small 3D likeness was produced using the museum’s 3D printer. (photo far right) The miniature is on display in the museum lobby. This dig-

ital file will enable the company tasked with creating a replacement to sculpt a full size replica as exactly as possible.

(Above: Peoria Historian Norm Kelley with

display at PRM)

Fisher Holtz’s son, Hank, a land-scape architect, has been granted permis-sion from his employer to help with the site plans. Master Gardener Cindy An-deasen, Ian Goslin of the U of I extension Service and Dan Callahan, owner of Gregg Florist have volunteered their ser-vices.

An article about the “Shaft” was submitted to the Banner and the Peoria County Genealogy Society for their news-letter. Donations should be made out

to “Springdale Historic Preservation

Foundation” and “Shaft Restoration”

written on the memo line. Mail dona-

tions to Springdale Cemetery, 3014 N.

Prospect Rd., Peoria, IL 61603 or do-

nate online: http://restoretheshaft.org/

Submitted by PCC Joe Hutchinson

General E.F. Dutton Camp 49

Cemetery Walk

The E.F. Dutton Camp #49, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sycamore, Illinois is truly honored to have partnered with the DeKalb County History Center on this historic communi-ty tradition. The walk occurred on Octo-ber 7th and over 50 people attended in very questionable weather.

There are 144 Civil War sol-diers buried in Elmwood Cemetery. This is includes three generals and several high ranking officers. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of World War I. The ceme-tery is also is the final resting place of

several men who served and perished in the Great War.

G.A.R. Elmwood Cemetery Mark-

er Project

The E.F. Dutton Camp #49, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will be marking the graves of Civil War soldiers who were mem-bers of the Grand Army of the Re-public. Many markers are either in horrible condition or simply miss-ing. This project is based upon recent updated research of the 144 men who are buried in Elmwood Cemetery, including three generals. The graves will be marked with offi-cial GAR markers with funds donat-ed by local citizens. There are 58 soldiers bur-ied in the cemetery that were mem-bers of the G.A.R. One can donate $20.00, select a name and the SU-VCW will place the marker at the grave. A certificate will also be is-sued to the individual. The project will eventually include other ceme-teries in DeKalb County. We are looking forward to the event.

Submitted by CC Dennis Maher

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


Col Friederich Hecker Camp 443

Col. Hecker Camp #443 members and their families cleaning gravestones of sev-eral soldiers killed at Ft. Donelson from Pinckneyville, IL.

Col. Hecker Camp #443 returns to Pinck-neyville for Memorial Day 2018.

Observing Decoration Day May 30 Wal-nut Hill Cemetery Belleville 2018.

Col. Hecker Camp #443 at Col. Hecker's gravesite Summerfield, IL. 2018

German Consul wreath laying at Col. Friedrich Hecker gravesite in Summer-field with Hecker family members, Ger-man Consul, Hecker Camp, 17th Mis-souri, Co. G , Grant Camp of St. Louis, & St. Clair Co. officials. 2018

Col. Hecker Camp #443 & 17th Missouri Co. G as color guard at St. Clair Co. 2OO Illinois celebration in O'Fallon.

Submitted by Dave Wildemuth

Old Glory Camp 6165

Old Glory Camp recently received their camp flag. A special fund was earmarked to purchase the banner, a proud moment for the fledgling Chicago unit.

Our Chicago-based camp enjoyed its first anniversary while celebrating its charter presentation in October of 2017. (We were actually chartered May 2017.) Camp activities and highlights since the May Department Encampment:

•Current camp membership is 16. •Monthly gatherings with six business meetings, five guest speaker sessions and one holiday party each December. •Acquisition of the Camp 6165 flag. •Memorial Day Ceremony, Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago. •July 4th Parade with SVR Unit Batty. L. •Participation at the National Encamp-

ment, Framingham, Massachusetts. •Civil War Show, Wheaton, Illinois, Re-cruiting Table and at Monee event. •Initiated cemetery project at Union Ridge in Chicago originally worked eighteen years ago by Philip Sheridan Camp #2. Further tasks include addition-al research of Union veteran’s burials, headstone cleaning, landscaping with a annual Veteran’s Day ceremony. •Future programs and goals include: 1)Research of Chicago regiments. 2)Establishing rapport with ROTC/ JROTC Chicago units. 3)Chicago cemetery and monument pro-ject identification. 4)Participation in Veteran’s Day/Union Ridge Cemetery Program. 5)Increase membership.

