Lt. Ezra S. Griffin Camp #8 SUVCW

02/12/2026

01/03/2026

On behalf of the members of Lt. Ezra S. Griffin Camp #8 we would like to wish you and your family a Happy New Year.

The Camp officers for 2026 were installed by Department Commander Mike Peter on December 20, 2025, at our monthly meeting. We would like to thank Commander Peter for making the trip up "The Pike" from the Philadelphia area for our installation.

Commander: Tim Chase
Senior-Vice Commander: Rich Ryczak, PCC
Junior- Vice Commander: Paul Rogan
Treasurer: Jerry Skotleski, PCC
Secretary: Bill Dixon
Chaplain: Mark Myers
Patriotic Instructor: Tim Pierce
Council: Bob Shaffer PCC, Hal Myers PCC, Bob Baker PCC
Color Bearer/ Guard: Giovan Lisi
Graves Registration: Bill Fischer, PDC
Camp Historian: Hal Myers, PCC
Civil War Memorials: Bill Dixon
Eagle Scout Coordinator: Jim Jones, PCC

2025 was a busy and productive year for the Camp, and we would like to extend a major thank you to the 143rd Pennsylvania reenactor group for their support this year, acting as honor guard at all of our special events.

11/12/2025

Today we thank our US Armed Forces veterans for Veterans Day! Let us never forget the sacrifice and devotion they’ve given for our lives and country today. Support your local veterans!

11/10/2025

250th US Marines Birthday proclamation from CinC Kevin Tucker!

09/20/2025

On this day in 1820 General John Fulton Reynolds was born Gen. Reynolds was distinguished United States Army officer and a key figure in the early part of the American Civil War. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he graduated from West Point in 1841. He served with distinction in the Mexican-American War and later in various frontier assignments. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Reynolds was promoted to brigadier general and commanded a brigade in the Army of the Potomac. Throughout the war, Reynolds demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic skill. He commanded the 1st Corps and was considered one of the most capable and respected generals in the Union Army. He was highly regarded by his superiors, including Major General George Meade and President Abraham Lincoln, who reportedly offered him command of the Army of the Potomac, an offer he declined.

The Battle of Gettysburg
Reynolds's most famous moment came at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. Leading the left wing of the Army of the Potomac, he was killed in action on the first day of the battle while directing his troops, becoming the highest-ranking Union officer to die at Gettysburg. His death was a significant loss to the Union cause, but his early actions at Gettysburg are credited with setting the stage for the ultimate Union victory. A statue of him stands at Gettysburg National Military Park.

09/19/2025

Please join the Ezra Griffin GAR Museum in Steamtown Mall, Scranton, and Griffin Camp 8, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War this POW/MIA Remembrance Day, Friday, Sep. 19, 2025, in acknowledging that roughly 40 of the 139 soldiers of the 52nd Regt., Pa. Vols, captured July 3, 1864, at Fort Johnson, S.C., who spent time in either Andersonville (Ga) and or Florence (S.C.) POW camps actually had been released, but never made it home to Pennsylvania alive. You may see the entire list of POWs at our Civil War Museum booth at the local history fair on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Viewmont Mall, Dickson City, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m

What exactly happened?
A group of the 52nd Regt under the command of Henry M. Hoyt was doing reconnaissance on July 3, 1864, of the Confederates at Fort Johnson, S.C., when backup from the 127th New York Regt never showed up. And the tide went out before the 52nd's boats did, and all 139 soldiers were captured. Hoyt was sent to Macon, Ga., and eventually offered up in an officer exchange. The other soldiers got a taste of what life was like in the South's most notorious prison at Andersonville, Ga., or the prison stockade at Florence, S.C.

Special thanks to Brother Bob Baker for the effort he put into organizing our booth for the Lackawanna History Fair and his continued effort in honoring the members of the 52nd.

09/15/2025

Join the GAR Memorial Association of Scranton and Lt. Ezra S. Griffin Camp 8, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War for a special presentation on the Pennsylvania Reserves. Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide Tim Pierce will explore the regiment's history, from its formation and training to its pivotal role at the Battle of Gettysburg and its continued service after the battle. This event is a great opportunity for history enthusiasts to learn about a key part of Pennsylvania Civil War History and the soldiers who helped preserve the Union.

The presentation will be held at the GAR Museum on the second floor of the Marketplace at Steamtown on Monday, October 13, at 6:00 PM. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to support the preservation efforts of the GAR Memorial Association. To help the organizers ensure there is enough seating, it's recommended that you pre-register. For more information or to register, contact Bill Dixon at [email protected].

08/30/2025

Steamtown National Historic Site Railfest 2025.

08/24/2025

https://youtu.be/WvoW8rD9ZNI?si=CwVhUee3CBSSO3Al

Thank you, Brother Dale, for filming!

Last Civil War Soldier in Lackawanna Co Pa

08/24/2025

On August 24, 2025, Camp 8 held a ceremony at Fairlawn Cemetery in Dalton to honor Joseph Chapman, the last Civil War soldier from Lackawanna County.

Joining the ceremony were Joseph Chapman's great-grandson, Michael Chapman, along with his son, Michael Chapman Jr., and his grandson, Michael Chapman III.

Camp 8 extends its gratitude to the Chapman family; John Pesavento of Pesavento Monuments, Tim Booth, Director of Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs, and Brook VanFleet, owner of Fairlawn Cemetery in Dalton.

Special Thanks to Camp 8 Brother Jeremy Allen for providing photographs of the Ceremony.