A CONDENSED HISTORY OF THE CITIZEN SOLDIER OF WAYNE COUNTY
Compiled and Published by Wayne County Barracks No. 206 Veterans of WWI
June 1st 1962
Donated by Bettie Wheat
Transcribed by Laurie Selpien
THE VETERANS STRUGGLE FOR BENEFITS
Staff Sergeant Richard F. Walton
(U. S. Army Reserve Center Dedicated September 7, I960 In His Honor)
U.S. ARMY RESERVES ORGANIZED IN FAIRFIELD
LADIES AUXILIARY WAYNE COUNTY BARRACKS NO. 206
CHARTER MEMBERS BARRACKS 206 WORLD WAR I
Wayne County Barracks No. 206 Veterans of World War 1
World War 1 Veterans (List of soldiers)
World War II Veterans (List of soldiers)
LADIES AUXILIARY Anthony Wayne Post 176
Ladies Auxiliary Gresharm Post No. 603. Cisne
AWARD CITATION TO BENNY ROUNTREE
Gold Star Boys
HONOR SPANISH AMERICAN WAR VETERANS
Seated, from left: Orville Dunahoo, Harry Eckleberry and Lewis Ivers. Standing, from left: Ed L. Kieser and Jerd V. Smith. Charley Hughes, a member of the committee, was absent when picture was taken.
Compiling the material, editing and publishing a book of this nature takes much time, much effort and much planning.
Above are the members of Barroiks 206 World War- I Veterans who did the work and they are grateful to all who assisted them in any way.
THE VETERANS STRUGGLE FOR BENEFITS
All wars produce veterans and they in turn have produced associations and societies of veterans. The soldiers of the Continental army shivering at Valley Forge, discussed the rights of man and the wrong of royal tyranny, and the future of the United colonies when the British yoke would be thrown off.
FIRST AMERICAN VETERANS SOCIETY
First American veterans society formed was Washington's officers who formed the Society of Cincinnati, holding high principle of character and citizenship, yet the line of demarcation between officers and soldiers remained important, a tradition handed down through the- centuries of military tradition. Not until the war between the states would the Grand Army of the North and the United Confederate veterans of the South break down among the veterans, class distinction held over from army organization and discipline. The day of the Veteran citizen had definitely dawned. It was to find a more complete fulfillment after World War One (I) with internal dissentions dead, a united nation defeating a foreign foe. The largest all-inclusive Society of Veterans ever formed in any country, the American Legion, was born—a new veterans citizenship of much greater numbers following the nation's participation in the second World War conflict. President Roosevet stated in a speech at the American Legion convention in Chicago October 2, 1933 in part: "Two principles, first, that no person because he wore a uniform must thereafter be placed in a special class of beneficiaries over and above other citizens."
The "Special Consideration" Issue
All veterans associations have always held a contrary philosophy and throughout Mr. Roosevelt's long public service, resisted the application of his second principle. They could quote many presidents from Washington, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Wilson in support of special consideration for veterans. However, Mr. Roosevelt, in a radio address to the nation July 28, 1943, outlined a program of benefits for those who would be veterans in the months ahead. Stating in Part, "I have assured the men in the Armed Forces that the United States of America would not let them down when war is done."
"More specifically," he stated, "the American people will insist on fulfilling this American obligation to the American men and women in the Armed Forces who are winning this war for us. The members of the armed forces have been compelled to make greater economic sacrifices and every other kind of sacrifice than the rest of us and are entitled to definite action to take care of their special problems."
Principle two—as he put it October 2, 1933—"First obligation of the nation to make provisions for the battle casualties, the wounded and dependents of the dead." All veterans organizations agree with his principle No. 2. The 1933 speech was uttered fifteen years after the shooting ended in the Argonne forest and along the Meuse. Songs of victory no longer echoed from the hills. Alarms of a new struggle were yet unheard. Mr. Roosevelt's view of special benefits for veterans may have reflected public sentiment of that day and hour, for he was a master at understanding and expressing what the American] people thought. In a 1943 speech amid a new and terrible struggle, Mr. Roosevelt dropped from his philosophy the negation of all special benefits to veterans. He, thereafter, signed a pension bill for the widows and orphans of World War one (1 ) and later a series of enactments making all rights, privileges and benefits granted to those veterans applicableto all who would become Veterans of World War II.
Finally Came The G. I. Bill
Finally, June'1944, he signed wtih pleasing and proud gesture the G. I. Bill of Rights which created for the veterans a grant never before bestowed upon veterans of any earlier conflict. This act has paid back to the nation many times over what it cost.
Dedicated September 7, I960 In His Honor.
Staff Sergeant Richard F. Walton served with the 335th Infantry, 84th Division during World War II, acting in accordance with the finest of the Armed Forces of the United States. He was cited twice for gallantry and awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star medals. The latter award was presented for heroic service in Germany March 2, 1945 during an enemy counter attack on the flank of his company, disregarding his own personal safety. Staff Sergeant Walton directed his squad into defensive position effectively stopping the enemy attack. The Silver Star was awarded for valor displayed on 10 April 1945. Upon being assigned the mission of capturing a bridge which was guarded by two German tanks, again disregarding personal danger. Staff Sergeant Walton and a fellow soldier advanced to a position within fifty yards of the hostile armor in the ensuing exchange of fire, the two heroic soldiers were killed. This daring action, cool courage and superior performance of duty inspired the other members of the unit to close on the bridge forcing the enemy tanks to retreat and the bridge was captured intact. He dared to die that freedom might live.
U.S. ARMY RESERVES ORGANIZED IN FAIRFIELD
Right after World War II, a small group of officers met to form a Reserve officers unit. Among those in the unit were Major Harry Gualdoni, Capt. Jack Keoughon, and Capt. Herman L. Kirkpatrick, Fairfield, Illinois. The unit met at the American Legion Building in Fairfield, Illinois. Later, Hq & Hq Battery, 5312th ORC, FA Group (Training) was set up. It was still a unit only for reserve officers.
On 17 Jan 31, enlisted men were included in "the newly organized Hq & Hq Co, 3rd Bn, 405th Infantry — a part of the 102nd Infantry Division (USAR), with headquarters in St. Louis, Mo. It was commanded by Lt. Co!. Fred McCollum, Flora, Illinois and met in the Christian Church and later at a converted garage on Main St., Fairfield, Illinois.
On 1 June 59, Hq & Hq Co, 3rd Bn, Infantry was redesignated Hq & Hq Co, 3rd Battle Group, 4th Infantry Regiment. It remained in the 102nd Infantry Division (USAR), but was reorganized as a bottle group under the reorganization of the Combat Infantry Division set out but Department of Defense. The Battle Group wa5 commanded by Col. James A. McCarty, of Centralia, Illinois. Other members of the staff were Moj. Jock 0. Keoughan, Fairfield, Illinois, Deputy Commander; Major Ivan A. Elliott, Jr., Cormi, Illinois, Executive Officer; Capt. Joy A. Mitchell, Noble, Illinois, S-1; Capt. Howard Bayler, Louisville, Illinois, S-2; Maj. Hiram W. G. Brownell, McLeansboro, S-3; and Major James E. Dunn, Pinckneyville, Illinois, S-4. Headquarters company was commanded by Lt. James Bokenkamp, Cisne, Illinois.
Fairfield, Illinois was honored as being the smallest town in the United States to have a Battle Group Headquarters. The units of the Battle Group are in Fairfield, Flora, Newton, Cormi, Marion, Anna, Murphysboro, DuQuoin, Sparta, and Centralia, Illinois.
On 7 Sep 60, S/Sgt. Richard F. Walton, US Army Reserve Center, was dedicated by Maj. Gen. Charles D. W. Conham, Commander of XI US Army Corps. Major Ralph Ferrese, USAR Advisor at Fairfield, Illinois was instrumental in the planning and construction of the new building located at 1002 West Leininger Road, Fairfield, Illinois.
Report 1918 after Armistice became effective. A letter to Governor Lowden by Col. Joseph B. Sanborn, commanding the 1-31st Illinois Infantry and Col. John V. Clinnin, commanding the 130th Illinois Infantry, said in part: "These regiments taking part in bottles of Chipilly Ridge, Somme Closing, Scene of the capture of Chateau's Aulnois and Village of Marcheville,
all Illinois divisions fought on all fronts. Many of them were decorated by the British, French and Belgians for bravery. This group of men fought 47 days without rest, bath or change of clothing. They were continually on the line from Sept. 12 to November 12, 1918. Thirty-five of these men were from Wayne and Clay County namely:
Joseph Wheeler, Cecil Young, Earl Montgomery, Joseph Tully, Bryan (BB) Caudle, Chester Cisne, Oscar Anderson, Raymond Renfro, Oscar Denton, Chester Green, Earnest Shodden, Everet Lee, Jesse Holloway. Earl Rikett, Luther Winchester, Harry Higgason, John Lauderback, Horve Dunnigon, William Smith, E. E. Lee, OIlie Wood, James Brigle, Marion Petty, Robert Hubble.
Had Winning Spirit-
The spirit of 1917 and 1918 carried our nation to victory in 1918 and the service of the citizen soldier and sailors and marines of these times to the nation for 45 years has demonstrated that this spirit has been alive in the breasts of these dedicated men and women who initiated it. That spirit still remains a manifestation on their part of their deermination to render service not only to the notion as a: whole, but to their buddies, in particular, who now must turn to their country for help just as their country turned to them in 1917 and 1918.
LADIES AUXILIARY WAYNE COUNTY BARRACKS NO. 206
Charter members Ladies Auxiliary Wayne County Barracks 206 World War I. Opal Atkinson, Helen Barth, Ella M. Borah, Mary Brodshaw, Flora Cariens, Bertha Cline, Mary Crews, Myrtle Crews, Mary F. Evans, Flossie M. Farmer, Mary Ganieany, Clara Hawbaker, Ruth Hudson, Gladys King, Dollie M. McKneelen, Irene Peddicord, Goldie Schofield, Pansie Simmons, Ester Tibbs.
CHARTER MEMBERS BARRACKS 206 WORLD WAR I
Cooper Cox, Harry R. Eckleberry, Herman W. Farmer, Wayne J. Fox, Vick L. Ganieany, Herbert L. Harrell, Earl H. Harris, Chas. F. Atkinson, Kelly Brown, Edgar Cariens, Fred Donohoo, Marion F. Evans, Ben G. Feller, Homer W. Fleenor, Perry E. Gillison, John ,W. Harrel. Roscoe R. Henson, Loy S. Spalding, Howard L. Taylor, Oscar H. Holman, Lewis Ivers, Robert T. Jones, Ray Lamb, Leslie G. McKneelen, Pierce W. McNeely, Charles B. Musgrave, Fred L. Price, J. Frank Short?, W. W. Simpson, Guy Hudson, Bodell Johnson. Bart Kinney, Harold Leathers, Clarence E. Miller, Frank H. Osterman, Charley E. Reeves, Estel Shackleford, P. Rolland Smith, Hubert Vaughn, Purl L. Spriggs, Fred A. Tubbs, Sivlsbe H. Windland, Claud W. Alien, Roma F. Behymer, Verner R. Bussey.
Preamble and Purpose
Preamble: We the honorably discharged veterans of the armed services of the United States of America of what is here known as World War One (1 ) do hereby band ourselves together to form a permanent organization which shall be known as Veterans of World War One (1 ) of the United States of America.
