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WAR HISTORY of SANTA CLARA COUNTY
BY EDITH DALEY
EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY SANTA CLARA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from Microsoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/warhistoryofsant00dalerich
Work Organizations:
Officers and members of Santa Clara County War
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A complete list of the names of the men who entered the service of the United States from this county during the war, is nowhere to be found. Much effort has been made to perfeet the list for this history. It is important that whoever diseov- ers the name of a service man that has been omitted, shall write such name in this book, in its proper place, in the printed columns. Also write the name on a posteard and mail to the undersigned, for in- sertion in a possible second edition of this history. H. J. B. WRIGHT, M. D., Ryland Bldg., San Jose, California.
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Representative members of the Santa Clara County War Work Couneil and Women's Mobilized Army :
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ANNOUNCEMENT
. The Santa Clara County Historical Society earnestly desires to preserve the record of the noble work done and the sacrifices made by the people of this county in support of our nation during the world-war. This book is offered to our fellow citizens for that pur- pose. The descriptive text-the first half of the book-was written by Edith Daley while the war was in progress; the accuracy of her statements and the felicity of her composition are important factors of this history. The remainder of the book has been produced by the historical society at much cost of labor and without hope of pecuniary reward.
H. J. B. WRIGHT, President. Santa Clara County Historical Society.
San Jose, Dec. 22, 1919.
THE WAR HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY
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U he great volume of war work activities de- scribed in the following pages is the result of many co-operating forces. Each patriotic worker deemed his obligation equal with the soldier in the trench, to do and sacrifice to the limit of power in response to every call of the government. Every War Work organization was imbued with this splendid spirit of truc Americanism and every patriotic effort and sacrifice has made history for Santa Clara County, that will be everlasting.
If we were to single out one of these as being more important than the others the press is cer- tainly that one. The numerous papers published
in this county have undoubtedly made possible the marvelous organization of the War Work Council with all its ramifications and detail, the Women's Molilized Army, the Red Cross' wonderfully aug- mented activities, and various other allied organi- zations. And space is here taken to enter a recog- nition of the power of the press in this work.
Let us not overlook the fact that churches, schools, fraternal societies, social and scientific organizations, business concerns, the widow with her mite, and the boot-black with his brushes, all united in one great heroie and patriotic effort to resist the vicious Hun.
WAR HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY
Santa Clara County's part in the world war.
Things in the process of making rarely reveal their true significance. We await completion be- fore measuring values. During the hurry and stress of war-time responsibilities when even the average easy-going citizen was called upon to bear unusual burdens, we did not realize that the aetiv- ities in which we were engaged constituted the making of history. Time mellows experience and the story of yesterday's fighting on the home line will be painted in softer colors by reason of the interval and the perspective we have gained.
With the fifth liberty loan, the victory loan campaign, a thing of the past and its files already dusty, the state, the county and the city awaken to the fact that various war activities were illumi- nated pages in the great world war history. The fighters in the home trenches had their battles and their victories no less than did the sons of Old Glory who followed the light of its stars overseas.
The war that had seemed very far away sud- denly eame near-so near that the cold steel of the enemy touched warm American hearts. Ger- inany had started it. We suddenly knew that it was up to us to finish it-at whatever cost.
On April 6, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed the resolution of congress declaring the "existence of a state of war" and asking that all the resources of the United States be "directed to prosecute hostilities against the German govern- ment to a successful termination." Resources meant not only men but money-money for the maintenance of our own army and navy, and money to loan our allies against the coming of that "successful termination." We were reminded of what Napoleon once said, that the three essen- tials to the prosecution of successful warfare were money, money and money." Fifty years ago over three billion dollars was raised to provide for the expenses of the civil war. In 1917 the country's wealth was eight times as grent and the banking resources 20 times as great. Whatever America had to do she was able to do.
There were two ways of raising the amount needed: Germany's method of taxation or the issu- ance of bonds. Uncle Sam borrowed, giving his interest bearing promissory note to every man, woman and child who offered him their savings or their wealth.
