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Williamson County, Illinois - The whole text, 1919 (part 1 of 7)

From Williamson County, Illinois, in the World War : Containing a Brief Review of the World War--complete History of Williamson County's Activities--photographs and Service Records of Williamson County's Soldiers, Sailors and Marines--industrial Review of Business and Professional Firms Who Have Made This History Possible, published 1919. 15,948 words, reproduced complete and unedited. Source changes inside the text are labelled in place.

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Machine-read from scans of Williamson County, Illinois, in the World War : Containing a Brief Review of the World War--complete History of Williamson County's Activities--photographs and Service Records of Williamson County's Soldiers, Sailors and Marines--industrial Review of Business and Professional Firms Who Have Made This History Possible, published 1919. Nothing has been corrected: fixing what looks like a misspelled name is how an invented one gets published. Source changes are marked where they occur.

Library

Containing a Brief Review of The World War - Complete History of Williamson County's Activities - Photographs and Service Records of Williamson County's Soldiers, Sailors and Marines - Industrial Review of Business and Professional Firms Who Have Made This History Possible

Hal W. Trovillion

\\ der God, shall have a new birth of freedom." These prophetic words of Lincoln at Gettysburg uttered more than a half a century ago furnish a most fitting text to the task we fall to in the following pages to record Williamson County's part in the great world war just closed.

In compiling this local history, we have contended throughout with a certain reluctancy on the part of all soldiers who did not appear over enthusiastic to see their picture or war record in print. They wanted no gilt frame about the picture, nor festivities made of their part. They were almost to the man reserved and extremely modest in speaking, when they did speak, of what they saw, did or thought. But everywhere in America this seems to have been the attitude and probably may be put down as a national trait of our new soldiers. Now that the job is finished, they have the satisfaction of feeling that they upheld the honor and the glory of the country and lay claims to1 no credit save that contentment that comes from a service well performed.

Of course this history is not complete. It is practically an impossibility, or to say the least, an almost endless task to bring every person's part in this great undertaking up to exactness. No efforts were spared, however, by the Williamson County War History Society to accomplish the task. Every individual who would lend the least bit of assistance was enlisted in preparing some portion of this work. Public men, business and commercial institutions of every sort, theaters, pulpits, schools and newspapers throughout the country were called upon for various tasks in helping collect data, pictures, compile facts and perform other necessary duties. Everyone of them responded with a willingness and promptness that was beautiful indeed. If any one had ever before been doubtful of the loyalty of Williamson County, Illinois, as we passed through the war, he could not have served on this society and been of the same mind when the book was ready for the printer.

Few counties in Illinois have such a large number of foreign born men of military age residing in their communities in proportion to the native born population as did Williamson County at the outbreak of war. The coal mining industry had attracted labor from everywhere. The mines, railroads and all other commercial institutions in the county were going at top speed and had been for months preceding our declaration of war against Germany.

Never before had this county experience/! such high wages, nor had labor been as scarce and the de and so great as at this time. Prosperity was abroad in the land everywhere and everybody id money, especially the young men of military age. It was therefore a matter of Icug schooling and repeated urging before the spirit of national loyalty took hold of the community at large and especially the young men. There were few volunteer enlistments in the army in the industrial centers of the county until the war got into the second year.

Our cordial appreciation is extended to Mrs. John A. Logan of Washington, D. C., beloved widow of General Logan, both of whom were residents of this section of the State, when the great Civil War broke out, for her contribution. Also our thanks are extended Governor Frank 0. Lowden of Illinois, the foremost War Governor, for his beautiful tribute. We also desire to acknowledge our indebtedness for the loan of several illustrations that illustrate these pages by Hon. Francis G. Blair, State Superintendent of Public Instruction and previously appearing in a Peace Day publication recently issued by him.

pEORGE WASHINGTON - Born February 22nd, 1732. The "Father of His Country" and the standard ^ bearer of the American Colonies in their birth struggle for freedom against the tyranny of the Hanoverian king, George III of England, and the first Pn-sident of the new republic (1789-1797). It was Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, who apotheosized him as "First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countryment," a place which will never be usurped by any other so long as the nation which his far-sighted wisdom, unswerving faith and superb generalship were instrumental in founding, remains true to the principles which he laid down for its guidance.

A BRAHAM LINCOLN - Born February 12th. 1809. President of the United States throughout the most -^*- critical period of the nation's history, and the one chiefly responsible for it remaining "One and indi- - visible, now and forever." Big-hearted and with a knowledge of human nature which a lifetime of ordinary diplomatic training could not give, he was the savior of the United States during the dark days of the Civil War. His emancipation of the Southern slaves was a blessing in disguise to the owners, as it prevented the monopoly of that great section of the country by a few wealthy cotton planters, and forced the development of its great resources. His death at the hand of a fanatical assassin April 14, 1865, was a calamity to North and South alike.

WTOODROW WILSON - Born December 28th, 1856. The world gives to this American President a higher meed of credit for the ending of the Great War than to any other single individual, for it was his now famous '"Fourteen Points," as set forth in January, 1918, and their later modifications, that the German Chancellor asked to be taken as a basis for international peace. Although he not only strove to preserve this country's neutrality during the earlier years of the war, but even initiated several attempts to bring about a reconciliation of the European belligerents, when it became evident that the United States could no longer hold aloof with honor, he cast aside the pen for the sword, and prosecuted the war with fervor. His ideal is an International League as a basis for the future peace of the world. iiiiimtiiitmiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiimiiimmiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiMiimiHHiiiiimiimiiHiiiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimimiiiiiiiiiiimuiiiiiiiimim^ mimiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiimiiiiiiiimiiiiiiimiiimii

/""" ENERAL JOHN JOSEPH PERSHING - Born September 13th, 1860. A West Pointer, and head of the ^^ Southern Department of the United States Army up to the date of this country's entry into the war, and following the death of General Funston. Was in command of the American troops during the expedition into Mexico. Went to the Philippines in 1899, where he saw years of efficient service, and is today regarded as the greatest living authority on the Moros. It was while in Mexico, in 1915, that the great tragedy of his life occurred, when his wife and three little daughters were burned to death in their home at the Presidio, San Francisco. His work in France, as head of the American Expeditionary Forces, is a glorious page in the nation's history.

FIELD MARSHAL FERDINAND FOCH - Born August 4th, 1851. The present war is not the first in which the Generalissimo of the United States and Allied armies saw a clash between German and French troops. At the age of twenty he witnessed .the horrors of the Siege of Paris, and that same year (1871( entered the great French military academy. Forty-three years later, he played the greatest part of any general under Joffre in driving back the German offensive against Paris in 1914. And after the Battle of the Marne it was Joffre who declared him to be "the first strategist of Europe." He was made Generalissimo of all the forces operating against the Central Powers in March, 1918, and although suffering reverses for a time, his policy of a continued smashing offensive brought a complete and sweeping victory. nimiiiiiiiimiimiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiMimiiiiiiiiMiiiiiimimiiiiiiiMmmmiimiimimm^ imiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiimimiiimiiiiMiimil

MARSHAL SIR DOUGLAS HAIG - Born June 19, 1861. Known as the "Silent Haig," because of his habit of saying but little in councils of war, but of listening attentively to all suggestions, and invariably selecting the best advice. Before being called to assume command of all the British forces in the war just closed, Haig had seen much active service in India, Egypt and the Sudan. On December 15, 1915, he succeeded Field Marshal French as head of the British armies, and under him the British army, referred to by the German Kaiser as ''contemptible," soon became as powerful a force in curbing the Teuton bloodlust as the great British navy.

p ENERAL ARMANDO DIAZ - Born in Naples in 1861. the "Savior of Venice," is thoroughly Italian. ^r although his name has caused many to think him a native of Spain, from which land his forefathers came three generations back. He took command of Italy's shattered forces in November of 1917. after their rout by the Austrians the preceding month, due to the alleged treachery of General Cadorna. The beautiful Queen of the Adriatic was almost within the grasp of the invaders, when Diaz by his superb generalship, plucked victory from defeat, and began a counter-offensive which swept back the Austrians across the Piave, finally compelling them to sue for peace on Italy's own terms.

Roosevelt

rFHEODORE ROOSEVELT - Born October 27th, 1858. Elected to the Vice-Presidency, he succeeded to the -*- office of Chief Executive on the death of William McKinley, September 14, 1901, and was elected President in 1904 by the largest majority ever given to any candidate for that great office. Clear-thinking, aggressive and fearless, he was a man of letters as well as a man of action, and as contributing editor to a well-known magazine, often attacked President Wilson's policies during the war just closed. During the Spanish-American War he organized a troop of cavalry known as the "Rough Riders," which saw hard service in Cuba; and offered to raise and lead in person a division for service in the European War, but his offer was not accepted. His death occurred suddenly January 6, 1919. The Nation lost the most commanding, the most original, the most interesting and the most brilliant personality in American public life since Lincoln.

1VTAJOR LEONARD WOOD - Born, Winchester, N. H., October 9, 1860; appointed assistant army surgeon January 5, 1886; Captain assistant surgeon. January 5, 1891; volunteered with Roosevelt in the "Rough Riders" at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war as Colonel First U. S. Volunteer Cavalry, and was made major-general, December 7, 1898; awarded Congressional Medal of Honor, March 29. 1898; Military Governor of Cuba and later Governor of Moro Province, Philippine Islands. During the World War was appointed Commander Eighty-ninth Division, N. A., Camp Funston, Kans. Has been acclaimed the greatest military genius in the U. S. Army, but was retained in the United States presumably on account of his ability to train ciack divisions, other conditions would indicate "political reasons."

A DMIRAL WILLIAM S. SIMS - Born October 15th, 1858. The first American officer to have a command ** abroad in the Great War. His high rank at the outbreak of the struggle was due to his excellent work in developing the gunnery of American seamen, which caused President Roosevelt to give him Command of a battleship over the heads of many others then outranking him. Fearless in criticism of naval abuses, he caused many of them to be rectified. His work in directing the operation of the fleet of American destroyers did wonders in keeping in subjection the menace of the German submarines, and is responsible for the fact that 3 000.000 American soldiers were carried to France with so little loss.

