| Dates: | 1889-1928 |
| Size: | .2 linear feet in 1 box |
| Repository: | Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Library Center, Special Collections, 400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605 |
| Collection Number: | w00135 |
| Immediate Source of Acquisition: | Donated by John Burke, in 2011 |
| Conditions Governing Access: | Materials are stored offsite and advance notice is required for use. Please request materials at least 24-hours prior to your research visit to coordinate access. |
| Language: | Materials are in English. |
| Conditions Governing Use: | Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection. |
| Citation: | When quoting material from this collection the preferred citation is: GAR, Wilcox Post No. 668 Records, [Box #, Folder #], Special Collections, Chicago Public Library |
| Finding Aid Author: | Michelle McCoy, 2020 |
Abstract
The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was an organization of former soldiers and sailors who served in the Union forces during the Civil War or who were members of state militia on active duty and subject to national call during the war. The Wilcox Post, No. 668 was located at 9628 S. Longwood Drive in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood. The collection consists of 3 manuscript ledgers and a selection of pension certificates.
Biographical/Historical
The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was an organization of former soldiers and sailors who served in the Union forces during the Civil War or who were members of state militia on active duty and subject to national call during the war. The organization's goals were to maintain comradery and fraternity among its members, to perpetuate the memory of their deeds, and to aid needy soldiers and their families. It was one of the United States’ first organized advocacy groups supporting veterans. The first local post was established in Decatur, Illinois on April 6, 1866, and the organization grew to hundreds of posts across the nation. The G.A.R. reached its membership peak in 1890 with over 490,000 members. The organization was dissolved in 1956, when its last remaining member passed away.
The Wilcox Post, No. 668 was located at 9628 S. Longwood Drive in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood.
Scope and Contents
The GAR, Wilcox Post collection includes 3 ledgers and 3 pension certificates for John Burke.
Arrangement
The contents are arranged alphabetically by organization or type of material.
Related Collections
- American Civil War Documents, Manuscripts, Letters and Diaries and Grand Army of the Republic Collection
- American Civil War Era Newspapers
- American Civil War Era Sheet Music Collection
- American Civil War Photographs and Images and Grand Army of the Republic Photographs and Images
- Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865, Records
Subject Headings
- Grand Army of the Republic. Wilcox Post No. 668 (Chicago, Ill.)
- Illinois - History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Veterans
- Veterans – Illinois – 19th century
- Veterans – Illinois – Societies, etc.
Collection Inventory
| Box 1 | Folder 1 | Bureau of Pensions, certificates for John Burke, 1894, 1906, 1914 |
| Box 1 | Folder 2 | GAR transfer forms, blank, undated |
| Box 1 | Folder 3 | Financial ledger, 1905-1928 |
| Box 1 | Folder 4 | Meeting minutes ledger, 1889-1895 |
| Box 1 | Folder 5 | Membership ledger, 1903-1916 |