Secretary of the Treasury W. G. MeAdoo, on April 10 predicted the amount of the bond issue that would be needed. Then we began to talk of buying government bonds as we might have talked of purchasing a commutation ticket previously. Men talked it over. Bonds. A big issue. Not all at once but as funds were needed. When Uncle Sam asked for a "loan" it meant that real war was ahead. People cheeked up their savings. More and more flags fluttered out everywhere. The sky was ablaze with them. A new tenseness and seriousness pervaded business eireles. Then came the never-to-be-forgotten nation-wide observ- ance of Preparedness Day-on April 12, 1917.
More than 10,000 loyal citizens led by City Man- ager Thomas H. Reetl, who was responsible, for the day's success, marched through the city's, streets while the Stars and Stripes waved above them and bands played Dixie and America-and the thrill- ing Marseillaise. Thousands of hearts swelling and throats tightening queerly when the flag went by! We began to realize that war encompassed us all.
That night, at a great mass meeting in the high school auditorium hundreds unanimously pledged hearts and hands to the country's cause. There we renewed our "allegiance to the flag and to the high principles of liberty, humanity and justice which it represents."
On May 3, 1917, the announcement was made that the first offering of bonds authorized under the finance law would be $2,000,000,000. "Liberty Loan" issue, open to popular subscription at par; subscriptions to be received until June 15. Bonds to be dated July 1 and ready for delivery then. Bonds were attractively exempt from taxation- except estate or inheritance taxes, and bore three and one-half per cent interest. Denominations were from $50 to $100,000 and payments arranged on easy terms, two per cent payable on appliea- tion. The 12 Federal Reserve Banks were desig- nated as the central agencies in their respective districts. Santa Clara county's quota was approx- imately $2,000,000, this amount being figured with the bank deposits as a basis.
Boys were enlisting-volunteering. Adolph B. Canelo Jr., offered his services to his country and hurrieid home from Columbia university at this time, being ordered to the Presidio at San Francisco. L. M. Farrell was made a lieutenant colonel and ordered to important duties in the San Joaquin valley. We were watching this San Jos- ean's rapid military rise with neighborly interest and pride. Katherine Burke, the dynamic Scottish hospital worker who had seen experience on every fighting front, was here thrilling us with vivid word pictures of things overseas. Colonel Theo- dore Roosevelt was using his most strenuous endeavor to gain permission to raise a regiment for service in France. This touched us closely through our own Dave Dobbins whose patriotism flamed to meet that of the First American. Dave didn't go then. Roosevelt was rejected by his country and this tragie disappointment Dave Dobbins shared. Nothing daunted he went to Canada and enlisted there. We glorified in his determination when he returned to San Jose for a few days some months ago in the natty uniform of an English aeroplane instructor.
We began to hear of war gardens and food conservation, of the council of defense and regis- tration. There were frequent flag presentations and we learned how to properly salute Old Glory. Men who kept their hats on when the grandest flag on earth went by met strangely questioning looks. We were absorbing the war spirit. It came to us in larger measure when we who stayed at
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WAR HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY
home realized that by buying bonds we could fight with our money .:
About this time. Joseph 'M. Parker, manager of the Sperry Flour company, spoke prophetically. The price of flour and other commodities had been steadily elimbing. Some one asked Parker what he thought about the probable continuanee of high prices.
"Even if the war were finished today," said Parker, "Europe will be left with millions of tired men, shot and broken to pieces. Their tools and implements have long been out of service and the soil is ruined for tillage. It will be several years before they can feed themselves. We will have to feed them. With Europe looking to us for food the price of foodstuffs will not come down."
On May 14, 1917, the details of the Liberty Loan were telegraphed all over the country. Offi- cers training camps opened. Men flocked to fill them, Pacifists were abroad in the land, their voices raised in protest against the country's war policy. The Espionage measure was passed May 14. We began to hear the ominous words "slack- er," "disloyalty," and "sedition." The old easy settled routine of things was sadly disturbed at the time of the beginning of the first Liberty Loan drive.
FIRST LIBERTY LOAN DRIVE
California was divided into two districts with the Tehachapi the dividing line and Los Angeles and San Francisco headquarters. The northern district was divided into sixteen sub-districts with a competent bond seller in charge of each. Before the real campaign started voluntary local bond subscriptions began to come in. The Knights Templar and Observatory Parlor of the Native Sons were the first Fraternal organizations to buy bonds. Sen. Frank H. Benson and Judge Urban A. Sontheimer are on record as having advocated the early purchase of Liberty Bonds by the Native Sons.
