Sarah Emma Seelye Auxiliary #1
Welcome! The Sarah Emma Seelye Ladies Auxiliary #1 is a vibrant Houston-based sisterhood where history, patriotism, friendship, and community service come together. Chartered in Houston on December 7, 1996, the Auxiliary shares the goals and traditions of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), working alongside them at ceremonies, special events, educational programs, and patriotic presentations.
We proudly honor our Auxiliary's namesake, Sarah Emma Seelye, one of the Civil War’s most remarkable women. Disguised as a man and enlisting in the Union Army under an alias, Seelye courageously challenged the boundaries of her era. Today, she rests in Houston’s historic Washington Cemetery, in the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) plot alongside fellow Union veterans.
While primarily supporting Lt. Cmdr. Edward Lea, Camp #2 of Houston, the Auxiliary also assists the other Camps of the Department on occasion. Our mission is to help preserve the traditions and ideals of the G.A.R. while honoring the sacrifices of our Civil War forefathers. Our efforts include charitable service, support for disabled veterans, community involvement, Memorial Day observance, and care for our Auxiliary sisters.
As an Allied Order of the G.A.R., we promote Civil War education, historical preservation, patriotism, equal rights, liberty, and justice. If you love history, fellowship, and making a difference, there is a place for you in our sisterhood! Membership in the Auxiliary can be obtained in the following ways:
We proudly honor our Auxiliary's namesake, Sarah Emma Seelye, one of the Civil War’s most remarkable women. Disguised as a man and enlisting in the Union Army under an alias, Seelye courageously challenged the boundaries of her era. Today, she rests in Houston’s historic Washington Cemetery, in the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) plot alongside fellow Union veterans.
While primarily supporting Lt. Cmdr. Edward Lea, Camp #2 of Houston, the Auxiliary also assists the other Camps of the Department on occasion. Our mission is to help preserve the traditions and ideals of the G.A.R. while honoring the sacrifices of our Civil War forefathers. Our efforts include charitable service, support for disabled veterans, community involvement, Memorial Day observance, and care for our Auxiliary sisters.
As an Allied Order of the G.A.R., we promote Civil War education, historical preservation, patriotism, equal rights, liberty, and justice. If you love history, fellowship, and making a difference, there is a place for you in our sisterhood! Membership in the Auxiliary can be obtained in the following ways:
- Regular Membership welcomes women age 12 and older who are direct female descendants of Union soldiers, sailors, or Marines who honorably served during the Civil War
- Family Direct Membership is available to the wife, widow, mother, or daughter of a SUVCW member.
- Associate Membership welcomes women without qualifying ancestry who share our passion for history, patriotism, and veteran support.
- Junior Membership provides girls ages 6–11 who meet lineage requirements an opportunity to begin their journey of service and remembrance.
For meeting information or assistance tracing your lineage, contact Auxiliary Secretary Jana Marsh at AuxiliarySecretary@camplea.org.
We invite you to join us to help keep the memory and ideals of the 'Boys in Blue' alive for future generations!
