Williamson County, Illinois - The whole text, 1919 (part 2 of 7)

"When the unfavorable circumstances which attended this great effort are borne in mind, it becomes all the more remarkable. If the success of an enterprise or the greatness of a victory are determined by the number and extent of the difficulties and obstacles overcome, then the triumph achieved by the multitude of workers who carried through to a successful issue this patriotic endeavor was indeed notable and truly great. In the history of financial campaigns, when was there ever one conducted in the face of so many difficulties?

"The United War Work Campaign has furnished the most impressive example thus far afforded of religious unity and co-operation. When before have the leaders and the many millions of followers of the Protestant, Roman Catholic and Jewish religious bodies of a great nation joined forces for the accomplishment of a common unselfish object? In doing this no one of them has obscured, minimized or apologized for that which is most distinctive in its life and work. The campaign has been an illustration of interdenominationalism rather than of undenominationalism. It might have been regarded as wonderful had these bodies come together on a platform of putting aside their differences and all that is most characteristic of them; but it has been far more wonderful that they have been able to come together and work together and speak together just as they are, each being true to its own best self.

"Never before have foundations, corporations, companies, banks, industries and the rural population of America participated so generally and so generously in a great popular subscription. Through all the coming years the gifts and sacrifices of many millions, from the richest to the poorest and from the youngest to the oldest, in every corner of our country and from neighboring as well as distant lands will be held in grateful memory.

"Above all, as we remind ourselves of the difficulties, humanly speaking insuperable, which have attended this great undertaking and as we recall the wonderful miracle which has been wrought in ushering in the worldwide and, as we trust, enduring peace which synchronized with the launching of the campaign, let us reverently and gratefully acknowledge Almighty God as the great and only efficient Cause of this great victory of peace, as He was the great victory of the war."

The Marion Woman's Club is one of the most progressive federated Clubs of Marion. There is a large membership composed of ladies who are wideawake, industrious and patriotic.

The Club was organized in 1913, and its officers and members have done much good work in Marion since its organization, particularly along philanthropic lines. It has been their custom to have an annual "tag day", the proceeds of which have been spent for the worthy poor of Marion. The sum of $360.87 was collected for this purpose on Oct. 30, 1918. The members also collected and distributed the past year, 218 garments, and assisted thirty-five poor families with clothing, coal and other necessities, the past winter. Every Christmas they send out a number of well-filled baskets, which brings comfort and cheer to the many good, deserving families.

The Woman's Club has assisted financially and otherwise in securing medical aid to sick persons who were unable to help themselves, and several cases where operations were necessary.

The ladies of this Club took an active part in every war activity, and especially the Red V Cross work. A surgical dressing class was organized from the Club and completed a great amount of work. The Club purchased a Liberty Bond, and also adopted a French war orphan.

A committee from the Club secured $100,- 000 worth of subscriptions on the third Liberty Loan, and $2,000 on the second Red Cross war drive, and sold $3,000 War Saving Stamps. A Silver Tea was given at the home of one of its members, proceeds amounting to $23.00, which was donated to the Queen Elizabeth fund for the Belgian Relief. The proceeds from a food exchange - $31.00 was donated to the United War Work drive.

Through the Woman's Club, the services of a trained nurse were secured, and a free course in home nursing was given to those desiring to take the lessons.

This Club has always helped in every good and worthy cause, being united in their efforts to improve the community - creating mutual sympathy and higher civilization.

This was a branch of the service during the war that received very little comment and is one feature that should not be overlooked in our Williamson County History. Prof. J. H. Siekman, President of Brown's Business College, was selected County Captain, and this work, even though it did not receive much publicity, the importance of this particular branch of the service and those connected with it certainly deserve honorable mention.

Probably one of the citizens of our county to whom credit is due and who has probably received as little credit, is Prof. J. H. Siekman, President of Brown's Business College, at Marion, 111. Prof. Siekman was appointed County Food Administrator for Williamson County early in the year of 1918. He worked faithfully and untiringly in the year of 1918 at a tremendous loss of time and personal expense (traveling, stenographic and office help, telegrams, etc.), without any reimbursement for his work. This was done simply as a patriotic duty. Prof. Siekman is thankful, indeed, for the co-operation of the citizens in Williamson County who were anxious to assist in controlling the food administration work, although there were some who were not loyal to their country or to the boys "OVER THERE." In most cases, however, the citizens of Williamson county were always ready to co-operate with us when they knew just what the ruling was, governing the consumption and distribution of food supplies.

The efficient assistants, most of whom stayed with Prof. Siekman throughout the year, handling the work in the immediate vicinity, and who also deserve credit for the faithful work done and their careful attention to the distribution and conservation of food supplies in Williamson county are the following:

At the beginning of demobolization, Prof. J. H. Siekman of Marion, President of Brown's Business College, was appointed County Chairman to take charge of this important work. The object of this work was to secure employment for the returning soldiers. As soon as the soldier was released from government service his name was sent to the County Chairman and was taken up with the different committees throughout the county in the different places in order that the returning soldier should be given an opportunity for a position with his former employer on returning to civil life.

By Lieut. Oldham Paisley

The first post of the American Legion to be formed in this county was that formed at Marion, Illinois, in September, 1919, when the name of Williamson Post was selected.

The organization was first formed with temporary officers and no permanent officers were selected until after the national convention which was held in November, 1919. The charter for Williamson Post was closed on September 15 and the list of charter members was as follows:

Under the direction of the Co-ordination chairman, Mrs. R. A. Parks, units were organized. There were units in the county with the following chairmen:

The first big piece of war work done by this committee was the registration of women for service. There were approximately 10,000 women in Williamson County who registered for either paid or free service. These registration cards have been kept and filed by the different units and have been of great value in furnishing workers for governmental drives, nurses in recent epidemics and for many other purposes.

A large campaign for conservation was carried on. Seven thousand food pledge cards were signed. Classes were held to teach the use of the new substitutes, the remaking of clothes and the necessity for the elimination of waste.

The Allied Relief committee furnished hundreds of garments for the war stricken families in France and Belgium. The policy of the Fatherless Children of France Committee was to maintain children in their own homes, to be brought up by their mothers in the religion of their fathers and to establish such a personal relationship between the "Donor" and the child, that the "Donor" not only be assured that his money reached its proper destination, but also corresponded with the child or its mother. $36.50 a year, added to the small allowance of the French government would help give a strong, well trained child to the new France. Fifty or more of these orphans were adopted throughout the county. A great many girls registered for active service as nurses. Miss Pauline Duncan of Marion, the only Army Camp Nurse called from this county, served 6 months in Camp Jackson, South Carolina. A number of girls were assigned to civilian hospitals.

Girls Patriotic Welfare Leagues were formed in a number of communities. They had community choruses, did all kinds of war work and helped to raise $500 for the Y. W. C. A. Drive.

Based upon its population, Williamson County was divided into two draft board districts. Local Board No. 1. was the Marion district and embraced all the townships in the county except Herrin, Blairsville, Carterville and Grassy townships which comprised No. 2 district or the Herrin board district. The estimate of the draft population being about equally divided between these two districts was poorly made, for the Marion board

Upon recommendation of Governor Lowden of Illinois, President Wilson appointed the members of the local boards, at first three in number, late in June, 1917. Later on other appointments were added as associate members, such as appeal agents, etc.

By Capt. Oldham Paisley

The Local Board Number 1. of Williamson County had its headquarters in Marion and went through the war with but one change in composition and that was made when one of its members entered the service.

The board as originally formed was composed of Rufus Neely of Marion, who was chosen secretary; W. H. Grant of Johnston City, R. F. D. chairman, and Dr. D. D. Hartwell of Marion. Dr. A. M. Edwards later replaced Dr. Hartwell as examining physician.

The board was in complete harmony at all times and no friction ever marred its proceedings. Judge Neely had two sons in the service as did also Mr. Grant, while both Dr. Hartwell and Dr. Edwards were in the service. This is a record unequaled in the state, propably.

Dr. Hartwell was commissioned in the Medical Reserve Corps as a first lieutenant, but when he became the examining physician for the selective service board, the government refused to order him to active and field duty but he kept the mails busy until he was given orders and he again kept things busy until he got to France and into action, and his record stands out prominently in the

Dr. Edwards was among the first physicians from Williamson county to enter the service as a first lieutenant in the medical corps, but he was later given an honorable discharge because of physical conditions. He fully demonstrated his loyalty by the untiring assistance given the board in the physical examinations.

The first examinations were held in the Elks home and later in the City Hall. The offices of Attorney Neely, Gallimore and Cook were used as headquarters for the board and the records were kept there until forwarded to state and national headquarters for permanent file.

The attorneys of the county were all loyal in their assistance extended to the board. Attorney Spiller D. Lewis was chairman of the legal advisory board, and Judge D. T. Hartwell and Attorney Ed M. Spiller served as members. States Attorney R. R. Fowler served the board as government appeal agent.

Members Of The Marion Local Board

Among the clerks who assisted in the work, the service of Miss Emma Whitcomb, chief clerk, was probably the most appreciated. She gave up her work as stenographer for the law firm of Neely, Gallimore and Cook to handle the government work for the county board and she sacrificed quite as much and worked as hard as any member of the board. She was assisted from time to time by Mrs. Mamie Bracy, Misses Jettie Bolder, Iva Harris, Hattie Mitchell, and Helen Reece.

