70th National GAR Encampment Medallion September 1935 Washington D.C.
Item #: AA3325
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This is a medallion from the 70th National Grand Army of the Republic Encampment held September, 1936 in Washington, D.C. The bronze colored medallion has a likeness of GAR Commander in Chief Oley Nelson on the front, with the raised wording of OLEY NELSON COMMANDER IN CHIEF, G.A.R. in an arc above his bust image. The reverse side has the same style raised lettering that reads 70th/NATIONAL/ENCAMPMENT/G.A.R./SEPTEMBER 1936/WASHINGTON/D.C. Nelson was a Civil War Veteran, and the son of a Civil War veteran. He was born in Rock County, Wisconsin on 10 August, 1844. He enlisted 17 June, 1864 in Company D, 40th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. The 40th, known as the University Regiment, was assigned to General Sturgis's Brigade, 15th Corps, with their headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. Private Nelson was discharged after just five weeks service on 16 September, 1864 due to sickness. The Nelson's moved to Story County, Iowa in 1867. There Nelson became an active member of Ellsworth Post # 30 at Ames, Iowa for 40 years. He was also a member of the Grenville M. Dodge Camp #75 Sons of Union Veterans for 25 years. Nelson was active in politics as well, being a member of the 21st and 22nd General Assemblies in Iowa. He also served as Sergeant at Arms of the Iowa House of Representatives. Oley Nelson was regarded as the biggest advocate for a state Soldiers' Home in Iowa. He served as the Iowa Department Patriotic Instructor, and in 1927 was elected Department Commander. He was the GAR National Chief of Staff in 1931 and elected as the Senior Vice Commander in Chief in September in 1931. On 12 September, 1935 Nelson was elected Commander in Chief of the grand Army of the Republic, only the third member form Iowa to hold that office. Oley Nelson died in 1938. This medallion shows some age, but still displays well. Here's a great opportunity to pick up a former GAR Commander in Chief piece for your GAR collection.
Shipping Weight:
1 lb
Item # AA3325
Your Price $50.00 USD
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