Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson
1823 - 1871
Founder of the Grand Army of the Republic, Menard County resident, Rush Medical College graduate 1850, Surgeon 14th Illinois Volunteers 1861-1864.
He originated the G.A.R. name, ritual and constitution of Post No. 1, Decatur April 6, 1866, called First National G.A.R. Convention and was its First Adjutant General.
Marker is on Sangamon Avenue (Illinois Route 123) west of Curtis Black Top, on the left when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
