From post History book "The first meeting was probably held in March of 1919 with K.S. Edgely acting as Chairman. The organization called itself the War Veterans of America. A motion was made and carried that eligibility would consist of men of good character having an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the U.S. in the Civil War, World War, World War with Spain, Philippine Insurrection, China relief expedition of 1900, Vera Cruz Expedition, Service in Mexico and on the Mexican Border between certain dates (to be determined later) and the various Indian campaigns. Men present at this first meeting were K. Seaman Edgely, O.H. Perry, Albert Bartlet, Chauncy Burtch, Peter Savage, Albert Bartlet, Chauncy Burtch, Peter Savage, Manford Cobey, Henry Burtch, Reverend M.E. Fogarty, Ross Lillie and Gould Lyman. the Post dues were voted to be $1 per year payable quarterly or annually in advance. Members who served in the Civil War were admitted to the club free of charge. Election of officers, for 1st term were:
Commander: Gould Lyman
Senior Vice Commander: K. Seaman Edgely
Junior Vice Commander: Vilas Hunt
Adjutant: Ernest VanBrocklin
Chaplain: Rev. M. E. Fogarty
Quartermaster: Peter Savage
Officer of the Day: Ross Lillie
Officer of the Guard: Manford Cobey
Commissary: Sargent L. Frey
On December 5th 1919 a special meeting was called of the John B. Lyman Post #1 which was the name having been given to the War Veterans of America to transfer the Post into a State Organization known as the "American Legion". At this time the first slate of officers for the American Legion John B. Lyman Post were elected. (a group of WWI veterans already formed a veterans’ service organization prior to the formation of the American Legion in the state of New York)
