USA > Illinois > Franklin County > Franklin County, Illinois, war history, 1832-1919; containing a brief review of the world war--complete history of Franklin County's activities--photographs and service records of Franklin County's soldiers, sailors and marines--industrial and biographical review of business and professional firms who have made this history possible > Part 28
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The name selected for the Post was "Earl Cowan Post No. 389. Meetings were held in the K. of P. building until permanent quarters could be obtained. On July 14, 1920, the Post secured permanent quarters in the R. C. Rains building, where it is now located.
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Edward Meryl Pendal,
Bart Appino
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY. -.
The" Post arranged a memorial service which was held in the Strand theatre on February 22, 1920. Many interesting addresses were made by prominent men of the City. A pageant was given by the school children and members of the Legion. French war certificates were distributed to members of families of deceased service men.
Election of permanent officers was held on March 3, 1920, and the following officers elected:
Commander-Marion T. Dial
Vice-commander-Geo. Nichols
Adjutant-Percy Page
Finance Officer-W. R. Todd
Post Chaplain-Henson Purcell
Post Surgeon-Byford H. Webb
Sargent-at-arms-Oagle Connor
Executive Committee-H. E. Burke, Luther Burpo and C. E. Grizzell.
The first effort made to secure funds for the benefit of the Post was on May 15th, 1920, when the members held a minstrel show at the Strand theatre. The different characters were played by members of the Legion. A good attendance at this benefit resulted in a fund sufficient for the Post to finance many needed requirements for the success of the work.
The Post volunteered its efforts in the sales of the Franklin County War History and many sales are credited to the efforts of the patriotic members.
The present membership of the Post is as follows:
Geo. Nichols L. R. Bidwell
P. F. Malone Percy Page
Byford H. Webb Ross B. Bartmes
Carl Rush
L. A. House
L. Kelly
Rama H. Sweet
A. A. Shuey
Chas. Howe
H. Davenport
Sam R. Rubenstein
Wm. S. Rains
O. A. Connor
Harry Bayless H. C. Dorris J. L. Hanna
Columbus Wagner
N. J. Jones
W. A. Boner
E. E. Ponturis W. T. Burk
M. H. Smith
J. R. Williams
H. P. Redin
W. H. Purcell
P F. Depper
E. W. Mitchell
E M. Laws
Joe Hill
H. C Patterson
Ray Foster
F. W. Stewart
P. Bradley
M. A. Mosley
Mack Cremer
Albert Cremer
Mack Cruse
J. R. Chapman
A. E. Croslin
W. E. Foster
C. A. Pittman
W. Sagle C. E. Gray
A. Neal
J. A. Carr
A. J. Kennedy
J L. Martin
Earl Crain
J. C. Parson
Wm. M. McClintock
Gilbert Peterson Shelby Howe
G. H. Jones
B. H. Skaggs Andrew Cates
Perry King
Ralph Johnson
J. H. Craig D. H. Fink
A. L. Burko
Geo. Comeron
H. A. Hunter
S. H. Harvey
Ernest Kraft
Chas. Murphy
John Mccutcheon
J. B. Linden
J. H. Bryn
Gorden Lyall
Wm. A. Witherall
F. W. Maybee
L. P. Hunter
Jessie Heard
Neil McCollum
C. F. Reinheimer
R. E. Sullivan
W. W. Edwards
Clyde L. Snider
E. O. Hiles
Benton Stewart
Elsie Monis
Floyd Bowman
W. A. Hardin
C O. Evans
R. H. Holland
O. R. McCollum
Orange Hundley Gale Wingo H Gaddard
W. T. Grover
H. D. Karmes
W. B. Wingo
S. B. Finney
Geo. C. Benson
F D. Lockwood
A. T. Stokes
C. F. Melrose
W. Beltz
Harvey Hand
J. C. Duffy
L. E. Dirden
J. McBaird
Barney T. Rice
C. T. Garland
John Malaer
Thos. E. Carter
H. Dillingham
Wm. R. Todd W. W. Warsham
T. Henderson
H. H. Maddox
227
M. E. Dawnard J. Cullen A. L. Reed
C. R. Kaid
Geo. Dial
Jack Neihaus
J. J. Scarlett
James Clayton
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.
Body lying in Stute in Court House yard.
Part of Procession showing Ex-Service men in uniform.
Partial view of crowd at Funeral and Decoration Services.
Procession returning to Public Square lead by the Benton Military Bund.
