Military Unit
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Kyle Hemsted (aka George Curkendall) Captain, 3d Iowa Cavalry, Troop D
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I grew up a student of US military history, and ended up joining the Army after high school. My first endeavor into the world of re-enacting was medieval re-enacting with the SCA . With my exit from the military, I also exited re-enacting. Then, about five years ago my Father passed away. I found myself in the position to have horses at home on the farm. (Strictly taboo when he was alive.) Well, I went wild and ended up with thirteen horses. It finally dawned on me that I was in over my head. So I cut down ,and commenced searching for something useful to do with those I kept. After cruising the internet for several days, I found a website about mounted cavalry reenacting. I contacted that individual and ended up “seeing the elephant” at Usher’s Ferry. I was hooked…things with that unit didn’t work out. So myself, and a few of the others you see on these pages, started this unit. And the rest, is as they say, “history”.
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I needed a challenge in my life and found a
Civil War Cavalry unit and joined. About the same time
found out my Great Great Grandfather J. W. Clement of my birth family
served three months with the Benton Cadets in MO. and then served 3
years with the 20th Ohio infantry. And that women served in
uniform during the Civil war. So, began the journey of the time
traveler to honor my GG Grandfather and the women who served in uniform.
I changed paths, when the first unit didn't work out and then along with
my husband, "yes, he was drafted into the other unit."
and another couple, Kyle and Christy Hemsted, founded a civil war
unit. We then found John Gunter of the Third Iowa Cavalry web
master.
Strangers all in the beginning, bonded by a
common love of history. I knew something was special about all who
joined our unit. I felt I'd known them before
or there was the feeling of a special bond between us.
A bond gaining strength as strangers became friends and today no
longer friends, but family, brothers and sisters.
Sgt CK Baker
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Sgt CK Baker |
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I was "invited"-drafted into this hobby to do
blacksmith work, such as tent stakes, cooking grills, or what ever is found on the internet. Growing up on a farm gave me lots of opportunities to fix or make things so the blacksmith part is easy. Reenacting has awaken the history nut that I was in school. Discovering the lesser known battles that were not taught in school, along with other tidbits of trivia makes relearning history more fun the second time around. Bruce Kroeger aka Corporal Smith |
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| I am the webmaster for
the 3rd Iowa Cavalry. Looking into family genealogy I have found out that
my Sir name Gunter and names such as Rockwell was quite active during the
Civil War. My family is one that you read about serving on both sides of a
disagreement that became a very dark side of our Nations history.
Research on the 3rd Iowa Cavalry was do to four gg uncles which served in the Regiment. Years later a unknown fellow to me (Kyle Hemsted), emailed me in asking if there was any reenacting units portraying the 3rd IC. I said no, but it was about time there was. In another email he asked if I would be interested in being the historian for the unit. I first bucked on the idea, but believed it was destined to be.
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Cpl. John Gunter (Pappy) |
The reenactors of this
fine unit has become a family. A second family if you wish. If one could
have a second family. Most of the reeneactors could actually be my kids or
younger brothers and sisters. I know without them my life wouldn't be the same. We
have lost two or three recruits from last year who have moved on
to other endeavors. We love and miss them dearly And now we have our
new recruits that have bonded in this second family and this is what is so
unique about our unit. We all like history, we like to camp, we all have
places and things to do and we all like to play on the battlefield.
We have in the last two years impressed our fellow reenactors who have been reenacting years ahead of us. I believe their first thought was that we were a fly by night done the first year group. But now I feel we have gained their respect in asking us to come back to events that they are in. So, with all of this in mind I hope you enjoyed meeting this long winded old man in blue. Pappy
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First off, I’d just like to say that like so many others in this group, I owe my joining to fate. It’s the only explanation I can come up with for being where I was when I first met the unit. I had no reason to be in Galesburg that day, nor did I have any reason for going out to the Civil War re-enactment on a total whim. However, when I saw Sgt. C.K discussing women in the Civil War, I knew I was home. Let me explain. I came from a living history, re-enacting, and scholarly historical background. I have been doing living history interpretations and re-enacting since I was in junior high school. I also have a Master’s of Arts in Civil War military history. However, I’d never joined any Civil War re-enactors. I’d heard horror stories of “hard core” re-enactors. You know, the ones that count buttons on coats and sleep on the ground in the rain. At 40, that didn’t sound like much fun. I also knew that if I were to get involved in the Civil War, I’d want to be on the field as a soldier. Of course, I’d done my homework. I knew very well that hundreds of women “passed” as soldiers, I just didn’t think any modern unit would welcome that kind of interpretation.
