USA > Indiana > Decatur County > History of Decatur County's part in the World War, 1914-1918 > Part 17
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He was a member of the Burney Methodist Church, Sunday School and Epworth League, and entered the service October 1, 1918, in the Student's Training Camp at Franklin College. He was taken ill with influenza-pneumonia, and died just seventeen days after leaving home.
The burial was in South Park cemetery, Greensburg. Reverend Watkins of the Burney Methodist and Keverend Mckay of the Burney Baptist churches conducted the services. * İ
RAY HESS
The father of Roy Hess died when Roy was a small boy. He was placed in the Soldiers and Sailors' Orphans' Home at Kingstown, as his father was a Civil war veteran.
On June 27, 1911, he was adopted by Mrs. Phamie Armstrong, of Letts, Indiana, who was really the only mother he had ever known.
He attended the Letts graded school and high school, and was a member of the Methodist Sunday School.
He enlisted in the army soon after war was declared on Germany and was assigned to Camp Winona in the Motor Transport School. He died while in camp, October 27, 1918, and was buried, at his request, beside his father near Vincennes.
William Harrison Ray was the son of Edgar and Ida Ray. He was born near Kingston, Decatur County, Indiana, August 2, 1895.
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He attended school at Kingston and was a member of the Kingston Presby- terian Church and Sunday School.
At the age of 23 years, he entered the service of his country. He was sent to
WILLIAM H. RAY
Ft. Thomas, but remained there only three days, when he was transferred to Camp Sheridan, Alabama. He was assigned to Company C, Sixty-seventh regi- ment.
William was in the army three months when he contracted measles, which were followed by pneumonia.
He died November 12, 1918, aged 23 years, 3 months and 10 days.
The funeral was held at the home of his parents, conducted by Rev. John Henry of the Kingston church. Burial at the Kingston cemetery.
Harrison S. Wiley was born near Milroy, Indiana, February 9, 1891. . When a small boy he moved, with his parents, Elijah and Lena Wiley, to St. Paul, Indiana, where he attended school, graduating from the high school. He had been a student of Indiana University three years when the war was declared.
He was an active member of the United Brethren church and Sunday school, and belonged to the Modern Woodmen.
Early in the summer of 1917, Harrison and his brother, Chester, enlisted at college, in Bloomington, and were sent to the Officers' Training Camp at Ft. Benjamin Harrison.
On November 27, 1917. Harrison received his commission as first lieutenant and was assigned to Aviation Signal Corps. Two Hundred Seventy-seventh Aero
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Squadron. He was trained on Long Island as a flyer, and was going over in about a week. when he was stricken with influenza, followed by pneumonia, and
HARRISON S. WILLEY
died December 7, 1918. He had never been sick enough in his life before, to have a doctor.
The funeral was held at the home of his parents, conducted by Rev. Henry Wood of the Christian church. Burial at the St. Paul cemetery.
An aeroplane from Indianapolis Speedway, was to have been present to drop flowers during the burial ceremony, but on account of the rain that fell, the plane did not attend.
VERNIE S. WAMSLEY
Vernie Starling Wamsley was the son of Marco S. and Rebecca Wamsley. He was born at Greensburg October 3, 1897.
He received his education in the public schools of Greensburg, graduating in the high school class of 1915. He was the only graduate of the Greensburg High School to make the supreme sacrifice in the great World war.
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Vernie became a member of the Centenary M. E. church at the age of twelve and was always a consistent Christian and a regular member at Sunday school.
He enlisted in the Regular Army March 20, 1917, at Ft. Douglas, Utah, while on a trip through the West, and was assigned to the Medical corps.
At the time he was taken ill with Spanish Influenza, he was stationed at a lodging camp in the forests of Washington. He was moved at once to the hospital at Vancouver, Washington, Vancouver Barracks, where he answered the last roll call on January 18, 1919.
The funeral was held at his father's home, 1101 North Anderson street, and burial in South Park cemetery, conducted by Rev. H. B. Hyde of the M. E. church.
This was the first military funeral held in Greensburg. The Grand Army of the Republic, Woman's Relief Corps, War Mothers and World war soldiers marched. The high school was dismissed and attended.
The following are letters received from the hospital concerning his sickness and death :
"January 22, 1919.
"My dear Mr. Wamsley :
"As the country has called on you to give your son in its service, we want von to know that you have the sincere sympathy of those who know your son as a soldier. I saw Vernie every day and often told him of God who is always with us. He seemed glad to hear of Him, who is our refuge and strength, and asked me to come often.
