2025 144th Annual Encampment Proceedings

144th Annual Encampment Minutes [PDF]

Minutes of the 144th Annual Encampment respectfully submitted by Eric Boothroyd, P.D.C., Department Secretary-Treasurer.

The 144 th Annual Encampment of the Department of Maine, SUVCW, was held at War Memorial Post 30, American Legion, Camden, Maine, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. It was held in conjunction with the Annual Convention of the Department of Maine, DUVCW, and was hosted by the Brothers of Corporal George Samuel Cobb Camp #68, Rockport/Camden.

The Encampment was opened with full ritual at 9:02 AM with Department Commander Howard Black, Jr., presiding.

Roll Call of Department Officers

Commander Howard Black, Jr. – present
Sr. Vice Commander Steven Gibbons – present
Jr. Vice Commander Larry Bonney – present
Council #1 James Bonney – present
Council #2 Morris Berry – absent
Council #3 Charles Shaffer– absent
Secretary-Treasurer Eric Boothroyd – present
Patriotic Instructor James Ewing – present
Chaplain James Bonney – present
Counselor Eric Boothroyd – present
Historian Wayne Bennett – present
Graves Registration Officer Howard Black, Jr. – present
Civil War Memorials Officer James Ewing – present
Guide – vacant
Color Bearer Thornton Batty, Jr. – present
Guard Peter Redman – present
Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator Larry Bonney – present

Commander Black made the following temporary appointments to fill vacancies:

Dept. Council #2 – Charles Smith
Dept. Council #3 – David Urquia
Dept. Guide – Charles Smith

The Commander appointed the following Brother(s) to the Credentials Committee:

Eric Boothroyd

Dept. Commander Black then recognized our National Representative; National Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Kevin Tucker, P.D.C., Department of Massachusetts. Brother Tucker offered greetings from Commander-in-Chief Kevin Martin and made a few remarks on what is happening at National:

Working on defining “blood relative” in regards to eligible lineage
Looking to add legal disclaimer to GRO database that users will need to sign
Reminder of National Encampment this August in Houston. Next year it will be in Gettysburg.
Reminder that the Dept. of Mass. offers a chartered bus to Remembrance Day events in Gettysburg each November
Reminder of our country’s approaching 250th anniversary. Brother Tucker would like to be made aware of any 250th events we are involved in
Points out how the SUVCW differs from other fraternal groups. We are a service organization. We get our hands dirty (grave restoration, educational and living history events, monument restoration, etc.) This keeps the Sons in the news.
Observed that the SUVCW has become less social since COVID. Old traditions like the New England Regional Assoc. and other inter-Department gatherings have gone by the wayside. We should look to restore some of that comradery.
Support our new Juneteenth holiday as a distinctive Union holiday resulting from the sacrifices of Union forces.
Announced that medals are available from the Mass. National Guard for families of members that served in the first eight Mass. Militia Regiments (the Minute Men Regiments) that responded to President Lincoln’s call for troops right after the fall of Ft. Sumter.
Reminded us to vote for our full slate of delegates to the National Encampment, even if they can’t attend, to allow for alternates to be upgraded.

Report of the Credentials Committee

The Credentials Committee reported 13 Brothers of the Department and 2 guests (Brother Tucker and his wife) present. The Department Brothers consisted of 12 Members and 1 Associate. All were eligible to vote. $52 was collected in registration fees and donations at the door. The roll call of the Encampment membership was reported by the secretary as follows:

Peter Redman, PDC — Camp 3
Eric Boothroyd, PDC, Sec/Treas — Camp 11
Wayne Bennett, PCC — Camp 11
Larry Bonney, PDC, JVDC — Camp 11
James Bonney, Council — Camp 11
Steven Gibbons, SVDC — Camp 68
Thornton Batty, CC — Camp 68
Donald Grinnell, delegate — Camp 68
David Urquia, delegate — Camp 68
David Emery, delegate — Camp 68
Charles Smith, alt.upgraded to del. — Camp 68
James Ewing, CC — Camp 86
Howard Black, Jr., DC — Camp 86

Appointments to other standing committees were as follows:

Constitution & Regulations
James Ewing, Steven Gibbons

Resolutions
Larry Bonney, James Bonney

Officers’ Reports
Wayne Bennett, Charles Smith

Fraternal Relations
Larry Bonney

Officers’ Reports
Written reports (to be included with the Encampment proceedings) were submitted and presented by Commander Howard Black; Senior Vice Commander Steven Gibbons; Junior Vice Commander Larry Bonney; Secretary-Treasurer Eric Boothroyd; Patriotic Instructor James Ewing; Chaplain James Bonney; Graves Registration Officer Howard Black; Historian Wayne Bennett; and Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator Larry Bonney (included in Dept. JVC report).

