USA > Indiana > Rush County > Centennial history of Rush County, Indiana, Volume I > Part 15
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The workers in some of the townships were especially active along certain lines in which they excelled. Ripley was the first to organize an auxiliary, a membership of over 200 having been reported from that township soon after the county chapter was organized. At the end of the first year the Washington township auxiliary had a mem- bership of 622, which represented seventy-two per cent. of the population, eighty-six per cent. of the families, and ninety-five per cent. of the resident property owners. Walker, Union and Noble each had more than one aux- iliary, those townships having been subdivided for the purpose of facilitating the work.
At the end of the first year of the Red Cross work in the county there were fifteen auxiliaries contributing to the output of hospital supplies and knitted articles. The production of the workshops of the auxiliaries included
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HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
the following: Shoulder wraps, bed socks, pajama suits, convalescent gowns, knitted sweaters, scarfs, socks, wrist- lets, helmets, hemmed sheets, towels, handkerchiefs, pil- low cases and comfort kits.
Activities of Rush County Women-The initiative in war activities in Rush county was taken by the women. In the organization of the chapter of the American Red Cross, and in all subsequent movements they played a leading part. Before the organization of a military unit was completed in the county, the women were engaged in the production of hospital supplies, and other articles for the comfort and protection of the soldiers, and long before an American contingent was sent overseas, the Red Cross workshops in the county were turning out large quanti- ties of knitted goods and garments of various kinds for the allied armies in France.
As the war progressed, and the American soldiers took their places in the trenches, the activities of the women increased, and the Red Cross workshops consti- tuted the most important industry in the county. They produced daily thousands of articles for the comfort of the men in the camps and in the trenches, and in this work all of the efficient labor and the executive ability were voluntary. No words can fitly describe and adequately appraise the value of the work of the women of Rush county in the Red Cross. They gave their time day after day, regardless of weather conditions, and not counting the personal sacrifice. To prepare garments for hospital use and bandages and dressings for wounded soldiers was a work of supreme devotion to the cause of humanity, and a contribution of exalted service to the Government in this crisis. With no thought of money reward but with a desire to help the forces of democracy in its life and death struggle with autocracy, this work was faithfully and efficiently carried on by the patriotic women of Rush county.
Women's activities included every movement that
181
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
had for its object the winning of war. In the Liberty Loan, in the Y. M. C. A., in the Knights of Columbus, in the Red Cross and in the Salvation Army drives for rais- ing money, the women participated, and the campaigns for greater food production and conservation had the active support of the women of Rush county. They banded together for effective, concentrated service, and the splendid record of the county in war activities was due largely to the loyalty, and the industry of the women.
War Fund Campaigns-Scarcely had the county or- ganization been effected when the first campaign for war funds was begun. One hundred million dollars was to be raised by our Nation for war relief purposes, and of that amount Rush county was asked to raise $10,500 during the week of June 20 to June 27. The campaign was con- ducted with vigor and everywhere the appeal for funds met with enthusiastic and generous response. Each township in the county raised more than its allotment, and the total amount for the county reached $22,000, or more than double the apportionment. Notable in this . campaign was the work of Anderson township. Eight hundred dollars was asked of this township, but under the enthusiastic leadership of its workers, more than $4,000 was subscribed, which gave the township first rank in the entire state, as the percentage of subscription to the allotment exceeded that of any other township in Indiana.
A second campaign for war funds was made during the week of May 20 to May 27, 1918. Again the people of the Nation were asked to contribute $100,000,000 to the American Red Cross. to be used in its work of mercy and relief in the camps and cantonments of the United States and in the war-torn countries of Europe. The allotment of Rush county was $16,000. The quota given to Indiana was fifty-four per cent. higher than in the first campaign and this fact required a corresponding increase in the county quotas. The entire quota for the county was fully
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HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
subscribed by Tuesday evening, May 21, the second day of the campaign. The solicitors continued the canvass and when their work was completed the total subscrip- tions again reached the splendid sum of $22,000.
