Abstract An organization formed in 1866 at Springfield, Illinois, for the veterans of the Civil War in an effort to “preserve the memory of the departed comrades, promote their mutual interests and to aid the deserving widows and orphans of the soldier dead.” The GAR was formed amidst the turmoil of Reconstruction in an effort not only to aid and assist the veterans who had fought for the cause, but also to affect political action for the veterans. Dr. Benjamin F. Stephenson who had been a surgeon with...

Abstract Oliver Perry Hunt was a lawyer, farmer, teacher and soldier. Admitted to the bar in Indiana, he later moved to Tuscola, Illinois, where he taught school and practiced law. Then he married Eliza McDowell and began to farm. In 1862 he helped organize Company K of the 125th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was also active in local politics as a registered Democrat. Collection contains military papers, correspondence, minute books, fee books, account books, legal documents and blueprints...

Scope and Contents Letters of William to Charles Abbot, a friend in Ohio, and to family. Discuss camp life, family news, and regimental activity. Numerous mentions of soldiers from back home in Dixon and Sterling. Accounts of action at Pittsburg Landing and Murphreesboro. Accounts of action in Georgia and the march to the sea. Gives views on what should happen to instigators of secession. Visits trial of Lincoln conspirators and gives a description of them and the court room. Diary, Oct. 1863- Jan. 1864, while at...