Sons of Veterans Uniforms

[ejn]

The attached photograph is of members of the Sons of Veterans from 1895. I'm trying to identify the uniforms of the non-officers (the three in the middle are officers). It appears the 1st seated on left and the 4th and 7th standing from left have a pocket on their right side. Could these be modified M-1887 uniforms, with no lower pockets? The M-1883 enlisted blouse has one large pocket on the right, so maybe it is one of those.

Other members appear to have no pockets. Any suggestions?

Any help with any of the uniforms pictured would be appreciated.

Ed Norris

[FlatLandFed]

Re: Sons of Veterans Uniforms

Friend Ed,
I'll do some hunting over the next couple of days. 1890s? Many plenty Brothers in the SV/SUV did as their fathers in the GAR and ordered contract uniforms -- I'll try to post some ads -- but because Sons for a time were equipped and funded by "some" states as bona fide militia, it's very possible they truly are wearing Indian Wars surplus uniforms that their state purchased for them. I also have a photo of a young man at the time of WW I who's wearing a uniform more similar to a police officer, and the GAR comrades for a time were wearing a suit closely resembling a socialist (!) uniform from early 20th century Europe.

Anyway, I hope others chime in. I will try to find some more info for you from the SUVCW archives. When and where do you think the photo was taken?

Btw, it should be noted that more than a few men were both members of the GAR or similar WBTS veterans organizations because they served AND the were simultaneously members of the Sons of Union Veterans because their FATHERS also wore the blue. Saw a nice photo this summer of a man proudly wearing both membership badges and identified as eligible to be a member of each.

Cheers,
Paul Hadley, PDC, Nebraska, SUVCW

[ejn]

Re: Sons of Veterans Uniforms

Paul,

The photograph is of the Willie Grout Camp 25 from Worcester, Mass. The photograph is dated 1895, and this would be shortly after being charted on February 19, 1894.

Ed Norris