ALBERT, KING OF THE BELGIANS - Born April 8th, 1875. A heroic leader of a heroic nation. When Germany, treacherously aiming to strike a death blow at France by pouring her armies over the border through Belgium, whose neutrality she had joined in guaranteeing, she insolently demanded that Belgium afford free passage to her troops. Albert's reply to the Teuton envoy was characteristic: "Belgium is a nation, not a road!" And although overwhelmed by the German onrush, all of her land but a few square miles a prey for four years to the invaders, the dauntless spirit of King Albert held together his army of Belgian heroes, who having saved France, have lived to return to their homes in triumph.

J^ING GEORGE V OF GREAT BRITAIN - Born June 3rd, 1865. A naval officer up to the time of his accession to the throne May 6, 1910, George V is known as England's "Sea King," and it is not to be expected that he will be disposed to yield much at the Peace Conference as regards a diminution in the strength and privileges of the British Navy. He is a thoroughly democratic sovereign, and has played a worthy part in the prosecution of the war, although the peculiarities of the English form of government did not permit of his taking the field in person, like the rulers of Belgium and Italy.

"D AYMOND POINCARE - Born August 20th, 1860. After a lifetime of productive labor for his country, ^-*- during which he had served as Minister both of Finance and of Agriculture, M. Poincare was elected President of the French Republic, taking his seat February 18, 1913. The beginning of the Great War was only eighteen months away; but without foreseeing it, he immediately set to work on the general principles of sound policy, and did much to strengthen the relations and alliances of France with other powers. With the nation actually at war he was quick to see the necessity for unity of thought and action and formed a coalition cabinet of statesmen of all political parties. His selection of "the old tiger," Georges Clemenceau, as Premier, had much to do with keeping France's armies in the field after her foes believed her "bled white."

EMMANUEL III - Born November llth, 1869. His wife, Queen Helena, a Montenegrin princess, the sympathies of Italy's King were easily enlisted in the plight of the little Balkan kingdoms of Serbia and Montenegro when they were overrun by the Teuton hordes. But his was a difficult role, for Italy was nominally in alliance with both Germany and Austria. It was, however, one of defense only, and Italy refused to become, like Austria, a cat's paw for the German Kaiser's overweening ambition. Besides, Austria had long held lands which the Italians believed rightfully to belong to their country. Italy therefore joined the Allies, and Victor Emmanuel, like Albert of Belgium, fought with his troops, and with them shares a well-earned victory.

Hon. Frank 0. Lowden

F'RANK 0. LOWDEN, Oregon, Illinois, Governor (Rep.), was born in Sunrise, Minn., January 26, 1861; moved to Hardin County, Iowa, in 1868, and taught school there for five years, beginning in his fifteenth year. He was graduated from the Iowa State University in 1885, from the Union College of Law (now Northwestern) in 1887, being valedictorian of his class in each institution. For several years he was president of the Alumni Association and trustee of the Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and Knox College, Galesburg. He was law clerk in the office of Dexter, Herrick & Allen, Chicago, and in 1898 he formed the partnership of Lowden, Estabrook & Davis. His law practice was extensive and varied and he was regarded as a most successful trial lawyer. He occupied the chair of Federal Jurisprudence in the Northwestern Law School. Lowden Hall was named after him for his services there. He purchased Hemenway Farm, now Sinnissippi Farm, on Rock River near Oregon, in 1900. He was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor at the famous deadlock convention in 1904 and was defeated on the seventy-ninth ballot, Charles S. Deneen being nominated. He served as Republican National Committeeman for Illinois and member of the executive body of the National Committee from 1904 to 1912 and was a member of Congress from the Thirteenth District from 1906 to 1911 when he retired on account of ill health. He was nominated for Governor on the Republican ticket in 1916 with a large plurality and elected by an overwhelming majority. He was married to Miss Florence Pullman, daughter of George M. Pullman, April 29, 1896. They have four children, one son and three daughters.

ILLINOIS sent 351,153 soldiers into the Federal service during the Great War. From the summoning of the National Guard to Camp Lowden in Springfield, until the discharge of the Marines in August, 1919, it was my privilege as Governor of Illinois to, see the flower of the State in training camp, marching with fearless eye to the transports, and returning from overseas. There was never any doubt in my mind of the record these men would make. They had a proud heritage to inspire them in their European service. Going from the State that produced Lincoln and the matchless soldiers, Grant and Logan, we could not expect them to do other than bring back our banners unsullied and untarnished. We followed our soldiers in all the arduous months in which they were away from us. We followed them with love and pride. We are familiar with the great battles in which they were engaged. We know something of Hamel ; we know how Illinois men were among the first there to make all the world know what the American soldier was and what he could do. We know something of the Mort Homme sector; we remember the Bois de Forges. We recall the trying days in the Argonne. Those names will be treasured forever in the history of

Illinois and the history of the United States. We have not forgotten the comrades who will come back no> more. The memories of those brave men who fell upon the greatest battlefields of history will be tenderly cherished in the heart of Illinois and in the heart of our common country. For, the living, our gratitude, our love; for those silent comrades, our gratitude, our pride, our tears.

Those who spent months in camps in the United States and had none of the excitement and dangers of battle, but who nevertheless served their country to the best of their ability, are entitled to praise and gratitude. Home is Illinois, - America, - the best country in the world. It has always been worth fighting for. The men now sleeping on foreign battlefields have proven that it is worth dying for.

Now that war is over, a new task awaits. It is the preservation of the liberties for which the young men of America risked their lives. It is the resumption of peaceful relations. Great problems lie ahead and these soldiers must aid in their solution. I am sure that they will not fail in the future any more than they did in the past when they were called upon to risk all.

Gen. John A. Logan

[Probably the most important and exicting incident connected with Civil War preparations in all Illinois took place on the public square in Marion shortly after the outbreak of the Rebellion when John A. Logan, the congressman from this district, returned from Washington to plead with his constituents to cast their lot with the Union cause. His beloved widow, still residing in Washington, has kindly contributed specially for this history the graphic picture of those anxious and dangerous days. To fully appreciate the situation we must remember that this portion of Illinois settled in an early day by Southerners was strongly inclined to the Con-

HE mounted the wagon, and after waving a salutation to the throng who surrounded him, he began to speak in a voice so clear and so full of volume that every person, even those the farthest from him on the outside of the crowd, could hear him distinctly. In a few moments, a deathlike stillness prevailed, the most turbulent spirit in the crowd was as quiet as the dead. You would hear only his sonorous voice, as he, with great deliberation, pictured the situation of affairs, the inevitable consequences of rebellion to this great country, should the theory of secession prevail; telling them at federacy. It required a brave man indeed to face his former closest friends, who were now the worst secessionists and ask them to give up their ideas and go against the land of their fathers. The thrilling midnight ride alone across these prairies by Mrs. Logan to Carbondale to meet her husband and escort him to Marion where he addressed the impatient crowd on the square mounting a farm wagon as a platform, reads like the most exciting piece of fiction. The story is fitting in connection with this present war history in that it presents altogether different conditions under which Williamson County, always patriotic, rallied to arms in 1917 to 1918. - Editor.]

what cost of blood and treasury the Republic had been established, and how certainly liberty would be forfeited and anarchy reign, were the Union once dissolved. Step by step, he led them on for nearly two hours, intensity and earnestness depicted in every lineament of his face, his bright, black eyes gleaming with emotion, every gesture emphasizing the truthfulness of his remarks.

The effect upon his hearers was magical. They were swayed by his eloquence until they fairly re-echoed his utterances. Toward the close, he said: "The time has come when a man must be for or against his county, not for or against his state. How long could one state stand up against another, or two or three or four states stand against others? The Union, once dissolved, we should have numerous confederacies and rebellions. I, for one, shall stand or fall for this Union, and shall this day enroll for the war. I want as many of you as will to come with me. If you say, "No," and see your best interests and the welfare of your homes and your children in another direction, may God protect you."

Luke Sanders, an old fifer, six feet, four inches tall, and very large in proportion, was in the crowd. He had been a fifer in the same regiment with General Logan in the Mexican War. We had seen him previously and he had promised to come and bring his fife and at a signal from J. H. White, was to go up to General Logan, give him his hand as a volunteer, and then was to play a patriotic air on his fife, whereat Mr. White and a few others were to step in line and start the volunteering. General Logan did not know that Luke Sanders, the fifer, was to be there, or that he was to lead off in that way and when he saw the herculean figure of his old comrade striding through the crowd making for him, he lost control of his feelings and wept like a child. It is needless to add that through my own tears I witnessed the most affecting scene that had ever occurred in that or any other town. At the sound of Sander's fife, and the beating of the one old drum of Gabriel Cox, who was a member of the Drum Corps of the same regiment in which General Logan served in the Mexican War, whom Mr. White and Captain Looney and the friends had hunted up - General Logan jumped down from the wagon, stepped into the line that was speedily formed. J. H. White, clerk of the Court, Captain W. A. Looney of Johnson County, George W. Goddard, and a dozen other prominent men of the town, one after another falling into line. General Logan gave the command, "Forward March," and started round the square, followed by one hundred and ten men, as good and true as every carried a musket. All were enrolled for "three years or during the war," and Southern Illinois was saved to the Union by John A. Logan.

Braver or truer men never followed the stars and stripes or were more unwavering in the discharge of their duty though many times they knew their opponents on the other field of battle were their kindred. From Marion, General Logan went to Saline County where faithful Captain Cain's company was raised. Every county in the district rallied to the cause and in a few weeks the gallant Thirty-first rendezvoused at Cairo, Illinois, and from the day of its organization as a regiment, was ever in the van.

