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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
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IVD ( Howard Co) Haworth
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ARTAL, LENOX AND TILMINI FOUNDATIONS R
L
GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING
HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY IN THE WORLD WAR
BY
C. V. HAWORTH 1
INDIANAPOLIS WM. B. BURFORD, PRINTER AND BINDER 1920 EX.F.
.. . FORA
PELA DIBLIRY
121345B
TILLI . F . AMONS
10x1
L
COPYRIGHT, 1920 BY THE AUTHOR
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TO THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS WHO SERVED IN THE WORLD WAR FROM HOWARD COUNTY, INDIANA, THIS VOLUME IS RE- SPECTFULLY DEDICATED
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 8
Memorial
The Awakening.
9
World War Records of Soldiers and Sailors
Indiana State Militia. War Activities at Home
15 299 300
Howard County Conscription Board .
301
War Munitions Made in Kokomo
303
Food Administration.
Howard County Food Administrator
Liberty Loan
War Savings and Thrift Stamps.
Iloward County Fuel Administrator.
314
Howard County Relief Organizations.
Red Cross.
Junior Red Cross . .
Volunteer Medical Service Corps. .
Young Men's Christian Association.
Knights of Columbus
Jewish Welfare Work
Salvation Army . .
Library
United War Work
United States Boys Working Reserve .. .
Victory Boys and Girls .
Four Minute Speakers . . .
Chamber of Commerce . .
American Protective League
Howard County Vigilance Society.
Women's Organizations.
Churches.
338 339
Lodges.
339 340
Schools
341
The Silent Workers ..
343
Armistice Day.
343
Personnel of Howard County War Organizations
347
305 307 309 311 312
Howard County Council of Defense .. .
318 318 320 321 323 324 327 327 327 328 328 329 331 332 332 333 333
Boy Scouts.
American Legion
PREFACE
It is the purpose of this volume to give a true history of Howard County in the World War. It includes a brief biography of practically all of the participants, and a short sketch of the war activities carried on by the people at home. To have given the story in detail would have required volumes, but in compiling this material, it has been my pur- pose to set forth clearly the most important events as they occurred. A special effort was made to secure pictures of all the boys, but this proved to be impossible for in many cases there were no photographs to be had. In a number of instances the only pictures available were "snap shots", and these did not reproduce very well. Other prints had to be made from photographs taken in France and Germany and these too did not make clear halftones.
In gathering this data, I have exhausted every means at my com- mand to get accurate information. More than four thousand letters were written to soldiers and their parents, asking them to co-operate in making the record complete. Notices published in the local newspapers, solicited the support of the public in supplying historical data. Soldiers' letters, newspaper clippings, and notices of transfer of troops proved to be valuable sources of information. Lists of soldiers and war workers were furnished by the township, county, ward and precinct chairmen, teachers, pupils, lodges, city librarian and ministers. To all these, and others who so cheerfully assisted in making this volume possible, I wish to express my deep appreciation. I would indeed be ungrateful if I did not make special mention of the Kokomo Daily Tribune and the Kokomo Daily Dispatch, as both papers gave valuable support to the undertaking. I am also indebted to Elwood Haynes for his valuable assistance, to Mrs. Ruth Ross Herrman for her splendid service in collecting material, to Miss Ida I. Ward for her assistance, and to John W. Oliver, Director of the State Historical Commission, for his hearty co-operation.
C. V. HAWORTH.
7)
In Memory of Aimard Onunty's Dead Who Fought That Liberty Might Endure
ALLISON, ROY FRANK
BLANSETT, WILLIAM JOHNSON BOHN, CHARLES R. BORUFF, HOUCK
CALHOUN, THOMAS JAMES
CAVANAUGH, FRANK
CHRISTIE, RALPH DAVID
EAMES, RAYMOND REXFORD
ELDRIDGE, CHARLES ROSS
FOX, JASPER NEWTON
GOLLADAY, JAMES DEARMOND
GOUDY, GEORGE RAY GULLION, ANNAS HENDERSON, FREDERICK ARTHUR HOLLINGSWORTH, RAY HORTON, CHARLES
IRVIN, WALTER LONG
JENKINS, CHARLES SAMPSON JORDON, ANTHONY
KIMBALL, WILLIS OTTO KIRKPATRICK, ROSCOE C. LOWDER, ARTHUR LYNCH, CHARLES HOWARD
MCLELAND, HERMAN A. MCNEW, FLOYD GILBERT METZ, EMIN LEROY
MORGAN, CLARENCE ORVILLE
NELSON, REX E. PACKMAYR, FRANK L.
PHIPPS, THOMAS M.
