USA > Illinois > Fayette County > Fayette County in the World War > Part 5
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But the promise failed. The harassed enemy could not be allowed to rest. No fresh troops were available so the regiment was again thrown into the line to re- lieve the 313 Infantry of the 79th Division. This relief was effected October 24th. '
The main line of defense was situated on a height overlooking the plain of the Woevre. This had been known as a quiet sector until the 130th infantry took it over, when the shell fire of the Germans increased from about 100 shells a day to 2,500 or more. Due to the fact that the 3rd Battalion had lost so many men it was used for outpost duty.
Co. I. was stationed at Combres from October 29th to November 12th doing outpost duty. The outpost line was so thin that German fighting patrols wandered through the Infantry lines and were captured by the Artillery in the rear.
The Armistice
On the morning the Armistice was signed the Com- pany was lined up for another attack. The barrage was to fall at 4:30 A. M. The Infantry was to advance about daybreak, and the French Cavalry was to leap- frog through. . But the signing of the Armistice brought the Great War to an end.
The scene that took place when the news became general would be hard to describe. Imagine yourself
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after 46 days of terrific fighting, marching, hunger, thirst, shellfire, gas, and nerve-tense moments, then suddenly to realize that it was all over. Some laughed, some cried, some threw grenades, and fired signal rock- ets, and some slept the first sleep they had had for weeks.
During the four months of fighting the 130th In- fantry had been opposed by the 10th Bavarian Infan- try R. I. R., the 1st Austrian Division, the 5th Storm Battalion (Prussian Guards), the 213th Infantry R. I. R., the 60th Landwehr Regiment, the 365th Landwehr Regiment and the 2nd Austrian Division.
Co. I was stationed at Recourt-La-Croix from No- vember 12th to 30th. Here all equipment was cleaned and everybody rested up preparatory for the long hike to Luxemburg. November 30th, the Company moved to Tilly-Sur-Meuse where it remained until December 7th. December 7th the long hike began routed through the following placs: Woll, December 8th; Jarney, De- cember 9th ; Norryola-La-Sec, Dec. 10th; Merci-La-Bas, December 11th; Thil, December 12th; Mener, Luxem- burg, Decemebr 12th to 14th; Sennigan, Dec. 15th; Wasserville, December 15th to 19th; Junelinster, Dec. 20th; Eppledorf, Dec. 21st to 24th, and Beaufort, Dec. 24th to April 25th.
Arriving at Beaufort, Luxemburg, the day before Christmas there was not much time to prepare a Christ- mas dinner. The dinner they had consisted of salmon, tomatoes, molasses, and French bread. During the stay here at Beaufort, schools were opened and drilling was cut down to only a few hours to keep the men in good condition.
While in Luxemburg the transport of the 130th Infantry was developed to such a high state that Gen- eral Pershing in a letter to Col. John V. Clinnin, the Regimental Commander said at that time "that it was . not equaled by any other transport in the American Expeditionary Forces."
Homeward Bound
April 25th the homeward journey began. The move from Beaufort, Luxemburg to Brest, France, was accomplished in American box cars, the first that the
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boys had been fortunate enough to ride in since leaving the United States. They arrived at Brest, April 28th, and set sail on Mothers' Day, May 11th, 1919, on the U. S. Transport "Siboney," landing in New York, May 20th. The Illinois contingent was sent to Camp Grant by way of Chicago, where the Regiment paraded. May 31st the Regiment ceased to exist. It was mustered out of the service at Camp Grant.
After nearly two years of service the boys of Co. I. returned to Vandalia, a mere handful compared with what left on the 9th of October, 1917. Of Co. I. as it left Vandalia, 9 were killed in action or died of wounds. Leut. Slater H. Vollentine Pvt. Chesser W. Brown
Lieut. J. Ivan Dappert Pvt. Fred E. Gelsinger
Sgt. Ivory Bush Pvt Fred Rowland
Mechanic Hallie V. Avis Pvt. George Smith
Pvt. Elza L. Willis
Private Wendell Causey died at Camp Logan, Tex. 25 were wounded or gassed.
