1
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. Holt Collier.
2. Div Cmdrs Address
3. Around the Division
4. Division Calendar
5. Holt Collier Cont..
6 Camp Business
7,8. Cmdr & Chief address
9. Billy Titus
10. Color Guard, Trivia Kansas
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1.
.
Holt Collier Private;
Company I, 9th Texas Cavalry On a cool, sunny Saturday afternoon February 28, 2004, the Old South met the New South at Live
Oak Cemetery on South Main Street in Greenville, Mississippi. Men in Confederate Uniform and
ladies in hoop skirts and hats met with their modern counterparts, Black and White, to pay tribute to
one of Mississippi’s famous sons, Holt Collier.
After years of diligent research by author Minor Buchanan, events were put in motion to place a
Confederate Headstone at the gravesite of Holt Collier. Spearheaded by the B/G Benjamin G.
Humphreys Camp # 1625 of Indianola and supported by the Ella Palmer Chapter # 9, Order of the
Confederate Rose of Indianola; the Pvt. Taylor Rucks Chapter # 2204, United Daughters of the
Confederacy of Greenville; Live Oak Cemetery Association of Greenville; Jefferson Davis Camp # 635 of Jackson;
Holt Collier Camp # 2018 of West Point and Gen. Charles Clark Chapter # 235 of Indianola, a Confederate
Headstone was acquired from the Veterans Administration and preparations were made for the dedication of the
headstone.
Holt Collier was born into slavery in 1846 and was the slave of Howell Hinds. Hinds County is
named after Howell’s father, Gen. Thomas Hinds. At a very early age, Holt demonstrated his
marksmanship with the rifle. At the age of 10, he killed his first Black Bear which would be one of
over 3000 killed by Holt. At the outbreak of the War for Southern Independence, Holt’s master and
son left for the War after giving him his freedom papers and being told he was too young to fight
and to remain on the plantation. Holt disobeyed
his master by running away from the plantation,
stowing away on a riverboat and joining Howell and his son in
Memphis, TN. Holt He joined the 9th
Texas Brigade by his own choice and
served throughout the war. He finished
his service as one of Nathan Bedford
Forrest’s most trusted cavalry scouts,
known as a superb horseman and
marksman. During Reconstruction,
Holt was accused and acquitted for the
alleged murder of Captain James
King by a military tribunal in Vicksburg.
B.G. Albert Pike Camp #1439 Gen Lewis A Armistead Camp # 1846 Cols Lewis & Harrison Camp # 1854 Gen William Steele Camp # 1857 Major Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920 South Kansas Camp # 2064 BG Buckner & Chilton Camp #. 2227
Volume XV. Issue 10
October 2013
2
Greetings Compatriots of the Kansas Division
When I was elected, I had…and still do have… intentions on visiting all of the camps, however
my wife had surgery on her ankle shortly after I returned from the National Reunion, so her
immobility issues have in turn prevented me from getting out as much as I had planned. I hope to
start visiting as soon as she heals up and can get around on her own again.
I would like to clarify a statement I made last month about a Confederate VA marker being turned
down for a Confederate sailor. I was mistaken on that it was a Confederate pension that was
turned down as proof, instead it was apparently a copy (or maybe an original) of the application.
An approved pension should be accepted as proof of service, though I cannot say for sure.
We are planning on having a DEC meeting on Dec 14 at the Best Western in Emporia at
9:00 AM. If you cannot make it, but have matters that needs brought up or wants discussed,
please let me know.
In the short time I have been Division Commander, I believe one of the hardest things to do is to
write something for the Commanders Address. I have run across some interesting articles while
researching the Confederates that are buried in Kansas, and will share some of them. The first
one is of particular interest, as it does not provide a name for the deceased. It was in the Emporia
Daily Gazette, June 25, 1907.
