Sons of the Union Veterans of the
Civil War
Collection


Processed by
Shawn San Roman, 1998
and
Brigid R. McBride, 2009



Table of Contents
The General Orme Post #29 of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War operated in McLean County. Pictured above is an information brochure about the SUVCW and an invitation and menu to a reception for  

Collection Information
Volume of Collection:
1 Box
Collection Dates:
1920-1950
Restrictions:
None
Reproduction Rights:
Permission to reproduce or publish material in this collection must be obtained in writing from the McLean County Museum of History
Alternative Formats: None
Other Finding Aids: Record in National Union Catalog Manuscripts Collection On-Line
Location:
Archives
Notes: None

 

Historical Sketch

   The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, (SUVCW) is an organization related to and considered one of the "allied orders" of the Grand Army of the Republic, (GAR), which was established in 1866. By 1878, many units of the GAR had established some form of junior association. In part this was due to the recognition that the requirements of becoming a member of the GAR limited not only membership but would see membership decline as comrades died. The Cadet Corps of Post 94 of the GAR, Philadelphia, organized by Major A.P. Davis, became the front runner in the organization of a national association of allied orders of the GAR. In 1883, the GAR declared this organization to be the sole organization of the Sons of the Union Veterans. By a resolution of the 1883 National Encampment the GAR demanded that "all posts disband all other organizations and break associations with all other organizations except the Sons of Veterans of the U.S.A."

  At this time the SVUSA units were military in nature and functioned as National Guard units with some units serving alongside of state militia during the Spanish-American War. As of 1904, the organization elected to break from its official military capacity and become a patriotic civic organization. Then in 1922 the name was changed from Sons of Veterans U.S.A to Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. However, to keep the military tradition alive some units formed the Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR). These units severed during the First World War. After the war, SVR units were listed as a training company of the United States Army. Currently, their mission has become one of a historic, ceremonial and commemorative society. However, before that, "to further identify their heritage, the GAR before disbanding and before the death of its last member officially designated SUVCW as the sole legal heir and representative of the Grand Army of the Republic." And, on August 20, 1954 an Act of Congress official incorporated the SUVCW with the passing of Public Law 605 in the second session of the 83rd Congress.

  

 

Scope and Contents Note

   The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) Collection consists of personal and form letters, membership lists, check receipts, proceedings of national encampments, constitutions, by-laws, visitors' books, standardized forms, some financial records and general orders. Much of the Collection consists of materials from or related to General Orme Camp No. 29.

  Included within the Collection are some notable correspondences. There are four specific folders of correspondence which deserve special attention, these are: A. D. Rhinesmith's, William L. Martin's, Rodney H. Brandon's and a Challenge issued from Missouri members of SUVCW. These correspondences offer insight into both the personal and organizational relationships within the SUVCW, especially the Illinois Department.

Box and Folder Inventory

 

Folder 1:
 Cash Books
1.1
 1922-December 1937 Cash Book
1.2
 January 1938-May 1941 Cash Book

 

Folder 2:
Ledger (date unknown)

 

Folder 3:
Descriptive Book (date unknown)

 

Folder 4:
Visitor Book (date unknown)

 

Folder 5:
Minute Book (started November 9, 1936)

 

Folder 6:
 Various Financial Dealings
6.1
 November 1934-Febuary 1939 Account at the National Bank of Bloomington
6.2
 Check Book
6.3
 July 31, 1939 Statement of Dues Owed
6.4
 (date unknown) Bond of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War
6.5
 1936-1939 Various Receipts
6.6
 (date unknown) Dues Outstanding List
6.7
 January 28, 1938 Notice of Annual Dues Owed
6.8
 (date unknown) Scrap paper with names, dues paid and owed
6.9
 June 22, 1938 Receipt for $7.50 from Thomas B. Selders to Sons of Veterans
6.10
 November 24, 1934-August 21, 1935 Bank Statements and cancelled checks from the National Bank of Bloomington, Bloomington, IL
6.11
 May 17, 1940 Bank Statement and cancelled checks from Corn Belt Bank, Bloomington, IL
6.12
 May 24, 19[4]7 Receipt in the name of William Brigham
6.13
 March 3,1948 Receipt for $3.25 from William Brigham to National Department SUVCW for Quarter Tax on six members
6.14
 May 11, 1945 Receipt for $50.00 from Sons of Veterans to "Old Glory" Company, Chicago, IL
6.15
 Scrap paper with flag prices and sizes
6.17
 May 22, 1950 Receipt for $39.70 from E. A. Seibel to Chicago Flag & Decorating Company, Chicago, IL
6.18
 (date unknown- partially blank) Duplicates of Camp Treasurer's Reports
6.19
 (date unknown) Record of Dues Collected