RAGAN, ARTHUR EDWARD
REED, EDGAR FRANKLIN ROCKY, EVERETT LEE RYAN, THOMAS EDWARD SNAVELY, ALONZO EVERETT THARP, ARTHUR F. THATCHER, ALLEN SHARP TREES, JOHN G.
THE AWAKENING
Great events in human history often hang by a slender thread, and it requires only the slightest jar to precipitate a revolution. In 1914 very few people believed that civilization was builded upon a latent vol- cano, which was ready to burst forth at the least provocation and de- stroy all that had been gained during the past centuries. Yet this was literally true as subsequent events so clearly demonstrated.
During the last days of June of that fateful year, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, and his wife, were murdered in Bosnia, a Serbian province, which had recently been seized by Austria. Immediately following the tragedy war seemed imminent, but matters quickly adjusted themselves, and the event seemed to have been forgotten. When, suddenly without any warning Austria sent Serbia an ultimatum, which was exacting and humiliating in its terms, and only a brief forty-eight hours was given for acceptance. Serbia did not fully accept the terms as laid down in the ultimatum. Whereupon, at the suggestion of Germany, Austria withdrew her ambassador and prepared for war. Russia hastened to little Serbia's assistance; and im- mediately following, Germany declared war on Russia, despite the frantic efforts of England to prevent it.
The American people were amazed and horrified that civilized na- tions should resort to arms to settle their misunderstandings. They could scarcely understand that war was indeed a reality, until they saw nation after nation plunge headlong into the irresistible whirlpool of war, which threatened the very foundations of civilization.
The question was asked on every hand, Why this war? Why had peaceful people suddenly rushed to arms, instead of submitting their dis- putes to arbitration? There was but one answer-Germany had gone insane from military intoxication, and was striking for world power. Realizing that success depended upon attacking her enemies before they had time to mobilize their forces, Germany without warning abrogated her treaties and marched across Belgium's territory to strike at the heart of France. Belgium resisted, and her army was crushed, her coun- try devastated, and her people dragged into slavery. She lost all except honor; but so long as history is read, the story of her brave little army, which held in check the on-coming hordes of German soldiers, until the French and English could marshal their forces, will be given the place of honor with Leonidas and his three hundred soldiers who died to save Greece. Belgium was given a chance to save herself, if she would per- mit the German army to pass through her country unmolested, but this she would not do; she preferred to die, rather than sacrifice her honor.
In spite of their aversion to war, the American people began to realize
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0
PEACE DAY PARADE
PEACE DAY PARADE
BOYS LEAVING
"BILLY"JOHNSON'S TANK-VICTORY DAY PARADE
SCENES AT THE LAKE ERIE DEPOT FOR THE FRONT
T
THE SPIRIT OF '17 - VICTORY DAY PARADE
BOY SCOUTS & CO 'D"-VICTORY DAY PARADE
KOKOMO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS - VICTORY PARADE
EMPLOYEES OF HAYNES STELLITE CO- VICTORY PARADE
LADIES BRIGADE - VICTORY DAY PARADE
MAJOR DOYON & BOYS FROM FTHARRISON JULY 4
1917
SCENES IN KOKOMO
11
Howard County in the World War
that sooner or later they too would be drawn into the conflict. They wanted to remain neutral, but that was an impossibility, because the war was a conflict between the forces of right and wrong; it was a struggle for supremacy between the principles of autocracy and democracy, and it was to decide whether civilization or barbarism should dominate the human race. When issues like these were at stake, there was no question as to what the American people would do. However, the Germans had prepared for just such an emergency by spreading insidious propaganda broadcast throughout this country, telling of German efficiency, of her splendid uni- versities, her music, her literature, and her KULTUR. So systematically and thoroughly was it done that Germany had won the respect and ad- miration of a great number of people. The Kaiser explained at length that Germany had not sought war, but that she had been attacked and had struck only to save her integrity. The stories of atrocities com- mitted by the German soldiers during the early days of the war were given but little credence. Americans had not fully understood the Ger- man mind which had been molded by the military party in its forty years of preparation for the day when it would strike for a place in the sun. The war lords of Germany had thought to terrify her enemies by fright- fulness. Gradually, reports filtered through to this country that could not be disputed. Mutilated Belgian children were brought to this coun- try and their mute story was enough to convince the most skeptical. Returning soldiers told of the savage butchery of the aged and infirm. Even those who had gone to minister to the wants of the sick and wounded, when captured, were despoiled and murdered. There was no crime so henious, no cruelty so severe, and no deed so vile that Germans hesitated to inflict it upon those, who by all the laws of civilized war- fare, were entitled to protection.
