From the Logan Banner and Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, come these stories of Confederate reunions in Logan County, WV:
Logan Wildcats Reunion, Chapmanville, WV, 1900.
Confederate Reunion
The old Confederate soldiers will hold their semi-annual reunion at Chapmansville next Saturday. A good time will be had by all who attend.
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 1 June 1911.
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OLD SOLDIERS MEET
Members of Camp Straton U.C.V. Hold Reunion at Chapmansville
EDITOR DEMOCRAT: The Confederate veterans of Camp Straton met at Chapmansville on last Saturday in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of their enlistment in the cause of the Southern Confederacy. They were met and greeted by Daniel Smoot and several others from our sister county of Boone, and Robert Lewis of Lincoln county. J.W. Harvey was also present. M.L. Campbell of the Soldier’s Home, at Richmond, Va., enjoyed the pleasure and opportunity on this memorable occasion to once more greet his old comrades of the Lost Cause.
They met, shook hands and greeted each other, and at times the writer could detect the tears in the eyes of these old veterans, which showed the true spirit of these old comrades as they talked of the days when they followed Lee and Jackson, Johnson and Longstreet and others of their immortal leaders in the battles of Gettysburg, Bull Run, Piedmont, Manassas Junction and many other of those famous battles which today stand in history as sentinels of one of the bloodiest and hardest fought wars in the history not only of this nation but of the world.
After forming line and roll call, to which there were comparatively so few to answer, they once more marched the streets of Chapmansville, where just fifty years before to a day they marched when full of life and vigor. But now their bent forms and halting steps mark most sadly the passing of time.
In Federal burying grounds alone, 359,284 soldiers lie, while countless thousands have been buried in plots at home. On the Confederate side doubtless as many more may be counted. What a pitiful sacrifice of blood, the young and strong and brave blood of the nation. Doubtless war stirs certain feelings and virtues into action that otherwise would lie dormant. Perhaps it settles certain questions not otherwise easily adjusted. But it is hard to think that an intelligent Christian nation should ever need to resort to it.
When the noon hour came the veterans marched to the home of Mr. John Ferrell, where refreshments and a fine dinner was served. They then marched to the center of the village, formed a hollow square and held a brief business session.
A committee of three was appointed to draft suitable resolutions to the memory of their deceased comrades. Hon. J.B. Wilkinson, C.E. Whitman and W.F. Butcher were appointed on this committee.
A committee of two was appointed to gather the names of the sons of all the veterans in Camp Straton, said list to be submitted at the next reunion, at which time they expect to organize the Sons of Veterans. C.E. Whitman of Logan and R.L. Stone of Big Creek were appointed on this committee.
A clerk was also appointed to keep the record of the Camp.
It was also suggested that the commandant get in communication with the Daughters of the Confederacy, and secure a cross of honor for each veteran of the Camp, which cross of honor is to be handed down to the oldest son as a souvenir.
After the business session, prayer was offered by Chaplain W.D. Garrett.
The people were entertained for some time by short and breezy speeches by the veterans and their sons, which were very much applauded and enjoyed by all.
We then enjoyed the song of the starting of the Logan volunteers, June 3, 1861, by the wife of a veteran.
The meeting then adjourned to meet at Logan on Saturday, October 7, 1911.
