Call Number:

RG-078

Repository:

Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum and Library

Extent:

3.5 cubic feet ((12 volumes in 7 boxes))

Language:

English

Date:

1884-1930 (inclusive)

Creator:

Grand Army of the Republic. Williams Post No. 78. (Muncie, Ind.).

Abstract:

G.A.R. members instituted Williams Post No. 78 in 1884 in Muncie, Indiana. The Post continued to meet through 1930. The Records of Williams Post No. 78, Grand Army of the Republic, 1884-1930, consist of administrative, financial, and membership records.

G.A.R. members instituted Williams Post No. 78 in 1884 in Muncie, Indiana. The Post continued to meet through 1930; the last meeting minutes are recorded in December 1930.

The records of Williams Post No. 78 consist of twelve bound volumes that date from 1884 to 1930. The records are organized into three series: Administrative Records, Financial Records, and Membership Records. It is not known how G.A.R. Civil War Museum and Library acquired the records or if additional records survived or existed.

Series I: Administrative Records - This series consists of minutes of the Post’s meetings from 1884 to 1930. The minutes are in six bound volumes arranged chronologically. Numerous items are tipped in to the minute books, including newspaper articles and correspondence. The minute book dating from December 1924 to December 1930 contains finances and ledgers dating from 1924 to 1929 and some information on financial accounts dating from 1910 to the 1920s.

Series II: Financial Records – This series consists of five volumes of financial records including dues books, receipts, and disbursements and a cashbook. The Post used most of the volumes for a variety of financial purposes. The first volume is an 1891 to 1900 dues, receipt, and disbursement book. The second volume is an 1894 to 1901 receipt and disbursement book. The third volume is a dues book that records membership dues for the year 1900. The fourth volume contains a member’s roster and records of dues payments for the years 1901 to 1917. This volume also has some finances and ledger information recorded. The cashbook dates January 1911 to May 1917.

Series III: Membership Records - This series consists of one descriptive book with entries from 1884 to approximately 1907. The entries contain detailed information on Post members, including: member’s name, age, birthplace, residence, occupation, details on the entry into service and final discharge (which includes date, rank, company, and regiment), length of service, cause of discharge, the details of his G.A.R. membership, and remarks (which include death notices or membership ending through leaving or transferring). The descriptive book is a rich source of the social and demographic history of members of the Post. The Book also includes the Post’s constitution, bylaws, and a Muster Roll from 1884 to 1907.