1 missing.
9 were commissioned to be officers.
2 were eligible for commissions and had been recommended when the Armistice was signed.
5 Officers, 1 first sergeant, 7 sergeants, 3 corporals and 1 private were cited for gallantry in action, and the Company as a whole rendered a great service to their Country as well as to the State and Nation and have made a record of which we may be justly proud.
Nearly 100 men of the 130th Infantry fell in France. Those who returned are conscious of a duty well performed. All tasks assigned them were accom- plished promptly and well. They were never defeated, and the achievements of the Regiment is written indel- ibly on the pages of American History and will stand an everlasting monument to their memory.
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CHAPTER III.
MEMORIAL HONOR ROLL
William Henry Anderson
Howard Glenn Lawler
John Jacob Bauerle
Clarence Charles Marks
Walter Raymond Bolds
Clifford G. Mattes
Chesser W. Brown
Jesse Walter Morris
Edgar E. Bulka
John E. Reiss
Henry Bush
William Marion Rhodes
Ivory Bush
Ora Campbell 1
· William Rothe Fred Rowland
Wendell Causey
Carter Sears
Charles Cook
Joseph L. Severns
Pearl T. Cowgill +
John William Sidwell
Lewis C. Crawford
George James Smith
Irving Crook
August Henry Stolte
Frank August Dial
Fred Stubblefield
Ferdinand Federman
Elmer Summerlott
Fred Eugene Gelsinger
Edward Tate
Albert Goodman
Clarence A. Tedrick
Edward B. Hale
Claud Watson
Fred Hamilton
John P. Weakly
Benjamin Humes
Delmar Wehe
Carl Jackson
Reid Earnest Wells
John Preston Janes
Elza L. Willis
Almy Bryant King
Emil Wodtka
Clarence E. Lawler
Floyd Harold Wright
LEWIS C. CRAWFORD
Lewis Calvin Crawford, son of Calvin and Rosetta Crawford, was born October 24, 1905 near Browns- town where he lived until he entered the service of his
FAYETTE COUNTY
C
HONOR ROLL
JOSEPH L. SEVERNS ORA CAMPBELL EDWARD TATE
LEWIS C. CRAWFORD
IRVING CROOK CARL JACKSON DELMAR WEHE
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country May 8, 1917. He enlisted at Mattoon and was sent to Jefferson Barracks. Later he was transferred to a camp in Texas and thence to Jersey City, N. J., from where he crossed as a first class private of Co. K., 16th Infantry.
His father having died several years previous, many a young man in his position would have pleaded that he must remain with his lonely mother. But when- ever he spoke of going he would remark, "Mother, if I did not go and help win our freedom I would feel that I had no right to live here. I could not face the boys as they came home who had fought for me."
Lewis was a Bible reader and before going ex- pressed the desire to go across and if possible see the country where the Saviour lived on earth. On the way across however, he contracted measles. Pneumonia followed. He was taken to Base Hospital No.1, St. Naziarre, France where he died July 15, 1917, the first of the sons of Fayette county to give his life on French soil. His comrades buried him in a French cemetery but later removed the body to an American cemetery. At the request of his relatives the body was again dis- interred and sent back to his homeland where it was laid to rest in Pilcher cemetery in the family lot.
When the American Legion was organized in Fay- ette County the Vandalia Post was named The Craw- ford-Hale Post in honor of Private Crawford and Sergt. Edward B. Hale, Fayette County's first two sons to give their lives overseas for American ideals.
Private Crawford was a member of the M. W. A. His mother recalls his favorite hymn which has taken on a new and grander meaning :
I will follow Thee my Saviour, Whereso,er my lot shall be; Where Thou goest I will follow, Yes, my Lord, I'll follow Thee.
