.…….…"News From The Camp"…….….

Colonel Ben Caudill’s Camp #1629

July 2003 Issue

http://www.bencaudill.com.

The last Salute

An empty chair now and forevermore shall sit at our table in remembrance of those that have gone before.

Commander’s Tent

First allow me to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the fine job that you are doing in the many projects that we have. I know it means that you must sacrifice your valuable time with your loved ones and your own personal projects but it is for their benefit that we do this. It is your family and the future generations that will reap the benefits. We are making history everyday! Your ancestors would be proud! Currently we have set 572 stones, held 110 dedications, and have located over 647 13th Kentucky soldiers’ gravesites! The dedications for Pvt. Isaac Brashears of the 13th and John H. Cook of the 21st North Carolina Infantry went well. Isaac Brashears was the last of the Brashears’ brothers to be located. He is buried in Greenup County, Kentucky. The location is north of Ashland near Greenup. John H. Cook served distinguishably with the 21st and possessed an unbelievable service record. He participated in the Battle of 1st Manassas, Seven Days Battles to Bristoe, Winchester, Cross Keys, Plymouth, Drewry’s Bluff, Cold Harbor, Shenandoah Valley, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Appomattox. He was wounded at least 4 times, losing a ring finger in the process. For some unknown reason, upon returning to North Carolina he moved to Lawrence County, Kentucky and resided there until his death on September 12, 1927. Lt. Commander Chaltas is collaborating with family members in writing his story to present to the 21st North Carolina Camp. Raymond Isaacs, Lt. Commander Chaltas, and myself represented the Caudill Camp. Contributions amounting to approximately $1500 have been given to the East Kentucky Cemetery Fund. The monies were given with the stipulation that it would be used for specific historical markers within our region. We are greatly appreciative of the financial support.

2nd Reenactment of the Battle of Leatherwood

(The Old General)

The Leatherwood Committee met on July 10th at the Leatherwood Fire Department to discuss issues regarding the reenactment. The registration form was approved with a few modifications. The committee voted to wave the reenactors’ fee. Flyers have been posted within the Hazard and Whitesburg area asking for those interested in participating in the forthcoming events to contact the committee. A couple of artillery units have called and indicated that they wish to participate in the reenactment. We also are still recruiting those boys in blue! Please pass the word and give hang up flyers about the coming events. Line items discussed included the agenda/schedule, Soldiers’ Ball, worship service, public execution, skit, crafts/sutlers, black smith and working camp. A suggestion of having a genealogy booth was approved. The shoot (SASS) was discussed and Richard Smith was nominated to be in charge of that event during Black Gold. Tree Huggin John will post the following information about the Battle of Leatherwood:

My Kepi & Me

(The Old General)

My Kepi & Me is a series honoring camp members and their ancestors. The purpose is to share their ancestor’s history as well as the current son occupying the seat of honor. This month let us offer a salute and tip our Kepi to our own Kenny Cantrell. Kenny has served the camp with distinction and honor. He is our past camp adjutant. He is an artilleryman at heart as can be evidenced by his hat and famous red shirt that he wears with pride to honor his ancestors. Ken and his brother-in-law built the "camp" cannon that is correctly named; "old reliable" like his creator. Kenny first became a "son" by joining the Humphrey Marshall Camp and was one of the "founding fathers" of the Colonel Ben Caudill Camp. He entered under the lineage of William Bryan Isbell that served in the 32ndTennessee. William Isbell was said to carry rocks in his pockets to ward off anyone who attempted to harass him. He fought in several battles including Ft. Donelson, Missionary Ridge and was later wounded and captured. Kenny also had an ancestor by the name of William Cantrell that served in the 7th Kentucky Battalion out of Wise County, Virginia. Kenny’s father and mother were the late Atchie Cantrell and Pauline Marie Isbell. He has 3 brothers (1deceased) and 2 sisters. Kenny attended Fleming Neon High School and Calvary College. He worked at Pine Mt. Electric and Machinery for years and has worn many different hats during his lifetime including driving a bookmobile. He serves on the Letcher County Voc. Tech. Advisory Committee. He has been and continues to be a great public relations person and actively recruits new as well as former members to our camp. His hobbies are genealogy, photography, air shows and an overall love for history (and it shows!). He is honest, chivalrous, dedicated to the camp and serves the cause of honoring the Confederate veterans good name. Ladies and gentleman let us tip our kepis and offer a rebel yell to our friend, our neighbor, comrade: KENNY CANTRELL!

