Jeff Davis Legion Summer 2015

7/23/2019 Jeff Davis Legion Summer 2015

1/9

COMMANDERS LETTER | SCULPTOR PROFILE | DEATH OF ANTHONY HERVEY | FALL MUST

SUMMER 2015

JEFFDAVIS

LEGION

The

Mississippi Monument at Shiloh will help generations learnabout the states sacrifice for Southern independence.

ONE FOR

THE AGES


2/9

To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the Cause for which we fought. To your strength

will be given the defense of the Confederate soldiers good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues,

the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and

which you also cherish. Remember, it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations.

The Ofcial Publication of theMississippi DivisionSons of Confederate Veterans

Summer 2015

Refer all copy to:Jeff Davis LegionP.O. Box 1217Oxford, MS 38655-1217

2 JEFF DAVIS LEGION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI DIVISION SCV

The

JEFFDAVISLEGION

Published quarterly in the interest ofConfederate associations and kindredtopics.Division website: MississippiSCV.org

DIVISION COMMANDERLouis P. [email protected]

EDITOR, THE JEFF DAVIS LEGIONJon [email protected](662)801-7295

The Jeff Davis Legionis published fourtimes per year by the Mississippi DivisionSons of Confederate Veterans as a serviceto our members. The articles, photographs,or content of The Jeff Davis Legionmay

not be reproduced without the consent ofthe editor-in-chief. The opinions expressedby the authors of signed articles reect

the personal views of the writers and arenot necessarily a statement of MississippiDivision Sons of Confederate Veteranspolicy. The Jeff Davis Legionreserves theright to accept or reject content.

Delivery problems and changes of addressshould be directed to Division Headquarterssince all mailing records are kept by theadjutant-in-chief.

Mississippi Division SCV205 Cypress StreetLeland, MS 38756-3108

* On the cover: Maquette of theMississippi Monument at Shiloh. Photo by

John Cox.

2015 Mississippi Division Sons

of Confederate Veterans

A lot of things have happened since our annual convention in Columbus.On June 17, we had the unspeakable tragedy which took place inCharleston, S.C. We were caught off guard and not prepared to be attackedfrom the media and other enemies. We are now on the offensive and readyto battle to save our flags and Southern culture.Stand fast, Mississippians!On July 19 we lost a great friend in Anthony

Hervey. He was a great crusader for ourConfederate Battle and Mississippi State flags. Iwould like to thank everyone who attended thefuneral in Herveys hometown of Oxford. We hada large turnout to show our respect and honor thisConfederate supporter.

On October 10 we will honor our Confederatesoldiers who fought and died on the elds ofShiloh. The erection and dedication of theMississippi monument at Shiloh is a greatwatermark in our time never to be forgotten. Thecolor guard for the dedication will be the 155thInfantry Regiment, formerly the Mississippi Rifles. This group fought underJefferson Davis in Mexico, and their Stand fast motto is still in use today.For the Mississippi Confederates who fought at Shiloh, their cause can neverbe erased by time.

We as the SCV should make every effort to be at the Shiloh ceremonyto honor the fallen. I hope we will act like Southern gentlemen. Weneed to present ourselves honorably and above reproach as representingan organization of descendants of those Mississippians who sacriced so

unselshly on that sacred soil.In closing, I look forward to meeting you at Shiloh. The Mississippi Divisionhas waited for a long time for this ceremony. Lets make it one to remember. Also, Beauvoir will be hosting Fall Muster Oct. 17-18. One of thefestivities on Friday night will be the chartering of the divisions newestcamp, Shieldsboro Rifles Camp #2263.

Long live the South,

Louis P. FoleyCommander, Mississippi Division SCV

Never be erased


3/9SUMMER 2015 JEFF DAVIS LEGION 3

Shiloh Dedication

Frequently Asked Questions

Shortly after Shiloh National Military Park was established in 1984, states began erecting markers andmonuments on the battleeld to honor the memory and service of their troops engaged at Shiloh. Althoughthe Shiloh Battleeld Commission originally planned to dedicate the park after a majority of the states hadcompleted the erection of state memorials and regimental markers, they soon realized that several yearswould pass before monumentation would be completed. Consequently, states have been allowed to conductindividual ceremonies whenever their battleeld memorials were erected.

