MS-12 Grand Army of the Republic Post 83 Records

Introduction

The records of Kishler Post, No. 83, St. Mary’s, Department of Ohio, Grand Army of the Republic cover the years 1880-1911. The collection consists of post minute books (1885-1904) and roll and account books (1880-1911).

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

Linear feet of shelf space occupied: 1 ½

Approximate number of items: 4

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

Organization History

Kishler Post, No. 83 of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) served St. Mary’s, Ohio. The post was named in honor of William Kishler of St. Mary’s who died at Stoney River during the Civil War.

In accordance with the principles of the national organization founded in April 1866 at Springfield, Illinois, the local members were bound by oath to uphold the ideals of fraternity, charity and loyalty. The G.A.R. was primarily a military organization whose ritual and procedures adopted a military flavor.

The national organization’s growth peaked in 1890 with 409,489 dues-paying members representing approximately 40% of the Union veterans. Kishler Post’s membership rose to over 230 during the 1890’s. The G.A.R. was influential in securing the Disability Pension Act of 1890 and was responsible for the institution and observance of Memorial Day.

The eighty-third and last national encampment was held in Indianapolis in 1949 and the last surviving member died in 1956.

Scope and Content

Two roll and account books cover the group’s financial history from 1880 to 1911. These volumes contain an account for each member in addition to information regarding their membership history.

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