In reference to a previous posting on the old board:

In Dallas Tx in 1902 there was a huge UCV reunion with 12,000 veterans attending and crowds estimated at 100,000.
The reunion was held April 22 and 23, 1902.

I own a commerative medal from this event that belonged to my GG Grandfather, John Rufus Eddins. He was a member of company H (Scotland Invincibles) of the 17th AL Regiment (infantry) CSA.

He lived in Pine Apple AL (Wilcox county) until 1880 when he moved to Falls county TX.

I have found reference material at the newspaper archives at the University of Texas on this event.

It's very detailed and much too large for the board but I thought I would go over the hight points and if anyone has specific questions, I'll be glad to take a shot at it.

There are no camp photos per se. I did not see any photos of common soldiers. There were quite a few pictures of Confederate Commanders and leaders. There were also many pictures of UCV commanders and support staff (UDC members) and patrons.

A lot of the articles were strictly history but I have copied some pages which had information about specific events relating to the reunion or articles about specific members. There was a parade which must have been an amazing spectacle.

One article mentioned a black member of the UCV camp in Marlin, TX. His name was Isom Gamble and he was a body servant during the War and was originally from South Carolina. Some of his quotes are insightful and he seemed to be well received. This was of particular interest to me because I believe that my GG Grandfather was probably a member or affiliated with the Marlin camp which is in Falls county.

I plan to go back to the library later on this month to further investigate this source.

The advertisements were very humorous and there were many that listed uniforms and other Confederate items for sale.
I found at least one photographer who advertised specifically for group camp photos so there must be examples out there somewhere.

I'll research further and post information that pertains specifically to AL troops or Alabama UCV groups that may have been at this event.

Kevin Miller
kevindmiller44@hotmail.com