The Herrin board consisted of C. H. Pope, Hal W. Trovillion and Dr. Carl Baker, all of Herrin. On June 30, 1917, the members met at The Herrin news office and organized as follows: C. H. Pope, chairman; Hal W. Trovillion, secretary, and by virtue of his profession, Dr. Carl Baker was made examining physician. This organization continued until the close of the year when Dr. Carl Baker tendered his resignation because of his leave-taking from the city to go to Chicago to take a post graduate course in medicine. Dr. R. E. Ransmeier was appointed to succeed him. In the spring of 1918, owing to differences that arose on the board, a great deal of friction resulted. On August 24th, C. H. Pope resigned, and pending the appointment of a new member, Dr. R. E. Ransmeier served as chairman and also handled the work of head examining physician, making his duties very trying and causing him at times to abandon his business completely. Out of justice to his sincere loyalty, it should be stated that Dr. Ransmeier never accepted from the government any pay for his services as examining physician, freely donating his time and labors to the government.

Only a few days before the armistice was signed Judge W. F. Chapman was appointed by President Wilson to fill the vacancy on the board caused by Mr. Pope's resignation. He made a most attentive member and throughout the rest of the war period the board worked in perfect harmony.

Attached to the board in an advisory capacity were several officers and Judge A. D. Morgan served throughout the war as chairman of the legal advisory board, and Judge R. T. Cook and Attorney Charles Murrah as associate member.s The board rendered excellent services in assisting registrants in filling out their questionnaires and also in apprizing them of their rights under the selective service law.

Judge R. T. Cook was appointed government appeal agent early in the history of the board and handled a great deal of work up to the summer of 1918 when the pressure of his legal business necessitated his resignation.

Governor Lowden filled the vacancy by appointing A. K. Elles, head of the Herrin Supply Company. A more fortunate selection as Judge Cook's successor could not have been picked. No person connected with the draft board assumed his duties more earnestly than did Mr. Elles, despite his extreme business with his big commercial and mercantile interests which demanded every minute of his time each day. He set aside a certain amount of time each day for government work and was as punctual in his appointments as if life depended upon it. He came into office just at the time that the WORK or FIGHT order came into effect, and his department was the busiest in all the draft board until the armistice was signed.

Hugh Willis of Herrin, executive board member of the miners, was appointed several months before the war closed as Industrial Agent for the county and rendered valuable services to the boards in an advisory capacity.

Herrin local board first opened headquarters in the council chamber of the City Hall which was generously offered the board by Mayor George K. Crichton and City Clerk John D. Perrine. The office was established here on July 2, 1917, and with an office force of stenographers, the task of copying registration cards was begun. It was found in a short time to be ill suited as an office and a suite of rooms were rented upstairs in the City National Bank building. The quarters proved unsatisfactory later and a third move was made in May, 1918, to a suite of rooms in the Herrin building, where the office remained located until it was abandoned.

During the life of the Herrin board a number of clerks were employed. Miss Dora Malandrone started in with the board upon its organization and was later made chief clerk and held this important post until the office was closed in April, 1919. Among the other clerks connected with the office from time to time were Misses Berenice Baker, Clara Streicher, Florence Pope, Delilah Harmon, Beulah Blair, Mae Chew, Olean Jenkins, Nona Stroud, Elsie Gregory, Mabel Brown, Rhea Moudy, Mrs. Anna Reed Benton, Mrs. Violet Trovillion, Mrs. Caroline Hickson.

In September the Herrin board was assigned two soldier clerks, Tony Garavaglia of Herrin and Charles Newton of Johnston City. They were with the board until February, 1919.

The total registration recorded by the Herrin local board for the three registration dates - June 5, 1917; August 24, 1918; September 12, 1918, was 8,588. There were fifteen nationalities represented. A large number of the foreigners were aliens and a few enemy aliens. The largest foreign element the board had to handle was Italian, and as a whole, this class was very loyal. A great number waived their alien rights and permitted themselves to be drafted, while quite a few enlisted.

Herrin local board met every call for induction that was made on it and achieved a one hundred per cent record for filling its quota. The total number of men inducted during the operation of the draft law was 957.

The physicians residing in Herrin board district who assisted Dr. Carl Baker while he was head of the medical examining board and later Dr. R. E. Ransmeier, who succeeded Dr. Baker, were as follows: Drs. W. R. Gardiner, Columbus Brown, D. S. Boles, J. C. Black, J. S. Waldman, G. C. Chamness, all of Herrin; Dr. C. M. Evans of Clifford; Drs. J. F. McKee, I. T. Roberts and J. W. Clayton, all of Johnston City, and Drs. W. H. Perry, F. M. Miller and J. W. Vick of Carterville. These physicians all made noble sacrifices, especially during the Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918, when they were rushed hardest in practice and when the government was pushing the board on examining registrants.

The number to enlist in the entire county is not available, but is estimated from 500 to 700, making the grand total of soldiers furnished the nation approximately 2,400. which is from four to five per cent of the population of the county.

Departure Of Herrin'S First

War has never been brought so closely home to Herrin people as on that cool autumn morn of the fifth of September, nineteen seventeen, when fourteen stalwart young fellows went marching out from the local board office in the City National Bank building, in double file to the Illinois Central Railroad station to entrain for Camp Taylor, Ky., on the 5:40 A. M. train. The city band was out to send them away with music. Never before had the early morning breezes carried band music down the street at such on early hour, and never before did the musicians play with such verve. Proudly they headed the early morning procession as it swept rhythmically down the street followed by weeping friends, parents and sweethearts, breaking into the marching line here and there for a parting word to the boys. In this strange moving theater as it passed along, no figure towered more majestically or swept along with more gusto than that of W. 0. Nail, who with fife ever to his lips, tirelessly piped away, unloosing on the cool, keen breezes of the early morning shrill, stirring, martial notes that awoke in every heart the spirit of war.

Once the station platform was reached, it was a surging sea of anxious and excited people. Had it been the funeral of these boys, some that bade them farewell could not have taken on more, nor shed more tears. It appeared that the entire city had been summoned on short and unexpected notice, for in all stages of dress they came. Only the children and little boys seemed to find anything in the scene but sadness, though to them it was a matter of noisy cheering and a light-hearted farewell. Just before the train pulled in, an itinerant evangelist, who was holding a series of meetings here in a tent, mounted a baggage truck and briefly addressed the vast audience that had come out breakfastless to pay tribute to this new army. "Men never went forth to fight for a nobler cause," he told them. Then a prayer was said and from down the track just as the sun was getting ready to raise its head on that unusual day that will long be remembered in Herrin, loomed up the train, letting out a long and mournful whistle as it neared the station. It seemed that the whistle never sounded stranger or pierced so deep the hearts of those who heard it.

As the fourteen boys stepped aboard, there were sobs and weepings and last, fond embraces and shouts of Godspeed from those of stronger hearts. As the pulsing crowd moved back, cheering and weeping and the band playing its loudest, the train slowly moved away bearing Herrin's first contribution to the great war.

Every man in that little band of fellows save one has come home safely. That one is Tom Abbott, who was among the first of Herrin's soldiers killed in action. Tom today sleeps where he fell in the fields of France. It was a bomb from a Zeppelin that got him. He was attached to the British tank corps.

The men who made up this company of fourteen, all volunteered to fill the first quota called for by this board. Their names are as follows: Eugene William Fultz, Frank Alexander Yuill, John Chiodini, Matteo Pettina, Loren Isaac Robinson, George Owen, Gerald Weaver, Earl W. Cox, James T. Abbott, Willis Myers, Ross Frank Mooneyham, Charley Ross Ford, all of Herrin; William Francis Kilduff of Johnston City and Clarence Watson of Carterville.

Hervie Dillingham and Robert B. Templeton, with grips packed stood in line as alternates, as was required, but did not get to go with this first party, as the quota was complete without them.

By W. 0. Paisley

On September 6, 1917, the first selectmen from District No. 1 of Williamson County Local Board, left Marion for Camp Taylor, Ky. There were nine men in this first contingent, and while there was a feeling of sadness among all in the big crowd which assembled to bid them God speed, still all were inspired with the same feeling of determination to win the war which filled the spirits of the men, and the parting was one which strengthened the men for the task before them. Chester H. Simmons, who had served for six years in the U. S. army, was in charge of the squad. The other members were Edgar Craig, Byron Durham, Jack Fly, Iva Hampton, Richard P. McAllister, Joe Onstatt, Wm. T. Scurlock and James Lee Sullivan. Every man called was present at this time as was also every man called for the next contingent.

On September 21, under leaden skies and with the rain falling when the train left the station, seventy-five more soldiers left Marion for the training camp. The Johnston City Drum Corps was present at this meeting and it was also at the train when every other contingent from District No. 1 answered the call to the colors. There was an immense gathering of citizens present as these boys left at 8 A. M.

On October 5, the third group of select men left for Camp Taylor. There were thirty-eight at this time, making a total of one hundred and twenty-two to go from Williamson County District No. 1 during the first month after that training camp was opened. The farewell meeting to these men was one of the most inspiring of the war. Bishop William A. Quayle spoke to the men as they left the court house and then marched with them to the train. "Soldiers, I have a son on his way to battle," said the famous divine, and these opening words touched the hearts of everyone, as few in the county did not have some one in the service or who would soon be called.