 

Folder 7:
Constitution and By-Law Drafts
7.1
 May 8, 1931 By-Law Draft
7.2
 June 12, 1931 By-Law Draft
7.3
 June 12, 1931 By-Law Draft
7.4
 October 23, 1931 Article IX
7.5
 January 1932 Constitution and By-Laws
7.6
 May 12, 1934 Constitution and By-Laws
7.7
 (date unknown) By-Laws
7.8
 Constitution and Regulation Governing the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War adopted at the Thirty-ninth Annual Encampment, 1920 (3 copies)
7.9
 By-Laws Illinois Department Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Adopted June 1928
7.10
 Change to Article IX dated October 23, 1931

 

Folder 8:
Rituals, Constitutions and By-Laws
8.1
 1920 Constitution and Regulations Governing the Sons of Veterans (2 copies)
8.2
 1939 Constitution and Regulations Governing the SUVCW
8.3
 July 1928 By-Laws Illinois Department of SUVCW
8.4
 July 1928 By-Laws Illinois Department of SUVCW (Lester F. Steward's copy)
8.5
 1939 Ritual and Ceremonials of the SUVCW

 

Folder 9:
Proceedings of the 50th Annual Encampment Illinois Department of Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War (1932)

 

Folder 10:
 Proceedings of the 52nd Annual Encampment of the Illinois Department of Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War (1932)

 

Folder 11:
Proceedings of the 46th Annual Encampment of the Illinois Department of the SUVCW (1933)

 

Folder 12:
Blue Book and Proceedings of the Annual Encampment of the Illinois Department (1935)

 

Folder 13:
Blue Book and Proceedings of the Annual Encampment of the Illinois Department (1936)

 

Folder 14:
Blue Book and Proceedings of the Annual Encampment of the Illinois Department (1937)

 

Folder 15:
Proceedings of the 56th Annual National Encampment of the SUVCW (1937) (2 copies)

 

Folder 16:
Proceedings of the 57th Annual National Encampment of the SUVCW (1938)

 

Folder 17:
 Proceedings of the 58th Annual National Encampment of the SUVCW (1939)

 

Folder 18:
Proceedings of the 60th Annual National Encampment of the SUVCW (1941)

 

Folder 19:
 Proceedings of the 72nd Annual National Encampment of the SUVCW (1954)

 

Folder 20:
General Orders of the Illinois Department
20.1
 July 27, 1931 Department Order No. 1 Series 1931-1932
20.2
 April 30, 1932 Department Order No. 3 Series 1931-1932
20.3
 April 29, 1938 Department Order No.3 Series 1938
20.4
 July 20, 1938 Department Order No. 2 Series 1938
20.5
 April 28, 1939 Department Order No. 1 Series 1939
20.6
 August 18, 1939 Department Order No. 2 Series 1939
20.7
 July 27, 1940 Department Order No. 2 Series 1940
20.8
 April 25, 1942 Department Order No. 1 Series 1942
20.9
 July 10, 1945 Department Order No. 1 Series 1945-1946
20.10
 July 9, 1947 Department Order No. 1 Series 1947-1948
20.11
 May 2, 1948 Department Order No. 3 Series 1947-1948
20.12
 November 15, 1948 Department Order No. 2 Series 1948
20.13
 March 10, 1949 Department Order No. 3 Series 1948-1949
20.14
 April 15, 1950 Last Department Order of Fiscal Year 1949-1950

 