Q. How many monuments are on the eld at Shiloh?A. There are more than 800 monuments and markers, and 227 cannons on the lands within Shiloh NationalMilitary Park.

Q. How many states have monuments?A. Of the 19 states that had troops present at Shiloh, 15 have monuments on the eld. With the addition ofMississippi, there will be 16 states represented.

Q. When was the last dedication of a monument?A. The Tennessee State Monument was dedicated in 2005. The rst monuments were dedicated in 1902 by thestate of Ohio (34 regimental markers).

Q. What time does the Mississippi Monument dedication ceremony start?A. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. CDT and will run about 1 hour.

Q. Where will the ceremony be held?A. The ceremony will be held at Rhea Field (see attached site map). In case of inclement weather, anabbreviated ceremony will be held in the park Visitor Center auditorium.

Q. Where may I park?A. Rangers will direct visitors to park along the road shoulder beginning at the Raith Mortuary Monument andcontinuing southward on Corinth Road. Parking will continue onto Reconnoitering Road if needed. Overflowparking will be in Wolff Field near the Raith marker.

I told everybody that Im not going to quit on this memorial projectif it takes 20 years and now its happening, thank goodness.It really ew by, and it happened quicker than I ever thought itwould. After seeing them put the bronze soldiers on last week,Im really proud of what a nice monument were going to havededicated to the Mississippians that fought and lost their lives up

there. Buddy Ellis, Monument Advisory Committee Member

Dedication of theMississippi Monument at Shiloh

Date: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015

Time: 11:00 a.m.Location: Rhea Field, Shiloh National Military Park

TURN TOQ&A, 4


4/94 JEFF DAVIS LEGION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI DIVISION SCV

Q. I have a Disabled Plate/Placard. Will I be able to park near the site?A. There will be 15 reserved spaces for disabled parking near the site, available on a rst-come/rst-servedbasis. In addition, those with a valid placard will be able to drop off attendees at the site until 10:45 a.m., butthen must park in general parking.

Q. I plan to bring my motorcycle. Where can I park?A. Parking is primarily on the road shoulders, but if desired motorcycles may park in the overflow area atWolff Field, which is relatively flat. Motorcyclists should plan to bring whatever is needed for propping theirbike.

Q. Will transportation be available?A. Shuttle buses will be running within the park to bring people to the site from the parking areas, and willalso run after the event back to parking areas. Attendees may walk if they desire.

Q. How far is the walk from the Raith marker to the event site?

A. About .7 mile. The furthest parking area will be about 1 mile away from the event site.

Q. Will seating be available at the event?A. There will be 200 seats, available on a rst-come/rst-served basis, with some seats reserved for dignitariesand disabled. Remainder of the area is standing-room, but attendees may bring lawn chairs if desired. Incase of inclement weather, an abbreviated ceremony will be held in the park Visitor Center auditorium, withattendance limited to about 150 people.

Q. Are restrooms available?A. There will be porta-pots at the event site and at the parking areas.

Q. Is water available?

A. The Sons of Confederate Veterans have arranged for a limited amount of bottled water to be available atthe event site. We suggest that attendees bring their own water.

Q. I want to wear 1860s period attire. Is that OK?A. Attendees are free to dress in period attire if desired. Through the years, dedications of the monumentsat Shiloh have been a time for solemn reflection and respectful memorialization, with those in attendancedressed in their nest attire.

Q. I would like to bring my replica weapon. Is that OK?A. Yes, however it is not recommended and there are restrictions. We anticipate a large crowd and bringinga weapon will likely contribute to an unsafe environment. If an attendee brings a replica weapon, prior toentering the event area, the weapon must pass a safety inspection. The inspection must be completed by a

Historic Weapons Supervisor.

