Frank Powell, the Editor of the Confederate Veteran Magazine, will be the guest speaker at our June 30th meeting. His topic will be “Flags at the North Carolina Museum of History.” Frank Powell is a distinguished leader in the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He is a former Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia and a Past Commander of the North Carolina Division. He will be sharing photographs of some of the rarely seen Confederate Flags housed at the NC Museum of History. Rumor has it that a 24th NC Regimental Flag is among the collection at the museum. Could the Regimental Flag of the Ploughboys be among those shown at this presentation? Come find out on June 30th.
Joel Sikes visits Elmira
Joel Sikes at Woodlawn National Cemetery
One of our newest members, Joel Sikes, recently visited Woodlawn National Cemetery in Elmira, New York. He is pictured here beside his Great Gradfather’s (Edmund Lafayette Sikes) grave.
Ploughboys visit Stedman Elementary School
Commander Ken Bell & Quartermaster Dwight Lovick describing Camp Life.
On Thursday, May 14th the Cumberland Plough Boys took part in a Civil War Field Day at Stedman Elementary School. The children were given stations to visit where they would play games that were popular in the 1860s. Also, there was a chance for them to visit a Campsite where they could find out about how the soldiers lived ate, and dressed. The most popular items were the leg irons and shackles carried by the Provost, and items that were much different back in those times such as the three pronged fork or suspenders. The presentation was led by Commander Ken Bell and Quartermaster Dwight Lovick. Also in attendance was 1st Lt. Commander Mark Whitley. The credit for organizing the event goes to Ploughboy Matt Hall.
Dr. Jerry Devine to deliver talk at the April Meeting
Dr. Jerry Devine, of the Robeson Rifle Guard Camp, will be the guest speaker at the regular monthly meeting on April 28th. Dr. Devine is a board certified internist in Lumberton, N.C. He will be presenting a program on Medicine during the War Between the States.
February 24th Meeting Cancelled
Due to the icy road conditions and the concern for our speaker, members, and guests, the Ploughboys Meeting for Tuesday, February 24th has been cancelled. Everybody stay safe and warm.
January Meeting Change….FISH FRY
Big Announcement: January Meeting Date, Time, and Place Changed…..
Meeting will be Saturday, January 31st at David Vinson’s House (10164 Norris Road Autryville)
FISH FRY … normal cost $6
Order of Events
Noon – Begin Gathering for Fellowship Time & Preparation of Food
12:30 – Eat Lunch
1:00 – Camp Meeting
2:00 – Program …. Live Artillery Fire
Upcoming Events
Fort Fisher Reenactment – January 17th
Oak Grove Living History – February 28th & March 1st 10 AM – 3 PM
Ploughboys Sponsor 1864 Christmas In Fayetteville at Heritage Square
Have you ever wondered what Christmas was like during the period of the War Between the States? Now you can find out. The Woman’s Club of Fayetteville is going to hold a special event on Saturday, December 13th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Heritage Square on Dick Street in Fayetteville. You will have the opportunity to tour through a house that was standing during the Christmas of 1864, and to hear informative presentations on family life and soldier life. The Cumberland Plough Boys Camp is proud to sponsor this event. You may read more in this article from the Fayetteville Observer.
Brenda McKean will be the Speaker for the August Meeting
The August Camp Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 26th at the Stedman Community Building. Brenda McKean will be the guest speaker. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. with the meal.
Brenda McKean is a retired nurse anesthetist graduating from Duke University. Her education is mainly in medicine, but for the last thirty plus years she has been a devoted student and researcher of the War Between the States, giving lectures to various groups and school children.
She was a recipient of the “Bonnie Blue Award,” given by District #1297 SCV Camp to outstanding persons in the field of Confederate history. In 2005 she received the “Annie Devereux Award” for exemplary service to the Soldiers’ Benevolent Society, a division of the 26th N.C.T., reflecting the honorable dedication of our forefathers. She has attended all of the annual conferences of the “Society of Women and the Civil War” since 1997, and is currently a Regent for North Carolina. Ms. McKean has presented papers twice at this conference.
Currently Brenda is a board member for “Friends of the Bennett Place State
Historic Site.” She has been a re-enactor/living historian for over twenty-five years. She was the Civilian Co-ordinator for the 125th Anniversary of the Battle of Bentonville. Ms. McKean is a member of the 26th NCT and Board member of the
Tar Heel Civilians which she co-founded. She is a member of several historical organizations.
Her non-fiction book “Blood and War at my Doorstep: North Carolina Civilians in the War Between the States” is published in two volumes. In 2013 Volume I of this set won an award from the N.C. Society of Historians. In July 2014 she won the “Jefferson Davis Heritage Medal” from the UDC.
Major Jonathan Evans Grave Located
Exciting News!!!!! The grave of Major Jonathan Evans, the first Captain of the Plough Boys, was located by Mike Willis. The cemetery is located off Evans Dairy Road. He was the first Commanding Officer of the Plough Boys, but was quickly promoted to Major of the 24th Regiment. The graves of all three Captains of the Cumberland Plough Boys have now been found.
Jonathan Evans Grave
Ploughboys at Oak Grove Plantation
The first living history was held at Oak Grove Plantation. It was a huge success. The Plough Boys (pictures below) were heavily involved.
The public was allowed to tour the plantation house, and could see the cannon ball hole left by Confederate troops. The Plough Boys participated in cannon and mortar demonstrations. The Camp Store was set up in the kitchen house. Many folks stopped in and bought a few items.
Overall it was a great event. The plan will be to have a full-scale reenactment next year.
Dwight & Susan operate the Camp Store
Plough Boys at Oak Grove Plantation
Commander Jackson with General Johnston