The reports were referred to the Officers’ Reports Committee.

Camp Reports

New this year, reports were requested from each of the Camps:

Chaplin Camp 3, Bangor – Camp Commander Redman reported that his Camp had its “share of woes” this year, referring to the two month suspension. Most of its Brothers are distance members, and only three live in Bangor. But they are back meeting at theBangor Historical Society and have recently elected some new members. The Camp issponsoring a memorial service for two 20 th Maine veterans buried in Waterville in July.

Douty Camp 11, Dover-Foxcroft – Camp Secretary-Treasurer Boothroyd submitted a written report.

Cobb Camp 68, Rockport/Camden – Camp Commander Batty reported that the Camp is very active. They meet here at the Camden Legion Post and work closely with the Legion assisting them with their events. They offer programs at their meetings and welcome guests. Last summer’s CW memorial rededication program in Union at the end of their250th anniversary weekend festivities was a long-planned project that was successfully carried out and brought in some new members. The Camp helped raise money for Wreaths Across America for the town of St. George. Brother Smith gave presentations at his local historical society. Brother Urquia offered Civil War courses at Belfast Senior College. The Camp purchased a flat screen TV for the use of the Camp and the Legion for presentations. Camp members plan to attend Camp 3’s event in Waterville on July 2,and Camp membership was increased by eight in the past year.

Mallett Camp 86, Lincoln – Camp Commander Ewing reported that they were doing as much as they can. A lot of work has been done in cemeteries with veterans’ graveside notification and rededication ceremonies. Brother Black does living history events, talks about drummer boys, and is the musical mentor for the Camp’s Juniors. Brother Ewing also related a story about the connection between Jefferson Davis and Burlington, Maine.

A short recess was called by the Commander. The Bible was closed at 10:32. The Encampment was reconvened and the Bible was opened at 10:50. Thirteen members were reported present.

Communications

The Secretary read letters of intent and resolutions for candidates running for elected offices at the National Encampment in August.

For Commander-in-Chief	Kevin Tucker, PDC, Dept. of Massachusetts
For Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief	Daniel Murray, PDC, Dept. of NH and Mass.
For Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief	Robert Payne, PDC, Dept. of Michigan
For Nat’l Council of Administration	Gary Gibson, PDC, Dept. of Michigan
	John Buckler, PCC, Dept. of Kentucky
	Robert Amsler, Jr., PDC, Dept. of Missouri
For National Treasurer	D. Michael Beard, Dept. of Florida
For National Secretary	Dale Crandell, Dept. of Missouri
For National Quartermaster	Daryl VerStreate, Jr., PDC, Dept. of New York

National officer nominees were referred to the Resolutions Committee.

A report was received by the Department from Jerry Orton, PDC, Dept. of NY, on the status of Real Sons in 2024. There is one Real Son left; William Pool of Bolivar, MO. He celebrated his 100th birthday in January. His father was Charles Pool, Co. D, 6th WV Vols. There is also only one Real Daughter of the DUVCW left. She is Emogene C. Horton of Marshall, AR. Her father was Jackson Carroll, Co. M, 2nd Regt. Arkansas Cav. There are no known surviving children of Confederate veterans.

Brother Morris Berry, PDC, of Camp 68, sent the secretary notification that he would not be able to attend this year’s Department Encampment but that he would provide a wreath and attend this year’s Gen. Henry Knox birthday celebration in July representing the SUVCW. He was originally asked to give the keynote address, but later communications indicate that those plans had changed.

The last two communications did not require committee referral.