Monument Project Phase 1 completed: Restoration of the B.F. Butler G.A.R. Post 754 cannon monument at Union Ridge Cemetery, 6700 Higgins Rd., Chicago. The Camp plans to maintain the monument perpetu-ally and through ongoing research, clean, replace and add Union headstones. In addition, veteran grave flag holders will be purchased.

Pictured is the refurbished flank howitzer located at Union Ridge Ceme-tery in Chicago. We will be conducting a ceremo-ny there on Saturday, November 10th beginning at 11:00am. All brothers, auxiliary and friends are cordially invited to attend. For further information please contact Nick Kaup via email at “[email protected]” or via phone: (847) 910-0164. Submitted by CC Nick Kaup


Department of Illinois SUVCW

135th Midterm Encampment

October 27, 2018

Rockford, Illinois

The 135th Midterm Encamp-ment of the Department of Illinois, hosted by Logan Camp 26, was opened by Dept. Commander Harry Reineke IV at 12:15 pm with Dept. Chaplain Jerry Kowalski giving the invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance. 36 members and 11 members of the ASUVCW were present. The following Camps sent repre-sentatives: Custer Camp 1, Sheridan Camp 2, Logan Camp 26, Dutton Camp 49, Bryner Camp 67, Hecker Camp 443, Old Glory Camp 6165. McClernand Camp 4 and Reed Camp 24 did not have representatives present. The roll of officers was taken. All officers were present with the excep-tion of Dept. Council, Gene Walker, Dept. Councilor Ron Clark, Dept. ROTC Officer Bill Shipper and Dept. Guide Patrick McConnell. Dept. Highways Of-ficer is vacant. DC Reineke introduced Past Department Commanders Steve Westlake, Terry Dyer, Nick Kaup, Jim Lyon, and John Bigwood.

Minutes: Minutes of the 135th Annual Encampment were approved as distribut-ed via email earlier.

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurers report was presented, approved and filed.

Dept. Officer/Camp Reports: Reports emailed prior to the Encampment for re-view were accepted and filed.

Communications: Announcements con-cerning the National Civil War Ball and parade to be held on Nov. 17, 2018 dur-ing Remembrance Day weekend at Get-tysburg, Pa. were read. A letter from the Dept. Com-mander of the Sons of Confederate Veter-ans was read. The Commander expressed his regrets at not being able to attend and affirmed our shared interests. The letter was well received.

Awards: DC Reineke presented the Dept. Dr. Mary Walker award to Sister Jennifer Rae Dyer of the Mary Logan Auxiliary # 20. Camp 2 member Br. Rob Rogers was recognized for his outstanding work

resetting, replacing or acquiring markers for Civil War graves. More details appear on page 4.

Old Business: IMPORTANT! In com-

pliance with General Order #18 issued

by CinC Mark Day, the Dept. changed

the wording of the Dept. By-laws as

mandated, to correspond with the Na-

tional By-laws. All Camp bylaws must

reflect the changes made to the Nation-

al Bylaws with regards to the IRS

501c3 requirements. All camp bylaws

must be received by the Department

Secretary before May 2019.

New Business: PDC Jim Lyon gave a report on the upcoming program the Dept. is starting to remember the de-ceased members of the Dept. by tying a colored ribbon on the Dept. Flag. He said they are in the process of writing a cere-mony. Dept. SVC Joe Hutchinson pre-sented an update about efforts to restore a CW monument in Peoria. He reported that the fundraising was halfway to the estimated $60,000 needed. He said that the $2000 SUVCW national monuments grant was received and combined with the Department, Camp and individual donations from Brothers amounts to over $3350 from our Order for the project so far. DC Reineke presented the Dept. with on old Dept. of Illinois Flag that he found on E-bay at the last Encampment. It was given to Dept. Historian Terry Dy-er. Br. Dyer reported that after consulta-tion with an expert, he recommends pur-chasing archival storage materials to pre-serve the flag in its current condition ra-ther than attempting restoration. He said that this storage would not preclude bringing the flag out for special occa-sions. He said that he would like to pur-chase archival storage materials to pre-serve the old Camp charters in his posses-sion also. A motion was made, seconded and approved to allow up to $300 to be spent for purchasing the materials. Dutton Camp 49 Commander Dennis Maher gave a report on his Camp’s project to map and document all of the Civil War Veterans interred in Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore. More details are on page 6. Br. Maher also showed the body present a poster that his Camp created to explain to the public what the SUVCW is

