Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
WOMEN'S RELIEF CORPS
WOMEN'S RELIEF CORPS. The National Woman's Relief Corps, Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, Inc., is a patriotic organization whose purpose is to perpetuate the memory of the GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC (G. A. R.). The organization is their auxiliary; it was organized at their request on July 25 and 26, 1883 in Denver, Colorado, and incorporated by Public Act of the 87th Congress on September 7, 1962.
In April 1887 at the thirteenth encampment of the G.A.R. meeting in Dubuque, the Women's Relief Corps Department of Iowa's President Mrs. Clara Nichols called attention to the "crippled condition" of the organization due to lack of money. During the year, twenty-five corps in Iowa had been visited and "general orders" issued along with two "circular letters" and 666 letters. The membership of the organization in Iowa had increased during the year from 1,991 to 3,250 in 110 corps. The budget showed that the Corps had $7,066.87 after $550.12 had been given to posts and $1,766.58 had been given to charity. It was believed the Corps should provide aid to the sons of veterans. The veto of the pension bill by the President of the United States was condemned. It was thought the Corps should prepare wards of rooms in the new building of the Soldiers' Home. (1)
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Source:
1. "The Encampment," The Herald, April 21, 1887, p. 4
See: Mary C. AGARD