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Sons of Confederate Veterans inviting new members to join the group
About Our Camp
So often it is not the truth, but the perception of what the truth is that can be damaging to reputations. This is the concern of members of Walter M. Bryson Camp #70 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, which was formed in about 1920 and was re-established about 1988 and has been active since that time. The current officers have been in place since Sept. 2004.
We study genealogy and our ancestors' ties to that period of time which, of course, was a most important era in our history.
Norman Miller, member and officer in the local unit, agrees that a love for history and how it affected our ancestors, specifically the War Between the States, is what leads most members to join the SCV. "We want to get the word out about what we do and the fact that we are inviting new members to join the group." Miller said.
Recent controversies surrounding use of the Confederate flag has left the public with an erroneous impression of what the SCV stands for. "First of all, the SCV disapproves of any improper use of the flag and I doubt the majority of those who display the Confederate flag know what it really stands for," Miller said. "The 'stars and bars' is the flag of the Confederacy."
People from all walks of life have joined the SCV with the only criteria for membership being tracing an ancestor on the Southern side to the war.
The SCV Camp #70 now boasts 51 members and is currently beginning a
membership drive. Those needing tips on how to trace their ancestors can find many SCV members ready to help.
This chapter is currently involved in Cemetery Restoration, Clean up and Protection. Our Camp wants to locate all Civil War soldiers in the Henderson County, NC cemeteries, in hopes of providing descendants with an opportunity to connect with their heritage or to place a Federal Grave Marker on their ancestors gravesite, to protect our historic cemeteries, and show the community the importance of their role in our Southern Heritage and historical preservation. In Henderson County, NC alone there is an extensive list of endangered cemeteries. On November 13th 2004, we sponsored the clean up of the Edney Cemetery here in Henderson County, with another cemetery clean up scheduled for December 18th, 2004 at the Townsend Cemetery located just off of Mills Gap Road.
The camp is named for Capt. Walter M. Bryson, of Company G, 35th Regiment NC, who was killed in the Battle of Sharpsburg,(Antietam) Maryland during the Maryland campaign in September of 1862. Upon his death, he was replaced by Lieutenant John J. Case who was then promoted to Captain.
For those of you interested in joining us in the celebration of our heritage, please contact us for an application:
Or call Jesse Reese at: (828) 891-5513
This site is maintained by Wanda E. Case [email protected] 2004