RICHARD COKE CAMP NO. 600 - 1903 - Coke County, TX

The Ex-Confederate Veterans reunion association at Fort Chadbourn held 
in Coke Co. on 13 & 14 of Aug 1903 was a grand success, on the 
afternoon of the 12th the woods surrounding the Camp was thick with 
camps.  The Congregation assembled about 10 o'clock and it is safe to
say there was the largest gathering of people ever assembled in Coke
County.

The Camp was about 600 yards from old Fort Chadbourne, on the banks of 
Oak Creek, on the land of Mr. G. G. Odom and in his pasture, the use of
which was generously give by Mr. Odom for the Fx C. Vs. and friends.

Promptly at 10:30 the Camp was called to order by Adjutant Hayley in
command.

F. K. Popperwell was master of Ceremonies and read the program and 
delivered the address of welcome in a short speech of fitting and 
appropriate words,

When the Sponsor Miss Lottie Hayley, presented a flag to the old 
soldiers in words very appropriate to the occasion which reflected 
great credit to the young lady.

After the presentation of the flag there was a short talk by Judge 
G. W. Perryman which was filled with many interesting facts concering 
the growth of the causes of war between the States.  The Judge was at 
his best and the people highly appreciated his masterly efforts.

At 2 p.m. the Congregation met under the arbor and Pro. Poperwell 
introduced Mr. W. L. Hayley who held the audience spellbound for about 
an hour in his able manner, Mr. Hayley is the Son of an Ex Confederate
and by for, the ablest speaker in Coke county.

After Mr. W. L. Hayley closed his speech Dr. Leonard was introduced and
made a very appropriate speech on the Race problem, after which the 
Congregation was dismissed for the 1st days exercises.

Thursday at 10 a.m. professor Popperwell made quite and interesting 
speech showing the conduct of the war on the part of the people of the
south, at the conclusion of professer Popperwells adress, Judge Hanna
of Nolan County and an old Federal Soldier who served in that army
through the war, was introduced to the congregation and made quite 
an appreciated speech showing the Confederate and Federal soldiers
were both true to the government of the U. S., after which recess until
2 p.m. and Judge Cockran of Nolane county made an able address and
quite appropriate to the occasion at the close of Judge Cockran speech
the old soldiers proceded to reorganize the Company.

H. H. Hayley was re-elected adjutant of the camp.
W. J. Manning, 1st. Lieutenant
R. E. Douglas, 2nd. Lieutenant
Miss Lottie Hayley sponsor

Resolution of thanks, to Mr. Odom on the use of the grounds.

G. G. Odom tendered the use of the grounds for the next meeting.

The Winters Band was present and rendered the occasion very enjoyable
by the music.

At the close they played "when the roll is called up younger I will
be there" was every Old Soldier gave each other the parting hand shake.

Newspaper article - Source unknown.  Copied from my grandmother's 
(Ethel Pearce Hayley) scrapbook. - Mary Love Berryman