G.A.R. Scioto Post No. 287
G.A.R. was the abbreviation for the Grand Army of the Republic
The G.A.R. Scioto Post No. 287 was established before 1883. The exact date is unknown. Some records indicate that the post was organized by Oscar M. Coburn, who became its Commander.
According to information published in The Portsmouth Times on July 28, 1883, p. 3, the Scioto Post No. 287 was planning the first Harrisonville Reunion. The article stated that, "The boys want a little aid to enable them to secure a hall for meetings." The complete article is below:
The photo below, courtesy of Chris Rase, shows the members of the Scioto Post No. 287 outside their new meeting hall. Their meeting hall stood where the James Irwin American Legion Post 622 stands today (2020).
A closer look at the members is below:
Some of the members throughout time were:
Oscar M. Coburn, Commander
Robert Frowine, Flag Bearer
Joseph Dewey Stockham, Bass Drum Player
Ira Crull, Rye Scoot
Samuel McElhaney, Tenor Drum
William Smith, Fifer
Henry Lantz
Dr. James Boone Ray
William Kirchner
William Irwin
John Irwin
Samuel H. Crull
Milton Wesley Brown
Edwin Cole