Indian War Veterans of the North Pacific Coast

The Indian War Veterans of the North Pacific Coast was formed "to keep alive the memories of the trials of pioneer life, to encourage friendship and benevolence among those who have acted as the vanguard of civilization, to transmit a true history of the Indian wars of the North Pacific Coast ..." The Oregon state association was organized into one Grand Encampment which held annual meetings. One of the most important objectives of the association was the lobbying for recognition by the U.S. government in the matter of veteran and widow pensions.

From the description of Indian War Veterans of the North Pacific Coast records, [ca. 1885-1948]. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 54367495

The Indian War Veterans of the North Pacific Coast formed "to keep alive the memories of the trials of pioneer life, to encourage friendship and benevolence among those who have acted as the vanguard of civilization, to transmit a true history of the Indian wars of the North Pacific Coast ... ". The Oregon state association was organized into one Grand Encampment which held annual meetings. One of the most important objectives of the association was the lobbying for recognition by the U.S. government in the matter of veteran and widow pensions.

From the description of Records, 1896-1905. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 42890910

Founded in 1885, the Indian War Veterans of the North Pacific Coast stated its objective as follows: "To keep alive the memories of trials of pioneer life, to encourage friendship and benevolence among those who have acted as the vanguard of civilization, to transmit a true history of the Indian wars of the North Pacific Coast, and to impress ourselves and our posterity with that true patriotism which protects our homes free from all evils both by war and peace." Individual camps were organized around Oregon and Washington, including the Umpqua Camp at Roseburg and the Multnomah Camp at Portland. The group's "Grand Encampment" was held once a year, often in Portland. In 1887 M. R. Hathaway became the Grand Adjutant. Later T. A. Wood became the Grand Commander.

One of the main goals of the organization was to secure government pensions for men who had fought in the Indian wars. The culmination of this effort came in February of 1913 when President Taft signed a bill giving the veterans a pension of $20 per month. The organization continued until circa 1941, by which time most of the original Indian war veterans had died. An associated organization, the Sons and Daughters of Indian War Veterans of the North Pacific Coast (known as the McMillan Camp after 1941), continued in existence until 1972.

From the guide to the Records, 1883-1974, (Oregon Historical Society Research Library)