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The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States records
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Held at: Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
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Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS)
In response to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS) was founded on April 15, 1865 in Philadelphia by Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Brown Wylie Mitchell, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ellwood Zell and Captain Peter Dirck Keyser. The object of MOLLUS was and is “to cherish the memories and associations of the war waged in defence of the unity and indivisibility of the Republic; to strengthen the ties of fraternal friendship and sympathy formed from companionship-in-arms; to advance the best interests of the soldiers and sailors of the United States, especially of those associated as members of this Order, and to extend all possible relief to their widows and children; to foster the cultivation of Military and Naval Science; to enforce unqualified allegiance to the General Government; to protect the rights and liberties of American citizenship, and to maintain National Honor, Union and Independence.”
In order to qualify for membership to MOLLUS, an individual needed to have been either a male officer in the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps who fought in the “suppression of the Rebellion” (first class companions), a male descendant of an officer (second class companions), or an individual who “…during the Rebellion [was] specially distinguished for conspicuous and consistent loyalty to the National Government, and who have been active and eminent in maintaining the supremacy of the same” (third class companions). The individual then had to be recommended by three members of MOLLUS and had to comply with the constitution and bylaws of MOLLUS. Members of MOLLUS are commonly referred to as “Companions.”
MOLLUS is organized into State Commanderies (known as “The Commandery of the State of [state]”), all of which are under the National Commandery, known as the “Commandery-in-Chief.” The first Commandery was The Commandery of the State of Pennsylvania (formed April 15, 1865), which also administered MOLLUS at the national level until the Commandery-in-Chief was formed in 1885. Throughout its existence, MOLLUS has been a distinguished society whose membership has included Honorary Member President Abraham Lincoln (posthumous), and Presidents Rutherford B. Hayes, Ulysses S. Grant, Benjamin Harrison, and William McKinley. MOLLUS has also been an active community organizer and supporter of patriotic and military activity of the United States. For example, MOLLUS purchased tracts of land in Gettysburg and Spotsylvania that were subsequently donated to the National Park Service as part of the battlefield parks. MOLLUS has also raised support to benefit military veterans of the Civil War.
Dames of the Loyal Legion of the United States (DOLLUS)
The Dames of the Loyal Legion of the United States (DOLLUS) is the sister organization of MOLLUS, comprised of female descendants of military officers who fought during the Civil War. DOLLUS was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1899 by Ella Thomas Hapeman, the widow of Lt. Colonel Douglas Hapeman. Along with other widows and wives of Civil War servicemen, Hapeman founded DOLLUS for “the wives, mothers, daughters, and widows” of MOLLUS Companions and their future descendants, with the object “to foster the spirit of patriotism and to cherish the memory of those men and women, whose distinguished service during the Civil War, so largely aided in preserving the integrity of the Government of the United States of America.”
DOLLUS is comprised of State Chapters and a National Chapter. The Society of the State of Illinois acted as the National Chapter until 1904. The National Society is comprised of present and past members of state societies. Currently, only two State Societies (the District of Columbia and Ohio) and the National Society exist. There is also a National Members-at-Large chapter of DOLLUS for those who are members but do not reside near either state society. The National Society meets annually, usually in conjunction with the annual meeting of MOLLUS. Many State Societies of DOLLUS sent their records to the National Society of DOLLUS, which in turn sent all of their records to the MOLLUS headquarters for safekeeping. These records are now part of the MOLLUS collection. For more information on DOLLUS, see their website: http://suvcw.org/mollus/dollus/home.htm
The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS) collection dates from 1857 to 2012. The majority of the collection consists of record books, meeting records, scrapbooks, correspondence, financial records, registers, published addresses, membership records, photograph books, photographs of members, and songbooks. The collection documents the administration and membership of MOLLUS since its creation, focusing primarily on the Commandery-in-chief and the Pennsylvania commandery, but also covering other states, as well as the sister organization Dames of the Loyal Legion of the United States (DOLLUS).
The collection is divided into five record groups: “I. Commandery-in-chief,” “II. Pennsylvania commandery,” “III. State commanderies,” “IV. DOLLUS,” and “V. Donated manuscript materials.”
