Confederate Reunion

Junction City, Kimble County, Texas – On the morning of the 5th of August the annual reunion of the brigade was called to order by the general commanding at 10 o’clock a.m., and after prayer by the chaplain, Hon. J. M. Durst, the general declared the reunion formally opened.

The welcome address was made by M. E. Blackburn, and was truly a welcome, and the old boys felt that it meant a welcome in deed and in truth. The response was made by Captain Clarence Martin in his happy way, peculiar to himself, which made everyone feel happy and glad that they were there. Expressions of regret were made by the entire command at the non-attendance of the Adjutant General, Colonel A. F. Hicks, whose absence was caused by sickness. He sent a competent substitute for the occasion in the person of Judge J. B. Fonda, a veteran of the 60’s, and the old boys were well taken care of and spent a very pleasant time. A large number of the veterans were unable to attend on account of the great distance of land travel that had to be taken to reach the brigade reunion. The balance of the day was spent in enjoyment.

Second Day, August 6th

Bugle call 9 a.m. for the memorial service. Called to order by the general. Invocation by the chaplain. Memorial service conducted by the chaplain and roll of dead by the adjutant. List of dead as follows:

Comrades R. Helger,
Fritz Jordan,
Chas Newman,
W. T. Benson,
Chas Levman of Gillespie county;
J. D. Cody,
Miles Barler,
Martin Boatright, Llano county;
Captain J. M. Hunter,
J. J. Wilhelm,
G. H. Coffee,
_______ Brisker, Mason county;
L. Robinson,
J. W. Moore,
E. L. Turner, Blanco county;
Sam Fleming, Edwards county;
J. D. Hunter,
Robert Landers,
Newt Elkins, Kimble county;
J. J. Farmer, Rochelle;
Captain S. E. Hays,
_______ Waldrip and
Jim Love, Kerrville.

Total of 22 passed over the river since the last meeting. Eulogies and expressions of sympathy were made by their old comrades.

In the afternoon at 3 p.m. the annual address was made b our eloquent Captain Clarence Martin of the general staff, and was truly a gem; the gifted speaker was frequently stopped by the prolonged cheers. Then music by the band, and after this an eloquent address was delivered by the Hon. Horace Wilson, judge advocate, and also Dr. Bringhurst of San Antonio, which was highly appreciated by the veterans.

Last Day, August 7th

      9 a.m., bugle call and business session. First, nomination for place to meet in 1909, Fredericksburg, Ballinger and San Angelo were nominated, and after a big fight Fredericksburg won out and the other places made it unanimous.

      Election of officers: Ben W. Palmer, general by acclamation; T. F. Rainey, colonel 1st regiment, by acclamation; T. H. Marsden, colonel 2nd regiment, by acclamation; W. H. Bales, colonel 3rd regiment, by acclamation.

      In the election of colonel of the 4th regiment there were two nominated, Dave Simpson and O. S. Striegler; O. S. Striegler received a majority of the votes and was declared elected colonel of the 4th regiment.

A.F. Hicks was by unanimous vote of the entire brigade requested to be made adjutant general, which was done;
H. R. McInnis inspector general;
Henry Kordzik, assistant inspector general;
H. J. Dawson, quartermaster general;
S. V. Wood, commissary general;
H. E. Wilson, judge advocate
. J. M. Pound, surgeon general;
J. S. Durst, chaplain general;
Mrs. B. W. Palmer, matron;
Miss Edna Moore, sponsor;
Miss Clara Madsden, first maid of honor;
Miss Frankie Brown, second Maid of honor;
Miss Mamie Melton, daughter of the brigade for life;
Master Tommie Martin, child of the brigade for life;
aides de camp,
Jas. Callan,
C. H. Jenkins,
Joe A. Adkins,
Clarence Martin,
B. H. Riley,
A. N. Moursund;
brigade orderly, T. L. Melton;
historian, Hon J. F. Brown.

Hon. Clarence Martin was unanimously elected to deliver the annual address.

The Daughters of the Confederacy had prepared a splendid program for the entertainment of the veterans and their friends, and extended a very hearty invitation to remain over another day to enjoy same, which they did, and spent a most enjoyable time; in fact it was a continual love feast.

A resolution was introduced and adopted unanimously thanking the good people of Junction for the elegant entertainment afforded the brigade at its annual reunion at that place, the fine band for its beautiful music, the Daughters of the confederacy for their splendid entertainment, and to all others who had contributed to this end. After prayer by the chaplain the general declared the reunion adjourned to meet at Fredericksburg on the first Wednesday in August 1909.