http://www.bencaudill.com
An empty chair now and forevermore shall sit at our table in remembrance of those that have gone before.
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 Cavalry!
Lonnie Miller
Randall Haddax
Robert Bates
To date we have set 696 memorial markers and held over 147 dedications. This is quite an achievement for the cause. Also, please check out our website, go to the staff journal and note the events of the year. Reflecting back one can see just how busy we have been and how much we have accomplished in less than a year. Note that the website has many new additions including a subtler store where you can advertise your items that you no longer want or need, plus you can advertise for items needed. Simply send your request to our Website Quarter Master, Mark Carroll. Let us remember the sign dedication and Eastern Kentucky Brigade meeting on 11/20 and make it a maximum effort for the camp. From Campton go east on 191 to Hazel Green (10+ miles), turn left on 1010 and proceed 1.8 miles to Soldiery’s Cemetery. The time is 11:00 Commander Sparkman
As we get ready for the Thanksgiving season let us reflect for a brief moment on the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. We are now a recognized force within the committee, state and nation. We have diversified to the point that we have story tellers, stone setters, education programs in schools, reenactors, presentations in Civic Organization, have affiliations with such groups as the East Kentucky Blacksmith Association, 5th Kentucky, Southern Guard, 13th Kentucky Reenactment group under the wondrous 10th Kentucky Cavalry Brigade (Colonel Robinson commanding), Ladies Aid Society and Daughters. We host dedications, place markers of historical significance and much more. We have truly been given much to be thankful for but with that comes the responsibility of continuing our growth. With that comes sacrifice and a recommitment by all to do the best to achieve our great commission and charge of telling the truth in the preservation of our ancestors’ good name. We shall continue to do so with God’s guidance, as we grow spiritually in the realization that this is a mission sanctioned by an Almighty God. Secretary/Treasurer Taylor is requesting that our camp support a special dedication to honor his ancestor, John D. Mallicoat (1SGT 37th Tennessee, Co. K). The date is 12/11 at 11:00. See him for details. I met with the Jenkins City Council on the recommendation of putting the memorial on the apex of the mountain (up the road to Pickett’s Rock/Raven Rock} where the rails and concrete slab is located. They were receptive, voting to seek an amendment to the easement for us to go ahead in placing the memorial as soon as possible. On one side a person can see the vista of Virginia and on the other the beautiful mountains of Kentucky. It is the best location on the mountain and we must ALL work in developing the site for tourism. Ideas welcome! This year at Saltville, Leatherwood and again at Ft. Dickerson (Knoxville, TN) the reenactors honored the Caudill Camp by selecting the white cross with a blue background to be the battle flag during the event. Seeing it snap briskly in the sharpness of the wind that charged across the crest of the hill brought chills and tears of gratitude to this ole general. What an honor to see our flag so revered and respected in the reeanactment world that was selected as the battle flag on 3 different occasions. News of our camp is spreading more each day, for we are keeping the Charge and have sacred principles to maintain. The Old General
My Kepi and 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 Manon Dale Wright! He is the son of Denton and Leora (Webb) Wright of Mayking, Kentucky. Dale lives at Isom, Kentucky. He is married to Mrs. Cindy Wright. He has 2 daughters (Elizabeth and Angie) and 4 grandsons that keep him busy! He is the brother to fellow camp members, Danny Lee Wright. He works at the Whitesburg ARH in the maintenance department as a plant-operating engineer. He has worked for ARH for approximately 30 years. He entered our camp as a great-great grandson of Isham Gibson of the 13th Kentucky Cavalry. The Colonel Benjamin Caudill Camp has set a Confederate tombstone in his honor.
He enjoys reenacting, having attended several events this year including but limited to Saltville, Barbourville, Whitesburg, Leatherwood, Franklin, and he participated in the Charleston Hunley Event. He was recently elected Corporal with the 5th KY. Co. D & F. He has completed 2+ School of the Soldier and he is also an alternate on the executive committee of the 5th Kentucky.
Dale is a one of the most likeable individuals you will ever meet and is extremely easy going. He is man of integrity, and high values. He is very generous and is always willing to offer a helping hand to all. We all were blessed when he and his wife joined our family as a member as well as a brother reenactor. He is a true southern gentleman and we are honored to have this man as a brother. Ladies and gentlemen let us tip our kepis and give up a hardy Rebel yell for our brother and sister: Dale and Cindy Wright!
As of 11/1, our camp had 83 members that had either just signed up or renewed their membership. This is down from the 103 members that we had until that date. I would encourage you to ask anyone that has not paid their dues to do so, as well as, recruit new members. I also would like to thank all of the camp members that participated or supported the re-enactment of the Battle of Leatherwood. Our camp was well represented in all aspects of the weekend, whether re-enacting, blacksmithing, living history or working the camp’s booth. We had several members that showed their support as well by coming to watch and encourage the other participants. Hopefully, the success of the re-enactment will continue. We need to decide when & where that we will have our Christmas Dinner at this meeting. Tim Breeding contacted me & said that the Camp could use the large room at Isom where we have held it before. The people that lease the building require $50 for the use, but Tim said he would pay the cost. Other sites suggested were the Hemphill Community Center, West Whitesburg School & the Whitesburg Library. Our meeting date is 12/16. We have also been invited to participate in at least three parades. This Friday at Hazard, our camp commander, Faron Sparkman, will be the Grand Marshall of the Hazard Parade. The Yankee re-enactors will be marching as well. Let us try to outnumber them. On 12/4, we have been invited to march as an honor guard at Mt. Vernon for a Confederate Memorial Ceremony. The honor guard will shoot over several Confederate soldier graves. They will then be treated to a free meal at a local restaurant. Contact Less Williamson of the Arthur Camp for details. On 12/18, we have been invited to march in the Christmas Parade at Fleming Neon at 6:00 P.M. Anyone participating should meet at the Florist where the nice lady has offered to supply home made candy and drinks to all the participants. Please see Kenny Canntrell for further information. Adjutant Brown
The Thanksgiving season is upon us once more. And what a year it has been for us to give thanks! The Caudill Camp continues to grow both in member numbers and stones set. Our reenacting endeavors have also garnered much success. Our association with the 5th Ky has been a blessing both to our camp and to myself. I would like to remind you one and all to also remember the grace of Jesus Christ that has made it possible for us to be able to experience these things. I personally am Thankful for the opportunity that I have been given to both write and speak the words of Life to both the Ben Caudill Camp and the 5th Ky. These are honors for which I give my Lord and Savior all the Honor and Glory. I pray that the Lord visits the most wonderful Blessings on all my Comrades. Happy Thanksgiving and Deo Vindicie Deo Vindice (Chaplain Back/Chaltas)