An inquiry was received on our website in April from Lea Carver, Chair of the Owls Head Cemetery Committee, asking if the SUVCW could provide any medallions (flag holders) for veterans’ graves that did not have them. The secretary responded that we did not have a supply, but we did have access to GAR markers through our National Quartermaster at $21 each. He also mentioned that this Encampment was coming up and that we could consider purchasing and donating some GAR markers as an item of business, if the Department was agreeable.

This will be referred to new business.

The Commander called a recess for committees to confer. The Bible was closed at 11:34. The Encampment was reconvened and the Bible was opened at 11:45. Thirteen members were reported present.

Brother Steve Gibbons asked to make some announcements. The Daughters wanted us to be aware of their sales table downstairs during lunch. He also informed us of the efforts of a local man, Ian Emmott, who came upon an abandoned Catholic cemetery in Thomaston, on land that is now owned by Dragon Cement, while searching for the family of a Civil War veteran. The cemetery was supposedly deconsecrated by the diocese and the bodies removed in the 1970’s prior to the sale of the land. Upon examination, though, there are still headstones there in the woods and evidence of sunken graves and human remains. Dragon officials were willing to work with him at first but have since fenced off the area and now forbid trespassing. The Portland diocese has also been stonewalling Emmott’s efforts to obtain old church records and information on the disinterment process that purportedly took place. As a Catholic, he is angry and frustrated. Could there be remains of Civil War veterans still there?

Unfinished Business

Dirigo Award Committee (P. Redman, M. Berry, L. Bonney) – No official report was given by the committee, and no details regarding the award had been made since the last Encampment. Brother Boothroyd said we have been visiting this award as unfinished business for several years now. Do we want to move forward? The consensus was affirmative. Should it be a certificate or a plaque? After discussion, Brother Ewing made a motion that the award be in the form of a certificate. Brother Redman seconded. Brother Tucker mentioned that this sounded similar to the National Founder’s Award. Discussion followed as to why we just don’t use the Founder’s Award. That award is a National Award that is presented at the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief. We need this award to be maintained and decided at the Department level. Brother L. Bonney moved to amend the original motion by adding that the awarding of the Dirigo Award would be based on the criteria of the Founder’s Award. Brother Gibbons seconded the amendment. The amendment and the initial motion were taken to a vote and both CARRIED. When should the decision be made as to who the recipient will be? Two months before the Encampment.

Commander Black halted discussion and called a recess for lunch.

The Bible was closed at 12:00 PM.

Following the combined luncheon with the Sisters of the DUVCW, a joint Memorial Service was officiated by the Sisters. Our departed Brother John Battick of Camp 11 was recognized by Chaplain James Bonney.

Brother Dave Urquia of Camp 68 offered a brief program on the Dix-Hill Cartel which was the original agreement on how prisoners of war were exchanged during the Civil War and how it changed as the war progressed.

The meeting of the Department Encampment was reopened by Commander Black at 1:29 PM. Thirteen Brothers of the Department and two guests were reported present.

Dirigo Award Committee (cont’d) – Should the award committee be responsible for all decisions regarding the award? Decisions of the Committee will be made with the consent of the Department Council. Members of the Dirigo Award Committee will be appointed at the pleasure of the new Department Commander.

Archives and Relics Committee (M. Berry, S. Gibbons, J. Ewing) – Brother Gibbons reported that Camp 68 came up with five option models for consolidating Department property, but none of them were viable. Brother Tucker pointed out that National is wrestling with this problem too. As a 501(c)(3) organization, National owns all Department and Camp properties. Properties and funds of past Camps are supposedly held in trust by the Departments for the National Organization, but National does not necessarily want physical ephemera back and has no place to keep it. He suggested digitizing paper records and then throwing them away. Finding suitable places to donate (loan) physical property is an option, but nothing can be sold. Until definitive guidance is received from National, this is an unsolvable problem that we have been re-hashing for at least a decade. Brother Boothroyd asked if we should continue this committee. The consensus was that we would not renew this committee.

In regards to the membership file cabinet that was rescued from the Taconnett Genealogical Library, Brother Gibbons volunteered that Cobb Camp would contact the various town historical societies where Camps had existed to see if they were interested in retaining the SUV membership file cards that exist for their town. Brother Grinnell made a motion to approve that plan of action, and with a second from Brother L. Bonney, the motion was voted and CARRIED.

