Sarah Emma Seelye Auxiliary

Introduction

The Sarah Emma Seelye Ladies Auxiliary #1 supports LCDR Edward Lea, USN, Camp 2 of Houston, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and is under charter from the National Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Like our national body, our official purpose is to assist the SUVCW in their activities and to keep alive the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic. Furthermore, we strive to properly observe and recall the traditions of Memorial Day and to promote patriotism and love of country. We also attempt to assist present day veterans who are disabled and to aid worthy members of our fellow Auxiliaries who are in need.

Namesake

Chartered in Houston, Texas on December 7, 1996, the Auxiliary adopted the name of Sarah Emma Seelye, the daring woman who served in the Union Army while disguised as a man. A renowned heroine of her day, Seelye received a U.S. government pension for her Civil War service and became a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. She is buried in the GAR plot at Houston’s Washington Cemetery alongside her fellow Union veterans.

Activities

Our Auxiliary participates in ceremonies and programs which honor veterans and commemorate events of the Civil War.  Some of our activities are coordinated with Camp 2. In January we assist the Sons with the Galveston Memorial Service, and in May we participate in Memorial Day  events. We are active throughout the year with other activities.

Meetings

The Auxiliary meets monthly, September through June, at the Helen Hall Library, 100 West Walker St, in League City, Texas 77573. No meetings in July or August.

Membership in the Auxiliary

We invite you and any of your family members or friends who reside in Texas to become members of our Auxiliary. Membership is open to female descendants, age 12 and over, of Union military veterans who served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Revenue Cutter Service of the United States of America during the Civil War of 1861 to 1865. Also the wife, widow, mother or daughter of a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, with lineage in good standing. Junior members are ages 6 to 11 who meet these requirements. Ladies who do not otherwise qualify are eligible to join as Associate Members.

Please contact our Secretary, Jana Marsh at AuxiliarySecretary@camplea.org for an application if you are interested.

Related Memberships in the Allied Orders

Women who qualify as Hereditary Members in the Auxiliary are also eligible to join the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Woman’s Relief Corps.  Women who meet the criteria for Auxiliary Affiliate and Associate memberships may join the Woman’s Relief Corps as well. A few of our Auxiliary members currently serve as Members-at-Large in these Allied Orders.

Sarah Emma Seelye Ladies Auxiliary #1
National Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War