A farewell reception was given at the Baptist church on the evening of September 4, before the first selectmen left for the train, and a rousing send-off was given to each group of men as they left for the camps. A large number of volunteers had already entered the service before the first selectmen were called and others joined later, giving the district a showing in every branch of the service.

How We Got Along When The Boys Went Away

It was hard sledding in every department of business and even inconvenienced every household when the boys marched forth to put the kibosh on Kaiser William. Those left here at home did the best they could to close up the gaps, but made a poor job of it.

The war seemed to weed out most of the efficients out of the day's work and a great change came over help. Help came mighty near being no help at all. Sometimes, indeed, it was a positive hindrance. Every business was more or less afflicted with this sort of thing. The mails were full of misdirected letters. Elevators were run by people who couldn't stop on a floor level to save their necks. There were clerks in stores who did not even know what business the house was in. Almost nobody got his own bills, which was tremendous insight as to what others owed. Automobiles became an even greater peril to one another than they were to the rest of us. The plumber who came out to fix your furnace so you could burn soft coal in it, fixed it so you couldn't burn anything in it. The watchmaker took the wheels out of your watch and couldn't put them back. The repair shop took your automobile and aggravated its disorders until you joined the army to get where the good mechanics had gone. The painter came around and fell off the roof. The bank records showed at the end of the month that you had $100.00 more than your own records showed and you had the terrible experience of having to give it up to its owner, who was a hundred short. The waiter blundered around behind you until he poured soup down your back. Mixing drinks (hush!) passed from an art to an avocation. The milkman found your card marked for one quart of milk and a half pint of cream, and left you two quarts of buttermilk. Your new stenographer sent a letter which was to go to Campbell, Mo., to Camp Belly, Mo. The office 'boy had a choice among 18 jobs with as many degrees of pay, and left at the end of a week taking with him all the secret formulas of the business. The man who came to put in your wood tried to carry it all in two or three loads, and fell down the cellar stairs, and broke a whole set of ribs. You ordered a food chopper shipped out to your place in the country and got a barrel of salt. The newspaper reporter who came around to talk to you on some important topic, quoted you with an interview he got from somebody else about something you never heard of. The washerwoman no longer had to support her two grown sons, who had been drafted, and quit washing. Your cook who had been with you five years and had just begun to understand, resigned her place to go back to the farm and run a tractor. The paperhanger was without help and finally hung himself. An express package started to you from Chicago, and the next trace you got of it came from San Francisco, where it was seen going towards the ship wharves. You ordered beans, flour, baking powder and soda from the grocer, and some time during the night a boy got you out to let him in with a half dozen brooms and two pounds of clothesline. All the people who smoothed the rough edges of life for you and made this, that and the other things all hunkydory were gone to war. You were arrested if you overchecked your account; the cleaner sent you some one else's green trousers with your gray coat and vest; and the man who came to fix the telephone left it in such shape that when you took down the trumpet you turned in a fire alarm. Help was hell!

With Wouter Van Twiller, the second Director General of New Netherlands, came in 1633, Rev. Everardus Bogardus, for the Church, and Adam Roelanstan, the first schoolmaster; and the parochial school over which he presided, and which is still carried on by the Reformed Dutch Church in New York, is now the oldest existing school in America. Moreover, it was our first free school in America, for it was supported in part by a school tax of four pounds.

It is interesting to note the varied and useful duties at this period of the New England schoolmaster. Besides inspiring his pupils to the practice *>i reading, ciphering, and in some instances, of writing, he trained the children in the catechism and religious doctrines of the church, acted as Court Messenger, served summonses, conducted certain ceremonial services of the church, led the Sunday school choir, rang the bell for public worship, digged graves, and performed other occasional duties.

Three great ideas were gradually developed, viz.: that some education should be provided for every child; that the State must support the schools, and that the schools must be brought under intelligent and systematic supervision.

The celebrated Ordinance of 1787 was passed by the Continental Congress, under the Articles of Confederation, and provided for the government of the Northwest Territory, of which the present State of Illinois, was then a part. Article Three of that Ordinance made the following reference to the value of schools and education: "Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and means of education shall forever be encouraged." The idea then seemed to be that education was necessary to good government and happiness. This is the true idea today, and a government will be good or bad, and its citizens happy or unhappy, as its citizenship are educated or ignorant. From this little embryo in the Ordinance of 1787, has grown our great school system of today, embracing all the rural and elementary schools of the State.

The first Constitution of Illinois, which was adopted in 1818, provided that Section 16 in every Township, or other lands of equal value, should be granted to the inhabitants of such Township, for the use of schools, but did not specify in what particular way the schools should be organized. The same Constitution further provided, that three per cent of the proceeds of all Public Lands in the State, should be appropriated by the Legislature of the State for the encouragement of learning, and that one-sixth of this three per cent, should be exclusively bestowed upon a State College or University. This reference to the College or University, was in anticipation of a need of higher education in our school system.

At the time Illinois was admitted into the Union, in 1818, the schools of New England were making noticeable improvement, but the conditions west of the Alleghanies were much the same as in the pioneer days of New England Even with the assistance of the government, the schools were in bad condition. The people were too poor to tax themselves to pay the teachers, and the receipts from the school lands, much of which were sold at $1.25 an acre, brought but little relief. A law taxing the people for the support of the schools was passed in 1825, but there was so much opposition, that it was repealed four years later. Meanwhile, the cause of public education fell to a very low stage. The school houses were either poorly built of logs, or some abandoned building was used for the purpose. The courses of study were usually limited to instruction in the three R's - "Readin', 'Ritin' and 'Rithmetic." The whole school studied and recited together from such books as could be brought from home. In some instances a spelling book or the New Testament was made to do duty for the entire school, the pupils reciting "out loud," and in concert. The teacher, who was too often an incompetent adventurer, either "boarded around," or traveled from house to house, spending part of the day instructing the children of each family. Sometimes he received his pay in produce, pork, beef, corn or tallow - and in one instance at least, a calf. There was no fixed standard by which teachers' certificates were granted, the principal question asked the applicant being whether he could "keep order."

The second Constitution of Illinois, which continued from 1848 to 1870, made no special change relative to the school system, except to leave the whole matter in the hands of the General Assembly, with some encouraging references to favorable school legislation. The General Assembly in 1855, passed the first law establishing free school districts in each Township, sufficient in number to meet the necessities of the sparse population of that time. Two years later, in 1857, the General Assembly provided for the establishment of the First Normal School near Bloomington. Ten years later, in 1867, the State University was established at Champaign, and two years later, in 1869, the General Assembly provided for the establishment of the Normal School at Carbondale. Thus, we see our school system made a decided advancement under the two Constitutions, both in the elementary schools and in schools of higher grade.

James W. McKinney, minister, educator, and county superintendent of schools, was born in Williamson County, March 13, 1873. He was educated in the public schools and prepared for his chosen profession by attending school at the S. I. N. U. at Carbondale and the Valparaiso University in Indiana. His executive ability was regarded and and raised on a farm in Williamson County. He taught school twenty years. He was married to Miss Agnes Neilson in 1895. They have four children: Harvey Lee, Robert, Wendell and Ruth. The first named served fifteen months in the World War.

He and his esteemed wife have always worked for the benefit of others. As a minister of the Baptist Church, he has preached the gospel for the entire time of his 25 years as teacher and county superintendent. He is a polished speaker, full of the spirituality that endears.

An ardent Republican, he was the unanimous choice of his party to represent the office of superintendent of schools, and his candidacy was received with favor by all classes, his worth and purity of character appealing to all who knew his record as a preacher and teacher. He was returned triumphantly at the polls last year, having no opposition in either party, and his later conduct of the office has more than justified the golden opinions held of him by the people.

Mr. McKinney is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and is affiliated also with the Modern Woodmen and Woodmen of the World. He is a son of a veteran, is patriotic, and his citizenship has always been for the good of his country. He has done much for the betterment of matters and methods of teaching, and his interest in the welfare of Williamson County is well known.

made more emphatic demands on the General Assembly for the expansion of the public school system. Article Eight, consisting of five Sections, is xj devoted exclusively to the subject of Public Schools. Section one of that Article declares that "the General Assembly shall provide a thorough and efficient system of Free Schools, whereby all children of the State may receive a good common school education." By this time, the old districts had become inadequate for the rapidly increasing school population, and in order to make the school system more thorough and efficient, it became necessary to re-district the Townships and make the districts smaller. The new districts that were established were usually about two miles square, making nine in each Township. Many districts formed at that time retain their original boundaries to this day. This establishment of our school system, gave much better school opportunities than before. The branches provided by law for the rural and elementary schools at that time were called the seven common branches, and included orthography, reading, penmanship, arithmetic, grammar, geography, and United States history. The first school house was built in 1825 and others soon followed. Some of the first school houses were built of gum logs, which sprouted, and had to be cleared about once a year.

Williamson County was organized in 1839, and what has been said of the early days of New England, and of Illinois, is largely true of the pioneer days of Williamson County. The first teachers taught spelling, reading and writing; but in 1840, a few fine scholars came into the County who understood grammar and arithmetic. The free school law met a heavy opposition from some of our old men, and notwithstanding our school system has exerted a powerful influence in the civilization of the County, yet, it is still defective.

