The relief of soldiers individually and directly was not the only expression of appreciation and generosity on the part of the citizens of Indiana. As was previously said the large sums paid locally for bounties were in part for the benefit of soldiers' families - not altogether for the purpose of inducing, but to enable men to enlist. The relinquishing of one's business and the leaving home for the pay of a private in the ranks in very many cases worked positive hardship on the families thus left to thus shift for themselves on a meager income. The bounties helped out, but, particularly when the enlistment was for the three-years' service, it by no means sufficed. On November 14, 1862, the ever-watchful Morton issued "An Appeal to the People of the State of Indiana" calling attention to the fact that the wages of a common soldier, $156 a year, even if it could all come home to the family (which in most instances it could not) was a very scanty support, and with the oncoming winter with its high prices for the necessities of life, there would be much actual need. The helping of these families while their natural providers were braving the perils of the battlefield was the solemn duty of the patriotic and liberal civilians. In anticipation of the argument that these civilians had already given largely and sacrificed heavily in response to other appeals, the governor asked: "What is the sacrifice of the man living comfortably at home, even though he give half his income, to that of the man who has left his family and home and gone to the field?" He urged the organization of a statewide system of aid societies and solicited the cooperation of all ministers of the gospel, township trustees and others.

The response to this was immediate and liberal, the movement rivaling that for the Sanitary Commission in aid of the soldiers at the front. "Soldiers' Aid Societies" were formed, fairs were held, and the contributions poured in. Frequently inspired by the local newspaper or some energetic citizen of standing, the residents of a neighborhood would bring their gifts on a fixed day to some central place and give what in modern parlance would be called a "shower" of donated provisions and clothing. Or, the farmers of different neighborhoods would "collect together early in the morning and at the appointed time drive into the country town with wagons loaded with wood, and with barrels of flour, or apples, or potatoes heaped high on the wood, with their horses decorated with flags, sometimes carrying banners; and as the long possession of gratitude and liberality marched along the streets the crowded pavements welcomed it with cheers as for the return of a victorious army. Emulation ran wild in efforts to show the biggest loads and make the most striking display" (Terrell, p. 357).

Another source of help was the "State Bakery" established at Indianapolis for the purpose of supplying the camps there. In 1864 and 1865 it distributed free to soldiers' families 63,540 loaves, worth 10 cents each.

All of these aids, however, were hardly adequate to the increasing needs as the war dragged on, and as late as March 4, 1865, an act for the "relief of the families of soldiers, seamen and marines" was passed by the Legislature.

This law, in brief, authorized the collection of three mills on each dollar's valuation of property and one dollar on each taxable poll, to be applied as specified. The fund thus raised was apportioned to the various counties in sums ranging from $2,278.56 for Bento to $42,605.84 for Marion. The total number of beneficiaries (in "families" only) was 203,724. The township trustee was the disbursing officer and was empowered to determine who came under the provisions of the act. The law did not operate long, as the war ended soon after its passage.