EDWARD B. HALE
Sergeant Edward B. Hale, son of Thomas J. and Mary Hale, was born in Avena township December 19, 1892. He grew to manhood on the farm of his parents where he also attended the public schools. He was a man of sterling character, a kind and obedient son, and
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an affectionate brother, always ready to do his part in anything that was right.
At the early age of 20 years he entered the service of his country. He enlisted at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., January 27, 1913. He served as corporal with Co. I, 9th Infantry for a short time. He was transferred to Cơ. C, 23rd Inft., of which company he was appointed a. sergeant. He served on the Mexican border with Gen- eral Funsten and later under General Pershing. He went to France early in 1917.
He was killed at Bar-le-duc France, April 6, 1918 by the premature explosion of a defective rifle grenade while giving instructions in their use. He would soon have received his commission as 2nd Lieutenant. In a letter to his mother Captain G. P. Hoppins of his com- pany wrote : "Your son, Sergeant Hale, was recognized by all as the best non-commissioned officer in the com- pany. He had the respect and confidence of all and his place cannot be filled. His death was a splendid sacri- fice in the cause for which we are all fighting."
In honor of the service and sacrifice of this loyal son of Fayette county the Vandalia Post of the Ameri- can Legion has perpetuated his name by calling their Post the Crawford-Hale Post, in honor of the first and second to give their lives overseas.
His body was laid to rest in the American section of the military cemetery at Les Montharions, France, but later returned to lie in the sacred ground in the family burial lot.
A brother, James H. Hale, is still in a government hospital suffering from disability received while serv- ing with the 6th Marines. Who will say who has made the greater sacrifice, the one who lies at rest or the one who suffers still from the horrors of war? Truly the sacrifice of both as well as that of their family is great.
REID E. WELLS
Reid E. Wells, son of Albert and Molly Wells, died Friday Sept. 27th, 1918, at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. He had been home on furlough just
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two weeks previous to his death to see his brother, Clarence, before the latter left for Camp Forrest, Ga.
Shortly after his return to camp he took a severe cold which developed into influenza and pneumonia from which he never recovered. The body reached home, accompanied by an escort, Sunday Sept. 30th. The funeral was held at Mt. Zion church the following afternoon conducted by Elder O. R. Nelson, assisted by Elder J. W. Shelton and the body was laid to rest in McInturff cemetery. His age at time of death was 22 years, 7 months and 9 days.
He enlisted in the Navy May' 21, 1918. He had completed his study and was on the training ship for experience.
FRED STUBBLEFIELD
Fred Stubblefield, the first Vandalia boy to make the supreme sacrifice in the great war, was born in Vandalia, Aug. 16, 1889, and lived here all of his life. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. John Stubblefield. A year previous to his entering federal service he was mar- ried to Miss Doris Stokes.
Fred was a member of the Illinois National Guard for ten years and spent nine months with Company I, on the Mexican border. Having been mustered out of service he was drafted May 29th, 1918. At the time of his death he was a sergeant of Co. B, 3rd Inft. Re- placement Regt. at Camp Gordon, Ga. Double pneu- monia following influenza was the cause of death. His wife and baby who had been summoned to his bedside were with him to the end and accompanied the body home. Funeral services were held at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson Easterday, Rev. O. R. Nelson officiat- ing. The pallbearers were six discharged and fur- loughed soldiers in uniform. The Modern Woodmen of which he was an honored member attended in a body. That he was a good soldier is evidenced by the fact that he held the highest non-commissioned office after so short a period in the National Army. By proc- lamation of the mayor all houses of business were closed during the hour of the funeral.
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ORA CAMPBELL
Ora Campbell, son of William E. and Lizzie Camp- bell was born near Humboldt, Ill., Oct. 14, 1899. Here he grew up to the age of twelve years attending school in Humboldt. His parents then moved to Duray, Mis- souri where Ora assisted his father with farm work. In 1914 the family moved back to Illinois and located near Vandalia where they have since resided.