A part of the war fund was used by the local chapter to purchase material for hospital garments, surgical dressings and yarn for knitted articles, but the larger part was turned over to the national organization, to aid in carrying out its colossal program among our soldiers at home and abroad and among the soldiers and civil pop- ulation of our allies in this war. Hospital supplies, sur- gical dressings, medicines, surgical instruments and all needed materials were furnished in almost unlimited quantities to the hospitals of our allies.
The invading German army had driven from their homes in Belgium, Northern France and Italy many min- dreds of thousands of refugees. To care for these ref- ugees-homeless and helpless-became a great problem to those countries already overburdened by war. The work of the American Red Cross among the civil popula- tions was a service beyond any money computation.
The aid given in reconstructing devastated districts, the care of the children, the provisions made for ref- ugees, the attention to the sick, brought heart and courage to those war-stricken peoples. Such an expression of the American heart to the civil populations as well as to the soldiers of our allies renewed the spirit of the nations and restored a splendid morale among the soldiers, more than the coming of an American army of many hundreds of thousands of men could have done. The soldiers of our allies needed assurance that their own families would be provided for or the very cause for which they were offer- ing their own lives would no longer exist. And thus the dollars given in these campaigns were multiplied and translated into acts of merey and humanity, and became a vast contribution of material and moral forces to our allies.
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HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Membership Drive-In December, 1917, a nation- wide membership drive was conducted. The time fixed was the last week of the month, and was generally called the Christmas membership drive. The goal fixed for the chapters of the entire nation was 21 per cent. of their re- spective populations. Each chapter whose membership reached double the quota asked, or 42 per cent. of pop- ulation was to be placed on the honor roll. When the campaign began, the Red Cross membership of Rush county was 3,908, and within a short time after the drive more than 9,000 persons were enrolled as members, or about 47 per cent. of the county. The success of this mem- bership campaign entitled the chapter to a certificate of honor which certificate was duly issued and now hangs on the wall of the office of the secretary.
Again the townships of the county showed their loy- alty to the cause, and by their unity of purpose brought great credit to Rush county throughout the state. But one county reported a higher percentage of membership. Mention should be made of the splendid result of the cam- paign in Washington township, where 72 per cent. of the population were enrolled as members, the highest record of any township in the county.
Surgical Dressings-On May 19, 1917, eight women met to receive instruction in surgical dressings. Three members of that first class later became instructors in the department. Other teachers were trained and many workers volunteered, until at the close of the first year's work, the average weekly attendance was 125, and the average weekly output 1,200 articles. The total product for the year was 26,000 pieces, and the quality of the work was always high. The Rushville workroom received the hearty approval of the state inspector, the quantity of work was enormous, the spirit of the workers was excel- lent and the directors were capable and devoted.
Output of Rush County Chapter-The output of the Rush county chapter, including the auxiliaries, from the
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HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
time of the organization in May, 1917, to May 1, 1919, was as follows:
Surgical dressings. 29,936; bed shirts. 2.650; paja- mas. 4.112; bath robes, 820: handkerchiefs, 802: bed socks. 480; sheets, 818: pillow cases, 2,294: towels, 4,569; comfort kits. 300: property bags. 404; pinafores, 423; filled kits. 250: shirts. 260; undervests, 645: underdraw- ers. 1.640: petticoats, 350: nightgowns, 300: stockings, 800: comforts, 170: pillows, 175: knitted wash rags. 800; shoulder wraps, 195: rag rugs, 155; trench candles. 700; sweaters. 1.277: socks. 7.930: helmets, 35; scarfs, 300: wristlets. 312 : total articles, 73.902.
In addition to the above 6,715 worn garments for Belgian and other relief: 1.185 pieces of linen for over- seas hospitals and 250 Christmas boxes for Rush county soldiers in foreign service were assembled and shipped, and later three cases containing 106 complete lavettes and nine dozen extra undershirts were shipped. The chapter registered five Red Cross nurses, fifty-one student nurses for hospital relief, and fifty nurses for war service, sub- jeet to call. In January. 1921, a donation of $500 was made to the European war relief fund.
