Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil Wars

Camp 10 History

S. G. Griffin Camp #10, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, department of New Hampshire was organized under the auspices of John Sedgwick Post #4, Grand Army of the Republic, department of New Hampshire, Keene, N. H., with 34 charter members on March 24, 1901.

The camp is named in honor of Simon Goodell Griffin, (1824-1902), Brigadier and Brevet Major general, United States Volunteers, of Nelson and Keene, N. H. The Camp is located in Keene, N. H.

Press Release - September 17, 1997
Civil War Order Revived in Keene

A 96-year-old Keene Civil War patriotic order was recently reactivated at a meeting held on Sept. 17. The S. G. Griffin Camp #10, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, was reinstated at ceremonies presided over by Richard L. Woodbury, Department of New Hampshire Commander, at the Historical Society of Cheshire County.

Following the induction of 9 new members, David R. Proper was elected Commander of the Camp. Other officers chosen included Hal G. Brown, Senior Vice Commander; Robert J. Corrette, Junior Vice Commander; and Alan F. Rumrill, Secretary and Treasurer. Also attending the meeting were members of the S. G. Griffin Auxiliary.

The Sons of Union Veterans organization is composed of descendants of Civil War servicemen and others who seek to perpetuate the memory of the those who engaged in the Civil War, assist in the preservation of documents and records of that struggle, and engage in activities and programs to enhance appreciation and understanding of the Civil War era.

The Keene organization is named in honor of Brigadier and Brevet Major General Simon G. Griffin, born in Nelson, Commander of the Sixth New Hampshire Volunteers, recruited in Cheshire County and mustered at Keene in November 1861, at what later became Wheelock Park. Following the war, Gen. Griffin made his home in Keene and was author of its history, published in 1904.

The successor of the John Sedgwick Post #4, Grand Army of the Republic, the Sons of Union Veterans order in Keene was organized on Mar. 24, 1901. Among its members have been two National Commanders of the order, Cleon Heald in 1950, and Richard E. Wyman, in 1980.

Membership is open not only to descendants of Civil War servicemen but to Associates who wish to unite in the purposes of the organization. Members of the organization come from eight Granite State communities, and represent Civil War service in the army, navy, and calvary and from Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Membership inquiries may be made to officers or in care of the Historical Society of Cheshire County, P. 0. Box 803, Keene, NH 03431.