May 23, 1917, by telegraphic designation, the Secretary of the Treasury and A. Kains, Governor of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, appointed a local committee for handling the cam- paign in Santa Clara county, particularly to receivo bond subscriptions. The following men werc named: John Brooke, Vice-President Safe Deposit Bank, Chairman; W. K. Beans, president of Bank of San Jose; W. E. Blauer, manager local branch of Bank of Italy; W. S. Clayton, president First National Bank; T. S. Montegomery, president Gar- den City Bank and Trust Company; Wilbur Edwards, president Security Savings Bank.
The 'opening of the Second Officers' Training Camp preceded the first Bond Drive. Very few San Joseans ever knew that the work of inter- viewing and examining all the applicants for shoulder straps and military titles was done by a working volunteer committee of three. W. S. Clayton, A. B. Post and V. J. LaMotte did this patriotic service rejecting the men they considered
unfit and sending the others to San Francisco for acceptance or rejection by the "higher powers."
The little old oak table in room 401 in the First National Bank building could unfold an interesting tale if it had a voice. Beside it the committee of three met the embryo officers and here also the real work of the first liberty bond drive had its beginning. On the evening of May 24, 1917, a few San Jose men gathered in this room to talk over the task that confronted the nation and the task that awaited them.
It was a poorly attended meeting. No extra chairs had to be brought in. Around the worn old table were W. S. Clayton, Dr. W. C. Bailey, John Kuster, E. K. Johnston, H. L. Baggerly, J. D. Far- well and perhaps one or two others whose names are forgotten. No records were kept. Only the little room and the oak table can tell the whole story. It was an earnest gathering and the power generated here won a smashing victory in Bonds with which to back up the boys!
This office had no telephone so on May 26 these volunteers moved into rooms 701-702. This was E. N. Richmond's office and he donated its use during the entire period of the first and second Bond drives. In the new headquarters there was another small but signifieant meeting on the even- ing of "moving day," May 26, 1917. At this memorable time a complete working commiittee was named. John D. Kuster, manager of the Pa- eifie Gas and Electric Company was made County chairman and Dr. W. C. Bailey secretary. The bank committee previously named by Kains and McAdoo was supplemented by other appointments, making the personnel of the original bond workers as follows:
Jolın D. Kuster, Dr. W. C. Bailey, John F. Brook, E. N. Richmond, J. D. Farwell, Howell D. Melvin, H, L. Baggerly, Elton R. Shaw, Geo. N. Herbert, Alfred B. Post, Wm. E. Blauer, E. K. Johnston, Walter Mathewson, V. J. La Motte, W. S. Clayton, G. R. Parkinson, Herbert Robinson, H. G. Coykendall, Chas. R. Parkinson and Wilbur J. Edwards.
A new and very grave responsibility had to be faced. Each man realized that there was a tremendous task ahead. There was no organiza- tion, no plan. A way had to be found. Each man only knew that Unele Sam had touched him on the shoulder and that he was expected to put that shoulder to the wheel of national affairs and help to win the war. Not a man faltered though it meant the hardest kind of work and the neglect of his private business interests. This was "big business." San Jose and Santa Clara County men of affairs would do their loyal part in com- pany with the humblest citizen sons of Uncle Sam. Each had the feeling that the eyes of his country- men were upon him; that the empty hands "over there" were outstretched to him in appeal. There came a new thrill of brotherhood for our allies. That thrill tightened the throats of stern business men when news came that the Stars and Stripes
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were floating high over Victoria Tower in Lon- don-the first time in the history of a thousand years that any flag other than the English had been raised over the "Mother of Parliament."
Work began in earnest. Telephones and auto- mobiles were requisitioned. The committee forgot to look at the clock. On May 25, Senator James D. Phelan telegraphed from Washington "We are fighting for our liberty with the weapon nearest our hand. The Liberty Bond is such a weapon."
Slogans met one everywhere. "Have you bought your Liberty Bond?" "Fight or Pay;" "Enlist or Contribute,"' shouted at the reader from every page of the newspapers. Bonds were urged as investments and suggested as ideal wed- ding presents!
