The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-08-25
CAMP CLARK ALLEN.
Organization OF the Sons OF COnfede.
rate Veterans at Abbevilfe- The
First Recognition of the Worth Of
a prjyafe Soldier.


n Private Soldier.
Although the night was unfavorabe quite
goodly number of our fellow citizens respond
last Thursday night.
MIR J. Allen Smith was called to the chair
and Dr. F. <. Harrison was asked to act a
secretary.
After the organ ization Of the meeting Gen
NJ. l.. Bonham was announced as the speake
of the evening.
After the delivery of his speech 1t was ther
proposed to organize Camp of the Sons o
onfederate Veterans, when the young m er
present enrolled their names.
SUGGESTIONS FOR A NAME.
Their first act was to choose a name, ane
the nomination OF names were called for
Some OF the names nominated we're:
James NJ. Perrin,
A. j. Lythgoe,
Sam MCGOWAN,
J. Foster Marshall,
Clark Allen,
John G. Calhoun,
and possibly others which have escaped oul
memory. We took no notes.
On the first ballot IT was ascertained tina
the names of James NJ. Perrin and Clark Al
than any others. These two names were
again submitted.
CAMP CLARK ALLEN 1T IS.
OQ tne second DallOL the name OF 'ClarE
Allen" headed the list, and the Camp adopted
the name OF "Clark Allen"
The name was that OF a young man who
was member Of the first company of"Min
ute Men," who volunteered IN the Confederate
service from this town, The com pany wa
com manded by Captain James NJ. Perrin. In
February, 1861, the command was stationed
in Moultrie Hotel, which was used as a bar
racks. In passing quickly from one room Il
another Clark Allen ran against the bayone,
OF comrades gun. which entered the eye
piercing the brain. Death was insta ntaneous
Comrades J. G. Edwards and others brought
the remains home, where they lay for nigh
in the Alston house, the home from which hi
had but so recently gone out to do battle fol
his country. The next day his body was cur
red 10 Long Cane cemetery and thus II was
that the home OF Secession was baptized IN
blood. The fact that we were in real wal
was not forgotten. Clark Allen was the firs
man to loss his life in the bloody struggle
that ensued, and although all the nomina
tions were those of the best OF good men, yet
diers did themselves and Clark Allen honor
by naming their camp in honor of the first
sacrifice for Southern Rights. This, too, we
believe. is the first instance where q private
soldiers worth has been recognized.
CHOOSING PRESIDENT.
The nomination of Camp officers was next
In order. The name of Hon. Frank b. Gary
was placed In nomination for Commander
Aiterward the name Of Mr.. J. Allen Smith
was presented. No other nominations were
made. The tellers passed around their hats
and took up the votes. 1t was announced
that Mr.. j. Allen Smith had received g
majority OF the votes, and he was declared
elected.
OFFICERS ELECTED.
Commander-J. Allen Smith.
First Lieutenant Commander G. Nc
Gowan
Second Lieutenant Commander Wyatt
Aiken.
Third Lieutenant Commander-Frank B
Gary.
AdjutantZJ. L. Perrin.
Treasurer-J. G. Ellis.
Quartermaster--A.B b. Edwards.
Surgeon-Dr. F. E. Harrison.
Color Sergeant-J. Fraser Lyon.
Conn ittee on Constitution and Bylaws
Com mittee on Application-Wyatt Aiken
j. D. Kerr, j. Fraser Lyon.
Chaplain-Rev. j. Lcwrie Wilson, D. D.
Sponsor-Miss Mamie Lee
Delegates to Greenville Reunion Confede
rate Veterans-Wade. s. Cothran, Robert
Miss Mamie Lee is the accomplished anc
stately daughter OF w. A. Lee, deceased, thar
whom there was not more gallant soldier ir
the service of the Con federacy. Although o
delicate physical strength yet he was In al
the battles of Virginia with the ilustriou
General who bore the same name, and neve
received wound. He always felt that Provi
dence protected him In the hour of battle, anC
that He In special manner shielded hin
from the dangers of the camp. AS q citizer
he came up TO the highest requirements. Fo
ability, culture and refinement he was tht
peer Of any man-living or dead.