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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
WILLIAMSON COUNTY
ILLINOIS
IN THE
WORLD WAR
1917 - 1918
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY 977. 3993 B 16w cop. 2
ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEY
Williamson County Illinois In the World War
Containing a Brief Review of The World War-Complete History of Williamson County's Activities - Photographs and Service Records of Williamson County's Soldiers, Sailors and Marines-Industrial Review of Business and Professional Firms Who Have Made This History Possible
Edited by HAL W. TROVILLION THE LIBRARY OF THE Editor and Publisher of the Herrin News FEB 2 1934
Compiled by S. S. BAIRD UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Journalist and Special Publicity Writer
PUBLISIIED BY THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY WAR HISTORY SOCIETY MARION, IIERRIN, JOHNSTON CITY, CARTERVILLE, HURST, CREAL SPRINGS
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Copyright, 1919, by HAL W. TROVILLION All rights reserved
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THE LIBRARY OF THE
FEB 2 1934
977.3993 BIGW cap. 2
Introduction
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
"W" "E here highly reserve that these dead shall not have died in vain-that this nation, un- der God, shall have a new birth of freedom." These prophetic words of Lincoln at Gettysburg uttered more than a half a century ago furnish a most fitting text to the task we fall to in the following pages to record Williamson County's part in the great world war just closed.
In compiling this local history, we have contended throughout with a certain reluctancy on the part of all soldiers who did not appear over enthusiastic to see their picture or war record in print. They wanted no gilt frame about the picture, nor festivities made of their part. They were almost to the man reserved and extremely modest in speaking, when they did speak, of what they saw, did or thought. But everywhere in America this seems to have been the attitude and probably may be put down as a national trait of our new soldiers. Now that the job is finished, they have the satisfaction of feeling that they upheld the honor and the glory of the country and lay claims to no credit save that contentment that comes from a service well per- formed.
Of course this history is not complete. It is practically an impossibility, or to say the least, an almost endless task to bring every person's part in this great undertaking up to exact- ness. No efforts were spared, however, by the Williamson County War History Society to ac- complish the task. Every individual who would lend the least bit of assistance was enlisted in preparing some portion of this work. Public men, business and commercial institutions of every sort, theaters, pulpits, schools and newspapers throughout the country were called upon for various tasks in helping collect data, pictures, compile facts and perform other necessary duties. Everyone of them responded with a willingness and promptness that was beautiful indeed. If any one had ever before been doubtful of the loyalty of Williamson County, Illinois, as we passed through the war, he could not have served on this society and been of the same mind when the book was ready for the printer.
Few counties in Illinois have such a large number of foreign born men of military age re- siding in their communities in proportion to the native born population as did Williamson County at the outbreak of war. The coal mining industry had attracted labor from every- where. The mines, railroads and all other commercial institutions in the county were going at top speed and had been for months preceding our declaration of war against Germany.
Never before had this county experienced such high wages, nor had labor been as scarce and the de and so great as at this time. Prosperity was abroad in the land everywhere and everybody . ad money, especially the young men of military age. It was therefore a matter of long schooling and repeated urging before the spirit of national loyalty took hold of the com- inunity at large and especially the young men. There were few volunteer enlistments in the army in the industrial centers of the county until the war got into the second year.
Our cordial appreciation is extended to Mrs. John A. Logan of Washington, D. C., be- loved widow of General Logan, both of whom were residents of this section of the State, when the great Civil War broke out, for her contribution. Also our thanks are extended Governor Frank O. Lowden of Illinois, the foremost War Governor, for his beautiful tribute. We also desire to acknowledge our indebtedness for the loan of several illustrations that illustrate these pages by Hon. Francis G. Blair, State Superintendent of Public Instruction and previously ap- pearing in a Peace Day publication recently issued by him.
Herrin, Illinois, September 1919.
HAL W. TROVILLION.
26 May 34 Batch.liv
26 Jan 34
9. Direct. lienses Nestomari.
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The Roster
By HERBERT W. CANN
R
EAD in this book while yet the Nation lives its Youth, Unfettered by the coils which ancient Empires weld, A timely reproduction of the glorious truth, . That we still keep unspoiled the faith the Fathers held.
No parish in the mighty state of Illinois, Where Lincoln's profile is on every heart engraved; Gave quite so freely or renounced its fullest joys, That other lands might live, be unoppressed and saved.