Purpose of said organization shall be patriotic, fraternal, historical and educational. It shall be formed to assist our needy buddies to perpetuate the memory of our honored dead, to assist his widow and dependents, and to strengthen the memories and incidences of World War One (1 ), to help maintain law and order and to practice a spirit of Americanism in our allegiance to its laws and constitution; to pledge to protect America from all its enemies both within and without.
Any person who served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States during the period of World War One (1 ) as designated by the Congress of the United States of America and is deemed of good character, shall be eligible for membership in the organization and not in more than one barracks. A member may transfer from one barracks to another upon payment of one dollar transfer fee.
Quote from speech by Hon. Herbert Hoover: "We believe that military service is extraordinary service which transcends the normal duties of citizenship and consequently entitles veterans with. honorable service to special consideration."
Wayne County Barracks No. 206 Veterans of World War 1
|
Alien, Veyne B. Alien, William Andrews, Sam W. Atkinson, Chas. F. Austin, Bill P. Austin, E. S. Austin, Kelly Austin, Sam Barr, Orval Barth, Reuben P. Barth, Royal Bashore, Ben Bashore, Frank G. Bayles, George G. Behymer, R. J. Bell, Joe Berry, John W. Bestow, Harry Bland, Elmer Borah, L. E. Boucherie, John W. Bozarth, Jesse Bozarth, Sheridan Braddy, George C. Brach, Ralph L. Brown, Homer W. Brown, Kelly Buchanan, Dosin Buchanan. Homer Bullock, Glenn S. Bunting, D. T. Bunting, R. B. Burner, James Bussey, Verner R. Campbell, Earl S. *Campbell, Loren Cariens, Edgar L. Carnahan, Martin Gates, William H. Chrisman, Frank Clemmons, Earl Collins, Ed Collins, Roscoe E. Copeland, Raymond C. Cox, Cooper Crask, Jess Craig, M. A. Crews, Carl Crews, Ralph B. Davis, W. G. Donoho, Fred Dunahoo, Orville E.
|
Draper, Perry E. Eckelberry, Ben Eckelberry, Harry R. Eckles, Ralph A. Elliott, Delbert. Etheridge, J. K. Farmer, Herman Feather, Earnest J. Feathers, Earnest Feller, Ben Files, Paul Fitch, George Fleenor, H. W. Fulkerson, Charles E. Gammons, Callie Gardner, Francis Gardner, Frank J. Ganieany, Vick L. Gillihan, Edward A. Gillison, Perry E. Goff, Delbert Goodman, Thomas L. Gray, Charles C. Gray, Perry Greathouse, Ernest M. Gregory, Louie E. Haefele, Claude Hallam, Otis Hallam, Raymond Hamilton, Chas. E. Handy, James Shell Harrell, Herbert Harris, Earl H. Hartlerode, L. E, Harvey, Anson C. Hawbecker, Arthur C. Haynes, Ben H. Headley, Lafe Hearn, Lawrence K. Hendricks, James Henson, John W. Henson, Rosco Hick5, 0. L. Higdon, William 0. Hilliard, Henry 0. Hinrichs, Elmer H. Holman, 0. H. Hon, Martin L. Hughes, Charles E. Ivers, Lewis R. Jack, Amos B. Jesop, Richard R. Johnson, Roy C. Page 2 |
Johnson, Bodell Johnson, Ulla F. Jones, Hiram W. Jones, Lonnie H. Jones, Robert T. Kelly, Milton T. Kerr, H. T. Keysor, Jessie V. Kieser, Ed Kieser, Leo Kiger, Foster Kittle, Charley Koontz, Harry D. Lamb, Ray Leatherland, William Leathers, Carl Leathers, Howard Linder, Paul A. Locke, Robert T. Lofton, Frank S. Mann, John Marvel, Eldon Matchett, Harrison E. McCullam, David McCulley, Noal McCullough, Earl J. McKneelen, G. L. McNeely, Pierce Meeks, Cloyd R. Meritt, William C. Merritt, Joe E. Meyers, James H. Miller, C. E. Miller, Herbert T. Moody, Halbert Mossberger, George G. Mullinax, Arthur Musgrave, Charles B. Musgrave, Gilbert A. Newby, Harlan H. Newman, Fred A. Nixon, Wilse Obrecht, Ernest E. TOBield, Ora A. Osterman, Frank H. Padgett, Oral P. Palmer, Frank P. Parker, W. A. Peddicord, Uriah R. Phelps, Orville L. Pierson, F. L. Pitner, Harry L.
|
|
Porter, Charles E. Powell, Marshall Price, Fred Puckett, M. L. Puckett, Mon A. Ralston, Charles E. Reeves, Charles E. Richinson, Frank D. Rigg, J. H. Robertson, John L. Ruble, Samuel C. Runyon, Sam *Schmitz, George L. Schofield, Orvil *Scott, Ellis Scott, Harry Scott, William G. Shackleford, Estel P. Shackleford, Marshall Shelton, Glen Shockley, John T. Shorb, Frank Simmons, Charles A. *Simpson, Herman G.
|
Smysor, Lawrence Simpson, Wilburn Smith, Harry S. Smith, Jerd Smith, John Smith, Rolland Solomon, Jess E. Shoultz, George Spriggs, Pearl Stein, George C. *Stull, Ziba Talbert, James F. Tanney, Prank 0. Taylor, H. S. Taylor, Oliver H. Thacker, Arthur A. Tibbs, Samford Tice, Harry Tittle, Gilbert Toombs, Alfred Trotter, George Trotter, John A. Tubbs, Fred
|
Tyier, Curtis Tyier, Harry L. Tyier, Roger E. VanPosson, Charles E. Vaughn, Hubert Vurdulas, John Walker, Alva Waller, William L. Waller, Lee Weaver, Garrett Weber, Elmer F. Wells, Edward Earl Wheat, James Whitacre, Cecil G. Whiteside, James G. Wilkerson, Oiney S. Williams, J. R. Wilson, Earl Wilson, George E. Wilson, Roy Winzenberger, Louis Wood, Homer A. Yates, Charles C. Young, John
|
The American Legion, patriotic organization of veterans of World War One, was incorporated by an act of Congress in' 1919. Its purpose was to uphold the Constitution of the United States, to maintain law and order, to foster Americanism, preserve the memories and incidents of the war in general, to promote good citizenship. Any person who served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps of the United States during World War I, and later World War II, or who being a citizen of the United States, having served with the armed forces of any country associated with the United States in the wars is eligible
for membership, unless he refused to submit to military discipline or was dishonorably discharged. It is organized in departments and posts. There are some fifty-eight (58) departments and more than 1700 posts. Later, the charter was opened to the forces of the Korean police action. National headquarters ore at Indianapolis, Indiana.
Founded in France
The Legion was born in Paris, France on March 15-17, 1919 among solders of victorious American Expeditionary Forces which sprang from their desire to promote a future of the veteran, his widow and orphans. It was weaned in St. Louis, Mo. in May 1918 at an organization caucus of men from many units of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps of every state of the Union. It was baptized in the blood of martyrs at Centralia, Washington November 11, 1919. Four members of the newly formed 'Post, marching in the first Armistice Day Parade, were shot down in cold blood by a radical labor group incited by propaganda class hate, industrial workers of the world.
3 LEGION POSTS IN WAYNE
There are three American Legion Posts in Wayne County.
Fairfield, Anthony Wayne Post 176, was named for General Anthony Wayne who mode history in the 1700's. He started as a. land surveyor, was intimate friend of Benjamin Franklin. He received a commission of Brig. General and became a popular hero. Because of his reckless courage and daring attacks against the British forces he received the name of Mad Anthony. In 1792 he became commander-in-chief of the American army with rank of Major General. He was born in Easton, Pa., 1745 and died in 1796.
1962 Officers
Roy Scott, Commander; Kinneth Bradham, Sr. Vice Commander; James Curry, Jr. Vice Commander; Kellie Brown, Historian; Alien M. Baumann Adjutant; Trustees:, James Calvin, Jack Copeland, Elmer McKoy.
Anthony Wayne Charter Members
The Charter, signed in 1919, was sent to New York in 1920, but failed to remit fee for same. It was returned to State Headquarters in 1921. It was issued March 1922 and signed by William McCauly State Dept. Commander. Following is a list of charter members:
Hal K. Holt, Gilbert R. Flint, Raymond F. Brown, Leslie D. Beck Lewis Smith, H. A. Tolberd, James P. Jackson, Herman D. Bethel, John A. Holt, L. E. Sunderlond, Ben G. Boggs, W. G. Hort, Theodore L. Sleoth, Harry L., Pitner, J. G. Stonemetz, W. L. Montgomery, 0. D. Standerfer, A. I. (Bill) Steiner, Sr., F. L. Robertson, Roy Daubs, J. D. Vurdulas, Robley E. Felix,
Clarence S. Martin, Elmer E. Curry, Carter K. Black, Ross Gaddy, U. F. Johnson, Claud Mercer, G. F. Parkinson, W. E. Creighton, Ross Green, Glen Sunderland.
List of Past Commanders
|
1919-L. Edwin Sunderland 1920-21—Junuis Kelley 1921-22—0. D. Standerfer 1922-23—William Pifer 1923-24—Thomas H. Creighton 1923-24—Henry Borah 1924-25—W. G. Hart 1925-26-27-28—Dr. G. A. McDonald 1928-29-30—Fred Morion 1930-31—Charles T. Hufford 1931-32—H. T. Ken- 1931-32—Fred Tubbs 1932-33—Robert Locke 1933-34——Dr. U. F. Johnson 1934-35—Oscar (Ped) Bonner 1935-36—W. L. Montgomery 1936-37—John Banner 1937-38—A. I. (Bill) Steiner 1938-39—Joe Merritt 1939-40—Frank L. Robertson 1940-41—George Schmidt
|
1941-42—Leo McLeon 1942-43—Ralph Finley 1943-44—Henry Borah 1944-45— Blanchard Barnett 1945-46—Lawrence Hearn 1946-47—Charles A. Simmons 1947-48—Jerd V. Smith 1948-49—John Hedger 1949-50—Cecil Whitacre 1950-51—Charles Holstein 1951 -52—Deneen Matthews 1952-53—Leslie Horshborger 1953-54—Edgar Musgrave 1954-55—Vern Tickner 1955-56—Roy Lambert 1956-57—Jack Copeland 1957-58—0. S. (Moon) Dalton 1958-59—Harlan Block 1959-60—Raymond Finney 1960-61—Charles (Chuck) Veatch 1961-62—Roy Scott
|
Past District Commanders
Jerd V. Smith, Hai-lon Block, Jock Copelond.
Golden Gate Charter Members
Golden Gate had a Legion Post but it later disbanded and the members transferred to Fairfield. Charter members of that post were: G. A. McDonald, Commander, G. C. Obrecht, Adjutant, Roy Johnson, Treasurer, Howard Woods, Ira L. Christy, Wm. Gill, G. C. French, Ben Crews Bryan Moore, Burton Ramsey, J. H. Smith, Glen F. 'Bullock, P. S. Burnagel Chas. Gray, Earl B. Sawyer, R. L. Gaither, Geo. Smelling.