Relationship Chart Project (M. Berry, S. Gibbons, E. Boothroyd) – The relationship spreadsheet showing only the names of Department Brothers and their qualifying ancestor(s) (no other personal information) was created by Brother Gibbons last Encampment year and updated by Brother Boothroyd but has never been posted to the Department website. Both Brothers Gibbons and Boothroyd need to make some additional updates, then Brother Gibbons will convert it to a PDF to make it available for posting and Brother Boothroyd will work with our webmaster to get it posted. That will complete this project, other than occasional updates.

SUV Grave Marker Flags – The Department proposed a resolution four years ago to support the making of a standard SUVCW grave flag to be issued by the National Quartermaster. Brother Tucker was not aware of the status of this effort and will need to check and report back. This would be the only flag appropriate to place in an SUV grave marker if the Brother was not a veteran.

Committee Reports

Resolutions: Brother J. Bonney reported for the committee. The committee recommended that endorsement of the National candidates for elected offices should be left to the discretion of the delegates at the National Encampment. Brother Boothroyd made a motion in favor of the recommendation but added that the Department would endorse Kevin Tucker for Commander-in-Chief and Daniel Murray for Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief and leave the remaining to the discretion of the Encampment delegation. The motion was seconded by Brother J. Bonney and was CARRIED.

Officers’ Reports: Brother Bennett spoke for the committee and recommended that the reports be accepted as submitted. Brother Boothroyd made a motion in favor of the recommendation, which was seconded by Brother L. Bonney and CARRIED by vote of the Encampment.

The report of the Department Council (not referred to committee) was presented by Brother J. Bonney, who reported that the Council audited the financial records of the Secretary-Treasurer and found them to be in order. He also put forward a motion to ACCEPT, which was seconded by Brother L. Bonney and APPROVED by the Encampment.

New Business

CD Renewal – Secretary-Treasurer Boothroyd reported that our certificate of deposit at Bangor Savings comes due on June 30th. Our current APR is 3.75%. He asked if the Encampment would allow him to renew for another nine-month term at the same rate (their current best offer). Discussion was made that we could probably find higher rates, but Brother Boothroyd stated that he wasn’t really interested in shopping around for a better deal from other institutions since all of our accounts are with Bangor Savings. He also asked for the authority to renew at his discretion when this new one comes due next March. Brother J. Bonney made a motion to renew our current CD for a nine-month term at 3.75% APR and leave the renewal terms to the discretion of the Secretary-Treasurer when it matures next spring. The motion was seconded by Brother L. Bonney and was APPROVED by vote of the Encampment.

Dept. Per Capita Tax – Brother Ewing moved to retain the Department per capita tax at $5, with a second from Brother L. Bonney. The motion was APPROVED.

Encampment Registration Fee – Brother Gibbons asked if the traditional $2 fee was really necessary. Brother Boothroyd said it was not, and that many Brothers donate more than the minimum fee. Brother Ewing made a motion that the Encampment registration fee be eliminated, and that voluntary donations would be accepted instead. Brother Smith seconded the motion. The assembly APPROVED the elimination of the fee.

Donations – On motion of Brother L. Bonney and a second from Brother J. Bonney it was proposed to drop any further donations the Taconnett Falls Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society. Motion CARRIED.
On motion of Brother L. Bonney and a second from Brother J. Bonney it was proposed to donate the cost of 15 wreaths to Wreaths Across America and participate in the group fundraising program, as we have done in past years. This motion was also APPROVED.

GAR Grave Markers for Achorn Cemetery – Brother Gibbons gave some context in that he had interacted with the cemetery superintendent and told him we do not supply grave markers but could supply him with information on sources. Discussion ensued on whether this was a private cemetery. It is maintained by a cemetery association. Commander Black stated that it was incumbent on the municipalities to provide for flags and flag holders. He cited Maine Statutes Title 30-A, Sec. 2901, which states, “Each municipality…annually shall decorate on the day Memorial Day is observed the graves of the Armed Forces of the United States of America with an American flag and appropriate flag holders.” Discussion continued that GAR markers may not be appropriate for any Civil War veterans who may not have been Comrades in that organization. Brother J. Bonney moved that we decline the offer to donate any grave markers to Achorn Cemetery and that it should be the responsibility of the City of Rockland. The motion was seconded by Brother Ewing and CARRIED by vote of the Encampment. The secretary will inform the Cemetery Committee Chair on our decision.