When the call for volunteers came Ora was em- ployed on a farm near Mattoon at which city he en- listed for service Aug. 22, 1917, and was sent to Camp at Chattanooga, Tenn. In July 1918, he sailed for France with Company D, 17th Machine Gun Battalion. He saw much service at the front. At two different times, once for 42 days and again for 15 days he was in the thickest of the fighting.
While in rest camp in October he contracted bron- chial pneumonia which resulted in his death Oct. 29, 1918. In civil life Ora was a capable and respected young man, a regular attendant at the Baptist Sunday School. Those who were with him at the last reported to his mother that he gave out these comforting words, "I am ready to go."
FRED ROWLAND
Fred Rowland, oldest son of Henry and Maggie Rowland, was born at Waverly, Illinois, Sept. 30th, 1888. He removed with his parents to Fayette county when he was eight years old, where he received his education in the common schools and was a favorite among his playmates. He was married to Miss Ruth Stokes of Ramsey in 1913 and a little daughter, Gene- vieve, was born to gladden the home, who was five years old at the time of her father's death.
The greater part of his life was spent on the farm and he was engaged in farming when he enlisted for service, Aug. 20, 1917, with Co. I, 130th Infantry. He was wounded in action on the 10th of October in the battle of Verdun and died a few hours later. His body was laid to rest with military honors in Glorieux Ceme- tery, Verdun, France. A brother, Chris, was also a member of Co. I, and a second brother William, served in the Navy.
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FRANK AUGUSTA DIAL
Frank Augusta Dial, son of Charles and Ella Dial was born in Sefton township, Jan. 10, 1888. He was called to the colors May 22, 1918, and was a member of Company I, 37th Inft. At the time of his death he was stationed at Corpus Christi, Texas. During most of the time while in the service he was stationed at Brownsville, Texas. His death was due to a tropical storm which swept over Southern Texas in September. The camp site was inundated. On seeing the impend- ing danger most of the men hastily left the camp and found points of safety. Others remained to save valu- able records and the like. Private Dial was among these, and while the immediate incidents surrounding his death are not known it is believed he lost his life in trying to save the life of some one else as he was an expert swimmer.
In early youth Private Dial united with the M. E. church removing his membership later to the Shiloh U. B. church near Weldon. He was known always as a Christian and exemplary young man. He was also a member of Weldon Lodge No. 922, I. O. O. F. He is survived by his father and mother, three brothers and four sisters as follows: Roll, Fred, Edward, Mrs. Ed Stinebring, Mrs. Lewis Sidwell, Mrs. Cecil Cronk, and Verna who is at home, also his fiancee, Miss Grace Odaffer, of Weldon, Ill.
EMIL WODTKA
Emil Wodtka was the son of John and Anna Wodtka of St. Peter, Ill., and was born near Farina, Sept. 8, 1888. He was a baptized and confirmed mem- ber of St. John's Evangelical Church. He was educated in the common schools and followed farming. He was drafted into service in 1918 and left for Camp Zachary Taylor with the contingent of June 24th. Here he re- mained in training for active duty and would soon have been sent overseas but contracted influenza which was followed by pneumonia resulting in his death. His body was returned to his parents and laid to rest in St. John's Evangelical cemetery Oct. 6, 1918.
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JOHN P. WEAKLY
John P. Weakly, of St. Elmo, was the first Fayette county boy to give his life on German soil in the great war. Spinal meningitis was the direct cause of his death which occurred in Evacuation Hospital No. 49, at Coblenz, Germany, where he was serving in the Army of Occupation with Co. B, 59th Inft., 4th Div., May 27, 1919.
