The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-05-29

less bands of Union soldiers who. before
their terms of service expired. were banded
and held together through the fraternal
feelings and memories that had grown out
OF the war There were secret societies
among the Union prisoners formed for
mutual protection, as well as for aid in
escape They had their passwords and
apeculiar secret ritual. which is said to
have been the germ OF the original muster
In service peculiar to the early days OF the
Grand Army.
But the man who has been Justly called
the father Of this gigantic organization
vas DR.. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson,
surgeon of the Fourteenth Illinois in
fantry. 1t was he who first suggested the
idea of an organization of the veterans of
the Union army. and at the outset he was
cordially assisted in the development of
bis idea by the chaplain of the same regi-
ment, W. J. Ruttledge. In the spring of
1856 these two men met at Springfield.
ILL.,, and consulted as to the plans for car
ryng out their project. In the mean
while DR.. Stephenson had endeavored to
interest in the scheme all of his former as
sociates whom he was able to meet, and
procured copies of the ritual of other mill
iary organizations already formed and had
outlined ritual for the new order.
BY the merest accident in the world the
first post. instead of being organized in
Springfield, where the projectors had met,
was started in Decatur, Ill. The new
fitua OF the order, which was to be secret,
vas sent TO the Tribune office in the latter
city to be printed, for the reason that the
printers engaged upon the paper were
Veterans NJ ha nj
work could be more safely entrusted to
'hem The idea of the organization was
30 attractive to these printers that dozen
oil them on April 6. 1866, organized q
posi- at Decatur called Post 1. District of
Macon, Department of Illinois, Grand
Army of the Republic" Doctor Stephen
sons name, by a slight and permissive tic-
ton, appears on the official records as
eommander-in-chief OF the department.
Doctor Stephenson was born in Illinois in
~ served as surgeon OF the Fourteenth
Illinois regiment from April Z, 1862, to
June "A, 1864. He died at Rocky Creek
August 50 1871.
Two years ago at the national encamp-
ment OF the Grand Army of the Republic
Hwas resolved TO establish at the city of
Decatur, IN recognition of its being the
birthplace of the order. Soldiers Ma
uonai memorial hall, i'll which 1t Is pro-
posed 10 store and preserve the official
records OF the encampments, departments
ana posts, and the trophies OF the war
when belong 10 organizations and indl-
nduals. Originally it was intended that
the iand Tor the erection and endowment
oil this structure should be raised by in
ereasing the annual dues of the members
. cents per annum for three years; but
committee appointed to consider the sub
Fct was opposed to this scheme, and sug-
gested voluntary subscriptions tor the
erection of the building.
In the early days of our organization
the'e were not only posts, national and
s1ase departments. but district and county
nominations with separate officers for
eSeh division. The ritual was very long
ana wearisome. Instead of all members
seng called, and standing on the simple
potlng of comrades military titles
we're preserved. and there were generals.
eo'oheiS. etc. Later on the district ana
~uhty divisions were dropped, the ritual
vas simpltled and members were not
'evognized ny their military titles.
an Illustration of the democratic spirit
which nov prevails IN the order occurred
our national encampment in Boston
NO years ago. General Alger, the COM
Ns.anoer-ln-cnief after the opening prayer
u me nrSt day proceedings noticed zen.
va Sherman in the audience, and SAID
saa' II was the wish of every conrade
fNsenl that Npmrade General ShetHh
ssaVuid come 10 the platform. 6enerai
snerman said: "Wi,l you grant me the
privilege OF remaining where | am. with
nv own delegation >" 10 which the com
ia.i@hder-ln-chief responded: Your WISH
my order, though We prefer you should
eone 80 the stand "
az Is interesting 10 note the original
TTSg:lareuon OF principles OF the u A. Il.
.hN declaration bound it's members 20
s sue Preservation of kind and fraternai
seAhgs, encouraged them TO works 81
nohess and the giving of materiai ai
saq assistance 10 those in need. made pro-
80 s'oh Tor the support education ana care
:, soldiers orphans and the maintenance
- WIDOWS OF deceased soldiers, gave pro-
.V,'on and assistance 20 disabled soldiers
So encouraged allegiance 10 the United
;."ses ana the protection and defense OF
eally.
ros's We're rapidly organized in the diff
isns states as follows: Illinois, Indiana,