Funeral Procession leaving Public Square showing Pall bearers and Honorary Pull bearers
Showing crowd awaiting commencement of Funeral Services
Ex-Service men suluting curket on arrival ut grave.
Second section of Procession returning from Cemetery. Firing squad in the foreground.
PICTORIAL GROUP OF SCENES DURING THE MILITARY FUNERAL OF · WALTER Z. BAKER · PRIVATE · MARINES . AND DECORATION DAY MEMORIAL SERVICES, BENTON, MAY 30, 1920
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FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.
Franklin County's First World War Military Funeral
THE first military funeral, as the result of the World War, was held in con- nection with the annual Decoration Day memorial services on May 30, 1920. The "buddy" comradeship of patriotic soldiers was exemplified by the large number of ex-soldiers, sailors and marines in uniform and the military efficiency of the whole program.
The body of Walter Z. Baker, a private in the Marines, who died in Brest, France, had arrived several days previous, but had been retained in Nolan & Jacobs' undertaking parlors, until the military arrangements could be made.
The casket lay in state in the court house yards during the morning. As had been announced, promptly at 2:15, with military dispatch, the procession formed on the public square and repaired to the cemetery. The six pall-bearers were composed of two soldiers, two marines and two naval men. The honorary pallbearers were divided the same, except there were four of each. The escort and firing squad, composed of ex- members of Co. F under command of Sgt. Stanley Mundell, occupied a prominent position. Two hundred and fifty men in uniform helped form the parade which was made up of the Benton Concert Band, Civil War veterans on a truck, Spanish-American soldiers, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows and citizens in automobiles, which more than
reached from the square to the cemetery. The number was exceptional, considering the threatening weather and actual down- pour of rain during the formation of parade and march to the cemetery.
Major Harry M. Brown was the Marshal of the Day; Arthur Howell, Adjutant, and Col. O. C. Smith commanded the men in uniform.
Upon reaching the cemetery the ex-service men opened ranks and the body passed between.
The memorial services at the cemetery were taken charge of by Rev. J. L. Meads, who acted as chairman. Rev. Geo. R. Good- man, of the M. E. church, delivered the invocation. Rev. Meads then delivered a short address as an introduction to Hon. Joseph A. McHatton of Robinson, who made the address of the day. It was full of good things, well rendered and highly appreciated by all who heard him. The music was fur- nished by the Christian church choir. The benediction was pronounced by Rev. S. E. Fisher of the Christian church, after which the interment of the body took place.
As it was lowered into the grave, after prayer by Rev. Meads, and as the band played "The Star Spangled Banner," three volleys were fired over the grave by the firing squad, and Joubret Webb blew "taps."
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Miner's War Activities
GROUP OF FRANKLIN COUNTY U. M. W. of A. Who Assisted in All Local War Activities
Left to right-LON Fox, President of Sub-District 9, of District 12; D. C. COBB, Vice-President of Sub- District 9, of District 12; JOHN BLACK, Secretary-Treasurer of Sub-District 9, of District 12; TOM JONES, Board Member of District 12.
During the strenuous time of the World War period there was probably no industry upon which so much depended as that of coal mining.
The call for more coal went up from every industrial center. Coal was needed in in- creased quantities for the transportation of soldiers and supplies. Factories were kept going day and night and needed a double supply of coal. The usual amount was needed for domestic purposes also. The government, through its fuel administration went to every center of coal mining and urged every operator and miner to do their utmost in the production of coal. So through this campaign for the production of coal every agent for the government, who were mostly returned soldiers, visited every coal center throughout the land and appealed to both employer and employee to do their utmost to produce more coal, urging its great need and that without it we could not win the war.
Southern Illinois, because of its quality and quantity of production was appealed to strongly by the government to increase its production if at all possible. Notwithstand- ing the fact that our young men were taken out of the mines in large numbers for active military service this was done.
Franklin county can well be proud of its record in response to the call of the nation. The increased production during the war reflects favorably upon every person who was connected with the business. The United Mine Workers of America deserve mention on account of the unswervable loyalty and true devotion of their officers and membership in the most critical period.
During the period the miners laid aside their personal interest in order to increase production.
There were in Franklin county during the war about fifteen thousand members of the United Mine Workers of America.
The coal reports show that more coal was produced during the war than in any other time. This was due to the efforts the miners put forth for the boys at the front.
The miners bought liberty bonds and contributed to the other war activities such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Y. M. C. A., Knights of Columbus and war savings stamps to the amount of over $1,200,000.00. Every local union in Franklin county con- ducted its own individual drive and in every instance went over the top. There was a friendly rivalry between local unions to see which local union would excel in the great work.
