History of the SUVCW

        The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War was a creation of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) which was formed in 1866. Wanting to pass on its heritage, the GAR in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania created a Corps of Cadets in 1878 which later became the Sons of Veterans of the United States of America (SV). This latter organization was formed in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania on November 12, 1881 . The SV units functioned much as National Guard units and actually served along with state militia during the Spanish American War.

        In 1904, the SV elected to become a patriotic education society and in 1925 changed its name to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). However, to keep the military aspect alive, the SUVCW created within the organization the Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) which was carried on the Army rolls as a Reserve contingent. Some SVR units served with the Army during World War I. After World War I, the SVR was listed as a training company of the U.S. Army.

        In more recent years, the SVR's mission has become historic, ceremonial, and commemorative. Prior to disbanding and before the death of its last member, the GAR officially designated the SUVCW as its successor and heir to its remaining property. On August 20, 1954 , the SUVCW was officially incorporated by an Act of Congress by the passing of Public Law 605 of the second session of the 83rd Congress.  The purpose of the SUVCW is to:

        “To perpetuate the Memory of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the men who saved the Union in 1861 to 1865, to assist in every way practicable in the preservation and making available for research of documents and records pertaining to the Grand Army of the Republic and its members; to cooperate in doing honor to all of those who patriotically served our country in any way; to teach patriotism and the duties of citizenship, the true history of our country, and the love and honor of our flag; to oppose every tendency or movement that would weaken loyalty to, or  make for the destruction or impairment of, our Constitutional Union; and to inculcate and broadly sustain the American principles of representative government, of equal rights and of impartial justice for all.”

History of the Henry S. Weaver Camp #71

        The Freeport SUVCW Camp, known as the Henry S. Weaver Camp #71, was originally formed in 1910, and was named in honor of  Pvt. Henry S. Weaver, who enlisted in Co. F, 78th  Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry at the age of 17 years. He was killed at the Battle of Stone River, Tennessee on December, 31 1862 at the age of 19 years, and is buried in the Freeport Cemetery .  A headstone to mark his gravesite was placed by the Camp in 2004.

        The Camp passed out of existence in 1930’s, when membership dwindled due to the deaths of many members and the lack of interest by the younger generation. The camp started reformation procedures in 1999, and was re-chartered in the same year.

          The new Camp #71 is active in numerous activities, including parades and Memorial Day services through out the area. Members also take an active part in civil war battle reenactments and living history events not only locally, but also in many states across the eastern part of the United States through membership in the 78th Pa. Volunteer Infantry, Co. F.

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