No county in Southern Illinois has a brighter record than has that of Williamson County. Her people have been among the most patriotic in the state. What has been said of the men of the Thirty-first Illinois, can, with equal pride, be said of the soldiers and sailors of the whole of Southern Illinois who took part in saving the Union. The highest ambitions seemed to have inspired the whole population to stupendous effort to be in the foremost rank of prosperity and true Americanism. The untiring energy of her people has made the most of her bountiful resources in agriculture, mineral wealth and intellectual development.

In the intervening years between the close of the Civil War and the beginning of the world's war, Williamson County has made history of which every citizen should be proud. To me personally, the mention of Marion, Williamson County, Illinois, awakens memories and associations that are the dearest in life.

" - and now we come to write the history they made - that those brave boys, who turned the world upside down in the greatest of all world wars, did not fight and die in vain, but that their deeds may illuminate the pages of permanent history so that future generations may cherish their memory forever."

It is this idea that expresses perfectly the purpose of the publication of this history. No sooner had the armistice been signed than plans were being made to write Williamson County's part in the great war. As early as January 1919, Hal W. Trovillion, editor and publisher of The Herrin News, announced that he would compile a history commemorating the deeds of Williamson County's two thousand five hundred soldiers, sailors and marines. Realizing the arduous task that such a work involved, the editor associated with him S. S. Baird, a well known journalist and publicity writer of Springfield, Illinois, who was intrusted with the business management of the undertaking. They organized the Williamson County War History Society in March 1919, a volunteer organization made up of some of the most prominent citizens of the county. From that time until the book went to press, Mr. Baird devoted his entire time to the work, and the financial obligation incident to gathering the facts and other necessary expenses were borne by Mr. Trovillion.

Considerable credit must be accorded to the officers and advisory committee for their co-operation which was given with the patriotic spirit shown by Williamson County citizens. No officer or member of the advisory committee received any financial compensation with the exception of the special manager.

ON November 11, 1918, Civilization, war-weary but triumphant, planted the banner of Freedom over the prostrate wreck of Autocratic Militarism. For on that date the most stupendous, the costliest and the bloodiest war in the history of the world came to an end in the French village of Senlis with the signing by five German envoys of an armistice, the terms of which were set by the French Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch, Generalissimo of the armies of the United States and the Allied Powers of France, Great Britain, Italy, Belgium and the smaller nations having armed forces in the field against the Teuton craze for world domination. It was the close of the most terrible war the world has ever known, for Terror and Frightfulness were the watchwords of the German hordes from the day (July 29, 1914) when they swept across the Belgian border to attack France from a quarter which Germany herself had joined in solemnly declaring should be inviolate, all through the four and a quarter years of uninterrupted slaughter and rapine, pillage and brigandage. "Make yourselves as terrible as the hordes of Attila the Hun," said the German Kaiser to his troops, and as "Huns" they became universally known and execrated. At the outset of the war, the two Teuton empires, Germany and Austria, faced only two other great European powers, Russia and France, together with the little kingdom of Serbia. But the rape of Belgium brought Great Britain into line against them, as well as Italy in less than a year. The powerful British navy rendered helpless the German surface warcraft, but the German submarines could not so easily be held in check. It was their ruthless and treacherous manner of preying upon belligerent and neutral shipping alike which contributed largely to Germany's undoing. For the torpedoing by them of the great transatlantic liner "Lusitania" off the coast of Ireland on May 7, 1915, sent such a wave of indignation sweeping over the world, that

Outrage followed upon outrage, in spite of lying promises, broken as soon as made, until in April of 1917 the United States threw itself and its vast resources whole-heartedly into the war, and Germany was doomed. Russia, honeycombed with graft, her whole political system poisoned with a combination of autocracy, ignorance and anarchy, had practically collapsed a year previous before the onrush of Von Hidenberg. Serbia deserted by all of its Balkan allies except Roumania, had been crushed under the heel of Von Mackensen. Bulgaria and Turkey had allied themselves with the Teutonic forces, and Greece would have done so but for the staying hands of Great Britain and France. The collapse of Russia, which became an actuality with the downfall of the Czar's regime and the abject treaty of Brest-Litovsk, signed with Germany by the Bolsheviki March 3, 1918, threw a heavy burden on American shoulders; but by this time this country was well on its way to an effective war footing. Huge sums had been raised through four voluntary Liberty Loans, the combined subscriptions to which totalled $16,000,000,000; millions of the finest of its youth had been hastily drilled in camps and cantonments in this country and abroad, and by the aid of British transports a vast army had been assembled in Europe, under the leadership of Major-General John J. Pershing. At last they were ready to strike. But not before they were sorely needed. The Germans had started a tremendous offensive in March, 1918, an offensive which seemed irresistible. The forces of Field Marshal Haig, the commander-in-chief of the British forces, and of General Petain, the head of those of France, were slowly but surely being pushed back under the sheer weight of German divisions released from the Eastern front. Never had matters looked so black for the Allies. On May 27 their line had been broken between

Soissons and Rheims. The situation was desperate. And then, the very next day, masses of youngsters in olive drab seemed to rise out of the earth. They marched, singing gaily, to the spot where the deadly hail was thickest, beat to pieces the flower of Prussia's troops - and "Cantigny" was written on America's battle-flags. But still the steam roller went on. Paris was threatened more nearly than ever since those dark days in the fall of 1914 when Von Kluck's army was thrust back from its very gates.

At Chateau Thierry, on June 6, the French commander ground his teeth as he prepared to move back still further his hospital and supply base - if the deadly German fire permitted even that. But they came in time - the "Yankees"! Division after division of them. With bayonets fixed they plunged across No Man's Land, straight through a perfect hell of machine-gun fire, shrapnel and high explosives, and simply annihilated the guns and gunners. They were a devastating whirlwind, and they stopped the German drive and saved Paris. They did far more than that; they saved Europe and they saved Civilization, for when, on July 18, Marshal Foch began his great counter-offensive, it was to the First American Army that he delegated the all-important task of wiping out the St. Mihiel salient, the great bulging advance of the Germans since March. On September 12 the Americans did it, taking 15,000 prisoners and shortening the battle line by a score of miles. It was the beginning of the end. Germany had staked her all on a last desperate drive - and it had failed. Events of supreme importance became daily occurrences. Bulgaria was the first to surrender. She was soon followed by Turkey, whose armies in Syria had been decisively beaten by the British under General Allenby. The Italians, under General Diaz, recovered by force of arms all that they had lost the preceding October through the alleged treachery of General Cadorna; and Austria ceased to be a factor in the war. Beset by revolution at home and the consistently victorious advance of the Americans and Allies at the front, Germany begged President Wilson to use his endeavors to secure an armistice "on land, on sea and in the air." The proposal was referred to Marshal Foch, and four days after the Americans had captured the historic city of Sedan, where Germany had taken prisoner the Emperor of the French forty-seven years ago. the empire of Bismarck and Von Moltke. which then had its birth, came to an inglorious end. For the signing of the armistice at Senlis was immediately followed by the abdication and flight to Holland of the German Kaiser, and a state of socialistic anarchy throughout Germany. The pagan "superman" German doctrine that might makes right had been shattered, and in the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln, "government of the people, by the people and for the people" had not been permitted to perish from the earth.

Aug. 2 - German troops enter France at Cirey; Russian troops enter Germany at Schwidden; German army enters Luxemburg over protest and Germany asks Belgium for free passage of her troops.

Aug. 4 - France declares war on Germany; Germany declares war on Belgium; Great Britain sends Belgium neutrality ultimatum to Germany; British army mobilized and state of war between Great Britain and Germany is declared. President Wilson issues neutrality proclamation.

Aug. 15 - Japan sends ultimatum to Germany to withdraw from Japanese and Chinese waters and evacuate Kiaochow; Russia offers autonomy to Poland.

Dec. 16 - German cruisers bombard Scarborough, Hartlepool, and Whitby, on English coast, killing fifty or more persons; Austrians said to have lost upwards of 100,- 000 men in Serbian defeat.

Feb. 22 - German war office announces capture of 100000 Russian prisoners in engagements in Mazurian lake region; American steamer Carib sunk by mine in North sea.

May 7 - Liner Lusltania torpedoed and sunk by German submarine off the coast of Ireland with the loss of more than 1 000 lives. 102 Americans.

Sept. 9 - Germans make air raid on London, killing twenty persons and wounding 100 others; United States asks Austria to recall Ambassador Dumba.

Sept. 25-30-Battle of Champagne, resulting in great advance for allied armies and causing Kaiser Wilhelm " to rush to the west front; German counter attacks repulsed.

Oct. 5 - Russia and Bulgaria sever diplomatic relations; Russian, French. British, Italian, and Serbian diplomatic representatives ask for passports in Sofia.

Nov. 19 - Serbian, French and Russian troops recapture Monastir; Germans cross Transylvania Alps and enter western Roumania. . Nov. 21 - British hospital ship Britannic sunk by mine in Egean sea.

Dec. 12 - Chancellor von Bethman-Hollweg announces in reichstag that Germany will propose peace; new cabinet in France under Aristide Briand as premier, and Gen. Robert Georges Nivelie given chief of command of French army.

Feb. 3 - President Wilson reviews submarine controversy before congress; United States severs diplomatic relations with Germany; American steamer Housatonic sunk without warning.

Feb. 12 - United States refuses German request to discuss matters of difference unless Germany withdraws unrestricted submarine warfare order.

April 2 - President Wilson asks congress to declare that acts of Germany constitute a state of war; submarine sinks American steamer Aztec without warning.

July 14 - Aircraft appropriation bill of $640,000.000 passes house; Chancellor von Bethmann-Hollweg's resignation forced by German political crisis.

July 19 - New German Chancellor Michaelis declares Germany will not war for conquest; radicals and Catholic party ask peace without forced acquisitions of territory.

Feb. 11 - President Wilson, in address to congress, gives four additional peace principles, including self- determination of nations; Bolsheviki declares war with Germany over, but refuse to sign peace treaty.