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Jennifer Edwards-Ring
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Boy was I wrong. From
the minute I met the 3rd Iowa, I knew this was meant to be. The
first thing I came upon at the Galesburg event was Sgt. C.K. discussing
women soldiers in the war. I was on the field the next day and joined the
unit that weekend. Since then, serving with the 3rd Iowa has
been one of the best experiences of my life. I’m a cavalry trooper, just
like my great-grandfather Felix Lempkie of the 12th Michigan of
Kilpatrick’s Brigade. I’ve found truly great people that I love with
all of my heart. We’ve had ups and downs, but deep down inside we are
family. I wouldn’t trade this past year for anything. Here I can be
Billy, cavalry trooper. Not Mom, or wife, or daughter. I can just be
Billy.
I look forward to serving for many years in the 3rd Iowa. These are a great group of people and I’m privileged to be a part of a great organization. |
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I must admit, when Kyle first approached me about
reenacting I thought it seemed a little weird wearing a wool uniform and
playing war. But when he told me it would be good training for my horse and how well
disciplined they become I decided to give it a try. My 1st event was in
Keokuk 2006 - that's when I "saw the elephant". I was in
awe of the horsemanship and skill the cavalrymen displayed and was
convinced.
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Jason Von Ahsen Pvt. Bird
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My fellow troopers will attest I provide good
entertainment with my unscheduled dismounts also. For me what began as
additional training for my horse has grown to more than just a hobby. The members of the 3rd Cav. are like a extended family. We got together
outside of events and have a good time whenever we go. The friendships
formed a long the way are a bonus to what our true purpose is, to educate
the public of how life was for a cavalry trooper in the Civil War, and,
honor those who fought. I am proud to be part of this living history and
looking forward to the 2008 season. Pvt. Bird
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Ever since I was a kid growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, I have
always been interested in American History, and especially the American
Civil War period of the 1860's. The great country we have today is
in large part a result of the strength of leadership and the moral
lessons learned during that conflict. A few years ago I had the
opportunity to visit a number of Civil War battlefields, parks and cemetery's.
Among them, Gettysburg, Harpers Ferry, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Antetum
and Shiloh. Visiting these sites, and walking in the footsteps where
so many thousands of my fellow countrymen fought and died had a profound
impact on me. I will never forget the experience. After moving to Iowa a
number of years ago, I read an article about the Civil War reenacting
community.
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Pvt. Larry Doepp |
I immediately thought that I would love to become involved with this, but I didn't have any idea how to get started. I didn't know anyone who attended or participated in Civil War reenactments. It was my good fortune that in 2007, for the first time in years, the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Ia. decided to sponsor a Civil War event. This was my chance to finally become involved with, and share with others, my interest of this historical period. As I had a cavalry uniform, I was attached to the 3rd Iowa Cavalry, a mounted and dismounted company for this event. I'm sure I looked like a lost pup, not knowing anyone! I could not have been attached to a finer group of people. |
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Alonzo Beaman, Private 3rd Iowa Cavalry, Co D. Dawn Conlin,
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The
phone rang late in Aug. 2006, caller ID said it was my sister so I picked
up. "Hello"
I said. "Ya
want to join the cavalry?" she said. "Excuse
me?" I said. She explained that she had been at a Civil War Reenactment that weekend and had joined the 3rd Iowa Cavalry and did I want to join? I
had done historical reenacting of one form or another for the last 17
years. It took a while for me to get to an event with The 3rd
Iowa.... but with in 24 hours of arriving at the site I felt as though I
belonged. As a new person I can tell you that you will rarely find a group
of nicer and more welcoming people. I felt right at home.
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In
the morning I got a nice ladies' outfit at a sutler's (they were great
people too.) That afternoon I saw my first battle . By the battle the next
day I had found a uniform, borrowed a gun and was on the battle field
having a ball. Any
time you can bring our past to life for yourself and others you are doing
a worthy thing. Those who came before are honored, those who come after
are reminded and refined in their understanding of our history. And if you
can do this with a group of people who make you proud to know them....well
that is the perfect icing on the cake. Best
regards, Alonzo
Beaman, Private 3rd Iowa Cavalry, Co D. Dawn
Conlin, RN,BS,BSN,MS (equally proud of both)
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Pvt. Phillip Brening
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I know that I am young, but I like wearing a civil war uniform. I
became interested by a book I read in 3rd grade about the Civil War. So when
me and my mom found the Third Iowa Cavalry, I joined them as a flagbearer. My
mom has been a water lady on the battlefield, and has assisted the doctors
on the field. She also says she's a "vivandiere". I
have respect for soldiers. My great great great grandfather fought in
the 34th New York Infantry, REENLISTED after the 34th mustered out, joining
the 15th New York Cavalry. He fought in 56 battles, like; Antietam,
Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville, and was at Appomatax to "see through
what they were obliged to do". |
He died at the Iowa Soldiers Home in Marshalltown, Iowa, and had an
UNMARKED grave. Me and my mom assisted in getting a GAR marker, and an
8 gun salute for him. Me and my mom have visited some of his
battlefields, and even went to Gettysburg. (Grandpap was 1 day from
mustering out of the 34th before the battle of Gettysburg!) I've even
took some "spooky" pictures at some of the battlefields! It
was such a great feeling reenacting in front of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf,
and even Iraq, veterans at the Iowa Soldiers Home in Marshalltown, Iowa.
