acwatest_15.html

AMERICAN
CIVIL WAR
ASSOCIATION

Personalities ( "and Characters" ) that you might see
at the ACWA event

If you would like to be on this page or know of someone you would like see on this page,
Please send a short bio and a mug shot to:
laneoids@sonic.net

Miss Leslie	The American Civil War affected almost every family in the United and Confederate States. Whether at home waiting, following the army as sutlers and camp followers or serving the soldiers directly as nurses and contractors, the Civil War was by no means a strictly military affair. Please visit the Civilian Camp and see the many activities we do at the reenactments. Miss Leslie hosts a 10 a.m. tea party at events which Lt. Col. Freemantle says, rivals even the Queen's tea parties!
Joe Rose	Colonel Rose joined the ACWA at its inception in 1994. He became the Confederate Brigade Commander from 1997 thru 1999. Commander Rose helped to get the "new" club family oriented. Colonel Rose is a favorite of President Davis and his family.
Chris Mondo	Sometime prior the Civil War, the Culpeper Minutemen became known as the Culpeper Rifles and when the war broke out they joined the newly formed Confederate Army and became Company C of the 7th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Longstreet's Corps. The 7th participated in every major engagement from First Manassass to the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox. The 7th VA was known as "The Bloody 7th" due to the high casualty rate that this regiment experienced during the war. Twenty four survivors of the 7th surrendered at Appomattox, three of which were from the Culpeper Rifles. Today, members of the ACWA portray Co. C of the 7th VA as a living history project which is designed to be fun and family friendly. If you like history and camping out, please consider joining them.
Doug Erickson	Captain Doug Erickson, Commander of the 69th New York Infantry-Co. B, 1st Irish Brigade, is known among the Union Battalion as "The Terror." He is the only Union Commander who strikes true terror amongst the Confederate Brigade. Every time the two armies meet on the battlefield, you can hear a low moan from the Southern boys as soon as they see Capt. Erickson. They know with him on the field, the battle will be a hard fought one for sure!
Peter Lee	Peter Lee portrays Lt. Colonel Fremantle of the Coldstream Guards, of her Majesty, Queen Victoria. He was a military observer who came to America to see and report to the Queen on the Civil War. Mr. Lee has been doing this impression since 2004. It was Ray Bisio who recommended him to be Lt. Col. Fremantle because of his proper English speech and manners. Since then, Peter has thrilled spectators and fellow reenactors at ACWA events. Some ladies have been known to become faint upon seeing him looking so dashing. You can spot Peter on the battlefield miles away because of his scarlet and gold uniform!
Paul Shone	Paul Shone portrays Mr. Francis Lawley who was a London Times correspondent sent to America to observe and report on the Civil War. He arrived on the blockade runner, the CSS Lillian, and toured the Confederate States with Captain Justus Scheibert. He was noted for his accurate accounts of the war, particularly Gettysburg. Mr. Shone joined the ACWA at Casa de Fruita in 2008 with his 9 year old son, Peter. He is with the 43rd Virginia
Justin Lee Mills	Known as "The Voice", 2nd Lt. Justin Lee Mills is the commander of the 2nd South Carolina Volunteer Infantry (Palmetto Guard). Lt. Mills has been with the ACWA since its inception. It is said that the Second South Carolina is the cornerstone of the brigade. Perhaps that is because you can hear him shouting commands over the sound of the cannons and musket fire!
Chuck Rhodes	Chuck Rhodes is an architectural designer in Sacramento. During reenactments, he portrays his alter ego, the kindly Lt. Rhodes, map maker, draughtsman, and topographical engineer, for the Confederate Brigade. He portrays a civilian contractor for the Corps of Topographical Engineers in the Army of the Valley District (A.V.D.), consequently he holds only a Brevet Rank as a Staff Officer. Staff, in this case, is a branch of the service much like Artillery, or Infantry, and not necessarily someone who is on a General's staff.
Anna Belle	Anna Belle is a camp follower who literally goes the distance to "provide physical comfort" for all the brave soldiers who can afford her company. Debbie Hawley enjoys attending events because it gives her the opportunity to spend time with her brother, Major Paul Vancas, RFA, but she also relishes portraying a notorious shady lady. There is no shortage of men eager to get an eyeful of her charms. Part of the allure is her stunning gowns, each of which she spends a couple of months creating. Her red and black ruffled "off the shoulder" ensemble is one that is hard to miss, as is the $100.00 bill peeking out of the bodice. Lest you think she is an easy mark, be aware she keeps a gun strapped to her shoe for protection. "Gentlemen, avert your eyes!"