Concordia, Kans. - Did you notice the article in the Kansan last evening, about the Grand Army
furnishing the pall bearers and sending a wreath to put on the coffin of an ex-Confederate soldier
at Clay Center on Sunday? Did you notice it was an ex-union soldier who preached the funeral
sermon? Say, didn’t it make you swell up with pride that you were an American citizen, a part of
a community where such brave men live? It takes brave men to do that sort of thing.
Now, the last line sounds rather facetious, but the preceding line is one I really agree with, as that
could be taken as referring to the pall bearers, the person giving the sermon, AND the
Confederate veteran. That may have not been the writer’s intent, (especially considering other
content I have seen from that newspaper) but we know the bravery of the Confederates. If the
writer was indeed being sarcastic, I have found several articles that does show there was not the
animosity between Union and Confederates that many perceive, and they worked and socialized
together. One Confederate I have found several references about include this one from the
Hutchison News, June 1, 1920
Two old settlers of the Sego neighborhood died recently, two days apart:. T.J. Honey and J T.
McPhooter on the 31st. Both located in the Sego locality about the same time in 1879. Mr. Honey
was an ex-Confederate veteran, but the G.A.R. folks seldom had a bean bake or reunion but what
"Dad" Honey was here, too.
Confederate Regards,
Kevin Ivey
3
Pat O'Connor here from South Kansas Camp #2064. I'm fairly
new in the SCV and the Mechanized Cavalry. I've noticed a lot of good
camaraderie in the Sons of Confederate Veterans and also by extension,
in the Mechanized Cavalry.
I think Kansas needs more recruits in the 1st Battalion Company F,
Mechanized Cavalry, Captain Jim Bowling in effective command--which
is where Kansas is assigned. I believe we have a total of six. If we had
more, Kansas Mechanized Cavalry members could plan rides, parade
participation, charity runs and other worthwhile endeavors.
To that end, I urge all Kansas Sons of Confederate Veterans who ride
or like motorcycles (you don't have to own one) to join the Cavalry!
There is a one-time fee of $100.00 and for this you get a 12-inch patch as
well as rockers that say 1st Battalion and Company F. Do some research
if you like at http://www.scvmccsa.org/
If anyone needs me, I will be happy to serve as referral. Or just contact
any other SCVMC member. I'm at [email protected] (night or
day)
Confederate Enlistment
New Recruits
B.G. Albert Pike Camp # 1439 None
Lewis A. Armistead Camp # 1847 None
Col’s Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854 None
William Steele Camp# 1857 Dr. Ivan Welch
Pvt. Henry C. Wayland, Co. F, Timmon's Reg Texas Inf..
Lt Cmdr Kevin Freese
Pvt. Pleasant Huchinson, Co. H, 22nd North Carolina Inf Reg.
Maj. Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920 John Kirchmyer Jr.
South Kansas Camp # 2064 None
BG Buckner & Chilton Camp #2227 None
June Camp Agendas
B.G. Albert Pike Camp # 1439
Oct 12 No Report
Lewis A. Armistead Camp # 1847 Oct 12 No Report
Col’s Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854
Oct 19 Not yet determined
William Steele Camp# 1857 Oct 08 No Report
Maj. Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920
. Oct 03 Civil War Women’s organizations
By Beth Foulk
South Kansas Camp # 2064
Oct 10th DVD presentation of Pastor John Weaver
"A Defense for the Confederate Flag"
BG Buckner & Chilton Camp #2227]
Oct 28 No Report
The Major Thomas J. Key Camp is proud to announce that it
will be hosting an SCV Leadership Workshop here in Kansas
City on Saturday 16 November. (page 6 for details)
The Major Thomas J. Key Camp will celebrate its ninth year as
it participates in the Ottawa Veterans Day Parade Saturday 9
November. (page 6 for details)
Right on the heels of the Ottawa parade is the Leavenworth
Veterans Day Parade, which is on Monday 11 November.
This held on the actual Veterans Day. (page 6 for details)
Dispatches from the Front
Intelligence from
the Wire… Events
in Kansas Division
Why not cross this fence and join the SCV
brother?
