USA > Nebraska > Dodge County > History of Dodge and Washington Counties, Nebraska, and their people, Volume I > Part 42
USA > Nebraska > Washington County > History of Dodge and Washington Counties, Nebraska, and their people, Volume I > Part 42
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
374
DODGE AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES
The present total membership of the Sunday school is thirty-five. Rev. Marsh is present superintendent.
In 1882 a frame church building was erected at a cost of $2,500.
The following pastors have had charge of this parish: Revs. Jacobs, Safford, McGill, 1884; S. A. Potter, 1890; Talbot, 1892; Young, 1893, and present pastor, who came in 1901.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES
May 4, 1904, a Presbyterian Church was formed at Fort Calhoun by Reverend Braden, D.D., of Bellevue. A. W. Stanley and W. H. Woods were elected elders. The same year the society purchased the old Congre- gational Church building-a small one-room structure. In 1908 it was enlarged at a cost in excess of $2,000 and dedicated January 29, 1911. The regular pastorates have been : Reverend Black, followed by Rev. William Nicoll, William Primrose, Calvin Rice, Reverend Shall- cross, August Hilkeman, Reverend Shimien, Benton Cleveland, Doctor Ramsey, Reverend Werner, H. M. Hanson, Rev. S. A. Hutchison.
While the church is not strong, it is in the fight to win and has been the means of doing much religious good for the community about old Fort Calhoun.
CHAPTER XIV MILITARY HISTORY OF THE COUNTY
ITS PART IN THE CIVIL WAR-INDIAN TROUBLES-SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR AND THE LATE WORLD WAR-1914-18-FORT CALHOUN-ITS RUINS.
Washington County bore her share of burden during the Civil war from 1861 to 1865. Although she sent no organization of soldiers to the Southland, yet between thirty and forty of her citizens bore arms in regiments of other states, one of whom was second lieutenant of Com- pany "I," Eighty-seventh Iowa Infantry, in the person of Abram C. Andrew, who was killed at Chickamauga. Besides these there were two companies of the Second Nebraska Cavalry, "A" and "B," raised in Washington County. Capt. Peter S. Reed commanded Company "A" and Capt. Roger T. Beall was in command of Company "B." This regi- ment was raised in the autumn of 1862, as a nine-months regiment, served about one year, guarding the settlements against threatened Indian invasions in western Nebraska and Dakota.
THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR-1898
Soon after the sinking of the United States Gunboat "Maine" in the waters of Havana Bay, near our southern borders, it was believed that the boat had been destroyed, with many precious lives, by authority of Spain. This brought on a war between this country and Spain in which within a few weeks nearly all of Spain's war fleet was destroyed in Manila Bay, away out in the Pacific. This victory for the United States was declared by act of Congress in April and virtually ended by Admiral George Dewey, who had charge of our splendid navy at that time. By this war Cuba and the Philippine Islands were declared free and independent countries placed under the protection of the United States, instead of under Spanish rule, as they had been for nearly 400 years.
The army raised by this country for land and sea activities included our National Guard companies, so far as available. (See below.)
ROSTER OF SOLDIERS FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY
From the Nebraska adjutant-general's reports the following list of soldiers from Washington County in the Spanish-American war is given, and is supposed to be correct. These men served in Company "E" of the Third Nebraska Regiment :
Captain-Van Dusen, Don C., Aged 25, Blair.
First Lieutenant-Underwood, William H, aged 38 years, Arlington ; Kenny, John M., aged 20 years, Blair.
Second Lieutenant-Underwood, William H., aged 38, Blair; Erick- son, Fred A., aged 30, Fort Calhoun.
Quarter-master Sergeant-Hubler, Ellsworth G., aged 31.
Sergeants-Van Dusen, C. C., aged 23; Whitfield, Lewis D., aged 21, Arlington ; Fitch, Scott M., aged 22, Herman.
Corporals-Sutherland, Earl B., aged 25, Blair; Blakesley, C. E., aged 23, Blair; Lorhbaugh, William H., aged 21, Arlington; Haller,
375
376
DODGE AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES
William M., aged 21, Blair; Alloway, Simon, aged 22, Kennard ; Glover, Guy L., aged 21, Arlington ; Grimm, Arthur, aged 21, Blair.
Wagoner-DuLaney, Thomas L., aged 18, Blair.
Musician-Jacobson, John A., aged 20, Fort Calhoun ; Noble, Thomas, aged 22, Blair.
Artificer-Stull, Willis L., aged 21, Blair.
PRIVATES
Armende, John, aged 21, Arlington.
Beck, Andrew, aged 19, Blair.
