MS-13 United Spanish War Veterans, Post 8 Records

Introduction

The records of the United Spanish War Veterans cover the years 1923-1949. The bulk of the collection consists of the organization’s minute books from 1904-1906 and from 1923-1949. The organization’s bylaws, officer’s roster, ritual manual and ceremony book are also included in the collection as are photographs, correspondence and a file of miscellaneous loose material.

Leonard Pyles, Veterans Services Officer for Auglaize County based on Wapakoneta, 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

Approximate number of items: 50

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

The United Spanish War Veterans (U.S.W.V.) Auxiliary Post 40 organized on May 9, 1904 but was active for only two years. The chapter was later reorganized with twenty-two new members who formed the Captain Mueller Auxiliary 8. The chapter was mustered in October 14, 1923 and was chartered January 26, 1924. The auxiliary drew members from Wapakoneta, St. Mary’s, Spencerville, and Lima.

The chapter was named in honor of Captain Mueller who served as a surgeon in the Spanish American War. Mueller organized the first U.S.W.V. auxiliary in Wapakoneta in 1904 (Post 40) and was a department commander for Ohio.

The group met once a month at the G.A.R. Hall in the Auglaize County courthouse, Wapakoneta, Ohio. Membership was open to all women fourteen and over related to any person eligible for membership in the United Spanish War Veterans. The auxiliary was charged to “extend aid and sympathy to all soldiers, sailors, and marines of the Spanish War and their dependents.” The members actively supported the work and social functions of the U.S.W.V.

Scope and Content

The records of the United Spanish War Veterans, Auxiliary 40 consist primarily of items related to the organization’s required record keeping. The bulk of the collection covers a period from 1923-1949. In addition to accounting the meeting proceedings, the five minute books contain resolutions of respect for deceased members and yearly financial audits. The officer’s roster and volume of bylaws list members and their addresses. Also included is a file of general correspondence, miscellaneous loose material relating to the organization and five photographs of encampments. Several U.S.W.V. ritual and ceremony books are also in the collection.

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