"News From The Camp"

Colonel Ben Caudill’s Camp #1629

July 18, 2002

To date, 499 stones have been set and 623 graves have been located! We have held 98 dedication services! We must plan a very special dedication for the 100th, including inviting a real daughter as our honorary guest. Congratulations on the outstanding work!!!

Research News from Commander Sparkman
  1. Commander Sparkman located and visited the last farm owned by Colonel Caudill. Colonel Caudill lived in it from the fall of 1879 until his death. It is located at Liberty Hill (outside of Manchester). He made contact with the direct descendents of Colonel Caudill and they are assisting in ongoing research regarding the Caudill Clay County Connection.
  2. Rev. Ben Franklin Caudill (son of Ben Caudill) operated the Pigeon Roost Post Office and a store. He is buried nearby in the Caudill Cemetery. Also buried at that site are some of John Henderson Craft’s descendants.
  3. The 5th Kentucky Infantry book is back on track. Commander Sparkman, John B. Wells and Jim Pritchard are collaborating on the joint effort.
  4. Steve Bowling and Commander Sparkman are working with the death certificates in Jackson for roster updates on Diamond-May’s 10th. Eventually, the information will be placed into a reprint of the book about the boys of the 10th called the "Yankee Catchers".
  5. Collection on our photographic archive is growing. William Thomas Middleton and Thomas Sampson Engle are now in the archives. The picture of Thomas S. Engle is over 100 years old. Carlos Brock along with Commander Spark man visited the gravesite of Thomas Engle with descendents. Located near Busy, Kentucky, the only marking of his resting place is an old-field stone. The camp will soon assist the family in acquiring a stone for him and his wife!
  6. Commander Sparkman is researching the National Archives in

Washington D. C. to explore how we can access this wealth of

treasure about our heritage. His report will be filed in August.

Our camp was represented during the month of July at Charleston, where Richard Brown toured the Hunley. Ask him about the fascinating tour.

Our ancestors were well represented at the SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) this month. Lt. Commander Richard Smith won 2nd place in the Duelist Division. Libby Smith won Modern Female Class, William Reed Hall won overall top Kentucky Male Shooter, followed by Frank Campbell. His son "Sudden Cam" won the state title in his age division and Red Taylor placed 10th overall. Note that these are all proud sons and daughter of those grand men that served in the Confederacy. Goes to prove that our ancestors were "squirrel barking" sharpshooters!

Our camp was represented at the 139th of the Battle of Gettysburg reenactment. Dave Chaltas attended dressed in the persona of Robert E. Lee and was one of the four "Lees" talking to people around the encampment. Information gathered.

John Peck updated the camp regarding the October reenactment at Leatherwood.

Barry Johnson will share his information regarding the living daughter of a 13th man. A lifetime certificate to be presented from the camp is in order.

Drawing for the Dixie quilt will be held on July 18th & notification will be made to the winner.

Several sons will be attending the annual Saltville reenactment. Transportation arrangements will be made for all. This would be a great opportunity for the camp to consider presenting a Caudill’s Army flag to the museum so that the colors can once again fly high over that sacred battle ground area.

Trivia Question of the Month

What was the Colonel’s name that led the men of the 15th Alabama’s charge against Little Round Top?

Last Month’s Questions and Answers

  1. Name the 3 officers from our area that were part of the Immortal 600!

    2. Colonel Ben Caudill, Major Perkins and Colonel Saylers!

  2. Who was Lee’s Adjutant? Major Taylor

Welcome New Members to Colonel Caudill’s Proud Camp #1629!