Part 3 of a Series
Wiley B. Murray Post No. 27
The doughboys and the UCV were different groups from different times. They had served under two different flags and governments. The doughboys were young and inexperienced as an organization. Their mindset was to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism. The UCV were a well-established and politically connected organization, focused on preserving the memories of the old Confederacy. However, for a time, and until they could establish themselves in the community, the new veterans would operate in the shadow of UCV camp.As the members of both organizations were related by blood or marriage, they would remain close allies.
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Realizing the doughboys lacked a place of their own to meet, Mr. T. A. Murray offered an upstairs location in one of his vacant buildings in the town. The young veterans immediately set to work. On July 10, 1919, 50 veterans petitioned the Department of Texas of the American Legion to organize. On August 13, 1919, a charter for Wiley B. Murray Post No. 27 was issued, making it one of the first posts in the state and nation. On January 1921, a ladies Auxiliary was formed to assist the veterans in their work. They would play a key role of support for the post and in the community for years to come.
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Enough could not be said about Mr. T. A. Murray, president of the City National Bank. The motto of his bank was “For Everything Worthwhile in San Saba Since 1883.” Not only did he provide a meeting place for the post, but he was a very liberal contributor to their work. His son, Wiley B. Murray, had been one of the first San Saba men to have given his life in France during the war. In token of esteem and respect to Mr. Murray, the new post was named in his son’s honor.
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TO BE CONTINUED All sources are available upon request. (325-205-0180)