Lee County, Illinois - Chapter 27, 1920

Dixon township, innnoiliately after the deehiration of war, became the center of all war work carried on in Lee County by reason of llic fact that it contained the county seat and was the center of population. All of the war drives were directed from Dixon and upon the township fell the burden of raising the greater share of Lee County's r|uota of each sum asked. In many of the activities Dixon township lead the way, but in otliers a few outside communities realized their goal first.

The approach of hostilities was vividly brought home to Dixon when its militia company - Company G, Illinois National Guard - was called into service' for guard duty at Rock Island, III., on :\Iar. 27, 1917, leaving Dixon in command of Capt. E. J. Soper. After service at Hock Island, and East St. Louis, and a training period at Houston, Texas, this unit, which Ix'came Battery C, 123d LT. S. Heavy Artillery on September 15, went overseas the following May and was lost to home folks until June 8, 1919 when it arrived home from Camp Grant, where it was mustered out after gallant service in the war on autocracy.

Dixon's first war meeting was held on the evening of April 4, 1917, two days before the United States declared war on Germany. It was a rousing meeting held in the Opera House when its young men were ui-ged to show the true American spirit and be ready to fight for Uncle Sam, if necessary.

Col. W. B. Brinton presided at this gathering and speakers were Capt. Charles Frisby, Maj. Sam Cushing, Attorney John E. Erwin and Rev. E. C. Lumsden, pastor of the First M. E. Church. These speakers pointed out the grave danger facing the United States, urged support of the president in his German policy and pleaded for true Americanism.

The declaration of war two days later was received in Dixon with solemnity, but with a firm determination to see it through to the bitter end. Flags were everywhere flying when President Wilson on April 2, 1917, delivered his memorable address to Congress and they remained conspicuous until the armistice was signed.

One of the first public gatherings for war work was the appearance at Assembly Park on June 27, 1917 of the Paulist choir in a concert for Red Cross benefit. Besides adding impetus to the drive, already under way, this organization raised $1,000 by its concert.

Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the fearless and patriotic federal judge of Chicago, visited Dixon on Jun(> 29, 1917, speaking for the Red Cross. He delivered one address to business men at a noon meeting and delivered another to a great mass meeting in the evening.

Under the auspices of the Woman's Committee Council of National Defense, Capt. Hugh Knyvett of the Australian army, a veteran of the battlefield, spoke to a large Dixon audience on Dec. 20, 1917. He was making a tour of the Ignited States, while on a furlough, painting a terrible picture of the horrors of war. Some months later he died from the effects of many a hardship in the trenches.

Iluvins \Ur Fnurtli I.il.crty l,,;ni caiiipniun, .lackic lunid ,.f ( iicnt Lakes Naval Training statidii, visited Dixon while on a lour of the iiiidl.le west and -ave a eoiMM-rt at a great mass meeting at Xaehusa 'ra\'ein. Acconipaiiying this splendid musical organization were D. E. Shanahan, speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, and Judge Fenton W. Booth of the Court of ( 'lainis, Washington D. ('., hoth of whom made ajipeals for a great I'esponse to the government's call for money.

On April 16, 1919, preceding the Victory Loan campaign, the I'niled Stales war t'Xhibit train visited Dixon, bringing for exhibition many of the grim implements which were used in beating back the Huns. Thousands of people saw the display, watched the whipjx't tank give an exhibition and attended the mass meeting in the Countryman building.

Too nmch cannot 1m- said of the splen.lid spnit which mark.'.l the work of the Ued Cross in Dixon township. Xo sooner had the war started than the Dixon chapter responded to calls for funds, knitted garments, comfort kits and other articles. The number of loyal workers rapidly increased as the need for their services became apparent.

Une thousand members was the goal in the first membership drive which was lamichetl Apr. 24, 1917. George C. Dixon, Tim Sullivan, W. W. Gilbert, R. W. Thompson and B. F. Downing served as a committee to direct this drive, and the results justified the efforts put ff)rth.

On May 14, 1917 the Dixon chapter was mei'ged into the Lee County chapter and W. B. Brinton was elected invsident. Thus the work of the Red Cross was made countywide. On May 21 the woi'kers began making comtVm kits to give to men entering the service.

The first Red Ci'oss drive for money ended July 7 with a subscription of $12,629. The quota was only $10,000. Judge R. S. Farrand was chairman at the start of this drive, but retired in favor of E. H. Brewster when his health became poor.

The first membership drive in 1918 closed January 6 with 4065 membeis in this township as against a quota of 3500. The third precinct held the honor of being the first "o\-er the top."