Notwithstanding the fact that Germany had violated her treaties and had not hesitated to strike down any nation that opposed her will, the American people thought certainly their rights would be respected and that the United States would escape the cataclysm which threatened to engulf the entire world. But to stay neutral was impossible. American ships were sunk without warning; the lives of her citizens were destroyed, and the nation was humiliated and insulted. All of this was done de- liberately, despite the repeated protests and warnings of President Wil- son. There was a time when Germany seemed to accede to America's demands, but it was only for a brief time, for she soon announced her policy of unrestricted submarine warfare, which stated that all vessels, neutral as well as enemy, would be sunk without warning, if they were found in the war zone. The announcement of such a policy was more than the American people could endure. President Wilson immediately severed diplomatic relations with the Imperial German Government, and the United States Congress declared war April 6, 1917.
The die was cast, the United States had crossed the Rubicon and a
12
Howard County in the World War
peace loving people had entered the fearful maelstrom, not for aggrandise- ment of territory, but to establish justice in the world, to secure the safety of her own people, and to destroy forever the merciless military power which was threatening the liberties of the world.
Immediately following the declaration of war, the United States Con- gress passed the conscription act, which provided for a great army to be made up of men between the ages of twenty-one and thirty-one. In order that there might be a sufficient number of competent men to officer the new army which was to be created, officers' training schools were established in many parts of the United States. Indiana was favored with one, which was located at Fort Benjamin Harrison, near Indian- apolis.
The people of Howard County, soon after war was declared, began to adjust themselves to war requirements. When the first officers' train- ing school was established in May, 1917, about fifty of her finest and best young men went into training, and at the close of the camp in August, practically all of them had won commissions. Many more of her sons were likewise successful in other officers' training camps which were organized later. Recruiting officers opened headquarters for both army and navy, and enlistments in both branches of the service were heavy.
The first registration for conscripted men took place June 5, 1917. Later, all men who had reached their majority since the date of the first registration, were required to register. Finally, in order to secure all the men necessary to win the war, Congress passed an act requiring all men between the ages of nineteen and forty-five, inclusive, who had not registered heretofore, to do so on Sept. 12, 1918. Each registration was conducted without interruption, and soon the boys were called by groups to the different cantonments. The first increment of conscripted men, thirteen in number, left Kokomo, Ind., for Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky., Friday, Sept. 5, 1917. From that time, at more or less regular intervals until the close of the war, boys were sent to be trained in the business of war.
The citizens of Howard County wishing to do honor to the boys as they left for camp, gathered in great numbers at the railroad station to see them off. The scenes at the station as the boys took their de- parture were most impressive, and once witnessed could never be for- gotten. This was especially true when a large number of boys were sent away at one time. It seemed that the whole town and country-side turned out to give the boys a word of cheer before they went away. The band stirred the crowd with martial music. Veterans of the Civil War were there, bent in form and slow of step; yet the fire of patriotism burned in their breasts as strongly as it had in '61. Their very presence was an inspiration. Fathers, mothers, and friends, all were there to bid the boys good-by and Godspeed. When all was in readiness the boys clam- bered aboard a waiting train, and were soon on their way to become a
13
Howard County in the World War
part of Uncle Sam's great army which was rapidly being whipped into shape. Of course, the boys could not fully realize what was before them, but they had the courage and the will born only to a free people, to fight for a principle.
It was while the home folks stood watching the receding train carry- ing with it the young manhood of the community, that war became a reality to the people of Howard County. From that time the trans- formation was made quickly and thoroughly. The spirit of patriotism burned a little brighter in their breasts; self was forgotten; the light of a new day had dawned; new ideals had quickened the conscience; the love of country had been deepened; faith in a just cause had been strength- ened, until the people had fully prepared to follow the lines of action that would bring about most speedily the annihilation of the murderous mili- tary power of Germany and her allies.
The people of the Atlantic States believed that the Middle West was not fully aroused to the dangers that threatened this country. But when war was once declared the people of this section entered into the fight with so much spirit that the East was outdistanced, and was wont to look to the West for plans of organization. Indiana was right at the front in all war activities, and loyally supported the National Government in all its war measures. The States were indebted to the individual counties for the excellent showing which was made. Howard County did not shirk any duty that was entrusted to her, but came for- ward in her own characteristic way, and "put over" every war measure allotted to her.
She raised her full quota for the Red Cross, Young Men's Christian Association, Young Women's Christian Association, Knights of Columbus, Salvation Army, and Jewish organization. She also oversubscribed her quota for each bond and war stamp allotment. In fact the citizens of Howard County did their full share toward winning the war, by giving of their time, money, and men. Her boys who went into the service did their part nobly. There was no duty so exacting and no sacrifice so great that they did not gladly and cheerfully perform it. They left their homes feeling that they had entered into a righteous cause, and this gave them courage to do their duty whether it was at home, at sea, or on the battle- fields of Europe. Some were at St. Mihiel; others at Chateau Thierry, the turning point of the war; and still others broke the stubborn resist- ance in the Argonne Forest. Her boys were attached to the famous divisions that took part in the great drives on the Western Front, not only with the Americans, but with the English, French and Italians; they were at Archangel and Vladivostok; they were on the Mexican Bor- der, at Manila, and down at Panama; they were guarding our own coasts, and training in our camps. Wherever duty called, Howard County boys were there ready, if necessary, to make the supreme sacrifice.
AMERICAN TANKS GOING INTO ACTION
AMERICAN ARTILLERY IN ACTION
MARSHALL FOCH & GENERAL PERSHING
FRENCH SOLDIERS UNDER FIRE
FRENCH MORTARS IN ACTION
CLEMENCEAU AT THE FRONT
GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING
TANK DRIVEN BY KOKOMO BOY ?
OVERSEAS PICTURES
WORLD WAR RECORDS
Abney, Thomas .*
Ackles, Frank M., son of Fred S. and Effie Ackles, was born Feb. 6. 1891 HE enlisted in the army at Tipton, Ind., in August, 1917, and served in the ordnance personnel department until Jannary, 1919, when he was discharged.
Acuff, Arthur.
Adams, Albert Oral, was born in Tipton Co., Ind. Ile was twenty-five years of age when he entered the army at Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky., as a member of Bat. A. Second Regiment, F. A. R. D. He was discharged Dec. 13, 1918.
Adams, Cassius Clay, son of William W. and Rebecca Adams, was born Nov. 25, 1890. His enlistment in the navy dated from April 16, 1917, to Feb. 10, 1918.
Adams, Charles J. (5), son of John E. and Lee O. Bruce Adams, was born in Lafayette, Ind. After graduating from high school, he attended the Indiana Medical College, completing the course in 190G. He married Lovie Ilobbs, of Elwood, Ind. On Jan. 1. 19IS, he enlisted at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind., and, as a first lieutenant, he was called to active duty April 24. 1918. For six months he was at the base hospital at Camp Custer, Mich., as a specialist in eye, ear, nose, and throat service. On Oct. 25, 1918, he received orders for foreign duty, and had reported at Allentown, Pa. While there the armistice was signed. His discharge was granted Dec. 5, 1918.
Adams, Cleo Wilbur (40), son of Wilburn and Zora E. Adams, was born April 3, 1892, at Elwood, Ind. After graduating from the Kokomo High School in 1911, he married Gladys Fae Drake in July, 1916. On Dec. 13, 1917, at Kokomo, Ind., he enlisted as a machinist in aviation. and while at Love Field, Dallas, Texas, he was promoted to sergeant, first class. Ile served in France and with the Army of Occupation in Germany. As a meniber of the 278th Aero Squadron, he was in the Meuse-Argonne offensive and the Toul sector. Ilis back was injured in an air- plane crash. On July 22, 1919, he was mustered out of the service at Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio.
Adams, Everett Wesley, was born March 12, 1894. He enlisted in Co. E, July 27, 1917, and after spending a few weeks at East Chicago, Ind., and nearly a year at Camp Shelby, Miss., he was sent to France in October, 1918, with the 152nd Infantry. Ile returned to the States in the summer of 1919.
Adams, John Charles, son of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Platt, of Indianapolis, Ind., and adopted son of Dr. Charles J. Adams, of Kokomo, Ind., was born July 11, 1903. At the time of bis en- listment in the army, Sept. 25, 1917, he was living with Woodson M. Hobbs of Taylor Tp., Howard Co., Ind. He was accepted at Indianapolis, Ind., and sworn in at Fort Thomas, Ky., where he was assigned to Troop F, Seventh Cavalry, Fort Bliss, Texas. He was only fourteen years of age at the time he volunteered, and it is thought that he was younger at the date of his enlistment than any other Howard County soldier in the World War. When he was discharged June 4, 1919, he immediately re-enlisted for another year.
Adams, Luther L.
Affert, George D. (90), son of John W. and Iva Affert, was born in Anderson, Ind., Feb. 24, 1895. He enlisted at Kokomo, Ind., July 28, 1917, and was sworn in August 1, 1917. After a few months of training, he was promoted to sergeant, and sent overseas. Sailing hy way of St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, he reached Liverpool, England on Christmas Day, 1917. His service in France covered a period of fifteen months. He returned from St. Nazaire to New York, landing March 7, 1919, and was sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio, to be discharged.