Financial statement of the Rush county Red Cross.
Oct. 24, 1917 Nov. 16, 1918 Oct. 20, 1919 to to to Nov. 16, 1918 Oct. 20, 1919
Total Receipts and Balance.
$20,640.95
$16,302.12
Materials Purchased
10,045.42
995.05
596.26
Paid Washington (Dues)
3,948.00
4,805.35
1,627.50
Donation to Natl. Red Cross
5,000.00
Relief ( Flu) .
546.50
277.32
Miscellaneous, etc ..
618.67
362.10
Balance on Hand at End of Period. .
6,028.86
4,593.12
5,897.83
Balance October 24, 1917.
$ 3,229.80
First War Fund.
6,545.94
Second War Fund.
20,103.13
$29,878.87
Paid Local Chapter:
As Donations
$3,103.13
As War Fund.
7,050.65
10,153.78
Paid W. G. McAdoo, Treasurer
19,725.09
$29,878.87
r
Nov. 18, 1920 $16,184.83
War Fund
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HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
The officers of the Rush county chapter of the American Red Cross are: Ernest B. Thomas, chairman; Henrietta Coleman, vice chairman; Lewis M. Sex- ton, treasurer, and Mrs. Marian Mauzy Jones, secretary, these being assisted by a competent executive board and a board of directors.
Home Service Committee-The function of the home service committee of the Red Cross was to render all needed service in the homes and families from which sol- diers had gone. The importance of this service continued to increase with the progress of the war, as the duties of the committee included the providing of employment for disabled soldiers, and also embraced reconstruction work in the way of vocational training. The opportunity for good lay not only in reconstruction work, during and after the war, but in the moral support and encouragement given to the soldiers through the assurance that their families and their personal interests at home have the sympathetic, and if need be, the material support of the people in the communities from which they had gone.
Junior Red Cross-During the second year of the war, it became the plan to establish Junior Red Cross or- ganizations in the schools of the county. The purpose, briefly stated. was to mobilize and utilize the talents of the boys and girls, of the young men and women in war activities in every practical way. In the sale of Thrift Stamps, War Savings Stamps, and Liberty bonds the young people of our country, in their total energies, were a great power. The school girls received instructions in Red Cross sewing and in knitting. Thus the junior or- ganization accomplished a double purpose. Through it the nation received a direct contribution in the services of the school children, and a richly compensating return came to those engaging in the work, in lessons of practical patriotism.
Churches-The church is the foundation upon which rests the social structure of the state. It represents spir- itual, moral, patriotic and conservative forces, without which no nation can long endure. The church is, at all times, the most potent factor for good in the community,
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HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
and in great erises, it is a means of awakening the national conscience and aronsing the patriotic spirit of the people. So when the United States entered the World war, the churches of Rush county immediately became schools for instruction of loyalty, and rallying centers for patriotic gatherings. Pastors preached the necessity of prompt and concerted action, and their pulpits were the forums for patriotic appeal in questions pertaining to the war.
Y. M. C. A .- Like many other movements the Y. M. C. A. organization has expanded far beyond the designs of those who originated it. New emergencies have cre- ated new demands, and so along many lines of activity the work has broadened. The coming of the great war pre- sented a field of almost limitless opportunity, and a need such as had never before been known. The most expen- sive single item in an army is the individual soldier. trained and equipped, and the great problem that every commander sought to solve most completely was to bring his command to the highest state of efficiency, and then to conserve that efficiency until it could be employed against the enemy. There were influences and tendencies in army life that tended tremendously toward demoraliza- tion and the disintegration and destruction of the moral qualities which were essential to the greatest efficiency. With its specialized equipment and highly trained and experienced leaders, this great organization, the Y. M. C. A., togther with the Knights of Cohunbus, the Salvation Army and the Jewish Relief, which co-operated and shared in the welfare work, was able to meet the emer- geney, and did all that was humanly possible to keep the fighting men clean and fit. All connanders in the allied anies, chief and subordinate, bear strong and willing testimony to the inestimable value of the Y. M. C. A. war service. Huts bearing on their fronts the sign of the red triangle dotted every cantonment and camp of the allied forces at home and across the seas. Almost every regi- ment had its Y. M. C. A. headquarters where writing
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HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
material, books and newspapers were furnished free; where music by piano and victrola, games, lecture classes in different branches, including Bible study, were organ- ized and carried on under competent instructors, and where entertainments, some got up by the men themselves, others by professionals, and religious meetings were held. Canteens were provided where articles needed by the men and not furnished by the government were on sale at cost, and in many other ways the interests of the men were cared for.