The final Red Cross drive was conducted May 20, 191.S, when th(> voluntai-y subsi'ri])- tion plan was used for the first time. This plan, wliich was afterwards extensively used throughout the United States, was unique in that it placed every citizen on his honor to go voluntarily to his polling place and subscribe a quota fixed by a committee for that purpose. Dixon's quota was S9,.'i52 in this drive and $9,659 was subscrilied the first day. Dixcin townslii]) was the fii'st in the county to reach its quota.

Subscriptions to the First Liberty Loan were asked of Dixon people following a meeting on June 6, 1917 when 0. H. Martin was madi ehairnian of the drive. By personal solicitation and assistance from the banks the ([uota of -S2.30,000 was subscribed.

Dixon's quota in the Second Liberty loan was $391,000. The campaign opened Oct. 16, 1917 and on October 24 the campaign was declared closed with total subscriptions of $427,350, an ovcrsul scription of .«;30,350. Edward Vaile was chairman of this campaign which was featm-ed by a jiarade and mass meeting on Liberty Day, October 24. Henry

Headciuarters for the Third Liberty loan were established in April, 1918 in the Dixon Realty building, now the building occupied by the Dixon State Bank & Trust Co. Edward Vaile was the township chairman during this drive, which was opened by a parade and mass meeting on Ajiril 9. The 342nd Regiment band of Camp Grant took part in the demonstration. Dixon's quota of $468,000 was raised in record time, subsci'iptions being closed on April 17.

The Voluntary sulisciiplion plan was used during the Foui'th Lilierty loan in the fall of 1918. On Se]5tenibcr '2S, citi/.ens of the township went to their polling places and subscribed to .<s."i:iS,7()() worth of bonds, an oversubscription of $161,800. Albert Bor.st was chaiiiiiaii of tlic township conmiittee in this drive.

The hnal or Victory loan drive was opened April 21, 1919 and Dixon's quota of .$273,000 was oversubscribed by $139,250 on the first day by the voluntary subscription plan. This campaign was given impetus by the visit here of the United States war exhibit train.

Churches of Dixon, without exception, took up wai- work with a will immediatt'ly upon the start of hostilities. Pastors, from theii' pulpits, constantly pleaded for a united people during the great crisis, urged compliance with governuient regulations as to food, fuel, and sei'vice.

On Aug. 12, lOlS, St. Patrick's parish dedicated a service flag containing 118 stars, one for eaeii boy fioni tlii' |)arish in the .service. Two silver stars appeared on the banner, representing two lioys who were wounded in action. During the program of the evening addresses were made by John J. Armstrong, Martin J. Gannon, John E. Erwin, John P. Devine and Henry S. Dixon. The names of the 118 men in service were read by Frank Cahill, secretaiy of the pai-jsh war council. Recitations by junior members of the parish

Lee county's first drafted contingent, Company AT of Camp Cirant, was given SI, 772. 40 for a comfort fund, the result of a campaign which liciiau on Sept. 22, 1917. < -. II. Mail in was chairman of this campiagn. A dinner at Arnioiy hall netted S103 to this fund.

On March 9. lOlS Company M hoys were given a fuiiough and were given a royal reception in Dixeii. They took pail, in a para.le and were the guests of the Dixon Evening

Under the auspices of the Woman's Committee Council of National Defense, the Allied Bazaar was held in Dixon the week of March 2-9, 1918. The organization, through its units in every township, gathered together a vast amount of saleable goods, which were sold at auction during the week. Tlie proceeds of the bazaar were $5,600. A handkerchief donated by Mrs. Wdodrow Wilson sold for $14 during the auction, the purchaser being W. A. Schuler. Congressman Medill ^McCormick spoke the evening of ]\Iarch 7, the start of the auction. Edward Vaile was ehairnian of the conniiittee having in charge the bazaar, the most successful benefit e\-eiit of the war perioil.

Registration of women for war work was s|ionsored by the Woman's Committee and Mrs. L. F. Coohiig was cliaiiniaii of this work. In the entire county 4,401 women were registered.

The first campaign for the sale of War Savings Stamps was conducted beginning Dec. 3, 1917 with Wm. F. Hogan as chairman. Citizens were asked to pledge themselves to buy a certain number each during the year of 191S. On ,June 13, 1918 Dixon township was assigned a quota of $140,250 in war savings stamps and during tlie drive that o]ieiied June 17, the quota was subscrilieo.

Food conservation was first asked by the Goverimient. The first meatless day was observed in Dixon on Oct. 30, 1917. It is estimated that 500 pounds of meat was saved on this dav alone.

