This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/AFB.2ACE/1785.1.2 Message Board Post: Mr. Ahern: In 1866 the GAR was formed by Benjamin F. Stephenson. The first convention was held in Indinapolis, IN on Nov. 20, 1866. In 1882 Commander in Chief of the GAR, Paul Vandevoort, had a hearing for the "purpose of effecting an Auxiliary to the GAR," The new Loyal Ladies League would be considered the Auxiliary to the GAR. Of course there was the debate and the Loyal Ladies League, of course, wanted limits put on their membership requiring only blood relatives eligible for membership. The vote was in favor of the WRC. In 1886, the Loyal Ladies League changed thier name to the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic and "struck the words "Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic." The Loyal Ladies League was the "first love ot the GAR and all through the years they refused to permit any other organizations to use their name. This honor was reserved for the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic." Just a couple of years ago, at the National Convention, the LGAR adopted 1881 as the date of origin of the LGAR. If you are interested in the brochure which much of this came from, I will certainly be happy to send you one. The GAR were all veterans of the Civil War. Why should an organization that is the Auxiliary of this great GAR not limit its membership to the descendants of the veterans of the Civil War and members of the GAR? If they did not, it would dilute the principals for the existence of the organization? The DAR was formed after the LGAR as was the Mayflower Society of which I am working on becoming a member. Actually of both societies. Thank you. Janett Calland LGAR Circle #107 Pres. Ohio