Their homes left far behind, perhaps no more to know- The warmth of kindly ways true friendship always gives; Parents and sweethearts too they left, alone to go- Where carnage maimed and slew; through them the Nation lives.
Bend low in reverent grief when reading down the page- On which the names of those we knew in life are writ, Who never more will clasp our hand till every age Has passed its way; till Heaven's canopy is lit.
1 With all the radiancy of love and hope and song- Of joyous earth-freed souls, whose peace forevermore Rests on the Rock of Ages; and who walk among- The myriad glad hosts of eons gone before.
God grant we go not far from trails blazed out by those Who framed our environs with Freedom's spirit blest, That we, like them from whom that spirit always flows, Shall find when life is o'er, a faithful Patriot's rest.
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To All Those Who Fought For Freedom
They saw not clearly nor understood, But yielding themselves, to the master-hand Each in his part as best he could They played it through as the author planned.
CHAMPIONS OF FREEDOM
WILSON .
WASHINGTON
WK
· LINCOLN
PERSHING
... HAIG ...
DIAZ
عباد
... FOCH ···
....
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Biographical-Champions of Freedom
GEORGE WASHINGTON-Born February 22nd, 1732. The "Father of His Country" and the standard bearer of the American Colonies in their birth struggle for freedom against the tyranny of the Hanoverian king, George Ill of England, and the first President of the new republic (1789-1797). It was Richard Henry Lcc, of Virginia, who apotheosized him as "First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his country- ment," a place which will never be usurped by any other so long as the nation which his far-sighted wisdom, unswerving faith and superb generalship were instrumental in founding, remains true to the principles which he laid down for its guidance.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN-Born February 12th, 1809. President of the United States throughout the most critical period of the nation's history, and the one chiefly responsible for it remaining "One and indi- visible, now and forever." Big-hearted and with a knowledge of human nature which a lifetime of ordinary diplomatic training could not give, he was the savior of the United States during the dark days of the Civil War. His emancipation of the Southern slaves was a blessing in disguise to the owners, as it prevented the monopoly of that great section of the country by a few wealthy cotton planters, and forced the development of its great resources. His death at the hand of a fanatical assassin April 14, 1865, was a calamity to North and South alike.
WOODROW WILSON-Born December 28th, 1856. The world gives to this American President a higher meed of credit for the ending of the Great War than to any other single individual, for it was his now famous "Fourteen Points," as set forth in January, 1918, and their later modifications, that the German Chan- cellor asked to be taken as a basis for international peace. Although he not only strove to preserve this country's neutrality during the earlier years of the war, but even initiated several attempts to hring about a reconciliation of the European belligerents, when it became evident that the United States could no longer hold aloof with honor, he cast aside the pen for the sword, and prosecuted the war with fervor. His ideal is an International League as a basis for the future peace of the world.
GENERAL JOHN JOSEPH PERSHING-Born September 13th, 1860. A West Pointer, and head of the Southern Department of the United States Army up to the date of this country's entry into the war, and following the death of General Funston. Was in command of the American troops during the expedi- tion into Mexico. Went to the Philippines in 1899, where he saw' years of efficient service, and is today regarded as the greatest living authority on the Moros. It was while in Mexico, in 1915, that the great tragedy of his life occurred, when his wife and three little daughters were burned to death in their home at the Presidio, San Francisco. His work in France, as head of the American Expeditionary Forces, is a glorious page in the nation's history.
FIELD MARSHAL FERDINAND FOCH-Born August 4th, 1851. The present war is not the first in which the Generalissimo of the United States and Allied armies saw a clash between German and French troops. At the age of twenty lie witnessed the horrors of the Siege of Paris, and that same year (1871) entered the great French military academy. Forty-three years later, he played the greatest part of any general under Joffre in driving back the German offensive against Paris in 1914. And after the Battle of the Marne it was Joffre who declared him to be "the first strategist of Europe." He was made Generalissimo of all the forces operating against the Central Powers in March, 1918, and although suffering reverses for a time, his policy of a continued smashing offensive brought a complete and sweeping victory.