A. N. Lodge, the first real superintendent, lifted up the sick form of the system, renovated and infused new life and destiny into it, until it was in a better condition than ever before; but it still needed talent.

A teacher in those days, describing his first examination, says: "The only question asked me at my examination was, what is the product of 25c times 25c?" As this question did not occur in Pike's Arithmetic, I could not answer it. The examiner thought it was 6%c, but was not sure. We discussed its merits for an hour or more, when he decided that he was sure I was qualified to teach school, and a first class certificate was issued.

The first Official Record pertaining to the Public Schools of Williamson County, date from the year, A. D. 1840, when Mr. Wm. T. Tanner, School Commissioner of the new County of Williamson, receipted Scion H. Mitchell, then School Commissioner of Franklin County, for Williamson County's share of the school funds. The records in the County Superintendent's office at present, show that Mr. Tanner served as Commissioner for one year. He was succeeded by Henry W. Perry, who also served one year. H. H. Mulkey served from 1842 to 1848; N. B. Calvert, from 1848 to 1856; J. H. Swindell from 1855 to 1859; John N. Calvert from 1859 to 1860; W. H. Scoby, from 1860 to 1862; Wm. R. Scurlock, from 1862 to 1866; David G. Young, from 1866 to 1869. In Mr. Young's report of the schools of Williamson County, he says: "The matter of examination of teachers has been regarded as a matter of little importance, and the effect of such a course has been bad indeed. I cannot be as strict in the examination of teachers as I would like to be, for the number of applicants is not large, and if I should not give certificates to some who do not really deserve them, many districts would be without schools. We have few teachers who make teaching a profession; numbers have been in the habit of teaching, or rather tutoring a school, not because they liked teaching, but to secure the $200.00."

The files in the office of the County Superintendent show that the first written report was made by William R. Scurlock in 1863. The contract is so striking with the reports made in the last few years, that it deserves to be given herein. Some statistics of the report are as follows: 'Number of teachers, 39; number of first grade teachers, 14; number of second grade teachers, 10; number of third grade teachers, 10; no expenditures for school furniture and apparatus; amount reported as expense for repairs, $1.67; amount expended for teaching, 17,397.94; for all school purposes for the year 1863, $9,194.59. At this time, Marion school district had five months of school. Other schools of the County ranged in terms from one to five months." David G. Young, above mentioned, and now called "County Superintendent" instead of "County School Commissioner," was succeeded by A. N. Lodge, who served from 1869 to 1877. He held the first County Institute. This Institute continued five days, beginning December 27. The number enrolled was fifty-five. Paid instructors, $4.00. Total expense of Institute, $12.00 Instructors were W H. Andrews, Dr. F. M. Straiten, Dr. J. D. F. Jennings, J. H. Patrick, Theodore James, Clark Broden, Dr. S. H. Bundy and J. H. Clemensten.

At the expiration of A. N. Lodge's last term, 1877, Dr. J. M. Fowler was elected to serve until 1882. It was not until the expiration of Dr. Fowler's term, that the County Superintendent of Schools was allowed by law any stated or special salary for service, their emolument being 2 per cent for money distributed and loaned, and such pay as the County Commissioner saw fit to allow them for actual official service rendered.

During Mr. Fowler's term, a special effort was made to awaken a better professional interest among teachers, and this, by Teachers' Institutes. For some several years past, it seems all the efforts that had been made were mostly as regarded the interest of the Institute. His report to the State Department in 1878, says in part: "Held ten days' institute. A great success. I am persuaded it has accomplished much good. No provisions were made by the County Commissioners to help pay the expense for institute, and we had to charge a tuition fee sufficient to defray expenses. D. G. Ray, Instructor."

It is clearly seen that the County Superintendent and the school interest in general were handicapped for lack of funds to pay instructors for the teachers' institute, which led to the passage of a law by our State Legislature, making provision for the adequate maintenance of an annual institute.

John H. Duncan succeeded Mr. Fowler as County Superintendent, and served until 1890. During all this time, since the organization of the County, the old log school houses had been gradually giving place to frame buildings, with some pretense to comfort and convenience. The close of Mr. Duncan's term. 1890. left only one log school house, an old Moss Covered Land Mark, of the early school days of Williamson County. This District, in 1893, replaced the log house with a frame building, together with good board furniture, and some apparatus. The Teachers' Institute had become an established fact, provision having been made by the Legislature for payment of instructors and other necessary expense by requiring the applicant for certificate, to pay a fee of $1.00. During the term of Mr. Duncan as County Superintendent, the first step looking to the grading of the country, or common schools, was made by suggesting the use of the Manual and Guide, a rudimentary course ot study introduced by John Trainer. Under this law, the first Township or Central and Final Examinations were held. The writer took the first Central examination held by Mr. Duncan, and had taken the next two, before he passed the required average; also, during the last term of Mr. Duncan, the first volumes of a Teachers' County Library were bought, and the County Superintendent made Librarian.

Dr. Duncan's successor was T. J. Youngblood, who served until 1898. By this time the County contained several good High Schools, which included Marion, Carterville, Creal Springs and Crab Orchard Academy, and Creal Springs College and Conservatory of Music. In addition to the support of the Annual Institute by law, the good of the schools demanded mor e meetings, and regular monthly teachers' meetings were held during -the school term at Marion or some other convenient point in the County. At these meetings, questions and problems were discussed which directly touched upon the duties of the hour. A course of professional reading for the teachers, recommended by a State Committee, was also discussed. The State course, "Old Manual and Guide of Study," came in for some discussion at almost every meeting and was opposed by not a few good teachers. The result of these meetings and an ambition of some of the teachers of the County to see what the other teachers of adjoining counties were using, resulted in the organization at Stone Fort, in February, 1893, of a Tri-County Union Teachers' Meeting, composed of the counties of Williamson, Saline and Johnston (since joined by Pope County). (This organization was dispensed with but a few years ago) . The writer taught his first six schools under Mr. Youngblood and holds a high regard for his work as superintendent.

M. N. Swan was elected in the fall of 1898 to succeed Mr. Youngblood, and served until December, 1902. Mr. Swan left a strong and helpful educational sentiment throughout the County. He emphasized the importance of professional preparation, maintaining that qualification of teachers should and must be kept at par with the expenditures for school properties. The attendance at the annual institute and monthly teachers' meetings, show how well the teachers fell in with this professional improvement.

Mr. Swan was suceeded by R. O. Clarida, who served twelve years. During this time, the population of the County doubled in numbers. This, of course, increased the responsibility and perplexing problems along the teaching line. The number of teachers required in 1902, 159; in 1914, there were 320. The great growth made in educational lines is noticed in the value of school property increasing about 600 per cent within the past twelve or fifteen years. The most important along with the increased value of property, is the better school equipment and the better sanitary buildings and school conditions. Long before any State law was enacted, concerning properly lighting and ventilating school buildings, Williamson County had several model school buildings, as suggested by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The Williamson County Fair Association has rendered great assistance along this particular line, first by erecting a model one room school building in the fair grounds. This, with liberal premiums offered every year, has given quite an impetus to the County.

Williamson County at this time had four accredited High Schools, two of which were excellent Township High Schools, and with the requirements under the law for scholarship, and more adequate preparation, the County was better prepared to meet this law than a good many other counties not so well favored with excellent school conditions.

Mr. Clarida was succeeded by J. W. McKinney, the present incumbent, who is putting forth efforts, not only to maintain, but to make continued progress along educational lines. He was elected in 1914, and again in 1918. Now we have the four High Schools before mentioned, which are accredited with the State University, all of which have made marked improvement. Marion High School is a member of the North Central Association. The Marion and Herrin Township High Schools have added several departments, including Domestic Science, Manual Training, and Agriculture. The number of teachers and enrollment of pupils in each of these High Schools have almost doubled within the past five years. Everything considered, we think these schools rank well with the best High Schools of Southern Illinois. Carterville and vicinity voted a new Community High School District in 1918, and is now operating under the Community High School Board with increased efficiency. An adequate building will be erected in the near future. The Johnston City High School has been taken over by a new Township High School District, voted in the Spring of 1919, and is now operating under the new Township High School Board. The contract has been let for a new building to cost approximately $115,000.00. Besides these High Schools, Williamson County now has four High Schools, recognized by the State Department as follows: Creal Springs was given permanent recognition for three years of work in the year 1916. Hurst-Bush erected a fine building and organized a two years' High School course, which was given permanent recognition in the year 1915. Stone Fort was given probationary recognition for two years in the year 1915, and was changed to permanent recognition for a three years' course in the year 1918. Crab Orchard was given probationary recognition for a two years' High School course in the year 1919. The enrollment in High Schools last year was 904 - 86 graduated. This year there were 509 eighth grade graduates and the number enrolled in the High School will be more than one thousand. Marion and Herrin are both building additions to accommodate the increased enrollment, which will aggregate about $150,000.00.

We need the advantages of the High School to prepare for the increasing demands of the day. There is no important avocation of life today but what is demanding a higher standard of education than ever before. All lines of business are demanding it. He who engages in business without the advantage of a liberal education will not have the same assurance of success as those who possess this education. The same is true in all the professions. The High School training is needed to prepare for the teaching profession, the medical profession, the legal profession and for the ministry. The professional man today without the advantage of a liberal education, is a failure.

