Last Cheney G.A.R. member dies

Cheney Free Press

Dec. 9, 1932

Lucas Walsh

The G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) was a men’s organization composed of veterans of the Union Army who fought in the American Civil War. Like many cities across the United States during the first part of the twentieth century, Cheney was home to several veterans of that conflict.

One such resident, Thomas E. Ross, was the last living veteran of the Civil War, and last member of the GAR fraternity.

Members of the America Legion acted as pall-bearers for Ross’s casket as it was laid to rest at St, John’s. Ross dies at 88 years of age, and was life commander of the General George Wright Chapter of the GAR in Cheney.

Ross was survived by his widow and four daughters and three sons, four brothers, two sisters, 27 grand children, and 17 great-grandchildren.

The Mayor of Cheney, also Governor of the state of Washington, was also present as the taps were sounded for this Cheney veteran.