Folder 21:
Standardized Forms of the SUVCW
21.1
 Form 0000-page 6 ritual
21.1
 Form 1 Requisition of Supplies
21.2
 Form 3 Application of Membership (Will H. Shelper)
21.3
 Form 4 Transfer Card
21.4
 Form 6 Honorably Discharged Form (Laurence B. Allen)
21.5
 Form 7 Camp Representative Card to Department Encampment
21.6
 Form 8 Delegate Card
21.7
 Form 8.5 Alternate Delegate Card
21.8
 Form 9 Receipts of the Evening
21.9
 Form 12 Statement of Account
21.10
 Form 27 Quarterly Report of Secretary
21.11
 Form 27 Quarterly Report of Secretary (Individual)
21.12
 Form 28 Camp Treasurer's Report
21.13
 Form 60 Annual Report of Patriotic Instructor
21.14
 Application for Reinstatement (Illinois Department)
21.15
 General Orme Camp No. 29 Letterhead and Envelope
21.16
 Promissory Obligation
21.17
 Form B Receipt for Dues-Visiting Card (Blank)
21.18
 Form B Receipt for Dues-Visiting Card (William Brigham)
21.19
 Form B Receipt for Dues-Visiting Card (W. L. [Martin])
21.20
 Form B Receipt for Dues-Visiting Card (C. H. Reynolds)
21.21
 Form B Receipt for Dues-Visiting Card (George S. Ross)
21.22
 State of Illinois Military and Naval Department; John J. Garrity Supt. Burial Records, Soldiers and Sailors, Illinois; blank form for recording of graves and markers

 

Folder 22:
Miscellaneous Information/Materials
22.1
 "Information Concerning the SUVCW"
22.2
 "Information Concerning the Sons of Union Veterans Society" (IL, Dept)
22.3
 "Yours is a Noble Heritage Will You Claim It?" Information concerning the SUVCW
22.4
 "Your Country, Your Father and You" Information concerning the SUVCW
22.5
 "Keep America, American!" patriotic pamphlet prepared by Frederick K. Davis, National Publicity Director SUVCW
22.6
 "When the Boys in Blue are Gone," song lyrics
22.7
 Sons of Union Veterans Ceremony Proceedings
22.8
 Brochure for the Grand Army of the Republic Highway (U.S. 6)
22.9
 September 15, 1941 Joint Memorial Service SUVCW and Auxiliary- Service Proceedings
22.10
 December 12, 1931 Reception for Lester F. Steward Commander Dept. of IL, given by Gen. Orme Camp #29 and Auxiliary #22
22.11
 Picture of Lester F. Steward and inspirational poem by C.H. Chamberlain
22.12
 Envelope marked "Ribbons" contains one ribbon (green, red and white)
22.13
 "Another Call to Arms" a reprint of an address by Dept. Commander Rodney H. Brandon
22.14
 Three envelopes
22.15
 Notice of resolution raising dues, January 1938, carbon copy
22.16
 Letter asking for membership, carbon; January 1939 (six copies)

 

Folder 23:
 The Banner
23.1
 December 1939; Dwight, IL, Vol. 43, No. 6
23.2
 September 1949; Dwight, IL, Vol. 52, No. 5
23.3
March 1950; Dwight, IL ,Vol. 52, No. 2
23.4
 November 1951; Dwight, IL, Vol. 55, No. 6
23.5
 January 1952; Trenton, NJ, Vol. 56, No. 1
23.6
 March 1952; Trenton, NJ, Vol. 56, No. 2
23.7
 May 1952; Trenton, NJ, Vol. 56, No. 3
23.8
 July 1952; Trenton, NJ, Vol. 56, No. 4
23.9
 September 1952; Trenton, NJ Vol. 56, No. 5
23.10
 July/August 1953; Trenton, NJ Vol. 57, No. 4
23.11
 January/February 1956; Owego, NY Vol. 60, No. 1

 

Folder 24:
 Challenge from the Missouri Department of the SUVCW
24.1
 January 29, 1938; "A Challenge" issued by Rev. John M. Dunlevy, Commander Missouri Department SUVCW
24.2
 February 17, 1938; Response addressed: To All Company Commanders (IL. Dept. SUVCW) from: Charles S. Wise, Commander IL Department SUVCW
24.3
 February 18, 1938; Charles S. Wise to Commander