Lillie Belle	Miss Lillie Belle is the twin sister to Anna Belle and has been brought up in the proper way a lady should be. Their mother warned them about "the other side of the tracks" but poor Anna didn't listen to her mother and hopefully Lillie will set her straight. So you will see more of Lillie Belle at the reenactments. She is not married, is a school teacher and lives in Virginia. She is also Mother and Father's favorite. But as Miss Anna says many times over. "At least I send money home to ma and pa!"
Brian Miller	Brian Miller left the family farm in Orange County, Virginia at the age of 16 to find his own way in life. He made his way south doing whatever he could to survive. In 1863, he joined the Army of North Virginia. After being wounded in the arm, he convalesced in South Carolina. There he met Donalyn Sue, who nursed him back to health. He told her he would be back to marry her. She responded, " So you think so Johnny Reb?" He responded by saying, "It's Brian." After the war ended, true to his word, he returned to marry Donalyn Sue. They settled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, spending their time mining gold and living off the land.
Major Paul Vancas Commander	The Richmond Fayette Artillery (RFA), Co. B, 38th Battalion Virginia Light Artillery, was one of the few companies that stood ready when the Civil War began. The RFA was formed on May 3, 1821, when it received two brass six-pounders from the Public Guard. In 1824, it was renamed the RFA after the Marquis de La Fayette presented the company with two more six-pounders. The RFA took part in several battles throughout the Civil War, including the Seven Days Battle, South Mountain, the Suffolk Campaign (where it was attached to Dearing's Battalion and took on the 38th distinction), Gettysburg, Petersburg, and New Bern. The RFA eventually returned to Virginia and took part in Cold Harbor and the defenses around Richmond and Petersburg. The RFA escaped capture at Appomattox, only to spike her guns at Lynchburg.
Tom Gardner	Tom Gardner is a 10 year member of the ACWA, editor of the the club newsletter for the past 3 years, and a Private with the 2nd US Artillery. He describes himself as a "concussion junkie" stemming from his service as a Gunnery Officer in the US Pacific Fleet during the early 1970s. When not reenacting, Tom loves to fly fish on the lower Tuolumne River near Yosemite Nat'l Park. He was the JEOPARDY! champion on June 6th, 1995, and told the best fish story ever heard on the program!
Chris Bowman	"The butcher!" The very sight of Chris Bowman on the field strikes fear amongst the Yankees. Even some of the Confederates shake with foreboding! Chris Bowman has been an ACWA member for the past seven years. His love of studying history and genealogy made the ACWA feel like home. How did he get the name "'The Butcher?" William Entriken gave him that nickname at Roaring Camp due to his zeal as a patriot defending the cause. He got his blood up to the extent that he will forevermore retain his title.
Abe Lincoln	Mr. Lincoln, portrayed by Wayne L. Scott, was encouraged by his daughter and her three children to portray the President. Not only does he look and act like him, he is even related to him. His father's mother and Mr. Lincoln's mother were cousins. Wayne has been an active reenactor since 2006 and can be seen at many of the ACWA events. Feel free to introduce yourself and you will learn much about the Civil War.
"The Sisters"	Mary Aye and Marilyn Lane portray sisters who have a penchant for matchmaking. Although their efforts have been unsuccessful so far, they are convinced that a blissful match is somewhere in their future. In addition to being "Purveyors of Matrimony for Lonely Gentlemen and Soldiers," they plan on branching out with advice for the lovelorn. Seek out their assistance if you have troubles in the romance department. They might just be able to help you. In addition to dabbling in matters of the heart, Miss Mary excells at collecting donations at events. Miss Marilyn writes articles and takes photos for The Courier. They are both members of the ball committee and committed to making the ACWA ball the social event of the year. As of their debut at Roaring Camp 2008, acting in a kidnapping scenario, they look forward to being in more skits for the public.
