Decoration Day banners, 1897 - 1899

Materials consist of minute books that supply some details concerning the order of the monthly meetings, a ledger of organizational accounts and dues, and various loose minutes and reports. Eleven charter members were mustered in by Capt. A. J. Tharp, Dept. MO, on May 24, 1890. They agreed to meet on the 4th Saturday of each month and taxed themselves 15 cents per quarter. A.J. Hanson was the first commander, and L. C. Duncan his adjutant--both sign the minutes. The minutes do not show other officers at that time. Eight more members joined over the next several months. Then on October 11 there is a note that R.E. Baugh was chosen Quartermaster to replace Daniel Moore, who moved away. At the end of the year they elected officers for the following year. Those listed were: A. J. Hanson, B. W. Bogie, Thomas E. Bicknell, Alex Moore, John B Lucas, R.E. Baugh, Morgan Ramsey, James M. Gabbert, L.C. Duncan, John Richardson, and William Burdette. Names of other men well known in the community appear in subsequent years, such as William M. Hays. In 1895 LeVant Dodge was elected commander of the local post, and in 1906 and 1907 was Commander of the GAR Department in Kentucky. He and his wife Mary regularly attended the annual national encampment.

The group met monthly and performed many community duties, including providing memorial services for veterans, help for needy widows and families of those who fought during the Civil War, as well as other community programs and activities that made the public aware of the significance and honor of the Union's participation in the Civil War. The GAR arranged a full day's community celebration on Decoration Day.