Submitted by Don Umphrey
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.