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Post Wilde, No. 25, G. A.
R.
| "Since the close of
the Rebellion, the officers and soldiers of the U. S. Army and Volunteers have formed
themselves into Societies, to perpetuate the remembrance of their former military
organizations and service, and to protect and care for their sick and disabled comrades
and their families; and are fulfilling their self-imposed duties in the most honorable and
praiseworthy manner. The honorably discharged Volunteers have instituted a military order,
extending throughout the United States, and denominated "The Grand Army of the
Republic." Each separate locality or division, has its subordinate organization,
which is called a "Post," and is named in honor of some deceased comrade, who
once resided in the vicinity or department of the Post. "Post Wilde, No. 25, G. A. R., is located at Chester, and was organized July 27, 1867. The Post was so named, in honor of the memory of Isaac Edward Wilde, son of John and Helen, born May 30, 1842, at Knowlton, Delaware County, Pa. At the age of 17 years he enlisted as a private in Company B, 20th Regt. Pa. Vols. (Scott Legion), was mustered out with his company, and immediately re-enlisted in the 3rd Penna. Cavalry, in which he served until just before the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., when he "was discharged for promotion," and returned home, but becoming impatient he reenlisted in the 3rd Regt. of Heavy Artillery, and was stationed at Fortress Monroe until March, 1864, when he was mustered into the 188th Penna. Volunteers, formed from the extra men of the 3rd Heavy Artillery, and was made 2nd Lieutenant of one of the companies, and served with his new regiment under Gen. Butler. At the battle of "Chapin’s Farm," his regiment was nearly cut to pieces, and he was placed in command of two companies, being the only officer left. Soon after his health gave way, and he was placed in the army hospital near City Point, Va., where he died, July 26, 1864, of chronic diarrhea. "The Post is in a flourishing condition, has a large membership, and a pleasant meeting-room, with a small library of 300 volumes. The organization is beneficial, paying $4 a week sick benefits, $50 upon the death of a comrade, and $30 upon the death of a comrade’s wife. It is the only society representing the veteran soldiers of Delaware County." Chester (and its
Vicinity,) Delaware County in PA – Published 1877 – John Hill Martin, Esq.
At its peak, there were almost 1000 member of this post. By 1925 there were 21 surviving members of this post. The last surviving member of the past was B. Frank Thomas, who died April 11, 1939. |
Past Commanders |
|
Members |
Henry Abbott |
Ladies' Circle No. 129 of the G.A.R. |
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~ Officers 1924 ~ May Phillips Iva Goodman Madeline Parke Sarah Ferguson Kathryn Kerr Kathryn Diggins May Danaker |
Many thanks to the following for providing additional information for this page:
1 - Harry N. Gilday, great grandson
© 2000, 2003 John A. Bullock III.
This page last updated 10/18/05