Americans will dedicate their time and thoughts Friday in remembrance of the nation’s veterans. But one Athens native, Pvt. William L. Hooper, and his story will be saluted by local Camp No. 108, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
The national organization is the successor to the Grand Army of the Republic, which formed in 1866 and was composed of Union veterans.
“The Sons formed because, of course, over time, the veterans got older and passed away and their descendants wanted to continue their legacy,” said Wayne Lowery, the secretary treasurer of the local camp.
Hooper was born in 1847 and enlisted in the 174th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1864 but was discharged a year later because of injury. He then returned to
Athens where he became a reverend and married twice before his death in 1994 at age 97.
“He is very important,” said Jim Lochary, commander of Camp No. 108. “(Hooper) was the last surviving Civil War Union veteran of Athens County.”
The Sons will participate in a project Friday that will recognize the last Union veteran who died in each county of the United States.
“Our goal is to record and identify every last Union veteran survivor,” said Martin. “We want to keep in mind the sacrifices and memory of each veteran.”
A plaque will be placed at the grave of each honored veteran during the ceremonies.
“Events like this draw attention to the Civil War and show the individuals, not just the big picture,” said Don Martin, the commander of Ohio Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. “We want to educate people about the Civil War and preserve the memory of soldiers and what they did.”
Though the camp sent out official invitations the event is open to the public.
“We just want to keep the memory alive of Civil War soldiers while helping others,” Lowery said. “We will welcome anyone that can come.”
The memorial will begin at 3 p.m. at the grave of Pvt. William L. Hooper in the West Union Street Cemetery.
“I really don’t think we’ve ever had a ceremony like this,” Lochary said.
lf328610@ohiou.edu
