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 4
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The Palmyra Cow Testing Association is on its second year of work and bas aided the members very materially in better feeding, management, and general production methods. Efforts were made to organize a second cow testing association with the result that perhaps enough members can be secured during the winter of 1918-1919 to complete the organization. It is possible that by means of the cow testing association, and perhaps in no other way as a general rule at least, the non-productive cow may be weeded out and finally bring about the selection of the high producing and economical herd.
National Farm Loan Association
Assistance was given in the organization of the Lee County Farm Loan Association and two meetings were held at which Carl E. Hopkins, Vice President of the Federal Farm Loan Bank of St. Louis, discussed the benefits of the Farm Loan Associations.
Exhibit at County Fair
At the Lee County Fair an exhibit was made by the association. A miniature farm of 160 aeres was platted showing the growing erops in rotation with buildings and fences all complete. This exhibit attracted marked attention and was commented on very favorably by the thousands of people who visited the exhibit. A plat of the farm and a description of the farming system was mailed to each member shortly after the Fair which will give those interested an opportunity to study out an improved system on their own farms. In addition to the miniature farm, other exhibits were made some of which were as follows: Wheat rust, with a plea to kill all common barberry which serves to spread wheat rust; corn ready for seed gathering, and a summary of the number of farmers ordering seed corn thru the Association, numbering 316 with a total of 1,673 bushels of seed eorn ordered; and an exhibit showing the result of 6 years soil treatment at the Dixon Experiment Field. A map of the county showing the location of the members; charts showing the need of keeping farm accounts and some sample account books; an exhibit showing army worms and parasites which help keep this pest in check, also damage done by the army worm in Lee County. Soy beans showing inoculated and uninoculated plants and the material needed for treating grain to prevent smut were all on display. The whole exhibit was put on in a 30x40 tent with stenographer's desk and appropriate signs.
Meetings
A number of county and state meetings pertaining to Food Production and Conserva-
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
tion work were attended by the chairman and in some cases by other members of the committee some of which were as follows:
Dixon, Conference with Walter Cradle, District Food Administrator.
Urbana, War Conference, February 2.
Urbana, Conference, March 23.
Rockford, Food Administration meeting.
Chicago, Seed corn administration conference.
Urbana, Food Production Conference.
Dixon, Farm Labor meeting.
Rockford, County Food Administration conference.
Amboy and Dixon, Farm Loan Association meeting.
Chicago, Seed Corn Administration matters.
Amboy, Threshermen's Meeting.
Many other Lee County Soil Association meetings dealing largely with crop production matters were held.
CHAPTER V United States Boys' Working Reserve
BY L. W. MILLER
Dixon, Ill., Jan. 27, 1919.
Hon. Edward Vaile,
Chairman Finance Committee, State Council of Defense,
Dixon, Illinois.
Dear Mr. Vaile:
I acknowledge the receipt of your communication of recent date, requesting a brief survey of the work of the BOYS' WORKING RESERVE, under Federal jurisdiction, during the past two years, in Lee County, Illinois, and beg to submit the following:
Upon the entry of the United States into the World War, and under the direction of the United States Department of Labor, a plan was evolved which aimed to train the boy to do his part in winning the war.
In 1917, more than a score of boys were registered in Lee County, in this organization, not counting scores of others who performed a similar service, but who were not registered in this organization. These boys made good on the job,-several of whom had no training for the work of the farm. Many farmers who were skeptical at first found out that city boys were bright and quick to learn, and these farmers were glad to assist such boys to make good. Most of the boys enjoyed the freedom and independence of farm life, and its wholesome surroundings. Despite the hard work and long hours, they went over the top with the work with flying colors, and returned to school in the fall benefited in health and character, and with the satisfaction of having done an important patriotie work for their country.
President Woodrow Wilson; Governor Frank O. Lowden of Illinois; Honorable Samuel Insull, Chairman of the State Council of Defense; Honorable Francis G. Blair, State Superintendent of Publie Instruction in Illinois; Honorable Burridge D. Butler, Federal State Director of the Boy's Working Reserve in Illinois; and many another distinguished personage, through the agency of public letters, and proclamations gave impetus to the plan, which was a call to the youth of America,-not for military or naval service, but to enroll such boys for essential productive industry to help to win the war, that the world may now, and hereafter be safe for Democracy.