Q. What are the restrictions related to replica weapons?A. Live ammunition, black powder, etc. will not be allowed in the park. Additionally, all replica swords,bayonets, etc. must remain in their scabbards at all times. A ranger may ask you to leave the park if you donot comply with these rules.

Q. I would like to display a flag. Is that OK?A. Yes. In order to provide a clear view of the ceremony for all, we ask that attendees only bring small hand-held flags. If an attendee brings a large flag or pole, they will be asked to stand in the rear of the area so asnot to block the view of others.

Q&AFROM PAGE 3

JDL


5/9SUMMER 2015 JEFF DAVIS LEGION 5

BROOKHAVEN Kim Sessumsand his son Jake Sessums workin a room of giants. Three eight-foot Confederate soldiers towerover the men as they form andshape clay around the giantbodies.

Kim and Jake are workingto capture the spirit of

Mississippians in the Civil War,specically those who foughtin the Battle of Shiloh, a taskso monumental it would dwarfmany artists.

On April 6, 1862, Confederatesoldiers stormed federal troopscamped around Shiloh hill. Thebloody battle, which would leadto the control of the railroadjunction in Corinth, lasted twodays at the cost of 23,746 menwho were killed, wounded ormissing; 1,728 of them wereMississippians. This was thelargest battle in the MississippiValley campaign.

In the sculpture, threeConfederate soldiers proudlycarry their flag into the battle.The color bearer is hit by abullet and begins to fall as theflanking color guards reachfor the flag and offer supportto their fallen comrade. Kim

Sessums captures the momentof recoil and heroism.

This grouping would seek tobe an action composition, theColor representing all that thesoldiers are ghting for and thusmust not fall or be lost, hewrote in his artists proposal forthe project. At the falling ofthe Color Bearer, the guards andtheir comrades are remindedin an instant of their reason tobe in the midst of all the deathand destruction around them ...duty and honor to push forwardto victory or death.

Kim Sessums begins everysculpture with research. Thecounters in his studio are linedwith Civil War history books andnarratives he references withevery detail, which results in asculpture meticulously true tothe period. He said each detailwill become a conversationpiece for Civil War buffsbecause of the accuracy.

Sessums has modeled histhree soldiers after the sixthMississippi regiment with aHardee pattern flag. Everyminute detail is historicallyaccurate, from the button on asoldiers satchel to the bridle

pike cutter atop the flagpole.To properly represent thephysicality of the gures in apose, Kim had three men actout the scene as he took photosto study the exact muscularsystems of each performer.

All the elements areimplemented to give an overall

narrative, Sessums said.Although everything is

historically accurate, he said theactual men are ctional and, bydoing this, the piece does notreflect any individual; it reflectsMississippi Confederate soldiersas a whole. He is representingthe anonymous Confederatesoldiers who lost their livesstruggling in the ultimatesacricial way for a cause.

Unlike the majority of hiswork, Sessums competedfor the chance to erectthe monument in honor ofMississippi soldiers at the ShilohNational Military Park. Since thefounding of the park in 1894,there have been monumentsfor Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois,Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan,Missouri, Texas and Wisconsin.Sessums sculpture will join as

Father, son sculpt

Mississippi monument

TURN TOSCULPTOR, 6


6/96 JEFF DAVIS LEGION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI DIVISION SCV

the tribute to Mississippi.As an artist you go to these

national parks to see the greatturn of 20th Century gurativesculptures, he said. Noteveryone can be there; piecesthere last forever.

This will be the fthmonumental statue constructedby the artist. Previous onesinclude a tribute to blacktroops at the Vicksburg NationalMilitary Park and the six-footstatue of the legendary footballcoach John Vaught on the

University of Mississippi campus.However, this is the rst timehis son has been involved in theprocess.

Ive really enjoyed it, seeingthe beginning and seeing it as itcomes together, said Jake. Inever thought about what wentinto these works. I thought itwas something he could justdo.

Jake has been doing themajority of the manual labor

involved in working with thegiants, while also witnessing theprocess of how his father worksin the studio.

