Sarah A. Crawford Auxiliary members on parade.

A Brief History of the Auxiliary to the SUVCW

      The history of the Auxiliary is closely associated with the Grand Army of the Republic which was founded in 1866 and the Allied Orders who were later formed to continue their work. Post #94 of the Grand Army, Philadelphia, in 1878 created a Cadet Corps which later became the Sons of the Union Veterans. Similar units were organized throughout neighboring states. In 1882, the first session of the Commander-In-Chief, Sons of Veterans was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
      In later years the name was changed to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. The need for an Auxiliary was soon recognized and through the efforts of Major A.P. Davis, the first Ladies Aid Society was organized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1883 and in the following year was officially recognized as their Auxiliary. Ladies Aid Societies were formed in rapid succession, and in 1886 plans for a National Organization were formed, with the first National Encampment being held in Akron, Ohio, September 1887. At the National Encampment at Boston, Massachusetts in 1894, our name was changed to the Sons of Union Veterans Auxiliary, with it eventually becoming known as the Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

The Auxiliary principles are:

• First, a firm belief and trust in Almighty God and realization that under his benevolent care and guidance the free institutions of our land, by the assistance and sacrifice of our veterans, have been preserved and the integrity and life of the Nation maintained.
• Second, a true allegiance to the government of the United States of America, and a respect for devotion and fidelity to its Constitution and Laws, with a firm opposition of anything that may tend to weaken loyalty, or in any manner impair the efficiency and permanency of our nation.

      Our Auxiliary members, on national, state, and local events participate in ceremonies and programs to commemorate events and honor leaders and personalities of the Civil War period and events important to the history to the Grand Army of the Republic.
      Representatives of the National Organization attend wreath laying ceremonies at the impressive Lincoln Memorial on Lincoln's birthday. February 12^th in Washington DC; Lincoln Death Day ceremonies at Lincoln's Tomb, Springfield, Illinois on April 15^th; Cathedral of the Pines, Rindge, New Hampshire at the Altar of the Nation, honoring all American war dead, in memory of departed members; and Remembrance Day program in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania at the monument of Albert Woolson, last surviving member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
      Local Auxiliaries encourage patriotism through the promotion of community Memorial Day Services, participation in parades and service on committees publicizing observance of national holidays. They greet new citizens at Naturalization Court and present certificates and monetary prizes at graduation ceremonies to students excelling in the study of American History. Volunteers serve as guides at the G.A.R. Civil War Museum and Library, explaining exhibits and assisting researchers. Dressed in authentic reproductions of Civil War period clothing, members present illustrated talks and first person impressions of noted Civil War personalities at schools and community meetings. We cooperate in the sponsorship of military balls and reenactments of actual Civil War events and battles to acquaint the public with our country's history.
      Charitable deeds are encouraged and are an important part of our Auxiliary life. Members are very generous in giving of their time and substance. Visits are made to nursing homes and hospitals providing musical entertainment, parties, and companionship to the residents. Lap robes are knitted and books are collected for distribution to Veterans Administration Hospitals. Volunteers drive the elderly to church, doctor's appointments, and food markets. Eyes are transported for the eye bank, meals cooked for needy children, and service given to the Meals on Wheels program for shut-ins. Sisters are always ready to offer assistance and comfort to each other in time of need. At the annual Encampment, the National Organization presents a donation to a charity or veterans home in the city in which they are holding their meeting.

Membership in the Auxiliary to the SUVCW can be obtained through eligibility in several classes:

• First:  Female lineal or collateral descendants (daughter, grand-daughter, great-grand-daughter, niece, great-niece, etc.) not less than twelve (12) years of age, of soldiers, sailors, or marines regularly mustered and honorably discharged from the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps of the United States of America during the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865.

• Second:  Wives, mothers, or widows of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in good standing (not Associates).

• Third:  Legally adopted daughters of Sons of Union Veterans in good standing (not Associates).

     Women who do not have the ancestry to qualify for hereditary membership, but who demonstrate a genuine interest in the Civil War and who can subscribe to the purpose and objects of the Auxiliary may become Associates. An Associate may vote and hold any office except that of National Vice-President and National President. Associates may not exceed one-third of the total membership of the Auxiliary at the time of election.