The group “I. Commandery-in-chief” dates from 1865 to 2012 and is divided into ten series: “I.1. Constitutions and bylaws,” “I.2. Annual meetings,” “I.3. Quadrennial congresses,” “I.4. Anniversary meetings,” “I.5. Correspondence,” “I.6. Financial records,” “I.7. Membership,” “I.8. Publications,” “I.9. Scrapbooks,” and “I.10. Miscellaneous.”
The series “I.1. Constitutions and bylaws” dates from 1865 to 1988 and contains constitution and bylaws booklets, and notes and reports of decisions, revisions and amendments. This series is arranged chronologically.
The series “I.2. Annual meetings” dates from 1885 to 1995 and contains journals of proceedings, minutes, reports, record books, and a scrapbook. This series is arranged chronologically.
The series “I.3. Quadrennial congresses,” which documents the events and activities of MOLLUS conferences held every four years and attended by only the Commander-in-chief, the Recorder-in-chief, and three representatives from each Commandery, dates from 1869 to 1921 and contains minutes, proceedings, and scrapbooks. This series is arranged chronologically.
The series “I.4. Anniversary meetings” dates from 1890 to 1915 and contains ceremonies and scrapbooks that document the 25th and 50th anniversary meetings of MOLLUS. Folders documenting the 25th anniversary are dated 1890, while folders documenting the 50th anniversary are all from 1915. Also contained within this series are documents associated with the 25th Annual Meeting of MOLLUS, dated 1909. This series is arranged chronologically.
The series “I.5. Correspondence” dates from 1866 to 2000 and is divided into four subseries: “I.5.1. Officers,” “I.5.2. General correspondence,” “I.5.3. State commanderies,” and “I.5.4. Individuals and organizations.”
The subseries “I.5.1. Officers” dates from 1886 to 1995, with the majority of these records dating from 1886 to 1913, and contains correspondence from Commanders-in-chief Rutherford B. Hayes and Scott Wallace Stucky, and Recorder-in-chief John P. Nicholson. This subseries is arranged chronologically.
The subseries “I.5.2. General correspondence” contains correspondence between the officers of the Commandery-in-chief and MOLLUS officers and companions and dates from 1990 to 2000. This subseries is arranged chronologically.
The subseries “I.5.3. State commanderies” dates from 1866 to 1995, with the majority of the records dating from 1986 to 1995, and contains correspondence regarding the Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee commanderies. This subseries is arranged alphabetically by state, and then chronologically within each state.
The subseries “I.5.4. Individuals and organizations” dates from 1885 to 1998 and contains orrespondence books, correspondence with other museums and Civil War societies, and orrespondence with Winfield Scott Hancock, Major J. J. Abercrombie, Henry M. Rogers, Douglas McArthur, James Knox Trigg, and Pamela R. Bennett. This subseries is arranged chronologically.
The series “I.6. Financial records” dates from 1886 to 2000, with a significant gap between 1919 and 1993, and contains ledgers, financial journals, a check stub book, reports, records, and merchandise orders. This series is arranged chronologically.
The series “I.7. Membership” dates from 1866 to 1999 and is divided into five subseries: “I.7.1. Membership records,” “I.7.2. Insignia,” “I.7.3. Rosters,” “I.7.4. Individual membership cases,” and “I.7.5. State membership cases.”
The subseries “I.7.1. Membership records” dates from circa 1880 to 1995, with the majority of records dating from 1984 to 1995, and contains record books, membership reports, membership listings, membership handbooks, and membership certificates, one of which is signed by Rutherford B. Hayes. This subseries is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type. The exception to this rule is the undated membership record books, which are arranged by insignia number.
The subseries “I.7.2. Insignia” dates from circa 1880s to 1927, with the majority of records dating from 1907 to 1927, and contains insignia record books and a scrapbook of insignia, rosettes, and diplomas. This subseries is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type. The exception to this rule is the undated insignia record books, which are arranged by insignia number.
The subseries “I.7.3. Rosters” dates from 1881 to 1997 and contains register books and roster booklets. This subseries is arranged chronologically.
The subseries “I.7.4. Individual membership cases” dates from 1895 to 1999, with significant gaps between 1895 and 1911 and 1916 and 1989, and contains applications for membership and membership eligibility cases. This subseries is arranged chronologically.