The father of John Weakly was James Weakly deceased and his mother who survives is Mrs. Rossea Weakly. He was born in Shelby county, Illinois, Nov. 17, 1893. He was inducted into the service by the Fay- ette County Local Board, May 29, 1918, and sent along with other Fayette county boys to Camp Gordon, Ga. Later he was transferred to Camp Merrit, N. J., and on July 20th, sailed for England. He reached France August 9th, and was assigned to 11th Co., 1st Inft., Tr. Reg.
He served through hot fighting in the Battle of Vesle River, after which he was assigned to the 4th Division and served at the front for ten days on the Ver- dun sector. On being relieved by the French his organi- zation was immediately sent to help in the great Meuse- Argonne offensive. Although he served in all 57 days on three battle fronts and in some of the greatest bat- tles of the war he never received the slightest injury although on several occasions bullets passed through his clothing and pack.
After serving for several months with the Army of Occupation he wrote his mother that he expected to be home soon but was at that particular time suffer- ing from a stomach disorder. A message a few days later brought the sad news of his death.
Weakly was a respected young man, a fine singer, a favorite among his many friends. When the St. Elmo Post of the American Legion was organized it was named the Weakly-Rowland Post to do honor to this valiant son of Fayette county and St. Elmo.
IRVING CROOK
Irving Crook, son of Joel and Lurella Crook, was born at Tower Hill, Shelby county, Illinois, Nov. 21, 1892. His death which was caused by Spanish influ-
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FAYETTE COUNTY
1
HONOR ROLL
CHARLES COOK
WILLIAM HENRY ANDERSON FRED EUGENE GELSINGER
FERDINAND FEDERMAN CLARENCE CHARLES MARKS
ELMER SUMMERLOTT
PEARL T. COWGILL
FRED HAMILTON
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enza and pneumonia came Oct. 9, 1918, at Camp Zach- ary Taylor, Ky. The father of the above died in July 1901 and a few years later the mother married W. L: Hebel of Tower Hill. Irving made his home with his stepfather and assisted him in farming a's a boy, later farming with him jointly until the time of his marriage in December, 1917. At that time he was united in mar- riage to Miss Lottie Bolyard of near Ramsey. :
He was inducted into service June 25th, 1918, and left with the contingent of that date for Camp Zach- ary Taylor, Ky. Here he remained in training fitting himself for service overseas but was called to a greater service before the time set for his departure.
Private Crook received his education in the com- mon schools of Shelby and Fayette counties. He was a conscientious, upright young man, industrious and thrifty. At the time of his entering the service he was in the employ of Harry Mabry on his farm near Van- dalia.
FRED J. HAMILTON .
Fred James Hamilton was one of the contingent of Fayette county boys inducted into service by the Lo-' cal Board on Sept. 18th, 1917. He with the others of his contingent were sent to Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky. After the necessary training had been had there he was sent overseas, serving throughout the war. He was then assigned to duty with the Army of Occupa- tion with Battery B, 77th Field Artillery, 4th Division and was stationed at Kaiefenheim, Germany. He died in the Evacuation Hospital at Mayen, Germany, Feb. 19, 1919, and was buried in the National cemetery at that place.
The body was returned to his home in the spring of 1920, and laid to rest in South Hill cemetery at Van- dalia. The Crawford-Hale Post of the American Leg- ion had charge of the burial and full military honors were accorded him.
CLIFFORD G. MATTES.
Clifford G. Mattes, son of George .C. and Mary O. Mattes, was born in Fayette county, Feb. 2, 1894, and
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died at Camp Mills, Long Island, New York, Oct. 22, 1918.
Clifford spent all of his life on his father's farm where he was born, assisting his father in farmng and also engaging in carpenter work whenever there was a time that the farm did not engage his entire time. Spare moments were always employed in reading of which he never seemed to tire.
He was a regular attendant at the Union Sunday School in Shafter township and was treasurer of the Sunday School for several years. He was also a social member of the M. W. A. and took a lively interest in all of the affairs of the lodge.
