The first Grand Army of the Republic was organized April 6, 1866 by Benjamin F. Stephenson of Decatur, Illinois. Their first convention was held November 20, 1866. In 1882 Commander in Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, Paul Vandervoot of Nebraska, requested a hearing for the purpose of effecting an Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic. At the opening of the hearing, held July 26, 1883 in Denver, Colorado, emphasis was placed on the statement that the new organization of Loyal Ladies League would be considered the Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic and receive its official recognition. A strenuous debate ensued concerning eligibility. The Woman's Relief Corps wished to accept all women to membership and the Loyal Ladies League wanted to limit membership to blood relatives. The final vote was in favor of Woman's Relief Corps. In November 1886, the Loyal Ladies League changed its name to Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic and dropped the phrase, "Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic."   You are the 6979visitor since July 24, 2000. This page last updated Saturday, 01-May-2004 12:30:25 MDT The music you are listening to today : " The Homespun Dress" Dayle K. [Home] [Membership] [National Officers] [State Depts.] [Events Calendar] [Links] C. LaRue. Copyright © 1999-2004.