Benjamin Franklin Stephenson and GAR Memorial
Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson (1823-1871) practiced medicine in Iowa and Illinois. He became the Surgeon for the 14th Illinois Infantry. After the War, he founded the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). The first post was established in Decatur, Illinois on April 6, 1866. Dr. Stephenson was truly the founder of the organization as he drafted the constitution, regulations, rituals and the famous motto, "Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty." This impressive monument was dedicated in 1909. The front panel shown represents "Fraternity" while "Charity" and "Loyalty" are shown on the other sides. The sculptor was John Massey Rhind. The monument is at 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue near the National Archives and National Gallery of Art. Photos taken May 21, 2010.

This is a very important monument but can we classify it as an Iowa Civil War Monument? Biographical information reports that Dr. Stephenson practiced medicine in Iowa so it is being included on this web site. I have not been able to find more specific data and would appreciate information about where and when he lived in Iowa.