F IELD MARSHAL SIR DOUGLAS HAIG-Born June 19, 1861. Known as the "Silent Haig," because of his habit of saying but little in councils of war, but of listening attentively to all suggestions, and invariably selecting the best advice. Before being called to assume command of all the British forces in the war just closed, Haig had seen much active service in India, Egypt and the Sudan. On December 15, 1915, le succeeded Field Marshal French as head of the British armies, and under lim the British army, referred to by the German Kaiser as "contemptible," soon became as powerful a force in curbing the Teuton blood- lust as the great British navy.
GENERAL ARMANDO DIAZ-Born in Naples in 1861, the "Savior of Venice," is thoroughly Italian, although his name has caused many to think him a native of Spain, from which land his forefathers came three generations back. He took command of Italy's shattered forces in November of 1917, after their rout by the Austrians the preceding month, due to the alleged treachery of General Cadorna. The beautiful Queen of the Adriatic was almost within the grasp of the invaders, when Diaz hy his superb generalship, plucked victory from defeat, and began a counter-offensive which swept hack the Austrians across the Piave, finally compelling them to sue for pcace on Italy's own terms.
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CHAMPIONS OF FREEDOM
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ROOSEVELT
ADMIRAL SIMS
GENERAL WOOD
KING ALBERT
PRES. POINCARE
VICTOR EMMANUEL
KING GEORGE
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Biographical-Champions of Freedom
THEODORE ROOSEVELT-Born October 27th, 1858. Elected to the Vice-Presidency, lie succeeded to the office of Chief Executive on the death of William Mckinley, September 14, 1901, and was elected President in 1904 by the largest majority ever given to any candidate for that great office. Clear-thinking, aggressive and fearless, he was a man of letters as well as a man of action, and as contributing editor to a well-known magazine, often attacked President Wilson's policies during the war just closed. During the Spanish-American War he organized a troop of cavalry known as the "Rough Riders," which saw hard service in Cuba; and offered to raise and lead in person a division for service in the European War, but his offer was not accepted. His death occurred suddenly January 6, 1919. The Nation lost the most commanding. the most original, the most interesting and the most brilliant personality in American public life since Lincoln.
MAJOR LEONARD WOOD-Born, Winchester, N. H., October 9, 1860; appointed assistant army surgeon January 5, 1886; Captain assistant surgeon, January 5, 1891; volunteered with Roosevelt in the "Rough Riders" at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war as Colonel First U. S. Volunteer .Cavalry, and was made major-general, December 7, 1898; awarded Congressional Medal of Honor, March 29, 1898; Military Governor of Cuba and later Governor of Moro Province, Philippine Islands. During the World War was appointed Commander Eighty-ninth Division, N. A., Camp Funston, Kans. Has been acclaimed the greatest military genius in the U. S. Army, but was retained in the United States presumably on account of liis ability to train crack divisions, other conditions would indicate "political reasons."
ADMIRAL WILLIAM S. SIMS-Born October 15th, 1858. The first American officer to have a command abroad in the Great War. His high rank at the outbreak of the struggle was due to his excellent work in developing the gunnery of American seamen, which caused President Roosevelt to give him comn- mand of a battleship over the heads of many others then outranking him. Fearless in criticism of naval abuses, he caused many of them to be rectified. His work in directing the operation of the fleet of Ameri- can destroyers did wonders in keeping in subjection the menace of the German submarines, and is responsible for the fact that 3,000,000 American soldiers were carried to France with so little loss.
ALBERT, KING OF THE BELGIANS-Born April 8th, 1875. A heroic leader of a heroic nation. When Germany, treacherously aiming to strike a death blow at France by pouring her armies over the border through Belgium, whose neutrality she had joined in guaranteeing, she insolently demanded that Belgium afford free passage to her troops. Albert's reply to the Teuton envoy was characteristic: "Belgium is a nation, not a road!" And although overwhelmed by the German onrush, all of her land but a few square miles a prey for four years to the invaders, the dauntless spirit of King Albert held together his army of Belgian heroes, who having saved France, have lived to return to their homes in triumph.
KING GEORGE V OF GREAT BRITAIN-Born June 3rd, 1865. A naval officer up to the time of liis accession to the throne May 6, 1910, George V is known as England's "Sea King," and it is not to be expected that he will be disposed to yield much at the Peace Conference as regards a diminution in the strength and privileges of the British Navy. He is a thoroughly democratic sovereign, and lias played a worthy part in the prosecution of the war, although the peculiarities of the English form of government did not permit of his taking the field in person, like the rulers of Belgium and Italy.
