MS-14 G.A.R. Post 41 Records

Introduction

The records of the Kyle Post 41 of the Grand Army of the Republic, Wapakoneta, Ohio cover the years 1880-1930. The collection consists of post minute books, a cash book, treasury record, an expense ledger, accounts/expenses record, officer’s roll and quarterly record, and miscellaneous loose materials. One book, The Army Canteen (1900) is included in the collection.

Leonard Pyles, 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: 2 ½
Approximate number of items: 60

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

Kyle Post 41 of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) served Wapakoneta, Ohio. The post formed prior to 1881, first meeting in Wapakoneta’s music hall and later moving to their own hall in the southwest portion of the courthouse early in 1882.

In accordance with the principles of the national organization found 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 who represented approximately 40% of the Union veterans. 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.

By the 1920’s the Kyle Post had begun to experience a decline, primarily due to member deaths. Beginning in 1925, the post regularly invited members of its auxiliary, the Woman’s Relief Corps, 195, to attend its meetings. Only two agreed to donate all G.A.R. property and holdings to the Woman’s Relief Corps. Upon the death of Commander Wentz November 5, 1930, Kyle Post 41 ceased operation.

Scope and Content

The records of the Kyle Post 41 of the Grand Army of the Republic consist mostly of eight minute books spanning the years 1881-1930. In addition to accounting meeting proceedings, these volumes trace the growth and then eventually declining ranks of the post until its demise in 1930. Financial records include a cash book (1900-1913), treasury record (1914-1922), an expense ledger (1882-1893) and accounts and expenses (1883-1898).

An officer’s roll and quarterly record (1885-1890), miscellaneous loose materials, including bills, reports and correspondence, and one book, The Army Canteen (1900) comprise the remainder of the collection.

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