In 1919, the General Assembly enacted a law creating a Non-High School District in all counties of the State, which is composed of all territory of the County not included in a Township High School District or a Community High School District, or a district maintaining a recognized four years' High School course, for the purpose of levying a tax to pay the tuition of all eighth grade graduates residing in such Non-High School District, including pupils attending a recognized two or three years High School, conducted by a local school district. This makes it possible for all eighth grade graduates to attend High School, and the expense for tuition will be paid by the Non-High School Board at the rate of the per capita cost of maintaining the High School attended.

The number of tuition students and the amount of tuition paid to the respective High Schools for the year ending June 30, 1919, was as follows: Carterville, per capita cost, $62.00; tuition students, 16; amount of tuition received from Non-High School territory, $1,006.10. Marion Township High School, per capita cost, $53.18; tuition students, 16; amount of tuition received from Non-High School territory, $724.83. Herrin Township High School, per capita cost, $55.00; tuition students, 5; amount is the tuition for 14 students at a per capita of $230.00. Johnston City, per capita cost, $54.30; tuition students, 8; amount of tuition received from Non-High School territory, $247.22.

The following recognized High Schools are in Non-High School territory, and the Non-High School Board is required to pay the total cost of maintaining the High School, which was as follows: Creal Springs, 22 tuition students, at a per capita cost of $91.86; total tuition, $1,684.67. Stone Fort is located in two counties, Williamson County's part are the tuition for 14 students at a per capita of $107.91, counting only days present at school, amounting to $1,294.92. Hurst School had an enrollment of 19 students at a per capita cost of $54.73, amounting to $1,040.00; the total amount of tuition paid by the Non-High School Board was $6,227.74. These tuitions being paid, not only makes it possible for all eighth grade graduates to attend High School, but it enables the Board of Education to maintain a better High School for those who attend.

In 1915, the General Assembly enacted a Sanitation law, standardizing the heating, ventilation, lighting, seating, water supply, toilets and safety against fire for the public school rooms and buildings, making it the duty of the County Superintendent to inspect the plans and specifications for building and O. K. the same, and authorizing the withholding of the State funds of said districts until the minimum requirements of the new law be met. Williamson County led other counties in meeting this law, 50 new school buildings have been erected, and all but three of the remaining buildings of the County have been remodeled to meet the requirements, 40 of which are almost the equivalent of new ones. We have been slow to standardize until every rquirement be made. At present, we have 15 standardized schools, and about 60 others that could standardize with an expenditure of from $25.00 to $50.00.

All but about three schools have modern heaters,* single seats, slate blackboards, teacher's desk, a com-' plete set of wall maps, globe, dictionary and a fair library. A number have a large flag and a bell. The Boards of Education in the City Schools set aside a good sum for materials to be used by the teachers in construction work, drawing, writing, etc., and a number of the rural boards are coming to do the same. We believe that within the next two or three years most of these schools will be teaching the rudiments of music, serving hot lunches and make a number of other advanced steps.

The organization of schools is much better than formerly, since every school in the County favors the Illinois State Course of Study. This not only insures a uniformity of work throughout the County and State, but pupils do the particular work best adapted to their each and every development, and their time is conserved, since there is but little or no repetition. The rural schools alternate, teaching first, second, third, fifth and seventh year's work in the terms beginning in the even years and the first, second, fourth, sixth and eighth year's work in the terms beginning in the odd years. By following the State Course, pupils are ready for the County Superintendent's examinations, and their work may be standardized and pupils prepared for promotion. We have a few teachers who oppose the State Course of Study, and they are "singing their last little song."

The enrollment in the grades and High School is 14,434. The number of teachers the present year is 350, 50 of whom are High School teachers. The qualifications of the teaching body are as follows: Six are graduates of both a College and State Normal School; 20 are graduates of a College only; 28 are graduates of State Normal only; 40 are graduates of a four year High School, only; 4 have attended College; 237 have attended State Normal; 7 have attended High School. The number and class of certificates held by teachers of Williamson County are as follows: Third class, 19; second class, 245; first class, 85; kindergarten certificates, 6; special certificates, 8; High School certificates, 19; Supervisor's certificates, 19; State certificates, 5; total, 406.

The amount of salaries paid teachers is 8204,- 486.00. The total value of school property is $842,- 450.00. The total number of books in the libraries of the schools, 12,519.

The new certificating law requires that the teacher hold a certificate in keeping with the grade she is teaching, which insures a special preparation for the respective positions. A state examining board has been created, which passes upon the literary qualifications of teachers, while the County Superintendent passes upon the moral qualifications and high professional attitude.

employed, to earn 200 professional credits for renewal, and registration of their certificates, and for teachers not employed, 100 professional credits. These credits are distributed so as to allow for successful teaching, attendance at the annual institute, County meetings, National, State and Divisional meetings, local meetings, doing the State reading circle work and reading other professional books, school journals, attending school, making reports promptly, and such other credits as the County Superintendent may deem proper to extend their professional attainment. Thus, it will be seen, that a teacher cannot remain in the work without becoming a better teacher.

The General Assembly enacted a State Teacher's Pension and Retirement Fund law for Illinois, which is managed by a board of trustees, and went into effect July 1, 1915. All teachers having contracts prior to that date were known as elective members, and may elect as they choose, any time prior to September 1, 1920. All teachers beginning July 1, 1915, are compulsory members, and their board of directors is required by law to check off one dollar per month for the first five months of their salary. There are three classes of contributors: Up to ten years of experience they pay one dollar; the second class, those who have taught more than ten years, but not more than fifteen years, pay two dollars per month; the third class are those who have taught more than fifteen years, who shall pay six dollars per month for the first five months of each school year. In addition to this money withheld from the teachers' salaries, the State contributes one-fifth of one mill annually to the support of this fund. When one has taught twenty-five years and attained the age of fifty years, she may retire on a pension of $400.00 a year. Williamson County has now about one hundred fifty contributors; three have retired and become annuitants.

It will be interesting to note the contract between the last institute held August 18-22, 1919, and the first one held in the County. We held five days. The instructors were Dr. Robert A. Armstrong of the University of West Virginia; Dr. H. T. McKinney of the University of Illinois; Professor J. W. Yoder of Philadelphia; Miss Marie Burns of Freeport, 111. The enrollment was 326. The total cost of the institute was $509.00. Last year the Institute Fund had a balance on hand of $336.01. Besides the monthly teachers' meeting, held under the direction of the County Superintendent, and a series of Township meetings held in each Township, the Teachers' Association annually votes an extra assessment of one dollar to maintain a two days' meeting following Thanksgiving, at which time the best talent in the country is secured, and a meeting equal to that of any educational meeting held in the State is brought to our County for the benefit of the teachers, officers, and as many of the patrons as may be interested.

War Work Of The Schools

The teachers of Williamson County have done their part in winning the great war. Some have returned, some are in the cantonments, and a number are in France. However, we shall welcome them back as rapidly as their work is done, and their certificates shall be made valid without a fee. This Honor Roll represents some of our most successful teachers and they were equally successful in serving their country.

We have come to the conclusion that working to win the war has improved school work. Our teachers agree that the war work has not interfered with the work of which the system of education is maintained, but that on the other hand participation in these activities has resulted in very definite changes which will enable the schools to function much more completely as an educational institution.

The public schools of Williamson County have sold "Thrift" and War Saving Stamps, Libnr'y Bonds. Organized Junior Red Cross Societies, sold Red Cross Seals, and otherwise contributed their part in this the greatest of all wars. All these with food conservation and surveys increased the interest in arithmetic; the work in geography has been stimulated by studying relations that existed before the war with the changing conditions; the study of history has received a new impetus as the facts of the past are considered relative to their bearing on the present crisis. Other wars are now studied with a new motive. Other studies have likewise received new motivation.

While the schools have bsnefitted, as above stated, they were on the other hand greatly handicapped. Millions of men were called into the army; hundreds of thousands, both men and women were needed for munition plants, ship-yards and other industries connected with the war. The burden of supplying food and raw material for the Allies was great. Calls for subscriptions to loans and other war work activities were continued; the cost of living was much greater than before the war. With the decrease in the purchasing power of money, and the increase in the need for labor, wages increased to such an extent, that the temptation became even stronger for older boys and girls to leave school and work for wages, and for teachers to leave their work for other forms of employment in which the pay was larger. Many of the best teachers remained in the service of the schools, in the face of temptation of large pay elsewhere, which certainly was a patriotic service, worthy of mention.

We shall speak of some of the work done by the schools as a whole, and later refer to individual schools. The Junior Red Cross work was universal. The report for the year ending April 1, 1919, showed a total of $1575.89 turned in from the schools and about 75 schools having contributed, many of which were 100 per cent. Following is a report by schools, which is not complete:

The schools were also organized for the purpose of selling Red Cross Seals. Most schools of the County sold a number of these, but for lack of space, we shall not mention the work done by individual schools. Suffice it to say that several hundred Dollars worth of Red Cross Seals were sold by the schools.

The county was organized by Townships for the purpose of entering into an essay contest for captured German helmets, which were to be given for the best essay on "Why my father or mother should buy Victory Bonds." Each contestant was required to have his father or mother read the essay and endorse it as follows: "I have read and approved this essay." The City schools and Township High Schools were permitted to contest among themselves. Eighteen helmets were given away, which goes without saying that the schools were more than instrumental in the selling of many Victory Bonds.

