Grand Army of the Republic, Wilcox Post No. 668 Records
Scope and Contents
The GAR, Wilcox Post collection includes 3 ledgers and 3 pension certificates for John Burke.
Dates
- 1889 - 1928
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.
Conditions Governing Use
Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.
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.
Extent
.25 Linear Feet (in 1 box)
Language of Materials
English
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.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by John P. Burke, in 2011
- Grand Army of the Republic. Wilcox Post No. 688 (Chicago, Ill.)
- Illinois--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Veterans -- Illinois -- 19th century Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Source
- Burke, John P. (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Grand Army of the Republic, Wilcox Post No. 668 Records
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Michelle McCoy
- Date
- 2020
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Unit at Harold Washington Library Center Repository
Harold Washington Library Center, 9th Floor
Chicago Public Library
400 S. State Street
Chicago IL 60605 United States
(312) 747-4875
specoll@chipublib.org