Feb. 25 - Germans take Reval, Russian naval base, and Pskov; Chancellor von Hertling agrees "in principle" with President Wilson's peace principles, in address to reichstag.

Belgrade occupied by Austrians - December 2, 1914; recaptured by Serbians, December 14, 1914; taken by Germans and Austrians, October 9-10, 1915.

Vilna captured by Germans - September 18. 1915. Vimy ridge captured by Canadians - April 9. 1917. Warsaw captured by Germans - August 4, 1915. Wytschaete captured by British - June 7. 1917. Ypres, first battle of - October 20-31, 1914; second

Men Killed In The Great War

Officers of the United States Army, in force now, consist of the following: The Commander in Chief of the United States Army and Navy, the President of the United States.

The number of field officers, beginning with colonel, and line officers vary in number according to the size of the army, while the number of the general officers, above mentioned, are continuous regardless of the size of the army, and additional general officers are commissioned temporarily for the increased army according to the demands of the service.

Copyright By Committee On Public Information

Italian visitors at Lincoln's Tomb - From left to right: John Picco, Italian Consul; Maj. Gen. Emilio Guglielmotti, Italian Regular Army; Hon. James M. Graham; Col. Stephen 0. Tripp; Sam Bonansinga; Caesare Sansone, Asst.

By E. B. Jackson

WHEN America entered the war against Germany, April 6th, 1917, Williamson County had been going along in her usual and peaceful manner, growing, prospering and advancing industrially, educationally, morally and religiously. We were so far inland that the war and all of its horrors seemed a long way off.

Our people were so busy accumulating money and developing the wonderful resources of old Williamson that many wondered if we could wake up to our new conditions. However, we were not to be in doubt very long. The cruel barbarism of the Kaiser had already roused the fighting blood handed down to us by our Indian fighting pioneer grandfathers and when Uncle Sam decided to check Wilhelm in his mad career, the manhood of this country arose in its might and ' struck a blow for Liberty that could not be excelled by any county of like resources in the Union.

Men, money and coal were needed and Williamson County had all of them. Real men rose up as if by magic; men of all ages, who were full of patriotic fervor, were asking "what can I do?" Men who really wanted to go to the defense of their country. Men who were not afraid. Men who counted their country's honor above everything. Men who would bare their breasts joyously \o the bullets of the enemy and who would never give up until victory crowned their efforts.

Uncle Sam wanted about 3,600 of these men to go into the army and navy and do the real fighting. He wanted more than as many more to stay at home and dig coal and the rest he needed to back them up with food and money.

MONEY - What a magic word! Without it the war could not have been won. Our government must have money, and back here in Old Williamson County the people had it.

The population of this county contained no Millionaires, but it did contain thousands of honest, thrifty people who had accumulated a compentence and who now offered it on the altar of their country. The man with only $50.00 bought his Liberty Loan Bond just as eagerly and with just as much patriotism as the man with many thousands. Everybody bought in proportion to his ability. Many who could not raise as much as $50.00 all at once, paid through the banks in installments of $1.00 per week or more and thus showed that, to the extent of their ability, they were backing up the boys at the front just as enthusiastically as anyone else.

Until the great World War, many had looked upon the banks as rather cold hearted corporations that were simply out to make money and that nothing could move them to sacrifice profits, no matter how worthy the cause might be.

Here was another ideal to be shattered. The Treasury Department at Washington asked John Herrin, Cashier of First National Bank, Herrin, and E. B. Jackson, Cashier Marion State & Savings Bank, to act as Co- Chairmen and organize an association for selling United States Bonds to the people of Williamson County to help carry on the war. The notice was so short that in the First Loan there was not time to make a thorough campaign among the people, so the managing officers of all the thirteen banks in the county were called together to consider the proposition. Now what do you think those "cold hearted, money grabbing" banks did? Why they didn't hesitate for one minute. As one man, they all said "we will call in our loans that are now drawing 6% or 7% interest and we will buy Uncle Sam's bonds at 4%." They said "Profits do not interest us when our country needs our money." Furthermore they said "If Uncle Sam needs more, we will get it and every time he asks for money from Old Williamson, he is going to get it." And they kept their word all through the five successive loans asked for. Expenses increased, additional help became necessary in many banks to handle the Liberty Loan Bonds, and profits declined alarmingly but the banks of Williamson County without exception stuck to their task and showed that patriotism does not live only on the field of battle. Every time that the people as individuals found the

One widow woman whose only son was in the service saved enough from the small allotment he made her, to buy a $50.00 bond. An old veteran of the Civil War. drawing a pension of $30.00 per month and having no other means of support saved and bought a $50.00 bond in six months time. Clerks, mechanics, laborers and people of small incomes in various lines paid for bonds on the installment plan and in doing so sacrificed more comfort and the necessary things of life than many can imagine. Coal miners regularly deducted stated sums from their pay checks to pay for bonds and simply made the remainder of their pay do to live on.

John Herrin

load too heavy the banks raised the money and gave a larger subscription than was asked for. Every time Uncle Sam called for money he got more than he asked for and every time the test came, the people and the banks promptly went "over the top."

All the glory of these Liberty Loan Campaigns does not belong to the banks however. Many individuals deserve just as much or more praise. Space will not permit and it is not possible otherwise to chronicle here all the cases of self sacrifice, for many sacrificed so secretely that no one knew the full measure of it.

E. B. Jackson

before was now in full blast. The idea in the minds of everyone was, "If my country needs my money, I will get along without it." "My boy or my neighbor's boy is at the front fighting my fight and I am going to see that he has money to provide for his needs, no matter how short may be my rations here at home." The spirit of Washington, Lincoln and all the old time patriots was alive again and living in the hearts of all our people. Truly it was a revelation to those who were engaged in selling Liberty Bonds to the people of Williamson County. No pro-Germanism here. German born citizens were just as strong in the faith as others. One German in this county sold some very valuable and promising real estate in order to buy Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars worth of bonds. German born farmers bought bonds just as liberally as any others and that is saying a good deal, for the farmers of Williamson County certainly did buy bonds to the limit. It had not before been believed that there was so much money in the hands of the farmers. Every farmer seemed to have money and was vicing with his neighbor to see who could turn his property into money and buy the most bonds.

Business men and professional men were the same. One business man had contemplated a new store that promised good profits but he cast aside the thought and bought bonds with the money and borrowed $5,- 000.00 at 6% to buy more bonds at 41/2%. A certain lawyer, having no ready cash, borrowed $4,000.00 at 6% and bought bonds at 4l/o%.

During the Liberty Loan Campaigns, the county chairman assigned quotas to each township and every township, every time, took its quota or more. However, as the subscriptions had to be made through the banks, the figures here given are given under the names of the banking towns and the communities that they serve. The bonds bought at the various banking towns during the five loans, were as follows:

All this work was not done by the men by any means. The women of Williamson County had a complete organization and were equally zealous and efficient as the men. Their report in full follows this as it is deserving of a special department.

When the decendents of the present generation read this history they must not look at the above list of names and think that these people alone did all for the Liberty Loans, but they must remember as well, those who put up the money; those who sacrificed but who were not in the spot light. This class includes nearly every citizen of the County and no county in America can boast a finer, more patriotic citizenry than Williamson County, Illinois.

The first origination of the 4-Minute Men in Williamson County was perfected in June, 1917. with R. R. Fowler as Chairman. The members of the organization were, respectively, R. R. Fowler. Ed. M. Spiller, Geo. R. Stone, L. A. Colp, John I. Gunn, Rufus Neely, John M. Reid, W. 0. Paisley. W. W. Skaggs, and Wm. H. Warder.

The primary purpose of the organization was to make four-minute talks at the different theaters in the city of Marion on subjects furnished by the Government, and these talks were to be made under the direction and instruction of the Government, thereby giving to the people as nearly as possible the truth with reference to matters important that they should understand. One of the main purposes of the organization was to combat German propaganda, which was rife throughout this section of the country at the beginning of the war.

The members of the organization were called upon to aid in all the financial drives made during the war, and it can be truthfully said for the 4-Minute Men that they did their full duty in that regard and never failed when called upon to respond heartily, not only to speak in the theatres but to go on the campaigns throughout the County, in all Townships and communities where meetings were held for the purpose of putting over the diffeffrent loans and raising money for the Red Cross and Y. M. C. A.

It is impossible to give anything like the number of people addressed by the 4-Minute Men of this Country during the war, for the reason that they spoke on so many different occasions and to audiences varying from five hundred to five thousand. The 4-Minute Men patriotically and unreservedly gave of their services to the very best of their ability when called upon in their line of work.

By Ethel Tidwell Holland

THE women of the United States were not requested to assist in selling the Bonds of the First Liberty Loan. In Washington and in other cities, as well as in the rural communities, the women responded so surprisingly well to the call to buy Bonds, that Secretary of the Treasury, William G. Mc- Adoo, appointed a National Women's Liberty Loan Committee to work in the Second Liberty Loan campaign and the subsequent campaigns. Several women from Illinois were appointed on this committee, among whom were Mesdames George Bass, Antoinette Funk and Kellogg Fairbanks.

The State War Loan organization of the Women's Committee was perfected through the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs, with a State chairman and twenty-five District Chairmen in the State of Illinois. Mrs. T. S. Browning of Benton was made the chairman for the Women's Liberty Loan Committee of the Twenty-fifth Congressional District, which includes Williamson and seven other counties. Mrs. Browning appointed Miss Laura Belle Warder of Marion County chairman for the Second Liberty Loan campaign. No official record of the amount of sales made by the women of Williamson County during that campaign was kept, however, women throughout the County were purchasers of Bonds of the Second issue.

The District chairman appointed Celeste Benson Smith (Mrs. Wayne Smith) of Herrin, chairman of the Women's Committee in Williamson County for the Third Loan and re-appointed her for both the Fourth and Fifth Loans. Mrs. Smith, in turn, immediately selected six city chairmen in the County to conduct the actual sales campaign. Each of the six City chairmen served in the same capacity for the Third, Fourth and Fifth Liberty Loan campaigns. They were given

In Marion, the City chairman, Mrs. Ethel T. Holland selected the following committee for the Third Loan: Mrs. H. D. Norris, Mrs. B. Glenn Gulledge, Mrs. W. T. Holland, Mrs.

A. C. Corley and Miss Evaylon Thurmond, who distributed literature and posters, and solicited Clubs, Lodges, Church societies and all women's organizations to support the Loan. The sales accredited to the work of the women's committee were pleasing. In the Fourth Loan, five Ward chairmen were selected: Mesdames W. S. Burkhart, Harriett

B. Stephenson, F. G. Campbell, F. L. Shimer and H. D. Norris for Wards One, Two, Three, Four and Five respectively, who in turn named from twelve to twenty others to serve on their committees. They made a thorough house to house canvas of the city, placed workers in all the Banks, Post Office, Library, Churches and other public places on Volunteer Days. The response to their well directed, concerted effort was exceptionally gratifying, giving them first place of all the women's committees in the County and District, and aiding very materially in placing Williamson County first in the District, in both the amount of sales and number of subscribers to the Loan.

In the Fifth or Thanksgiving Loan, as it was sometimes called, the five Ward chairmen were Mesdames Robert Blake, Raymond Shaw, Glenn Goddard. Mollie E. Boles and H. D. Norris, who conducted their campaign on a similar plan to that of the Fourth Loan. Mrs. Brooks Bond, a Marion florist, served as a decorating committee for Mass meetings in the fifth Loan drive. Madame Schuman-Heinke was present in both Herrin and Marion one day of the Fifth campaign and spoke in the interest of the Loan, beside purchasing Bonds in either city. While in Marion she was given the official badge of the Women's committee salesmen, and proudly wore it with her many decorations at her concert in Herrin on the evening of the same day. The sales of the Marion committee lacked but $1,350.00 totaling half of the entire amount of sales credited to the women of the County in the Fifth Loan.

Celeste Benson Smith

assisted by large committees whom she named. In the Third Loan, the work was done through the women's organizations of the city, Ladies' Aid Societies, Clubs and Lodges, and also through the Public Schools. This committee far excelled all others in sales in this campaign. In the Fourth Loan, the women's committee had representatives in the three Banks on Volunteer Days. The Camp Fire Girls under the leadership of their Guardians, Misses Hester Renard and Lois Benson, sold Bonds from booths down town. Complete report of their work is given in a separate department. The entire faculty of the City and High Schools canvassed the city. In the Fifth Loan the work was done through the women's organizations.

Other Cily chairmen were Mrs. Ben La- Master at Johnston City, who had a large and active committee, Miss Tena Thompson at Carterville, who conducted active drives with splendid assistants, Mrs. Belle Russell at Hurst, who made wonderful reports, Mrs. Charles Young at Cambria, who also served as chairman of Blairsville Township in the Fourth and Fifth campaigns and accomplished great things, and Mrs. James Allee at Creal Springs, who also served as chairman of Creal Springs Township, and conducted successful drives. A "Liberty Bell" was rung in Hurst for every sale made by the women's committee in the Fourth campaign, and they have the unusual record of having placed a Fourth Loan window flag in every home in their city. In Johnston City the women's committee sold Fourth Loan Bonds from downtown booths as well as from house to house.

All of the six City chairmen, with not a single exception, served throughout the Third, Fourth and Fifth Loan campaigns. Their drives were conducted in comparatively similar methods to that of the County seat, Marion, which is described in detail, because their figures were available for record.

T. Holland, Society Editor of the Marion Evening Post, was appointed County Chairman of Townships of the Women's Committee for Williamson County. She, also, was re-appointed for the Fourth and Fifth Loans. Mrs. Holland named a chairman together with four other women in each of the twelve Townships in the County, instructing them to confer and act with the members of the men's committee in promoting the sale of Liberty Loan Bonds.

The Rural committees were named as follows: 8-1, Blairsville; Mrs. Margaret Lawson, Bush, chairman, assisted by Mrs. W. E. Hosier of Hurst, Mrs. Charles Young of Cambria, Mrs. E. A. Kilbreth of Clifford and Mrs. William E. Downs of Colp. This committee served in the Third Loan. At the time the Fourth Loan was floated, Mrs. Lawson had become the Field Secretary of the Williamson County Chapter American Red Cross, and Mrs. Young was made Township Chairman, and Mrs. Gus Hensley added to the committee. For the Victory Loan, the same committee was again named, with the exception of Mrs. Kilbreth, who had moved away, and the name of Dr. McLain-Springs of Colp added.

8-3, Herrin: Mrs. John S. Grant, Marion, R 1, chairman, and Mrs. Noah Hunter. Marion R 6, Mrs. Alma Veach Sanders, Johnston City, R 2, Mrs. Bessie Trout Kirk, Marion, R 6 and Miss Tressie Frick, Johnston City, R 2. This entire committee with the exception of Mrs. Grant served in the Fourth and Fifth Loan. Miss Lesta Murrah, Marion, R 6, was made chairman for the Fourth and Fifth Loan.

Mrs. Albert Duty, Thompsonville, R 1. This committee served in the Third and Fourth Loans without a change, and stood first in sales accredited to the Rural women in the Fourth Loan. Mrs. Tidwell moved from the Township, and Mrs. Fred Etherton, Thompsonville, R 1, was made the chairman for the Fifth Loan, who with the same members of the committee placed their Township second in sales.

9-3, East Marion: Third Loan - Mrs. George Knobeloch, Marion, R 2, chairman; Mrs. Ida Allen, Marion, R 2; Mrs. H. C. Klope, Marion, R 3; Miss Elsie Corley, New Dennison and Miss Amelia Dahmer, Marion. R 3. Fourth Loan - Mrs. George Cutrell. Marion, R 4, chairman; with Mrs. Allen. Mrs. Klope, Miss Corley, and Mrs. Will Hawkins, Marion, R 3. Fifth Loan - Mrs. Erskine Burns, New Dennison, chairman, with the same committee which served in the Fourth Loan. They were the first Rural committee to report a sale of Victory Bonds.

9-2, West Marion: Mrs. Elijah Blankenship, Marion, R 5, chairman; Mrs. Sam Stearns, Marion, R 5; Miss Nora Aikman, Marion, R 6; Miss Gladys Grobe, Marion, R 6, and Mrs. Scott Chamness, Carterville. R 2, served throughout the three campaigns and did their best work in the last one.

9-1, Carterville: Mrs. M. L. Duncan, chairman and Mesdames John R. Russell, John North, John L. Spires and Stella Alexander, all of Carterville Rural Routes, served during the three drives, and reported their largest sales in the Victory Loan.

10-2, Southern: Miss Edith Mouser, Marion, R 5, chairman; Mrs. John G. Miller, Marion, R 5; Mrs. A. J. Starrick, Creal Springs, R 3 ; Mrs. Robert Hudgens, and Mrs. Will Stanley, Goreville, R 2. This committee served for the three Loans, with second place in the Fourth Loan and first place in the Fifth - the same record as that of Corinth Township, with reversed positions.

10-3, Creal Springs: Mrs. James Alice, chairman, with Mesdames John Morray, John Simpson, Harry Carson and John Odum, all of Creal Springs were the committee for the three campaigns, and sent reports as a City and not as a Township.

10-4, Stonefort: Mrs. G. R. Brewer, Stonefort, chairman; Mrs. John Ridgeway and Mrs. George Simmons of Stonefort; Mrs. Irvin Nolen, Stonefort R. F. D.; Mrs. T. J. Radford, Creal Springs, R. F. D. This committee was the same for the three Loans and made the best showing in the Fourth Loan sales.

During the Third Loan the rural women were not thoroughly organized, and only four of the twelve committees of women actually assisted in the sale of Bonds. At the time of the Fourth Loan, which was without question the best received of any, the women throughout the entire were as thoroughly aroused as were the men. They rendered very material assistance in the support and sale of the Bonds, and themselves bought largely of the War Loans.

The Victory Loan was staged at a time when people were busiest, and felt they had to sacrifice largely to be able to devote any time to promote the campaign. However, the Women's Committee went to work as soon as they received their official notification, to solicit subscriptions. Although they placed fewer subscriptions, the sales were in almost every instance larger than in any of the previous Loans. It is an established fact that the Banks of the County purchased more heavily of the Fifth or Victory Loan, than any of the proceeding Loans, while the individual sales were considerably decreased. Therefore, when the figures show the percent of sales credited to the Women's Committee, it is very flattering when compared with the percentage actually due to the work of the men's committee.

Following is the financial report of the sales by the women: Third Loan - 707 subscribers purchased $108,650.00 in Bonds, or 17.51% of the County's quota, and they were requested to sell 25%. Fourth Loan - 3,842 subscribers purchased $535,700.00 in Bonds, or 40% of the County's quota, and they were asked to sell 33l/3%. Fifth Loan - 159 subscribers purchased $68,550.00 in Bonds or 6.1% of the County's quota. About half of the Bonds of the Fifth Loan were sold to subscribers during the three weeks of the campaign, and they were almost entirely to people with money to invest, who realized the unequalled value of the investment.

According to the reports as made to the County Chairman, Mrs. A. H. Joseph of the Fourth Ward of Marion has the distinction of having sold the largest single subscription of any member of the Women's Committee in Williamson County, which was a $10,000.000 Victory Loan Bond.

Not less than three hundred women fn Williamson County served in some capacity on War Loan committees for the Fourth Loan, and probably half that number actually assisted in promoting the Victory Liberty Loan. War service medals made from captured German cannon were awarded by the United States Treasury Department for material and valued service to the government in the flotation of the Victory Liberty Loan, to one hundred and fifty women in Williamson County. A captured German officer's helmet was awarded by the chairman of the committee on awards to Mrs. Ethel T. Holland of Marion for her service in the double capacity of County Chairman of Townships and City chairman of Marion during the Third, Fourth and Fifth Loans.