Cisne James D. Gresham Post 603. Gresham was one of the first soldiers killed on France soil. Inscription on his grave reads, "Here lies the first soldier to fall on the soil of France, for liberty and justice. Corporal James D. Gresham of the 16th infantry killed on the night of Nov. 3, 1917, when a German raided part of the trenches near Bures occupied by Americans." Two other soldiers killed at the same time are also buried there.
Cisne Charter Members
Cisne Post 603 charter members:
George Mayo, Chas. Ray, Jr., Chas. L. Lane, Carl R. Crews, Ira E. Clutter, Cloyd Brown, Ralph L. Brach, Leslie McKneelen, Isham R. Simmons,
Ross Reid, Royal E. Kern, T. H. Puckett, Commander; Herb Daubs, Adjutant;
Ruben Barth, Vice Commander.
Charter issued March 22, 1948. Wayne City Post American Legion No, 1132.
Charter members:
H. 0. Anderson, Amon E. Frazier, George E. Draper, Lavern J. Feather, Glen Jackson, Edward H. Johnson, Lewis V. Leach, Alvin C. Manring, Donald McLean, James E. Melton, Leslie L. Staggs, Billy B. Seabolt, Earnest E. Richardson, James R. Webber, Lester L. Webber, Kenneth E. Wilkerson, Leonard M. Wood.
First Commander—Lyman Gurley; Adjutant and Finance Officer—Billy Seabolt.
Building Committee; H. H. Huff, Berlin E. Barnett, Robert E. Richardson, James E. Elliott, A. B. Clark.
The post purchased a plot of ground 82'/2 ft. by 180 ft. which adjoined Thomason cemetery from Fred Bruner and dedicated it as a veterans memorial addition to Thomason cemetery. Also on this plot of ground a monument of the upwright type with an eagle perched on top along with a 30 ft, flag pole. Any veteran con be buried in this memorial section with no charge for burial space.
The conflict of '17 and '18 saw five million Americans under arms. The conflict of '41-'45 saw more than 15 million Americans under arms. It was a question whether they would accept the American. Legion as their vehicle of veteran citizenship, or themselves form a new organization. They did both.
World War 1 Veterans (List of soldiers)
The summer of 1932 saw the Bonus Army headed by Walter W. Waters, of Oregon, march on Washington, D. C., striking camp there for the purpose of getting something done on a demand for a federal bonus. After all peaceful means were used to induce them to disband and go home, soldiers were ordered by the President of the United States, under General MacArthur, chief of staff commend, to move the bonus marchers out. A rolling barrage or bombs and tear gas was used. This thoroughly demoralized the bonus marchers, who were scattered all over the. city seeking shelter. Many of them were
injured. Reports showed 65 wounded and gassed and one killed. The Army was ordered out only after local police could not cope with moving the marchers out. The total included one veteran killed, 34 veterans wounded and gassed and 16 police injured. Among bystanders, 10 were injured, one killed and five wounded. Litter was strewn across Pennsylvania Avenue which looked like a real war had been fought.
On July 31st, Waters shouted new hope to the Bonus Expeditionary forces still left in the area, stating he had obtained a deed to a wooded tract of land in the hills of Maryland. This was some 20 acres in size. Mr. Waters said that those who wished could settle there with their families. The land was near Laurel, Md.,' near Washington, D. C. Walter (Tub) Atteberry, of Fairfield, marched with the Bonus Army.
Anthony Wayne Post 176
The Ladies Auxiliary of Anthony Wayne Post 176 was organized in June,1929.
List 1961-1962 Officers
|
Marcle Scott, President Gloria Baumann, 1st Vice Phylis Shelton, 2nd Vice |
Alberta Garnbrel, Secretary Thelma Porter, Treasurer Mary Brown, Chaplain Pansie Simmons, Historian |
List Charter Members
Following is a list of charter members of the Auxiliary:
Margaret Flint, President; Madge Finley,
First Vice; Regino McLean,
Treasurer; Martha Book, Chaplain; Francis Labaw,
Second Vice; Elsie Roberts,
Publicity; Martha Lofton, Secretary;
Etta Davis, Sergeant at Arms.
Lidelice Anderson, Bessie Berg, Iva Banner, Mary C. Banner, Effie Boze, Lyndal Bunting, Leona Christy, Eula Clark, Lena dark, Mariam Corrie, Mureil Dickey, Fredia Emboden, Moe Ewald, Virginia Fleenor,. Anna French, Alta Goin, Mollie Haefele, Audra Harlan, Caroline Harman, Blanche Kelley, Alice Kerr, Gladys Koontz, Edna Mann, Edna Melrose, Laura Melrose, Eleanor Melrose, Bess L. Montgomery, Florence Morlan, Stella McLin, Blanch Nussboum, Corrine Osborn, Florence Perrine, Pansy Simmons, Pearl Smith, Edna Moxine Smith, Sadie Standerfer, Grace Steiner, Wanda Tate, Carlene French, Sarah Taylor, Nell Vurdulas, Pruda Withrow, Violet Venters, Gladys Bland, Eva Garrison, Laura Sutton, Laura Tubbs, Eva Forra, Melissa Forra, Glen Dye McNely, Caroline Johnson, Amy Barr.
Post Presidents Club — American Legion Auxiliary Post 176
Mrs. Pansie Simmons, Mrs. Mae Ewald, Mrs. Pearl Smith, Mrs. Hazel Black, Mrs. Lyndall Robertson, Mrs. Helen Hallam, Mrs. Ida Bell Gray, Mrs. Melba Fearn, Mrs. Doris Copeland, Mrs. Madge Finley, Mrs. Bertha Cline, Mrs. Bernice Thacker, Mrs. Etta Banner, Mrs. Grace Sager, Mrs. Mary Brown.
PAST PRESIDENTS — LEGION AUXILIARY
Alice Flint, adge Finley, Bernice Thacker, Mae Ewald, Pansie Simmons, Lyndall Robertson, Iva Bonner, Etta Banner, "Melba Lee Fearn, Moyme Stanley, Helen Hallam, VerI Sager, Ida Bell Gray, Bertha Cline, Hazel Block, *Nida Brown, Loretta Hoffee, *Doris Copeland, Mary Brown, Grace McMeen, Alberta Grambell, Macel Scott, Pearl Smith, Clara Amrin, Ellen Newton, Prudie Withrow, Veda Hawkins.* District Director.
Ladies Auxiliary Gresharm Post No. 603. Cisne
Charter issued June 30, 1933.
Members — Florence Schneider, President;
Agnes Daubs, Secretory;
Mable Borth, Treasurer;
Peorl. McKeelen, Alma Puckett, Flora B. Clutter, Susie Motchett, Lynn Kern/Mildred Lane, Gladys King, Moe Brown, Nellie Brach Helen May Brach, Fonnie Toylor.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a society of men who have served the country on active military duty overseas or in foreign territory. Founded In 1899
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was founded in 1899 with a membership of 250,000. The New York deportment was founded in 1921 with a membership of 25,000.
V.F.W. GIVE UP CHARTER
The Wayne County Chapter of V.F.W. was issued April 1, 1945. After a few years, the Post gave up its Charter and some of the members transferred to other Posts at Flora, Carmi, Mt. Carmel.
The Charter Members
The Charter members of this organization were: Harold Scheetz, Commander; Frank Haegele, Vice Commander; Alien. Hill, Jr. Vice Commander; William Wheeler, Adjutant; Jerome Hawkins, John W. Henson, Lewis R. Ivers, C. Guy Fearn, William J. Watson, Frank L. Keigley. Charles H. Craig, George 0. Eoton, Lawrence O'Leary, Edward D. Koontz, Emanuel E. Brown, Wayne Cox Fred Newton, Clinton R. Clinton, Jerd V. Smith, John L. Baskett, U. F. Johnson, Kellie Brown, Carl Owen Leathers, Edwind W. (Bill) Fronkel, Jesse E. Weedman, Olin W. Golden, Frank Whitlow, Leslie Winter Young.
ORGANIZE NATIONAL GUARD COMPANY
In June 1917 Captain William Nichols organized a Company of National Guard (Company M, 9, Illinois Infantry). They were to train in Springfield and later be mustered into federal service. However, the draft come too soon and took them one by one. They did encamp at Springfield for a period of about three months. Some 100 men signed up in Company M.
Officers Of The Guard
Officers of the Company were William Nichols, Captain; Fred dark, 2nd Lt.; Edwin Sunderland, 1st Lt.; James Downey, 2nd Lt.; H. L. Pitner, 1st Sgt.
Forty years ago in Wayne county a booklet was published giving a report of Wayne county's part in World War I. From that booklet came the idea of this book. Here now we quote from the old book giving a report of the Wayne County Draft Board, the Red Cross and other organization then. Following each is a later report on the work of these.—Editor.
The draft board was composed of the following members: J. R. Creighton, Chairman, D. C. Jordan, Sec., and W. C. Sibley, Medical Examiner. Quite a number of men enlisted in the Regular army at various training camps, before the draft board was formed.
First 5 per cent left for Camp Taylor, Ky., on August 30, 1917.
Second contingent of 74 men left for Camp Taylor, Thursday Sept. 20,1917.
Third contingent of 45 men left for Camp Taylor, Ky., Thursday October 4, 1917.
The men of the first three contingents went into Co. C., 326 Mc. G. Bn., 84th Div.
Eighty men left for Camp Taylor, Sunday Feb. 24, 1918.
Forty men left for Camp Dix, N. J., Sat. April 27, 1918.
Twenty-five men left for Jefferson Barracks, Mo., Thursday, May 21.
Sixty men left for Camp Shelby, Wis., on Thursday, May 28.
Twenty men left for Fort Thomas, Ky., Sunday, June 2.
The largest contingent to leave at one time was 200 men, who left June 26, 1918 for Camp Wheeler , Ga.
Many other small contingents left for the different camps or schools where they took up special military work and Wayne county was represented in practically every Div. From the 1st to the 91st, but there were more men in the 84th than any other, they being in all branches of the service of that Division.
Boys were always given a "rousing" send off, which proved to them that the "folks" back home were "for them" and greatly increased their work. Wayne County always over subscribed her Liberty Loon quota, Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., Salvation Army, etc. Had strong teams in the field for this purpose, which was headed by representative citizens in each township.
THE DRAFT BOARD
Local Board Members
Member Began Duty Ended Duty
Peter G. Rapp Oct. 1940 June 16, 1946
Guy Nicholson Oct. 1940 1941
Bill Steiner Oct. 1940 1947
Bert Norris Fall 1941 1949
Jerd V. Smith Aug. 23, 1943 . Currently serving (1964)
E. A. Mietzner . April 29, 1949 Currently serving (1964)
Luther G. Yates 1945 Currently serving (1964)
John Banner April 29, 1949 Jan. 19, 1953
Harry L. Pitner (2nd Assignment)-—Feb. 10, 1953 Currently serving (1964)
Rondall S. Quindry June 1951 March 8, 1955
William C. Shaeffer April 14, 1955 Nov. 15, 1956
Jock Copeland . March 6, 1957 Currently serving (1964)
Harry L. Pitner first assignment on Board of re-employment Aug. 20th,
1943. Re-appointed Feb. 10th, 1953.
Andy J. Milliard, George Edgar Simpson, Henry C. Sutherland, Ben Felix.
