Orlando A Somers Camp #1

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

Meeting Minutes—October 21, 2006—Richard’s Restaurant

Commander Alan Teller opened the meeting at 1:00 p.m. Chaplain Jon Ayers led the group in the opening prayer. We then recited the American’s Creed and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commander Teller. Secretary Gayle Eikenberry apologized for not having minutes for the September meeting due to his absence. Treasurer Randy McNally reported our balance, which includes our cannon fund. He reminded us that dues for 2007 can be paid now.

Members present were Jon Ayers, Gayle Eikenberry, Ned Baker, Tom Crawford, Don Overmyer, Seth Kirchner, Russ Kirchner, Timon Pike, Randy McNally, Larry Ebert, Jonathon Ebert, and Alan Teller. Guest in attendance were our speaker, Dr. Jeffrey B. Webb, Connie Overmyer, Cella Kirchner, Lee Ann Teller, and Teresa Ebert.

Old Business:

Commander Teller reported that our new bylaws were approved at our September meeting and gave the signed copy to Secretary Eikenberry.

Commander Teller asked for volunteers to clean the cannon. It needs to be cleaned between nine and three. The schedule is as follows: November, Ned Baker; December, Russ Kirchner; January, Tom Crawford.

Tom Crawford reported that the building to house the cannon at Highland Park is not up yet due to the struggle between our mayor and the town council over the authorization to spend INDOT funds. The building materials have been purchased and it should be constructed by the end of the year.

Discussion followed about the need for a full size male mannequin and appropriate uniform to be able to display a Union soldier with the cannon. Which position do we want the soldier to represent—gun captain, private, etc.? The consensus was to get whatever uniform we could. Tom Crawford will contact brother Gary Dolph for assistance.

Commander Teller asked for a progress report on honoring the last Howard County Civil War soldier, Gordon Williams. Gary Crawford suggested that we wait a year before placing a plaque due to some controversy about where Albright Cemetery wants it to be placed and if a stone is going to be erected at the gravesite. Tom Crawford also reported that three Civil War soldiers are buried in Albright Cemetery and do not have stones. He is finding it difficult to get information about one of the soldiers, and may have to give up on him for now. He suggested that we combine the ceremony for the last soldier marker with the setting of stones for two of the three other soldiers there.

Commander Teller checked on the number of visits to our new website and reported 239 hits. We are grateful for his work on this project. Randy McNally added that he had found a relative and possible new member through the website.

New Business

Commander Teller informed us of Larry Myer’s back surgery and passed around a card for us to sign.

Jon Ayers talked about the vandalism that had occurred on Labor Day weekend at Lindley Cemetery in Howard County and the work some of our members had contributed to repairing the damage. It was suggested that we consider putting up military markers and possibly re-dedicating them.

Jon Ayers conducted the book raffle. Winners were Larry Ebert, Seth Kirchner, Cella Kirchner, Tom Overmyer, and Ned Baker.

Commander Teller reported that Park Shinn was involved with a cemetery in Miami County and would like our involvement in putting two stones on soldiers’ graves.

Commander Teller mentioned a publication titled Hoosier Connections, an excellent source for researching Indiana Civil War ancestors. It is available in the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library the Genealogy and Local History department.

Commander Teller reminded us that the Knightstown Children’s Home annual visit will be October 28 at 10:00 a.m. He also reported that he and his wife had attended this year’s Central Regions Association Meeting in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on October 7.

Commander Teller introduced our speaker, Dr. Jeffrey B. Webb, Associate Professor of History at Huntington University. Professor Webb gave us considerable insight on the influence of religion on both sides of the Civil War with special emphasis on President Lincoln’s take on religion. Dr. Webb highlighted his talk with a Powerpoint presentation and recommended two books, America’s God and The Civil War as a Theological Crisis, both by Mark A. Noll. We appreciate Dr. Webb’s willingness to share his expertise with us.

Our next meeting will be November 18. The program has been changed from the originally scheduled one. Ann Carter, a former minister, will talk on the Underground Railroad with emphasis on Indiana involvement.

Commander Teller closed the meeting at 2:20 p.m.

Gayle Eikenberry, Secretary