A Brief Overview of Rivers Bridge Camp No. 842 History
Rivers Bridge Camp #842 was first chartered on April 14, 1917. The Camp remained active
until 1944. By then World War II had called many if not most of its members into military
service. The Camp's first officers were as follows: R.E. Kenny, Commander; William Harter,
First Lieutenant Commander; Malcolm O'Neal, 2nd Lieutenant Commander; Fred O'Neal,
Adjutant; Albert Youmans, Surgeon; Doc Sanders, Chaplain; Harry Lancaster, Color
Sergeant; Connor Fennell, Treasurer; Raymond Hammond, Quartermaster; William Youmans,
Historian. Rivers Bridge Camp #842 met on the 1st Monday evening of each month in a
member's home.
Interest began to develop in mid 1994 to re-charter Camp #842. SC Division First Lieutenant.
Commander Bill Bushall and Wade Hampton Camp #273 Commander Brett Bradshaw were
instrumental in reforming the Camp. D. Kenny Cone and M.G. (Mickey) Smith were
members of the Wade Hampton Camp, and through their hard work combined with the
leadership of Bushall and Bradshaw, Rivers Bridge Camp #842 was reborn. The initial meeting
took place on August 9, 1994. Ten people joined at that first meeting. Within five months
membership had grown to over 100 Compatriots.
Rivers Bridge Camp #842 re-chartered on January 28, 1995 with 123 Members. At that time,
it was the greatest number of members to ever re-charter a camp. M.G. (Mickey) Smith was
the reborn Camp's first Commander.
Camp Commanders:
M.G. (Mickey) Smith, 1995-1996
Edward S. Floyd, Sr. 1997 -1998
Joseph V. Braxton, II 1998-1999
William E. Moody, Sr. 2000-2002
Joseph V. Braxton, II 2003-2009
Of the many heritage projects that the Camp supports, we are probably most proud of our co-
sponsorship, along with the Rivers Bridge Memorial Association, of Confederate Memorial
Day observances at Rivers Bridge State Historical Site each May. Prior to Camp #842’s
involvement, the Memorial Service at Rivers Bridge was dwindling each year and seemed
destined to be forgotten. Interest has been renewed and we now host hundreds of people
each year at Confederate Memorial Day ceremonies at Rivers Bridge. It is both a solemn and
joyous occasion with a good speaker, good friends and good barbecue. Oh yes, and a big oak
barrel full of Coleman Loadholt’s famous lemonade.
Since we have a great attachment to Rivers Bridge State Historical Site, we do what we can to
enhance it. The Camp conducted research to identify as many of those interred in the mass
grave as possible. This was done so that Confederate grave markers could be placed for each
one thus identified. After the markers were erected, the cemetery was cleaned, and the
surrounding wrought ironwork was repaired and painted. The Camp then placed three flag
poles near the mass grave and there the flags of the United States, South Carolina and the
Confederate Navy Jack fly each day.
Another of the projects that gives Camp #842 Compatriots great satisfaction is helping to
produce the battle reenactment at Rivers Bridge each January. It is hard work at times, but it
is looked upon as an educational tool and is done in memory of those who had to endure the
real thing so long ago.
The Camp has donated many thousands of dollars toward the restoration of Confederate
Flags, unit flags, the uniform coat of General Micah Jenkins, and many other worthy causes
through such fine organizations as the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum.
Rivers Bridge participates in many parades with our float built by Camp members. We quite
often have the collaboration of the fine ladies of the United Daughters of the Confederacy or
Order of the Confederate Rose.
Rivers Bridge was the first camp to establish a Camp Life Membership in which 22 members
are currently participating.
The Camp has placed a number of state historical markers and we have plans to do more in
the future.
We maintain Confederate Flags and markers at the crossing of US 301 over the Edisto River in
Orangeburg in commemoration of those who opposed the crossing of the Edisto by Federal
troops in 1865. We also maintain flags at the intersection of US 301 and US 321 at Buford’s
Bridge to memorialize the crossing there and the resulting destruction of the village of
Buford's Bridge. There is also a marker in memory of Captain William Tate Speaks, Jr., who
was killed in the Battle of Pocotaligo in 1862.