Sunday, May 27, congregations in San Jose churches, listened to eloquent appeals to their loy- alty and patriotism. In one church the pastor changed "Jerusalem" to "America" with telling effect, his text reading: "If I forgot thee, O America, let my right hand forget its cunning."
The committee on public meetings consisted of Elton R. Shaw, E. K. Johnston and E. N. Rich- mond. They were to consult with Alexander Sheriffs, Superintendent of Schools. On May 29, the first big lunehcon was held at the St. James hotel. Invitations to attend this luncheon were sent to the executive heads of all fraternal orders, church societies, social clubs and to all preachers, teachers, business and professional men. The speech of the hour was made by Max Kubl and the spirit of the gathering was President Wilson 's message: "The supreme test of the nation has eome. We must all act and serve together."
On Decoration Day hundreds gathered in St. James park to hear Rev. J. W. Kramer's wonder- ful tribute to his country and his dramatic appeal for every loyal citizen's loyal support in the hour of America's need. "Old Glory," said the speaker, " May it wave and wave and never be furled until it is folded over the grave of dethroned Prussian- ism! May it wave and wave until war shall only be a fit inscription for the gates of hell! And wave and wave until all suffering humanitiy shall feel the warmth of its loving embrace!
On this Decoration Day, C. E. Kratt, the first pharmacist to enlist, left San Jose to join the colors'and J. D. Chase, Jr. Secretary of the County Council of Defense since its organization, enlisted as a private in the National Guard.
An evening in early June the committee mot in Richmond's office and Chairman Kuster an- nounced that the Rotarians had been eanvassed and each promised to buy bonds. He had also spoken to 37 Pacific Gas and Electric employees and 36 had replied favorably. That was a start.
Every bank in the county was alive to the need and subseribing liberally. On the night of June 6, City Manager Thomas H. Reed and Cyrus Pierce of San Francisco addressed a mass meeting at the Victory Theatre at which Judge W. A. Beasly presided. E. N. Richmond acted as bond
seller and $44,650 was subscribed on the spot. Only ahout 1000 attended this first mass meeting but each of the 1000 men and women went away fully determined that San Jose should do its full duty.
Music for this meeting was furnished by W. E. Johnson, assisted by Dr. Charles M. Richards and the following quartet: Mrs. Charles Bras- land, Mrs. J. C. Elder, Roy Thompson and Warren French. When W. E. Johnson sang "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," and "The Star Spangled Banner" that night in June he little thought how many times his appealing voice would wake San Jose audiences to beights of patriotism in the days to come-days that were to bring him heart- breaking news in the casualty lists from his "Mother England."
On June 8, 1917, led hy Charles R. Parkinson, the Rotarians started a "Shoe Leather Campaign" of the residential and business districts with an accompanying "boost" program of patriotic mass meetings. That evening at the high school mem- bers of the committee addressed the student body numbering 1500.
Among other things, John Kuster said tersely: "It's up to the United States to lick Germany. If we don't do it Germany is going to lick us."
W. S. Clayton said in part. "You must do your part if you intend to sustain the present civi- lization under which you live."
E. N. Richmond characterized the present crisis as "one of the psychological moments of history. Get together and organize. This is only the first call."
Louis Campiglia, Rotarian president, heartily sanctioned the "Shoe Leather Campaign." Fol- lowing the mecting 100 high school boys under the direction of John Lynch president of the student body, formed a special committee to canvas the residential district. There were committees ap- pointed to interview all lawyers and, indircetly, their clients. This committee consisted of F. H. Bloomingdale, David M. Burnett, L. Petrec and L. B. Archer. All lines of business were segregated and a committee appointed for cach list. No business house was forgotten. For instance: Elmer E. Chase was given cannerieis; Dr. David A. Beattie, doctors and nurses; A. G. DuBrutz, plumbers; Ferdinand G. Canelo drygoods and department stores; Robert F. Benson, automobiles and accessories. Barber shops fell to the lot of Wm. L. Prussia. Jay MeCabe, being known for his amazing versatility, was handed a list which designated priests, and Chinese and Japanese set- telments. For Jay's assistance leaflets were printed in Japanese, Chinese and Italian. Alex- ander Sheriffs was to interview heads of type- writer and office supply houses, including "cash registers."