The Johnston City Schools wish Prof. C. J. Ramsey, Supt., took an active part in the Y. M. C. A., Red Cross, and other war work, a Junior Red Cross being organized in the schools with a membership of 824, some rooms being 100%. Also through the schools, $6,000.00 worth of Thrift and War Savings Stamps were sold by the children. A nice flag was offered by some leading citizens as a prize in a contest between the East Side and West Side Schools, thus creating much interest in the sale of War Savings Stamps.

The Hurst Schools were very active in the war work. The school consists of 600 pupils, and every pupil became Junior Red Cross members. Most all bought Thrift Stamps, a number buying to the amount of $100.00. All helped in the raising of the flag, and in the Red Cross Drive, $750.00 was raised by the School.

The Carterville schools enroll approximately 1000 students. Through the efforts of Superintendent O. A. Towns and his efficient corps of teachers, the school was made 100% in Junior Red Cross membership. A Red Cross Sewing Club was organized.

consisting of the sixth, seventh and eighth grades, under the leadership of Mrs. Brotherton. The girls labored gladly through the long summer months making some of the necessary articles that might prove a source of comfort to those suffering across the sea. The school took great interest in the Y. M. C. A. work, the largest amount given from any one room being $42.00, which won the prize, offered. On Red Cross County Tag Day, under the leadership of Mesdames O. A. Towns, Effie Dowell, and Tena Thompson, a contest was entered into by fourteen girls. These tags were to be sold for not less than 10 cents, and before night more than $200.00 had been realized from this sale. Two girls. Irene Stewart and May Brown selling through the day, $94.00 worth of tags. Thrift Stamps, Bonds and War Saving Stamps, received their share of attention. Nellie Rowatt, a pupil of the eighth grade, sold the largest amount of bonds through the schools, having sold $4000.00 worth at one time. During the remaining months of the war, the school participated in every activity, including the "Four Minute Men Essay", and when the struggle was finally ended, the Carterville schools could say, "We have at least done our best".

The Marion City Schools were thoroughly organized for the Junior Red Cross work. They contributed in 1917-18 and '19, about $950.00. They also contributed largely to the Y. M. C. A. and Army fund, considerable work was done by the girls in the schools in making clothing for the Belgian children and bandages for the wounded soldiers. They bought liberally of War Saving Stamps and Liberty Bonds, aggregating $25,000.00. The pupils were responsive to the needs of the times, and the spirit of patriotism and loyal service was ever present. Two teachers, Leon W. Grant and Hugh Belford responded to their Country's call, and were in active service in France. Marion City Schools are well organized. The welfare of the children is the first and fundamental proposition. Their aim is to make socially efficient boys and girls, and to help develop them into socially efficient men and women. Much credit is due city Supt. B. F. Parr.

The Herrin City Schools, with Prof. Roy V. Jordan, Supt., did their part. Every one of the seven men teachers of the System, were registered for service. Of these, George Cutrell, Emry Williams, E. B. Brockett, Robert Morgan and Eugene C. Eckert were either called to the colors or volunteered. These men went in the true spirit of service and made honorable records. A large number of former pupils of the schools saw service, many of them over seas, where they made the supreme sacrifice and now rest beneath "The Lilies of France or Poppies of Flanders". All the teachers of the System gave a large amount of time in acting as advisors to the registrants in the filling of their questionnaires. When the school closed down for the "flu"' last November, the teachers spent a day canvassing the City for the "Fourth Liberty Loan". This canvass did a great deal to stimulate the sale of bonds among patrons of the school. The teachers turned in $6000.00 subscriptions as the result of the days work. The school helped in every "Drive" which the Government made. As soon as Thrift Stamps were issued, the schools began their sale. There was also distributed all kinds of Government Bulletins. The Herrin City Schools organized a "Modern Health Crusade", which was promoted with great success. Eleven hundred pupils won the title of "Knights" in the Modern Health Crusade, and received Pins. To become a "Modern Health Crusader", and receive a certificate of enrollment and the title of Page in Health Knighthood, each pupil was obliged to perform at least fifty-four chores for two weeks. Seventy-two chores per week a perfect record, while it is possible to earn seventy-seven. From Page, the pupils advanced in rank as follows: Five weeks, Squire; Ten weeks, Knight; and fifteen weeks. Knight Banneret. The result of the Modern Health Crusade, was physical improvement and preventing disease among children and their families, moral discipline through regular attendance hygenic duties and the awakening of community responsibility. The total number enrolled in the Health Crusade in the Herrin City Schools, was 1302. There were 1244 who ranked as Squires and 1168 as Knights.

The Creal Springs City Schools, Prof. John Stout, Supt., and the Stone Fort Schools, Prof W. Ray Holloway, Supt., were organized for War Activites and made excellent records. The Weaver school won honor in the sale of War Saving Stamps. Other schools deserve individual mention, but we are compelled to end our story for lack of space.

Now that the war is over and the days of reconstruction have come, the call upon this Country for men and women of the highest and best training for help in rebuilding the world is also large and insistent. This help is to be supplied largely through the education of our schools. Then let us endeavor to keep our schools of all grades, up to the fullest measure of efficiency, and secure as far as possible, the maximum attendance.

Dist. 13. Johnston City

Principal - Florence Hill; 8th Grade- Dora Richerson; 7th Grade - Beatrice Underwood; 6th Grade - Virginia Mozley; 6th and 5th Grade - Fannie Prove; 5th Grade - Ethel Jones; 4th Grade - Rosalie Russell; 3rd and 4th - Delsia Gibson; 3rd Grade - Verna Bell; 1st and 2nd - Irene Stewart; 1st Grade - Ruth Hyre ; 1st Grade - Jewell Jones. JEFFERSON SCHOOLS -

Dist. 52. Marion

Arno Bratton, Prin.; Erwin Touve. Manual Training; Sue Dibble. Language; Ada V. McCall, English; Lenora Brewer, Commercial; Ruth Bentley, History; Augustus Sisk, Mathematics; Margaret Porter, Mathematics; Mae L. Ormsby, Chemistry and Biology; Edwin H. Schrieber, Physics and Athletics; Velma Dumas, Music; Ruth Michaelis, Home Economics; Agnes Kennedy. History and English: Adwina Day, English. (To take place of Caroline W. Ewing.)

District No. 25 - Board of Education. Ilerrii. City Schools, - D. C. Grear, Herrin; W. L. Smith. Herrin; A. T. Pace, Herrin; Joe E. Grizzcll, Herrin ; Ben A. Pope, Herrin ; U. L. Walker, Herrin ; Columbus Brown, Herrin.

in Franklin County.) District No. 204 - Board of Education, Johnston City Township High School. - D. H. Henson, Johnston City; S. S. Vick, Johnston City; Frank Wentee, Johnston City; A. A. Pearce. Johnston City; Fred Becker, Marion, R, R. 1.

District No. 100 - Armstrong School. - E. R. Gulledge, Cartervillc, R. F. D. ; Perry A. Stephens, Carterville, R. F. D.; Mary A. Armstrong, Carterville, R. F. D.

Ralph Stringer

rPHE Herrin Township High School is the outgrowth of the Herrin High School which was first definitely organized in 1903 in an old frame building which stood near where the south side grade-school buildings now stand. It was first organized as a three-year high school and there were less than 30 pupils enrolled. The first faculty was composed of the following members: Mr. Gilbert Ferrell, Superintendent; Mr. H. T. McKinney, Principal; and Miss Crow, Assistant. The first graduating exercises occurred in 1906 with the following members: James Wilson, Richard Stotlar (deceased), Lelle Stotlar-Otey, Eva Howard-Russell, Lizzie Kelley, Bernice Baker, Edna Ingraham-Bowie, and Joe Benson. Another class of eight was graduated in 1907, and then the high school was changed into a four-year school and placed on the "recognized" list. Because of this change there was no class in 1908; but in 1909 the following individuals were the first to graduate from the four-year plan: Chanie Hindman (deceased), Ethel Tate, James Colombo, Avis McNeill-Walker, Alberta Eubanks- Morgan, and Anna Dale-Krebs. The faculty of the first four-year class were: H. T. McKinney, Superintendent; M. L. Beanblossom, Principal; L. A. Mifflin and Miss Jesse Covell assistants.

The high school continued to grow in size and influence and was taken over by the Township in 1913, and the first class to graduate from the Township High School was in 1914, and consisted of 11 members. At that time there was an enrollment of 110 and a faculty of 8; now there is an enrollment of 255 and a faculty numbering 12. Soon after the inauguration of the Township system, a high school was constructed at Dewmaine as an annex to Herrin Township High and for the convenience of the colored people living there. The enrollment at Dewmaine this year is 21. The class of 1919 was the largest in the history of the school, consisting of 32 members. The present faculty is: M. L. Beanblossom, Principal; Hester E. Renard, History; Bessie Railey and Ralph Stringer, English; Anna Cotton, Language; Guy D. Nicholson and Laura Hanley, Commercial; Chester B. Davis, Science; Blanche Williams, Mathematics; Lydia Royce, Home Economics; L. A. Bozarth, Manual Training; and T. L. Alston, Colored Department.

