Kansas, U.S., Grand Army of the Republic Bound Post Records, 1866-1931

This database contains records for Union Civil War veterans belonging to Grand Army of the Republic posts in Kansas.

Historical Background

The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a fraternal organization made up of Union veterans of the Civil War. Along with promoting comradery and relief efforts, the GAR eventually grew into a powerful political force, lobbying for causes such as black voting rights and pensions for veterans. The GAR was organized by Departments at the state level and further divided into local Posts. At its height, during the final decade of the 19th century, it boasted more than 400,000 members. The GAR officially disbanded in 1956 following the death of its last member. The records in this database were entrusted to the Kansas State Historical Society (KSHS) in 1957.

Types of Records in This Database

Records in this database come from GAR posts throughout the state of Kansas. Most are descriptive rolls or medical rolls. The KSHS notes that “unlike a post's quarterly reports, which were routinely submitted to the state department, the bound records of a post stayed at the post and chronicled its history and membership. The bound records were to be sent to the state department when the post closed. This collection includes bound records for just less than half of all GAR posts in Kansas; essentially all posts which turned in records to the state department as required.”

What You May Find in These Records

Details you find will vary according to document type but may include the following:

• name
• age
• birthplace
• residence
• occupation
• service history
• unit(s)
• rank
• discharge details
• engagements
• wounds
• date joined the GAR
• date and place of death (not on descriptive rolls)