Brahmstadt, Louis, aged 27, Blair.
Banister, William F., aged 25, Fort Calhoun.
Bedal, Eugene L., aged 19, Blair.
Bedal, Albert A., aged 22, Blair.
Cannon, Charles L., aged 28, Blair.
Clarkson, Harry H., aged 19, Arlington.
Dunn, Darley P., aged 18, Blair.
Daniels, Richard, aged 30, Blair.
Fawcett, Edw. E., aged 34, Blair.
Greene, Harry F., aged 23, Fort Calhoun.
Harrison, Charles A., aged 21, Fort Calhoun.
Hillman, Benj. S., aged 44, Fort Calhoun.
Hulse, Harvey B., aged 28, Fort Calhoun. Haller, William M., aged 21, Blair. Jeffers, William, aged 42, Fort Calhoun. Kiefer, Lewis O., aged 24, Herman.
Krause, Eugene F., aged 31, Blair.
Kelly, Thomas P., aged 24, Blair.
Morton, George R., aged 21, Herman.
Mundorf, Albert, aged 21, Herman.
Morton, Richard E., aged 22, Herman.
Noyes, Clinton, aged 18, Blair. Newton, Page C., aged 19, Blair.
O'Hanlon, William F., aged 18, Blair.
Peck, Benj. F., aged 24, Cumings City.
Pardew, Charles M., aged 23, Blair. Phillips, Daniel 'A., aged 22, Blair. Rathmann, George R., aged 32, Blair.
Rohwer, Marcus, aged 35, Fort Calhoun.
Sanden, Leonhardt C., aged 38, Herman. Smith, Fred, aged 21, Blair. Smith, Henry F., aged 22, Blair.
Saum, Gus A., aged 23, Fort Calhoun.
Schenk, William, aged 29, Blair. Thomsen, Peter, aged 28, Blair.
Van Dusen, Claude C., aged 28, Blair.
Warrick, Charles A., aged 26, Blair.
Wisdom, William, aged 26, Blair.
Wolfe, James, aged 22, Herman.
DEATH LIST
The only soldier from this roster who paid the "supreme sacrifice" was Harry H. Clarkson, aged 19, of Arlington, who died at hospital, September 22, 1898.
377
DODGE AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES
THE WORLD WAR-1914-18
Eastern Nebraska, not unlike all other loyal sections of this Republic, ยท had her part in the last great conflict which is now known as the "World war."
The underlying reason of this war was, as it developed in the course of the conflict, the desire of Germany through Emperor William II and the Junker or military class to dominate the world. That is now the settled belief of the best thinkers and historians of today. Other causes were frequently mentioned soon after the beginning of the conflict among which the more important included the following:
First-Commercial and industrial rivalry, especially as developed between Germany and Great Britain.
Second-International jealousy as to their power and predominance in the world. This involved-
Third-Excessive armaments entailing heavy burdens on the people and developing a spirit of ---
Fourth-Militarism and growth of military parties and military castes.
Fifth-Conflict of Slav and Teuton races, resulting from national aspirations for territorial expansion ; racial antagonism.
Sixth-Desire of certain rulers to put an end to international strife by consolidating public opinion through the agency of a foreign war appealing to the patriotism of the people.
Seven-Desire to preserve the status quo in Europe by preserving the neutrality and independence of the smaller nations.
Eighth-Revenge resulting from former conflicts such as the War of 1870 between Germany and France and the more recent Balkan wars. Nine-Conflict of democracy as opposed to autocracy and bureaucracy. Tenth-Conflict of national ideals, "cultures."
Eleventh-Persons ambitious of men high in position, authority and power.
Twelve-Persistent talk of war by yellow journals and Jingoists.
Thirteen-Publication of books, like those of General Bernhardi, declaring war to be a blessing, a necessity and a great factor in the furtherance of culture and power.
Fourteen-Formation of international alliances presenting localizing of any conflict.
THE MURDER OF ARCHDUKE FERDINAND
It may be said that the immediate cause of the war was the assas- sination in Sarajevo, Bosnia, June 28, 1914, of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand, nephew of the Emperor of Austria, heir to the throne of the dual monarchy and commander-in-chief of its army, and his wife, the Duchess of Hohenberg, by a Serbian student, Gavrio Prinzip, aided by a number of others. It was the outcome of years of ill-feeling between Serbia and Austria-Hungary due to the belief of the people in the smaller state that their aspirations as a nation were hampered and blocked by the German element in the Hapsburg Empire. These coun- tries had been on the verge of war several years before over the annexa- tion of Bononi and Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary, and later, over the disposition of Scutari and certain other territory, conquered in the Balkan-Turkish struggle.
