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2nd Annual Reunion At Gettysburg

7th Penna. Cavalry Descendants Association at Gettysburg

By: Larry Fryer

It was the largest gathering of the regiment since the last Veteran's Association reunion in 1920, as 37 descendants and family members gathered in Gettysburg, Pa for the 2nd annual reunion of the 7th Penna. Cavalry Descendants Association. Highlighting the weekend was the release of Gary Casteel's miniature sculpture of the monument at Chickamauga, Ga, and Rick Reeves' print from the original oil painting of the 7th Penna. Cavalry. The print was published in a special edition of 75 for the Descendants Association, featuring the association logo on the bottom left and right of the print.

The reunion began April 14, 2000 with a two-hour walking tour by author and Licensed Battlefield Guide, Tim Smith, who led us on an informative walk around town while discussing the impact of the battle on the local citizenry. The 12 members of the Association who had arrived early Friday afternoon enjoyed Tim's engaging presentation on the subject. Smith, who is Gettysburg's most noted expert on the local citizenry, shared quotes from his research of the citizens, as recorded in letters, diaries, and books. His engaging style and rich sense of humor brought the subject to life and provided an appreciation for the hardships endured by the residents of the town.

Following the walking tour, a Civil War feast was enjoyed at the Farnsworth House, where an additional four members joined the group. The attendees choose from Salmon, Game Pie, or Roast Beast as their entrees, which were supplemented by a beverage, salad, bread, vegetable, and desert.

Saturday morning began with a 5K run/walk at the Daniel Lady Farm, Gettysburg, Pa. Alan, Michael, and Barbara Crippen, and Wes Berger supported the event, which benefited the restoration of the Pennsylvania monuments on the battlefield. Jim and Jan Denham, Larry and Sandy Fryer, and Rob Frederick ran the race.

At noon the festivities kicked into full gear with a gathering of the association for lunch at Dunlap's Restaurant. The luncheon was largely attended. While many met for the first time, lasting friendships were made, as the passage of 135 years since the Civil War was bridged by the 7th Penna. Cavalry. Undoubtedly, many of the descendants ancestors even fought side by side, as several companies were represented by multiple descendants.

During introductions, it was noted that spouses Alan and Barbara Crippen both had ancestors (John Hall & Hallock Kennedy) in Company C. The Crippens are the only married descendants who can both claim lineages to the saber regiment. They and their son Michael had just joined the association the week prior to the reunion, and were in attendance.

At 1:30 p.m. all the attendees gathered at Four Winds Studio, where the official unveiling of the monument and print took place. This was the "high water mark" of the reunion, being the culmination of months of planning and years of dreams. Gary and Leslie Casteel were more than gracious host for the association, providing a showcase in which members could display their relics. David Sosnowski displayed Henry Baker's carved carbine, Darryl Fischer brought the sword presented to Capt. James Andress, Co. "G", Michael Slease displayed the letters of John Earnest and the carbine belonging to private Peter Fetler, Co. "A". Larry Fryer displayed a grouping of reunion ribbons, an ID disc of William Williams, Co. "L", a hand painted canteen of a regimental flag, and a framed picture of the 1913 reunion in Watsontown, Pa. Rob Frederick provided a 7th Penna. Cavalry Corps badge and David Howell shared his relics from the Samuel Blaine, Co. "D" collection.

Following the unveiling of the monument and print, Ralph J. White Jr., Licensed Battlefield Guide, provided a tour of the 2nd days battlefield. This included stops at the Peach Orchard, Devil's Kitchen, Little Round Top, Triangle Field, and Devil's Den.

As White led us down to the location of the Company B monument to the 20th Maine Infantry, passer-bys were heard to comment, "They must be dignitaries, their all wearing stickers." They were of course, referring to the reunion ribbons which Rob Frederick had so graciously procured to commemorate the event.

A Saturday evening banquet followed at Pickett's Buffet, where the highlight was a presentation by Chuck Caldwell on the 75th anniversary reunion of the Civil War veterans at Gettysburg. Caldwell, who attended the reunion as a 13 year old youth, shared his memories of the event and displayed his journal, which included the names (and many pictures and autographs) of over 50 veterans he had met.

The now customary door prizes (furnished by Rob Frederick & Larry Fryer) were awarded, and all enjoyed a very pleasant evening. Suggestions were made for the location of next years reunion, which included Pottsville, Pa; State College Pa; Georgia or Tennessee.

The evening concluded around 10 p.m. with the parting of many new friends and lasting memories. While it had been 135 years since the mustering out of the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, their deeds have not been forgotten by those gathered in Gettysburg for the 2nd annual reunion of the Descendants Association. While none of the veterans of the saber regiment are physically with us in the year 2000, they undoubtedly are aware of this historic gathering, applaud its efforts, and shed more than a tear of pride.

The 2nd Annual Reunion of the 7th Penna. Cavalry Descendants Ass'n was attended by: Wes & Allyn Berger, Pittsburg, Pa; Diane & Michael Boulden, Kirkwood, Pa; Michael Crippen, Mansfield, Pa; Alan & Barbara Crippen, Philipsburg, Pa; Arnold & May Ellen Degler, Shoemakersville, Pa; Jim & Jan Denham, North Olmsted, Oh; Daryl Fisher, Horsham, Pa; Rob Frederick, Peachtree City, Ga; Fran & Kathy Friel, York, Pa; Larry & Sandy Fryer, Columbia, Md; Barry & Margie Giberson, Holtwood, Pa; Pat & Gil Hillon, Harveys Lake, Pa; David Howell, Danville, Pa; Jim Jezorski, Sayre, Pa; Dean & Kenneth Karstetter, Loganton, Pa; Mr. & Mrs. Hugh McGowan, Port Carbon, Pa; Nancy & Joe Preston, Walnutport, Pa; Michael & Nancy Slease, Milton, Pa; David Sosnowski, Pasadena, Md; Gary & Ruth Alice Spangler, New Berlin, Pa; Bill & Cindi Van Stone, Pottsville, Pa; John & Erik Wagner, Baltimore, Md.

Descendant's Association Ribbon
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania