USA > Illinois > Lee County > War history of Lee County, Illinois, 1917-1919 : a history of the part taken by the people of Lee County, Illinois, in the World War, 1917-1919 > Part 13
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Amount of subscription to First Liberty Loan $10,300.00
Amount of subscription to Second Liberty loan 49,300.00
Amount of subscription to Third Liberty loan 56,550.00
Amount of subscription to Fourth Liberty loan 75,400.00
Total $191,550.00
Total amount subscribed to Red Cross to Jan. 1, 1919
3,660.79
Amount donated to Company M Comfort fund
1,500.00
Amount of sales of W. S. Stamps
5,000.00
Amount subscribed to first Y. M. C. A. drive
1,072.34
Amount subscribed to fifth Victory Liberty loan 102,800.00
United War Work Nov. 1918 2,270.00
Total subscriptions
$352,853.13
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
The following are the names of our sokliers and their ranks so far as known:
HARRY ALTENBERG- Private. Killed in actual combat, on Sept. 26, 1918, in the Argonne. Priv. Altenberg was born in Pine Creek Town- ship, Ogle County, Illinois, Dec. 27, 1893. He was the son of Willian and Paulina Altenberg, who survive him. Private Altenberg was a member of the 33rd Division, C'o. A, 132nd Inf., and an exemplary soldier, beloved by his officers and comrades.
LEE GILBERT-Private. The next one to lose his life in our country's service was Private Lee Gilbert, who died after a short service in the Tank Corps at Camp Polk, Raleigh, N. C., his death being a result of influenza and pneumonia,
HERMAN LESLIE WILSON-Private, was born in Westminister, Car- roll County, Maryland, March 9th, 1899; died in Base Hospital No. 18 France, May 10, 1918. He was the son of Columbus and Florence Wilson, who came to Franklin Grove, Illinois, September 1904. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on May 23rd, 1917 at Chicago, Illinois and was assigned to Camp Quantio, Virginia, where he served in the 80th Cp., 6th Regular Marines until January 19, 1918 when he was trans- ferred with his company to France. A few months later he was taken with a severe cold which developed into nephrites and broncho pneu- monia, which resulted in his death. He was buried with military honors in French Mili- tary Cemetery, attached to Base Hospital, No. 18, France.
CHAPTER XXVII Dixon Township
BY F. C. PRESTON
Dixon township, immediately after the declaration of war, became the center of all war work carried on in Lee County by reason of the fact that it contained the county seat and was the center of population. All of the war drives were directed from Dixon and upon the township fell the burden of raising the greater share of Lee County's quota of each sum asked. In many of the activities Dixon township lead the way, but in others a few outside communities realized their goal first.
The approach of hostilities was vividly brought home to Dixon when its militia company -Company G, Illinois National Guard-was called into service for guard duty at Rock Island, Ill., on Mar. 27, 1917, leaving Dixon in command of Capt. E. J. Soper. After service at Rock Island, and East St. Louis, and a training period at Houston, Texas, this unit, which became Battery C, 123d U. S. Heavy Artillery on September 15, went overseas the following May and was lost to home folks until June 8, 1919 when it arrived home from Camp Grant, where it was mustered out after gallant service in the war on autocracy.
Many Public Meetings Held
Dixon's first war meeting was held on the evening of April 4, 1917, two days before the United States declared war on Germany. It was a rousing meeting held in the Opera House when its young men were urged to show the true American spirit and be ready to fight for Uncle Sam, if necessary.
Col. W. B. Brinton presided at this gathering and speakers were Capt. Charles Frisby, Maj. Sam Cushing, Attorney John E. Erwin and Rev. E. C. Lumsden, pastor of the First M. E. Church. These speakers pointed out the grave danger facing the United States, urged support of the president in his German policy and pleaded for true Americanism.
The declaration of war two days later was received in Dixon with solemnity, but with a firm determination to see it through to the bitter end. Flags were everywhere flying when President Wilson on April 2, 1917, delivered his memorable address to Congress and they remained conspicuous until the armistice was signed.
Many prominent speakers and famed organizations visited Dixon during the war. One of the first publie gatherings for war work was the appearance at Assembly Park on June 27, 1917 of the Paulist choir in a concert for Red Cross benefit. Besides adding impetus to the drive, already under way, this organization raised $1,000 by its concert.
Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the fearless and patriotic federal judge of Chicago, visited Dixon on June 29, 1917, speaking for the Red Cross. He delivered one address to business men at a noon meeting and delivered another to a great mass meeting in the evening.
Under the auspices of the Woman's Committee Council of National Defense, Capt. Hugh Knyvett of the Australian army, a veteran of the battlefield, spoke to a large Dixon audience on Dec. 20, 1917. He was making a tour of the United States, while on a fur- lough, painting a terrible picture of the horrors of war. Some months later he died from the effects of many a hardship in the trenches.
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
During the Fourth Liberty loan campaign, the Jackie band of Great Lakes Naval Training station, visited Dixon while on a tour of the midlde west and gave a concert at a great mass meeting at Nachusa Tavern. Accompanying this splendid musical organ- ization were D. E. Shanahan, speaker of the Ilinois House of Representatives, and Judge Fenton W. Booth of the Court of Claims, Washington D. C., both of whom made appeals for a great response to the government's call for money.
Lieut. J. F. O'Hagen spoke in behalf of the United War Work drive on Nov. 6, 1918.
On April 16, 1919, preceding the Victory Loan campaign, the United States war ex- hibit train visited Dixon, bringing for exhibition many of the grim implements which were used in beating back the Huns. Thousands of people saw the display, watched the whippet tank give an exhibition and attended the mass meeting in the Countryman building. A military band accompanied the train.
Red Cross Work in Dixon
Too much cannot be said of the splendid spirit which marked the work of the Red Cross in Dixon township. No sooner had the war started than the Dixon chapter re- sponded to calls for funds, knitted garments, comfort kits and other articles. The number of loyal workers rapidly increased as the need for their services became apparent.
One thousand members was the goal in the first membership drive which was launched Apr. 24, 1917. George C. Dixon, Tim Sullivan, W. W. Gilbert, R. W. Thompson and B. F. Downing served as a committee to direct this drive, and the results justified the efforts put forth.
On May 14, 1917 the Dixon chapter was merged into the Lee County chapter and W. B. Brinton was elected president. Thus the work of the Red Cross was made county- wide. On May 21 the workers began making comfort kits to give to men entering the service.
The first Red Cross drive for money ended July 7 with a subscription of $12,629. The quota was only $10,000. Judge R. S. Farrand was chairman at the start of this drive, but retired in favor of E. H. Brewster when his health became poor.
The first membership drive in 1918 closed January 6 with 4065 members in this town- ship as against a quota of 3500. The third precinct held the honor of being the first "over the top."
The final Red Cross drive was conducted May 20, 1918, when the voluntary subscrip- tion plan was used for the first time. This plan, which was afterwards extensively used throughout the United States, was unique in that it placed every citizen on his honor to go voluntarily to his polling place and sul scribe a quota fixed by a committee for that purpose. Dixon's quota was $9,552 in this drive and $9,659 was subscribed the first day. Dixon township was the first in the county to reach its quota.
Liberty Loan Campaign
Subscriptions to the First Liberty Loan were asked of Dixon people following a meeting on June 6, 1917 when O. H. Martin was made chairman of the drive. By personal solicita- tion and assistance from the banks the quota of $230,000 was subscribed.