The Chaplain’s Corner

(Brigade Chaplain)

Recently I had the privilege of having Hospice of the Mountains give a presentation in my Human Potential class and was very impressed with their love for their fellow man. One of the things that really impressed my being was Camp Hope. It is a camp offered to terminally ill and grieving children (23 participated from 5 counties last year). It is a Fall Camp during the month of October (3-6). God touched my heart and I volunteered (along with several of my college students) to assist. I will be giving a presentation on Native Americans via my artifacts. I was thinking that this would be a golden opportunity for our camp to take this project upon our shoulders by going to Camp Nathaniel and presenting to the kids. My idea was that we could offer a demonstration of marching, dedication, weapons (Richard Smith does a wonderful job) skit, and/or education program. This would take a little sacrifice from all of us but think of the joy it would offer the kids. Also, think of the GREAT PR that it would afford our cause. I would ensure plenty of coverage and advertisement. The contact person is Mike Cummins (439-2221) at Mountain Community Hospice, Hazard, Kentucky. I cannot think of a better way to serve our God, the memory of our ancestors, and our own spirit than to assist with this worthy camp for kids.

The Hunley Report

Adjutant Brown is arranging a date for us to serve as honor guards over the remains of crew and ship. It will be in partnership with other eastern Kentucky Brigade camps. The date for reinterment has been set for April 17, 2004.

Talking with the General

(Dave Chaltas)

On behalf of the camp let me express our appreciation for the job that Mark Carroll is doing to reorganize our web. He has spent countless hours and our site is once again taking shape. A special thanks goes out to Richard Brown for his fine article on the Battle of Colley. I would also like to think the Letcher County Schools for allowing us to be part of their curriculum this year. We will be on their News and Views in the near future. The State Reunion held at Georgetown went well. Resolutions were brought to the floor for approval. They will be presented to the National Reunion held in August at Ashville, N.C.. Commander Poynter was elected as East Kentucky Brigade Commander. Our camp report was well received and Commander Shelton stated it was the best presented. Commander Sparkman and Steve Bowling received a certificate of appreciation along with the Caudill Camp for their contributions in the preservation of our ancestors’ good name. Adjutant Brown, and myself represented the camp. Tim and Okie Blair provided escort along with taping the Battle of Georgetown. The reenactments are upon us and we need to get an idea of who will be participating this year. The registration forms for Leatherwood are available. See Adjutant Brown or other camp officers and fill one out during the meeting. Below is the story of an unknown Confederate soldier. We are trying to see if we can dedicate the gravesite on September 27 in conjunction with the Breaks Interstate Park Civil War days. If you are interested in representing our camp, please sign on the page provided with name, phone number and/or email address. Several camps are planning to participate in this dedication. I am working on the time schedule for the next meeting. If you have anything to post, please call me or email me. My number is 633-5559 and email address is dchaltas@letcher.k12.ky.us. This is YOUR paper and all comments and writings are greatly appreciated.

With honor, I remain your obedient servant,

The Old General

We welcome our guests and give a Rebel Yell to the newest members of the proud decedents of the men who rode with the 13th Kentucky Calvary!