RAYMOND POINCARE-Born August 20th, 1860. After a lifetime of productive labor for his country, during which he had served as Minister both of Finance and of Agriculture, M. Poincare was elected President of the French Republic, taking his seat February 18, 1913. The beginning of the Great War was only eighteen months away; but without foreseeing it, he immediately set to work on the general principles of sound policy, and did much to strengthen the relations and alliances of France with other powers. With the nation actually at war he was quick to see the necessity for unity of thought and action and formed a coalition cabinet of statesmen of all political parties. His selection of "the old tiger," Georges Clemenceau, as Premier, had much to do with keeping France's armies in the field after her foes believed her "bled white."
VICTOR EMMANUEL III -- Born November 11th, 1869. His wife, Queen Helena, a Montenegrin princess, the sympathiies of Italy's King were easily enlisted in the plight of the little Balkan kingdoms of Serbia and Montenegro when they were overrun by the Teuton hordes. But his was a difficult role, for Italy was nominally in alliance with both Germany and Austria. It was, however, one of defense only, and Italy refused to become, like Austria, a cat's paw for the German Kaiser's overweening ambition. Besides, Austria had long held lands which the Italians believed rightfully to belong to their country. Italy there- fore joined the Allies, and Victor Emmanuel, like Albert of Belgium, fought with his troops, and with them shares a well-earned victory.
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Illinois' War Governor
83-2015
HON. FRANK O. LOWDEN
F RANK O. LOWDEN, Oregon, Illinois, Governor (Rep.), was born in Sunrise, Minn., January 26, 1861; moved to Hardin County, Iowa, in 1868, and taught school there for five years, beginning in his fifteenth year. He was graduated from the Iowa State University in 1885, from the Union College of Law (now North- western) in 1887, being valedictorian of his class in each institution. For several years he was president of the Alumni Association and trustee of the Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and Knox College, Galesburg. He was law clerk in the office of Dexter, Herrick & Allen, Chicago, and in 1898 he formed the partnership of Lowden, Estabrook & Davis. His law practice was extensive and varied and he was regarded as a most successful trial lawyer. He occupied the chair of Federal Jurisprudence in the Northwestern Law School. Lowden Hall was named after him for his services there. He purchased Hemenway Farm, now Sinnissippi Farm, on Rock River near Oregon, in 1900. He was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor at the famous deadlock convention in 1904 and was de- feated on the seventy-ninth ballot, Charles S. Deneen being nominated. He served as Republican National Committeeman for Illinois and member of the executive body of the National Committee from 1904 to 1912 and was a member of Congress from the Thirteenth District from 1906 to 1911 when he retired on account of ill health. He was nominated for Governor on the Republican ticket in 1916 with a large plurality and elected by an overwhelming majority. He was married to Miss Florence Pullman, daughter of George M. Pullman, April 29, 1896. They have four children, one son and three daughters.
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Illinois In the World War
BY FRANK O. LOWDEN, Governor of Illinois.
TLLINOIS sent 351,153 soldiers into the Federal service during the Great War. From the summoning of the National Guard to Camp Lowden in Springfield, until the discharge of the Marines in August, 1919, it was my privilege as Governor of Illinois to, see the flower of the State in training camp, marching with fearless eye to the transports, and returning from overseas. There was never any doubt in my mind of the record these men would make. They had a proud heritage to inspire them in their European service. Going from the State that produced Lincoln and the matchless soldiers, Grant and Logan, we could not expect them to do other than bring back our banners un- sullied and untarnished. We followed our soldiers in all the arduous months in which they were away from us. We followed them with love and pride. We are familiar with the great battles in which they were engaged. We know something of Hamel; we know how Illinois men were among the first there to make all the world know what the Amer- ican soldier was and what he could do. We know something of the Mort Homme sector; we remember the Bois de Forges. We recall the trying days in the Argonne. Those names will be treasured forever in the history of
Illinois and the history of the United States. We have not forgotten the comrades who will come back no more. The memories of those hrave men who fell upon the greatest bat- tlefields of history will be tenderly cherished in the heart of Illinois and in the heart of our common country. For, the living, our gratitude, our love; for those silent comrades, our gratitude, our pride, our tears.
