Benjamin Franklin Stephenson

Benjamin Franklin Stephenson (October 3, 1823 – August 30, 1871) was an American medical doctor and military officer. He served in the Union Army as Chief Surgeon of the 14th Illinois Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War. Following the war, he founded the Grand Army of the Republic.

Early life and education Stephenson was born on October 3, 1823, in Wayne County, Illinois. His father was from South Carolina and his mother was from North Carolina. He named the organization, wrote its constitution, and created it's motto: Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty.

Death and legacy Stephenson died on August 30, 1871.

A memorial dedicated to Stephenson, the Stephenson Grand Army of the Republic Memorial in Washington, D.C., was built in his honor in 1909.

The Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson Library and Research Center at the headquarters of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861–1865 in Springfield was named in his honor.