Selective Service Clerks
Mrs. Ruth Parker 1940 to Spring 1941
Mrs. Kelley Loy August 1940 to May 1947
Mrs. Joe Gualdoni February 1942 to September 1942
Mrs. Martha Lofton Jan. 15, 1944 to Oct. 11, 1946. Sept. 1, 1948 to Sept. 1, 1949
Mrs. Maud G. McDuffee July 1950, currently serving
Beulah Jones . 1942
Dorris Boroh Miller No dotes
Doctors Who Examined Locally
Dr. Milliard, Dr. Hancock, Dr. Blakely and Dr. Boggs.
Medical Advisors
Kenneth 0. Hubble—October 1st, 1948 ........................................ 1950
Leslie Young —October 17th, 1950 ………………............. January 24th, 1959
D. A. Gershenson — March 9th, 1959 ………………......... Currently serving (1964)
Appeal Agents
Charlie Creighton — 1940 ———————————————————... 1942
H. T. Kerr— December, 1942 -...........-—-.-.--.-——--. February 7th, 1957
John Burgess—September 19th, 1951 ———————— February 29th, 1952
Gerald Mayberry, appointed January 7th, 1952 -...-—— January 23rd, 1958
John C. Robison, March 6th, 1958 —.——————-——-— Currently serving (1964)
; :
Advisor To Registrants
Arthur W. Elliott — September 27th, 1948 ..—————————....—
Mary Ann Creighton — 1948 ———————————————————. 1957
Supplemental Registrars
Olen Baker
Robie Cravens — August 9th, 1957 .......-.———————— June 12th, 1961
James E. Wilson — July 31st, 1961 ———...———.—....... Currently serving
KOREAN CONFLICT
Wayne County Boys Inducted By Selective Service In Korean Conflict
According to the records of SSS Act 1948:
Those who served prior to June 25th, 1950 ………………………………... 57
Those who served between June 25, 1950 and July 27, 1953 …………… 665
Those who served after June 27, 1953……………………………………….590
AWARD CITATION TO BENNY ROUNTREE
The Citation awarded to Benjamin Charles Rountree was the Navy's second highest citation. It read:
"In grateful memory of Benjamin Charles Rountree, United States Marine Corps, who died in the service of his country on Palau Islands September 29th, 1944.
"He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it he lives in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT,
President of the United States of America."
The Marine Corps League is the only veteran Marine organization of national scope. It was founded on the 147th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. In New York City November 10th, 1922, Marines originated the idea under the guidance of Major Sidney W. Brewster, U.S.M.C. retired.
The League was incorporated by an act of Congress in August 1937 and signed by the president on August 4th, 1937. Any Marine now serving honorably is eligible for membership in the Marine Corps League, formed with a few World War One veterans. First National Commandant, Lt. Gen John
A. Lejeune. The national headquarters is in Baton Rouge, La.
Purpose Of League
The purpose is to preserve tradition, promote interest of U.S.M.C. and to band together those now serving end those veterans honorably discharged to promote American freedom and democracy, to encourage its members to serve as ably as private citizens as they served the nation under arms; to hold sacred memories and history of the men who gave their lives for freedom; to foster love of the principles which they hove or will support with blood and valor since the founding of the Republic; to maintain true allegiance to American institutions and create a bond of comradeship between those in the
service and the citizen veteran to aid and render assistance to Marines, uniformed and civilian, their widows and orphans.
Organize Wayne County Post
On June 7th, 1957, the Wayne county Marine veterans chartered a Post, known as the Benjamin C. Rountree Detachment, Marine Corps League. Rountree, for whom the Post was named, lost his life on Palau Islands September 29th, 1944. The present commandant is Dean E. Breese.
Charter Members
Alva Charles Gale, George Rector, Melvin A. Matthews, Dean E. Breese, James P. Mauck, James R. Mayberry, Harry L. Ziegler, Charles Croig, Cecil J. Weedman, Robert F. Humphrey, Rex McCormick, Jock C. Caudle, James F. Wilson, Howard E. Wood. Past Commandants were Alva Charles Gale, Harry L. Zi-egler, James Mayberry and Howard Wood.
Cecil J. Weedman — III. State Dept. Director of Service.
Bloody Fighting
The Marines hit Palou September I 5th, 1944. Two days later 81 Army Infantry landed on Angaur. In five days of hard fighting 1400 Japs fell to the 81 Infantry. By September 3, 81 Inf. had' also taken Ulithi. In the meantime the 1st Marines encountered strong resistance on Palau. This island was defended by 10,000 Japs housed in caves on this coral island. Only one other island in the Pacific, Iwo Jima, compared with the labyrinth of defense caves which the Japs constructed on Palau. Japs were forced to give up the island November 8th, 1944. General McArthur accompanied the 81st Infantry on this drive. In this operation, the General stated to the men and officers, "You Have Done Well, You Now Dominate the Last Stronghold Which Barred You from the Philippines.'
League's Local Project
The League's local project is "Toys For Tots" in which they gather up, repair and distribute toys to underpriviledged children at Christmas time.
The Veteran's Memorial cemetery was brought about by the Veterans organizations when Roy Rountree, who lost a boy in the Southwest Pacific, stated to a member of the Anthony Wayne Post 176 of the American Legion, that he would like to bring the body of his son, Benjamin Rountree, home. If we had a plot for our soldiers and sailors who had paid the supreme sacrifice. This was taken up with Charles A. Simmons, Commander of Post 176, who placed the thought before the Post. Committees were appointed to work with other veteran organizations and the city officials.
First To Serve
Cecil Whitacre was first man to serve for this cause, and he is still serving. City officials granted a plot on the East side of Maple Hill cemetery facing the highway on the south, running 400 feet east and west and 200 feet north and south. The city also granted use of their equipment to work out the roadways, providing the committee hire on operator. This was arranged. Mayor Fred French requested that Marion O'Leary be the man to operate said equipment, which he did without pay.
Committee for the Legion was Cecil Whitacre, Leo French and Wayne Elwyn. For the association. Herb Fyie and Bob Vertrees; for the Veterans of Foreign Wars was James Curry, Jesse Weedman and W. H. McKay.
Organizational Meeting Is Held
The first organizational meeting was held at the Legion Hall on June 17,1947 The executive committee was elected, by-laws were passed. C. Deneen Matthews gave his service in setting up the purpose and papers for incorporating same. The purpose was to construct and maintain a veterans Memorial cemetery. Mr. Matthews is still in charge of the legal aspects of this fine purpose. The executive committee elected were Cecil Whitacre, chairman; W. H. McKay, secretary-treasurer; Woyne Elwyn, Jesse Weedman and Herb Fyie, trustees.
A Special Meeting
In 1947 Chairman Whitacre called a special meeting and submitted tentative plans for construction of roadways into and around the plot given by the city officials for this purpose. In the meantime, oil hands were busy raising funds for this purpose. All funds were raised within the Veterans organizations to the amount of $1,654.78. Money expended by the committee making the plot ready to receive bodies, $1,527.74. At the request of the committee through the efforts of Frank Lofton, employee of Southern Railway two cor loads of cinders were donated to be used as a base for the roadways.
Plans were drawn to scale by Vol Young. Crosses were made by Ben Eckleberry. 109 crosses were placed for the soldiers, sailors and marines, who died in the service between April 6, 1917 and November 11, 1918 and December 7, 1941 to September 5, 1945. Crosses were placed by the committee under direction of cemetery sexton, Karl Goodoll. Sextons following Mr. Goodall were James Colbert and Chick Mossburger. All have been outstanding in the core given to this plot — for which we all say thanks.
Present directors are Cecil Whitacre, chairman; Lawrence Hearn, Jack Clark Harlan Block, George Linsley, Roy Scott, of the American Legion; Delbert Pittman, C. C. Lefty Ware, Gene DeSelms, of the Cisne Post, and Melvin Matthews, Melvin Gerordo and James Mayberry, of the Marine Corps League. There are six known dead in the Korean conflict for which crosses are yet to be made and placed.
59 Service Men In Plot
The first soldier was buried here on November 15, 1947. To date there are 59 war heroes' bodies resting in this plot.
This plot is for soldiers, sailors, marines and air corps men who served with honor.
THOSE INTERRED IN VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY
Nome Dote of Death Place of Death
Clarence Posey, November 7, 1944 . England
LoweHG. Shell, January-7, 1945 Belgium
John V. Borah, December 20, 1944 Belgium
Joseph F. Carter, January 7, 1948 Hines, Illinois
Henry Young, June 8, 1944 Normandy, France
Delmar Hunsinger, August-2, 1944 Normandy, France
Daniel C. Dalton, July 14, 1944 Normandy, France
Robert R. Johnson, March 4, 1945 Iwo Jima
Kenneth Blockford, December 29, 1945 Guam
John G. Powell, August 15, 1944 Cannes, France
Benjamin Gray, June 9, 1948 Dayton, Ohio
Ira Veron Watson, September 3, 1944 France
Homer Young Harris, October 16, 1941 Cambridge, England
Hilman Crews, February 1, 1944 Italy
Joseph Robert Williams, February 26, 1948 Jacksonville , Illinois
John David Monroe, December 27, 1943 Germany
Clyde Shelton, August 10, 1944 European Theater
Norvol N. Clayton, January 28, 1944 Casino, Italy
Ray Lee-Rogers, September 9, 1945 Manila, Luzon
Benjamin C. Rountree, September 29, 1944 Pelein-Palau Islands
Charles L. Farro, March 25, 1945 Germany
Alien Kirk Hill, March 10, 1949 Fairfield, Illinois
Lawrence E. Hank, May 21, 1944 Iran, Persia
Robert Charles Grafton. Moy 12, 1945 Board USS ^Mexico off coast Okinawa
Wm. B. Caldwell, December 9, 1944 On English Channel
Lindell S. Bell, March 15, 1945 Germany
Russell R. Thomason, September 28,- 1944 France
Richard F. Walton, April 10, 1945 Near Hanover, Germany
Marion F. Snuffin, February 15, 1945 Iwo Jimo
Samuel Bertes Wilson, June 9, 1945 , Okinawa
Noble E. Barker, January 14, 1945 Derben, Germany
James R. Day, June 30, 1950 Marion V. A. Hospital
John Marion O'Leary, November 25, 1950 Rural Mt. Vernon, Illinois
John Franklin Tarpley, February 2, 1951 Merriam, Illinois
Wendell H. Washbum, June 16, 1951 Marion V. A. Hospital
Duone Eugene Wilson, September 12, 1950 Mason, Korea
Robert David Murphy, September 7, 1951 Grayville, Illinois
Lewis A. Ratcliff. Jr., October 17, 1951 Fairfield Memorial Hospital
David Melvin Keen, November 12, 1952 Great Lakes USN Hospital
John Beverly Smith, March 26, 1953 Hickory Hill Twp., Wayne County
Samuel E, Withrow, April 21, 1953 Jefferson Brks. Hospital, Missouri
John W. Kays, April 21, 1953 Jefferson Brks. Hospital, Missouri
Benjamin J. Crews, October 3, 1953 Fairfield, Illinois
Clifford Shelton, April 30, 1955 Cisne, Illinois
Joseph C. Tipps, May 3, 1955 Marion V. A. Hospital
Charles Stanley, August 1, 1955 Marion V. A. Hospital
J. Claude Sager, August 10, 1955 Wayne County
Gerald R. Cox, September 13, 1955 Eldorado Twp.