378
DODGE AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES
GREAT BRITAIN ENTERS THE WAR
Resentment in Austria-Hungary, because of the murder of the heir to the throne, was deep and bitter, and the authorities decided imme- diately to take radical measures against Serbia. An ultimatum was issued July 23, 1914, and war was declared against Serbia two days later. Russia insisted that an attack on Serbia was equivalent to an affront to itself and in a few days Russia, Germany, Austria-Hungary were all in a state of warfare. France began to mobilize its military resources. Germany invaded the Duchy of Luxembourg and demanded free passage for its troops across Belgium to attack France at that coun- try's most vulnerable point. King Albert of Belgium refused his consent on the ground that the neutrality of his country had been guaranteed by the powers of Europe, including Germany itself and appealed to Great Britain for diplomatic help. That country which it was asserted had sought through its foreign secretary, Sir Edward Grey, to preserve the peace of Europe was now aroused. August 4th it sent an ultimatum to Germany demanding that the neutrality of Belgium be respected. As this demand was not complied with Great Britain formally declared war against Germany. Joined with Germany and Austria-Hungary in what is known as the Triple Alliance was Italy, but the last-named country claimed it was not bound by the terms of the compact to assist the others in what it looked upon as a war of aggression. It declined to be drawn into the conflict so long as its own interests were not threatened. The sympathy of its people was with the French and British. Before the end of the second week in August, Germany and Austria-Hungary were at war with Russia, Great Britain and its Dominions, France, Belgium, Serbia and Montenegro. August 24th, Japan, Britain's ally in the Far East, entered the fray by declaring war against Germany. They also attacked the Fatherland's colony of Klaochow, in China. October 29th, Turkey suddenly attacked Russia. Thus by November 5th there were ten nations and their dependencies at war.
Thousands of American tourists and business men traveling in Europe found great inconvenience and met with great losses. The war upset the whole system of international credit, the railroads were monop- olized for war purposes and tens of thousands of Americans found themselves stranded abroad. Hundreds of their automobiles were seized by the Germans and almost every American was looked upon as a spy for other countries against Germany. This brought about a radical and sudden change of public opinion in the United States. Our Congress appropriated $2,500,000 for the relief of American travelers thus stranded in Europe. By the end of August, 1914, the German army was across the line, over into France, and heavy fighting was going on daily by German, French and English soldiers, and the death rate was very heavy.
THE OUTLOOK IN 1917
Three years after the war had commenced, or rather in 1917, from an American viewpoint the entry of the United States into the war was an outstanding feature-it was the important factor of the great con- flict. This was not willingly but an act of expediency upon the part of America. It will be recalled that the terrible submarine warfare carried on by the German Government as early as 1915 had killed hundreds of innocent Americans. A war zone had been established by the Germans
379
DODGE AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES
which prohibited any of our vessels from sailing inside such zone, either passenger or freight boats. May 6, 1915, the "Lusitania," a 32,000-ton passenger boat, was destroyed and a thousand lives lost, including more than 100 men and women from America. President Wilson resented this ruthless sinking of an American passenger-laden steamer, reminding the Germans that such an act must not be repeated, whereupon Germany appeared to put in an apology and agreed that it should not again happen, but still the horrible sea-war went forward and the submarines were more numerous in the destruction of our boats and sinking our property than before. Our merchant marine vessels were sunk by the hundreds in direct violation of all German promises toward neutral countries.
CONGRESS VOTES WAR APRIL 6, 1917
From the Chicago Daily News "Year-Book" and other reliable sources the foregoing is quoted so far as the causes of the war is concerned, and in speaking of the United States entering the war as one of the Allies, that publication says :
"Congress was overwhelmingly in favor of the course advised by the President and on April 6, a joint resolution was adopted formally declar- ing the existence of a state of war between the government of the United States of America and the Imperial government of Germany. Only six Senators and fifty Representatives voted in the negative. After taking this momentous step Congress urged by the President, passed measures providing for the immediate creation of a national army and the increase to war strength, of the national guard, the marine corps and the navy. It passed laws against espionage, trading with the enemy and the unlaw- ful manufacture and use of explosives in time of war. It provided for the insurance of soldiers and sailors, for priority of shipments, for the seizure and use of enemy ships in American waters, for conserving and controlling the food and fuel supply of the country, for stimulating agri- culture, for the increasing of the signal corps, for issuing bonds, for stimulating an aviation corps and for the providing additional revenues for war expenses by the increasing old and creating new taxes."