"I also told him of some of the blessed promises of the Bible, for the man who trusts in God. Surely we can find great comfort and hope in the words of Jesus, who said: "I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die." (John 11 : 25-26).
"We could tell from your son's face that he had been a young man of strong character and good habits.
"Hoping that the God of all comfort and peace will be with you, and that you will feel that the sacrifice you have been called upon to make is a vital part of doing away with the old order and bringing in the new, I am, as ever,
Most sincerely yours,
PAUL DUBOIS,
Chaplain, First Lieutenant, U. S. A."
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"(Chaplain) Second Provisional Regiment, Vancouver Barracks, Washington. January 16, 1919.
"Mr. M. S. Wamsley,
"Greensburg, Indiana.
"My dear Mr. Wamsley :
"When I saw your son yesterday at the hospital, he asked me to write a letter to you for him. This is what he dictated to me :
"'Dear Ones at Home:
"'I am not feeling very well today, so am asking the chaplain to drop you a line. I took the influenza last Tuesday and it sure is a "bear." I thought I was getting along famously for a couple of days, but yesterday my temperature jumped up again. I am on liquid diet, which seems to be the best thing for those of us who have the 'flu.'
"'Your loving son.'
"I have written just what he asked me to. He is a pretty sick man just now and if you could see him you would be proud of his fighting spirit. He is still in danger. but there is a chance that he will pull through all right, especially in view of his fighting qualities. It is much to be regretted that you cannot be here with him, but it is so far that it is hardly necessary. If you were here, you would be greatly pleased with the care that is being given your son. Doctors and nurses and attendants are doing everything possible for him and are watching his condi- tion constantly.
"If there is anything you wish to ask about or anything you wish done, I should be glad to be of any service possible.
Very sincerely yours,
PAUL DUBOIS, Chaplain, First Lieutenant, U. S. A."
Leslie Raymond Shazer was the son of Adam and Minnie Shazer. He was born at Newpoint, October 28, 1900. He had always been a good boy. He was a member of the Christian church and Sunday school at Newpoint. He had not yet completed his high school education when he enlisted in the service of his 1
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country in the navy, at Indianapolis, November 6, 1918, and was sent to Paris Island for training. He was taken sick with that terrible disease, Spanish influ-
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LESLIE R. SHAZER
enza, November 9, and was called to the land where wars are no more, November 15, 1918, aged 18 years, 1 month and 27 days, just nine days after entering the service.
The funeral was held in the Christian church at Newpoint, conducted by Rev. F. Z. Burkette, of Greensburg, and a military burial being given at the Rossburg cemetery.
Pleasant W. Dennison was the son of Gilbert and Sarah Dennison. He was born at Hope, Indiana, August 14, 1888.
He attended school at Hope, Indiana.
SIMVY AERONAU
PLESANT W. DENNISON
He was married to Miss Lena Bailey, August 2, 1910. Their home was in St. Paul, where he was a member of the Methodist church. He was also a mem-
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ber of the Masonic lodge at Waldron and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen Wald Homestead No. 3598, Indianapolis.
On December 9, 1917, he enlisted in the United States navy and went to Pensacola, Florida, for training, where he was rated C. M. first class.
His ship sailed for France March 21, 1918, where he remained some time, returning to New York January 14, 1919.
While in France, he had contracted tubercular meningitis and died at Brook- lyn, New York, April 1, 1919, leaving a widow and one son, Richard, four and one-half years old.
The funeral was held in the Methodist church in St. Paul, conducted by Rev. R. W. Clarke, and he was buried in the Ogden cemetery with military honors.
"Brooklyn, N. Y., April 2, 1919.
"Mrs. Lena Dennison,
"St. Paul, Indiana.
"My dear Mrs. Dennison :
"It is with deep regret that I must inform you of the passing away of your brave and patriotic husband, Pleasant William Dennison, carpenter's mate second class U. S. N.
"He was a typical American who was loved by all of the officers and men associated with him and everyone else who knew him. He quite often mentioned his family and friends.
"As you probably already know, he was admitted to the Brooklyn Home for Consumptives, from the United States Ship "Wilhelmina" on January 19, 1919, and was immediately put under the treatment of the best specialists and every pos- sible care and attention at our command was tendered him.
"With the best nursing and special care, however, he failed to respond, and, although for a time it appeared that he would recover, he gradually grew worse and passed away at 5:10 p. m., April 1, 1919, as the result of the diseased condi- tion of his lungs.
