Grand Army of the Republic
2 of the 7 encyclopedias on this shelf carry an entry for Grand Army of the Republic. Both are reproduced below, so you can see where they agree and where they differ.
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
a patriotic organization in the United States composed of the National veterans of the Civil War. It was organized in Decatur, Ill., April 6, 1866, by Dr. B. F. Stephenson, of Springfield, formerly surgeon of the 14th Illinois Infantry. The establishment of Post 1 in Decatur was soon followed by Post 2 in Springfield, and in a few months other posts sprang GRAND CAÑON up in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, and other States. The first National Convention was held in Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 20, 1866, with delegates from 10 States and the District of Columbia. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut, of and Dr. B. F. Stephenson, adjutant-general. The next National Convention was held in Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 15, 1868, when it was enacted that annual sessions should be held. The main purpose of the Grand Army of the Republic and the qualifications of its members are given in the sixth rule of the organization, which is as follows: "To maintain true allegiance to the United States of America, based on a paramount respect for, and fidelity to, its Constitution and laws, to discountenance whatever tends to weaken loyalty, incites to insurrection, treason, or rebellion, or in any manner impairs the efficiency and parmanency of our free institutions; and to encourage the spread of universal liberty, equal rights, and justice to all men. Soldiers and sailors of the United States army, navy, or marine corps, who served between April 12, 1861, and April 9, 1865, in the war for the suppression of the rebellion, and those having been honorably discharged therefrom after such service, and of such State regiments as were called into active service and subject to the orders of the United States general officers between the dates mentioned, shall be eligible to membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. No person shall be eligible to membership who has at any time borne arms against the United States." In 1919 there were about 4,700 posts, with a total membership of about 100,000. GRAND CAÑON (kan'yon), a gorge through which the Colorado river flows in Arizona; 65 miles from F Flagstaff. It is one of the natural wonders with which that country abounds. The cañon is a gorge 217 miles long, or with the addition of Marble Cañon, connected with it, 286 miles. It is from 18 miles wide and 6,300 feet below the level of the plateau. This depth is maintained for about 50 miles and surpasses that of any other cañon in the world.
Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)
a patriotic organization. Its membership is open to honorably discharged soldiers and sailors of the Civil War. Local organizations are called posts. Conventions are called encampments. The first post was organized at Decatur, Illinois, April 6, 1866. The first national encampment pitched its tents at Indianapolis, November 20, 1866. It is a non-partisan association designed to keep alive comradeship and to aid needy survivors and their families. Among the results of its efforts may be mentioned the general adoption of Memorial Day , the erection of numerous monuments, and the preservation and care of battlefields. Influence has been brought to bear also in favor of the establishment of soldiers' homes and the extension of pensions to classes of old soldiers not included under preceding laws. At its height, the organization included 400,000 members. There are still over 5,000 posts and a membership of about 200,000. The death rate is now large, amounting to several thousand a year. The G. A. R. badge is a bronze star and a ribbon flag hung from a strap. A relief on the star represents a soldier and sailor clasping hands before the figure of liberty. Two freedmen are in the foreground. The United States flag is draped at the sides. The uniform is a dark blue fatigue suit with a black slouch hat. An increasing tendency is noticeable to hold union meetings with the veterans of the Confederate army. Auxilliary organizations are the Woman's Relief Corps and the Sons of Veterans .