"MJ" Judie Adams	Miss Judie Adams, "MJ" is a member of the 69th New York Volunteers. She was voted to be Camp Cook after the 69th tasted some of her samples! She cooks for the 25 members of the 69th, 3 meals a day. She says she loves making the meals for the boys. The main reason the Union Battalion is so large is that recruits join up just so they can taste Judie's cooking! In fact, she says; "They made for me my very own kitchen just like the ones they had during the Civil War. That was so exciting! I feel like I am living in 1862 when I cook. Miss Judie also makes shirts for the Yankees and custom shirts for ladies also. If you would like to have a shirt made for you at fair prices, please email her at dancething8@yahoo.com
Debi Lambeth	This is my 4th year in the ACWA.. The first event that I ever attended was at Nevada City and my son and former husband both wanted to join, so I said fine. Little did I know that I was not going to be able to wear my jeans to events. So, during that fall, I researched ladies clothing and construction techniques applying to the period and set to sewing up a dress for myself. My first event was at Knight's Ferry when I also began to man the information tent with Jan Todd. I was still doing some of the handwork as I had breakfast that Saturday morning. Working with the Todds, I realized the club needed a replacement as treasurer, so I ran for treasurer. One of the major reasons for joining was to allow my son to be a "boy" and do boy things. So far I have found only 2 places that boys can act like boys and that is the boy scouts and reenacting. So, I do highly support all those young men of all ages to run around the field with rifles chasing and shooting at each other. Just let me sit on the side lines with my camera in hand enjoying all the black powder from the rifles and cannons.
Donald P. Fuselier	"The Doc," aka: Doctor Bartholomew Boudreaux, surgeon, New Orleans, has been a reenactor since 1955. Since then he has collected an impressive collection of period medical items. Mr. Boudreaux joined the ACWA in 2005 and has made just about every event. The spectators always rave at his demonstrations, some even swoon! His goal being a Civil War surgeon is to make the public more aware of our history, the terrible cost of war, and to honor those who fought and died.
Scott Chapman	Scott Chapman has been an ACWA member for nine years. He has been missing in action for the last two years. In that time, he has moved, refinished the house, his wife had a baby named Jon, and on and on. However, he made a triumphant return to the fold at Duncans Mills this year. He will try to make it to events at least twice a year. He was happy to see the esprit de corps so high and looks forward to attending his next event.
Claude Labelle	The reenactment at Duncans Mills was the birthplace of a new Robert Edward Lee portrayal. Claude Labelle made his first appearance as the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Northern Virginia and found it to be an enjoyable experience even though he came within a hair's breath of being captured by the Yankees during the last battle on Sunday! How did the crowd react? There was instant recognition. No one had to ask who he was.. Everyone felt proud to meet him. He also portrays a surgeon and plans on switching between the two roles during upcoming events.
Nicole Denis	Nicole Denis is Claude Labelle‚'s wife, who portrays a nurse assigned to the Marines. She and her husband started reenacting two years ago and have enjoyed meeting people and sharing their interest in history with others. When the boys see her on the field they know she will be there with a kind word, water and a smile that makes the bad times seem to disappear.
Jerry Foster "The Galvanized One"	Corporal Jerry Foster, a brave telegraph operator with the RFA, CSA,, was taken prisoner at Antietam in 1862 by the Yankees and put in prison. After 4 months in captivity, he was offered parole by General Meade if he would join the U.S. Army because there was a great shortage of Yankee telegraph operators. He would be sent to Fort Point, San Francisco to operate the telegraph there and to intercept Confederate messages about blockade runners and Southern provocateurs. Of course he said YES! without question just to get out of prison. So now he is also known as Corporal Jerry Foster, "20th Maine, Army of the Potomac Telegraph Office." He won't be coming back home to Alabama anytime soon, for obvious reasons!
Cameron White	"The Meanest 1st Sargent in the entire U.S. Army!" That is what Cameron White in known as. It is even said that he helped Thomas Francis Meagher to escape from Austrailia. Cameron has been with the 69th New York Co. B since he joined the ACWA four years ago. After working as a sargent the past 25+ years with the Pacific Grove Police Department he is finally retiring and moving to Gettysburg this September. He intends on remaining active in the ACWA and plans to attend upcoming events. He also will be checking Cameron is also known as a: "Pagrovian."
	More Personalities to come...............
	More Personalities to come...............