Annual Knox Day – As stated earlier, Brother Berry indicated that he will continue to represent the Order and lay a wreath at the grave of Gen. Henry Knox in Thomaston on Knox Day in July at no cost to the Department.

Next Year’s Encampment – Brother Boothroyd conveyed the desire of the Daughters that they would like to meet back at the Fairfield Grange next year. Brother Gibbons offered to have Cobb Camp 68 host the Encampment in Camden again. Brother Boothroyd countered that although Camp 68 did an excellent job in hosting this Encampment, some Sisters (and Brothers) did not attend because of the distance. Moving the Encampment to a more central location, at least for next year, would be more accommodating to both Orders, especially if we continue to meet together. Perhaps we could return to Camden the following year? Brother L. Bonney made a motion that next year’s Encampment be held at the Fairfield Grange, which was seconded by Brother Smith. The vote was six in FAVOR, five OPPOSED, one ABSTENTION from the floor, and the ABSTENTION of the Chair. The motion was CARRIED in favor of Fairfield.

Nomination of Officers for 2025-2026
Commander Black stated that he would not be running for another term, and it was unclear who was willing or eligible to be the next Department Commander. The Commander called a recess to confer on the matter.

The Bible was closed at 2:52. The Encampment was reconvened and the Bible was opened at 3:05. Twelve members were reported present. (Brother Grinnell had left.)

The Commander opened nominations for the elected officers of the Department. The nominees were:

Commander: James Ewing
Sr. Vice Commander: Steven Gibbons
Jr. Vice Commander: Howard Black, Jr.
Council (2 yr.): Larry Bonney
Council (1 yr.): Charles Smith
Secretary/ Treasurer: Eric Boothroyd

Nominations for elected officers were closed and we proceeded to elections. Brother Boothroyd made a motion to have the secretary cast one ballot for the slate of uncontested officer positions, which was seconded by Brother J. Bonney and APPROVED by vote of the Encampment.

Nominations were opened for (4) delegates to the National Encampment as follows:

James Bonney
Thornton Batty, Jr.
Steven Gibbons
David Urquia

With nominations ceased, Brother Boothroyd moved that the secretary cast one vote for the uncontested slate of National Delegates. Brother L. Bonney seconded the motion, and it was CARRIED unanimously.

Brother Boothroyd further moved that all remaining Brothers of this Department in good-standing at the time of this Encampment be hereby elected as Alternates to the next annual National Encampment of the SUVCW. Brother L. Bonney seconded this motion and it, too, was CARRIED.

A brief recess was called so the Commander-elect could confer on his officer appointments. The Bible was closed at 3:21. The Encampment was reconvened and the Bible was opened at 3:30. Twelve members were reported present.

Installation of Officers

Commander Black yielded the Chair to Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Kevin Tucker, who served as Installing Officer. Brother James Bonney served as Installing Chaplain, and Brother David Emery served as Installing Guide. The secretary called the roll of officers-elect along with Commander-elect Ewing’s selection for officer appointments:

Patriotic Instructor: David Urquia
Chaplain: James Bonney
Graves Registration Officer: Howard Black, Jr.
Historian: Wayne Bennett
Counselor: Eric Boothroyd
Eagle Scout Coordinator: Larry Bonney
Civil War Memorials Officer: James Ewing
Guide: David Emery
Color Bearer: Thornton Batty, Jr.
Guard: Peter Redman

The officers were duly installed according to the ritual. The gavel was placed into the hands of Department Commander Ewing to preside over the remainder of the Encampment.

Department Commander Ewing presented the Past Department Commander’s Badge to Brother Black.

The following Brothers were appointed to the Dirigo Award Committee: Larry Bonney, Howard Black, Jr., and James Bonney.

With no other business to come before the Encampment, the secretary was instructed to present the minutes.

Minutes of the Encampment
Secretary Boothroyd read back the minutes of the meeting. Brother Black moved to accept the minutes as reported. With a second from Brother J. Bonney, the motion was voted and CARRIED.

The 144th Encampment of the Department of Maine was duly closed with ritual at
3:55 PM by Department Commander James Ewing.

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