Two campaigns were made in Rush county in 1917 for raising funds by popular subscription for the Y. M. C. A. In the first drive the amount subscribed was approximately $1,000. In the second, Rush county's quota was $7,550, which was exceeded by $1,201, the sub- scription amounting to $8,381 to which was added $370, earned by the high school boys, making a total of $8,751.
Knights of Columbus-In common with other organi- zations, Rushville Council, Knights of Columbus, responded to the various local calls for patriotic service. The members of the order joined with other citizens in forgetting fraternal and sectarian lines when the welfare of the country was at stake, and took special pride in having some small part in every avenue of wartime endeavor. But in addition to the varied activities open to every loyal organization, the government offered a dis- tinct field for splendid opportunity to the Knights of Columbus. Indeed this new trust carried such tremen- dous responsibilities that it removed this particular society from the restricted sphere of fraternalism, and constituted it a recognized national welfare association. Unfortunately, the constitution of the Y. M. C. A., adopted many years ago, denying a voice in its conduct of affairs to Catholics and Jews, precluded hope of entirely satisfactory ministrations to the essential reli- gious needs of a considerable proportion of the young men in the camps. None were quicker to observe this dis-
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HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
tressing situation than the officials of the Y. M. C. A., and they promptly agreed to the appointing of other bodies to take over the work among non-Protestant men. For the Catholics. Secretary of War Baker selected the Knights of Columbus. The proportions which this work assumed may be measured by the statement that the budget of the Knights of Columbus Camp Fund called for an expenditure during the years 1918 and 1919 of $30,000.000. In Rush county, a canvass to obtain a quota of $3,000 for the fund was made during the week of May 5-12, 1918. Though it was not found possible to visit all parts of the county, the sum of $3,750 was secured, and the list of subscribers included more than 1,000 names.
War Activities of the Friends-The Friends church, as an organization, has always been opposed to war. but as individuals the Friends are intensely loyal. In the last, as in previous wars, they participated in various activities, especially in the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., K. of C. and other movements for the relief of suffering and the uplift of humanity. In addition to extensive reconstruc- tion work. the Friends established hospitals for the bene- fit of the civilian population in France, which in many places had no other means of obtaining medical supplies or treatment. The Friends in Rush county contributed $130 per month for this reconstruction work, and Walnut Ridge Quarterly Meeting furnished one volunteer for hospital service. In addition to the financial assistance given, the women of the church engaged in sewing for the needy women and children of France, and several hun- dred garments were sent from Rush county to the Friends committee store house in Philadelphia, the headquarters of the American Friends service committee, whence they were forwarded to the representative of the committee in the war zone. This conflict again demonstrated the will- ingness of the Friends to engage in war activities along humanitarian lines, and to do their part in contributing to the world's needs in time of crisis.
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HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
The Salvation Army-Another organization engaged in special relief and welfare work in the army canton- ments in the United States and in the war zone in Europe was the Salvation Army, which supplemented but did not duplicate the work of the Y. M. C. A. and the Knights of Columbus. In fact, it rendered service for the soldiers that no other society performed, and like those two great organizations, the Salvation Army had the endorsement of the government. Of the $1,000,000 raised in the Salva- tion Army war fund campaign in April, 1918, the sum of $320,000 was apportioned for the erection of huts adjacent to the cantonments and training centers in the United States. The remaining $680,000 was for the building of huts at the front, with the American troops, providing additional equipment, maintenance, etc., for those in charge of the work. A special feature of the service ren- dered by this organization was the establishing of exchanges where soldiers could exchange soiled and worn socks for clean and repaired ones. Rush county's allot- ment in the $1,000,000 war fund drive was $500, which was raised by subscription by the officers and members of the local Salvation Army corps, assisted by a committee appointed by the County Council of Defense.