The plan of 1918 assumed additional organization features. Boys from sixteen to twenty years of age volunteered and were enrolled in the U. S. Boys' Working Reserve, placing themselves at the disposal of the non-military authorities for work,-particularly in the food producing occupations. Those who elected to leave school prior to the ter- mination of the regular school year, were granted school credit, under the rules of super- vision, for such school work as was actually missed. All of these volunteers were encour- aged to wear conspicuously the lapel button of the "Reserve", as a badge of special des- ignation. More than ever, city boys and country boys toiled side by side in the fields and gardens,-happy and content to do their bit for universal freedom,-regarding it as a privilege to assist in minimizing hunger among the nations of the world who so stead-
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
fastly persevered in liberty's cause. On an average, the boys received about thirty dollars per month for their work.
Illinois thrilled as never before, in similar manner, at the voluntary and willing saeri- fices of these patriotie boys who provided a generous part in supplying the power that daily flung the battle line forward. Boys who worked six weeks in either year were awarded a bronze Federal medal; those who worked twelve weeks were awarded an added "Honorable Service" bar, or medal, to be worn with the regulation medal.
These medals are a work of art, and bear the serial number of the year's issue on the "Honorable Service" bar or medal.
Nearly one hundred fifty boys, to date, are the proud possessers of the bronze medals, and nearly one hundred of these are eligible to receive the added honor, when the service bars are distributed direct from Washington.
With the money earned in this way, many boys bought thrift or war savings stamps and bonds, and paid for them in full.
All honor to these manly, unselfish, patriotic boys! Some of their heroic brothers lie asleep among Picardy's poppies, and elsewhere in " No Man's Land." Some are maimed and some have already returned to their homes, erowned with the laurels of a grateful nation, and nations. Both the heroes and their toiling brothers merit our highest at- tention in these annals, and our most earnest compliment and conspicuous mention is herewith accorded to them.
The Boys' Working Reserve will be perpetuated during 1919, at least. Boys will be permitted to wear a uniform, suitably designed by competent authority, and approved Fy the Federal authorities. The plan of enrollment and detail of procedure for service will remain practically unehanged.
Very respectfully yours, L. W. MILLER Lee County Director, U. S. Boys' Working Reserve
CHAFTER VI Publicity Committee BY CHARLES E. MILLER
The members of this committee. Charles E. Miller, Chairman, Dixon; George B. Shaw, Dixon: A. M. Clapp, Dixon; G. W. Carpenter, Amboy; E. F. Guffin, Paw Paw; Ralph Dean, Ashton; and Bella R. Holderman, Franklin Grove, served during the entire war activity. The newspapers of Lee County certainly did their part. Day after day they gave prominent places to any matter pertaining to war work. And the citizens of Lee County must naturally feel proud of the loyalty to the government by the Lee County Press. The work of this committee was conducted through the two years without a cent of expense. The members willingly did their own work, hired no stenographers, and feel proud that every drive for funds whether it was Red Cross. Y. M. C. A .. K. of C., or Liberty Loan went "Over the Top."
Credit must be given to the many speakers generally known as four minute men, who cheerfully gave their time in explaining to the publie the reasons for the different campaigns for funds.
Three newspaper reporters, who now are connected with the Dixon Telegraph, deserve special mention, E. E. Holdredge, E. L. Fullmer and Preston. The chairman of this committee ealled upon them many times for specials and they always eame through with a good big write up and featured anything which would help the cause. The "boys" who went across did the work, we did only our duty.
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CHAPTER VII Woman's County Organization BY MRS. LUCILE REYNOLDS RALSTON, Chairman
Dixon, Illinois, June 20th, 1919.
Review of the Work of the Woman's Committee Council of National Defense, Illinois Division, Lee County Unit.
The Woman's Committee Council of National Defense, Lee County Unit was organ- ized under the direction of State Chairman, Mrs. Joseph T. Bowen, in September 1917. Mrs. Douglas G. Harvey, in the absence of Mrs. John G. Ralston, perfected a County Organization which consisted of a Chairman appointed in each of the Twenty-two Town- ships of Lee County. From the date this Organization was started until it was disbanded a complete County Organization was maintained, with but one change in the personel of the Township branches during the entire period of the war.
The aim of the Women's National Committee was to organize completely over the United States and to be ready to meet any emergency or perform any War Service that was asked by our Government.
The Lee County Officers:
Honorary Chairman
Chairman
Mrs. Dorothy N. Law Mrs. John G. Ralston Mrs. Douglas G. Harvey
Associate Chairman
Vice-Chairman Mrs. W. E. Weurth Mrs. A. P. Armington
Secretary & Treasurer
Conservation Chairman Mrs. J. M. Batchelder, Miss Mary Wynn Registration Chairman Mrs. Kittie Ballou, Mrs. Louis F. Cooling Child Welfare Chairman Mrs. Harry Warner Social Service Chairman Mrs. E. A. Clevidence
Allied Relief Officers
Chairman Mrs. Douglas G. Harvey, Mrs. John G. Ralston
County Civilian Relief Chairman Mrs. W. C. MeWethy
Dixon Township Hospital Garments Chairman Mrs. A. H. Nichols City Civilian Relief Chairman Miss Ada Deeker Knitting Department . Miss Mary Morrison, Miss Rosanna Dement
County Surgical Dressings Chairman Mrs. W. F. Strong Fatherless Children of France Chairman Miss Annetta Dimick Miss Helen M. Brown Mrs. J. A. MeEntee
Fatherless Children of France Vice Chairman
Donations for French Hospitals Mrs. W. G. Kent Mrs. T. J. Gullion
Italian Relief Chairman
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Township Chairmen
South Dixon, Mrs. Harry Byers
Nelson, Mrs. Clarence Stitzel
Wyoming, Mrs. J. B. Dougherty
Willow Creek, Mrs. W. J. Brown
Alto, Miss Dorothy Barnett Lee Center, Mrs. S. L. Shaw Harmon, Mrs. George Ross
China, Mrs. F. M. Banker
Sublette, Mrs. George Lauer
Palmyra, Miss Louella Powers
East Grove, Mrs. Homer Parsons Brooklyn, Mrs. E. C. White Ashton, Mrs. C. F. Griffith
May, Mrs. Frank Emmons
Hamilton, Mrs. H. G. Keigwin
Marion, Mrs. John Morrisey
Viola, Mrs. George Weber
Bradford, Mrs. Fred Wagner
Compton. Mrs. Daisy Paine
Amboy, Mrs. Josephine Ziegler and Mrs. C. T. Barnes
Nachusa, Mrs. R. E. Herbst and Mrs. Fred King
The first service the Government requested of the Woman's Committee was a complete registration of all women. It was a census which gave the capabilities of each woman on a Card Index Form which classified women into various groups, including those who could serve as stenographers, post office clerks, overseas telephone operators, professional nurses, and those desiring to enter hospitals for training, women willing to do industrial work as also those desiring to serve over seas, even to the Home Knitter or the woman who could give two to four hours a day to sewing, and lastly those who were entirely occupied, yet wanted to be on this War Registration and who registered as loyal American Women. And this Card Index was not only used by Local Units but when requests would come for certain work from State or National Committees these lists were effect- ively used. These files were also used by Government Officials in locating unpatriotic citizens, there being attached to this Card Index a list of the names of women who did not register. This census is now being held by the former Chairman in each Township and is accessible through her. The total number of women registering in Lee County was 5,641.
It was imperatively necessary that every woman in Lee County do some War Work, or otherwise the burden would fall very heavily on a few. Women everywhere were willing, and all that was needed was a complete organization in every Township so that meetings to do Relief Work for Men in Service might be carried on. To this end we organized our Allied Relief Unit under the Illinois Chairmanship of Mrs. Russell Tyson of Chicago. Upon Mrs. Tyson's visit to Dixon to organize our Unit our committee was told of the twelve or fifteen Countries that needed aid, and from this list we selected France, and the American Fund for French Wounded, which was duly authorized in this country and which worked under the Service de Sante of France. We chose this service because it enabled us to work for the French soldier, who was at that time holding the line until our army in numbers could get there, as well as our own American Boys. French Hospitals, where our supplies were sent, were filled with American Wounded and it was in this way that our surgical dressings, shirts, knitted goods and hospital supplies reached our American Boys. In fact, the first Lee County boy who gave his life died in a French Hospital. The National Council of American Fund for French Wounded worked very closely with the heads of the Red Cross in New York, and it should be stated that the American Fund for French Wounded shipped through the American Red Cross Trans-Atlantic Service up until the early part of 1919. It was only in a few isolated cases where these services did not work together.
We first established headquarters in the Countryman Building-later for a short time the Schuler Building was used; then the Knights of Columbus gave us their heated rooms
Reynolds, Mrs. Michael Sullivan
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
where we remained until early summer. All of these buildings were donated to us by the owners or occupants.