Im giving him the assistancehe needs to nish in a timelyfashion, said Jake. Imworking harder than I normallywould because this is part ofmy history, too, and I want toadd to it. I learn as much as Ican when I can.

Kim and Jake are about vemonths into the sculptingprocess, not including the threemonths Kim spent researching.

The deadline for completion isApril 6, when it will be unveiledat Shiloh on the battles 153rdanniversary. The preparationincludes six months at thebronze foundry.

Currently, the two men areadding and sculpting clayaround the giant armature.

They are using small loop tools,knives and brushes to carveevery detail, perfect every fold,crease and line, and to give asubtle texture to the piece thatadds another dimension to thework.

The big projects are morecomplicated to maintain theintegrity of design, saidKim. It needs to look likeit was created, scored andpatina applied by the sameartists hand. I dont want aninconsistent design. He addedthat its a balance to have bothpersonalities in the piece butwith the same intentions.

Sculpture is not Kims only

artistic passion. He is also atalented two-dimensional artist,who utilizes several media tocreate gurative works.

Kim is also a local full-timeOB/GYN for the Brookhavencommunity at Kings DaughtersMedical Center. He has beenpracticing medicine for 25years and has a passion for themedical eld as well his art.

Throughout his medicalcareer, he has never stopped

creating art.Kim said he has gotten his

brain to work in small amountsof time. Its not easy for him tond six-hour increments to workon his sculpture projects, butall those 45-minute sessions addup over time.

He lives a life of no wastedtime, Jake said.

The two men will continuetheir sculpting work on theConfederate giants until its

time to send them to thefoundry, where the work willbe bronze cast in 18 sectionsand reassembled as a whole.The monument will nd its nalresting place with fallen soldiersat Shiloh National Park.

By Katie Williamson | Daily

Leader. Originally published July

18, 2014. Courtesy: Daily Leader

SculptorFROM PAGE 5

Photo credits: Buddy Ellis and Larry McDaniel.

JDL


7/9

Division Camp News

SUMMER 2015 JEFF DAVIS LEGION

Mississippi Division Commander Louis Foley has tasked Joe Abbott with the responsibly of serving

as co-chairman of the Heritage Committee. Jason Blaney is the committees other co-chair.

This has given me my second wind, and I pledge to you my fellow compatriots to give you 100percent and do the best job I can, said Abbott, of Summit, Miss. Our ancestors fought, bled anddied on those far away battleelds; some not so far away. Surely we cannow stand and do battle with these liberals of today. If we dont we willlose more than a flag ght. This attack on our ancestors must not beallowed to stand. Believe me it is so much more than a flag ght.

Abbott recently announced a Jan. 19, 2016 flag rally on the southsteps and grounds of the State Capitol. The event will last from 8:30a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and is being billed as High Noon; a rally to sup-

port the Mississippi State flag of 1894. A large turnout is needed if theSCV expects to influence the legislature.

We need volunteers. I have asked for and received the backing ofthe Mississippi Division. We need to involve as many groups as possible.

We need to reach out into our communities and gather all who supports our State Flag. said Abbot.

For more information, Abbott can be reached at 601-684-5376, or 601-810-7132.

Abbott named Heritage Committee Co-Chair

The Sons of ConfederateVeterans has lost a brave andarticulate friend and America

has lost an independent voicefor racial reconciliation andunderstanding. AnthonyHervey, of Oxford, Mississippi,was a warrior for his beliefsand those beliefs wererooted in a passionate andunequivocal understandingthat he was a proud Son ofthe South.

His death, on Sunday, July19, appears to be because

of the way he lived his life.Mr. Hervey and a companion,Arlene Barnum of Enid,Oklahoma were returning froma Confederate Flag celebrationin Birmingham, Alabama whenhis car was forced off the roadnear Oxford by a carload of menwho apparently were chasinghim down. The Ford Explorerhe was driving skidded and

then rolled over several times,killing Hervey and injuring Ms.Barnum.