On June 22, 1918, he was called to the colors and entered the Sweeney Auto School at Kansas City. After completing the work there and receiving his diploma he was transferred to Camp Wheeler, Ga., and from there to Camp Mills for overseas duty. While here he fell a victim of influenza which developed into double pneumonia proving fatal. His mother reached his bid- side before his death. He told her of his conversion while in camp at Macon, Ga., and rejoiced that he had seen the light and accepted Christ as his Saviour. Again and again he would say: "I can't get through thank- ing God for what He has done for me, for now it would be too late." With ardent faith and a calm soul he entered the triumphant forces of his King. The body was returned to Vandalia and rests in the mausoleum at South Hill. Funeral services were conducted by Elder O. R. Nelson.
EDWARD TATE
Edward Tate was born Jan. 20, 1896, near Vera, Ill. He received his education in the common schools of Fayette county and worked with his father on the farm. On reaching manhood he spent most of his time working at farm work in the northern part of the state. The year preceding his entry into the army he farmed for himself near Vera, but at the time of his entering the service was employed at the county farm by Supt. Kavanaugh. He answered his country's call and went to Camp Gordon, Ga., May 29th, 1918. After training
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there for six weeks he went overseas and served at the front during most of the time until the close of the war, being with Co. L, 59th Inft. He died in a hospital in France with pneumonia Nov. 18, 1918. -
His body was returned to the United States and arrived at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Tate on Thanksgiving Day 1920, and was laid to rest in the Lawler cemetery just a short distance from his home.
JOSEPH L. SEVERNS
Private Joseph L. Severns, Hq. Co., 5th Bn., 22nd Engineers was the son of Lycurgus W. and Rachel E. Severns of near Brownstown. He was born Dec. 11, 1890, one mile east of Brownstown on the National Road.
He spent most of his time at home until about a year before he was called into the service. He was then employed by the Turner Produce Co. and worked at their Vandalia branch until two weeks previous to his enlistment, spending the time intervening visiting relatives.
Private Severns left Vandalia with the second con- tingent from Fayette county for Camp Zachary Tay- lor, Ky. From there he was transferred to Fort Ben- jamin Harrison, Indianapolis, leaving thence for Ho- boken, N. J., from which port he sailed for France Sept. 15, 1918, on the U. S. S. Calamores. On the way over he contracted influenza which developed into bronchial pneumonia. Death came when the ship lay at anchor on the Bay at Brest. Before death he requested his major to send his body back, which request was com- plied with, the body arriving at Hoboken, Oct. 12, 1918 and at Brownstown five days later. Thence it was laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery at St. Elmo.
Joseph was a member of the Christian church of Brownstown and remained faithful to his Christian ob- ligations. He attended school at Bunker Hill country school. Here he showed the aggressive spirit that char- acterized him in later years by entering heartily into all sports.
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JOHN E. REISS
John E. Reiss, son of Henry and Pauline Reiss, was born Aug. 26, 1886 on a farm near St. Peter, Ill., died Oct. 17, 1918 at Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas, of Lo- bar pneumonia.
4 1 John with the rest of his brothers and sisters as- sisted his parents on the farm until 1910 when the family moved to St. Peter where his parents conducted a hotel and he learned the barber trade. He followed this trade until-the time of his entrance in the army, having in connection with his barber shop a line of drugs also.
He was called to the colors May 24, 1918, and sent to Jefferson Barracks, Mo. Later he was trans- ferred to Camp Stanley, Texas, and again to Camp McArthur. He was a member here of Co. G, Dev. Bn: It was here he contracted Spanish influenza and was sent to the base hospital. Pneumonia developed and death ensued a few days later. The body was sent home to his mother and laid to rest in the St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran cemetery.
John was a Christian young man of sterling char- acter. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of St. Peter, having been baptized in infancy and con- firmed there in'early childhood. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Pauline Reiss, two brothers, and seven sisters. His father died in 1915.
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