 

Folder 25:
Family List/Trees
25.1
 George Perry McCellan; 8th IL. Co. K
Carl Lartz; 94th Co. A
Henry [unable to read]; 112th IL Co. C
John P. Klopp; 34th Wis.
John Kane
Abram B. Johnson; 39th Co. I
Orange Parrett; 77th Co. B
Sam P. Hallan
Charles Bishop; 94th Co. B
Warren Brown; 4th IL Co. G
Guy A. Carlton
James Penalton Schaum; 94th IL Co. K
Sheppard Reynolds; 12th IL Co. B
Yancy Madison Powell; 36th IN Cav.
Valentine Bedell [Skiague]; 94th Co. K
William Dallas Myers; 20th Inf. Co. K
George Perry McCellan; 8th IL. Co. K
Carl Lartz; 94th Co. A
John Crow
Thas Cros[in]bery; Iowa Pvt. Co. 14
Chaney Williams
Orange Parrett; 77th Co. B
Abram B. Johnson; 39th Co. I
John Kane; 94th Co. H
John P. Klopp; 34th Wis.
Samual Lee; 87th IL Inf.
Thomas Young
George Washington Woods; 64th NY Vol. Inf. Co. D
William Dallas Myer
Alden Myers; Co. 39
Milton Spar Morrison; IN Inf.
Elises McNier
25.2
 "Civil War Veterans Family Tree" (Richard Brinkhoff)

 

Folder 26:
 Rodney H. Brandon Correspondence (Dept. Commander)
26.1
 August 12, 1938 Brandon to "Brothers SUVCW"
26.2
 August 19, 1938 to "Brothers SUVCW"
26.3
 September 14, 1938 to Brothers and Friends
26.4
 October 14,1938 to Brothers
26.5
 November 1, 1938 to Camp Officers and Commanders
26.6
 February 1939 Letter concerning Jurisdictional Rights for Orme Camp #29
26.7
 February 28, 1939
26.8
 March 25, 1939

 

Folder 27:
 William L. Martin Correspondence
27.1
 January 1939 Martin to Brothers
27.2
 February 3, 1939 to Mr. Rolla Jones
27.3
 February 3, 1939 to Miss Lola Myers
27.4
 February 3, 1939 to Chas Dorland
27.5
 April 4, 1939 to The Honorable Mayor and City Council of Bloomington
27.6
 May 8, 1940 to Brothers
27.7
 May 8, 1940 to Brothers
27.8
 May 9, 1940 to A. D. Rhinesmith

 

Folder 28:
A. D. Rhinesmith Correspondence
28.1
 January 25, 1938 Rhinesmith to Mr. Tom B. Selders
28.2
 June 27, 1938 to Camp Officers
28.3
 July 11, 1938 to Tom B. Selders
28.4
 February 2, 1939 to Mr. C. E. Slonaker
28.5
 February 6, 1939 to Mr. C.E. Slonaker
28.6
 March 13, 1939 to Mr. C.E. Slonaker
28.7
 March 30, 1939 to Mr. C.E. Slonaker
28.8
 July 31, 1939 to Mr. C. W. Dorland
28.9
 December 14, 1939 to Mr. C. W. Dorland
28.10
 (date unknown) to Brothers

 