about. He reported that he overheard a civilian tell a boy that the men in the kep-pies were “just re-enactors”. This was the inspiration for the new poster. Dept. Secretary Aarli mentioned that Camps have 30 days after elections to install their officers. The current win-dow is November to December. He said that there was a proposal voted in at the National Encampment that was sponsored by the Dept. of Michigan to extend the window for installations to begin as early as September. He said that ,unfortunately, the date of elections was not changed, making the new extension invalid. Camp 6165 Commander Nick Kaup reported on a monument restoration project his Camp was working on and that he was requesting funds from the Dept. A motion was made, seconded and approved to send the camp $500. More details are on page 7. Dept. Sec. Aarli made a motion that was approved to present a check for $275 to the administrators of Memorial Hall for their generosity in letting Logan Camp and the Dept. use the hall at no charge.

Annual Dept. Encampment: The De-partment will hold the 236th Annual En-campment on May 11. It will be hosted by Bryner Camp 67 in Peoria. Details will come later.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Bills: Sec. Aarli, Historian Dyer and Ea-gle Scout Coordinator Lyon submitted bills for payment. All were approved. Dept. Officer/Delegate Elections: Nom-inating Committee members were cho-sen: Dave Wildemuth, Steve Westlake and Chuck Wright.

Closing of Encampment: DC Harry Reineke IV thanked everyone for their attendance and formally closed the 135th Midterm Encampment of the Department of Illinois at 2:25 pm.

In Fraternity, Charity,

And Loyalty


Department of Illinois SUVCW 135th Midterm Encampment, Rockford, IL. October 27, 2018

Photos from the ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery 1011 Auburn St., and the Dept. Encampment at Memorial Hall

Left and Below: Rifle Squad

Right: Logan Camp Command-

er Terry Dyer

Below: Past Department Commanders

Left: A perfect volley

Right: Presentaion of the Dr.

Mary Walker Award to Jennifer

Dyer

Below: The assembled Brothers with the old Dept. Flag Below: Members of the Auxiliary

The Railsplitter SUMMER 2018 Page 10

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:

The following Camps have Facebook

pages. Feel free to like and share these

pages with your friends.

SUVCW Camp #1, Dept of IL

PH Sheridan Camp 2, Sons of Union

Veterans of the Civil War, Dept of Illi-

nois

SUVCWJohn A. Logan Camp #26

Gen. E. F. Dutton Camp #49 Sons of Un-

ion Veterans

Col. Friedrich K. Hecker Camp #443

(SUVCW)

SUVCW Old Glory Camp 6165, Dept of

IL

DEPARTMENT FACEBOOK PAGE:

Illinois Department Sons of Union Vet-

erans of the Civil War

DEPARTMENT WEBSITE:

http://www.suvcwil.com/index.html

NATIONAL WEBSITE:

http://www.suvcw.org/

RAILSPLITTER DEADLINES:

Fall: October 15 * Winter: January 15

Spring: April 15 * Summer: July 15

From the Editor: I encourage you to sub-

mit ANYTIME, but for time sensitive

items like upcoming events, be sure to get

them in early. New issues should come

out about two weeks after the deadline.

Send to “[email protected]”.

Text should be attached as MS-Word docs

or contained in the body of the E-mail.

Photos should be JPG attachments.

Remember, this is YOUR newsletter.

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

Fall Railsplitter 2018a Railsplitter 2018.pdfGuide Patrick McConnell Guard Rob Hauff Color Bearer Leigh Franklin GAR Highway Officer vacant ROTC Coordinator Bill Shipper Eagle Scout

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