That's why I reenact! Oh, and the food is surprisingly great, too! |
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It
was the year 2007 When we were picking up my mother from her job, she brought
her secretary with her to introduce us. I thought it was going to be another
old secretary, nothing interesting. I was totally wrong. My mom introduced
me to her. Then she mentioned war reenacting. I had no idea what reenacting
was. I just moved from |
Pvt. Kei Fujisawa |
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Civilian Impressionists
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A couple of years ago my husband (Kyle Hemsted) wanted to start civil war re-enacting. I really thought that he was off his rocker. I decided to attend a couple of reenactments with him. And suddenly, I found myself with more dresses, than he had uniforms. I was also meeting new people and having fun. We as a group have had our ups and downs. A few sorrows and a lot of happiness. We started out as a group of strangers and evolved into a second family. May the fun we have had in the past two (2) years, continue and grow, for the rest of our life in the 3rd Iowa Cavalry.
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Mrs. Christina Hemsted |
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Mrs. Jacquelyn Gunter
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Ms. Angela Heston |
I joined the 3rd Iowa Cavalry to be close to my family (my parents and brother). Most of my adult life I have been a stranger to my family, only coming around for Holidays or if I needed something. There is a big age difference between my brother and I and when I moved out of my parents house, I pretty much missed out seeing my little brother grow up. I thought this would be a great way to get closer to him and my parents. I went to the Davenport Civil War re-enactment in 2006 and this was my first experience I ever had to re-enacting. I had thought to myself that this was a pretty neat experience and it caught my interest. I am not a Civil War buff, I didn't know when | the Civil War happened or what it actually was about. I don't remember studying about it while in school. Seeing that my father and brother had joined, I decided to see what this was all about. I gathered up my family and we went and stayed the weekend in Galesburg for their annual Heritage Days. After seeing all the people in period clothes, events that they hosted, the battles and the smell of all the campfires burning I felt this was something I would like to do. I along with my family joined the 3rd Iowa Cavalry at Ushers Ferry in 2006. I have learned a lot in this last year and like to thank all Cavalry members for letting me learn from them. I am proud to call you all my family /0. |
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Mrs. Sandy Swanson
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| I am Pvt.
Philip Brening's mother, and I share his love for history, especially the
Civil War. I am also a DAR (Daughter of he American Revolution), and
have a passion of family history research. We were spectators at
several reenactments and as fate would have it, Sergeant remembered us
when my son asked the 3rd Iowa Cavalry if he could join. That was
Galesburg in 2006, and we "were bitten by the bug" so to
speak! Reenacting to me is: |
Ms. Melissa Tallman |
A
great way to spend "quality time" with my son, meet some pretty terrific
people to boot! A
great way to escape the fast paced, hectic 2000's and go back to a slower
time. A
great way for my son to learn, and meet others who share our interests. I
want to thank my 3d Iowa Family for the kindness, dedication, and support
you've shown us. We love you guys!!!!
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Children Impressionists |
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Miss Alex Hemsted
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Master Brady Heston
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My name is Brady and I am 5yrs old. I joined because I get to go camping. I like watching the battles. I get to play with toys and pet the horses. When I get older I would like to be a trooper. | |
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| My name is Scott and I am 9yrs old. I joined because I
thought it would be fun. I found out more about Civil war history. I
learned that Abraham Lincoln was President during the Civil War. I would
like to be a drummer boy or a flag bearer. I did get to be a powder monkey
for the South while at Davenports re-enactment and I was excited to
finally be part of a re-enactment. I endend up being captured at
the end by my Uncle John. |
Master Scott Heston |
Family's in the Unit
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The Hemsted's |
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The Kroeger's |
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Melissa Tallman Phillip Brening |
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The Gunter's / Heston / Cosper |
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