4
\
Red Letters Generals Blue Letters Camp Meetings Black Letters Camp Members
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1. Travis Bullock
B-day Key Camp
2.
3.
Maj. Thomas J. Key
Camp Meets
4.
5.
6. . John Weir
B-day Key Camp
7.
Gen Richard
Anderson DOB
1821 Hillcrest, S.C
8.
Gen William Steele
Camp Meets
Lane Smith
B-day Key Camp
Gen Wm. Mahone
DOD 1895 Washington
9.
10.
South Kansas
Camp Meets
11.
12.
Gen Robert E Lee
DOD 1870. Lexington
B.G. Albert Pike,
Gen Lewis Armistead &
13.
14.
15.
16. 17.
18.
19.
Cols Lewis & Harrison
Camp Meets
20.
Gen Stephen
Ramseur DOD 1864
Battle of Cedar Creek
Gen James Walker
DOB 1901 VA
Mark Otey
B-Day Armistead Camp
21.
22. 23.
24.
Gen James Archer
DOB 1864 Richmond
VA
25. 26.
27. 28.
BG Buckner & Chilton Camp Meets
29.
Lt Gen Nathan B
Forrest DOD 1877
Memphis Tennessee
30. 31.
Gen Evander M Law
DOD 1920 Bartow,
Florida
Robert E Lee Nathan b Forrest Richard Anderson William Mahone Stephen Ramsuer
James Walker James Archer Evander M Law
5
Holt Collier Cont.
Holt left the state on advice given by William A. Percy
of Greenville going to Texas working as a cowboy on
the ranch of his former commander, Sullivan Ross,
future Governor of Texas. Upon the murder of his former master, Holt returned
to Greenville for his funeral and remained in
Greenville for the rest of his life. Holt became
nationally known in 1903 as
the guide for the Teddy
Roosevelt Bear Hunt of that
year. This hunt gave rise to
the “Teddy Bear” when
Teddy refused to shoot a bear
captured by Holt and tied to a
tree. Holt lived to the age of
about 90, passing from this
life on August 1, 1936. Holt was buried on August 3 in
Live Oak Cemetery which is located on the old
Plumridge Plantation where Holt grew-up and hunted
black bear.
With the national flags of the Confederacy flying,
Benj. G. Humphreys Camp Commander Earl McCown
opened the ceremony with the introduction of Dr. John
Brooks of Greenville, who read an original poem
about Holt Collier entitled “Holt
Collier’s Ghost”. After the
reading, the Colors were
presented by members of
Company D, CS Marines
commanded by 1st Sgt Larry
McCluney of Greenwood. The
Honor Guard, comprised of members from at least 8
re-enactment groups from three states was marched in
under the command of Lt. Col. Alan Palmer, Jeff
Davis Indpt Battalion. Holy Scripture reading and
Prayer were offered by the Rev. Joseph Wright of New
White Stone M. B. Church and Rev. Richard William
of Zion M. B. Church, respectfully. The Pledge of
Allegiance and salutes to the Mississippi State Flag
and Flag of the Confederacy was led by Camp Color
Sergeant Thomas Haik, Jr.
We were fortunate to have family members of
Holt Collier present for the
Dedication. The family members
present were Mrs. Ann Marie
Parker, Great Niece; her son John
Parker and Grandson Brandon
John Parker. Two other Great
Nieces arriving late were, Mrs.
Nola Leggett and Mrs. Corine
Wilson. Greenville Mayor
Heather McTeer- Hudson represented the City of
Greenville and Juliet Thomas represented U. S.
Representative Bennie Thompson.
The MS Division was represented by Ron
Stowers, Chief of Staff; Ed Sheely, 4th
Brigade Commander and Larry
McCluney, 1st Brigade Commander. The MS Division,
United Daughters of the Confederacy was represented
by President Gloria Adcock, Past
President Mabel Clark, 2nd
Vice-
President Lou Paris, and Historian
Nancy Powell. Special recognition
was given to Richard and Beverly
Cross from Baxter, Iowa. Mrs.