After the depailure for service of Company (\. I. X. (!. :i movement was started to rai.se a company of home guards to perform such service as would lie recjuired. The Dixon company of the reserve militia was organized Nov. 19, 1917 with Louis Pitcher as chairman of a membership committee of fourteen. Tom Richards was selected as the first captain. Later he was succeeded by Sam Gushing, and upon the appointment of Mr. Gushing to major of the Sixth regiment L R. M., Lieut. George Fruin was promoted to captain. The company was accepted by the state on Feb. 25, 1918, when it had 40 d on Ajiril 9 was mustered into state service by General Wells of Spring- City Council and War Work

Dixon, tln-ough its city conunission, took an active part in war work, individually, members of the city conunission worked as a grouj) in patient every assistance possible.

The city commission on Aug. 6, 1918 passed a resolution of sympathy to parents, whose boys fell on the field of battle. A copy of these resolutions were sent to everj^ family in which a death occurred.

On Aug. 1, 1918 tli(» city commission adopted a resolution asking Dixon citizens to pause a moment at noon each day and offer silent ])rayei' for the safety of our boys in France.

Proclamations on fuel and food conservation were issued by ]\Liyor Henry Schmidt during the early part of 1918 and in compliance with his wishes flags were flung to the breeze on the first anniversary of the war, April 6, 1918.

The Dixon Public library lent its assistance during the war in more than one able manner. The first activity was a drive in September, 1917 foi- books for the men in service. Li this campaign i?153 was raised with which to purclia.se books.

Dixon the advent on peace on Nov. 11, 1918 in a maimer not surj^assed by any city. The news came shortly after 2 o'clock on Monday morning after a night of tenseness to all. All throughout Sunday word of the end of hostilities was momentarily expected. When it finally came factory whistles, locomotives and every known noise producer was placed into use. By daylight the whole city was apprised of the glad tidings and the streets were crowded to learn more of the armistice signing.

A welcome arch was o'cctcd on Snutli (Jalcna Avennc just through which the honor men marched in a great parade in the 1:; out the day the crowds were entertained by free open-air perform two large dances were held for the entertainment of the boys wli ladies of Dixon furnished the food fm' a ^ivat dinma' at tin' l-^lk;

Col. Henry J. Reilly of Chicago, c.mmander of Pually's bu( unit of the 42iid division, delivered the address of the day. ^lusi^ and Sterluig 1 ands.

.John and Catherine Stepheintcli, le, III He was called to Camp ras ;i member of Co. AI. I'roin til ( 'aidlina, and at this time was this eanip he went to Camp Mihs. Minded on Oi't. lUth, lUlS, from 1. He was buried at Senoncourt ,

Cl.wton Elliott - Son of .Vmos and Alary K. Elliott, was born at Rapattee, Knox County, III., October 20, lsn4, and moved to Dixon in the year of 1901, On .lune 28, l>,)lS,he was called into service and was sent to Camp Swcerie>', Kai;sas (ity, Alo. He became an instructor in auto truck driving, and was made a Sergeant of Training Detachment No. 1, 3Co. A, U. S. A. On October 5th he died at Camp Sweeney Hospital, from influenza and pneumonia, and was brought home to Dixon, and buried in Oakwood Cemeterv, October 10th, 1918.

Ward A. Sixdlixger - Son of Air, and Airs, L. Sindhnger, was born at Alt. Carroll, 111., July 12, ISSd. In early life he, with his i.arents, moved to Dixon, which place remainetl his home until the time of his death. On September 29th he went to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., and joined the army (cavalry, Co. 27) and there remained three weeks. He, with his Company (Troup F, 4th Cav. U. S. A.) were then sent to Schoefield Barracks, Hawaiian Islands, and there remained until August 1917. The last year of his service he was Corjioral of Troop F of the Fourth Regiment of Cavalry. He then returned to the United States with

Stanley Sofolo - 8011 of I'^i-ank and Lena Sofolo. He was liorn in Chicago, October 28th, ISU.V and on :\Iay 27th, 191S. was inducted into 1he aimy at Camp Gorilon, Georgia. From there he went to Camp Mrn lit, Xew Jersey. He was placed in infantry service (Co. L). In Aimu^t 1918, he landed in France, and was killed in action September 29, 19 IS. He was liuried at Giiillcinont Farm Cemetery, ncai' Ronsoy,

Lloyd Kaylor Bartholomew - Son of Eugi'ue Albert and Enuna Ka>l((r Bartholomew, was born at Dixon, 111., Feb. 22, 1899. Before the war he was a Corporal in Co. F, Home Guards. He was inducted into tiie service October 1, 1918, and became a member of the Students Army and Training Corps at Illinois University, Champaign, Illinois. He became a Sergeant in ( 'o. 4, and had passed an examination for 2nd Liotitenant when he was sudilenly taken ill with pneumonia, on Oct. 41 h, and died December 4th at the University Hospital, Urbana, 111. ( )ii ])ec('iiil:)cr 8th he was buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