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FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY
Notwithstanding the great number of so- called foreigners the miners were 100% Americans as is shown by their magnificent record in the increased production and the purchasing of Liberty Bonds and War Savings Stamps and in war drives.
The officers of the miners were staunch workers of the government and while their own work was at times arduous they devoted all their spare time day and night in addressing meetings and serving on com- mittees in the interest of backing up the boys in France and Flanders.
The miners of Franklin county fur- nished over 1200 soldiers in the selective service and among the volunteers. This quota was made up of practically every nationality. When it came to patriotism all classes regardless of color or nationality showed their true blue patriotism in their devotion to their Country.
When the government needed men to serve in responsible positions the miners answered the call to duty and served with credit to themselves and distinguishing themselves to the American government.
For these and many other reasons the miners of Franklin county deserve ever- lasting praise for their humble part in winning the war in order that the world might be made safe for free people. The record can be handed down to posterity with pride and self-satisfaction by those who were in active service as an accomplishment of the mining industry in Franklin county in the time of our Country's need.
Report of U. M. W. of A. Locals in Franklin County
LOCAL UNION NO. 2376-Christopher.
Bonds purchased by Local $ 1,000.00
Bonds purchased by individual members -not reported.
War Saving Stamps purchased by Local
Bonds purchased by Local and individual members $10,000.00 and individual members. $ 620.00
Contributed to Red Cross funds-not reported.
Number of members of Local who served in the military and naval forces of the United States 47
LOCAL UNION NO. 1959-Benton.
Bonds purchased by Local and individual members. $25,000.00
War Saving Stamps purchased by Local and individual members $ 5,000.00 Contributed to Red Cross funds-not reported.
Number of members of Local who served in the Military and Naval forces of the United States. 36
LOCAL UNION NO. 1237-Sesser.
Bonds purchased by Local-not reported. War Saving Stamps purchased by Local or individual members-not reported. Contributed to Red Cross funds . . . . . . Number of members of Local who served in the Military and Naval forces of the United States-not reported.
$15,000.00
LOCAL UNION NO. 303-Orient.
Bonds purchased by Local $ 3,500.00 Bonds purchased by individual members -not reported. War Saving Stamps purchased by Local and individual members. 197,500.00 Contributed to Red Cross funds-Mem- bership Bonds.
Number of members of Local who served in the Military and Naval forces of the United States . . 62
LOCAL UNION NO. 578-Benton.
Bonds purchased by Local and individual members $10,000.00 War Saving Stamps purchased by Local and individual members $15,000.00
Contributed to Red Cross funds $75,000.00 Number of members of Local who served in the Military and Naval forces of the United States .. 62
LOCAL UNION NO. 1151-Rend.
Bonds purchased by Local-not reported. Bonds purchased by individual members not reported.
War Saving Stamps purchased by Local and individual members-not reported. Contributed to Red Cross funds-not reported.
Number of members of Local who served in the Military!and Naval forces of the United States 47
LOCAL UNION NO. 3613-Valier.
War Saving Stamps purchased by Local $ 200.00 Contributed to Red Cross funds-not reported.
Number of members of Local who served in the Military and Naval forces of the United States 3
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FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.
LOCAL UNION NO. 789 Frankfort Heights.
Bonds purchased by Local and individual members. $ 4,000.00 War Saving Stamps purchased by Local and individual members. $ 4,000.00
Contributed to Red Cross funds
$32,000.00
Number of members of Local who served in the Military and Naval forces of the United States 64
LOCAL UNION NO. 329-West Frankfort No report.
LOCAL UNION NO. 959-West Frankfort.
Bonds purchased by Local and individual members $11,550.00
War Savings Stamps purchased by Local and individual members-not reported. Contributed to Red Cross funds-not reported.
Number of members of Local who served in the Military and Naval forces of the United States 18
LOCAL UNION NO. 992-Zeigler.
Bonds purchased by Local and individual members. $15,000.00
War Saving Stamps purchased by Local
and individual members.
$30,000.00
Contributed to Red Cross funds.
$ 5,000.00
Number of members of Local who served
in the Military and Naval forces of the
United States
60
LOCAL UNION NO. 1971-West Frankfort.
Bonds purchased by Local and individual members. $106,000.00 War Saving Stamps purchased by Local and individual members $ 1,200.00
Contributed to Red Cross funds . . . . . . . . $ 120.00 Number of members of Local who served in the Military and Navel forces of the United States-not reported.