NOTE .- A word of explanation will assist the reader in understanding some of the terms used, and in finding the records and pictures of the soldiers. The names of the soldiers occur in alphabetical order. The number after the name indicates the number plate on which the pic- ture appears. Names standing alone, were reported from Howard County, but no record or picture could be found. In many cases, it was impossible to get photographs of the boys. Biographies were verified, either by the soldiers or by some friend or relative. Military terms are abbreviated as follows :- F. A., Field Artillery ; O. T. C., C. O. T. S., F. A. C. O. T. S., Officers Training School, Central or Field Artillery, Officers Training School ; A. E. F., American Expeditionary Forces ; Q. M. C., Quarter Masters Corps; Co., Company ; Bat., Battery; S. A. T. C., Students Army Training Corps; R. D., Replacement Depot.
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ELVADORE MORRIS
WAYNE W. MORGAN
WILLIAM E.KEPNER
VIRGIL LAWRENCE EIKENBERRY
CLYDE C.SMITH-
LEWIS E. WATSON
SIGMOND THALMAN
JESSE E. PYKE
ELVIN L.VALENTINE.
RAYMOND C.GILBERT
FOSTER CHARLES
JESSE W. FOX ,
PLATE 1.
17
Howard County in the World War
Agnew, Russell Panl, husband of Adeline Elizabeth Agnew, was born in Tipton Co., Ind., June 22, 1896, and after finishing his high school work, he attended college two years. On Dec. 9, 1915, he enlisted at Little Rock. Ark., and at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., he was assigned to Troop K, Eighth Cavalry, Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan. 16, 1916. Ile was promoted to corporal and then to sergeant at Douglas, Ariz. When he was commissioned second lieutenant at the Fourth O. T. C., at Fort Bliss, Texas, he was assigned to the Fifth Cavalry. Beginning Sept. 21, 1918, he was an instructor at Camp Stanley, Texas. On Dec. 24, 1918, he received his discharge, and returned to his home at Kokomo, Ind.
Aikman, Paul (58), son of Bert and Mattie Aikman, was boru in Kokomo, Ind., Jan. 14, 1896. Upon entering the army July 23, 1918, he was first sent to Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky. ; then he was transferred to Camp MeClellan, Ala. Ile was promoted to first class private of Co. G, Twelfth Ammunition Train. His discharge was received at Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky., Feb. 7. 1919.
Aikmao, Raymond Charles (59), son of Charles and Anna Aikman, was born in Kokomo, Ind .. Jan. 26, 1899. His education extended through three years of high school. In May, 1918, at Kokomo, Ind., he enlisted in the Q. M. C., and was immediately sent to Jefferson Barracks, Mo. ; from there he was transferred to Jacksonville, Fla. ; then to Newport News, Va. : and finally he was sent to F'rance with Supply Co. No. 315, Commissary Department. He was discharged Sept. 16, 1919.
Aikman, Roy Wilfred (5), son of Charles and Anna Aikman, was boru in Kokomo, Ind., Oct. 16, 1895. In 1913 he graduated from the Kokomo High School. He entered the first O. T. C. at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and was commissioned second lientenant. After his transfer to Camp Zachary Taylor, he was promoted to first lieutenant, and had charge of three exchange units. When a call was made for volunteers to go over seas, he offered his services, and was sent to France with Co. H, 801st Pioneer Infantry. He returned from foreign duty, and was dis- charged at Camp Mills, L, I. in July, 1919.
Akers, Henry, enlisted at Kokomo, Ind., Oct. 26, 1917, and was a member of a balloon squadron.
Akers, Wayne Clifford, was born Oct. 22, 1899. Ile enlisted June 10, 1917, and was assigned to ambulance work.
Albaugh, Frederick F., was born April 26, 1808. He entered the army June 26, 1916, and was discharged May 7. 1917, at Jeffersonville, Ind., because of physical disability. IIe was a musician, third class, Second Regiment, Indiana National Guard.
Albangh, Omer Harry, was born Nov. 9, 1890. He enlisted in Co. E, June 26, 1916, and served on the Mexican Border. His service in France was with the 301st Heavy Tank Corps. In- tensive training was given in England after leaving Camp Zachary Taylor, and the firing line was reached in August, 1918. It is thought there were but six Howard County soldiers who saw active service in the heavy tank corps, and these were on the firing line with the British forces in northern France. Ile was discharged at Camp Sherman, Ohio, April 7, 1919.
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