Prattville Dragoons Enjoy a Wonderful Fall Muster

SCV Camp 1524 members and their guests in attendance on Saturday October 21st thoroughly enjoyed the 3rd annual Dragoon Fall Muster under bright Alabama sunlight with moderate temperatures and a nice breeze. Many participated in shooting the clay targets with their shotguns and also shot a variety of other weapons at stationary targets. After working up an appetite, we dined on delicious Dixie butt provided by Larry Spears, Bill Myrick’s “World Famous" Baked Beans, Commander Waldo’s potato salad and corn casserole, several desserts and other picnic fare. After the meal, several more Dragoons continued breaking several clays with their expertly placed shots. 

The event was held in a field of the Dismukes’ property off Main Street south of Millbrook AL but unfortunately Dragoon Will Dismukes was not able to attend due to an emergent conflicting priority. But the camp appreciated the hospitality shown by the Dismukes family in hosting the event on the beautiful grounds adjacent to the Alabama River. A total of 20 camp members attended so it was the biggest fall muster event so far conducted by the camp.  Clays were thrown using a hand thrower as well as an anchored spring thrower so a variety of target paths were seen which made it a challenge to break the clays (especially since many were using this event as their sole annual opportunity to shoot).  

Members were pleased to see Allen Herrod who has had some health problems lately and new member “Bear” Butler brought an array of weapons that provided enjoyment to several who shot them.  Bill Branch also had a nice couple weapons.  Bear and Bill both brought their better halves so it was nice to see a couple ladies participate also. The youngest member there was Connor Lee who is a student and recipient of the Alabama Division Joe Wheeler scholarship who stated it was his first time shooting clays and the oldest in attendance was WWII veteran James Spears who also shot stationary clay targets.   Great time being able to shoot our guns and practice a little before hunting season.  Thanks to all who attended, those who brought food and everyone who helped clean up following the shoot and dinner. There was great camaraderie among all those present.

Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 Workday at Robinson Springs Cemetery

Wednesday 18 October, four Dragoons took care of the maintenance of Robinson Springs Cemetery. Eight Confederate veterans are buried there along with veterans of the Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korea and other conflicts. There are many ancestors of present day inhabitants and founders of Elmore and Autauga counties buried here dating back to the early 1800’s. 

Carl French of the Cradle of the Confederacy Camp in Montgomery will mow the large area of the cemetery away from the graves in the next day or so.

Thanks to Skip Ward, Douglas “Bear” Butler and Bill Gill for contributing their labor and time to this Dragoon community service project which is part of the camps commitment to the SCV Guardian program taking care of historic cemeteries. Below you see the participants of the cleanup and a photo of part of the area cleaned up. The Battle Flags that mark each Confederate veteran grave were flying briskly in today’s cooler fall breeze.

Birthday of Confederate General William Joseph Hardee

October 12th is the birthday of Confederate General Hardee who was born 12 October 1815 and died on 6 November 1873. He is buried in Old Live Oak Cemetery in Selma. Pat Godwin of the United Daughter's of the Confederacy offered this rememberance.

Gen Hardee and Elodie Todd Dawson organized the Confederate Memorial Association in March 1873...he was the first president... then unfortunately, he passed away in November 1873... Elodie then took over as President and Confederate Memorial Association then became the Ladies Memorial Association.  They began raising money with the goal of erecting a memorial to the Confederate dead... and to bring back the remains of 156 Confederate soldiers.   The city of Selma purchased 18 acres adjoining the existing "West Selma Graveyard" in March 1877... on April 17, 1877, Elodie Todd Dawson went to the City Council and asked the city to donate one acre in the centermost part of the newly acquired land for the purpose of erecting the memorial.   The city granted Mrs. Dawson her request... the ladies then continued to raise money for the monument... and the remains of the soldiers... sadly,  Elodie Todd Dawson passed away in November 1877 and did not live to see the fruits of her labor come to fruition.  Alice Pettus then became President of the LMA... on April 26, 1878 the Confederate Memorial was dedicated at the Confederate Memorial Circle... which is now officially owned by the Selma Chapter 53, UDC. 

Prattville Dragoons Camp Meeting for October 2017

The Prattville Dragoons, SCV Camp 1524 held their camp meeting for October on the 12th of the month at the Shoney's on Cobbs Ford Road.  Following fellowship over their meals, 1st Lt Harold Grooms, in the absence of Commander Waldo, detailed the upcoming events and announcements including the camp's annual canned food drive and the Salvation Army bell ringing scheduled for later in mid-December as well as the upcoming Fall muster scheduled for Saturday 21 October and the camp's Christmas social on Friday 8 December.  It was a well attended meeting with several guests and one prospective member who submitted an application.  

Past Brigade Commander and camp Adjutant Bill Myrick presented an outstanding program on the 22nd Alabama Infantry Regiment which was raised in the south Montgomery community of Ramer. He brought his print of the muster of the 22nd which was located at a church in the area. Bill read a well written, detailed letter from a member of the 22nd concerning the Battle of Shiloh and the personal trials of the unit and himself. At one time, this soldier's company was down to some 40 - 45 men, about the size of a modern day platoon. Still they persevered in the face of extreme inclement weather and the constant barrage of Union fire and shelling. An outstanding presentation and enjoyable camp meeting. 

Prattville Doster Cemetery Cleanup by SCV Camp 1524 Compatriot

The final resting place of Confederate veterans of the Prattville Doster family was cleaned on Monday October 2nd by Compatriot Bill Myrick of SCV Camp 1524.   Bill has single-handed kept this historic cemetery groomed throughout the summer.  As can be seen from the attached photo, the cemetery looks extremely good. 

Prattville Dragoons Chaplain's Column for October 2017

From the Camp 1524 Dispatch newsletter:

Chaplain’s Column –Allowing God to Help Break the Cycle

God gives us more by gg deeper than we ask. He not only wants your whole heart, he wants your whole heart whole. Why? Hurt people hurt people. Think about it. Why do you fly off the handle? Why do you avoid conflict? Why do you seek to please everyone? Might your tendencies have something to do with an unhealed hurt in your heart? God wants to help you for your sake.

Your family history may have had some sad chapters. But your history doesn’t have to be your future. The generational garbage can stop here and now. You don’t have to give your kids what your ancestors gave you. Talk to God about the scandals and scoundrels. Invite Him to relive the betrayal with you. The process may take a long time. It may take a lifetime. It may be difficult, for certain. But let God do His work!

Please remember all of those on our prayer list.

Autauga County (AL) Cemetery Tour - Saturday October 7th

Dragoon friend and Autauga country cemetery expert Larry Caver Jr. will lead a tour of Autauga county cemeteries this coming Saturday.

Agenda- The tour will meet and begin at the Probate Office in Prattville AL at 7:30 AM; we will arrive at Old Autaugaville Cemetery (Asbury) around 8:00 AM; we will then go to Ivey Creek to tour Cemetery and Church; the tour will then go to the Roy Family Cemetery at Evergreen Community followed by a stop at Evergreen Baptist Church for a  break; the tour will continue​ to Old Harmony Cemetery on County Rd 45, and then the Hall Family Cemetery also on County Rd 45, and then back to Hwy 14 and back to Prattville. Wear long pants, comfortable shoes, bring a sack lunch and your smart phone for photos. No cost to attend and open to anyone who wants to join us!