The following veterans were present at roll call:
William H. Ellis
J.E. Acord
T.B. Farley
J.K. McNeeley
N.B. Barker
Simpson Ellis
J.E. Thompson
J.C. Chapman
George Bryant
J.H. Allen
John Wallen
Obadiah Workman
John G. Jeffrey
J.W. Harvey
M.L. Campbell
J.I. Dingess
J.S. Miller
M.D. Stone
David Hale
Hiram Pridemore
William Nelson
J.W. Blevins
Calvin Bias
Francis Collins
David Workman
L.D. Stollings
W.D. Garrett
L.D. Perry
Albert McNeeley
Henry Mitchell
John W. Holdron
Sol Adams
B.F. Curry
David K. White
Harrison White
Isaac McNeeley
Bolivar McDonald
John W. Neece
Greene Thompson
F.B. McDonald
W. Farmer
W.D. McNeeley
Anthony Bryant
Alvis Hall
Reuben White
F.S. Vickers
William White
J.B. Lowe
Patterson Dingess
W.H. Whitman
Daniel J. Smoot
Fulton D. Ferrell
Astynax McDonald
T.C. Conley
Beverley Spencer
George R. Scaggs
Respectfully submitted,
Charles E. Whitman
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 8 June 1911
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Confederate Reunion
Camp Straton of the Confederate veterans met in this city October 23, 1911, and had dinner at the Buskirk and Peck Hotels as the guests of Judge Wilkinson and Mrs. Vicie Nighbert.
The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by M.D. Stone, Commandant, and George Scaggs was elected to the office of Third Lieutenant. Motion carried unanimously to meet hereafter on the fourth Tuesday in September, and Logan was chosen as the place for the next meeting.
Judge Wilkinson delivered an able address at the close of the business meeting and suggested organizing a camp of Sons of Veterans, a meeting for which purpose has been called for Saturday, Nov. 4th, at 1:30 p.m., at the court house.
United States Senator William E. Chilton then delivered a very interesting address which was received with great enthusiasm.
After a vote of thanks by the Company to Judge Wilkinson and Mrs. Nighbert for their hospitality the meeting was adjourned.
Eighty-three members of the Camp were present. The following is the roster of Camp Straton, Oct. 23, 1911:
M.D. Stone, Commandant.
Astyanax McDonald, First Lieut.
Jas. I. Dingess, Second Lieut.
Geo. Scaggs, Third Lieut.
Hugh Avis, Orderly Sergeant.
Jas. R. Henderson, Adjutant.
W.D. Garrett, Chaplin.
Jas. Allen, Assistant Chaplin.
Privates
Isaac McNeeley
William C. Lucas
L.D. Perry,
F.M. Collins
Hiram Pridemore
Marion McCoy
Boss Mangus
M.A. Doss
Anse Hatfield
E.J. Stone
Ben Curry
R.F. Hager
F.D. Ferrell
Noah Barker
Simpson Ellis
John Dempsey
David Hicks
Beverly Spencer
Jas. C. Varney
John A. Lawson
Dave White
Alvin Hall
Joe Lowe
Henry C. Runyon
David Hale
Jas. Marcum
Christopher Davis
Joseph Evans
Lewis Brewster
Joseph Wm. Spence
C.A. Staten
Wm. D. Nelson
Joe A. Counts
Richard McCallister
Allen J. Sheppard
Moses D. Tiller
J.A. Ellis
J.K. McNeely
Hubbard Williams
Rush Floyd
Anthony Bryant
W.H. Whitman
M.A. Robinson
E.S. Vickers
Levi Lowe
I.G. Berry
Bolliver McDonald
A.J. Perry
Wm. L. Stollings
J.A. Chapman
N.B. Sanders
Wesley Reed
Henry Mitchell
John Thompson
Gord Riffe
Floyd S. Barker
N.B. Moberly
Wm. N. Stone
S.P. Vernatter
J.W. Martin
Jalin White
Green Thompson
J.W. Dempsey
L.D. Stone
All veterans not registered will please send name and address to T.B. Stone, Kitchen, W.Va.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 26 October 1911.
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Camp Straton
Names of living Confederate veterans, who served continuously for four years and who are now members of Camp Straton of Logan, West Virginia:
OFFICERS
M.D. Stone, Commandant, Kitchen, W.Va.
Astyanax McDonald, First Lieutenant, Logan, W.Va.
James I. Dingess, Second Lieutenant, Pecks Mill, W.Va.
Geo. Scaggs, Third Lieutenant, Curry, W.Va.
F.S. Barker, Treasurer, Curry, W.Va.
David Hale, color bearer, City.
Hiram Pridemore, color bearer, City.