"WAR TO VICTORY" THE SLOGAN
Having determined to engage in war, this country bent every known factor toward success. Its first step was to increase the army through a system of select draft and also by securing as many volunteers as possi- ble for the national guard, the marine corps and the navy. The enlist- ments were numerous, but it was soon seen that a select draft must come, if a large enough army and navy be obtained. Men between the ages of twenty-one and thirty years, inclusive, registered June 5th, under the Act of May 18 providing for the temporary increase of the military establishment of the United States. The total number inscribed was 9,683,455. The quota of men to be supplied by each state and territory was determined by the population. The total number called, for the first "draft" was 687,000. This number were summoned, examined, and either accepted or rejected.
The troop movement was something wonderful, in view of the great danger by reason of the submarines. But by November of the same year, more than 2,000,000 men from America had been landed in France, England and Italy. This immense number of men was transported over the seas without the loss of a single east-bound transport. It was the
380
DODGE AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES
thought of the United States government to place within European coun- tries at least 4,000,000 men by the summer of 1919 and by this it was believed Germany might finally be conquered, but happily the armistice was signed November 11, 1918, and the transportation of American soldiers was stopped.
SIGNING OF THE ARMISTICE
President Wilson issued the formal proclamation on Monday morning, November 11, 1918:
"My Fellow Countrymen-The armistice was signed this morning. Everything for which America fought has been accomplished. It will now be our fortunate duty to assist by example, by sober friendly council and by material aid in the establishment of just democracy throughout the world. WOODROW WILSON."
What is known as the "Peace Celebration" occurred on November 11th, and it commenced just as soon as the thousands of towns, cities and villages heard the glad news that the Germans had signed the armis- tice which, according to Chicago time, was about 1 o'clock in the morn- ing of that day. No place in the United States and Canada was without its wonderful celebration stunts-some one way and some another. The noise and outburst from every loyal citizen was as if all the Fourth-of- July celebrations this country has ever had were boiled down into one hour of this day with the other twenty-three left to re-celebrate in.
GENERAL CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR
June 28-Archduke Ferdinand and wife assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
July 28-Austria-Hungary declares war on Servia.
August 1-Germany declares war on Russia; general mobilization begun.
August 3-Germany declares war on France.
August 4-State of war between Great Britain and Germany is declared.
August 4-Germany declares war on Belgium.
August 8-Germans capture Liege.
August 20-Germans enter Brussels
August 23-Japan declares war on Germany.
September 2-Lemberg captured by Russia; seat of French govern- ment transferred from Paris to Bordeaux.
September 5-England, France and Russia sign compact not to con- clude peace separately.
September 6-Allies win battle Marne.
October 9 and 10-Germans capture Antwerp.
October 29-Turkey begins war with Russia.
1915-A. D.
February 19-British and French fleets bombard Dardanelles forts. March 10-Battle of Neuve Chappelle begins.
May 7-Liner Lusitania torpedoed and sunk by German submarine. May 23-Italy formally declares war on Austria and mobilizes army. July 29-Warsaw evacuated ; Lublin captured by Austrians.
August 4-Germans occupy Warsaw.
September 20-Austrians and Germans begin drive on Serbia. September 29-30-Battle of Champaign.
.
381
DODGE AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES
December 8-9-Allies defeated at Macedonia.
1916-A. D.
February 21-Germans under Crown Prince begin attack on Verdun defenses.
April 18-President Wilson sends final note to Germany.
April 19-President Wilson explains in speech before Congress in joint session.
April 24-Insurrection in Dublin.
June 5-Lord Kitchner lost with cruiser Hamshire.
July 1-Battle of Somme begins.
August 3-Sir Roger Casement executed for treason.
August 27-Italy declares war against Germany.
August 28-Roumania declares war against Austria-Hungary.
December 5-British cabinet resigns.
December 10-New British cabinet formed with Lloyd George at its head.
December 12-Germany proposes peace negotiations.
December 18-President Wilson sends note to belligerent nations ask- ing them to make known their peace terms and to neutral nations and suggesting they support America's action.
December 30-Allies make joint reply to Germany's peace proposal rejecting it as a war maneuver.
1917-A. D.
January 22-President Wilson addresses the United States Senate on subject of world peace and the establishment of a league of nations.
January 31-Ambassador Count Von Bernstorff hands note to Secre- tary Lansing in Washington announcing the inauguration by Germany of an unrestricted submarine warfare, February 1st; Germany proclaims boundaries of blockade zone.
February 1-Germany begins unrestricted warfare.
February 3-President Wilson orders that Ambassador Count Von Bernstorff be handed his passports, directs the withdrawal of Ambassador James W. Gerard, and all American consuls from Germany and announces his action in a speech before Congress; suggests to neutral countries that they follow America's example.