William G. Shehorn, November 13, 1955 Marion V. A. Hospital
Oscar Rose, November 12, 1955 Fairfield Memorial Hospital.
Elvis Cropper, November 29, 1955 Mt. Carmel, Illinois
Morris Brissenden, February 1, 1956 Clay City Twp.
Rex Fitch, August 2, 1956 Fairfield, Illinois
Charles E. Smith, August 15, 1956 Fairfield, Illinois
Fred R. Overbee, August 14, 1957 Fairfield, Illinois
Everett R. Manlove, February 13, 1958 Danville V. A. Hospital
Otto C. Schofield, November 30, 1958 Marion. V. A. Hospital
Olin W. (Zeke) Golden, July 5, I960 Fairfield, Illinois
Glen E. Meador, April 15, 1961 Fairfield, Illinois
Gold Star Boys
Eldon Book Oren Kittle
Charles H. Bowman Ray or Roy Earl Lambrich
Raymond Bunting Roscoe P. Simpson
Marshall R. Burns Harry A. Shelton
Roy Cunningham Jos. Stevens
Wm. H. Forbes Fred Stonebrook
Albert Hale Arthur H. Watson
Herman Forth James F. Wells
Wm. E. Hamilton Harry J. Works
Otis Henley ——————
Wm Milliard Wayne county boy who
Robley T. Jones served with Canadian
Curtis Jones Forces
Joseph H. Kern David Montgomery
Gold Star Boys
|
Robert E. Adams John A. Airolda Ivan Dale Barker Noble E. Barker Lowell E. Best Kenneth Blackford Everett E. Bolen Cheille L. Boles Joe B. Banner Lester L. Boswell George C. Biady, Jr. Donald Wm. Brown Guy H. Buchanan 'Hal Harris Butler Wm. B. Caldwell Joseph 0. Camp Harry G. Cashley Norval M. Clayton Glen Delmar Cook Charles E. Copeland Cloyd R. Cravens Hilman V. Crews Burl E. Dickey Daniel C. Dalton Carl Edwin boston 'Bruce E. Dunahoo Wayne Edwards Harold Edward Erkman ;! Charles L. Farra Morion G. Galbraith
|
Loren W. Galiher William R. Gardner Lefand Good Loyd F. Griffith Chas. E. Grove, Jr. Donald S. Harris Forrest 0. Hanson Lawrence Houk Delmor Hunsingsr James B. Hunt Owen W. Hunt Dean Lecri Isom Ear! James Jerfers KenrietTi Johnson Kenneth E. Koys Rolf Kendrick Virgii 0. Lambert *MefIyn L. Lasater Glen E<iw. Matthews Glen Moots "John D. Monroe Charles R. Moore Cecil B. McKinney Rolf Obenchain Alvin Polrreeman Clarerice W. Parker Vernon T. Parker n Floyd E. Parks Clarence E. Posey Leonard F. Posey John Gene Powell
|
Samuel A. Porter John A. Robson Paris C. Richardson Roy Lee Rogers Benjamin C. Rountree Everett E. Russell Lcwsll C. Shell Loweli Schurr Steve V. Sever Clyde Shelton Donald Smith Gene M. Smith . Marion F. Snuffin Bert Sons William Ray Sons Edward H. Stoehr John M. Taaffee John Talbert, Jr. Lester S. Trotter John E. Whitlock Paul White Iro Vemon Watson Richard F. Walton Howard C. Wade Samuel B. Wilson Henry A. Young Wolte York Orin Arthur Yates James Alien Yates Loweli Smith (*) Sons of a Veteran
|
|
|
|
|
Gerald V. Block Harold R. Shreve
Charles E. Bone Robert Chester Dye
John Manly Borah Herbert Earl Marshel
Jeral H. Bullard Melvin David Keen
Robert D. Scott
SPANISH WAR
Edward L. Wilson Lewis A. Collet
John Simlen Ed G. Brown
Kenna S. Grant Rudolph Albisher
MEXICAN WAR
Joseph Copland Benjamin Merritt
John R. Frazur Abraham Rister
Wm. J. Lockhort William Reed 1st
Wm. H. Maybry
(As Recorded in the Old Book)
Arthur Henry Watson, Cisne, age 23, died of wounds at Base hospital No. 113A in France December 26, 1918.
James F. Wells, Rinard, age 24, died of the flu. Base Hospital, Camp Wheeler, Ga.
Harry J; Works, Mt. Erie?, age 24, 121st Infantry 31st Diy. died in Hospital, Camp Mills, Oct. 10th, 1918.
Fred Stonebrook, Cisne, age 25, died in Hospital, Camp Mills, Oct. 18th, 1918.
Roscoe P. Simpson, Fairfield, age 27, died in Camp Oct. 16, 1918.
Roy Ray, Wayne City, age 29, 124 Field Artillery, 33rd Div, killed in action Sept. 26, 1918.
Oren Kittle, Wayne City, age 27, killed in action Oct. 31, 1918.
Curtis Jones, Xenia, age 23, killed in action.
William Hilliard, Wayne City, age 27, 124th Field Artillery, 3rd Div., killed in action Oct. 7th, 1918.
Albert Hale, Cisne, died in hospital Sept. 22nd, 1918, Great Lakes, Ill.
William E. Hamilton, Fairfield, age 21, died in hospital at Camp Wheeler, Go.
Herman Forth, Wayne City, age 24, killed in action Nov. 2, 1918.
Wm. H. Forbes, Mt. Erie, age 23, died Oct. 25, 1918. Base Hospital No. 45, in France.
Roy C. Cunningham, age 22, died of flu at Camp Mills, Oct. 13, 1918.
Raymond Bunting, age 21, Golden Gate, died Oct. 9th, 1918, at Hospital, Fort Riley, Kansas.
Eldon Book, Barnhill, age 22, killed in action Oct. 12, 1918.
Charles H. Bowman, Burnt Prairie, age 24, died in France Sept. 18, 1918.
Joseph H. Kern, Fairfield, died Jan. 12, 1918 in Hospital, San Francisco, Cal.
Marshall R. Burns, Barnhill, died of flu at Camp Wheeler, Ga.
Roley T. Jones, Johnsonville, died of flu in Camp.
Jos Stevens—
Ed Lambrich, died of Camp Mills.
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
During the war the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross was organized, and the following officers elected:
Carrol C. Boggs ................ Chairman
J. V. Heidinger .................. Vice-Chairman
Mrs. W. T. Bonham ........... Secretary
Geo. W. Johns …………… Treasurer
Great interest was shown, all over the county, in the Red Cross work and the Wayne County Chapter ranked among the first in the state in the number of hospital garments, surgical dressings and knitted garments made. During the various Red Cross drives made Wayne County always went over the top with her quota due to the good work of the soliciting committee in each Township and the willingness of our citizens to help "the boys" every way possible. As in those days, the Wayne County Chapter of the Red Cross is still active and is ready to step in to offer public aid at the moment of any emergency. Or, it's efforts of directing the Wayne County Blood Bank program . . .it's summer swimming training program for children ... its first aid program. . . it's home service program ... in all these many ways Red Cross continues to serve.
Present (1964) officers of the Wayne County Chapter of the Red Cross are:
Curtis Englebright ……………….President
Dr. Edward S. To!aga ………….Vice President
B. Floyd Smith …………………. Secretary
Kenneth Ward ………………… Treasurer
Wayne County early in the war organized a strong Liberty Loan Organization headed by:
Carrol C. Boggs …………………. Chairman
J. V. Heidinger …………………… Vice Chairman
There were also strong committees organized in each township composed of some of the representative citizens and it was due largely to the good work of these citizens that Wayne County always over subscribed her quota of the Loan. ^ -
There was a strong Woman's Organization in the county headed by Mrs.B. F. Thomas as President which was always on the job and aided materially in the different war activities.
At the outset of World War II Uncle Sam found the need for further public borrowing and this time it was War Savings Bonds. In Wayne county he received the help of the entire populace under the capable leadership of David L. Garrison, president of the Fairfield National Bank, who directed the War Savings Bond program until after the war's end. But even then, and until this very day, U. S. Savings bonds provide our nation with necessary borrowing from its people. For several years now this program has been capably handled by Fred Bruce, Wayne county's U. S. Saving's bond chairman and under his leadership the county's continued purchases of government bonds has been most noteworthy.
World War II Veterans (List of soldiers)
HONOR SPANISH AMERICAN WAR VETERANS
On September 1, 1958, a dinner sponsored by Anthony Wayne Post 176 and the Wayne County Historical Society, was held in honor of Spanish American War Veterans of Wayne County. Mayor Wossori Lawrence was in charge with Jerd V. Smith as master of ceremonies. Ten Spanish War Veterans were present. Those living in the county who were not able to attend were Harve Curry and Norman Heidinger.
Those present were: Perry Shannon, Walter "Buck" Shaeffer, Samuel Graham, Carl Bornhart, Joseph Mateer, Almond Good, Joseph Shannon, Samuel Mercer, Pink Lane and Adolph Sullivan.
The Spanish American war resulted from political discontent in Cuba during most of the 19th century. Revolt broke in 1895 bringing the Island on the verge of ruin. By 1897, the Spanish government with some 200,000 troops failed against the insurgents. The United States Government felt, from motives of humanity, to insist upon reforms, sending the U.S.S. Maine to Havana to back these demands. Her destruction February 1 5, 1898, in Havana harbor inflamed the American public.
President McKinley demanded on April 20, 1898, withdrawal of the Spanish government from Cuba, an action tantamount to a declaration of war. As a result, American forces moved on the Philippine Islands in the Pacific, Puerto Rico and Cuba. The war concluded with a treaty signed in Paris, France December 10, 1898, by which Spain relinquished her sovereignty over Cuba and ceded Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippine Islands to the United States government.
Total U. S. casualties, 279 soldiers killed; 1465 wounded; 16 sailors killed; 68 wounded. The effect of the war was to establish United States government as a world power and to cause it to broaden its foreign policy. Not since 1847-1848 was the United States forced to measure strength with a foreign foe brought about by the tragedy of this Battleship Maine in harbor of Havana, Cuba. Lives lost by the explosion which sank her were 250. Spanish War Veterans United, an organization formed in 1904 to amalgamate the Spanish War Veterans, the Society of Spanish American Veterans, The Society of Service Men of the Spanish War, and the Society of the Hispano American War. It concerns itself also with the interest of those who participated in the Philippine campaign and the Chinese expedition of 1900. Membership was around 1 00,000. The 9th Illinois Regiment was enrolled June 28, 1898, mustered into United States service at Springfield, III., on July 11, 1898, moved to Jacksonville, Florida August 5, 1898, then to Savannah, Ga., October 22, 1898. From there they went to Havana, Cuba January 3, 1899. February 19 to 27, 1899 was a trial march to Guines and return, approximately 66 miles. Moved to detention camp Danfuskie Island, S. C., April 19, 1899, moved to Augusta, Ga., April 29, 1899. Reg. mustered out May 20, 1899. The oldest Spanish War veteran now living is Charles St. Mane, who on March 13, 1962 was 103 years old. He is a patient in the medical word V. A. hospital in Danville, III.