PRIVATES
L.D. Stollings, Shively, W.Va.
James Blevins, Curry, W.Va.
L.D. Perry, Chapmanville, W.Va.
Hubbard Williams, Logan, W.Va.
William Cary, Logan, W.Va.
Allen Hale, East Lynn, W.Va.
Hiram Burgess, Rolfe, W.Va.
Guy Lawson, Foley, W.Va.
M.A. Doss, Man, W.Va.
Thos. B. Farley, Bias, W.Va.
Moses Tiller, Music, W.Va.
Lewis Cary, Williamson, W.Va.
R.F. Hager, Breading, W.Va.
Andy Lee, Logan, W.Va.
John Messer, Breading, W.Va.
John A. Thompson, Chapmanville, W.Va.
Geo. Crump, member Camp Garnett, Huntington, W.Va.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 2 November 1911
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Confederate Reunion
To Confederate Veterans, Camp Straton:
The next reunion of the members of said Camp will be held at Logan C.H. on Tuesday, September 17th, 1912, at 11 o’clock a.m. The presence of each member is requested.
M.D. Stone, Commandant
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 29 August 1912.
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Notice
To Members Camp Logan Wild Cats:
You are requested to meet at Logan C.H. at 10 o’clock Saturday, September 14th, 1912 to prepare for the reunion of Confederate veterans of Camp Straton to be held the following Tuesday. It is desirable to increase our membership on that day as much as possible. Anyone desiring to become a member of our camp come or send in your name. We want to give the old soldiers a hearty welcome and cordial greeting.
A.W. McDonald,
Commandant
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 29 August 1912.
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Confederate Reunion
To Confederate Veterans, Camp Straton:
The next reunion of the members of said Camp will be held at Logan C.H., on Tuesday, September 17th, 1912, at 11 o’clock a.m. The presence of each member is requested.
M.D. Stone,
Commandant
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 5 September 1912.
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Confederate Reunion
Camp Stratton, No. 1633, United Confederate Veterans, met in the City of Logan, Tuesday, September 19th, according to arrangements made at their last meeting, October 23, 1911, making the third Tuesday in September of each ensuing year the regular meeting day at Logan.
The veterans coming east were met at the depot on the arrival of train No. 150 by the veterans already assembled, accompanied by the Logan and Holden bands.
Hon. J.B. Wilkinson announced that arrangements had been made for the veterans to march to the skating rink, where the business session would be held, after which dinner would be served to all veterans at the hotels Jefferson and Buskirk, complimentary tickets having been given to confederates and their wives and daughters present.
The meeting adjourned to meet at 12:30 p.m. at the court house where the Sons of Veterans and the teachers and pupils of the Logan Public Schools fell in line and marched through the business section of the city. The entire procession again marched to the skating rink and was ably entertained for a short time by Hon. J.B. Wilkinson, who in turn introduced Brig. Gen. Wayne B. Ferguson of the 2nd Division of West Virginia, U.C.V., who after delivering an interesting address introduced the Hon. Thos. H. Harvey of Huntington. Amid great applause, Judge Harvey recalled the story days of the Sixties and as a closing remark to his comrades, who must soon follow the great leader, quoted Jackson, “Let us pass over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.” Col. J.R. Miller, a “rebel” from the “Southland” was next introduced by Judge Wilkinson, who remarked that “the best of the reunion was now coming.” Col. Miller delivered an able and interesting address lasting 45 minutes, which was enjoyed by all present.
On motion Comrades Hugh Avis, Andy Perry, Simpson Ellis, Henry Mitchell and Thos. H. Harvey were selected as delegates to represent Camp Straton at the annual reunion in Moorefield, Hardy county, W.Va., October 9, 1912.
On motion Col. J.R. Miller, Hon. Thomas H. Harvey and Gen. Wayne B. Ferguson were made honorary members of this camp.
Mrs. J.E. Robertson and Mrs. Lou G. Buffington were unanimously extended a vote of thanks for their untiring efforts in securing … mandant, a vote of thanks was given to all visiting members, also all Sons of Veterans and Daughters United Confederacy.