Cross is a distant relative of President Teddy
Roosevelt and Capt. James King. She is also the
President of the Jasper County Museum in Iowa.
Minor Buchanan, author of the book “Holt
Collier, His Life, His Roosevelt Hunts, and The Origin
of the Teddy Bear” was the keynote speaker. Minor
made note that this was a unique occasion where Black
and White citizens came together to recognize
Mississippi’s only official Confederate Soldier of
African descent under the auspices of the Sons of
Confederate Veterans to place a Confederate Marker
on his grave site that had gone unmarked for almost 68
years. Minor added, “This is recognition of the life and
legacy of Holt Collier.” Following Minor’s talk, the
Rev. Albert Calvin, former minister of Mt. Horeb M.
B. Church officially blessed and dedicated the marker
for Holt Collier and added, “May he continue to rest in
peace.” Soloist Nancy Bryson sang “Amazing Grace”
while CS Marines Thomas Haik and Andrew
McCaskill folded the “Stainless Banner” that covered
the marker for presentation to the family. The Flag
was reverently passed to 1st Sgt McCluney, then to Lt.
Col Alan Palmer who presented the Flag to Mrs.
Parker who graciously accepted it and cradled it in her
lap as the final lines of the hymn were sung. Following
the presentation of the Flag, the Honor Guard fired
three volleys in honor of Holt. In the distance, lone
trumpeter Brent Hiter played taps.
The closing prayer was offered up
by Camp Chaplain Lofton
Davidson. A reception was held
at the Mississippi Welcome
Center on Highway 82W just south of Greenville.
Of the occasion, Mrs. Parker was quoted by
David Lush, “I think this is a great honor to dedicate
and place this marker to him. I certainly appreciate
this, and especially this (as she held the Flag close to
her heart). I know he would be proud of this day and to
be remembered and honored like this. He was a
remarkable man.”
6
SCV Leadership Workshop The Major Thomas J. Key Camp is proud to announce that it will be hosting an SCV Leadership Workshop here in
Kansas City on Saturday November 16th
. This workshop has the potential to draw attendees from the Kansas
Division, the Missouri Division, and possibly from Nebraska, Iowa, and Oklahoma as well. These workshops are
very popular and have been extremely successful. They are working closely with Lieutenant Commander-in-Chief
Kelly Barrow on the details. They anticipate having room for about 40 attendees. Details will be forth coming but I
can assure you that the class will fill quickly so mark your calendar and plan to register as soon as the forms are
available.
Ottawa Veterans Day Parade
The Ottawa Veterans Day Parade will be on Saturday November 9th
. This will be The Major Thomas J. Key Camps
eighth or ninth year in this parade. There will be activities and displays in Forest Park after the parade. It will
include a skirmish in which the cannon of our 3rd
Battery will be involved. They will meet in the bank parking lot at
Fourth and Walnut (one block west of Main). They need to arrive by around 9:00 a.m. so They can decorate their
float (the cannon on the trailer) and assign positions for everyone. This a great place to wear your Confederate
uniform or your camp shirt. If you don’t want to walk the route you can ride on the trailer. Everyone is welcome
and encouraged to attend.
Leavenworth Veterans Day Parade Right on the heels of the Ottawa parade is the Leavenworth Veterans Day Parade, which is on Monday November
11th
. This held on the actual Veterans Day. It is one of the largest parades in the mid-western United States and
draws thousands of spectators. Regrettably, it generally falls on a weekday so our turnout is generally small as most
of our compatriots work. In the past, we have done a joint Color Guard with the Sons of Union Veterans but this
year it will depend on how many of our members can be there. Hopefully, the weather this year will be better than
last year. Last year it really was miserably cold and wet. HOWEVER, we still had a good time. Again, if you can get
to this parade it would really be appreciated.