Mark Carroll

William Whitaker

Unknown Confederate Soldier

By

David Chaltas and Richard G. Brown

On route 80, bordering the boundaries of Breaks Interstate Park, as you begin the ascension up the beautiful mountains of Appalachia from Kentucky into Virginia, rests a soldier only known to God. The plaque reads:

(Photo by Julie Chaltas)

Known But To God

Here rests the body of a soldier of the Confederacy, struck down by an unknown assassin in May of 1865-apparently on way to home in the South. He was buried in a coffin made of boards rived from a great oak by four men of this community. After the turn of the century, a rose bush marked this final resting-place of a soldier who is "Known but to God".

When I initially encountered the roadside marker, my Confederate American blood became saddened with a longing that I have rarely encountered. I wondered who was this individual that now walks upon the wind? I imagined the families’ broken heart as the mother sat on the porch every evening looking for her son. I could feel her anxiety whenever a person was seen walking over the horizon, as she wondered was that her boy or the bearer of tragic news. I heard the last words of the pitiful little mother and forlorn father as they wondered where their son had fallen. But I could have sworn I heard on the whisper of the wind the joy of the reunion across the shore of that great river between this world and that one that knows no sorrow. My longing has compelled my search in finding more about this man and his family in hopes that closure will be afforded one soldier "known but to God".

The families of Richard Potter, Henry Potter, George Potter, Zeke Counts and Lazarus Hunt have preserved and passed down the story of this unknown Confederate on his way home. The families were the descendants of the original settlers in the area and possessed a deep pride in their beloved Kentucky and Virginia. The story portrayed a lonely soldier in May of 1865 that stopped at the home of Richard Potter and asked for a drink of water. Mr. Potter obliged the man, as was (and still is) the custom of hospitality in Appalachia. As they talked for a few moments it was revealed that he was making his way home to Carolina (whether North or South Carolina has been lost over the years). After a period of time, the man thanked Mr. Potter and continued on his journey. Shortly George Potter, Henry Potter, Lazarus Hunt and Zeke Counts came to Richard Potter’s home stating that a Confederate soldier had been bushwhacked down the road apiece.

As was the custom of the day the body was brought to someone’s home and the ladies cleansed and prepared the corpse for burial. A watch, cap and a handkerchief were all of the man’s earthly possessions and a kindly old lady was entrusted with the watch in hopes that, "One day his family will come and you are to give them his watch when they do." One of the misfortunes of the time was that upon the kindly grandmother’s death, vandals entered her cabin looking for loot and then burnt it to the ground. Ironically the path of this heroic lady crossed the same level of low life that assassinated the unfortunate soldier trying to make it home.

The sainted ladies washed his shirt as the good Samaritans felled an oak tree to make the planks for the unfortunate man’s coffin. The funeral was attended by those that not only mourned the passing of an unknown man but the passing of the South. "The families that lived in the Flats were the mourners for this unfortunate son of the South. It is for this reason that he became one of our own. He was entrusted to us for the care and maintenance of his memory." The care of the gravesite has been passed down from generation to generation. In 1900 Harve, the son of Henry Potter planted a rose bush as a memorial to the unknown soul. On every visit that I have made to that beautiful area, I have noted that a memorial wreath, flower or flag has been placed at the location. To me this is not only a tribute to that unknown man of the South but also one to the family and descendants of those brave men and women that offered a lasting mark of respect of their character as true Confederate Americans. Lest we forget, we must honor all of the brave men and women of yesteryear. Their names and memories must be preserved.

We will never know where he served or with whom. We can only imagine that he served bravely with his pardners and was returning to the sanctuary of his home with dignity and honor. Such a tragedy to have endured the horrors of war only to be struck down by the vultures of society as he tried to make it home to his loved ones. Let us recommit our efforts and endeavors at finding the home place of this man so his spirit can finally be at rest in the sweet confines of the Carolinas.

