The Woman’s Relief Corps (WRC) was created in July 1883 and added by Congress on
September 7, 1962 to U.S. Code 36, Chapter 1537. The WRC is a women’s auxiliary
group of the Grand Army of the Republic. The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a
fraternal organization of Union veterans from the Civil War. WRC’s purpose is to
perpetuate the memory of the GAR, to promote American patriotism and assist American
veterans. Wisconsin’s WRC Robert Chivas Post #23 and GAR Robert Chivas Post #2 were
based in Milwaukee.
Robert Chivas was a nephew of Alexander Mitchell and a lieutenant in the 24th
Wisconsin Infantry. He was killed at the Battle of Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga,
Tennessee on November 25, 1863.
Secretaries (as listed on Journal covers): Annie Indra (9-23-1914 - 12-21-1920),
Nettie La Fond (1-18-1921 - 3-15-1921), Rose Hemmeter (8-2-1928 - 12-1-1931),
Elizabeth Knickerbocker (1-4-1932 - 12-20-1932), Rose Hemmeter (1-3-1933 –
12-3-1935).