Dixon's quota in the Second Liberty loan was $391,000. The campaign opened Oct. 16, 1917 and on October 24 the campaign was declared closed with total subscriptions of $427,350, an oversubscription of $36,350. Edward Vaile was chairman of this campaign which was featured by a parade and mass meeting on Liberty Day. October 24. Henry
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Rathbone of Chicago, Rev. E. C. Lumsden, Judge R. S. Farrand and Rev. Michael Foley of Dixon delivered addresses at this meeting.
Headquarters for the Third Liberty loan were established in April, 1918 in the Dixon Realty building, now the building occupied by the Dixon State Bank & Trust Co. Edward Vaile was the township chairman during this drive, which was opened by a parade and mass meeting on April 9. The 342nd Regiment band of Camp Grant took part in the demonstration. Dixon's quota of $468,000 was raised in record time, subscriptions being closed on April 17.
The Voluntary subscription plan was used during the Fourth Liberty loan in the fall of 1918. On September 28, citizens of the township went to their polling places and sub- scribed to $538,700 worth of bonds, an oversubscription of $161,800. Albert Borst was chairman of the township committee in this drive.
The final or Victory loan drive was opened April 21, 1919 and Dixon's quota of $273,000 was oversubscribed by $139,250 on the first day by the voluntary subscription plan. This campaign was given impetus by the visit here of the United States war exhibit train.
Y. M. C. A. Activities During the War
The Dixon Y. M. C. A. took a prominent part in all war work in Dixon township during the war. Every campaign was aided by the Dixon association, besides carrying on the extra activities caused by the war. Details of activities of Y. M. C. A. are fully covered by the report contained in Chapter XVII.
Dixon Churches and the World War
Churches of Dixon, without exception, took up war work with a will immediately upon the start of hostilities. Pastors, from their pulpits, constantly pleaded for a united people during the great erisis, urged compliance with government regulations as to food, fuel, and service.
On Aug. 12, 1918, St. Patrick's parish dedicated a service flag containing 118 stars, one for each boy from the parish in the service. Two silver stars appeared on the banner, representing two boys who were wounded in action. During the program of the evening addresses were made by John J. Armstrong, Martin J. Gannon, John E. Erwin, John P. Devine and Henry S. Dixon. The names of the 118 men in service were read by Frank Cahill, secretary of the parish war couneil. Recitations by junior members of the parish and patriotic songs by the whole assemblage were a feature of the service.
The first united action was taken on April 15, 1917 when a union service was held for the purpose of raising money to send workers to France. At this one meeting $450 was raised.
Farewell services for boys entering the service were held in the various churches from time to time, and when members paid the supreme sacrifice on the field of duty, memorial services were held to honor their memory.
The Methodist church conducted a public farewell service on Feb. 24, 1918 for 28 Lee county boys who were called for service. Rev. E. C. Lumsden, pastor; Mayor Henry Schmidt, State's Attorney Harry Edwards and J. Der Kinderen spoke.
War Activities of Dixon Schools
Pupils of Dixon schools heard the call for greater food production on Apr. 24, 1917 when the school garden movement was inaugurated by the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Hundreds of new gardens were planted that year, adding materially to the supply of food.
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
In January 1918, during the coal shortage the pupils took up the slogan "save a shovel a day" and helped relieve the suffering throughout the country during the cold weather.
Thrift stamp clubs were formed in all schools, pupils saving their pin money for in- vestment with Uncle Sam. These clubs continued during the duration of the war with the result that many children laid the foundation for a saving campaign.
Service flags for men in service from the two high schools were raised soon after the war started and stars were added from time to time during the conflict.
For the Soldiers' Comfort
All Lee county soldiers who left for their training camps from Dixon were presented with comfort kits, the work of the Red Cross and other patriotic orders.
Lee county's first drafted contingent, Company M of Camp Grant, was given $1,772.40 for a comfort fund, the result of a campaign which began on Sept. 22, 1917. O. H. Martin was chairman of this eampiagn. A dinner at Armory hall netted $103 to this fund.
On March 9, 1918 Company M boys were given a furlough and were given a royal reception in Dixon. They took part in a parade and were the guests of the Dixon Evening Leader at supper.
Allied Bazaar
Under the auspices of the Woman's Committee Council of National Defense, the Allied Bazaar was held in Dixon the week of March 2-9, 1918. The organization, through its units in every township, gathered together a vast amount of saleable goods, which were sold at auction during the week. The proceeds of the bazaar were $5,600. A handker- chief donated by Mrs. Woodrow Wilson sold for $14 during the auction, the purchaser being W. A. Schuler. Congressman Medill McCormick spoke the evening of March 7, the start of the auction. Edward Vaile was chairman of the committee having in charge the bazaar, the most successful benefit event of the war period.
Registration of women for war work was sponsored by the Woman's Committee and Mrs. L. F. Cooling was chairman of this work. In the entire county 4,401 women were registered.
In September 1918, the committee carried on the baby weighing campaign and 517 Dixon township babies were examined.
War Savings Stamps Campaigns
The first campaign for the sale of War Savings Stamps was conducted beginning Dec. 3, 1917 with Wm. F. Hogan as chairman. Citizens were asked to pledge themselves to buy a certain number each during the year of 1918. On June 13, 1918 Dixon township was assigned a quota of $140,250 in war savings stamps and during the drive that opened June 17, the quota was subscribea.
The sale of thrift stamps in the schools of the city helped greatly in securing the quota for Dixon township.
Conservation Campaigns
Conservation, one of the slogans during the period of hostilities, was observed by practically all Dixon people.
Food conservation was first asked by the Government. The first meatless day was observed in Dixon on Oct. 30, 1917. It is estimated that 500 pounds of meat was saved on this day alone.
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Fair price lists for all staple foods were published Jan. 10, 1918. Porkless days were observed beginning Jan. 22, 1918.
Fuel conservation was practiced during the early part of 1918, heatless Mondays being initiated January 16 and revoked February 13. Gasless Sundays during the summer of 1918 were generally observed.
Dixon Home Guards
After the departure for service of Company G, I. N. G. a movement was started to raise a company of home guards to perform such service as would be required. The Dixon company of the reserve militia was organized Nov. 19, 1917 with Louis Pitcher as chairman of a membership committee of fourteen. Tom Richards was selected as the first captain. Later he was succeeded by Sam Cushing, and upon the appointment of Mr. Cushing to major of the Sixth regiment I. R. M., Lieut. George Fruin was promoted to captain. The company was accepted by the state on Feb. 25, 1918, when it had 40 enlisted men, and on April 9 was mustered into state service by General Wells of Spring- field.
City Council and War Work
The City of Dixon, through its city commission, took an active part in war work. Besides helping individually, members of the city commission worked as a group in pat- riotic drives and lent every assistance possible.
The city commission on Aug. 6, 1918 passed a resolution of sympathy to parents, whose boys fell on the field of battle. A copy of these resolutions were sent to every family in which a death occurred.
On Aug. 1, 1918 the city commission adopted a resolution asking Dixon citizens to pause a moment at noon each day and offer silent prayer for the safety of our boys in France.
Proclamations on fuel and food conservation were issued by Mayor Henry Schmidt during the early part of 1918 and in compliance with his wishes flags were flung to the breeze on the first anniversary of the war, April 6, 1918.
The Library in the War
The Dixon Public library lent its assistance during the war in more than one able manner. The first activity was a drive in September, 1917 for books for the men in ser- vice. In this campaign $153 was raised with which to purchase books.
Later during conservation drives, the institution distributed many booklets pertaining to food, thrift and economy.
Armistice Celebration
Dixon celebrated the advent on peace on Nov. 11, 1918 in a manner not surpassed by any city. The news came shortly after 2 o'clock on Monday morning after a night of tenseness to all. All throughout Sunday word of the end of hostilities was momentarily expected. When it finally came factory whistles, locomotives and every known noise producer was placed into use. By daylight the whole city was apprised of the glad tidings and the streets were crowded to learn more of the armistice signing.
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
In the afternoon after President Wilson had announced in congress the terms of the armistice, a gigantie parade was formed on downtown streets and was in progress an hour. Factories were closed and their delegations in the line of march added to the complete- ness of the celebration.
Homecoming Celebration
Lee County's homecoming celebration for all boys in service was held on June 12. 1919, four days after Company G, 123rd F. A., returned from service.
Weeks were spent in preparation for this occasion and thousands of Lee County people gathered in Dixon to honor the boys who had fought their battle.
A welcome arch was erected on South Galena Avenue just south of Second street. through which the honor men marched in a great parade in the late afternoon. Through- out the day the crowds were entertained by free open-air performances and in the evening two large dances were held for the entertainment of the boys who had seen service. The ladies of Dixon furnished the food for a great dinner at the Elks club.
Col. Henry J. Reilly of Chicago, commander of Reilly's bucks, the famous artillery unit of the 42nd division, delivered the address of the day. Music was furnished by Dixon and Sterling Fands.
GILBERT A. STEPHENITCH-son of John and Catherine Stephenitch, was born May 17th, 1896, at Sublette, Ill. He was called to Camp Grant, September 18th, 1918, and was a member of Co. M. From there he was sent to Camp Green, North Carolina, and at this time was transferred to Co. L, 7th Inf. From this camp he went to Camp Mills, N. Y., thence to France. He was wounded on Oct. 10th, 1918, from the effects of which he died Oct. 15th. He was buried at Senoncourt, Meuse, France.
C'LAYTON ELLIOTT-Son of Amos and Mary E. Elliott, was born at Rapattee, Knox County, Ill., October 20, 1894, and moved to Dixon in the year of 1901. On June 23, 1918, he was called into service and was sent to Camp Sweeney, Kansas City, Mo. He became an instructor in auto truck driving, and was made a Sergeant of Training Detachment No. 1, 3Co. A, U. S. A. On October 5th he died at Camp Sweeney Hospi- tal, from influenza and pneumonia, and was brought home to Dixon, and buried in Oakwood Cemetery, October 10th, 1918.
WARD A. SINDLINGER-Son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Sindlinger, was born at Mt. Carroll, Ill., July 12, 1886. In early life he, with his parents, moved to Dixon, which place remained his home until the time of his death. On September 29th he went to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., and joined the army (cavalry, Co. 27) and there remained three weeks. He, with his Company (Troup F, 4th Cav. U. S. A.) were then sent to Schoe- field Barracks, Hawaiian Islands, and there remained until August 1917. The last year of his service he was Corporal of Troop F of the Fourth Regiment of Cavalry. He then returned to the United States with
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
one of the Colonels, and brought back two valuable horses, taking them to Fort Ogelthorpe, Ga., and there died from the effects of gun wound. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon, August 22, 1917.
STANLEY SOFOLO-Son of Frank and Lena Sofolo. He was born in Chicago, October 28th, 1895, and on May 27th, 1918, was indueted into the army at Camp Gordon, Georgia. From there he went to Camp Merritt, New Jersey. He was placed in infantry service (Co. L). In August 1918, he landed in France, and was killed in action September 29, 1918. He was buried at Guillemont Farm Cemetery, near Ronsoy, France.
LLOYD KAYLOR BARTHOLOMEW-Son of Eugene Albert and Emma Kaylor Bartholomew, was born at Dixon, Ill., Feb. 22, 1899. Before the war he was a Corporal in Co. F, Home Guards. He was indueted into the service October 1, 1918, and became a member of the Students Army and Training Corps at Illinois University, Champaign, Ilinois. He became a Sergeant in Co. 4, and had passed an examination for 2nd Lieutenant when he was suddenly taken ill with pneumonia, on Oct. 4th, and died December 4th at the University Hospital, Urbana, Ill. On December 8th he was buried in Oakwood Cemetery.