Rivers Bridge Camp #842 was first chartered on April 14, 1917. The Camp remained active
until 1944. By then World War II had called many if not most of its members into military
service. The Camp's first officers were as follows: R.E. Kenny, Commander; William Harter,
First Lieutenant Commander; Malcolm O'Neal, 2nd Lieutenant Commander; Fred O'Neal,
Adjutant; Albert Youmans, Surgeon; Doc Sanders, Chaplain; Harry Lancaster, Color
Sergeant; Connor Fennell, Treasurer; Raymond Hammond, Quartermaster; William Youmans,
Historian. Rivers Bridge Camp #842 met on the 1st Monday evening of each month in a
member's home.
Interest began to develop in mid 1994 to re-charter Camp #842. SC Division First Lieutenant.
Commander Bill Bushall and Wade Hampton Camp #273 Commander Brett Bradshaw were
instrumental in reforming the Camp. D. Kenny Cone and M.G. (Mickey) Smith were
members of the Wade Hampton Camp, and through their hard work combined with the
leadership of Bushall and Bradshaw, Rivers Bridge Camp #842 was reborn. The initial meeting
took place on August 9, 1994. Ten people joined at that first meeting. Within five months
membership had grown to over 100 Compatriots.
Rivers Bridge Camp #842 re-chartered on January 28, 1995 with 123 Members. At that time,
it was the greatest number of members to ever re-charter a camp. M.G. (Mickey) Smith was
the reborn Camp's first Commander.
Camp Commanders:
M.G. (Mickey) Smith, 1995-1996
Edward S. Floyd, Sr. 1997 -1998
Joseph V. Braxton, II 1998-1999
William E. Moody, Sr. 2000-2002
Joseph V. Braxton, II 2003-2009
Of the many heritage projects that the Camp supports, we are probably most proud of our co-
sponsorship, along with the Rivers Bridge Memorial Association, of Confederate Memorial
Day observances at Rivers Bridge State Historical Site each May. Prior to Camp #842’s
involvement, the Memorial Service at Rivers Bridge was dwindling each year and seemed
destined to be forgotten. Interest has been renewed and we now host hundreds of people
each year at Confederate Memorial Day ceremonies at Rivers Bridge. It is both a solemn and
joyous occasion with a good speaker, good friends and good barbecue. Oh yes, and a big oak
barrel full of Coleman Loadholt’s famous lemonade.
Since we have a great attachment to Rivers Bridge State Historical Site, we do what we can to
enhance it. The Camp conducted research to identify as many of those interred in the mass
grave as possible. This was done so that Confederate grave markers could be placed for each
one thus identified. After the markers were erected, the cemetery was cleaned, and the
surrounding wrought ironwork was repaired and painted. The Camp then placed three flag
poles near the mass grave and there the flags of the United States, South Carolina and the
Confederate Navy Jack fly each day.
Another of the projects that gives Camp #842 Compatriots great satisfaction is helping to
produce the battle reenactment at Rivers Bridge each January. It is hard work at times, but it
is looked upon as an educational tool and is done in memory of those who had to endure the
real thing so long ago.
The Camp has donated many thousands of dollars toward the restoration of Confederate
Flags, unit flags, the uniform coat of General Micah Jenkins, and many other worthy causes
through such fine organizations as the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum.
Rivers Bridge participates in many parades with our float built by Camp members. We quite
often have the collaboration of the fine ladies of the United Daughters of the Confederacy or
Order of the Confederate Rose.
Rivers Bridge was the first camp to establish a Camp Life Membership in which 22 members
are currently participating.
The Camp has placed a number of state historical markers and we have plans to do more in
the future.
We maintain Confederate Flags and markers at the crossing of US 301 over the Edisto River in
Orangeburg in commemoration of those who opposed the crossing of the Edisto by Federal
troops in 1865. We also maintain flags at the intersection of US 301 and US 321 at Buford’s
Bridge to memorialize the crossing there and the resulting destruction of the village of
Buford's Bridge. There is also a marker in memory of Captain William Tate Speaks, Jr., who
was killed in the Battle of Pocotaligo in 1862.
 |  |  |  |  |
| Peter D. Boineau Commander 2010 |
History Of Rivers Bridge Confederate Memorial Association
The Rivers Bridge Confederate Memorial Association, first known as the Rivers Bridge
Monumental and Memorial Association, was formed in 1876 when local men decided to
re-inter Confederate remains in a mass grave located at what was once the little settlement of
Rivers Bridge. A store and a post office were said to have been located at this place, operated
by a Rivers family.