THE Williamson County Chapter of the American Red Cross was organized on August 28, 1916, with a charter membership of seven. The first officers were Chairman, Mrs. W. S. Charles; Vice-Chairman, E. B. Jackson; Secretary, Mrs. W. 0. Paisley; Treasurer, Dr. W. E. Reid. This was first called "Marion Chapter," but at the request of the National organization, the name was changed to Williamson County Chapter, and the jurisdiction expanded to cover the county.

The first organization was made long before our country was in the war, and was through the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. F. Karl Lamb, the latter having assisted in Red Cross work on the Mexican border. A talk given by Mrs. Lamb before the Marion Woman's Club, through an invitation by Mrs. Paisley, was the means of starting this chapter, which was the first in the southern part of Illinois.

When our country entered the war, the chapter had fifty-seven members. Mrs. W. S. Charles was the Chairman and Miss Eva Young the Secretary.

The first person to join the organization after its formation was Miss Eva Young on the 4th day of September, 1916. The first annual meeting was held on the 9th day of October at which officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: Chairman Mrs. W. S. Charles; Vice-Chairman, E. B. Jackson; Secretary, Miss Eva Young; Treasurer, Dr. W. Edward Reid. At this meeting an executive committee was appointed, consisting of the officers of the Chapter and four other members as follows: Fred G. Campbell, Dr. Anna G. Reid, Mrs. W. 0. Paisley and W. S. Charles. A membership committee was appointed consisting of Miss Eva Young, W. H. Fly and Jean Burkhart.

One of the first efforts made by the new organization was the inauguration of a membership campaign. The town was canvassed to quite a large extent and especially the business section. And next began the work outside the city of Marion. A branch was organized at Herrin and Carterville, and attempted to organize at Johnston City, but Johnston City desired a chapter of its own. Later Herrin and Johnston City both formed their own chapters.

Mrs. F. Karl Lamb and Mrs. W. 0. Paisley organized three classes of twenty-five pupils each, in "First Aid to the Injured"; there being several graduates out of each class to receive diplomas. Dr. W. Edward Reid donated his services as instructor for the first class; Dr. D. D. Hartwell was instructor for the second class; and Dr. H. A. Felts for the third, but Dr. Felts enlisted in the service and left for camp before the class was finished, and Dr. A. M. Edwards finished the instructions for the class. A First Aid class was also organized at Dewmaine with Dr. McLain Springs as instructor. A class was organized at Hurst with Dr. V. H. Burkhart as instructor.

During the next spring and summer Miss Eva Young and Mrs. W. S. Charles put on several bazaars and succeeded in raising considerable finances for carrying on the work of the Red Cross in Marion, and especially in supplying funds for the making of supplies such as sweaters, socks, bandages, hospital garments, etc. Mrs. F. G. Davis also put on a bazaar for the benefit of the Red Cross.

The beginning of the work of making supplies was cumbersome and inconvenient and all work had to be taken to the home of the ones who did the work and now and then a few would gather at the homes of Mr. and

Miss Eva Young. Vice Chairman, and active worker in all war activities; first member in Williamson County. John M. Reid, Assistant States Attorney, Chairman, 1918, when the big drives were made. Mrs. Fred L. Shimer, present Secretary, active worker in all Red Cross drives.

Mrs. F. Karl Lamb, Dr. and Mrs. W. E. Reid, Dr. and Mrs. D. D. Hartwell, Miss Eva Young, Mr. and Mrs. W. 0. Paisley, and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Springer. W. H. Fly was the first chairman of the supply committee, and Mrs. W. 0. Paisley, secretary and treasurer. This committee packed and sent in to Division headquarters:

As the work increased Mrs. Paisley asked Mrs. D. D. Hartwell to take charge of the work and she secured rooms in the Shannon Holland building for Red Cross headquarters. W. H. Fly was the Chairman of this committee and did the building of the fires and the keeping of the rooms in condition during the winter of 1916 and 1917. He later enlisted in the Medical department of the United States Army and served until the close of the war.

At the Williamson County Fair in the fall of 1917, the Red Cross had a tent and stand at which they conducted a sale of produce and articles donated to the Red Cross. Miss Martha Kreiger, a trained nurse, and later a Red Cross nurse in France, was in charge of the tent and took care of about ten cases of injuries happening at the Fair that year. The stand and donations netted the Red Cross about $300.00. It was also in the fall of 1917 that the chapter established its new headquarters in the Warder building. Mr. Holland and W. H. Warder donating the rent of their buildings for the use of the Red Cross.

The next annual meeting was held on October 9, 1917, at which annual reports were given by the officers. The membership of the chapter had grown at that time to the number of 945. The first war drive for the Red Cross had been put on and Fred G. Campbell. Chairman of the drive for the chapter, reported that a total of $1,059.09 had been collected for the war fund. At this meeting new officers were elected as follows: Chairman. Fred G. Campbell; Vice-Chairman, Miss Eva Young; Secretary, Miss Ethel Davis: Treasurer, Paul W. Ballance; and the following; persons, together with the officers, were nominated and elected as the Executive committee: W. H. Fly, W. 0. Paisley, Rev. John I. Gunn, Dr. W. E. Reid, Mrs. W. S. Charles. Mrs. P. B. Wilson and Mrs. D. D. Hartwell.

Soon after this election the Red Cross planned and carried through the big dance and dinner at the Elks' Home at which they realized about $300.00. Another campaign for members was put on at Christmas. 1917.

and about 600 new names were added to the roll of members. In April, 1918, Mr. Campbell handed in his resignation as chairman of the Chapter and John M. Reid was elected to fill out the term. Already Central Division at Chicago was pressing the Chapter to get ready for the big Second War Drive. The new Chairman, Mr. Reid, and the executive committee, took the matter in hand and began preparations for the same. They first co-operated with the Elks in their Carnival by maintaining a stand at which they sold articles donated to the Red Cross. They realized about $350.00. The Chapter also brought Top Sergeant Harold Baldwin here to deliver his lecture "Holding the Line," from which they realized about $50.00. Just prior to the inauguration of the big War Drive the Chapter pulled off a big Red Cross parade, said to be one of the best parades ever had in Marion. The war drive pledges for the Red Cross were very satisfactory.

The Civilian Relief Committee was appointed and did a great amount of work. Miss Pauline Duncan was the first Chairman of this committee with the following assistants: Rev. John I. Gunn, Mrs. Hawley Cochran, Miss Mae Woodley; later Miss Duncan enlisted as a Red Cross nurse, serving until the close of the war, and the following committee was appointed to carry on the work: J. M. Norman, Chairman; Attorney H. V. Ferrell, Adviser; Dr. A. M. Edwards, Physician; Miss Gertrude Reed, Secretary; Miss Eva Young, Mrs. Harmon Brayfield, G. W. Paisley. Miss Reed later resigned as Secretary and G. W. Paisley was appointed. These committees have done very efficient work.

Since the big War Drive no organized effort in the way of raising funds has been attempted. However, the Juniors of the city have raised and given to the Williamson County Chapter quite a sum of money. Because of the spontaniety of their effort and the voluntary way in which it was done these young folks deserve special credit for their work.

During the summer of 1918, Mrs. Jane Lawson was appointed Williamson County Chapter's Financial and Field Agent. She organized several branches of the Williamson County Chapter, took a number of pledges of crops from the farmers and secured valuable data from a number of school districts, besides helping in many other ways. In this way the Red Cross has been brought home to the larger part of the inhabitants of Williamson County.

Dennis Gent gave two automobiles to the Red Cross and to the Y. M. C. A. The one belonging to the Red Cross was put on sale at the Fair, in September 1918, and the sum of $683.00 was realized in the sale thereof.

The Spring of 1918 witnessed the organization of a surgical dressing class by the Woman's Club of Marion. Mrs. W. L. Dunston was put in charge of the work. Under her direction a room was well equipped at the Logan School building. Mrs. W. H. Hart of Benton was secured as instructor and a large class learned the work. They promptly filled all quotas sent to them and asked for more and larger quotas. Those who were especially active in the work were Miss Stella

Hawkins, Miss Ada Edwards, Mrs. W. W. Miller, Mrs. Fred Martin, Mrs. P. R. Colp, Mrs. F. G. Campbell, and Mrs. E. A. Thomas, but many others also did creditable work.

Mrs. D. D. Hartwell, Chairman of the Supply Committee, devoted unselfishly and untiringly her time and energy to this work, as can be seen by her report below, and as shown by the perfect condition of her books kept on the work. Mrs. Hartwell had very efficient helpers as members of her Committee. Mrs. F. G. Davis, Mrs. Fred Springer, Mrs. Fred Martin, W. H. Fly, Dr. Anna G. Reid, Mrs. S. E. Quindry, Mrs. Harmon Brayfield, and several other good faithful workers assisted this Committee in their work. The report is as follows:

The Belgian Relief Committee did splendid work. They gathered up, packed and shipped numbers of boxes of garments for this work. The committee was composed of Mrs. Fred B. Peebles, Chairman, Mrs. W. 0. Paisley, Miss Pearle White, Mrs. Otis Brown, Miss Stella Hawkins, Mrs. G. G. Blackburn and Mrs. A. D. Davis.