About the first of June we were given the use of the main floor of the store Building owned by Gordon Utley on Galena Avenue. This generous gift of Mr. Utley's made possible a large amount of work during the hot summer months which otherwise could not have been accomplished. We occupied the Utley Store until our War Work was finished, in the spring of 1919, Mr. Utley furnishing us with heat in the winter months.
Unlike other War Activities no provision was made by our Government for financing the work of the Women's Committee Council of National Defense. It was, therefore, necessary at the outset for the Lee County Committee to make provision not only for the work of knitting and sewing, ete., but also to raise funds for the payment of every- thing used, which included large amounts of yarn, muslin, tennis flannel, gauze, cotton and other materials, as also for the payment of expenses of other Committees including Social Service, Conversation, Child Welfare, the Fatherless Children of France and others. At the start time was too precious to spend in raising needed funds. There was immediate need for every kind of supplies for French and American Wounded, and the quick ship- ments of small quantities at that time meant the saving of lives. The call came urgent and strong from Headquarters to our Dixon Unit to rush forward in small shipments to be followed by larger ones a few weeks later. At that moment without formal action by the Dixon Unit materials were purchased in Chicago at wholesale and the work was started without delay. A few weeks later when invoices were checked, and it was found that purchases had been made amounting to about $2000.00, without a single dollar in hand to meet these obligations, the serious question of financing this undertaking was nothing short of staggering in its proportions, as these women had not previously been confronted with the financial problems of this magnitude. But the eause, coupled with the greater enthusiasm which was in all hearts, made the greatest of undertakings seem easily possible, and in the faith that some way would be found by which we could finance this patriotic undertaking the work went steadily on and the question of finances was left for later solution.
With the County wide Registration finished, and with supplies bought and in hand the next urgent need was to get at once all of the Townships of Lee County actively en- gaged in War Work. It should be stated up to that time-about January 1918-only Nine of the Twenty-two Townships in Lee County had been organized for War Work.
Heavy snow storms came in January which made the roads in the country difficult to travel, but with the women in Thirteen Townships organized and unprovided with material for War Work, our Committee went forth day after day in sleighs over country roads which were almost impassable, often being compelled to dig through the drifts; until it was made plain to every community that there was work to be done and that it must be started without delay. The eager enthusiasm with which the women throughout the country grasped this opportunity to do their bit to help win the War greatly lessened the burden of this work.
With the County throughly organized and materials distributed, attention was turned to the serious problem of finances which up to February had been given but seant atten- tion. We had, however, in December made a most encouraging start by having the good fortune to secure Capt. R. High Knyvett, the famous Australian fighter and scholar, who delivered a most thrilling address, picturing the terrible tragedies of the war in such a vivid way as to fire the heart and mind of every one present to the highest pitch of pat- riotie fervor. It is safe to say that the vast audience that filled the Dixon Opera House
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
on that occasion was to the last man and woman inspired by the eloquent words of Capt. Knyvett to go forth from that meeting and from that hour to work more earnestly for his and her country and victory than ever before.
A meeting of our Executive Committee of five women was called early in February to determine how we could best meet our financial obligations, and also raise money to carry on the work during the coming year. We realized that it would require from $6000.00 to 87000.00 to supply our working units at the rate they were using materials.
Without realizing when or how the innumerable details were accomplished, and despite almost impassable roads which practically shut off country travel for the last two weeks in February, March 2nd, the day for the opening of the Lee County Allied Bazaar, found everything in readiness for the event.
What ean he said of Rosbrook's Hall which will picture it in the eyes of the reader as it actually appeared to visitors on this occasion! First, the booths eneireling the entire hall, decorated with white pergolas, festooned with garlands of flowers, draped with blue hunting throughout ; lights with beautiful varigated shades; myriads of brilliantly colored balloons; sprays of autumn leaves, these attractive embellishments furnished a brilliant and beautiful background for the display of goods which had been donated in almost endless variety and which filled the booths to over-flowing.
Among the more important features of this eventful week were two suppers served by the Lady Forresters on the opening and closing nights, which netted $311.06, the food for the former being furnished by this Society and for the latter by the ladies of the Allied Churches of Dixon. The donations in food and money from the various Townships for the Bazaar, as well as various other contributions, are one and all worthy of specific mention, but limited space forbids it. In passing we feel constrained to mention the next to marvelous work of Mrs. Homer Parsons, Mrs. James McBride and their associates of East Grove Township; in next to impassable roads they collected nearly $100.00 in cash and several wagon loads of country produce. Mrs. George Lauer with her associates of Sublette Township was a close second to East Grove, while Mrs. S. L. Shaw and her assoc- iates of Lee C'enter Township were led by Sublette by only a narrow margin.