Folder 29:
Miscellaneous Correspondence
29.1
 (date unknown) "Paul Revere Rode at Midnight"
29.2
 (date unknown) "Greetings" from Frank S. Haven
29.3
 June 30, 1931; T. B. Selders to Lester F. Stewart (see Folder 7: 7.2 and 7.3)
29.4
 July 6, 1931; Lester F. Steward to T. B. Selders (see Folder 7: 7.7)
29.5
 May 10, 1937; T. B. Selders to the Honorable Mayor and City Council of the City of Bloomington
29.6
 February 11, 1938 T.B. Selders and C. W. Dorland-meeting note
29.7
 April 30, 1938; M. S. Harvey, Minister to Dear Friends (SUVCW)
29.8
 May 3, 1938; C. W. Dorland to Mayor and City Council of Bloomington
29.9
 May 9, 1938; Carl Fuller to T. B. Selders
29.10
 May 25, 1938; Multiple signers to Camp Officers and Members
29.11
 August 25, 1938; Carl Fuller to T. B. Selders
29.12
 March 13, 1939; Park F. Yengling (Chairman-Committee on Essay Contest) to All Camp Commanders
29.13
 Summer/Fall 1939
29.14
 May 27, 1940; Roy H. Mathis (Commander IL Dept.) to W. L. Martin (Commander)
29.15
 September 23, 1940; General Orme Camp #29
29.16
 April 11, 1941; J. E. Gallagher to C. W. Dorland
29.17
 May 27, 1947; A. H. Reynolds to Samuel W. Livingston
29.18
 August 6, 1948; R. C. Mathis (Secretary-Treasurer) to W. R. Brigham (Secretary)
29.19
 February 3, 1949; Secretary -Treasurer and Commander (unsigned) to Honorable Edward J. Barrett (Secretary of State, IL)
29.20
 February 15, 1949; A. Leroy Reynolds to Edger Seibel, W. R. Brigham, George Ross
29.21
 May 10, 1949; A. Leroy Reynolds to Members
29.22
 November 17, 1949; Roscoe C. Mathis and A. Leroy Reynolds to Members
29.23
 (date unknown); William J. Moore (IL Dept. Commander) to Members
29.24
 (date unknown); A. Leroy Reynolds to Brothers
29.25
 (date unknown); Oscar Arnold (Patriotic Instructor) to Brother Members

 

Folder 30:
Auxiliary to the SUVCW
30.1
 Variety Entertainment auspices of Sons of Union Veterans Auxiliary No. 22, Jefferson School, February 19, 1937
30.2
 Constitution Rules and Regulations Official Edition of 1927
30.3
 By-Laws approved June 1929 (two copies)
30.4
 By-Laws approved June 1938
30.5
 National Roster 1933-1934
30.6
 Brief History n.d. (two copies)
30.7
 Proceedings, Fifty-Second Annual Encampment Illinois Department; Proceedings, Forty-Sixth
30.8
 Annual Encampment Illinois Department Jacksonville, Illinois, June 6 and 7, 1933
30.9
 "The American's Creed" (two copies)
30.10
 Illinois Department, General Orders, No.1, Series 1933-1934 (two copies)
30.11
 Illinois Department, General Orders, No.2, Series 1933-1934 (two copies)
30.12
 Illinois Department, General Orders, No.3, Series 1933-1934
30.13
 Illinois Department, General Orders, No.4, Series 1933-1934
30.14
 Illinois Department, General Orders, No.1, Series 1940-1941
30.15
 Illinois Department, General Orders, No.4, Series 1940-1941 (two copies)
30.16
 Illinois Department, General Orders, No.1, June 28, 1942
30.17
 Illinois Department, General Orders, No.3, January 20, 1943
30.18
 Illinois Department, General Orders, No.4, June 14, 1943
30.19
 National Headquarters, Circular Letter No.1, February 1, 1928

 

Folder 31:
 Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War
31.1
 Lecture on Ritual and Floor Work 1931

 

Folder 32:
Junior Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
32.1
 Constitution and By-Laws Approved September 1936
32.2
 Ritual Second Edition 1941

 

Folder 33:
 Inventory
33.1
 Unidentified SUVCW; three photocopied pages

 

Folder 34:
Zip Disk
34.1
 Zip disk with Post-It Note "SUVCW Files"

 

Folder 35:
Souvenir Program
35.1
 Souvenir Program for the 14th Annual Encampment of the Sons of the Veterans and the 29th Annual Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, Illinois Department, May 1895

 

Loose Items
Scrapbook contains newspaper clippings about the activities of Sons of Veterans, Auxiliary of the Sons of Veterans, Daughters of the American Revolution, Grand Army of the Republic, Junior Auxiliary Sons of Union Veterans, Maple Grove School, Charles Mayo, Joseph W. Fifer, dinners and picnics hosted by groups

 

McLean County Museum of History Collections and Research