The grave was placed near the site of Enon Christian Church, destroyed by Federal troops in
the occupation of the area in February, 1865. The church did not rebuild at Rivers Bridge, but
relocated to another site.
The twenty charter members of the Rivers Bridge Confederate Memorial Association set the
annual meeting date for the Friday on or before May 10, the day General Stonewall Jackson
died. Its first president was Dr. Robert C. Brabham. In 1955 the program was dedicated to
Frank O. Brabham, the last man present when the Confederate dead were moved from
scattered graves to the present location.
John D. Jenny gave ninety acres embracing the battle site to the Association in 1938.
Adjoining land was purchased so that 390 acres eventually were passed from the Association
to the State Forestry Commission in 1945.
A monument to the World War II dead from Allendale, Bamberg, Colleton and Hampton
Counties, which converge at a point in the park, was dedicated in 1948 with an afternoon
address by the Honorable James F. Byrnes.
A State Historic Marker given by the Edisto District, SC United Daughters of the Confederacy
was dedicated in 1967.
By 1939 there were no living Confederate Veterans remaining in Allendale and Hampton
Counties. The Association continues to meet to hear patriotic speeches and music in addition
to placing flowers and flags on the mass grave in memory of the fallen Confederates.
The first re-enactment of the Battle of Rivers Bridge was held in 1965. Rivers Bridge was the
first historic park in the State Park system and the only one that commemorates the
Confederacy.
Information courtesy of Mrs. Betty Jane Miller
The Rivers Bridge Confederate Memorial Association, first known as the Rivers Bridge
Monumental and Memorial Association, was formed in 1876 when local men decided to
re-inter Confederate remains in a mass grave located at what was once the little settlement of
Rivers Bridge. A store and a post office were said to have been located at this place, operated
by a Rivers family.
The grave was placed near the site of Enon Christian Church, destroyed by Federal troops in
the occupation of the area in February, 1865. The church did not rebuild at Rivers Bridge, but
relocated to another site.
The twenty charter members of the Rivers Bridge Confederate Memorial Association set the
annual meeting date for the Friday on or before May 10, the day General Stonewall Jackson
died. Its first president was Dr. Robert C. Brabham. In 1955 the program was dedicated to
Frank O. Brabham, the last man present when the Confederate dead were moved from
scattered graves to the present location.
John D. Jenny gave ninety acres embracing the battle site to the Association in 1938.
Adjoining land was purchased so that 390 acres eventually were passed from the Association
to the State Forestry Commission in 1945.
A monument to the World War II dead from Allendale, Bamberg, Colleton and Hampton
Counties, which converge at a point in the park, was dedicated in 1948 with an afternoon
address by the Honorable James F. Byrnes.
A State Historic Marker given by the Edisto District, SC United Daughters of the Confederacy
was dedicated in 1967.
By 1939 there were no living Confederate Veterans remaining in Allendale and Hampton
Counties. The Association continues to meet to hear patriotic speeches and music in addition
to placing flowers and flags on the mass grave in memory of the fallen Confederates.
The first re-enactment of the Battle of Rivers Bridge was held in 1965. Rivers Bridge was the
first historic park in the State Park system and the only one that commemorates the
Confederacy.
Information courtesy of Mrs. Betty Jane Miller
| A rifle salute is rendered during a Rivers Bridge Memorial service. |
One of several interpretive
panels placed with the help
of Friends of Rivers Bridge,
many of whom are members
of Camp No. 842.
panels placed with the help
of Friends of Rivers Bridge,
many of whom are members
of Camp No. 842.
| Original Marker placed at the mass grave by the Rivers Bridge Confederate Memorial Association. |
Rivers Bridge Memorial
Services 2008
Services 2008
Uniform coat of General
Micah Jenkins preserved
with help from Camp 842. It
is housed at the
Confederate Relic Room
and Military Museum.
Micah Jenkins preserved
with help from Camp 842. It
is housed at the
Confederate Relic Room
and Military Museum.
| Rivers Bridge Camp No. 842 Sons of Confederate Veterans |
"It is our duty to keep the memory of our heroes green..." Jefferson Davis