What A Change Forty Years Makes
In a Memorial address delivered by Hon. John L. Cooper, (this was his 40th and last one) he stated that he delivered his first address 40 years ago at the First Methodist church with 386 Civil War veterans present—and his last with only 14 able to be present. Only 21 were living ini the county.
SPANISH AMERICAN WAR VETERANS
Joe Porterfield Camp 107 United Spanish War Veterans. Charter dated—March 15th, 1924.
Joseph Alien Charles Lows John W. Rochelle
James T. Blakely Cyruss Merritt Andrew J. Soots
Gilbert Butler Jacob F. Mauck Thomas M. Scott
Harvey Corry Joseph F. Mateer Walter H. Shaeffer
Ezra Dunahoo E. Michael Newman William B. Toffee
Samuel Graham Greenleaf A. Norris Joseph R. Williams
Charles Heath Henry B. Reinhard John W. Wilson
Pink Lane Charles L. Wood
8TH REGIMENT, CO, H, 9TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
|
James 0, Calvin, Fairfield George E. Day, Fairfield Charles L. Wood, Fairfield John E. Slocum, Fairfield James C. .Hamilton, Fairfield Thomas J. Bartholemew, Fairfield John N. Calvin, .Fairfield Wallace Leach, Six Mile Edward E. Keen, Six Mile John W. Wilson, Fairfield . Charles S. Foraker, Johnsonville John 0. M. Park, Mr. Erie William H. Irvine, Fairfield Christopher C. Sherwood, Fairfield Robert D. Tanner, Fairfield Herbert Brodshaw, Fairfield Harrison Gillette, Fairfield Charles E. Ackermon, Fairfield Otto Adams, Fairfield Rudolph Albisher, Fairfield Henry Baker, Zenith William Blackward, Fairfield Zedaw Bradshaw, Fairfield Earl Bresler, Fairfield Ed. G. Brown, Foirfield Wiley Burton, Orchardville Horlie Calvrn, Fairfield Lewis A. Collet, Fairfield Perry Cravens, Fairfield Alfred Doggett, Orchardville
|
Joseph Daggett, Orchardville John W. DeHaven, Golden Gate John L. C. Ellis, Pin Oak Noah Fortney, Fairfield James N. Fowler, Fairfield Joseph J. Hale, Six Mile Bert H, Ham, Fairfield ; George Harrison, Fairfield Robert Hoys, Fairfield Charles E. Heath, Six Mile George N. Heidinger, Fairfield Nicholas Henson, Johnsonville . Frank Holmes, Fairfield Ed C. Jenkens, Golden Gate Pink A. Lane, Six Mile Thomas E. Lone, Six Mile Joseph Lawson, Fairfield Charles R. Leet, Golden Gate Thomas C. Loyd, Six Mile David D. Lyons, Fairfield Cornelius D. McClellan, Fairfield James Means, Six Mile Cyrus Merritt, Fairfield Ed. R. Park, Mt. Erie John N. Robertson, Fairfield Thomas M. Scott, Jeffersonville Walter S. Stewart, Fairfield Charles A. Tromly, Fairfield John D. Tucker, Barnhill Frank Windle, Jeffersonville
|
8th Regiment, Co. L, 9th Illinois Infantry
|
Warner B. Crouch, Mayberry Charles P. Garrison, Wayne City : Lewis B. Irwin, Wayne City Francis M, Anderson, Wayne City Ira 0. Castle, Wayne City
|
Joseph D. Fields, Wayne City Kenna S. Grant, Wayne City John W. Rodgers, Wayne City Lawrence I. Halman, Long Prairie |
8th Regiment, Co. L, 9th Illinois Infantry
|
Will A. Hill, Rinard Horatio S. Vernon, Rinard Walter M. Hombuckle, Rinard |
John Simlen, Wayne City John E. Yockey, Rinard |
TROOP K, FIRST CAVALRY :
Jacob F. Mauck, Fairfield
Co. G. 30th Regiment Tennessee Volunteers
Grant Smith, Keens
John R. Williams
9th Illinois Infantry Field Staff
Frank B. Hanna, Fairfield
Weldon W. Wilson, Fairfield
Louis B. Erwin, Wayne City
Charles E. Walters, Fairfield
8th Reg. Company E, 9th Illinois Infantry
|
Joseph W. Porterfield, Fairfield George Barton, Fairfield Charles W. Stewart, Fairfield George M. Murken, Mt. Erie James T. Blokely, Mt. Erie Fred L. Cisne, Cisne Jess W. Sechrest, Fairfield Joel R. Linsley, Fairfield Eugene Alexander, Fairfield Charles H. Archibald, Cisne Joseph S. Alien, Fairfield Charles B. Wilson, Fairfield Greenleof A. Norris, Fairfield William H. Mercer, Fairfield Perley Roush, Fairfield Rigdon B. Stanley, Fairfield Joseph B. Handly, Fairfield Peter C. Borah, Mt. Erie Charles M. Thompson, Fairfield Henry B. Reinhord, Fairfield Weldon W. Wilson, Fairfield Harvey Curry, Fairfield Christopher C. Durnell, Fairfield Charles Atterberry, Wayne County George W. C. Armstrong, Cisne Marion Bennett, Ellery Francis R. Blake, Cisne Banner Brown, Fairfield Henry Bleakly, Mt. Erie William A. Beamer, Fairfield James L. Boroh, Mt. Erie Winferd E. Bonnell, Fairfield Madison Coldwell, Cisne Jomes P. Covington, Fairfield Bat Crouch, Fairfield Zock H. Deem, Fairfield Harry E. Dickey, Fairfield Ezra T. Dunahoo, Fairfield Arthur Duley, Fairfield Jessie Dunohoo, Fairfield Walter B. Finley, Fairfield
|
Lew L. Fleming, Fairfield Arch Frazier, Mt. Erie Gilbert Taylor, Garrison Jacob C. Gillison, Mt. Erie Lewis E. Goad, Barnhill Samuel M. Hendrick, Mt. Erie Lewis F. Holmes, Fairfield Frank Holmes, Fairfield Charles Keagy, Mt. Erie John C. Kutz, Cisne Homer McCollum, Mt. Erie Harry J. McCartney, Fairfield John F. McAtee, Fairfield Fred L. Mercer, Fairfield Samuel D. Mercer, Fairfield Irwin J. Mills, Mt. Erie Perry C. Miller, Cisne Scott Moots, Mt. Erie William R. Nisbet, Mt. Erie Guy Parks, Fairfield Wm. S. Pennington, Johnsonville Clinton Petty, Mt. Erie Christopher Robson, Fairfield William Sampson, Fairfield Thomas J. Schofield, Cisne Joe Shannon, Mt. Erie Perry Shannon, Mt. Erie Fred Slack, Fairfield Enos Smith, Fairfield Lewis H. Stanhope, Fairfield Mark Stanley, Mt. Erie William B. Taoffe, Fairfield Omer Totten, Mt. Erie William R. Terry, Mt. Erie Oscar Trout, Cisne Charles E. Walters, Fairfield Otis E. Weddle, Wayne City Joseph W. Williams, Fairfield Edward L. Wilson, Mt. Erie Don J. Wiltsey, Mt. Erie Alferd C. Washington, Fairfield
|
As the Indians moved westward, war with them was a must. From I860 through 1898, 106,000 men participated, mostly regular army men. Twenty-seven veterans are still living. The oldest one living in Illinois is Fredrick W. Frashe. 3746 N. Spalding Ave., Chicago. He is 88 years old. There are 581 widows and 25 children incapable of self support who are on the pension rolls as of September 1961. Pensions range from $101.59 to $135.45.
The Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of veterans, soldiers and sailors of the Union Amy of the Civil War was. organized at Decatur, III., April 6, 1866. It was instrumental in establishing Soldiers and Sailors Homes, and Memorial day, with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. At one time it directed 4000 Posts. Now all is history.
Honor Civil War Veterans
On May 29th, 1929, there were some 20 Civil War veterans living in Wayne County. Memorial services, with a dinner, were held in their honor at the First Methodist church in Fairfield. Fourteen Civil War veterans were present. Six were not able to attend.
Those present were:
John Reece………. …………..82 Samuel Sager ........................... 82
John Hannaford ...................... 83 Peter V. Carey ...........................85
John W. Borah -...................... 86 Joshua Watson ......................... 86
William F, Barnhouse ………..84 George J. Heidinger …………...85
Joseph C. Cannon ................. 83 Alvin Utterback ...........................80
Col. Geo. W. Johns ………….80 H. L. Mattison …………………..88
Nathaniel S. Gray …………… 84 Frank Hocking, Sr. .....................84
Those not able to be present:
William H. Blackburn L. S. McNeley
Dan Logan Richard Read
Morris Harris ' James Shannon
Thomas J. Harris Bascom Mann
FIGHT FOR VETERAN BENEFITS
Civil War veterans had their fight with high officials of government and the press in their fight for veteran benefits March 1887. The publication of the Chicago Democrat had this comment when President Cleveland, on March 2nd, 1887, vetoed the pension bill. In large headlines the paper stated in part, "Defeat for the Grand Army Beggers" and continued with such name calling as "Coffee Coolers," "Treasure Raiders," "Dead Beats," etc. This paper further stated that it was in full agreement with one of its correspondents who stated, "It will be a happy day for the Republic when the last begger of the Grand Army Humbugs is securely planted." A Southern writer, who stood among the rebels, objected in great bitterness to this crusade of Pension beggers stating an alleged injustice to citizens who fought on the wrong side.
Civil War Regiments
The Civil War Centennial Commission of Illinois, of which former Mayor Wasson W. Lawrence is a member, has furnished this committee of W.W.I this information. This commission has prepared a list of Civil War regiments by counties. According to this list, 1,613 men from Wayne County served with the Union Army and were members of the following companies:
18th Illinois Infantry, Companies F, G.
23rd Illinois Infantry Company A.
40th Illinois Infantry Companies D, E, G.
48th Illinois Infantry Company I.
87th Illinois Infantry Company D
110th Illinois Infantry Company G
136th Illinois Infantry Company C.
5th Illinois Cavalry Companies D, M.
The majority of the men in the above companies were from Wayne County. The list does not include units which had only a few Wayne County men.
First Soldier To Die
Martin Baker is the first soldier from Wayne county killed in the Civil War. He was wounded at Shiloh on April 6th and died May 8th 1862 at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., age 23 years, 3 months, 8 days. He is buried at Buckeye cemetery. The G.A.R. Post 245 was named for Martin Baker.
William Sumpter, father of Europe Sumpter, fought in the Mexican War of 1846-1848 and in the Civil War. He was wounded at Vicksburg and died shortly after.
Civil War Veterans Die
William D. White, a native of Wayne County, died September 21, 1942. He was a relative of Aunt Mirira White and was member of John A. Logon Post in Wayne County. He served in Co. D and E, 87 Ill. Inf. John Hays died in White county, April 12, 1936, at age 90. His home was in Mt. Erie.
