The
following was found in a notebook belonging to John R. Phillips. It was in
the possession of his granddaughter, Mona Brown, who so graciously shared it
with Don Umphrey, great grandson of John Phillips. It was written in
John R. Phillip's hand and covered three pages. Although not very legible,
Don was able to transcribe it as follows:
Bear Creek, Ala. Sept. 22, 1910
The soldiers formed in line in front of
J.R. Phillips store and marched to the Christian church.
Song by the choir.
Welcome address by C.P. Lundsford,
which was very interesting and entertaining. A welcome was extended to the
old Union and Southern soldiers. Responded to by A.D. Mitchell in an
appropriate manner.
Prayer by J.J. Godsey.
Dinner which was bountiful and enjoyed by the old soldiers.
After resting for awhile they were called to meet at the sound
of the drum.
Enrollment of old soldiers and was found to be thirty five
present.
A talk on the principals of the G.A.R. by W.H. Br(the rest
of the name is not legible), a resident of Ill--of Co. B--1st
Ala Vol Cav.
Some short talks on reminiscences of the war by comrades.
Song by the class and then adjourned until 10 o'clock a.m.
on the 23.
Friday 10 A.M.
Met at the store and marched to the church. Song by the choir.
Introduction by C.P. Lunsford who introduced N.H. Grusman as
the speaker of the day. Who made a fine talk welcoming and applauding
the old soldiers and made a masterpiece of oratory on the topics
of the day. Next was the distribution of the Wannamaker (word
not legible) which were eagerly sought for and carefully distributed.
Then recess for dinner.
After dinner we returned to the church house at the sound of
the drum and the time and place was set for the next reunion at
Red Bay, Ala. Thursday and Friday before the 4th Sunday in Sept.
1911.
A.D. Mitchell was elected secretary unanimously.
The following resolution was offered which was unanimously
adopted (viz) the old soldiers of the 1st Regt of Ala Cav Vols
do extend our heartfelt thanks to the good people of Bear Creek
for their kindness and hospitality extended to us while in their
midst--the memory of the good people in and around Bear Creek
will always have a warm place in our hearts. Especially the ladies
who has honored us with their presence and with the bounties of
their culinary arts. After which the old soldiers formed in a
line and their friends of both sexes gave them a hardy hand shake.
And then the old soldiers shook hands with each other while many
tears was shed.
Also a resolution was offered to extend our sympathy to comrade
Hind in his continued illness with the hopes of his early recovery.
Also our thanks for the Wannamaker (word not legible) and flags
sent by himself and his niece Miss Emily Hind Romskill.
P.S. A nice talk was made to the old veterans by J.P. Phillips,
a son of Com J.R. Phillips.
The oldest comrade who was in attendance was Simeon Tidwell
of Co A who was born July 4, 1807 which makes him 103 years.
Submitted to Glenda McWhirter Todd by Don Umphrey: E-Mail address: