This month’s meeting, October 21st, 6:30 at the Watts house, will mark a change in Camp leadership when we gather to confirm and elect new officers for the next two years. It has been an enormous honor and privilege to serve as Commander of the McGowan Camp these past 2 years and as Lt. Commander two years prior. Ludie Watkins has served as our Lt. Commander since 2002 and he will bring some fresh ideas and leadership to our Camp through 2006. I am looking forward to his guidance and pledge my full support to him as the Camp Colors and charter are passed to his charge. Gary Davis has been nominated by the Camp to serve as Lt. Commander and other compatriots will be announced by Commander Watkins along with the offices they have agreed to fill. In addition to the election and confirmation of officers, we will take a vote to ratify the Camp Constitution. This has been an ongoing project for the past 2 years and while much work and thought has gone into the document, it will still require some “tweaking” and revisions over the years. It is my hope that all will be in agreement to accept the Constitution in its current form and cast a “yea” in its adoption. It is long past due. Our compatriot and friend, H.K. Edgerton has suffered great loss over the past recent weeks. During the Hurricane season and the heavy rains suffered in Western North Carolina, H.K.’s home received serious flood damage resulting in severe personal loss of possessions. Anyone who wishes to send financial aid to H.K. can do this through the Camp by sending your check to: Dever Ray Martin
25 Lail Street Waterloo, SC 29384 Make Checks out to SCV Camp 40 and designate for: H.K. Edgerton The SCV year (National) runs from August 1st of one year through July 31 of the following year. In the past, dues were required to be received no later than a postmark date of February 1st; however, an approved amendment at the 109th General Reunion/Convention has SHORTENED the grace period by 90 days. Therefore, camps must begin to collect dues as soon as possible and send them to IHQ by November 1, 2004 (postmark date) in order to avoid paying a $5.00/member late/reinstatement fee. A letter will be sent from IHQ to all camp adjutants confirming this change. McGowan Camp Members…..It is, therefore, urgent that you have your National Dues ($20.00) paid to Camp Adjutant, Dever Ray Martin ASAP. In order to maintain your current status with National, he must send in your payment prior to November 1st. Otherwise, you will be required to pay a $5.00 late fee with your renewal for reinstatement. If you wish, you may go ahead and pay your South Carolina Division Dues ($5.00) at the same time. For the record, Division dues are not required until (Jan 1 – Feb 1). They are due on July 1st each year, but the Division gives a rather lengthy “grace period” before a member is considered “delinquent.” The South Carolina Division fiscal year runs from July 1 – June 31. New members who joined as of July 1st of this year, are already considered paid for Calendar 2005. Now is also a good time to pay your McGowan Camp annual dues of $10.00. |
| Camps of
the First Brigade On Monday evening, October 11th, representatives from 1st Brigade Camps in South Carolina met in Anderson to announce the appointment of a new Brigade Commander. This appointment was made according to the guidelines of the South Carolina Division Constitution by Division Commander Michael Givens. As most of you know, Brigade Commander Lou Towles passed away on September 29th while serving in that capacity. Serving until Division Convention 2006, is Joe Payne, Commander of the 2nd Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, Camp # 0071 in Pickens. Commander Payne is well qualified to serve in this position and will continue to lead our Brigade in the fine tradition and manner in which Lou began this past Spring.
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| Guardian
Report On September 18th, two members of the McGowan camp, along with a guest from the 16th Regiment, placed five markers on the graves of Confederate soldiers in southern Laurens county. We first visited a family cemetery near Old Bethlehem Church, installing monuments for Andrew W. Anderson and Larkin Anderson. These two graves are in a very overgrown section of woods, and the entire graveyard is in very bad condition. There are only three readable grave markers remaining. Traveling next to Mountville, we set stones for M. Lafayette Walker and his apparent father, Captain Tandy Walker. Moving a short distance away, we finished our days work at Mountville Presbyterian, at the grave of Edwin Beardin. We even got to meet Chicken George!! Please join with us on Saturday, October 23rd, behind Verdin's Farm and Garden, 9:00AM, as we continue with this honorable work to ensure our Confederate ancestors are not forgotten |
| Our
friend, First Brigade Commander Lou Towles, passed away on September 29.
His smile and his encouraging words will be missed by all. |