CIVIL. WAR DEAD
The following Wayne county boys died or lost their lives serving in the Civil War:
COMPANY F, 18TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
Francis A. Anderson, Middleton
Benjamin F. Blake, Middleton
David M. Blake, Middleton
Edward Pugsley, Middleton
George R. Blake, Middleton
William Stillman, Middleton
Moses L. Blake, Middleton
John Boswell, Middleton
COMPANY G, 18TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
|
Wilson M. Cooper, Fairfield Ezekiel George, Fairfield Daniel K. Beach, New Massilon William J. Butler, Fairfield Wesley P. Foraker, Fairfield John Feather, Fairfield Edwin Farr, Fairfield Lewis Idding, Fairfield Leander Knowls, Fairfield |
Peter Owens, Fairfield George W. Powell, Enterprise Jefferson Powless, Fairfield Jacob Powell, Enterprise William E. Richison, Fairfield Marquis R. St. John, Fairfield Timothy Scott, Fairfield Virgil L. Wilson, Fairfield Edwin Maloney, Mt. Erie |
COMPANY E, 40TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
|
Elias M. Holmes, Johnsonville Winters S.Cook, Johnsonville Robert Anderson, Johnsonville Thomas L. Milner, Johnsonville David Baker, Scottsville Elijah Cornstubble, Johnsonville David L. Foreaker, Johnsonville Isaac Foreaker, Johnsonville |
Johnson Stine, Johnsonville Leander Robinson, Enterprise Robert Reed, Enterprise Charles Tibbs, Wayne County George Trusket, Mt. Erie Francis Brooks, Jeffersonviile Austin Burrough, Jeffersonviile Robert Wilson, Wayne County |
COMPANY F, 40TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
Thomas H. Prigmore ,Pin Oak
COMPANY I, 44TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
Issac Price,Fairfield
COMPANY K, 113TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
Samuel P. Jackson ,Mt. Erie
Samuel. A. Porterfield ,Mt. Erie
COMPANY D, 87TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
|
John Limpert, Wayne County William Hale, Wayne County .Joseph T. Wilson, Wayne County Hooper Crews, Wayne County John Coburn, Wayne County Carmi W.- Dayton, Wayne County Harrison Frozier, Wayne County William E. Johnson, Wayne County Alien Morlan, Wayne County William J. Mayes, Wayne County |
Absolam Metz, Wayne County John McMackin, Wayne County John B. McNely, Wayne County Daniel Powless, Wayne County Jesse Russell, Wayne County Cornelis G. VanDyke, Wayne County Absalom VanFossan, Wayne County Patrick M. Clark, Burnt Prairie William J. Phelp, Mt. Erie
|
COMPANY H, 98TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
Stephen Farmer, Mt. Erie
Marcus O. Taylor, Mt. Erie
COMPANY G, 110TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
John F. Day, Wayne County
James R. Sexton, Wayne County
Martin Stroman, Wayne County
COMPANY B, 111TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
|
Andrew J. Moore, Wayne County Elijah Cross, Wayne County Abram Forth, Wayne County William R. Holler, Wayne County William Hollowoy, Sr., Wayne County James Hammock, Wayne County |
Jonathan Luther, Wayne County Mark W. Meador, Wayne County John N. Yates, Wayne County Hays Burrough, Wayne County John Durrell, Wayne County |
COMPANY K, 111TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
|
John W. Ardory, Wayne County Thomas M. Hill, Wayne County Henry C. Lear, Wayne County Daniel Sweeny, Wayne County |
John W. Whitlock, Wayne County William Yoho, Wayne County Rigdon S. Barnhill, Fairfield
|
COMPANY D, 40TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
|
Samuel Hooper, Fairfield 0. H. Owens, Fairfield William C. Borah, Fairfield Samuel A. Bobbitt, Wayne County Joseph M. Borah, Wayne County George H. Baird, Massilon Thomas Boze, Wayne County |
Pleasant Shores, Wayne County Peter H. Thomason, Wayne County Andrew J. Allison, Fairfield Alferd W. Daisy, Pin Oak Ziphanian Matthews, Fairfield James Butler, Fairfield |
COMPANY I, 48TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
|
Robert Hurley, Johnsonville Needhon Helm, Johnsonville Thomas B. Lee, Johnsonville Samuel McClemons, Johnsonville William Milner, Johnsonville Christopher Overlin, Johnsonville William McCroby, Johnsonville Jonah Pearson, Johnsonville Isaac M. Shunk, Scottsville James M. Wheeler, Johnsonville Jefferson Anderson, Johnsonville Joshua C. Maxy, Johnsonville Martin Surton, Johnsonville James A. Anderson, Johnsonville Samuel I. Bradford, Wayne County Josiah Burkett, Johnsonville Benjamin Brady, Johnsonville |
Madison Bain, Johnsonville Hugh M. Clark, Johnsonville George W. Galaspy, Johnsonville Timothy Haney, Johnsonville Bryant Hunt, Johnsonville John F. Kirkpatrick, Johnsonville Franklin Milner, Johnsonville Somuel T. Rogers, Johnsonville Andrew J. Shehorn, Johnsonville William Senter, Wayne County Adam Warren, Johnsonville George T. Waters, Johnsonville Henry Wood, Johnsonville Joseph A. Womack, Wayne County Lewis Yoho, Johnsonville Jesse H.Clark, Johnsonville
|
COMPANY H, 87TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
John H. Cooper, Fairfield
Daniel W. Austin, Wayne County
Sylvanus Bunting, Wayne County
COMPANY H, 136TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
Archibals McCullom, Fairfield
Charles Reed, Fairfield
COMPANY E, 111TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
|
Joseph F. McGuire, Middleton Elijah D. Rawling, Middleton James S. Breeze, Middleton Elvin C. Clock, Middleton |
Isaac A. Beaver, Middleton Orin H. Doggett , Wayne County David McEndree, Wayne County D. M. Shipley, Wayne County |
COMPANY D, 5TH ILLINOIS CAVALRY
|
Owen Cravens, Fairfield William H. Owens, Fairfield Peter Allgood, Fairfield Amos Atterbury, Fairfield Wm. W. Buchanan, Fairfield Henry Currey, Fairfield Michel Cassdy, Fairfield Tyron R. Hall, Fairfield Henry James, Fairfield James McDaniel, Fairfield David A. Miller, Fairfield Larkin F. Mundoy, Fairfield Joseph C. Patton, Fairfield Hahalon Reed, Fairfield Joseph Smith, Fairfield Jackson Stone, Fairfield |
John W. Stephens, Fairfield James McClasky, Fairfield Jonathan Young, Fairfield Richard Shumake, Fairfield George Coonard, Fairfield Henry Chapman, Leech John Greenwood, Fairfield Willis Greenwood, Fairfield William Orrison, Fairfield James Posey, Fairfield Zachonah Posey, Fairfield Benjamin Rodgers, Fairfield William Shumake, Fairfield A. W. Shumake, Fairfield Elijah Ullin, Zif |
COMPANY M, 5TH ILLINOIS CAVALRY
|
Jacob M. Baker, Wayne County Jos. W. Smith, Jr., Wayne County James B. Martin, Wayne County Arron Keyser, Wayne County John Bowman, Mt. Erie Alonzo Cams, Wayne County Cicero Hart, Wayne County |
William Knapp, Wayne County Willis Morris, Wayne County Asil Mayers, Wayne County Charles Shile, Wayne County Eli J. Brock, Fairfield Joseph Osterman, Mt. Erie James Denton, Johnsonville |
COMPANY G, 136TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
James H. Shelton, Fairfield
Henry A. Organ, Fairfield
On May 11,1846, congress passed an act declaring that a state of war exists between the Republic of Mexico and the government of the United States. Appropriations of ten million dollars was made to carry on the war, and the president was authorized to accept fifty thousand volunteers. Illinois was called on for three regiments of infantry or riflemen. Later a call for two more regiments was made on Illinois. Wayne county men served Company F of Third (3rd) with Col. Foreman Regimental Commander. Also later call August 13, 1847, Captain Michael W. Lowler organized an independent company at Shawneetown, III., known as the Michael K. Lawler Company. Men from, Wayne also served with this company. Co. F, Illinois Infantry volunteers with John A. Campbell command, were Wayne county men mustered in July 1, 1846. Many years elapsed after the close of the Mexican War and a much greater period since the Black Hawk War; But the Adjutant General's office had no records of service of Illinois soldiers of either of these wars with the exception of a few meager rolls of militia and riflemen turned over to them by the heirs of former Governor Edwards. For unknown reasons the war department of the United States would not give out this information to the Illinois Adjutant's office.
In 1874 the Society of Veterans of Mexican, Block Hawk and Florida wars, at their annual reunion revived interest in efforts to get the records of Illinois soldiers from the war department. Not until 1879 when Governor Cullom called on Hon. Robert T. Lincoln -who had just been appointed Secretary of War were Illinois records transcribed by order of Mr. Lincoln and turned over to the Adj. Gen. for the archives of his office. Much history of these wars has been brought about by many of the men who served. The third and fourth regiments placed under General Paterson's Division moved from Matamoas to Tampico, formed part of General Shields Forces. They took part in Decretion on Vera Cruz March 14, 1847, in the battle of
Cerro Gordo. Third and Fourth regiments were hotly engaged and gained credit for bravery. General Shields was severely wounded and carried from the field. The Third Illinois losses included one killed and 15 wounded. The soldier killed was Benjamin Merritt, great uncle of Joe, Charles, Murel, Luna Merritt and Mrs. Roy Boyd. These Units were brought to New Orleans by boat and mustered out May 21 to 25, 1847.
Those Who Served
Men from Wayne. county who served with Michael K. Lawler's Company were William Baker, Josiah dark, William Eaton, Robert Gaston, Tevis Greathouse, John O'Malley, John Overbee, John Gaston and Peter O'Neil. William Sumpter was discharged with disability January 28, 1848. He is the grandfather of Ruby, Charles, Edna, and Goldie Sumpter Morris, of Geff. Sumpter died of wounds received in the Civil War. There is no doubt but that more died in the service. Many of these served in the Civil War.
COMPANY F. ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER THIRD REGIMENT
|
John A. Campbell Jacob Love Ephraim Merritt Samuel Hooper Samuel J. R. Wilson Austin Organ William Merritt James Turner Warren E. McMacklin Daniel Simpson John W. Wallace William B. Wilson Joseph J. R. Turney Jefferson W. Barnhill Wm. R. Armstrong Ridgon Barnhill Nathan Crews James A. Cox Hiram H. Cook Hewlett H. Cook William M. Cook |
Benj. W. Clevenger John G. Dorris David H. Day Sterling C. B, Ellis John Y. Edwards John Ewing Benj. Funkhouser William J. Frazier Samuel Fitzgerred William Gray Ellis S. Gray Sion Harris William D. Ham William E. Harlin John Hulshcraft Riley V. Johnson Silas Johnson William Kimmel Bluford Lard James Lacy Wm. T. Matthews Willis Morris |
David Murphy Jos. W. McCullough David McCollum Samuel McCollum David Owen Hosea C. Phelps James Reed William C. Phelps William Reed Jeremiah Rusher Henry C. Rusher William C. Simpson Andrew J. Simpson William Simpson Rowland H. Shannon Jefferson Sloan Minian R. Taylor James H. Taylor John Tims John White Alfred West |
Men Discharged on Doctor Certificates of Disability
|
Isaac S. Warmoth James H. Farley William Black Benjamin Beech David Cox Moses M. Campbell |
Daniel M. Clevenger Henry Fitch James M. Harris Thomas J. Harris John B. Holmes Abraham Linder |
James McCary George W. Matthews Jacob Palmer Henry Reed Tyra Robinson Shirley Trotter |
THE BLACK HAWK WAR OF 1832
Some two companies of men from Wayne county were called up in the latter months of the campaign with some 55 officers and men to the company. The Black Hawk chief of Sac Tribe repudiated the treaties signed with the United States by which certain lands of the Sac and Foxs tribes east of the Mississippi river were to be vacated.