During the World War, the Herrin Township High was always "over the top" in every activity. The pupils and faculty not only gave until "it hurt;" but spent many and many an hour canvassing, selling tags, peddling benefit tickets and the like. The school purchased more than $300 worth of Victory buttons, maintained a French orphan, bought many hundred dollars' worth of bonds and war stamps, all became members of either the Red Cross or the Junior Organization, and contributed freely as a school and as individuals to all of the many "drives."

Last year the basketball team won the Southern Illinois Tournament and stood fourth at the State Tournament. The school won third place at the Southern Illinois Track Meet. This year we are organizing football, continuing basketball and baseball, are putting on a $500 Lyceum Course, have a glee club, dramatic club, literary societies, orchestra, quartettes, etc. All in all, we believe we have one of the best if not the best high school in the southern part of the State. This is the only high school in the County that could qualify for the Smith- Hughes appropriation, it is on the North Central Association accredited list, and last year was given the maximum extension of three years by the University of Illinois. When the $50,000 gymnasium is completed this will enable us to do even greater things at the communities Citizen Factory.

TN September, 1912, the Marion Township High School was organized with a corps of seven teachers and an enrollment of one hundred ninetytwo students. Due to the fact that the new building had not then been erected, the high school was housed for the first year of its existence in the old Logan building on East Main Street.

But in September, 1912, the new building on West Main Street was ready for occupancy, and the term was opened with an increased attendance. And every September since that date has witnessed a growth in attendance that is in harmony with the growing industrial enterprises of Marion and of Williamson County. From the hundred ninety-two enrolled in 1912, the number has grown to four hundred thirty in September, 1919, and the faculty has grown from seven to seventeen. This increase of almost one hundred twenty-four per cent in eight years, is the best evidence that the young people of Marion and vicinity are awake to the new demands and the new responsibilities of the new age and the new phases of American life. It is also an eloquent tribute to the high scholastic standards and the general efficiency maintained from the beginning in the Marion Township High School.

So rapid was the growth of our high school that by the Fall of 1918 the Board of Education were convinced that they could no longer delay the beginning of an addition to the school building. As a result of their decision and of their efforts, a new addition is now being constructed at a cost of one hundred twenty thousand dollars. This addition consists of a new auditorium, a new gymnasium, and a "wing" that will contain seven classrooms. The auditorium will accommodate from six to eight hundred students, and, with the added classrooms and the improvements made in the old building, doubles the capacity of the school plant. All new equipment will be in keeping with the excellence of the new building and with the general standards of the school, and the people of the township district may soon congratulate themselves upon having a high school entirely adequate to the needs of the community.

The Marion Township High School was active in the various fields of war work. Teachers and students took an active part in selling bonds and war savings stamps. In addition to these means of assistance, funds were raised for the care of one French war orphan, and contributions were made to assist the Junior Red Cross. But perhaps the most important single item in the financial activities, was the purchase of a hundred dollar Liberty Bond. It was decided, by vote of the students, that the bond should be sold after the war was won, and the proceeds used for buying books that treat on the great war problems, and especially upon the ideas and ideals of American government and democracy. In this way it was hoped that a permanent means to better citizenship would be put into the high school, while at the same time material aid would be extended to the government in its hour of need.

Nor was the high school deficient in another way of performing war work. Teachers and students who were within the age limits set by the government, went into the service until more than fifty of those in high school, or of those who had attended the Township High School, were placed upon our honor roll. All of these served faithfully, and two of them made the supreme sacrifice. As it is the aim of American education in general, it shall be the aim of the Marion Township High School in particular, "that these dead shall not have died in vain," and that our school shall renew its efforts to make the aims of American education come truf.

By Rev. Fr. Senese

St. Mary's Catholic Church and Parochial school from the very beginning of the declaration of the war showed their loyalty and support to the government in every way and they were second to none in Herrin in every line of work in which every loyal citizen was called upon to do his bit. The men and ladies of the parish, especially the young people, encouraged by the patriotic addresses given by their pastor, Rev. E. Senese on several occasions, always came forward to hand their moral and financial support to the good cause.

On July 16, 1918, a very beautiful service flag, the largest in the city, decorated with 152 stars, was solemnly blessed and dedicated in honor of the congregation's brave and true soldier sons and immediately after, a parade took place consisting of band, Boy Scouts, school children, mothers, sisters and wives of soldiers carrying service flags; societies of the parish with flags representing eight nationalities of which the parish is composed; automobiles brought up the rear of the parade, which covered the downtown district, and back to the church grounds where an elaborate program took place. Rev. E. Senese, Mayor Geo. K. Crichton, Wm. J. Sneed, Judge D. T. Hartwell of Marion and Rev. J. J. Downey of Cairo, were the orators of the occasion. The crowd attending these exercises was estimated at from 2500 to 3000.

When in May, 1918, Italian Day was observed by the order of President Wilson, through the untiring efforts of Father Senese, the anniversary of the third year of Italy's entrance in the war was most splendidly celebrated. There were 400 parochial school children in the parade and Father Senese's "petit batallion" consisting of twenty-eight little soldier boys between the ages of five and seven years, all dressed in khaki and shouldering a little gun brought forth much comment. In the drive for the Y. M. C. A., also K. of C., and other war organizations, the Catholic congregation gave a splendid example of unprejudiced support, but in the drives for the Red Cross, St. Mary's Church, with the example of the pastor at the head was always in the first line and even the parochial school children set a wonderful record in Herrin when fully one hundred per cent became members of the organization. These good little children, whenever necessary and called upon, were always ready to respond very liberally. They helped in the sale of Liberty Bonds, in the purchasing of War Saving Stamps, in collecting old clothes for the Red Cross work, in aiding the poor Armenians, in adopting war orphans, French children, etc., and even gave exhibitions of fancy work made in the school which were sold and the proceeds were gladly and cheerfully handed to the local chapter of the Red Cross.

On one Liberty Loan Sunday, after Father Senese had spoken on the duty of every Catholic to stand by the Stars and Stripes and of the necessity of helping the government in the hour of need, both children and young people, at the door of the church in less than an hour had solicited subscriptions to the amount of $10,000.00. Everyone in Herrin can testify to the loyalty and patriotism bbth of the pastor and the people of St. Mary's church and school, during the whole period of the war.

'"THE District was organized in 1865 under the name of Russell School. The following comprised the first board of directors: T. P. Russell, John Hall and E. A. Spraig. Three frame buildings have been erected on the present site. In 1916 a magnificent brick building consisting of eight rooms and basement, with modern equipment, was erected and in January, 1917, was dedicated by Assistant State Superintendent W. S. Booth. Inasmuch as the school accommodates both Hurst and Bush, the name was changed to Hurst-Bush School.

The patrons of the school have always been awake to the school interests, and support to the fullest, any move for the betterment of the school conditions.

Many of the pioneer citizens of the district who have labored so zealously to promote the school interests have either passed to the Great Beyond or have moved to distant places, so that few of them are left. Among the older citizens are C. W. Russell, John Edmonds, Jerry Hestand and T. P. Russell.

These older citizens are as active in school affairs as they were years ago. This fine spirit of the older citizens has been transferred to the present inhabitants and we challenge any district in this section of the state to produce men of greater school visions.

The present corps of teachers is H. A. Wilson, principal; Miss Gladys Morse, assistant principal; I. L. Sidwell, supervisor of music; Helen Ballence, Ruth Phillips, Daisy Kelley, Ruby Mayer, Bessie Peer. Johanna Ruppel and Myrtle Hull.

T. P. Russell, banker, Hurst; T. J. Campbell, attorney and county judge, Chamberlain, S. D. ; W. B. Hall, largest real estate dealer in southern Illinois, Du Quoin, 111. The district furnished more than eighty men during the war and many of the number from the school. Among the names are Joe V. Russell, T. P. Russell, Jr., Ernest Robison, Loren Robison, William Robison, Noal Robison, Roy Hubbs, John Duddy, Kenneth Short, George Vaughan, E. Rosenswipe, Roland Springer, Ottis Peppers and David Signaigo.

The school was the first in the county to dedicate a service flag and the first south of Springfield to raise a centennial banner. The only school in the county to give an entire day to celebrating "Centennial Day" at which time a pageant was given. Every teacher and pupil in the school were Red Cross members, and most every pupil in school bought from 25c to $100.00 of Thrift Stamps or War Savings Stamps. The school took part in two flag raisings, by parading and singing, and helped in Red Cross drives. The school is accredited for two years of High School work. The playground contains four acres and has one hundred fifty trees of natural growth.

The part taken by Williamson County Churches, was very creditable, as the memberships were active in all war work. The task of compiling detail data and giving names was too much of a task and consume space in the history that should be devoted to our boys who enlisted in the service.

An attempt was made to get information from every church in the County, but the pastors of a few failed to reply to the requests, and for that reason have been compelled to limit the church report to what is given below.

By A. T. Pace

During the Great World War, the American workingman played a vital part. While all the workers measured up to the standard, the United Mine Workers of America deserve special mention, on account of their unswerving loyalty and true devotion to their country in its most critical period.

The Williamson County miners are among the very best to be found anywhere. They are conservative, loyal to their Government, and one hundred per cent American. A large per cent of the miners of Williamson County own their own homes.