Brigadier General William Steele Camp 1857 had the honor of swearing in two new
members, Dr. Ivan Welch and Lt Cmdr Kevin Freese at the Charles Jennison house in
Leavenworth, Kansas.
7
23 September 2013
Charleston, South Carolina
Re: Offensive PR Strategy Order 1
Urgent read to the end and act ASAP!
Officers and Compatriots of the SCV,
I hope you are well. At our recent reunion in Vicksburg, Mississippi, I asked a packed hall; if after all these years of
struggling to defend the noble heritage of our Southern people had they grown weary. The body responded with a resounding
“No!” I asked them again if they were not tired of the fight to vindicate the Cause of their ancestors; without hesitation, they
emphatically exclaimed, “No!”
I then asked them if they were content holding the fort and defending against the constant assault or were they ready to strike
with an offensive attack. If you were not in the convention hall, allow me to report, you were represented by an enthusiastic
band of warriors to the Cause that, I am sure, would make our ancestors proud. In short, the idea was wholeheartedly embraced.
If you were there, then I congratulate you and encourage you to give your highest attention and strongest efforts to the
following instructions.
If you were not with us then, then I hope you are with us now. In recent years, the Cause of the Confederacy, indeed the
cause of American Liberty, has been under attack at an ever-increasing intensity. The bully-club of choice is mainly “slavery”
with the proposed notion that the invaders from the North left their homes and families, risking mortal danger, on a benevolent
mission to end the burdensome institution (that was financed and perpetuated to a large degree by their own kith and kin). One
only needs to study a little history to realize that that nursery-rhyme was far from reality, but facts will never be found in the
arsenal of the liar.
The Cause of the South was simply independence and self-determination. The Cause was quelled (not lost). These United
States were formed as a result of a victorious war of independence and self-determination. Our Confederate ancestors were
merely continuing the legacy and heritage of that American brand of liberty. But, the liberty ideal did not fit the narrative of
invasion and usurpation as was perpetrated by Mr. Lincoln and his hosts in the name of “saving the union.” A new and more
globally palatable excuse was needed—the abolition of slavery. Slavery is indeed the very antithesis of liberty, and what better
way to one-up the Southern Cause than to claim the mantle of liberty as their
own—hence all the confusion to this day.
Our ancestors fought a bloody, internecine war that resulted in the near destruction of a unique people, who then suffered a
tyrannical military occupation that was designed to reprogram the mind of the South to be more in line with that of the oppressors.
The surviving Southern veterans of the War came together as the United Confederate Veterans with the intention of setting the story
straight and educating the country on the truthful aspects of the War. After the shooting had ceased, our ancestors were again at
war—fighting for the intellectual honesty of that struggle.
The struggle continues today and is now in the hands of the sons of those venerable men of the Confederacy—that is you
and me. So, now I must ask you to look into your heart and answer the question that I asked the members in assembly in
Vicksburg: Are you willing to continue a defensive strategy AND are you ready to engage the enemy in a front-on assault?
The victors of the War of Northern Aggression distracted their fellow countrymen from the true facts concerning the
War. They painted a picture of the South as Hades, populated by demons of varying degrees of evil. The leaders of modern
misinformation needed to provide their doe-eyed minions with a chief-demon, the Devil himself to help explain the depths of
depravity of the typical Southerner. To them, General Nathan Bedford Forrest fit the bill perfectly. He was a slave trader before
the War and led the “infamous” assault on Ft. Pillow during the War. They took these truths and twisted them into the vilest and
most reprehensible actions of a malevolent racist—all with the intention of cutting the legs from under the true story of the
South.
8
Today, General Forrest has become the poster-boy for the current propaganda efforts. This must be answered to and must be
answered to sharply and decisively. Recently, General Forrest’s statue was vandalized in Memphis. In that same city, three
parks named for Confederates, including General Forrest, have had their names illegally changed. The Forrest bust in Selma has
been stolen and his grave desecrated. The list of vandalisms is long, but the verbal abuse is seemingly endless. Take a moment
and search the Internet for info on General Forrest. Over and over erroneous statements are made as if they are well-accepted
facts.