Black Hawk Defeated
He suffered defeat with conflict of 1832. The first campaign involved some 1600 men. He recrossed the river April 6, 1832 with some 500 warriors, women and children, moved up Rock River and tried to get the Pottawotamies and Winnebogoes to join him in war against the whites. They refused. Gov. Reynolds called for 1000 men from Central and Southern Illinois
April 16, 1832. Meeting with some success, but losing many of his warriors. Black Hawk, with remaining warriors, women and children, fled west losing some enroute. On August 7, 1832, the war was virtually ended. August 27, 1832, Black Hawk was captured by some Winnebagoes and delivered to the whites at Prairie Du Chien. He and his family were sent as hostages to Fort Monroe and retained there until June 1833.
Treaty Signed — War Ends
In September 1832 a treaty was made which ended the Indian trouble in Illinois. Black Hawk, upon regaining' his liberty, conducted himself in a friendly manner to the whites. In 1837 he visited Washington, D. C., with 3 deputation of chiefs of his trible on an invitation of the president to settle differences between his tribe and the Sioux. He later settled in Lee county
Iowa, built a house by the DeMoines river, and lived there with his family and farmed with the whites. It has been said that no one of his race ever excelled him in patriotism or love for his country. His last words to Americans "Rock River was a beautiful country, I like my towns, my cornfields and the home of my people. It will produce good crops. I fought for it, it is now yours." He was 72 years old when he died.
Those Who Fought
Following is a list of those who fought. There were two companies from Wayne County.
Capt. James N. Clark Company, Mounted 3rd Reg. 1st Brigade
Called by Gov. proclamation dated May 5, 1932. mustered out August 15, 1832
|
James N. Clark David Ray Jesse Laird Daniel Sumpter William Howard Henry Oley Isaac Street Joseph Walker John A. McWhartens Lewis Watkins Nathan E. Roberts Harris Austin James B. Austin David Alexander Robert Bain Greenup Bradshaw Asa Bullord Joseph M. Campbell James Clark |
William Clark Younger Dickerson George Dolton Andrew Dolton George Farleigh John Fitzgerald Joseph L. Garrison James Garrison William Graham Jeremiah Hargrove William Harland Alfred Haws Benjamin Hows John Hanson Samuel James Peter Kenshalow David Martin Nathan Martin
|
Andrew Mays William McCullam Joseph Morris Chesley Ray Asa Ray Jacob Rister Fenton Sanders Richard Session David D. Slocumb David Smith James Trotter Johalen Tyier George Walker Greenbury Walker Jefferson Warrick James R. Warrick John G. Widdus John L. White Arthur Bradshaw
|
Captain Benjamin G. Wells Co., Mounted 3rd Reg. 1st Brigade
Mustered in Service May 15, 1832. Mustered out Aug 15, 1832
|
Benjamin G. Wells John Brown James B. Carter Hugh Stewart James G. Banner Leon Harrys Riley Serratt Robert Harris Ramsom Harris Albert Butler Elijah Harris Nathan Franklin Jonathan Wisley John Bird Justis Beach John Bowner
|
John Berry Robert D. Cates Hewlett H. Cook Robert Cates James M. Cook Isaac Carter Job Downer Robert R. Gaston Jacob Hall Isaiah Hodges Isham Hodges James C. Harland Moses Hart Joseph Harris William Irvin Samuel Lock Jonathan McCracken
|
Nathan Martin Samuel Neel Andrew Neel Henry Neel Thomas Phelps Nicholas Smith John G. Stephenson Enoch Shoemaker Job Stephenson John W. Snider Westley Staton Fielding C. Turner James Turner William White M. C. Wells Clement C. Young
|
In 1810 a series of massacres and depredations were committed by the Indians of Illinois territory upon the citizens of Louisiana territory. This led to a long correspondence between the governors of Illinois and Louisiana territories.
Indian Raids
Most daring of the raids which caused great excitement, was committed at Portage De Sioux which resulted in the death of four white men and the serious wounding of a fifth. It was evident to Gov. Edwards of the Illinois territory that the Pottawotamies were guilty of this outrage and requisition was made on them for the murders. He commissioned Capt. Samuel Levering July 24, 18] 1, to visit the tribes on the Illinois river and demanded of them the author of the murders which were committed. Capt. Levering departed July 24, 181 I, from Kaskoskia and called on a Mr. Jarrots at Cahokia where a group was put together. On July 25, 1811, this group embarked by boat furnished by Gov. Clark of the Louisiana territory, with the necessary equipment and provisions, and with a Pottawottamie Indian named Wish-Ha, and eight oarsmen, each armed with guns, they headed for Peoria.
Seek Indian Raiders
The expedition was met at Portage De Sioux three days later by Capt. Whiteside and his men who came 'from a blockhouse near the mouth of the Illinois River. July 29, 1811, they arrived at Prairie Marcot, 19 miles above the mouth of the Illinois River. Here Lt: John Campbell was stationed with 17 men. On arrival at Peoria, a parley was held with Chief Gomo of the Pottawotamies resulting in Gomo giving up two stolen horses found in possession of his men, but claimed he could not name the murderers. Little Chief promised to deliver two more horses to' a Capt. Heald at Chicago. Gomo promised to deliver the murderers if they were found. At this conference it was ascertained that Missouri was near Prophetstown. Hope was that the murderers would be turned over by fall. By exposure and disease contacted on this expedition, Capt. Levering died soon after his return to Kaskaskia.
Provoke More Indian Trouble
Through summer of 1811, English emissaries keep up industriously the dastardly work setting the Indians on the white settlers. Encouraged by their promises, Tecumseh conceived a plan of combining the Southern tribes in league with Northern tribes to make war on the United States until their land would be restored.
His attack on Gen. Harrison's forces with some 700 men, under cover of darkness, ended in defeat with many-of his men killed and wounded. Loss by Illinois troops for this victory — 37 killed, 25 mortally wounded who afterwards died. In the battle which took place November 6, 1811, among those killed was Capt. Isaac White for whom White county was named.
During the winters 1811 - 1812, Indians on upper Mississippi were hostile and committed many murders encouraged by the British, they moved on Southern Illinois, killing white settlers on both sides of the river. Andrew Moore and his son, of Middle Fork of Big Muddy, was. killed by Indians. Moore Prairie Jefferson was named for him. They attacked. Hillsfort but were repulsed March 1812, meeting at Cahokia. All tribes in Illinois were represented. Capt. Edward Hebert acted for Gov. Edwards. The Indians said "Peace," but did not mean it.
British Incite Massacres
August 1812, the Chicago Massacre. The Indians were still being stirred and excited by British agents. On June 19, 1812, Congress declared war against Great Britain. Illinois militia, thoroughly organized, built additional forts-near the mouth , of the Little Wabash and LaMotte Creek. The greatest massacre ever committed in Illinois — 38 soldiers were killed and most all the women and children were killed. French settlers at Peoria were exciting Indians to attack white settlers. Capt. Thomas Craig, of Shawneetown, with his company, moved north toward Peoria destroying Indian villages on the way. It is believed that many men in this command were Wayne county men. The Kickapoos attacked and John Lively, an old ranger, was one of five killed. In Washington county near the town of Carlyle two were killed and their bodies were badly mutilated. Murders were committed in Alexander county near Fort LaMotte near Vincennes Mrs. Huston and four children were killed. At Small Prairie in Edwards County, Mr. Boltinghouse was killed. Small Prairie was named for him.
Many Towns Raided
In 1814 British incited Indians were active all along the frontier. In July they raided the town of Wood River killing Mrs. Reagan and her six children. All the Indians escaped but one, who was shot out of a tree by Capt. Whiteside. The Indians had Mrs. Reagan's scalp fastened to his belt. In Washington County, Capt. Short's rangers camped in Lively's cabins and caught and killed 7 Indians with four stolen horses. One soldier, William O'Neal, was killed. With the approach of winter, Indian depredations became fewer and finally ceased. This about closed the war. Rangers and volunteers were discharged
October 14, 1814. Mounted rangers called to service September 1814 were the last men called in the War of 1812. They were released December 8, 1814. These men were from Wayne county and surrounding counties. The number of men involved in this war is not known, but is thought to be a large number.
There are ten revolutionary veterans buried in Wayne County of which there is a record. No doubt there are more. Any information anyone may have concerning others, we would like to have.
The ten are:
James Clark, born April 1755, North Carolina, served seven enlistments, 4 years, 2 months. Wounded in the thigh at Hiamasseean Black Stocks. Came to Wayne county in 1818, died August 25, 1834. He was pensioned.
George Clark served from Virginia, moved to Kentucky after the war, then to Illinois. Died in Wayne, no date given. He was pensioned.
James Gaston, born South Carolina, July 24, 1761, enlisted, 1778. He was prisoner of war for two months, paroled, re-enlisted, served till May 1781. Came to Illinois from Indiana. Died' March 7, 1840. Buried Bovee cemetery. First person buried there was great-grandfather, Wm. Bill Clark.
John Hanson, born in Virginia 1761. He enlisted 1778 for two months. He again served in 1781, was ten months with North Carolina troops, Came to Wayne, died July 25, 1835. He was pensioned.
James Lock, born in Virginia August 24, 1761 : Enlisted in 1779 for three months. He again served three months. In 1781 he came to Wayne County. Have no date of his death. He was pensioned.
John H. Mills was from the Carolinas. He served in the war from South Carolina, came to Illinois. He applied for pension in 1840 at the age of 87 years. He died before pension was granted. Pension record.
William Simpson, born in Virginia October 14, 1755, served with Virginia troops, came to Illinois, died in Wayne county 1839. He was pensioned. Enlisted in 1777, served three months as a Pvt. Vol. under Maj. Armstrong. Discharged, 1781. Came to Illinois in 1813. Buried in Simpson cemetery.
Thomas SIoan served in the war from North Carolina, after the war came to Illinois, settled in McLean county. Later to Wayne county where he died and was buried at Bovee. He was pensioned.
James Stuart, born in South Carolina December 1, 1762. He first enlisted 1779 for two months, again in 1780 for three months, again in 1780, this time under a Captain named John Steele. He twice more enlisted making five in all, was in eight engagements, moved to Kentucky, from there to Illinois. He settled in Wayne county, Fairfield Twp. Died in 1845 and buried in old fairground north of Fairfield. He was pensioned.
Alexander Ramsey, born in South Carolina. At the age of 16 years he enlisted for service in the Revolutionary War, served during the last two years of that struggle. He came to Illinois in 1818 and settled at Mt. Erie Twp. He operated the first horse power mill in the township for some 15 years. He died in 1856 at age of 92 years. He was buried in Mt., Erie cemetery.
Few, if any, history have any account of the girl soldier who disguised herself and served in the Continental Army. She was not identified as a girl until she was wounded. She served honorably. Her name, Deborah Simpson, served three years and left service in 1781.
All
Pages Copyright © 2008 Laurie Selpien
All Rights Reserved