Then masculine shoc heels began to "run over" and soles to wear through. Nobody shirked. For a time it looked as if the high school solicitors were making a better record than the business
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men. That caused Captain Charles Parkinson to send a letter to each Rotarian which said in part: "Dear Rotarian-We have been drafted to do our bit in this most serious crisis of our country's history. No slackers in Rotary! * * We can't afford to allow the high school of San Jose which has been organized to solicit the residential sec- tion to beat out a bunch of live business men at their own game. Charles Parkinson, Captain."
That increased the speed!
Among speakers at the meetings held in the various school houses were D. M. Burnett, Judge U. A. Sontheimer, E. N. Richmond, Charles M. O'Brien, Chauncey F. Tramutolo, Dr. F. H. Pat- terson, George N. Herbert, Arthur M. Free, A. G. DuBrutz, W. L. Atkinson, Elton R. Shaw, W. S. Clayton and City Manager Thomas H. Reed.
Everybody was working and working hard. The office of Secretary was no sinecure. Dr. W. C. Bailey was a whole battery of big guns and Chair- man John Kuster a regular vitalizing current of energy.
The "Shoc Leather Campaign" opened at 10 a. m. June 11 with ear-splitting whistle blasts, a clamor of . auto horns and the clang of fire, church and school bells. San Jose was not to be a slacker city-not while this First Liberty Loan committee had "shoe leather to burn" on the pavements!
Just here the "four minute men" made their entrance in the campaign, speaking in the theatres. The men who won applause and bond subscriptions in four minutes were City Manager Thomas H. Recd, Councilman W. L. Atkinson and Deputy Dis- trict Attorney Fred L. Thomas.
A unique break in the routine of Probato pro- cecdings occured in Judge P. F. Gosbey's court when he gave permission to trustees of various estates to use funds for the purchase of Liberty Bonds. Thousands of dollars otherwise unavail- able were loaned to Uncle Sam by this order which the Judge expressed himself as "glad to make."
By Wednesday, June 13, 1917, the San Josean who appeared without a Liberty Loan button was not popular. Banks remained open in the evenings from 7 to 8 for the benefit of subscribers. Up to this time only 361 out of 1628 subscribers had bought bonds directly from the banks. Banks were subscribing heavily, the large percentage of the entire loan being taken by them. Many sig- nificant subscriptions were made. The scholarship fund at the High School purchased a $1000 bond. The First Methodist Sunday school duplicated that purchase following an address by the pastor, Rev. William L. Stidger in which he said: "We are fighting today for the same thing that Jesus Christ fought for and at last dicd for-the conservation of human liberty and freedom."'
About this time John D. Kuster made another cryptic speech: "If we do not come across, Ger- many will!" The day that Kuster said that, little Chester Olson, 12 year old newsboy, read a flam- ing poster that said "Those that stay at home
must feed the boys at the front." Chester was patriotic-and he had $10 in the bank. He "bent it home" to ask father and mother something. They consented. Proudly Chester went to the First National Bank and negotiated for the pur- chase of a $50 bond-$10 down and $2.50 a month. He had made $1.43 in three days. Business was good-and Uncle Sam needed the money. The boy's heart was made of good American material. Later Chester's older brother donned a uniform and the little newsie was gladder than ever to be a bond owner.
The First Liberty Loan drive neared a close. The amount of the quota was almost subscribed. The banks would be closed at 11 a. m. June 15. John D. Kuster, chairman, Dr. W. C. Bailey, see- retary and every committeeman united in a mighty effort to "boost" San Jose "over the top." A constant stream of bond buyers congested all the banks in the last hour with subscriptions totaling $161,000. Frances Craig of the "Come Out of the Kitchen" Company telegraphed a $500 subscrip- tion. Then came cleven o'clock! At headquarters tired business men shook hands and said to each other "we are over the top!" The biggest thing that the city and county had ever been called upon to do was done creditably. Without exper- ience, with no particular organization, by the strength of patriotic citizenship and unselfish effort, John D. Kuster, chairman, Dr. W. C. Bailey, secretary, the tireless committee and each man, woman and child who responded to the country's call had helped record an accomplishment that is pointed to with pride. It was done without the aid of any particular spontancity. There was no great intensity of war spirit but public spirited citizens "put it over" with a final flourish of oversubseription.
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