On a Glen Beck Show earlier this year an “expert” was on as a guest that showed Beck a sword that the guest declared with
complete conviction was, “the very sword that Forrest used to skin African-Americans at Ft. Pillow.” The fact that this never
happened is no concern to those that wish only harm to the South and to poison her history.
Many pundits have accused General Forrest of being the originator of the KKK, and/or the first grand wizard of the KKK.
Now let’s get this straight right from the beginning: the SCV carries no water for any hate group including the KKK. We are
not comfortable even having our name on the same page as theirs. This is why we cannot allow the continued slander of one of
our most valiant heroes. I refer you to Dr. Michael Bradley’s essay in the July-August issue of the Confederate Veteran
concerning the true story of General Forrest. The lies cannot beallowed to continue unchallenged! Are you ready to stand up
and fight for the truth?
If you are ready then this is what I need you to do:
Division Commanders—Make sure that each Camp Commander has this letter and understands the order. I have many Camp
Commander’s email addresses but not all. This is a time sensitive order and requires your attention immediately. Use every
possible means to get this information out to your Camps. Then collect information on the results of this action and pass the
information to your Department Commander.
Camp Commanders—Below you will find a link. Click on this link and follow the instructions to download a folder where
you will find two pdf files. The link will only be valid until October 7th. Download the files today.
Once you have downloaded the folder, open it and you will find an advertisement in both vertical and horizontal formats. You
will have seen this same advertisement in your most recent Confederate Veteran.
The advertisement is in response to our opposition’s seemingly endless character assassination attempts on General Forrest.
Theirs is a diversion and a bluff and it is time to force their hand. Follow these simple rules:
Strategy:
The purpose of this program is to start a debate, as wide as we are able, to discuss the truth of the South in general and in this
case, General Forrest in particular. The people that have made these allegations are responsible for the continued divisiveness in
our country. The proof of their slanderous accusations is their sole responsibility. We must demand that they prove the
unprovable and therefore expose themselves for what they are.
You have studied the actions and motives of our ancestors for years. Through the Confederate Veteran essay program you
have been supplied with the intellectual weapons to fight this fight and win. We enjoy the strength of 30,000 men and nearly
900 camps. We are prepared. By placing ads in many media outlets at the same time, our efforts will be noticed and more of our
fellow Southerners will learn of our efforts and we will grow stronger while fulfilling the Charge.
Tactics:
Each Camp that is willing to engage in this action is asked to place the advertisement in their local media venues with your
Camp’s contact info visible. Place it in as many publications as you are able—put it everywhere. Be creative. Print ads work
better if they are seen more than once, so consider running it for two issues of the same publication. Do this as soon as possible
so that we will have exposure in as many areas as possible, at the same time. Report to your Division Commander on your
actions and the results.
Prepare for the counter attack:
For this strategy to be successful, we will need a great and concerted effort. If only a few follow through then the media will
ignore us and the slander and propaganda will continue unabated. If we challenge the lies in mass they can’t afford not to
engage us.
When speaking to the media follow these rules closely:
1. STAY ON POINT! The ad is there to expose the lies.
2. The pundits in the media are the majorities that exclaim these untruths about General Forrest. Therefore, keep the attention
on them by saying, “You said it, you prove it.”
3. If they try to trip you up (and they will try), simply stay on point and challenge them with, “You said it, you prove it.” If they
try to change the subject to you or the SCV, answer their question with a simple yes or no, then repeat, “You said it, you prove
it.” Stand your ground and STAY ON POINT! Do not be their tool. This ad is about them and their continued assault on the
South. They must prove their allegations. If we see success through this endeavour, then we will follow this ad with another
to dispel more myths concerning our courageous ancestors.