Elijah Doan - Son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Doan of Dixon, was born August 28th, 1889. He was inducted into service May 28, 1918, and was killed in action in France Oct. 17, 1918. A brother, Jasper J. Doan,

Edward Butt - Scriicant, S(,n <if Fivdcrick August and Amelia l^utt, was horn in Dixon, May 'it, ISS!). At tlu' aiic of 21, in 1010, he enlisted in the Federal Army at Fort L.,iiaii, Cal. Aftca- trainin-. Ins first of Ala.ska. His lov<- for military hh- was shown hv the fact tliat he reenlisted after reeeivmti his lu.nurahle .liseliariie. After Ins second enlistment he was sent to the Mexic.-in lioider at h'.l Pasu, wliere lie experienced the trials (if real aiiii>- life. He was wmmdi which laid him nji fur a few weeks, Init attain went After that event he was reconanende fnlly. At Cohimlms, New Mexico, he was transferred to a very responsniie p<isi haviiii!: exclusive charge of all government supplies, and was given a Corporalship. Fn ni here he went to E\ Paso, Texas, and was attached to the 17th Inf. His next move was to Atlanta, C!a., his dnty lieing the guarding of interned Germans. He was later sent to Chattanooga, Tenn., and was assigned to the 55th Inf. Next he was sent to f'amp Dix, N. J., where he was appointed Traffic Officer and was advanced to a Seriieancy. He was then in the Slllh Infantry, and they were called to France. He was on the ^h'tz front twenty-one days, and the \'erdun fi-ont, where he saw sume terril.le liatllis. He died at

Horace Flint Ohtt - Son of Rowley U, and Pachel P, Oitt, A\as Ijorn at :Morristown, Pa., March 20th, l.S9o, and later moved to Dixon Illinois. He left home in June 1917, with Co. G, of Dixon, toi Rock Island, and from there went to East St. Louis on .July 20th. Fiom this city, on Septemlier 9th, he went to Cam]) l.oiian, Houston, Texas, and remained there until May istli, 191S, then went to Camp Merritt, N. .1., May 27th; sailed for Europe, and landed at Liveipool, England, .Iniie 7, 1918; then traveled to La Havre, France, arriving June 12 The St. Mihiel battle on Septemher 11th, was his first battle. In this battle his Company, the 123d Field Vrt was cited loi honois bv :\Iaj C.en Siimmeiall, commander of the 1st Div. From theie maichdl to the Aiu,onne It was heie tl a' Horace volunteered to deliver a message, tor his Captain of the Battery, thiough 1 eavy shell fire, and was killed in the attempt. He was in Battery C, 33d Div., 123d Field Art. He was cited by Brig. Gen. Todd, on Dec. 31st, 1918, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service; also on May 17th, 1919, by Maj. Gen. Bell foi tiallantiv in action against the enemy; also the following citation:

Private Horace F. Ortt, Battery C, 123d F. A., for distinguished and excepiional gallantry at Very-Epinonville on 4th October 1918 in the operations of the American Expeditionary Forces in testimony thereof, and as an expression of appreciation of his valor, I award him this citation. John J. Pershing,

Horace was buried with military honors in a church cemetery in tlie town of Very, France. The American Legion Burial Lot in Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon, has a special marker bearing his name. A beautifully engraved certificate, issued June 1, 1919, by direction of the President of the LTnited States, was received by Mi'. Ortt, exjiressing his deep and sincere sympathy on the death of his son.

In the Spring of 1920 the Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to him, for bravtry in action, and was sent hv the War Department to his parents.

Fhkd Oscar McWethy - Son of Geo. P. and Mary A. McWelliy, was l)orn Dec. 8, 1896, at Eldora, Hardin Co., Iowa, and wlien a child moved with his parents to Dixon, and knew no other home. He enhsted at Oregon, Ogle Co., Illinois, June loth, 1918, and on August 5th was sent to Chicago University to complete his training, which was finished Octolior 12tii. On Octohcr 15th he was sent to Camp Hancock, Ga., and after two weeks service was declare<l fit for oversea service. He was then transferred to Camp Johnson, Ga., where he secured his oversea efiuipment. He was in waiting when the armistice was signed, November He was a member of the 16th Co. 161 D. B. He returned to Camp Grant, 15, lOlfl, received his honorable discharge. Returning to Dixon he was 1 with piicunionia, and was taken to the Dixon Hospital, where he tiled ind was buried at Oakwood Cemeterv, .lanuarv 23, 1919.

John Parsons enlisted in the Quartermaster Corps at the outbreak of the war, and served in Texas, where he was l)romoted to Corporal, Sergeant and Second Lieutenant. He went to France in 1918 and was promoted to First Lieutenant. While returning to the United States, he contiacted pneumonia and dii'd at sea.