Concord Soldiers' Aid Society (Concord, Mass.)

Women's benevolent organization in Concord, Mass., established to provide articles of clothing, food, personal comfort, convenience, and entertainment to soldiers fighting Civil War. Formed in 1861, originally to supply needs of soldiers in Concord Artillery, Company A, Fifth Regiment Infantry, Third Brigade. By 1862, Society was preparing boxes of goods to benefit all soldiers served by U.S. Sanitary Commission. Meetings were held at first in Town Hall and First Parish vestry, later in Engine House near train depot.

(Cont.) Membership consisted of over 150 women and men. Typically, 60-100 showed up at gatherings. Society raised funds through dues, donations, collections at local churches, and benefits (theatrical productions, tea parties, Fourth of July festivals, dances, etc.) Officers for 1861: Pres., Mrs. Simon Brown; Vice Pres., Mrs. Grindall Reynolds; Treas., Mrs. Nathan Barrett; Sec., Miss Harriette Moore. Membership included individuals from many Concord families, among them Alcott, Bartlett, Brooks, Bull, Cheney, Damon, Emerson, Gerrish, Gourgas, Hoar, Hosmer.

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