If you have questions, contact your Division or Department Commander. I wish you all the best and pray for a successful
campaign of bringing truth into this heated debate and vindicating the cause of the South. Thank you for your devotion to the
Charge and your work to see that the world knows the true history of the South. I am,
Respectfully yours,
Michael Givens
Commander-in-Chief
9
BILLY TITUS
Story submitted by Anthony Eye
Billy Titus was a New York craftsman who became
known for the fine plows he could fashion. In fact, one of
his plows won a silver medal for excellence. This,
however, is not his story but his son’s. Titus married
Amira Sabin in 1834. Their fourth child was named Billy
after his father. Born in 1845, Billy was one of those
young men of a generation who would not be of age to
vote until the end of the great Civil War which ripped
their country apart in 1861. Thousands of them went off to
war as boys, not men. They came from divided sections of
the country and many died to test whether there would be
one country or two.
The Titus family has no relation to me, yet their story
reveals how personal that war can become to a reader
today. I come to know Billy because he picked up a
Confederate bullet at Gettysburg . His younger brother
Anson wrote a note and laboriously tied it to the bullet so
that its story should not be lost. This is what Anson Titus
wrote so very long ago: “This Minnie ball was picked up on the battlefield of
Gettysburg by Billy Titus, my brother, and by him carried
to New York , where he was stationed during the New
York Riots, and where he was visited by our honored
parents, and by him given to them, at the time.”
The next small part of the story is mine. I responded to
an estate auction listing and bought the bullet. I found it to
be of Confederate manufacture, a type called a Gardner
after the man who invented the machinery which was used
to make it. Gardner bullets had the cartridge paper
crimped into place. This paper is very fresh for an item a
century and a half old. I prize the bullet because it
preserves the immediacy of that titanic grapple between
two armies. It was dropped where it was by an unknown
Confederate soldier and picked up by a young Union
private who put it in his pocket as a souvenir.
Billy’s regiment was one of several units transferred
from Gettysburg to New York because of the draft riots
there. He was able to get word to his parents and they
made a relatively short journey to visit him. He gave them
the bullet he carried from Gettysburg . They returned
home and Billy went on with his regiment. The bullet
eventually fell into the hands of Billy’s younger brother
Anson. Thus, the bullet itself, visited two major event
locations of 1863.
A reference work published in 1910 tells the next part
of the story. The Titus family history is part of an account
of life in Ontario County , New York . It states very
simply that Billy Titus was killed on May 12,1864 on the
last day of fighting at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania ,
Virginia .
The note, written later by the Rev. Anson Titus, shows
that the Gettysburg bullet was a cherished memento of the
lost young brother. Finally, after years of research, I know
more of the story.
The Rev. Anson Titus retired from the ministry and
moved to West Somerville , Massachusetts about 1895.
Thus, the note with that address stamped did not get made
until after that date. Both the mother and father were dead
by that time. Anson was several years younger than Billy so he was
telling the story of the older brother who went off to war
and was killed. When Anson said Billy went to New York
because of the riots, he was only partially correct. That
presented a difficulty in finding the correct regiment.
Originally I searched for any regiment which had a
Billy Titus and went from Gettysburg to New York for
riot duty. When I found out the Titus family was from a
New York county I concentrated on the New York
regiments.
Phelps , New York and the area around it have been
well represented in historical and genealogical postings.
Finally someone posted that Billy had joined the 11th US
Infantry. That made all the difference in the search. His regiment went through the Peninsular Campaign
and into the crucible where General John Pope was
pounded by Stonewall Jackson. Antietam , Fredericksburg
, and Chancellorsville followed.
At Gettysburg the 11th supported Chamberlain and the
20th Maine on July 2, 1863 .
They were sent, a day later than they should have been
sent, to pursue Lee. From that failure they were sent to
New York for three weeks after the riots were over. That
was when Billy gave the bullet to his parents.
He was killed at Spotsylvania Courthouse on May 12,
1864 , the last day of that fight. Seventeen years and a few
weeks old when the joined in June of 1862, Billy went
into some of the heaviest battles of the war. An older
brother had more education, joined later, and served in a
support regiment.