ELIJAH DOAN- Son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Doan of Dixon, was born August 28th, 1889. He was inducted into service May 28, 1918, and was killed in action in France Oct. 17, 1918. A brother, Jasper J. Doan, also saw service in France and was one of the last to be returned home.
THEO. TROUTH-Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Trouth, was born in Dixon, July 14th, ISSS. On September 5th, 1917, he was called to ser- viee at Camp Grant. He remained there but a short time before being sent to Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, thence to New York, and from there to France. He belonged to Co. A, 132 Infantry, A. E. F. The following letter received by Mr. Trouth from John R. Weaver, Captain of 132d Infantry, will show the esteem the young soldier was held in by his officers and comrades:
My Dear Sir:
I regret to inform you of the death of your son, Private Theodore L. Trouth of this company, who died at Casualty hospital No. 53, June 25, 1918, at 10 p. m., of Pyaemia.
About two weeks ago, to be exact, June 11, Private Trouth was taken ill and sent to the hospital by the regimental surgeon, where he remained until the time of his death.
Private Trouth was an excellent soldier, who was universally liked by his officers and fellow soldiers, and his death is a source of genuine sorrow to all of us.
Sincerely yours, JOHN R. WEAVER, Captain 132nd Infantry.
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
EDWARD BOTT-Sergeant, Son of Frederick August and Amelia Bott, was born in Dixon, May 24, 1889. At the age of 21, in 1910, he en- listed in the Federal Army at Fort Logan, Cal. After training, his first enlistment was ended by a two years service in the ice and snow regions of Alaska. His love for military life was shown by the fact that he re- enlisted after receiving his honorable discharge. After his second enlistment he was sent to the Mexican border at El Paso, where he ex- perienced the trials of real army life. He was wounded in a night attack which laid him up for a few weeks, but again went on the firing line. After that event he was recommended as Orderly for Gen. Pershing, and served him faith- fully. At Columbus, New Mexico, he was transferred to a very responsible position, having exclusive charge of all government supplies, and was given a Corporalship. From here he went to El Paso, Texas, and was attached to the 17th Inf. His next move was to Atlanta, Ga., his duty being the guarding of interned Germans. He was later sent to Chattanooga, Tenn., and was assigned to the 55th Inf. Next he was sent to Camp Dix, N. J., where he was appointed Traffic Officer and was advanced to a Sergeaney. He was then in the 311th Infantry, and they were called to France. He was on the Metz front twenty-one days, and the Verdun front, where he saw some terrible battles. He died at the American Base Hospital 103. Dojon Cote D'or, France, January 22, 1919, at the age of 29 years.
HORACE FLINT ORTT- Son of Rowley R. and Rachel P. Ortt, was born at Morristown, Pa., March 20th, 1895, and later moved to Dixon Illinois. He left home in June 1917, with Co. G, of Dixon, for Rock Island, and from there went to East St. Louis on July 20th. From this city, on September 9th, he went to Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, and remained there until May 18th, 1918; then went to Camp Merritt, N. J., May 27th; sailed for Europe, and landed at Liverpool, England, June 7, 1918; then traveled to La Havre, France, arriving June 12. The St. Mihiel battle on September 11th, was his first battle. In this battle his Company, the 123d Field Art., was cited for honors by Maj. Gen. Summerall, com- mander of the 1st Div. From there marched to the Argonne. It was here that Horace volunteered to deliver a message, for his Captain of the Battery, through heavy shell fire, and was killed in the attempt. He was in Battery C, 33d Div., 123d Fiekl Art. He was cited by Brig. Gen. Todd, on Dec. 31st, 1918, for extraordinary heroism and dis- tinguished service; also on May 17th, 1919, by Maj. Gen. Bell for gallantry in action against the enemy; also the following citation:
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