Those who spent months in camps in the United States and had none of the excite- . ment and dangers of battle, but who never- theless served their country to the best of their ability, are entitled to praise and grati- tude. Home is Illinois,-America,-the best country in the world. It has always been worth fighting for. The men now sleeping on foreign battlefields have proven that it is worth dying for.
Now that war is over, a new task awaits. It is the preservation of the liberties for which the young men of America risked their lives. It is the resumption of peaceful re- lations. Great problems lie ahead and these soldiers must aid in their solution. I am sure that they will not fail in the future any more than they did in the past when they were called upon to risk all.
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Incident of the Civil War
By Mrs. John A. Logan, Washington, D. C.
GEN. JOHN A. LOGAN
[ Probably the most important and exicting inci- dent connected with Civil War preparations in all Illinois took place on the public square in Marion shortly after the outbreak of the Rebellion when John A. Logan, the congressman from this district, returned from Washington to plead with his con- stituents to cast their lot with the Union cause. His 'beloved widow, still residing in Washington, has kindly contributed specially for this history the graphic picture of those anxious and dangerous days. To fully appreciate the situation we must remember that this portion of Illinois settled in an early day by Southerners was strongly inclined to the Con-
H E mounted the wagon, and after waving a salutation to the throng who sur- rounded him, he began to speak in a voice so clear and so full of volume that every person, even those the farthest from him on the outside of the crowd, could hear him distinctly. In a few moments, a death- like stillness prevailed, the most turbulent spirit in the crowd was as quiet as the dead. You would hear only his sonorous voice, as he, with great deliberation, pictured the situ- ation of affairs, the inevitable consequences of rebellion to this great country, should the theory of secession prevail; telling them at
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MRS. JOHN A. LOGAN
federacy. It required a brave man indeed to face his former closest friends, who were now the worst secessionists and ask them to give up their ideas and go against the land of their fathers. The thrilling midnight ride alone across these prairies by Mrs. Logan to Carbondale to meet her husband and escort him to Marion where he addressed the impatient crowd on the square mounting a farm wagon as a platform, reads like the most exciting piece of fiction. The story is fitting in connection with this present war history in that it presents altogether different conditions under which William- son County, always patriotic, rallied to arms in 1917 to 1918 .- Editor.]
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what cost of blood and treasury the Republic had been established, and how certainly lib- erty would be forfeited and anarchy reign, were the Union once dissolved. Step by step, he led them on for nearly two hours, intensity and earnestness depicted in every lineament of his face, his bright, black eyes gleaming with emotion, every gesture empha- sizing the truthfulness of his remarks.
The effect upon his hearers was magical. They were swayed by his eloquence until they fairly re-echoed his utterances. Toward the close, he said: "The time has come when a man must be for or against his county, not
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for or against his state. How long could one state stand up against another, or two or three or four states stand against others? The Union, once dissolved, we should have nu- merous confederacies and rebellions. I, for one, shall stand or fall for this Union, and shall this day enroll for the war. I want as many of you as will -to come with me. If you say, "No," and see your best interests and the welfare of your homes and your children in another direction, may God pro- tect you."
Luke Sanders, an old fifer, six feet, four inches tall, and very large in proportion, was in the crowd. He had been a fifer in the same regiment with General Logan in the Mexican War. We had seen him previously and he had promised to come and bring his fife and at a signal from J. H. White, was to go up to General Logan, give him his hand as a volunteer, and then was to play a pa- triotic air on his fife, whereat Mr. White and a few others were to step in line and start the volunteering. General Logan did not know that Luke Sanders, the fifer, was to be there, or that he was to lead off in that way and when he saw the herculean figure of his old comrade striding through the crowd making for him, he lost control of his feelings and wept like a child. It is needless to add that through my own tears I witnessed the most affecting scene that had ever oc- curred in that or any other town. At the sound of Sander's fife, and the beating of the one old drum of Gabriel Cox, who was a member of the Drum Corps of the same regi- ment in which General Logan served in the Mexican War, whom Mr. White and Captain Looney and the friends had hunted up-Gen- eral Logan jumped down from the wagon, stepped into the line that was speedily formed. J. H. White, clerk of the Court, Captain W. A. Looney of Johnson County, George W. Goddard, and a dozen other
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