The subseries “I.7.5. State membership cases” dates from 1866 to 1953 and contains record books that document defunct commanderies, applications for charters, and the roll of commanderies. This subseries is arranged chronologically.
The series “I.8. Publications” dates from 1879 to 1995 and contains circulars, bulletins, brochures, histories, and a letter from Lieutenant General Nelson A. Miles. This series is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The series “I.9. Scrapbooks” dates from 1865 to 1935 and contains member scrapbooks and their indexes, as well as a programs scrapbook. This series is arranged by document type, with the member scrapbooks arranged numerically by volume.
The series “I.10. Miscellaneous” dates from 1886 to 1996 and contains memorial materials; documents related to Lincoln Day; publications, correspondence and reports regarding the restoration of Ulysses S. Grant’s tomb; medals; newspaper clippings; photographs of the Commander-in-chief; student essays; and other assorted ephemera. This series is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The group “II. Pennsylvania commandery” dates from 1861 to 1977 and is divided into twelve series: “II.1. Meetings,” “II.2. Correspondence,” “II.3. Financial records,” “II.4. Membership,” “II.5. Publications,” “II.6. United Service Club,” “II.7. The Soldier’s Home of Philadelphia,” “II.8. Gettysburg,” “II.9. Scrapbooks,” “II.10. In memoriam,” “II.11. Miscellaneous,” and “II.12. Photographs.”
The series “II.1. Meetings” dates from 1865 to 1968 and is divided into two subseries: “II.1.1. Minutes” and “II.1.2. Meeting papers.”
The subseries “II.1.1. Minutes” dates from 1865 to 1968 and contains minutebooks and council minutes of the Board of Officers. This subseries is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The subseries “II.1.2. Meeting papers” dates from 1934 to 1952 and contains meeting papers, including some regarding the purchase of Hawkins’ land at Spotsylvania. This subseries is arranged chronologically and numerically, with each number corresponding to a specific topic.
The series “II.2. Correspondence” dates from 1863 to 1951 and is divided into four subseries: “II.2.1. Officers,” “II.2.2. General,” “II.2.3. Membership committee,” and “II.2.4. Correspondence with Samuel B. Wylie Mitchell.” The subseries “II.2.1. Officers” dates from 1870 to 1948 and contains correspondence from Commander William Innes Forbes and the Chancellor. This subseries is arranged alphabetically and chronologically by correspondent.
The subseries “II.2.2. General” dates from 1865 to 1951 and contains correspondence, insurance documents, and financial statements, as well as clippings regarding the resignation of anti-communist Philadelphia school teacher Dr. Bessie Burchett regarding her pro-Nazi sympathies. This subseries is arranged chronologically and alphabetically by correspondent with each year.
The subseries “II.2.3. Membership committee” dates from 1946 to 1950 and contains correspondence arranged alphabetically by correspondent from 1946 regarding the Committee on Membership, as well as 1950 correspondence regarding a membership questionnaire.
The subseries “II.2.4. Correspondence with Samuel B. Wylie Mitchell” dates from 1863 to circa 1930s, with a significant gap between 1883 and circa 1930, and contains a correspondence book with Henry E. Keene, letters from William Tecumseh Sherman, and letter books regarding Persifor Frazer and F. Thomson. This subseries is arranged chronologically.
The series “II.3. Financial records” dates from 1865 to 1972 and is divided into two subseries: “II.3.1. General” and “II.3.2. Specific funds.”
The subseries “II.3.1. General” dates from 1865 to 1972 and contains cash books, ledgers and their index, and treasurer’s reports. This subseries is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The subseries “II.3.2. Specific funds” dates from 1865 to 1966 and contains ledgers, due books, check stub books, documents regarding Fidelity Insurance, Trust and Safe Deposit Company of Philadelphia, and an account book for the Lincoln anniversary. This subseries is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The series “II.4. Membership” dates from 1865 to 1975 and contains register books, roster booklets, record books, ballots and circulars, indices, and a draft of a new register. This series is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The series “II.5. Publications” dates from 1865 to 1977 and contains circulars scrapbooks, including those created by Frederick Schober, the recorder’s copy, the Commandery-in-chief copy, and by William Brooke Raule; and constitutions. This series is arranged by document type, and then numerically by volume within each type.
