The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was a fraternal organization, which existed from 1866 to 1956. It was composed of veterans of the Union who served in the American Civil War. The organization allowed veterans to communicate with one another about their shared experiences and pain. In 1880, the G.A.R. began trying to secure pensions for the Civil War veterans. The United States Congress eventually passed legislation to aid the returning eligible men. This action led to national and local special homes being constructed to house and care for these veterans.

The Grand Army of the Republic established a department in Minnesota on Aug. 1, 1866. In the first 13 years, around 41 posts were organized around the state. A post was comprised of ten or more honorably discharged veterans of the Union, who served between the years of 1861 to 1865. Their function was to meet, usually monthly, and plan activities, events, and care for the needs of fellow comrades and their families. They elected officers according to the rules and regulations of the National Grand Army of the Republic. It was the post’s responsibility to coordinate local and national encampments, reunions, and social events. Memorial Day observance was one of the post’s commitments of the year.

The photograph featured this week from the museum’s collection is Civil War veteran, John Laudenslager of Marshall. Laudenslager was a member of the Marshall post, D.F. Markham, Grand Army of the Republic. Laudenslager was born in Pennsylvania. He enlisted in Company A, 50th Pennsylvania and served from 1861 to 1863. He then moved to Minnesota and entered in Company A, 5th Minnesota regiment and was mustered out in 1865. In 1870, he married Caroline Becke and they had four children. In 1878, the family moved to Marshall and John opened a saloon. John, Caroline and three of their children are buried in the Marshall Cemetery.

The Lyon County Historical Society (LCHS) is a non-profit, member-supported organization. LCHS operates the Lyon County Museum at 301 W Lyon St in Marshall. The Lyon County Museum is open year-round to visitors. To contact us, visit our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org, call: 507-537-6580, email: director@lyoncomuseum.org, or on our Facebook page.