Boy Scouts-The activities of the Boy Scouts in the World war justified most emphatically the hope and the faith of the founders of the organization. In all war movements in this county, the Scouts had no small part. The khaki-clad figures with manly traits and soldierly bearing became familiar indeed in every patriotic parade, in escorting departing soldiers, in the distribution of important war literature, and especially in the sale of the Liberty Loan bonds. There were in Rushville three troops of Boy Scouts with an aggregate membership of sixty, which were designated as 1, 2 and 3 and were identified with Main Street Christian Church, St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, and the First Presbyterian Church, respectively.
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HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Fraternal Organizations-The World war furnished a peculiarly appropriate opportunity for service to the numerous fraternal organizations, which have grown to form so conspicuous a feature of American society. To the credit of the lodges of Rush county, it must be said that they grasped the situation clearly. they rose fully to the momentous opportunity, they remembered that their rituals are founded on ideals of loyalty and heroic sacri- fice, and that they gave ample justification for the right to existence in a Republic. In the lodge room the service flag was hung in the place of honor beside the Star Spangled Banner and the revered emblem of the organiza- tion : in the window the great Red Cross banner with the white star in the center proudly proclaimed 100 per cent membership in that blessed legion of humanity; Liberty bonds were freely purchased; and the various public patriotic demonstrations were made possible largely through the co-operation of the lodges. The fraternal organizations in general deserve a bright page in the story of Rush county's war activities.
The number of lodges in the county is so large that the limits of this work will not admit individual mention of their activities. and it is equally to be regretted that special notice may not be given to a few of the organiza- tions whose patriotic work was notably conspicuous and whose unselfish spirit made their endeavors doubly grati- fying. The following orders are represented in the county, some of them having lodge rooms in most of the towns in the county: Masonic, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias. Elks, Red Men. Maccabees. Modern Woodmen, and Eagles. The Y. M. C. A. and the Knights of Colum- bus, which received the official endorsement of the gov- erment as relief and welfare organizations, are noticed separately elsewhere.
Daughters of the American Revolution-In common with the other patriotic societies the Rushville chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution engaged in
191
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
various war activities. Quantities of knitted goods were made by the society, part being sent direct to soldiers in the cantonments, the remainder being turned over to the Red Cross. A naval auxiliary was organized and a con- siderable quantity of knit goods was sent to men on the battleship "Indiana." The chapter supported two French orphans, subscribed to the D. A. R. Liberty Loan fund and to restoration work, and in general co-operated in every way possible with the Red Cross.
Schools- The schools of the county were organized, and the interest of the pupils, encouraged and directed by the teachers, was shown in their enthusiastic participa- tion in all war activities. From the time the United States entered the war, the spirit of loyalty was fostered by the holding of special meetings in the various grades, at which teachers and citizens appealed to the patriotism of the pupils, and instructions on the duties and responsi- bilities of citizenship were made a part of the regular course. Among the special activities in the schools was the thrift campaign, in which the teachers emphasized the value of saving, explaining the means by which pupils might assist in financing the war and directing them particularly to invest in thrift stamps. The girls learned to sew, and studied methods of meeting the government's food regulations, while the boys interested themselves in useful occupations, in studying the agricultural and industrial needs of the community, and in raising money for war funds and charitable purposes.
Government Control-One of the results of the war was the radical change in the policy of the government in regard to the administration of railways, and the control of prices of fuel and food supplies. The advance in price of raw materials, general increase in wages, difficulties in the maintenance of adequate transportation facilities, lack of proper distribution, the abnormal demand for certain classes of goods, and the competition of the gov- ernment with manufacturers and merchants in the
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