The series “II.6. United Service Club” dates from 1884 to 1908 and contains a ledger, a register, an applicants-for-membership book, a minute book, a scrapbook, and a cash book. This series is arranged chronologically.
The series “II.7. The Soldier’s Home of Philadelphia” dates from 1866 to 1940 and contains correspondence, materials regarding Western Provident Society and Children’s Home, documents regarding the Educational Home for Boys, and documents regarding the Mt. Moriah Burial Lot. This series is arranged by subject, and then chronologically within each subject.
The series “II.8. Gettysburg” dates from 1883 to 1962, with a significant gap between 1926 and 1960, and contains a David McM. Gregg testimonial record book, a letter book and index regarding the 116th and 146th Pennsylvania monument at Gettysburg, a secretary’s report regarding meetings of the Gettysburg Commission, scrapbooks, a cash book for the David McM. Gregg tablet, materials regarding the purchase of land for Gettysburg National Military Park, and map books that record Confederate and Union brigade markers at Gettysburg. This series is arranged chronologically.
The series “II.9. Scrapbooks” dates from 1861 to 1935 and contains member scrapbooks; a scrapbook relating to the wearing of badges; Civil War newspaper scrapbooks, which contain interesting primary sources regarding the Civil War and portraits of Union and Confederate admirals and generals; and a Meade memorial scrapbook. This series is arranged by subject, with scrapbooks of the same subject arranged by volume.
The series “II.10. In memoriam” dates from 1902 to 1925 and contains a deceased companions record book, records of Abraham Lincoln memorial meetings, a poem given at a Lincoln memorial meeting, the will of Enos Reeser Artman, and tablets to a deceased companions scrapbook. This series is arranged by subject, and then chronologically within each subject.
The series “II.11. Miscellaneous” dates from 1863 to 1945 and contains signatures to the constitution, songbooks, indices, record books, scrapbooks, published addresses, and Loyal Legion tablets. This series is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The series “II.12. Photographs” dates from 1864 to 1914, although it is mostly undated, and is divided into three subseries: “II.12.1. Individual member photographs,” “II.12.2. Member photograph book prints,” and “II.12.3. Member photograph books.”
The subseries “II.12.1. Individual member photographs” dates from 1864 to 1914, although it is mostly undated, with a significant gap between 1864 and 1914, and contains photographs of MOLLUS members within the number range of 2707 through 2835, which correspond to Pennsylvania member numbers. It also contains a member photograph book card catalogue. This subseries is arranged numerically by companion number.
The subseries “II.12.2. Member photograph book prints” is undated and contains a member photograph book index that covers members 0 through 699 and 2350 through 2400, and also photograph book prints ranging from members 1 to 2049. This subseries is arranged numerically by companion number.
The subseries “II.12.3. Member photograph books” is undated and contains member photograph books volumes 1 through 54 that cover members 1 through 2851. This subseries is arranged numerically by volume.
The group “III. State commanderies” dates from 1865 to 1966 and is divided into four series: “III.1. District of Columbia (DC),” “III.2. Illinois,” “III.3. Maine,” and “III.4. Assorted states.”
The series “III.1. District of Columbia (DC)” dates from 1883 to 1942, although it is mostly undated, with significant gaps between 1883 and 1928 and 1928 and 1942, and contains member photograph books, indices, and photographic prints of members, as well as a songbook, roster booklet, published pamphlet, and photocopies of pamphlet title pages. This series is arranged by document type, with member photograph books and member photograph prints arranged numerically by volume.
The series “III.2. Illinois” dates from 1874 to 1945 and contains a register booklet, membership records, a songbook, a published address, and a catalogue of the state commandery library. This series is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type, with membership records arranged alphabetically.
The series “III.3. Maine” dates from 1865 to 1951 and is divided into six subseries: “III.3.1. Minutes,” “III.3.2. Correspondence,” “III.3.3. Financial records,” “III.3.4. Membership,” “III.3.5. Publications,” and “III.3.6. Miscellaneous.”
The subseries “III.3.1. Minutes” dates from 1866 to 1941 and contains minute books. This subseries is arranged chronologically.