February 7-United States Senate endorses President Wilson's action in breaking with Germany.
February 8-Germany detains Ambassador Gerard in Berlin; liner California torpedoed and sunk with loss of forty lives.
February 25-"Hindenburg retreat" from Somme sector in full progress.
March 1-President Wilson, at request of Senate, confirms existence of German plot in Mexico; House grants President power to arm mer- chant ships.
March 15-Extra session of Congress; Czar Nicholas II of Russia abdicates throne for himself and son.
March 30-Foreign Secretary Zimmerman in Reichstag explains his efforts to embroil Mexico and Japan with the United States; President Wilson and cabinet decide that war with Germany is the honorable recourse left to the United States.
April 2-Special session of American Congress opens; President in address asks that existence of a state of war with Germany be declared.
April 6-House passes war resolution ; President signs resolution and issues war proclamation ; all American forces mobilized; German vessels in American ports seized.
382
DODGE AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES
April 7-Cuba and Panama declare war on Germany.
April 8 Austria-Hungary announces break in relations with the United States.
April 10-Brazil breaks off relations with Germany.
April 20-"America Day" in Britain; special services held in Saint Paul's Cathedral.
April 21-Turkey breaks off relations with the United States ; Balfour mission arrives in United States.
April 24 Joffre-Viviani French mission arrives in America.
April 25-Joffre-Viviani French mission gives great ovation in Wash- ington : President appoints Elihu Root head of mission to visit Russia. April 28-Senate and House pass draft bill; Secretary McAdoo says the bond issue will be called "Liberty Loan of 1917."
May 5-Great Britain joins in asking that American troops be sent to France at once ; Marshal Joffre speaks in Chicago.
May 9-Liberia ends relations with Germany.
May 17-First American Red Cross unit hospital arrived in England for service with the British in France.
May 18-President Wilson orders the sending of a division of regu- lars to France under Major-General J. J. Pershing ; announces that he will not approve of raising volunteers by Theodore Roosevelt for service in Europe. Issues proclamation fixing June 5th as the date for the regis- tration of men eligible for service under the draft law.
May 19-President Wilson asks Herbert C. Hoover to take charge of food administration in America during the war.
May 20-German plot for world domination laid bare in Washington.
June 5-Registration day under selective draft law in the United States : about 10,000,000 men registered.
June 27-American troops arrive in France.
June 29-Greece severs relations with Germany and her allies.
July 9-President Wilson proclaims mobilization of national guards.
July 20-Draft day in the United States.
July 31-British drive in Flanders begun.
August 14-China declares war on Germany and Austria-Hungary.
August 2-General embargo on exports beginning August 30th pro- claimed by the President ; full aid to Russia pledged by the President.
December 7-Congress passes resolution declaring state of war to exist between the United States and Austria-Hungary.
December 17-Red Cross drive commenced in the United States.
December 26-United States takes over all railroads (beginning December 28th); Secretary McAdoo appointed director-general of the railway lines.
December 28 Order turning railroads over to the United States carried.
1918-A. D.
January 16-Fuel Administrator Garfield orders factories to shut down five days and also on Mondays until the end of March to save coal.
January 25-Britain asks for 75,000,000 bushels more of grain from the United States.
May 7-Nicarauga declares war on Germany.
May 25-Second Red Cross fund of America over-subscribed.
June 3-Ten American ships sunk off the Atlantic coast by German submarines, between May 26th to June 3rd.
July 2-President announces that there were 1,019,115 American sol- diers in France July 1st.
38.3
DODGE AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES
July 21-Germans driven out of Chateau Thierry by French and American soldiers.
November 4 Austria makes complete surrender.
November 9-The Kaiser renounces the throne.
November 11-German envoys sign armistice terms and fighting ceases. The exact time was 11 o'clock A. M. and this order applies along the line. President Wilson announced to Congress, "The war thus comes to an end." Great peace celebrations were held all over this country.
December 4 President Wilson and peace party sail for France from New York on the steamer George Washington.
WASHINGTON COUNTY'S PART IN THIS WAR
When it was known that the United States was to take part in this conflict between the European states, many doubted the wisdom of the act on the part of the Government, but as time passed on nearly all in this county came to believe that the great civilized world demanded our coun- try to have a part in spreading democracy and helping to cause wars to cease everywhere, if possible.
While the Government has not as yet compiled any absolute roster of the men furnished in this war, the various county and state records to which we have had free access, we are enabled to give a fairly complete list of the soldiers who served from Washington County. It is true, however, that many more went into the service from other places, hence were not accredited to this county, but the roster as compiled for the enlistments known to have been from this county are as follows:
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.