LOCAL UNION NO. 1421-Buckner.
Bonds purchased by Local. $ 1,000.00 Bonds purchased by individual members -not reported.
War Saving Stamps purchased by Local .$ 100.00 Contributed to Red Cross funds . $ 2,875.00 Number of members of Local who served in the Military and Naval forces of the United States-not reported.
LOCAL UNION NO. 3543-Benton.
Bonds purchased by Local and individual members $15,000.00 War Saving Stamps purchased by Local. $ 100.00
Contributed to Red Cross funds. $ 3,000.00 Number of members of Local who served in the Military and Naval forces of the United States-not reported.
LOCAL UNION NO. 2418-Bush.
Bonds purchased by Local and individual members. $23,000.00
War Saving Stamps purchased by Local
and individual members.
$ 7,025.00
Contributed to the Red Cross funds. . $ 5,000.00 Members of Local serving in the Military or Naval forces of the United States -- not reported.
LOCAL UNION NO. 1776-Freeman.
Bonds purchased by Local
$ 4,000.00
War Saving Stamps-not reported.
Contributed to Red Cross. .
$
939.00
Members who served in the Military or Naval forces of the United States- not reported.
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FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.
Industrial Section
Historical and Biographical Sketches of Business and Professional Citizens Whose Financial Contributions Made : · This History Possible : :
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FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY. ..... ...
S. SYLVESTER BAIRD
T HE author and compiler of "Franklin County War History" and "Williamson County in the World War," has since thirteen years of age been connected with some department of the newspaper business. Born in Fairmount, son of Thomas Baird, a Civil War veteran, grew to maturity in Vermillion county, where he was editor and publisher of a newspaper at twenty years of age. Desiring to learn the newspaper and printing work in all its varied branches, he at twenty-two years of age left the country for city work. Not satisfied to tie himself to one particular job, he was con- stantly changing from city to city, always learning something new or taking up the work in a new department, and during the next fifteen years held positions up to superintendent of the largest printing plants, advertising agency work and newspaper and magazine editorial work. During the war period, being exempt from active military duty, and not desiring a "swivel chair" appointment he engaged in many special publicity campaigns for interest of the home activities. After the armistice, receiving a call from the Herrin News to assist in the compilation of the Williamson county history, but knowing that no great financial compensation would be possible he accepted the offer for the purpose of creating an enduring monument to southern Illinois soldiers. After the completion of the Williamson county work, October, 1919, he was married to Miss Nadine Bower, of Evansville, Indiana. The many creditable comments on that history caused him to readily accept a similar offer for the Franklin county history. On account of the large expense of compiling such books, Mr. Baird does not hope to gain financially by his two year's work in southern Illinois, but the satisfac- tion of creating the best and most complete histories in Illinois, and thereby erecting a monument to his own ability is of itself a sufficient reward. The people of Franklin and Williamson counties are pleased with his efforts and are liberal in their commendation of his untiring efforts.
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FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL WAR HISTORY. L
Zeigler Coal Company
LEE37
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING OF ZEIGLER COAL COMPANY AND BELL & ZOLLER MINING COMPANY LOCATED IN "THE CIRCLE"
T `ODAY Franklin County is one of the most important, coal-producing counties in the United States. No equal area pro- duces more coal than is produced here. There are within its boundary twenty-four shipping mines with a total annual tonnage of 20,000,000 tons. All this development has come within a period of twenty years, due largely to the vision and enterprise of one man-Joseph Leiter.
About the year 1900, Mr. Leiter, through A. F. White, of Marion, familiarly known as "Zi" White, negotiated with Charles Carroll of Shawneetown, for the purchase of a tract of about three thousand acres of coal land, lying North of the city of Herrin. Most of this tract was in Williamson county, but
about eight hundred acres extended up into the edge of Franklin county. Because of a failure to reach an agreement as to the price to be paid for this tract, Mr. Leiter decided he would go across into Franklin county, along the Big Muddy River and acquire an option on a tract of land, and prospect, what was then a field in which no coal had been discovered. It is true that W. P. Halliday, of Cairo had done some prospecting in Six Mile Township a number of months before, but had never given out the information as to the discovery of coal, and died without the public knowing of the rich discovery that he had made. So, Mr. Leiter's prospecting first brought to the attention of the public the rich deposit of coal existing in that part of the County.
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THE ZEIGLER STORE COMPANY-ON THE "CIRCLE" LARGEST GENERAL STORE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
After thoroughly prospecting the coal measures and after riding horse-back with Mr. White over the surface to apprise him- self of the value of the land and timber, he acquired by purchase from the various owners a tract of about eight thousand acres.