The subseries “III.3.2. Correspondence” dates from 1866 to 1945 and contains materials related to the founding, dissolution, and re-founding of the commandery; correspondence involving the recorder; a letter from Major General Oliver Otis Howard about Gettysburg; and general correspondence. This subseries is arranged alphabetically by author, and then chronologically within each correspondent.
The subseries “III.3.3. Financial records” dates from 1865 to 1943 and contains ledgers, a cash book, a due journal, and a treasurer’s record book. This subseries is arranged by document type.
The subseries “III.3.4. Membership” dates from 1865 to 1941 and contains membership records 1 through 384, registers, and lists of male relatives of companions. This subseries is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The subseries “III.3.5. Publications” dates from 1881 to 1951 and contains a biographical index to circulars, circulars 25 through 492, Loyal Legion Bulletins and accompanying correspondence, and a publication regarding Thomas Hamlin Hubbard. This subseries is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The subseries “III.3.6. Miscellaneous” dates from 1880 to 1925 and contains documents related to annual meetings, library catalogues, songbooks, scrapbooks, an address at the 50th anniversary of the Maine commandery, and various blank forms. This subseries is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The series “III.4. Assorted states” dates from 1871 to 1966 and contains published addresses, report books, registers, histories, songbooks, and bound pamphlets from the California, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and Rhode Island commanderies; as well as member photograph books, volumes 1 through 3 for the Vermont commandery. This series is arranged alphabetically by state, and then chronologically within each state.
The group “IV. DOLLUS” dates from 1899 to 1982 and is divided into two series: “IV.1. National society” and “IV.2. State societies.”
The series “IV.1. National society” dates from 1899 to 1979 and contains constitution and bylaws booklets, record books, registers, minute books, annual reports, meeting summaries and notes, scrapbooks, and other various documents related to the Dames of the Loyal Legion of the United States. This series is arranged arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The series “IV.2. State societies” dates from 1899 to 1982 and contains record books, minute books, cash books, member lists, historian’s books, circulars, registers and scrapbooks from the California, District of Columbia, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania state societies. This series is arranged alphabetically by state, with each state arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The group “V. Donated manuscript materials” dates from 1857 to 2012, and is divided into two series: “V.1. Thomas Skelton Harrison” and “V.2. Other companions.”
The series “V.1. Thomas Skelton Harrison” dates from 1857 to 1914 and contains correspondence, scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, and a diary. This series is arranged by document type, and then chronologically within each type.
The series “V.2. Other companions” dates from 1865 to 2012, with a significant gap between 1972 and 2012, and contains a biography of Napoleon, reports of Lieutenant General Sheridan, records of Izard Newton Whiteside Rae and Thomas Newton Whiteside Rae, a report on League Island, a scrapbook on the preservation of flags at Annapolis, and general orders of the Assistant Adjutant General at Yorktown. This series is arranged by document type.
The collection thus represents a significant resource for genealogists and researchers interested in fraternal organizations in late 19th century United States, postbellum activities of Civil War veterans, or veterans groups in general and their role in the establishment of national monuments. Researchers interested in these subjects would be particularly interested in the member scrapbooks, which are rich with biographical information about MOLLUS members; the member photograph books, which contain rare photographs of members; and the anniversary scrapbooks, which document the former prominence of MOLLUS in Philadelphia. The Civil War scrapbooks, as well as various correspondence involving notable figures such as William Tecumseh Sherman, are also of historical interest. Additionally, documents within this collection associated with Gettysburg and the Soldier’s Home attest to MOLLUS’s significant involvement with the establishment of national monuments.
Processors maintained and augmented the original arrangment established by the Archivist at the Union League. Folder titles also reflect the previously established titling scheme.
This collection currently is on deposit at the Union League Heritage Center by the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
The processing of this collection was made possible through generous funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, administered through the Council on Library and Information Resources' "Cataloging Hidden Special Collections and Archives" Project.
- Publisher
- Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries
- Finding Aid Author
- Finding aid prepared by Theresa Altieri, Amanda Mita, and Evan Peugh
- Finding Aid Date
- 2014 January 31
- Access Restrictions
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This collection is open for research use.
- Use Restrictions
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Copyright restrictions may apply. Please contact the Union League Heritage Center with requests for copying and for authorization to publish, quote or reproduce the material.