Grand Army of the Republic Records (DeKalb)

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-126

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

A descriptive book of members (1887-1918), journal of financial accounts (1892-1923), and a cash statement book (1900-1914) partially document the history of the Merritt Simonds Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Records from the Malta G.A.R. the Soldiers Memorial Association, and the Women’s Relief Corps complete the collection. The historical information in Box 1 details the organization of the national G.A.R. and affiliated groups such as the Daughters and Sons of Veterans.

Dates

created: 1881-1941
Other: Date acquired: 00/00/1965

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

The first post of the Grand Army of the Republic organized in Decatur, Illinois on April 6, 1866. Soldiers and sailors of the United States Army, Navy, or Marine Corps, and men of the United States Revenue Cutter Service who served during the Civil War were eligible for membership. The organization sought to preserve the fraternal feelings of men who fought together, to provide for the support, care, and education of soldiers’ orphans and widows, and to protect and assist disabled veterans. The Merritt Simonds Post No. 283, DeKalb, Illinois, organized in 1883 with 22 charter members. Merritt Simonds, a DeKalb citizen, fought and died from wounds inflicted during the Chickamauga battle in Georgia in 1863. Henry B. Gurler served as the first commander with Charles F. Beaufire as adjutant and George H. Gurler as quartermaster. The post disbanded in 1965.

Note written by

Extent

0.75 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Several individuals, Waite W. Embree,

Method of Acquisition

Several individuals, including Waite W. Embree, donated the Grand Army of the Republic Records to the Northern Illinois University Archives between 1965 and 1978. J. Joseph Bauxar, University Archivist, transferred the collection to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center in June 1978.

Related Materials

Researchers interested in veteran’s organizations should consult the DeKalb Daughters of Veterans Records (RC 127). Further information on the Civil War is available in the Griffith correspondence (RC 89) and in records contained in the Vertical File Manuscripts Collection, particularly the Merritt Simonds material (4.14).