The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-03-26
CTo be continued.)
A MODEL CAMP.
Well-Dsserved Tribute to Germantown
Organization Of Sons of Veterans.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: 1 have
| always felt a keen interest in the progress
and work of the Sons of Veterans. and
desire specially to call the attention OF
veteran readers of The National Tribune
who may be residing in the vicinity OF
Germantown, Pa, and who up to the
present may not have taken any particular
interest in this organization, to the exist
ence in their midst of one of the most
patriotic Camps in the Order. 1t is Ellis
Camp. No. 8. Sons of Veterans. of Ger
mantown. 1t was organized by COM
mittee from Ellis Post. &. G. A. r., June
II, 1881, with 26 charter members. Like
the Post, the Camp takes its name from
| the patriotic hero who was the first private
soldier from Germantown to give his life
| for his country and flag. From its institl-
| ton the Camp has been active and pro-
gressiye. Passing through many vicissi-
| tudcs, it has yet been able to meet its
| every obligation. Recruited from one of
| the most patriotic centers of the Union, its
membership is composed of men from all
classes of society, chosen with Il strict re-
gard for probity of character and u
sterling loyalty to the principles for
which their fathers made such noble sac
rifces. 80
1t is worth to-day over $1,000 and has
over $50 members in good standing. From
its inception it has identified itself with
| Post i'll the observance of Memorial Day,
| taking full charge of one cemetery. Ivy
Hill, and standing ready ut all times to
| take up the entire work when needed. On
! a recent occasion they turned out in full
| force, with their guards and fife and drum
| corps to pay the last honors to Il soldier.
| an utter stranger to them all. Serg't Harry
Holt, of the 18th Us. Inf, who died ut
San Francisco on his way to rejoin his
regiment at Manila and whose body was
brought to Philadelphia for interment.
During the past year under the able
command of DIR. Russell T.. Hart. backed
by splendid staff of officers the Camp
| has progressed nnmericallys financially and
socially; 81 recruits were mustered in dur
ing the year. The Guards, mastering
nearly 40 members, under the able COM
| mand of Capt. Russell A. Nelson, are a
weil-drlled company. They have been
equipped with complete new uniforms and.
together witt. their well-trained fife and
drum corps, present n fine. soldieriy APP
pearance. Past Comminier-in-Chief Louis
Wagner, {; son of Gen. Louis Wagner. is
an hOnored member of this camp. and his
prudent business tact and distinguished
services have won for thHn the esteem and
respect of his brethrlnI and the special
Gold Cross of the Odd Several other
members of this Camp have held import
ant offices on the Division staff with honor
to themselves and credit to the Order.
Their Adjutant. Past Capt VIM I'retbor
is the honored President of the Death
Benefit Association. daal Past Capt Rus
sell Il. Hart holds the position of Surgeon
to the LIST Regiment, Sns!o Veterans. At
the outbreak Of the Spanish war II men,
bers of Ellis Camp voiusnrered and served
with credit throughoue1Ms war.
Ellis Camp owes Ip1nh of its success
directly and Indirectly I'd the. social and
moral influence fexercise6bby, .Iadiess& Aid
Society, No. II, the .memherE of which
seem never to tire i'm; their efforts to pro-
mote the welfare of the Camp. l have
attended many of their meetings and have
always been much impressed by the
prompiness and dispatch with which they
conduct their business, the marked
courtesy and respect shown toward their
officers and to each other, and, last but
not least, the cordial welcome they always
extend to visiting comrades of the c. A.
II. Godspeed theme. A. SHoTwEIL,
Gen. Il. d. Baker Post, No. 6, G. A. r.,
Philadelphia, Pa. rf.--s - ~ -