During the war the miners laid aside their own personal interests in order to increase production, as coal was an important element in the winning of the war.

There were in Williamson County during the war, eleven thousand members of the United Mine Workers of America. The officers of the Miners during the war in this immediate section were as follows: Hugh Willis, Board Member District 12; A. T. Pace, Traveling Auditor, District 12; Fred Cooper, Investigator, Sub-District Nos. 9 and 10. The Sub-District officers were: Wm. J. Sneed, President; Fox C. Hughes, Vice- President; Wm. G. Davis, Secretary-Treasurer. Board members: A. A. Pearce, Sam E. Evett, Chas. M. Jones. Auditors: David Babington, George Baker, and Jerry E. Taylor. International organizers: Albert Franklin and Wm. Prentice.

The coal report shows that more coal was produced during the war than was ever produced during any like period. This was due to the effort and enthusiasm the miners put into their work, in their desire to back up the boys at the front.

The miners bought in Liberty Bonds, and contributed to other war activities, such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Knights of Columbus, War Saving Stamps, and Y. M. C. A., one and one-quarter million dollars.

Every Local Union in Williamson County conducted its own individual drive, and in every instance "went over the top." There was a friendly rivalry between Local Unions to see which Local Union would excel in this great work.

Notwithstanding the great number of socalled foreigners, the miners were one hundred per cent Americans, as is shown by their magnificent record in increasing coal production, and the purchase of Liberty Bonds, War Saving Stamps and also in the different war drives.

The officers of the miners were staunch workers for the government, and while their own work was at times arduous, yet they devoted all their spare time, day and night, in addressing meetings and serving on committees in the interest of "backing up the boys" in France and Flanders.

The miners of Williamson County furnished twelve hundred soldiers in the selective service and among the volunteers. This quota was made up of practically every nationality. When it came to patriotism, all classes, regardless of color or nationality, showed their "true blue" patriotism in their devotion to their country.

When the government needed men to serve in responsible positions, the miners answered the call to duty and served with ' credit to themselves, and distinction to the American Government.

For these and many other reasons, the miners of Williamson County deserve everlasting credit for their humble part in winning the war in order that "The world might be made safe for Democracy."

HUGH WILLIS - 37 years of age, member of Local Union No. 1248, U. M. W. of A.; has filled practically every position of trust in his local union and is now serving his third elective term as Board Member of the district organization. He was the labor member of the County Council of Defense during the World War; was instrumental in helping to secure a substantial increase in wages for the motormen and conductors on the Coal Belt interurban lines that connect Herrin, Marion and Carterville, without a strike, which otherwise would have resulted in the mines around Marion and Carterville being tied up for want of transportation for the miners, as coal at that time was the chief necessity of Uncle Sam. He is a member of the Masons, Red Men and W. 0. W.

sub-district auditor - the old seventh subdistrict of district twelve, U. M. W. of A.; represented Williamson county miners twa terms as scale committeeman in joint conference with the coal operators of Illinois; has served as organizer for Illinois State Federation of Labor, Western Federation of Miners and the National Union of the U. M. W. of A.; has attended practically all the miners' conventions of recent years; a member of Local Union No. 886, U. M. W. of A., of Herrin, and at the present time is serving his second term as president of Sub-district No. 10, U. M. W. of A. of district twelve. Mr. Sneed is of the Baptist faith, a thirty-second degree Mason - Royal Arch and Shriner, a member of the Odd Fellows, K. of P. and Red Men.

WM. J. SNEED - Born December, 1883, near Benton, 111.; left school at the age of fourteen to enter the mines at Du Quoin, affiliating with Local Union No. 98; has worked in the mines practically all the time since with the exception of about two years for the United States as postal clerk in the Herrin postoffice; he has held every office in his local union and served several terms as

FOX C. HUGHES - 36 years of age, a member of Local Union No. 388, Clifford, 111.; has served his local as president, also the United Mine Workers of America as organizer from district twelve, operating in Hopkins County, Ky. His services with his local union as president and experience in conventions have well fitted him for the

WM. G. DAVIS - 31 years of age, a member of Local Union No. 388, Clifford, 111.; has been employed for the last eight and a half years as check weighman for the miners at No. 8 mine of the Big Muddy Coal and Iron Company at Clifford, 111.; he has served as sub-district auditor three terms, state teller, state auditor, and is serving his second term as sub-district secretary-treasurer of Sub-district No. 10, U. M. W. of A. Mr. Davis is a member of the Masons, Red Men, and K. of P.

ARTHUR T. PACE - 39 years of age, member of Local Union No. 1000, U. M. W. of A.; has been prominent in labor circles in Williamson county for a number of years; has filled every office in local unions and the Herrin Trades Council and also served as state teller, and state auditor, and now traveling auditor, which position brings him in touch with the miners of Southern Illinois; he served as secretary of the last auditor's convention. At the present time his services are given to the Herrin Improvement Association, of which he is president. Mr. Pace is a member of the Masons - Royal Arch, Red Men and W. 0. W.

GEORGE F. COOPER - Born, Isle of Wight, England, 1880; came to Canada in 1881 and lived there until 1899, and then came to the United States and started mining coal in Pittsburg in 1900; almost from the first has held office in the United Mine Workers of America, in the different locals he has been a member of. Was naturalized at Marion, 111., June 8, 1912, and elected mayor of Whiteash, 111., 1913-14; commissioned as notary public Nov. 15, 1918; elected clerk of the city court at Johnston City, 111., May, 1919; appointed investigator for the legal department of the Illinois miners, July 1918, which position he is holding at the present time.

War Savings Stamps purchased by individual members, independent of Local .... 750.00 Number of members of local who served in the military and naval forces of the

Big Muddy Coal And Iron Company

War Savings Stamps purchased by individual members, independent of Local.... 200.00 Number of members of Local who served in the military and naval forces of the

Marion And Pittsburg Coal Company

War Savings Stamps purchased by individual members, independent of Local. . 1,060.00 Number of members of Local who served in the military and naval forces of the United States 28

Watson Coal Company

War Savings Stamps purchased by individual members, independent of Local.. 300.00 Number of members of Local who served in the military and naval forces of the United States . 1

T. G. Warden Coal Company

Cross during the period of the War. Number of members of Local who served in the military and naval forces of the United States and Canadian Army 36

Carterville And Big Muddy Coal Co

S. E. Storme, financial secretary, made the canvas of the mine for Red Cross and Liberty Bonds. This mine went over 100 per cent on every war activity.

This mine, owned and controlled by local capital, donated the coal product of the mine on two occasions, making an output of two days, to the War Charity Fund. The employees co-operated in the good work by donating their time for the two days.

West Virginia Coal Company

War Savings Stamps purchased by individual members, independent of Local . . 7,000.00 Number of members of Local who served in the military and naval forces of the

Company

War Savings Stamps purchased by Union. 1.000.00 Number of members of Local who served in the military and naval forces of the United States . 22

Peabody Coal Company

War Savings Stamps purchased by individual members, independent of Local.. 20,000.00 Number of members of Local who served in the military and naval forces of the United States 52

Scranton And Big Muddy Coal

Estimated amount of Victory Loan Bonds purchased by individual members. . . . War Savings Stamps purchased by individual members, independent of Local. . Number of members of Local who served in the military and naval forces of the United States

Duncan Coal Company Ridge Coal Company

W. T. CHENEY, Superintendent. LOCAL UNION No. 2704 - Marion. Wm. Emery, President. Will Fosse, Recording Secretary. Elmer Butts, Financial Secretary. Ray Alexander, Treasurer. Number of members of Local who served in the military and naval forces of the

Johnston City Washed Coal Company

CHAS. NORMAN, Superintendent. LOCAL UNION No. 2710 - White Ash. A. E. Hartwell, President. Chas. Day, Recording Secretary. D. W. Williams, Financial Secretary. Thos. McConnelly, Treasurer. Liberty Bonds purchased in name of Local

West Frankfort Coal Company Carterville Coal Corporation

War Savings Stamps purchased by individual members, independent of Local.. 200.00 Number of members of Local who served in the military and naval forces of the United States . 7

Searls Coal Company

War Savings Stamps purchased by individual members, independent of Local. . 5,000.00 Number of members of Local who served in the military and naval forces of the United States . 33

Big Muddy Fuel Company

In submitting the following as a record of the work of the mining industry of the County during the war, I do it hesitatingly, and apologetically, because I realize that what I have written, does not do> the industry justice, for the unselfish, sacrificing, vigorous effort put forth by all concerned to produce coal.

Coal was needed in increased quantities for transportation of soldiers and supplies, and of munitions of war. The factories were kept going day and night, and needed a double supply of coal. The usual amount was needed for domestic purposes also.

The government through its Fuel Administration went into every coal mining center of the Nation and urged both operator and miner to do their utmost in the production of coal. So thorough was the campaign for increased production of coal, that the agents of the government, who were mostly returned soldiers, visited every coal mining camp throughout the land, and appealed to employer and employee alike to do their utmost to produce more coal, urging its great need and that without it we could not win the war.

Southern Illinois, because of its quality and quantity of production, was appealed to strongly by the government to increase its production if at all possible. Notwithstanding the fact that our young men were taken out of the mines in large numbers for active military service, this was done.

its record, in response to the call of the Nation. The increased production during the war period reflects credit to every person who was engaged in the business.