"Assuring you of my sympathy in your bereavement, which, I feel sure, will be softened by the thought that your gallant and loyal husband gave his life to his country while serving it in the hour of its greatest need, I am
Very sincerely yours, G. A. LUNG,
Captain M. C., U. S. Navy, In Command."
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Fred Leslie Luther, son of M. J. and Minnie Luther, was born July 16, 1898, at Rughy, Indiana, and moved with his parents to Burney, Indiana, when about two years of age.
When but a child he joined the Burney Baptist Church, where his name is still enrolled as an honorary member.
Fred was a pupil of the Burney graded schools and on entering high school was an active member in the basketball team, and was a prominent figure in athletics, winning several prizes as victor of his class and school.
He won for himself many true friends, not only among his class mates, but
FRED L. LUTHER
among those who recognized the sterling qualities that oftentimes lay hidden beneath childish impulses.
In June, 1917, he rejected a musical career that had been offered him, which would have placed him behind the foot lights of America's largest cities and en- listed in the United States navy, at the age of nineteen years. August 22, he was called for examination and on August 27, he reported for duty at Norfolk, Virginia, and was assigned to Company 47, A. S.
The latter part of September he passed a rigid examination and was sent to Harvard University with stripes as second officer in the Radio squad. Full of enthusiasm of navy life his letters home were full of interest of the scenes about him, the kindness of Boston people toward the navy boys, the life he was living, and always the love of his work. The pinnacle of his ambitions was to board ship as a wireless operator. While home on a few days' leave-of-absence, at Christmas time, he never ceased his praises of navy life, and when his leave of absence was ended, he went back to work as cheerfully as though he did not know that in a few weeks he would start on a perilous trip across the Atlantic.
In February, came the reward for his hard work and study, and he was
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placed on board the steamer "Bridgeport," and started for foreign ports. Being disabled when a few hours out, they were forced to return to port February 18. Fred was sent to the hospital with the mumps, where he remained until the latter part of March when he was released and begged his officer to place him on duty. Hiding his weakness that he might again set sail, he reported for duty and roll call, until Sunday, April 1, when he was again sent to the hospital with pneumonia. at Chelsea, Massachusetts. A telegram telling of his serious illness took his mother immediately to his bedside to find conditions apparently improved, and Fred feeling no fear, was cheerful, and expected to come home with his mother on sick leave, in a few days, but hope faded, and on Thursday evening, realizing that he was to make the supreme sacrifice that all true soldiers expect to make sooner or later, he told his mother good-bye, and on Friday, April 5, 1918, at 3:00 a. m., Fred's name was placed on Decatur County's Gold Star Honor Roll.
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GLENN R. TRESTOR
Glenn Randolph Trester was born in Greensburg, November 22, 1901. His . parents, Edward and Nancy Trester, moved to Cincinnati, where Glenn started to school. After living in Cincinnati, Ohio, a little over a year they moved back to Greensburg.
He was a member and regular attendant of the Baptist church and Sunday school. He made his home with his grandparents, Jonathan and Huldah Robbins, 1015 North Carver street.
He enlisted in the United States navy, at Indianapolis, April 13, 1918, and was sent to Great Lakes Training Station May 22, 1918, and was a second class
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seaman. He was taken sick with influenza which developed into pneumonia, and lived only four days. He died September 27, 1918.
The funeral was held at the Schultz Undertaking establishment, conducted by Rev. C. B. Jones, of the Baptist church. Burial in South Park cemetery.
The following letter was received from his captain :
"October 24, 1918.
"Dear Madam :
"It recently became my painful duty to communicate to you the sad intelligence concerning the death of your grandson, Glenn R. Trester, first seaman, second class, U. S. N. R. F. I am now writing to you to express the appreciation of the naval authorities for the excellent service rendered by your kinsman during the present emergency.
"He had a very satisfactory record in -every particular, and gave promise of being a useful and valuable member of the naval service, who would acquit himself creditably of any duty or responsibility with which he might be intrusted. It is exceedingly unfortunate that a career of promise should have met such an untimely end.
"Please be assured that I sympathize with you deeply in the irreparable loss you have sustained, and in so saying, I am confident that this expresses the sentiment of all the officers and men who were associated with your kinsman during the period he was under instruction.
"It may be a source of satisfaction and comfort to you to know that this boy gave his life to his country just as surely as do men who fall in battle, and that he is entitled to all honors and credit for having made this supreme sacrifice.