After a vote of thanks by the Company to Judge Wilkinson and Mrs. Nighbert for their kind hospitality the meeting adjourned to meet at Logan, September 16th, 1913.
The roster of Camp Straton No. 1633 on September 17th, 1912 is as follows:
M.D. Stone, Commandant
Astynanyx McDonald, First lieutenant
James I. Dingess, Second lieutenant
Geo. Scaggs, Third lieutenant
Hugh Avis, Orderly Sergeant
James R. Henderson, Adjutant
W.D. Garrett, Chaplain
Jas. Allen, Asst. chaplain
Privates:
Isaac McNeely
David Hale
Wm. C. Lucas
Joseph Evans
L.D. Berry
James Marcum
F.M. Collins
Lewis Brewster
Hiram Pridemore
Jos. Wm. Spence
C.A. Staten
Marion McCoy
Boss Mangus
Wm. D. Nelson
M.A. Doss
Joe Accords
Hiram Burgess
Richard McCallister
John R. McCoy
Allen J. Sheppard
Anse Hatfield
Moses D. Tiller
E.J. Stone
J.A. Ellis
Ben Curry
W.E. Cary
Riley F. Hager
J.K. McNeely
F.D. Ferrell
Hubbard Williams
Noah Barker
Rush Floyd
Simpson Ellis
Anthony Bryant
John Dempsey
W.H. Whitman
David Hicks
M.A. Robinson
Beverlly Spencer
F.S. Vickers
Jas. C. Varney
Levi Lowe
John A. Lawson
I.G. Berry
Dave White
Boliver McDonald
A.J. Perry
Alvin Hall
Joe Lowe
J.C. Chapman
Wm. L. Stollings
H.C. Runyon
Christopher Davis
N.B. Sanders
Wesley Reed
Floyd S. Barker
Henry Mitchell
W.B. Moberly
John Thompson
Wm. N. Stone
Gordon Riffe
S.P. Vernatter
J.W. Martin
Green Thompson
John White
J.W. Dempsey
L.D. Starr
Anse Farley
W.E. Carey
T.B. Farley
John Messer
Joseph Mitchell
Harmon White
Harrison White
Luke Curry
J.W. Blevins
L.D. Stollings
Gord F. Lilly
John Wallen
H.H. Ray
Obed Workman
Calvin Bias
Mat Pauley
William H. Ellis
Reuben P. White
J.S. Miller
Andy Lee
George Crump
John W. Haldron
Wm. Blackburn
Thos. H. Harvey
L.D. Chambers
Aaron Adkins
Giles Davis
J.R. Miller
Wayne B. Ferguson
Making a total of 91, 81 of which were present today against 83 last year.
If any member desires to have his name enrolled in the records of Camp Straton, send name and address to T.B. Stone, Secretary, Camp Straton, Kitchen, W.Va.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 19 September 1912.
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Notice
To The Sons of Veterans:
The Sons of Veterans will meet in Logan on the first day of the October term of Court. All members are requested to be present.
Don Chafin.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 3 October 1912.
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Confederate Reunion
Veterans of Camp Straton.
You are hereby requested to attend our annual reunion at Logan C.H. on Tuesday, September 16th at 2 o’clock p.m. for the transaction of important business.
Program of exercises will be given out in due time.
M.D. Stone, Commander
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 5 September 1913.
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NOTICE
To the Officers and Members of Camp Stratton, No. 1633, U.C.V.
You are hereby notified that a meeting will be held at the Courthouse at Logan, at 2 o’clock, P.M., on April 30th, 1914, for the purpose of selecting delegates to attend the reunion at Jacksonville, Fla., May 6, 7, and 8th, 1914, and to attend to such other business as may come before the Camp.
Our Camp is entitled to three delegates and three alternates.
Your fraternally,
M.D. Stone, Commandant
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 10 April 1914; 24 April 1914.
Brandon Ray Kirk 