January 17, 2001

'The Civil War is still with us'

Sons of Civil War maintain monuments, memories

By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
       For Jan White of Traverse City, joining the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War is both an act of patriotism and family commitment. He learned of the organization three years ago while researching his family's genealogy. Once discovered, he decided to join after finding a local chapter, the Robert Finch Camp No. 14, which covers the northwest Michigan region.
      His great grandfather, Oren White, served in the Civil War, fighting in battles in Kentucky against the Confederates. White is proud of his ancestor's service and has even written to the National Archives to obtain a copy of his great grandfather's original enlistment.
      "Knowing that our family is part of that history, part of that great struggle is very important," said White, camp commander for the Robert Finch Camp. "Membership means a lot to me, I am sure that my great grandfather is proud as the dickens that his great grandson is honoring him. Those guys went through hell."
      White is one of 24 members of the Robert Finch Camp. He and a slate of officers were sworn into their duties at the camp's bi-monthly meeting Saturday at the South City Limits Restaurant in Traverse City. The meeting also featured a presentation by George Goodrich, a member from Benzonia and the camp's historian, on Benzonia author and Civil War historian Bruce Catton.
      The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War began in the 1880s, formed when a number of veteran's organizations combined. Its purpose and mission includes education, maintaining graves, memorials, monuments and records of the Civil War and those who fought in it for the Union Army.
      Membership is open to direct male descendents of Civil War veterans. In addition, up to a third of the membership in each camp can be comprised of people not directly descended from a veteran but who have an interest in the Civil War. Women who can trace their ancestors to the Civil War or who marry into a family eligible for membership can join an auxiliary; the local chapter is considering forming an auxiliary chapter for women.
      The Robert Finch Camp began in Grand Rapids in 1914 and later moved to Traverse City. It is one of 172 camps in 24 states. While a small camp, it is growing and recently garnered an award for growth from the national organization.
      Bill Skillman of Traverse City is one of the newer members, joining the Robert Finch Camp two years ago. His great grandfather fought in the Civil War and he has also found ancestors who fought in units based in Kentucky, Virginia, New Jersey, Minnesota and Ohio.
      Skillman is part of a Civil War study group that meets regularly in Traverse City and also the Sharpshooter Preservation. He grew up right around the time of the Civil War centennial, attending his first Civil War reenactment at 100th Anniversary of Bull Run. He remains active in Civil War reenactments today.
      "I have always been interested in history, nurtured by my dad and uncle," Skillman said. "I think the Civil War is still with us, the issues from it are still with us. In the South they are very, very close to the surface."
      The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War meets the second Saturday of every odd month. For more information, call Neal Breaugh at 947-5873 or nbreaugh@gtii.com.