Very sincerely yours, W. A. MOFFETT, Captain, U. S. Navy, Commandant."
"Mrs. Hulda Robbins, 1015 N. Carver St.,
"Greensburg, Indiana.
"HWF-AW"
BOYS RETURNED FROM OVERSEAS
The first overseas boy to be returned to Decatur county for burial, was Ray Kendall. Not having lived in Decatur county for some time, he was not con-
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sidered one of our boys, but of Chicago. Ray was a member of the Methodist church of Greensburg and had never removed his membership, and his star upon the church service flag was of gold.
The others to be brought home were: Joseph William Welch, William Bax- ter, Sherman Patton, Otis C. Jackson, John H. Barnes, Benjamin T. Strain.
These men were all placed in their last resting place to await the last call of the Great Commander of us all, by the American Legion, with appropriate military services.
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POEMS COMPOSED BY DECATUR COUNTY PEOPLE
DECATUR COUNTY TO UNCLE SAM By Pearl A. Williams
The following poem was read by John W. Craig at the farewell given Decatur county's soldier boys in the Court House Park on August 27, 1917.
After calling the roll of the county's soldier boys, Mr. Craig read the poem, dedicated to the occasion by Miss Williams.
We send you, Uncle Sam, our very best, An honor to you from the Middle West,- This band of loyal soldiers from our State, Decatur county's sons we dedicate To this vast army-gathered, yes, from all The North, South, East and West, To heed your call. All strong, and brave, and true, these hearts for thee, To carry your fair colors 'cross the sea.
And now as comes the parting from your home, And miles afar from us you soon must roam- We bid you God-speed, trusting soon to see A day of Peace, when home, you'll welcome be. And won't Old Glory just with joy go wild When you've come back those many hundred miles? And oh ! the bells will ring with greatest joy, To welcome home our county's soldier boys.
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DOWN WITH THE KAISER
Written by Miss Dorothy Deem, 11 years old.
Down with the Kaiser, We're going to win. Down with the Kaiser And all his kin.
Down with the Kaiser And all his sympathizers too, We'll sink all his U-boats And down goes the crew.
Down with the Kaiser, His spies shall be caught,
And his serfs in the trenches, In triumph must be fought.
Down with the Kaiser, He's assaulted our Flag. Why not treat him likewise, And make his flag a rag?
We'll stand up for Old Glory, No matter who the foe. If they insult our Uncle Sam, It's bound to bring them woe.
Then here's to Old Glory, And Uncle Sam too, May our Nation live long and prosper Under the red, white and blue.
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OUR SAMMIES O'ER THE SEA By J. W. Beck
There's war they say in Europe, And it's waging mighty hot ; We'll not accept their censored dope, Till our Sammies tell 'em when to stop.
The kings of Europe tremble At the thought of what might be, When our forces we assemble, And our Sammies o'er the sea.
The Kaiser, he is watching From his lofty perch of state;
But now our boys are marching, And soon they'll tell his fate.
We see the Kaiser tremble, As he hears their measured tread ;
Each loyal heart, though humble, They are wishing he was dead.
The Kaiser asks God's blessing On dirty deeds of horror ; His victims, in graves are resting ; While worlds look on in sorrow.
We love the German people, Though they've been badly fooled, But now, soon they'll be able To down the autocratic rule.
The whole world's watching us do 'em, But one thing we feel sure will be, The crown maker's trade will be ruined When our Sammies come from o'er the sea.
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LAFAYETTE, WE ARE HERE
Dedicated to General Pershing and the brave men "Over There." Words by Adaline L. Snively.
Soft and low, soft and low, As the evening breezes blow, Came a voice across the sea, Come and help us, come and help us Fight for liberty.
A listening ear caught the refrain, And sent the answer back again, We are coming, we are coming at your call,
From the North land, from the South land,
From the cottage and the hall.
We are coming, we are coming from far away, Thousands, thousands every day ; We will sail across the sea To help you fight for liberty.
Lafayette, we are here, From the land you loved so dear, At your call we crossed the sea, Here to help you, here to help you. Fight for liberty.
We have sailed across the sea To help you fight for liberty, And will stay until our task is done. We will battle for the right, And will ne'er give up the fight Till freedom's holy cause is won.
Chorus
May our Flag which justly boasts No defeat on land or sea, Jesu, Jesu, for Thy glory, for Thy glory, Help us win this liberty.
