Non-Profit Organization near Houston, Texas - Sons of Union Veterans Of the Civil War

Fort Worth

Gen. James J. Byrne Camp #1

Welcome to General James J. Bryne Camp #1 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War - a place where history comes alive, friendships flourish, and the legacy of those who fought to preserve the Union continues to inspire generations.

Named in honor of Gen. James J. Bryne, our Camp proudly carries forward the traditions of the nation’s oldest hereditary organization dedicated to honoring the men who served in the Union Army, Navy, and Marine Corps during the Civil War (see biographical sketch below). We preserve their memory by discovering their stories, honoring their sacrifices, and sharing the lessons of their service with our communities.

Camp members take an active role in commemorations, historical research, cemetery preservation, educational programs, patriotic observances, and community activities. We believe that remembering our Union ancestors means more than studying history - it means protecting the places, stories, and ideals they left behind.

Membership offers an opportunity to join a brotherhood united by a love of American history, patriotism, service, and national heritage. Whether you are a descendant of a Union veteran or simply share our commitment to preserving their legacy, there is a place for you in Camp #1. We invite you to join us, meet fellow history-minded patriots, and become part of the continuing story of the Union veterans. Together, we honor the past, serve the present, and preserve their legacy for generations yet to come.

Honoring the Past

Serving the Present

Preserving the Legacy

2026 Camp Officers

Camp Officers are elected and appointed annually.

Commander
Brian R. Glass, PDC
Fort Worth, Texas

Secretary
Donald L. Gates, PDC
Plano, Texas

Camp Council
Paul L. Kendall, PDC
North Richland Hills, Texas

Patriotic Instructor
Craig A. Reves, PCC
Duncanville, Texas

Civil War Memorials Officer
Todd Wilber
Sanger, Texas

Sr. Vice Commander
Beau B. Moore, PDC
Arlington, Texas

Treasurer
Donald L. Gates, PDC
Plano, Texas

Camp Council
Timothy M. Phillips, PDC
Abilene, Texas

Graves Registration Officer
Todd Wilber
Sanger, Texas

Eagle Scout Coordinator
Beau B. Moore, PDC
Arlington, Texas

Jr. Vice Commander
Todd Wilber
Sanger, Texas

Chaplain
Timothy M. Phillips, PDC
Abilene, Texas

Camp Council
Clifford F. 'Butch' Durham, PCC
Copperas Cove, Texas

Historian
Donald L. Gates, PDC
Plano, Texas

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Images of Recent Events

Click on image to see full view.

Medal of honor parade gainesville, tx 22 apr 2023 by paul ridenour

Mark parkison, timothy phillips, todd wilber, donald gates, brook thomas, and robert mathis

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Fraternity

Charity

Loyalty

General James J. Byrne (1841-1880)

James J. Byrne* was born in Ireland and moved to New York at an early age. During the Civil War, on July 24, 1862, he was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant and appointed Adjutant of the 163rd New York Infantry. He left the regiment on December 11, 1862, but on February 24, 1864, was appointed Colonel of the 18th New York Cavalry.

As a member of Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks' Army of the Gulf, he saw extensive action in Louisiana during the Red River campaign of 1864. Byrne was Brevetted to Brigadier General for gallantry at the battles of Pleasant Hill and Campti - and then to Major General for his conduct at the battles of Moore's Plantation (May 5–6, 1864) and Yellow Bayou (May 18, 1864), both brevets being issued on March 13, 1865. According to a report in the Fort Worth Democrat, he was the youngest general in the U.S. Army. He mustered out of the army on May 13, 1866.

President Andrew Johnson then appointed him United States Marshal for the Northern District of Texas, with headquarters in Fort Worth. Byrne was mentioned as a possible conservative candidate for Congress from the Galveston district. Although Byrne was popular with the citizens of the district, President Ulysses S. Grant replaced him in office, and the former marshal turned to surveying in the Fort Worth area and was retained as chief engineer of the Texas and Pacific Railway.

Early in July 1880, Byrne left Fort Worth for El Paso with a party of fifteen men, guided by the notorious Pat Doolan, to survey railroad lands in the Guadalupe Mountains. On August 2, he was at Ysleta, where he learned that Apache Chief Victorio had once again crossed into the Big Bend region from Mexico and was attacking such targets of opportunity as presented themselves. Perhaps with a sense of foreboding, he penned a letter to his wife, Lilly (Loving), and his last will and testament – "my last goodbye to all I love upon this earth" – at the Texas and Pacific station and, bound by "either honor or self respect," pushed on toward the Guadalupe Mountains.

On August 10, 1880, Byrne left Fort Quitman for the Pecos on a stagecoach driven by 17-year-old Charles D. West. The coach was attacked by Victorio's band about nine miles east of Fort Quitman, and although West managed to turn around and start for the shelter of the fort, two of the Indians overtook the coach and fired into it, wounding Byrne first in the hip and then in the small of the back. According to newspaper report, Byrne was unarmed, and West's Winchester rifle had only two cartridges. No doctor was nearer than El Paso. Byrne died of gangrene on August 14, 1880. "I never saw a man die braver," said West.

Byrne's estate amounted to an estimated $25,000. His one child had died as an infant, and Byrne requested that his own remains, "if they be found," be buried by its side. He was first buried at Fort Quitman, but was later removed to Fort Worth, where he was reinterred on November 21, 1880. According to the Fort Worth Democrat Byrne was "a man of indomitable energy and courage, always ready to discharge any duty fully and freely which came upon him." His final advice to his wife was that she leave Texas "and seek some other home" where she might "find the peace and rest denied you here." A historical marker in Hudspeth County marks the site of Victorio's attack.

* Note: This image may or may not portray the correct subject of this sketch. No authenticated portrait of this General James Byrne has reportedly been found to date.

The Parmley Post

The Parmley Post is the official newsletter of the General James J. Byrne Camp #1 of Fort Worth, Texas, Department of Texas and Louisiana, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.