On Sunday, January 19, 2025, numerous historical groups met at the
Oak Shade Baptist Church and Cemetery in Cleveland, Texas (Tarkington Prairie) to celebrate Confederate Heroes Day. The groups attending were: Thomas Jefferson Chambers 2591 Wallisville, UDC, Capt. James Gillaspie Camp 226 Huntsville, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Dick Dowling 404 Beaumont, UDC, Grimes County Greys 924 Anderson, SCV, Major Josephus Somerville Irvine 2664 Burkeville, UDC, Thomas Jefferson Stubbs 2523 Conroe, UDC and folks from the community.
Ms. Carolyn Jamail welcomed everyone for attending, Linda Brill led everyone in prayer, the pledges were led by Debbie Chance, Emily Allen is Chairman of District III and she gave remarks about Confederate Heroes Day.
A program was held in the Fellowship Hall of the church, where those attending heard the history of the Confederate Veteran that was honored on the 19th, he was Pvt. James Kirkham, Confederate States Army, he was born October 8, 1840 and died April 28, 1912. The family history was given his great great granddaughter, Kem Kirkham Arnold. He is buried in the Oak Shade Cemetery located behind the church. The cemetery was established in 1845 and there is a Texas Historical Commission Marker out front and the church started in 1857.
Once the program was over, many braved the cold wind and walked out to the cemetery, where a wreath was placed at his grave. Everyone repeated the pledge to the 1st National flag of the Confederacy at his gravesite. Then everyone returned inside to enjoy hot homemade soup and other goodies.
The objectives of the UDC are: Historical, Educational, Benevolent, Memorial and Patriotic.
Article and picture by Eva Rains, Publicity Chairman for the Stubbs chapter
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