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AWAKE AMERICA
By Will A. Kirkpatrick
Awake! ye sons of free men, wake, Ye sons of patriot sires, Who gave themselves, a sacrifice, To kindle freedom's fires. To us they gave a charge to keep Oppression from our shores. Can we forget that charge and sleep When foes are at our doors?
Hark ! hark ! ve sons of freemen, hark ! Do you not hear the appeal ? Humanity lies bleeding, crushed, Beneath the despot's heel. The victims of his ruthless hate Reach hands across the sea. May God forget us if we do Not strike to set them free.
Part ! part ! ye sons of free men, part, From those who would restrain The hands of him who long has sought Our honor to maintain. If willful slackers long obstruct The way that is so plain A thousand years of bitter tears Cannot wash out the stain.
Rise! rise! ye sons of free men, rise, Your swords with justice draw, And smite in righteous anger him Who has defied all law. The day of grace for him has passed,
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No quarter give, nor take, Hold not your hand, nor turn ye back, Though hell's foundations shake.
Hoist ! hoist ! ye sons of free men, hoist The bloodwashed banner high. United by it we survive, Divided, we will die. If traitors raise the Kaiser's flag In this country of the free A million men will take it back To him in Germany.
Hail ! hail! ye sons of free men, hail, The Flag of Liberty. 'Twas born in tears, baptised in blood, And lives to make us free. The Star of Hope for all mankind, It never shall be furled, For peace on earth, good-will to men, And love, shall rule the world.
Chorus
I raised my boy to be a soldier, To follow the Flag where it led, No ruthless hand shall crucify our land While a drop of his blood is unshed. And his father's blood will flow as freely The red, white, and blue to defend, In God we'll trust, and die if we must, For country, home and friend.
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WHAT DOES THE FLAG MEAN TO YOU ? By Will A. Kirkpatrick
Hurrah! cried a youth, Hurrah ! Hurrah ! I'm a soldier, I'm going to war. I'll see the whole world and have lots of fun, That is what I volunteered for. I may have to fight but the chance is remote, I don't think I'll meet any foe. I'm off for a lark and I've made all my plans To have a good time as I go.
A grizzled old sergeant who stood at one side Of the room where the youth had signed, Breathed a sigh of regret as the careless words Of the boy brought to his mind A day when the sergeant, too, had sworn, And as little understood What it meant to follow the Stars and Stripes, And fight for his country's good.
With a look half of pity, half scorn on his face ; The officer touched the arm Of the new recruit and said, "My boy, It won't do you any harm To offer the wholesome advice you need And tell you the thing you have done Is of much greater import than you seem to think : You enlisted for business, not fun.
He threw up the window and pointed outside To the Star Spangled Banner outflung In a halo of sun-tinted splendor that played 'Round the staff where the Flag was hung, And proudly saluted the Red, White and Blue While tears trickled down his cheek.
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But he brushed them away with an impatient hand, And declared his eyes had grown weak.
The boy wondered vaguely what stirred the man To the very depths of his soul, When all in the world that he could see Was a Flag on the end of a pole. 'Twas a good thing to have on Memorial Day, Or to lead a campaign parade, But he didn't see why people wanted to cry When they saw an old Flag displayed.
The sergeant's emotion was hard to control. He nervously fingered his hat, While the young recruit vowed he would never be A big cry-baby like that. But his careless mood changed at a word of command From the officer, sober and stern: "Uncover your head to the colors," he said, "That's the first thing you must learn."
For thirty long years I have followed that Flag. Wherever it waved I went. When a boy like you I heard it call And I didn't have to be sent. I stood under its folds as it went 'round the world, To the Philippines, Cuba, Guam, And the man who can look at it floating out there Without love for it ain't worth a damn.
That banner means more than all else to me, More than honor, or wealth, or fame, Or the Star and Garter, or Golden Fleece. To preserve it I'd let my name Be dishonored and sunk to the lowest depths Of Hades, if that would avail,
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To keep it untarnished before the world Should traitors its honor assail.
That Flag is your Flag as well as mine. No one can claim it alone.
Blood-washed and tear-drenched it waves for all, From equator to ice-girdled zone. If half-hearted service is what you expect To render it, all will be lost. It calls for the best that is in you, lad, Without question, or counting the cost.
There'll be work to do that is strange and new. It will make you sick and faint. The ranks will be no place for you If you stop to make complaint, That you did not know you would have to go Right up to the mouth of hell,
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