The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) is a volunteer, non-profit, patriotic and educational organization which has over 6,000 members.  Founded in 1881, by sons of Civil War veterans, it is the legal heir to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR).  The Pvt. Valentin Keller Camp was organized in 2003 and installed Jan. 17, 2004.  

 

Pvt. Keller enlisted in the 108th OVI, Co. D, August 15, 1862, just one month after becoming a citizen of the United States. 
He fled his native land of Dettighofen, Baden, Germany in 1857 and located in Hamilton, Ohio.

The 108th was an all-German regiment organized at Camp Dennison, Ohio.  It consisted of eight companies from Butler, Warren and Franklin counties.

 

At the Battle of Hartsville, TN (The Stones River Campaign), Dec. 7, 1862, Pvt. Keller was captured by Gen. John Hunt Morgan's troops and paroled in Feb./March 1863.  He became disabled and convalesced at Camp Dennison before being mustered out, due to disability, August of 1863.  He died Jan. 11, 1877 at 41 years of age.

 

The Pvt. Valentin Keller Camp # 8 of Fairfield meets on the third Tuesday of the following months; Jan, March, May, July, Sept and Nov. at 7:00pm at the Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument of Butler County in Hamilton, Ohio.

 

 

2007 CAMP OFFICERS

 

Jim Crane - Camp Commander

PCC Craig Keller - Sr. Vice Commander & Historian & Treasurer

Ken Rex - Jr. Vice Commander

Jerry Wallace - Secretary

Howard Reynolds - Chaplain & Council

Damon Halverson - Council

Jim Irwin - Council & Counselor

Butch Foster - Eagle Scout Coordinator

Glenn Purdy - Signals Officer

Jim Perrine - Graves Registration Officer

Joe Rich - Patriotic Instructor

Scott Blauvelt - Guide

Mike Keller - Guard

 

 

 

2007 CAMP CALENDAR  

 

March 20....Meeting

May 15.......Meeting

May 28.......Fairfield Memorial Day Parade

June 16......Dept Encampment @ Veterans Memorial Building in Columbus, Ohio

July 4.........Hamilton Parade

July 17.......Meeting

August 9-12......National Encampment (St Louis)

September 18........Meeting

November 13......Meeting

 

 

For Camp inquiries or membership information please contact:  Jim Crane - Camp Commander at (513) 470-9957.