For almost 130 years, those who served in the Confederate States armed forces, then their descendants, have worked to preserve heritage while also helping to support their communities.
“We consider ourselves as knowledgable and viable members of the community,” shared David Judy, who serves as commander of both the McNeill’s Rangers, Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 582 and West Virginia State Commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
He went on to add that “our activities reflect our desire to educate in the truest sense of the history of our Civil War ancestry.”
One of the struggles facing this and other heritage groups that focus on Southern history lies in negative perceptions. As Judy explains, the organization has zero tolerance for racism or any form of bigotry.
“Our members represent all descendants of that era. Many of us have ancestors on both sides.” He then adds that “we are all products of our heritage, and good, bad, or indifferent, we strive to present history in its actual non political truth.”
That includes putting on sponsored programs to present the history of Confederate veterans from Robert E. Lee to Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson to the McNeill’s who commanded the Rangers locally. It also examines the men who fought and either survived the war or paid the ultimate sacrifice for their cause.
Other history projects include setting up displays, teaching living histories, participate in parades, and commemorate grave sites.
As the organizational website states, “Today, the Sons of Confederate Veterans is preserving the history and legacy of these heroes, so future generations can understand the motives that animated the Southern Cause.”
Under Judy’s direction, the Sons of Confederate Veterans locally does much more than celebrate history. The Sons website notes that “the citizen-soldiers who fought for the Confederacy personified the best qualities of America.”
Today’s organization mirrors that dedication by serving a number of needs in the community. Judy states that “we set up food and toy drives for those in need and contribute the proceeds to the local community service agencies.” The organization also assists with funerals and participates in the Adopt-A-Highway program to keep roadways clean.
The organization also actively works in preserving a number of Civil War sites in the area. In conjunction with the Sons of Union Veterans, the group preserves the site of Fort Mulligan in Grant County. Also in the county named for the 18th President is Jarboe’s Blockhouse,” described by Judy as “a log church at the crossroads of the Morgantown Road and Patterson’s Creek Road” which until 1866 was in Hardy County.
The blockhouse sat astride a path used by the Union to move supplies while avoiding the Confederate stronghold of the South Branch Valley. Union Major and future United States Congressman from Harrison County, Nathan Goff, was captured a few miles southwest of there in an ambush.
“Currently, we are clearing brush, building fences, erecting flags, and establishing information kiosks” to remember those who fought and died on both sides.
Another site, Alum Hill, has also been recognized and remembered. A Confederate battery exchanged fire with an opposing Union position on Olivet Hill. The engagement was commemorated by the placement of a Confederate battle flag on the crest of the hill.
The flag, unfortunately, was cut down and stolen by vandals.
Hardy County is fortunate to have seen significant history, from the earliest settlements, through the Civil War, down to the development of agricultural industries and tourism. The Sons of Confederate Veterans work to maintain knowledge and understanding of the past while working to support the community in the present.
