History of the Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
The history of the Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans is closely associated with the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), which was founded in 1866, and the several allied women's orders, which were later formed to continue their work. The objectives of the GAR were threefold:
Fraternity among Union veterans;
Charity for needy veterans, widows, and orphans of veterans; and
Loyalty to the United States and its constitution.
In 1878, GAR Post No. 94 in Philadelphia created a Cadet Corps, which later became the Sons of Veterans. Similar units were organized throughout many neighboring states. In 1882, the first session of the Commandery-in-Chief, Sons of Veterans was held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In later years, the name was changed to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. The need for an Auxiliary was soon recognized and through the efforts of Major A. P. Davis, the first Ladies Aid Society was organized at Philadelphia in 1883, and in the following year was officially recognized as their Auxiliary. Ladies Aid Societies were formed in several States in rapid succession and in 1886 plans for a National Organization were formed, with the first National Encampment being held in Akron, Ohio, in September 1887. At the National Encampment at Boston, Massachusetts in 1894, the name was changed to the Sons of Union Veterans Auxiliary, with it eventually becoming known as the Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Our members today work alongside the SUVCW during special events, ceremonies and presentations. Many of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) objectives could not be attained without the support of its Auxiliary. For more information, please see: The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Brief History of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Fraternity among Union veterans;
Charity for needy veterans, widows, and orphans of veterans; and
Loyalty to the United States and its constitution.
In 1878, GAR Post No. 94 in Philadelphia created a Cadet Corps, which later became the Sons of Veterans. Similar units were organized throughout many neighboring states. In 1882, the first session of the Commandery-in-Chief, Sons of Veterans was held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In later years, the name was changed to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. The need for an Auxiliary was soon recognized and through the efforts of Major A. P. Davis, the first Ladies Aid Society was organized at Philadelphia in 1883, and in the following year was officially recognized as their Auxiliary. Ladies Aid Societies were formed in several States in rapid succession and in 1886 plans for a National Organization were formed, with the first National Encampment being held in Akron, Ohio, in September 1887. At the National Encampment at Boston, Massachusetts in 1894, the name was changed to the Sons of Union Veterans Auxiliary, with it eventually becoming known as the Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Our members today work alongside the SUVCW during special events, ceremonies and presentations. Many of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) objectives could not be attained without the support of its Auxiliary. For more information, please see: The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Brief History of the Grand Army of the Republic.