MS-10 Sons of Veterans U.S.A. Camp 254 Records

Introduction

The records of the Colonel G.W. Andrews Camp 254, Sons of Veterans U.S.A. cover the years 1891-1893. The collection consists of various organizational records for those years including a minute book, ledger, cash book, receipt book, first sergeant’s requisition book, descriptive book and roll of members. Vouchers and preliminary minutes comprise the remainder of the collection.

Leonard Pyles, Veterans Services Officer for Auglaize County, transferred the collection to Wright State University in accordance with pre-arranged dispersal schedule. The collection was accessioned in September 1975.

Linear feet of shelf space occupied: .35

Approximate number of items: 15

The records in this collection may be used for research purposes in the WSU Archives. This collection contains no restricted material.

Organizational Sketch

Colonel G.W. Andrews Camp 254, Sons of Veterans U.S.A. (S.V.) served Wapakoneta, Ohio. The post was named in honor of George W. Andrews who, in 1861 at the request of Governor Dennison, raised a company of volunteers within two days. He entered the service as a captain and left the army in 1864 with the rank of colonel. Andrews served Wapakoneta as prosecuting attorney and as a member of the state senate.

The Sons of Veterans was an auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic. The first “camp” appeared at Philadelphia in 1878 but a national organization was not formed until 1881. Its aims were parallel to those of the G.A.R. but membership descended from father to son. One of the organization’s required activities involved regular military drill practices.

By 1888 the national organization has risen to 56,572 members. The Wapakoneta camp counted 45 members by March 1891.

Scope and Content Note

The records of the Wapakoneta Andrews Camp 254, Sons of Veterans consist of the group’s organizational records for 1891 through 1893. These records are somewhat unique in that they are the only nearly complete set for any veteran’s group at the Wright State University Archives. Thus, although they cover a relatively short period of time, their completeness allows a thorough overall view of the organizational requirements of Sons of Veterans camps.

The collection includes a minute book, ledger, cash book, receipts, requisition book, descriptive book and roll of members. Vouchers and preliminary minutes comprise the remainder of the collection.

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