We of the Sons are outragedby this murderous act, and

expect all law enforcementagencies to vigorously pursuea full investigation and tobring justice for AnthonyHervey and his family. Wehave called for the UnitedStates Justice DepartmentsCivil Rights Division to enterthe investigation, for it is clear

that he was killed becauseof his opinions and his race.Mr. Hervey was an African-

American, as was his passenger,Ms. Harcum. Anthony Herveysoutspoken support ofConfederate

Heritage appears tohave played a part in thisincident.

Hervey was well knownas an unapologetic defenderof the Confederacy andits symbols. He oftenappeared on television and

radio stating his opinionsand debating with any and

all. He was the author of WhyI Wave the Confederate Flag:Written by a Black Man.

Charles Kelly BarrowCommander-in-Chief

Sons of Confederate Veterans

Photo credit: Gaetano Catell

Confederate ag supporter, author dies in Lafayette County wreck


8/9

NEWS ITEMS: [email protected], P.O. Box 1217, Oxford, MS 38655

As of July 1, Mississippi Division SCV members can get the original issue division license platedesignfor your car. Simply show the photo (at left) to the person where you renew your vehicle licenseplate and request this design. You can use the initials CV along with the picture to let them know

which one to get. The additional cost is $31added to your tags cost.

If you wish to keep the tag with the Beauvoirdesign, you can. The Department of Revenuedoes not make you turn them in like other

tags. However, none of the money from the

old Beauvoir tag will go to Beauvoir. They have

received permission for their own tag. You would

need to contact the people at Beauvoir to ndout how to get that tag if you wish to run it on

your car.

As in the past, money raised from the sale of the division license plate will go to restore the battle

flags in the possession of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

UPCOMING EVENTSOct. 10, 2015 Dedication ofthe Mississippi monument at

Shiloh National Military Park

Oct. 16-17 Fall Muster atBeauvoir

Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Highland Gamesat Beauvoir

Feb. 5-6, 2016 Stephen D. LeeInstitutes Reconstructionconference; Columbia, S.C.

June 3-5 2016 MississippiDivision Reunion; Beauvoir

July 13-17 SCV NationalReunion; Dallas, Texas

Fast start for Bay St. Louis campShieldsboro Ries Camp #2263will ofcially get its charter

Oct. 16 during a ceremony during Beauvoirs Fall Muster. Thecamp recently held one of its rst meetings, and more than adozen citizens attended the camps gathering.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to help with the Missis-

sippi Divisions ght to save and protect our state flag should

send their donation to division adjutant Dan McCaskill at thebelow address. Please make checks payable to MS Divi-sion-SCV and note the money is for the flag ght. Please donot send the money to the Heritage Defense Committee. The

Committee does not have the authority to collect or spend

money on behalf of the Mississippi Division. Mail to:

Dan A. McCaskill, Adjutant Mississippi Division, SCV

205 Cypress Street Leland, MS 38756

Mississippi Flag Fight Donations

8 JEFF DAVIS LEGION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI DIVISION SCV


9/9

Capt. Francis Marion Rogers Camp #873

Aberdeen, Miss.

Emory A. Morgan

1927-2015

Calhoun Avengers Camp #1969

Bruce, Miss.

Charles Earl Smith

1943-2015

The Last Roll Call

FLAGS USED BY MISSISSIPPI

During The War Between The Statesby Larry Hawkins

MALVERN HILL

SEVENPINES

GAINES

FARM

H

H

HH

H HH

H HH

H

H

H

MANASSAS

More than 100 Colored Flag Pictures8 1/2 x 11, 160 pages

More than 300 Named Flag Bearers

ALL PROFITS GO TO THEPRESERVATION OF MISSISSIPPI

FLAGS by Mississippi SCV Division

Paperback: Retail $32.00(plus $3 shipping & handling)

Hardback: Retail $45.00(plus $5 shipping & handling)

The book is written by SCV Life Member Larry Hawkins, a native Mississippian.

Make check out to Larry Hawkins, and mail to SCV Camp 1312, P.O. Box 11207, Memphis, TN38111 For more info Hawkins can be reached at lh232g1b@gmail com and at (901)365-0644

Documents

Jeff Davis Legion Summer 2015