Indiana Historical Society - Manuscripts and Archives Department

GARND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, GEO. H. CHAPMAN POST NO. 209
RECORDS, 1890-1913

Collection #
BV 3055

Table of Contents

Collection Information
Historical sketch
Scope and Content note
Cataloging information

Processed by
Charles Latham
29 September 1995

COLLECTION INFORMATION

VOLUME OF COLLECTION:

1 bound volume

COLLECTION DATES:

1890-1913

PROVENANCE:

Mildred D. Skinner, Indianapolis, IN, 5 April 1983

RESTRICTIONS:

None

REPRODUCTION RIGHTS:

Permission to reproduce or publish material in this collection must be obtained in writing from the Indiana Historical Society

ALTERNATE FORMATS:

None

OTHER FINDING AIDS:

None

RELATED HOLDINGS:

None

ACCESSION NUMBER:

1983.0416

 

NOTE: This collection was on deposit from 1983 until 1995, at which time it became part of the Society's collection.

HISTORICAL SKETCH

The Geo. H. Chapman Post No. 209 of the Department of Indiana Grand Army of the Republic was active at least from 1883 to 1913. In its later years it had a hall at 222 East Maryland Street in Indianapolis.

Sometime after 1890 the post historian, A. J. Buchanan, initiated a project (apparently a common one for G. A. R. posts at this time) to get a "personal war sketch" from each member of the post. Each member was asked to fill in answers to questions printed on a large sheet (e.g. "What was your rank at the close of the war?" "Give the names of a few of your most intimate comrades in the service.") The post historian then combined these answers into a connected account, and transcribed it into a specially printed large book (copyright 1890). Some of the accounts are signed by the member involved, and the date of that member's joining the post is certified by the post adjutant. The memberships date between 1883 and 1913.

Source: Materials in collection

SCOPE AND CONTENT

This collection contains one item, a large decorated volume entitled "Personal War Sketches of the Members of Geo. H. Chapman Post No. 209 of Indianapolis."

There is a printed (in script) preface, an index, a written resolution of thanks to industrialist D. M. Parry for donating the book, and a two-page life of Brevet Major General George Henry Chapman of the Third Indiana Cavalry, for whom the post was named.

Then follow 118 pages of personal sketches, most in the same hand. There are some supplemental accounts beginning at page 308, and some Resolutions upon the Death of Members beginning at page 346.

CATALOGING INFORMATION

For additional information on this collection, including a list of subject headings that may lead you to related materials:

  1. Go to the Indiana Historical Society's online catalog
  2. Click on the "Local Catalog" icon.
  3. Search for the collection by its call number, using the letter or letters designation and four digits (e.g., M 0715, SC 2234).
  4. When you find the collection, go to the "Holdings" screen for a list of headings that can be searched for related materials.

END