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We are the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. We are the descendants of the men who fought to save the Union. Their blood runs in our veins. We are not about "representing" Civil War soldiers, we, as descendants and legal heirs to the G.A.R. are a direct link to these men. We honor our ancestors by keeping alive the memory of their service and sacrifice in a way that no other organization can.
Before, during, and after the Civil War here in Missouri plundering guerrilla bands habitually raided small towns, and the people of Columbia, Missouri, constantly feared an attack. Such organizations as temporary "home guards" and vigilance companies frequently banded together to fight off any possible forays by the bushwhackers. After attacks on Rocheport, Centralia, and other small towns in the area it was rumored that a guerrilla band, led by the notorious Bill Anderson, intended to sack Columbia. On October 4, 1864 the Columbia Tiger Company was organized composed of men of all political persuasions. The unit was composed of such men as:
Major James Sidney Rollins
1st Lt. Sheriff John F. Baker
2nd Lt. A.J. Harbison
Orderly Sgt. Fredy Frinsky
2nd Sgt. Lewis M. Switzler
R.B. Price
Robert L. Todd
Jerre S. Dorsey
J. TH. Fyfer
John Samual
George W. Trimble
and others
Carpenter James Bruckle built a blockhouse at the crossing of Broadway and 8th Streets. It had port holes to shoot through and a well inside, dug in the middle of Broadway to furnish water in case of siege. It was called "The Tigers Den." They also took possession of and fortified the old courthouse in the center of town. A ditch was dug around the courthouse to prevent attackers from throwing a load of hay against the courthouse wall and setting fire to the building. Sentinels were placed on the top of the courthouse and of the cupola of the university. The courthouse and church bells of the city were used to signal the approach of any bushwhackers. Three times marauders approached Columbia but the bells and call to arms kept them outside the city limits. The reputation of the intrepid "Tigers" presumably traveled abroad, and Anderson's gang detoured around Columbia.
The above information gleaned from Dr. Tom Prater's Unconditional Surrender and from Walter Williams' History of Northeast Missouri
Hereditary Eligibility (Full):
A male descendant, 14 years of age or older, who: is directly descended from a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or member of the Revenue Cutter Service (or directly descended from a brother, sister, half-brother, or half-sister of such Soldier, etc.) who was regularly mustered and served honorably in, was honorably discharged from, or died in the service of, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Revenue Cutter Service of the United States of America or in such state regiments called to active service and was subject to the orders of United States general officers, between April 12, 1861 and April 9, 1865; has never been convicted of any infamous or heinous crime; and has, or whose ancestor through whom membership is claimed, has never voluntarily borne arms against the government of the United States.
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Non-hereditary Eligibility (Associate) Member (and Junior):
Men who do not have the ancestry to qualify for hereditary membership may become Associates if they: Demonstrate a genuine interest in the Civil War; and Can subscribe to the purpose and objects of the SUVCW. Although an Associate is not required to meet the lineage requirement of a Member, he is still subject to the second and third provisions of hereditary eligibility. An Associate may vote and hold any office except those of Commander-in-Chief, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, National Secretary, National Treasurer and Commanding Officer of the Sons of Veterans Reserve. Associates may not exceed one-third of the total membership of the Camp at the time of election.
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Sons Of Veterans Reserve (SVR):
The 1st Missouri State Militia "Columbia Tigers" (SVR) is the ceremonial uniformed military element of the SUVCW. The SVR consists of a General Staff and several military districts across the nation. The SVR is overseen by the National Military Affairs Committee of the SUVCW. SVR elements participate in ceremonies, parades, living history programs, and re-enactments. All Members and Associates are welcome to join the SVR; however, SVR membership is contingent upon maintaining SUVCW membership.