 

 

 

 

 

Ben Caudill Camp #1629

Minutes-June 19, 2003

Meeting held at Breeding’ Electric, Isom, Kentucky

31 Members Present with 28 signing

Michael Watts, Lloyd Smith, Tim Blair, Okie Blair, David Chaltas, Danny Taylor, James Hall, David Lucas, David A. Lucas, Tim Harp, Ken Cantrell, Cody Adams, Dale Wright, Danny Wright, Mark Carroll, Richard Brown, Steve Bowling, William Whitaker, John Back, Big Tree Adams, Raymond Isaac, Atlas Hall, Jeff Hamilton, Mark Barger, Quenton Childers, David Brown, Barry Johnson, Rick Baker,

Meeting called to order

Chaplain Back offered Prayer

Pledges led by Commander Sparkman

Charge-Adjutant Brown

Introduction of guests-Lt. Commander Chaltas

Old business reviewed by Lt. Commander and approved by acclamation.

Lt. Commander Chaltas reviewed the May 2003 Newsletter.

Richard Brown recognized by My Kepi and Me series-Steve Bowling

New Business

Commander Sparkman discussed the upcoming dedications of Isaac Brashears and John Cook. Arrangements agreed upon as were to meet. Commander discussed the dedications and stated that over ½ have been done in Letcher County. He stated that 96 had been set in Breathitt County while only 6 have been dedicated. Of the 30 stones set in Morgan County to date none have been dedicated. The commander discussed a dedication for John B. Miller at Kingdom come to be held on Sunday Oct. 12th. Approved. Lt. Commander Chaltas discussed the unknown Confederate marker at Breaks Interstate Park. An article regarding the gravesite story will be presented in the July edition of the newsletter. Atlas Hall discussed a dedication in Knott County for Harrison Hall on Puncheon fork on July 20th at 3:00. The camp by consensus stated representatives would be there. Battle of Leatherwood discussed and the agenda is featured in the June edition of the paper. Camp member Mark Barger pledged $500.00 toward the camp reenactment needs. A certificate of appreciation will be given. The Battle of Whitesburg was discussed and the concept of having a dedication to Colonel Sayler on that date prior to the battle was approved. A discussion on having a camp drummer was discussed and Cody Adams was given the honor. Lt. Commander Chaltas will assist in teaching him the rudiments and be in charge of the drum. The newly discovered Battle of Cliff Mill was briefly discussed. An articled is forthcoming. Okie and Tim Blair will accompany adjutant Brown and Lt. Commander Chaltas to the State SCV Reunion at Georgetown. Commander Sparkman discussed the rediscovery of the actual battle site of the Battle of Mt. Sterling. It is 1 block off Main Street with approximately 72 gravesites. Our camp to date has marked four. The camp voted to place a sign there marking the June 1864 last raid of General John Hunt Morgan. Article will be written. Barry Johnson brought to the floor the idea of having a dedication in the fall of 2004 during Court Days. Motion second and passed unanimously. The raising of funds discussed. A rebel quilt with curtains will be raffled off with tickets running $2 @ or 3 for $5.00. An auction or yard sale was discussed. The concept of T-shirts, Caudill flag license plates and/or small flags were explored. Steve Bowling found a new member of Colonel Caudill’s Army. He was Pvt. James Hibbard that rode with D. J Caudill’s company. He was a black man (slave) that chose to fight on the side of the south. His petition for pension substantiated his enrollment. He is buried in Virginia.

Dismissed by Prayer-Chaplain Back

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colonel Ben Caudill Camp #1629

July 2003

Agenda

Call meeting to order-Sgt of Arms Brock

Prayer-Chaplain Back

Pledge-Dale Wright

Confederate Flag-Commander Sparkman

The Charge Adjutant Brown

Welcome and recognition of guests

Reading/Approval of Minutes

Commander’s Comments

Brigade News

Reading of Newsletter

Battle of Leatherwood/Whitesburg Update-

Drill Practice for those interested in Reenacting

STONE STORIES-Commander Sparkman

New Business (Open floor)

Setting up Camp Sutler Tent-supplies

Camp Concerns

Fund Raisers-Auction/Yard Sale/Tshirts/license plates/

Recruiting (67 paid dues)

Presentation of the Battle of Whitesburg-Adjutant Brown

Adjourn via Prayer

Raffle/Drawings*