GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, a patriotic organization in the United States composed of the National veterans of the Civil War. It was organized in Decatur, Ill., April 6, 1866, by Dr. B. F. Stephenson, of Springfield, formerly sur geon of the 14th Illinois Infantry. The establishment of Post 1 in Decatur was soon followed by Post 2 in Springfield, and in a few months other posts sprang up in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, and other States. The first National Convention was held in Indian apolis, Ind., Nov. 20, 1866, with delegates from 10 States and the District of Co lumbia. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut, of Illinois, was chosen commander-in-chief and Dr. B. F. Stephenson, adjutant-gen eral. The next National Convention was held in Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 15, 1868, when it was enacted that annual sessions should be held. The main purpose of the Grand Army of the Republic and the qualifications of its members are given in the sixth rule of the organization, which is as follows: "To maintain true allegiance to the United States of Amer ica, based on a paramount respect for, and fidelity to, its Constitution and laws, to discountenance whatever tends to weaken loyalty, incites to insurrection, treason, or rebellion, or in any manner impairs the efficiency and parmanency of our free institutions; and to encourage the spread of universal liberty, equal rights, and justice to all men. Soldiers
and sailors of the United States army, navy, or marine corps, who served be tween April 12, 1861, and April 9, 1865, in the war for the suppression of the rebellion, and those having been honor ably discharged therefrom after such ser vice, and of such State regiments as were called into active service and subject to the orders of the United States general officers between the dates mentioned, shall be eligible to membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. No person shall be eligible to membership who has at any time borne arms against the United States." In 1919 there were about 4,700 posts, with a total membership of about 100,000.