The G.A.R. in McHenry County, Illinois-- Part 1

From the "A Historical Geography of McHenry County" a DAR Bicentennial Gift to McHenry Co. Residents.

While awaiting the beginning of the McHenry County Civil War Round Table earlier this month, I perused the Woodstock Library's local history area and found this interesting and informative booklet.  Since I was there for a Civil War meeting, let's see what it had to say about that event.

Of course, there were no battles in McHenry County during the war, but the county was the home of many of the soldiers from the 95th Illinois Infantry Regiment.  But, there was a Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post 108 located in Woodstock.  The GAR was an organization of former Union soldiers that was set up after the war.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

Woodstock Post No. 108 was organized in 1880, the first post in McHenry County.  No mention of a name, though.  GAR posts, besides the number, also were named for a Union soldier.

The post numbered 80 members in 1895.

More to Come.  --Old Secesh