The Third Annual election was held on February 5, 1919, (having been delayed on account of the influenza epidemic), and the following officers were elected: Chairman, J. M. Norman; Vice-Chairman, Miss Eva Young; Secretary, Mrs. Fred L. Shinier; Treasurer, William Wohlwend (Mr. Wohlwend also served as Treasurer from October, 1918, being elected following the resignation of Mr. Ballance) . The following executive committee was elected for the ensuing year: the four officers mentioned above and Dr. W. Edward Reid, Mrs. D. D. Hartwell, W. 0. Paisley, Mrs. Harmon Brayfield, Fred Taylor. The Chairman, Mr. Norman, appointed the following Civilian Relief Committee: Mrs. Harmon Brayfield, Chairman; G. W. Paisley, Secretary; Attorney H. V. Ferrell, Adviser; Dr. A. M. Edwards, Physician; Mrs. Paul Corder, Ward 1; Miss Mabel Todd, Ward 2; Mrs. Fred G. Campbell, Ward 3; Miss Pauline Duncan, Ward 4; and Mrs. Fred B. Peebles, Ward 5.

30 comfort kit bags (complete) . The members of this auxiliary who worked in behalf of the Red Cross to make an equivalent of eight hundred hours are:

Benson

E Herrin Red Cross Chapter was organized April 12, 1917, under the plan of the national association for war work. A temporary committee for organization, consisting of D. C. Grear, Chairman; Dr. P. G. Capps, R. F. Mooneyham, George Crichton, Hal W. Trovillion, Frank Wollard, Laura Tygett, Frances Bandy, Berenice Baker, and C. T. Schaffner, met and made arrangements for a permanent organization. The first officers elected were D. C. Grear, Chairman; Frances Stearns Bandy, Vice-Chairman; Ross Mooneyham, Treasurer, and Mrs. Chas. Murrah, Secretary. Before his term of office had elapsed, D. C. Grear resigned, and was succeeded by Dr. P. G. Capps. Dr. Capps resigned for overseas duty, and Mrs. J. M. Bailie filled out the first term and was reelected for the second term. Ross Mooneyham entered the service and was succeeded by Loren Margrave as Treasurer. Mrs. Irene McCoy succeeded Mrs. Murrah as Secretary- Treasurer.

The second election returned these same officers for another year. The second year was completed without a change in the personnel of the executive staff. The following officers were elected for 1918-19:

In order that the work might be carried on more successfully the newly elected chairman appointed twelve standing committees. They were and their chairmen:

Immediately after the election and organization in 1917, the Chapter began a campaign for a war fund with which to carry on Red Cross work. To this first call the people of Herrin responded most generously, and thirty-five hundred dollars were raised. This was, for the most part, donated by the dif- ferent business firms and by the professional men. This campaign was carried on by the officers of the organization, who were Chairman D. C. Grear, Vice-Chairman Frances Stearns Bandy, Treasurer Ross Mooneyham, and Secretary Genevieve Murrah. An active membership committee was appointed with Miss Kate Cully as Chairman. Through the efforts of this committee, the membership was increased to about eight hundred the first year.

As the organization increased its scope of work it became necessary to have rooms for Red Cross headquarters. Charles Murrah, then cashier of the Herrin State Savings Bank, offered rooms in that building. There the organization was more nearly perfected and as our boys were now beginning to go over seas and there was a call for knitted articles daily instructions in knitting were given by the women of Herrin. Mrs. 0. W. Curry later became chairman of the knitting committee. A large amount of money was spent for yarn and hundreds of sweaters, scarfs, helmets, socks and wristbands were

In January of 1918 a class in Surgical Dressings was organized with Lois Benson as chairman and instructor. One section of this class at first met in the basement of the Christian Church and another in the sewing room at the Township High School, but later, all the work was done in the club rooms of the Elks' Lodge. These rooms had been offered as permanent Red Cross headquarters for war work. Thousands of surgical dressings were made and shipped to headquarters in Chicago as they were needed. The Italian women as well as the American women, deserve much credit for this work. Also many hospital and refugee garments were made. These were cut out and distributed from the Red Cross headquarters, but the sewing was done in the various homes. Mrs. James Bailie had charge of this sewing and she with her assistants made and shipped a great many badly needed garments.

During the winter of 1917-18 the Junior Red Cross was organized with Mrs. S. A. Brockman as chairman. Through the efforts of the chairman and her assistants, every child in the city schools of Herrin became a member of the Junior Red Cross. This meant about twenty-five hundred members. In the different rooms in the schools where there were children unable to pay the membership fee, the other children would make up enough to pay it, until every room became 100 per cent. The next year, under the chairmanship of R. V. Jordan, Superintendent of Schools, the same thing was done. Every child in the city schools again became a member of the Junior Red Cross.

Also during the winter of 1917-18 the Home Service committee with Mrs. James Rollo as chairman, did a great amount of relief work among the dependent families of the soldiers who had gone from the city. The next year, 1918-19, the work was carried on by Rev. C. R. Phillips and also by Rev. W. C. Mahr. The work of this committee consisted in seeing that the dependents of the soldiers received their allowances and in seeing that soldiers received their mileage and bonus. This committee also investigated the needy dependent families and supplied food and clothing to the same. In fact this committee was one of the most active of the Red Cross.

The second war drive began to be discussed during the late summer and early fall of 1918. As plans were discussed and arrangements made for this drive, Wayne L. Smith was appointed chairman of the War Fund and through his efforts, Herrin went over the top by a little over three thousand dollars. The quota was $8,000 and $11,070 were raised. Wm. J. Sneed, A. T. Pace, and Hugh Willis were the members of the committee on the Miners' Locals and through their efforts the Local Unions gave a dollar for each member. All the business firms, lodges, churches, clubs, Hippodrome theater, and several hundred individuals donated to the fund.

In November and December of 1918 a campaign for a Christmas Roll Call was launched. Allen Whittenberg was the campaign manager and he so conducted the campaign that the membership was raised to 4,417 members, and from this enormous increase from 800 to 4,417 members, Herrin received special congratulations from the Illinois State Chairman stating that this was

At Yuletide the Christmas boxes were not forgotten. Mrs. Bailie was chairman of this committee and saw to it that almost every boy from Herrin who was across the seas had a box sent to him. To help make the big drives and campaigns mentioned above possible, the Camp Fire Girls and Boy Scouts did their part in canvassing the town, conducting tag days, selling flowers and pies and funds were raised by shows held on Sunday nights at the Herrin Opera House.

During the first year the Herrin Red Cross Chapter was somewhat handicapped by a frequent change of chairmen, and an earlylack of supplies, but under the untiring efforts and energy of the second chairman, Mrs. J. M. Bailie, Sr., this was soon overcome and the organization became very active in all phases of war work. Then under the third chairman, Wayne L. Smith, the chapter attained a still more thorough organization and was easily ranked among the foremost Red Cross Chapters of the State.

TN the early fall of 1916 a few of our pa- -*- triotic citizens began to see the great need of a Red Cross Chapter in our city, in order that we might help with the work of carrying on the great World War, so a meeting was called for the purpose of organizing the Johnston City Chapter of the American Red Cross. At that time only a very few were deeply interested in the Red Cross work, but later on as the war continued to spread and draw nearer to our homeland, it will be seen that every citizen of our little city became enthusiastic in the work and at no time were we ever given a quota that did not go "over the top."

The Executive Committee: H. E. Potter, Chairman; A. G. Burnett, R. W. Jones, G. E. Ellis, L. D. Hobbs, Fred Cooper and Troy Lewis were appointed as a committee to visit the Local Unions, for financial support. The committee appointed to visit the Merchants, consisted of Ben Lamaster, L. L. Clayton and Ben Perrine.

Those on the finance committee were: Ben Lamaster, Chairman; Ben Schull, L. L. Clayton, A. G. Burnett, H. E. Potter, Troy Lewis, Fred Cooper and Ben Perrine.

With this organization established the Red Cross work was launched, and possibly no better work was accomplished by any other chapter according to the population on which to work. Perfect harmony was maintained and every one worked hand in hand with the same ideals in view, and with the sole intention of leaving nothing undone that would help to put our city in its proper place in the history of the world's great conflict.

On the second of January, 1918, Chairman Potter tendered his resignation as chairman. It being accepted, Dr. E. Slaton was elected to fill the vacancy, with the following new members of the Executive Board: F. G. Cooper, A. A. Pearce, Thos. Hunter, and Ben Lamaster. F. D. Hall was made Secretary of the Chapter, all other officers holding over until June 1st, at which time R. W. Jones became chairman, holding same until October 10, 1918, when a new board was elected, as follows: D. H. Henson, Chairman; Dr. E. Slaton, Vice-Chairman; Gordon Pillow, Treasurer; Ben Baiar, Secretary; which are the officers at the present time.

in the Liberty Loan drives, in raising Y. M. C. A. funds, Salvation Army funds, in fact in any work that was given this Chapter, not one time did it fail to raise its quota and always finishing with a good percentage above the mark given.

This could not be accomplished only by correct organization and backed by red blooded Americans. The miners, the operators, the local unions, and men of every craft, the farmer, the merchant, were all ready to respond to the call. The second war fund drive with a quota set at $5,000.00 for this Chapter was over-subscribed more than

The Liberty Loan was oversubscribed, giving Johnston City the distinction of flying the Honor Flag of the County for ten days, then turned over to Marion the County Seat. This honor was given our city from the fact that she went "over the top" with her subscriptions with a greater percentage than any other city in the County.

The Red Cross work at Johnston City, however, was not carried on by the men alone. We are now coming to 'the point where the real help came in. Our women were just as loyal or maybe more so than the men, but of course no one person claims the honor of having done all the work. While possibly some did more than others, it is still possible that each one did what they felt able to do, and therefore one deserves as much credit as the other, but our women surely were a faithful lot, and one only needed to be in a position to watch them, to learn why Uncle Sam can raise the best army of any nation on the Globe. The weather was neither too hot nor too cold, too wet nor too dry, for some of them to be present when the time came - the deeper the snow the harder they worked - as they seemed to feel that their boy was somewhere in the cold needing perhaps the very garment they were working on. The Red Cross headquarters were taken up at the City Hall where some of the ladies met almost every day during the week. There the yarns were received and issued out, there is where the materials were kept and made up into wearing apparel for the boys. Electric sewing machines were installed, and many mothers spent their spare hours there, toiling away for some mother's boy, and perhaps for her own, and after all, who will dispute the fact that the mother, wife and sweetheart are the backbone of Uncle Sam's great army.

