Another Medal?

[Silver Creek Slim]

Below is a picture of a distant relative wearing a medal. It is different than the one worn by the other fellow. Any idea what it is?


Slim

[Books OToole]

Slim;

That's a great old photo.  The medal is probably some sort of Veterans group.  It has elements of the original Medal of Honor which were routinly copied by such groups.  That is why President Roosevelt (T.) had the medal changed slightly and patented/copyrighted.

So your distant relative was probably a veteran and he was a Free Mason.

Books 

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy Slim,

Do you have a date for the picture?

Maybe St. George will be able to identify the medal.  I seem to recollect that as one of his areas of interest.

Thanks for sharing.  It is an interesting picture!

[Silver Creek Slim]

A distant relative sent it to me. She is not sure who it is, but thinks the fellar lived during 1788-1877. I have no date for the picture, sorry.

Slim

[St. George]

The lapel button is a GAR button - largely round, you'll find them like this, from time to time.

It's most likely a daily wear item for him.

The lower medal - under the Freemason's symbol -  is also a GAR Badge - the devices indicating his rank in his local Post.

The GAR had all manner of rank - from Post Commander to Master at Arms - and they started at the lowest level - the Post - rising to national level.

They were indicated by attachable metal 'epaulettes' and background ribbon.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Silver Creek Slim]

Thanks, St. George.
Here's a picture of just the medals. It is a little closer view.



Slim

[St. George]

Looks like he was a Past Post Commander (the Colonel's Eagle) and a current Post Adjutant (the Oak Leaves).

Hard to say - and my big GAR reference isn't handy.

I'll look, though.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Bristow Kid]

Forgive my ignorance but what is GAR?


Slim thats a great old photo.


Bristow

[Guage Rod]

Bristow, I am sure you will receive a volly of reports, but the GAR were sort of the VFW Posts for Vets of the Civil War.  They Were generaly located in most towns of any size, made up of the locals, who served.  I believe they were very active untill well after WWI.  The Grand Army of the Repulic Posts, were of course made up of the survivors of the Northern troups in most any capacity from Generals to drummers and musicians.    They were often featured in most any parades of the time, decked out in uniforms and regalia.  The south had their own versions, and I am sure that others could tell you more.

I did just recently find out that I had a GGGG uncle on my Dad's side of the family, who was from South Carolina (Josh McCalpin, I believe was his name) who was at Apomattox, when Lee surrendered.  He overheard the speech Lee gave.  Uncle Josh was mildly famous for quoting from the lines he overheard Lee say, (and could remember) once he returned home from the war.   Uncle Josh, wore gray, and fought the war of "Northern Agression" 

Interestingly enough, the entire McCalpin clan latter moved to Southern Illinois after the CW to escape the carpet baggers and politics of the time.  Southern Illinois, was full of southern sympathizers, and was free from most of the politics involved after the War. 

General John Logan was from the area and fought for the North, from the Southern Illinois area and is still well remembered with many things named after him.

Vaya Con Dios     

[Bristow Kid]

Thanks Gauge Rod

[St. George]

I touched upon the GAR and its Southern counterpart - the UCV in my 'Notes'.

Briefly - the Grand Army of the Republic was 'the' veteran's organization after the Civil War.

Of course - it was the Union's organization, and over time - it would become a very powerful political force.

Seeing the beginnings of this - the United Confederate Veterans was formed - becoming equally powerful in the Southern states.

Other groups would form and dissolve - but these two were the most powerful of the time, and belonging to them was more or less expected, if you'd fought and served.

It was also a time when men joined Lodges - so one followed the other in male society.

After the Great War - the American Legion was formed - absorbing those veterans of earlier wars still living.

The American legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are the lineal descendants of those Civil War veterans.

Is there more?

Of course there is...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!