Anson Titus died in 1935. Who ended up with the
bullet and note cannot be determined. I bought it on
internet auction and lost contact with the seller. He had no
idea whose property it had been. I did not think of asking
the location of the physical auction where he bought it.
Billy Titus picked up the bullet 150 years ago this past
July. I just learned ten days ago that Anson Titus did not
move to West Somerville until 1895.
The seller was unaware that it was a “fresh drop”
Gardner Confederate bullet. He had no idea that it could
be traced. Today Billy’s bullet is a highlight of my relic
collection. I wish his spirit peace, and will think of him
from time to time.
10
Kansas Division Color/Honor Guard Available
Compatriot Gerald V. Spaur of the BG Albert Pike Camp #1439 is suited and ready for the occasion.
Gerald is prepared for the opportunity to be present as a Color Guard for your event, or to take on the
responsibility of Honor Guard for the passing of a family member, friend or compatriot where an honorGuard is
needed.
Gerald will go anywhere in Kansas and be available for any and all Military services for compatriots, family
members, and friends. Feel free to contact Gerald at 2947 Walnut
Wichita Kansas 67217-3128 Phone: 316-524-2555
TRIVIA ANSWERFOR SEPTEMBER
What color attire or uniform were the Union and Confederate troops wearing during the battle of 1st Bull Run or Manasas?
Actually, this one is a little more difficult than most people realize. Typically folks are taught the North wore blue and the South wore grey (and
butternut if schools are a little more accurate). HOWEVER, uniforms created a bit of confusion early in the war, most noticeably at 1st Bull Run (1st
Manasas), due to the fact that there was no standardized color when it came to uniform color. At 1st Bull Run (1st Manasas) you had Union troops in
grey in addition to blue and Confederate troops in blue in addition to grey and butternut.
TRIVIA FOR OCTOBER
Who was imprisoned in Fort Warren, Boston Harbor, for five months until October 1865.
Then In 1866 was elected to the United States Senate by the first legislature convened under the
new Georgia State Constitution, but was not allowed to take his seat because of restrictions on former
Confederates.
CAMP MEETINGS
GEN. ALBERT PIKE CAMP #1439 MAJOR THOMAS J. KEY CAMP #1920
LOCATION: Egg Crate Cafe, LOCATION: Zarda Bar-B-Q
8506 W 13th, Suite 150 Wichita, Kansas 67212 11931 W 87th
St. Lenexa, Kansas.
DATE: Second (2ND
) Saturday each month DATE: First (1st) Thursday each month
TIME: 11:30 am fellowship 12:30 Meeting TIME: 6:30 pm. fellowship, 7:00pm.
COLS LEWIS & HARRISON CAMP #1854 SOUTH KANSAS CAMP #2064
LOCATION: Westside Christian Church, LOCATION: Rockwell Branch Library
432 SW Lindenwood, Topeka, Kansas. 5939 E 9th
Street, Wichita, Kansas.
DATE: Third (3rd
) Saturday each Month DATE: Second 2nd
Thursday each Month
TIME: 10:00am. TIME: 5:30-7:30pm.
GEN. LEWIS A. ARMISTEAD CAMP #1847 GEN. WILLIAM STEELE CAMP #1857
LOCATION: Public Library Tech Conf Ctr. Rm. LOCATION: Bann Thai Restaurant
301 East Elm, Salina, Ks. 301 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.
DATE: Second (2nd
) Saturday each Month DATE: Second (2nd
) Thursday each Month
TIME 1:00-1:30 fellowship, 1:00-2:30 Meeting TIME: 6:00 pm. Fellowship 7:00 pm.
BG BUCKNER & CHILTON CAMP #2227
LOCATION: Cup of Jones
909 West Wyatt Earp blvd dodge City, Ks.
DATE: Fourth Monday of Month
TIME: 1900 hr
11
The Kansas Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
190 NW Hawthorn St.
Topeka, Kansas. 66606
COMPATRIOT