In order to alleviate the suffering of destitute veterans and their families, the
Soldiers’ Relief Commission was created in 1887 when the State of Wisconsin passed a
law, Chapter 304, to “provide for the relief of indigent union soldiers, sailors and
marines, and the indigent wives, widows and minor children of indigent or deceased
union soldiers, sailors and marines.” County boards were to levy a tax for the
purpose of funding such relief. The county board then appointed a local board to
oversee the disbursement of these funds. The Soldiers’ Relief Commission was
organized in Milwaukee in January 1888.