He saw at once the great possibility of this territory as a coal producing center and made plans for development on a large scale on the area purchased.
He secured the services of Robert W. Hunt & Company, engineers, who sent to take personal charge of this work, L. V. Rice, the Engineer who built the Ferris Wheel-of World's Fair fame, and the Eads Bridge across the Mississippi River at St. Louis. A mining plant capable of producing a tonnage of four thousand tons was designed and a town was laid out-the present city of Zeigler-and the plans were laid for a system of railroads to bring this property within reach of the Mississippi Valley.
The mine was constructed, and the city was laid out and built; but before the con- struction of his railroad-The Chicago, Zeigler & Gulf-had proceeded beyond the point where it furnished the necessary track
and switching facilities for the mine and town, the railroads had become aware of the importance of the enterprise and insisted on building to the town of Zeigler; and three trunk line railroads-the Illinois Central, the Missouri Pacific, and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, in the order named, built branch lines into this property.
When Mr. Leiter declared that he would, with Franklin County coal, replace the Dock coal in the Northwest, and Hocking and Anthracite in Chicago, the wise ones laughed. They would not believe it was possible for an Illinois coal to take the place of these high grade coals from the East. But they knew nothing of the superior quality of the Franklin County coal; nor of the tremendous enterprise of Joseph Leiter, who at that time was a new figure in the coal trade. He began an extensive adver- tising campaign, sending his coal on guaran- tee all over the West and Northwest, and his vision and faith are justified, and his dreams as to the commercial possibility of the Franklin County coal fully realized; for today this coal, which twenty years ago was not known, is now in common use in fourteen states of the Mississippi Valley, and is
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FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.
17.1
THE DAIRY BARN-LOCATED ON THE LEITER ESTATE
distributed all the way from Houston, Texas, to Redwing, Minnesota, and Portal, N. Dakota.
Mr. Leiter's early plans included a large battery of coke ovens, which because of the growing demand for this coal for domestic and industrial use, he temporarily aban- doned. But he declares that he yet expects to see this part of his plans fully realized, and it has already been conclusively demon- strated that the Franklin County coal can be converted into coke suitable for metallur- gical purposes.
For a considerable time Mr. Leiter con- tinued to operate the mining plant himself, but later leased to the Bell & Zoller Mining Company, who continue to operate it, and who have added Mine Number Two, a larger and more modern plant than the original.
For a number of years Mr. Leiter owned the town of Zeigler, but recently he has decided that a better spirit will be fostered
among the miners by allowing them to own their own homes; and he has sold many of the original houses, and has built a great many more which he is selling to the miners on time payments at practically cost, and is also selling to them lots upon which they can build their homes.
He has donated parks, school and church sites to the City and citizens. The water system was also installed philanthropically as the low rates are not sufficient to meet the cost and upkeep. W. H. Buchanan is the local manager of the properties and takes an active interest in all civic affairs, being a member of the City Council and a coun- sellor in the building of Zeigler into one of the important cities of the County.
Mr. Leiter's vision is equally broad con- cerning the possibilities of Franklin county from an agricultural standpoint. He has set out a large apple orchard of 640 acres; has built modern dairy barns, and has acquired a herd of 70 pure bred Short Horn Durham dairy cattle; and by the use of lime and
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FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL WAR HISTORY.
phosphates he has increased the fertility of the soil so that the results have been an inspiration to all the farming community around. By the soil improvement a divers- ified crop of hay, corn, oats, wheat, alfalfa, beans and peas is raised. There are twenty tenant houses, occupied by the farm help. Eight tractors besides four mule teams are necessary for the general farm and dairy work.
W. G. BUCHANAN LOCAL MANAGER
Notwithstanding his large and varied interests that draw heavily upon his time, Mr. Leiter has never lost interest in his Franklin County proposition, and makes frequent visits to Zeigler, for the purpose of inspecting the mines, and that he may give his personal attention and direction to the large general store which he operates in Zeigler, and to the herds, and farm lands in which he takes a keen delight. In recent years he has added very greatly to the original area, and now has about fifteen thousand acres of this choicest coal property.
The large store is called the Zeigler Store Company, and is under the management of J. S. Gauvey, an experienced mercantile and business man. It was the first store in Zeigler and has advanced with the town. Eight departments are operated with a bakery. The merchandise is complete and varied and of the best quality, probably the most complete stock in southern Illinois.
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