GERMANNA_COLONIES-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: Re: GAR
Date: Sun, 4 Apr 1999 18:26:25 -0400

Hello List, Here's some information Steve Frady of Reno, NV, wrote in a
family newsletter concerning his ancestor who was a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic (GAR).

" The GAR was an organization of Civil War veterans organized in
Springfield, Illinois, in March of 1866, by Major Benjamin Stevenson and
Chaplain W. J. Rutledge. At the height of it's power in 1890, the GAR
numbered more than 430,000 men. Virtually every town in the country had
a GAR post and hall. The organization wielded a strong arm in national
politics. The "GAR vote" was probably responsible for the election of a
number of Civil War generals into the White House: U.S. Grant,
Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, William Henry
Harrison and William McKinley. GAR veterans waved "the bloody shirt"
many times in Congress in order to increase benefits.
"The GAR was reponsible for establishment of Memorial Day, and
extending the tradition of flying flags in front of schools and public
buildings. Many veteran hospitals and facilities were the result of GAR
clout, and the creation of many national military parks, such as
Gettysburg and Chicamauga, were the result of strong GAR initiation and
support."

Steve goes on to say that his ancestor became "embroiled" in the GAR
organization serving in various posts such as post commander and chaplain
in Nebraska, Montana, and California and as GAR National Chaplain in
Chief in 1917 and 1918. "He was seen wearing the "Little Brown Button"
that was the symbol of membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, and
a reminder of the service veterans such as he rendered during the
traumatic times of the Civil War."

LITTLE BROWN BUTTON
The Little Brown Button,
The sacred brown button;
The Grand Army Button
He wears on his coat.
"How much did it cost?"
Said the man to the soldier,
"That flat little button
You wear on your coat?"
"Ten cents in good money,"
He answered the stranger,
"And four years of marching
And fighting to boot."
The wealth of the world
Cannot purchase this emblem
Except that the buyer
Once wore the brave blue;
And it dhows to mankind
The full marks of a hero:
A man, who to honor
And Country, was true.

The Badge worn by members of the GAR looks like this, from top to
bottom: Eagle, Scrolls (?) crossed, American flag with thirteen stars, a
five-pointed star with circle inside with the name Grand Army of the
Republic 1861 Veteran 1866. Inside this circle are figures of three
adult figures and two children with flags draped on each side. Hope this
helps explain the GAR. Louise F. Hodge

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