Among other specially noteworthy features was the presence of Honorable Medill McCormick on Friday evening who delivered a most interesting speech on the War.
The total cash receipts of this most successful Bazaar ever held in Lee County amounted to $5,105.01.
County Civilian Relief-Mrs. W. C. MeWethy, Chairman. Assisted by Mrs. Geo. Ward and Mrs. Henry Highy.
Surgical Dressings-Mrs. W. F. Strong. Assisted by Miss Deed Preston, Miss Fane, Mrs. Austin George.
Dixon Township Civilian Relief-Mrs. A. H. Nichols, Chairman. Assisted by Mrs. W. J. Worsley.
Dixon Township City Civilian Relief-Miss Ada Decker, Chairman. Assisted by Mrs. L. W. Mitchell, Mrs. C. P. Dollmeyer, Mrs. Edward Dysart, Mrs. W. H. Coppins, Mrs. Ernest Moeller.
Knitting Department-Miss Mary Morrison, Chairman. Assisted by Miss Rosanna Dement.
Donations to French Hospitals-Mrs. W. G. Kent, Chairman.
A beautiful donation stamped "To the French Hospitals from the Women of Lee County, Illinois, U. S. A." amounting to a little less than $500.00 represented the largest individual donation to the Fund. This amount was raised entirely by its Chairman.
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WAR HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Fatherless Children of France-Miss Annetta Dimick, Chairman; Miss Helen Brown, Chairman; Mrs. J. A. MeEntee, Vice Chairman.
Italian Relief-Mrs. T. J. Gullion, Chairman.
Social Service-Mrs. E. A. Clevidence, Chairman.
Child Welfare Department-Mrs. Harry Warner, Chairman.
Food Conservation-Mrs. J. M. Batchelder, Chairman. Assisted by Miss Mary Wynn. At the time of the influenza epidemic Mrs. W. E. Weurth called the Ladies of the Red Cross and other Organizations to the Council of Defense Headquarters to see if it would not be possible to be of some immediate help to those families who were stricken with this terrible disease. The outcome of this meeting was that a Soup and Food Canteen was established at the Council of Defense Headquarters which was kept open morning, noon and night to receive any orders from Doctors or requests from families where nourishing food was needed. This Committee of young women worked constantly for ten days. We also established a registration for Nurses and through this service many families were greatly aided.
Township Report
Special mention should be made of Mrs. George Lauer, Mrs. Homer Parsons and Mrs. Frank Emmons for liberal financial aid, also for large quantities of excellent work turned out; for liberal financial aid, Miss Dorothy Barnett; for large quantities of excellent work and also various donations, Mrs. J. B. Dougherty, Mrs. F. M. Banker, Mrs. S. L. Shaw, Miss Louella Powers, Mrs. E. C. White, Mrs. Fred King, and Mrs. Harry Byers; for loyal support and general good work, Mrs. J. W. Ziegler, Mrs. C. T. Barnes, Mrs. W. J. Brown, Mrs. C. F. Griffith, Mrs. Daisy Paine, Mrs. R. E. Herbst, Mrs. George Ross, Mrs. John Morrisey, Mrs. Clarence Stitzel, Mrs. Fred Wagner, Mrs. Michael Sullivan, Mrs. H. G. Keigwin and Mrs. George Weber.
The financial report is as follows:
Receipts Woman's Committee Couneil National Defense
$9920.33 War Relief Fund Total Receipts
S 580.04 9,340.29
War Relief Fund Receipts
9920.33
Fatherless Children of France Committee
4116.00
Total Receipts
$14,036.33
Expenditures
Woman's Committee
$ 406.35
War Relief Fund
8198.36
Fatherless Children of France Com.
4116.00
$12,720.71
12,720.71
Balance on Hand
$1,315.62
An itemized statement covering all financial receipts and disbursements from the beginning to the close of this work has been duly verified and audited by our Executive Committee, as by the Dixon National Bank. After paying all indebtedness there remains in this Fund a balance of $1315.62. This Fund is now deposited at the Dixon National Bank to the credit of the Woman's Committee Council of National Defense, Mrs. A. P.
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