Name/Title
LedgerEntry/Object ID
1997.25.066Scope and Content
Constitution of the Wenham Veteran's Association (WVA), aka Wenham Veteran Association, containing the handwritten bylaws, meeting minutes, lists of Wenham veterans, names of those in the WVA, and other information related to the organization. The constitution was adopted May 6, 1876, and the last meeting/action of the organization recorded in the ledger took place June 4, 1920.
Included next to some of the names are details of their military service, particularly during the Civil War. The Battle of Gettysburg is frequently mentioned, as is Andersonville prison. "Dead" has been written next to several members' names.
Meeting minutes begin April 21, 1876; there is then a lapse of ten years until the meetings start again in April 1886 to June 1920. Beginning on page 186 is an extensive list of Soldiers and Sailors buried in Wenham Cemetery, going back to the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, etc.
The covenant reads in part "We soldiers and sailors of the War of the Rebellion, feeling that a grateful remembrance is due to the memories of those who fought to establish personal liberties, afterwards to maintain and finally to preserve do hereby solemnly covenant and agree to visit the grave of every soldier and sailor whose last resting place is known within the limits of the town of Wenham, at least once every year... We do further agree to aid any measure that shall be to perpetuate the memory of those who sacrificed their lives while in the service."