Chairman hospital garments, Mrs. A. Bennett; chairman knitting department, Mrs. Kate Bazue; recorder knitting supplies, Mrs. Dell Jones; committee on comfort kits; Loyal Girls of America; Miss Jessie Follis, Chairman.

plished and hundreds of garments were finished and sent to headquarters to be distributed among the boys at the front. We will not undertake to give the number of different articles that were furnished by these loyal women although it would be quite

The Loyal Girls of America must also be commended for their great help, for their work always consisted of that which most people like to shun, such as soliciting, selling tags, serving lunches, giving ice cream socials, and such other work that they might be called upon to do, to help raise money to aid the boys at the front or in the camps. Theirs was a noble work and one that will long be remembered by all who were in a position to know just what they accomplished.

In the latter part of the summer of 1918. when the call came to help the Belgium sufferers our ladies got real busy and made a canvass of the city and vicinity and in a very short time had a nice shipment of second hand clothing ready for shipment to the commissioner of Belgium relief. In the first shipment that was made there were twenty-two boxes containing 2,600 pounds of clothing. Other shipments were made later.

Could an itemized report be made of all the work that was done by this Chapter it certainly would be a record for Johnston City, and vicinity to be proud of. Also a record of the work did by each individual as they appeared as leaders of the different drives that were made, would be a great incentive to all who read it, but that part will necessarily be left out, and our thanks to them was spoken very plainly in the way we backed them up and each and every one is real proud of the record made by Johnston City, and prouder still of the good type of Americans within her community that made it possible to establish such a record for us.

In the months following April, 1917, seeing the boys respond so nobly to our country's call, the girls of Johnston City felt that they too must enter some branch of their country's service.

Being unorganized we drifted along, buying Testaments for those we knew best, until the close of the first training camp at Fort Sheridan, when at the suggestion of one of the boys who had just received his commission and was awaiting his call to camp, we began making comfort kits.

On September 21st, 1917, just after the first Selectmen left for Camp Taylor, the girls who- worked at various occupations, and therefore couldn't work at the Red Cross rooms, met and organized a club to be known as The Loyal Girls of America. A membership fee of fifty cents was charged, twentyfive cents for a pin to be worn, and twentyfive cents expense money.

After electing Sylvia Henson, President; Linnie Jones, Vice President; Pearl Chamness, Secretary, and Fay Phillips, Treasurer, plans were made to buy a radiant fire, and were successful, thus affording a comfortable meeting place in the evenings to work.

When the second quota of Selectmen left Marion we had kits containing smokes, thread, buttons, needles, pins, stationery, pencil, adhesive, bandage, salve, soap, scissors and tooth paste for every soldier in Johnston City and vicinity, known to any of the girls or their friends.

During the evenings the girls met and sewed, making and filling in all approximately three hundred kits, made of khaki and lined with rubber sheeting.

no parents and perhaps few friends. To those we wrote occasionally. For Thanksgiving, eats were prepared and sent where distance kept the home box from coming.

We assisted in the Y. M. C. A. drive with Tag Day, using the Red Triangle, bearing the inscription, "A Bit For the Sammies," which was quite a success.

Soon came election of officers: Nelle Meguiar was the succeeding President, Sylvia Henson, Vice President; Arel Ozment, Secretary-Treasurer.

At the end of November our club was well organized and every girl busy - sweaters, helmets, socks, mufflers were sent to boys from coast to coast.

Christmas boxes for the home boys in France were on their way, then came the call to "Keep the Home Fires Burning," for those with no support.

After the first contingent left Marion, no boy regardless of nationality, was known to leave without a kit and a word of cheer from the girls.

Our last President, Bertha Gore; Vice President, Nelle Meguiar; Secretary-Treasurer, Essie Newton had the pleasure of receiving the boys home again, with the help of the other club members, fifty-one girls in all, each trying in some way to do their bit.

As the boys come home, we give them a hearty welcome, and have transformed our club, with the exception of our war and after the war brides, into a social club where we can keep that friendship, which was founded during the world war.

Committee'S Activities

Since the organization of this committee in September, 1918, assistance has been rendered seventeen families by the distribution of food, clothing, coal and rent, and financial assistance for insurance premium, etc., to the amount of $698.84. Physicians' fees have been r>aid and nurses furnished where necessary.

This committee was instrumental in obtaining the release of Constantine Coin, a French boy, who formerly lived in Johnston City - a prisoner of war held by the Germans in a French village. The release was affected by communications and telegrams through the Central Division of the Red Cross. He was returned safely to his parents here.

The Piankeshaw Camp is the original Camp Fire organization of Herrin. The girls organized in September, 1916, with Miss Hester Renard as their guardian. They have been one of the most active organizations in war work in the city and have rendered invaluable aid in all war enterprises. They appeared as Red Cross nurses in the initial war Tag Day, for the Red Cross, June 5, 1917. They have helped to make successful Tag Days for the first and second Red Cross War Funds, United War Work, and for the Fatherless Children of France. They also served the drafted soldiers at a barbecue given in their honor in the fall of 1917.

They conducted a canvass of the entire town for the first Red Cross War Fund, and joined with the Boy Scouts and the Wahwahteysee Camp in a canvass of the town for the second Red Cross War Fund. They also conducted flower stands and made over eighty dollars ($80.00), which they donated to the Red Cross and to other war enterprises. They assisted in the sale of Liberty Bonds for the second, third and fourth Liberty Loan drives and helped to put Herrin "over the top." The Piankeshaw Camp has been one of the most patriotic organizations in the city, and has made a record for usefulness that i& hard to equal.

The Wahwahteysee Camp is the second to organize in Herrin. The girls organized in the winter of 1917 with Miss Lois Benson as their guardian. They have assisted in a large number of affairs, for war aid. They originated the idea of a public pie sale, soliciting pies and selling them from the band stand downtown. They made forty dollars ($40.00), which they turned over to the Red Cross from this first sale. They have assisted in conducting successful Tag Days, for Second Red Cross War Fund, United War Work, and for the Fatherless Children of France. They assisted in a canvass of the town for the Second Red Cross War Fund, and conducted a special Tag Day for the Junior Red Cross. They assisted in the sale of Liberty Bonds for the second, third and fourth Liberty Loan drives. The Wahwahteysee Camp has certainly justified its existence by its patriotic endeavor.

By T. E. Craig

The United War Work Campaign of November llth to 18th, 1918, was composed of seven welfare agencies which merged their total interests into one national budget. Coming as it did at the close of hostilities many predicted that the amount asked for, $170,500,000, would not be raised. The prophecy proved false, as the nation "went over the top" with subscriptions.

To facilitate the work, the state of Illinois was divided into twenty-two districts, the county of Williamson being the twentieth, composed of Randolph, Perry, Franklin, Hamilton, White, Jackson, Williamson, Saline and Gallatin. The apportionment of the district was $233,100.00, of which amount Williamson was assigned the task of raising $39,000.

Of this amount the Y. M. C. A. subscribed $22,004.00, the Y. W. C. A., $2,568.60. No detailed report of the other organizations is available, but Williamson county's quota was oversubscribed.

The Y. W. C. A.

The Young Women's Christian Association made the clearest and most complete report of any organization. This because they concentrated their efforts and kept good records, easily available. The report of their work, made by their county chairman, Mrs. Ethel T. Holland, follows:

Womens' Work was organized through the Federated Clubs organization, Mrs. Mary Wall of Murphysboro, chairman of the 25th District Y. W. C. A.; Mrs. Ethel T. Holland,

Tag Day

On the first day of the big drive for the War Work fund, the women held a tag day, tags being given all who contributed even the smallest amount. In this work the city of Herrin led by raising the largest amount; Marion came in second, Johnston City third, Carterville fourth, followed by Hurst-Bush and smaller localities. More than ten thousand tags were sold.

This organization solicited subscriptions from women and women's organizations, clubs, churches, societies, lodges, etc., and rural communities raised their quotas through school districts and reported to the county treasurer of the fund through their local treasurer.

Mrs. Elza Cash of Marion was appointed county chairman to supervise the after-thewar or reconstruction work and had appointed her committees throughout the county. These committees were practically the same, with but two exceptions. Mrs. Cash passed away on April 23, 1919, before her work was completed.

A district convention of the United War Work for the Twentieth District had been held on October 28, 1918, where organization was completed and plans for the drive made. Those invited to attend as special workers from Williamson county were the following: Rev. H. H. Hampton, Rev. E. J. Sabin and Jas. A. Lauder of Carterville; Robt. Hopper, A. K. Elles, Geo. G. Otey.

Wayne Smith of Herrin; L. D. Hobbs, L. L. Clayton, Gordon Pillow, Mark Ferges and D. H. Henson of Johnston City; Ed M. Slotlar, Dr. John I. Gunn, J. H. Siekman, Harry Holland, Geo. C. Campbell, W. H. Warder, and John M. Reid cf Marion.

John R. Mott, Director General of the United War Work Campaign, designates this as "The largest voluntary offering in history." Read his enthusiastic words in the following extracts from his report:

"In the history of mankind the largest sum ever provided through voluntary offerings for an altruistic cause was the great fund given in November in the United War Work Campaign. In the period beginning November llth, a day forever memorable as the one on which hostilities ceased in the Great World War, the entire American people - the rich and the poor, the members of all parties, races and religious faiths - united their gifts and sacrifices in rolling up the vast sum of over $200,000,000. This fact alone would give the campaign unique distinction.

Provenance

Text from Williamson County, Illinois, in the World War : Containing a Brief Review of the World War--complete History of Williamson County's Activities--photographs and Service Records of Williamson County's Soldiers, Sailors and Marines--industrial Review of Business and Professional Firms Who Have Made This History Possible, published 1919, in the public domain in the United States and digitised by the Internet Archive.