Moweaqua Township

The Recruit

One of the busiest individual war-time officials, whose work was coordinated with that of the local Exemption Board, was Judge A. J. Steidley, whom Governor Frank O. Lowden appointed Government Appeal Agent for Shelby County.

Judge Steidley's duties as such official commenced upon the organization of the local board, when the selective service law went into effect, and he served during the entire remaining period of the war, entirely without compensation.

That the duties of the office were no sinecure is indicated by their character. He was (1) legal adviser of all registrants; (2) assisted in perfecting all appeals to the District Board; (3) attended to correction of errors made in questionnaires: (4) prepared additional affidavits in connection with all questionnaires sent up on appeal: and (5) acted in conjunction with the local board in regard to classification of registrants, when requested by the board to do so.

Judge Steidley also on January 18, 1919. was appointed by Adjutant General Frank S. Dickson as Acting Inspector of Local Board Records and Files, and in that capacity made a trip, under assignment, to Mattoon, where he examined all files and records of the Local Board of Coles County, - and made a report thereon.

Elmer D. Flowers and Leo C. Kelley ran each other a close race in getting into the military service. The former, however, had a little the "edge" on Kelley, as without waiting for the impending declaration of war on the part of the United States, he enlisted for infantry service and was one of the American soldiers who landed in France with General Pershing with the vanguard of the fighters who were destined to bring the World War to a speedy close.

Flowers enlisted in Mattoon on the 2d of April, 1917, and was sent from there to Jefferson Barracks, Mo. From that point he was transferred to Douglas, Ariz., and later landed with Pershing's first division in France the latter part of June. At the time of his enlistment Flowers was not 21 years old.

Corporal Leo Kelley was a close second to Flowers, being the first Shelby County boy to enlist after President Wilson declared a state of war with Germany existed. Then a student in Chicago and under the age of independent enlistment. Kelley hastened to his home in Shelbyville as soon as the President's declaration was announced, obtained his parents' consent, returned to Chicago and enlisted on April 8. He passed all tests, took the necessary training course and was sent to France with the famous Rainbow division. He received promotion, and after some time in the general service he was detailed as an instructor in a training camp in France, performing that service in a highly creditable manner until the signing of the armistice.

Mrs. Mollie Isenberg The American Red Cross

The sacrifice, the devotion, the zeal, the oneness of purpose with which the women of the county threw themselves into the big and unaccustomed job their hearts and hands found to do, approached those of the zealot.

Scorning their own ease, unmindful of their own comfort, forgetful of the quiet and sheltered routine they had been wont to follow, indifferent to social activities, they unhesitatingly donned the cloak of service and gave themselves to the alleviation of distress, the holding up of the hands of their soldier men, the bearing of unaccustomed burdens, the multitude of little tasks which in the aggregate bulked large in the great structure of united war work.

Nowhere does the service of women shine with greater luster than in the work of mercy and helpfulness performed through the medium of the Shelby County Chapter, American Red Cross.

Soon after America entered the war the initial steps toward forming a Red Cross in Shelby were taken, and on May 9th, 1917, the organization was effected at a meeting held in the Public Library building in Shelbyville, when the following officers were elected: and Mrs. Ella W. Hamlin, who first was made chairman of the Woman's Committee on Hospital Supplies, was succeeded by Mrs. Mollie Isenberg, with Mrs. Geo. B. Rhoads as secretary.

Adopting the report of a nominating committee appointed at the first meeting, on May 11 the Chapter elected the following named directors for the terms indicated:

Three Years

A membership drive followed immediately, and a total of 473 members were enrolled. Later the number was increased to 1.407 in Shelbyville, with a grand total of something like 7,000 in the county, throughout which branches of the Chapter were quickly organized. The county's membership quota was only 4,700. The work of these branches is detailed in another section of this chapter.

The Woman'S Branch

In the summer of 1918 Mrs. Ruby Walker was appointed chairman of a finance committee, and owing to the absence of Mrs. Auld, in the spring of 1919 Miss Ida Diddea was appointed chairman of the Surgical Dressings department.

Under the capable leadership of the various officers and with the co-operation of a myriad of women and men, the work of the Red Cross immediately sprang into universal favor and was prosecuted with great effectiveness, the traditions of the Red Cross being fully sustained.

Units Of Workers

The Surgical Dressings department was com-' posed of five units of workers, each consisting of at least twelve women and meeting at hours that would not conflict with one another. The workers wore long sanitary white aprons and Red Cross caps covering the hair, with a red cross on cap and apron for the supervisors. It was so arranged that the women could give their time as they desired, but none gave less than a half day a week. Many gave more. The units were under the direction of the following named supervisors and assistants:

Great care was necessary in the manufacture, handling and packing of the surgical dressings. All of these manufactured throughout the county were sent to Shelbyville, where they were inspected carefully and packed according to prescribed rules, to reduce to the zero point the danger of insanitation. The packers were Mrs. W. E. Lowe and Miss Mary Seaman.

Several tons of second hand clothing was gathered and shipped to refugees. At one time there was a shipment of 3.200 pounds, and later shipments increased the total by more than 2,000 pounds.

Shipments of materials for use in France and Belgium, and to be manufactured into garments by the women of those countries, are still being forwarded by the Shelby County Red Cross Chapter and its branches, which continue the work upon which they entered more than two years ago.

The first call for aid came to the Shelby County Chapter out of the death-dealing cyclone that swept over Shelby and adjoining counties on the 26th of May, 1917. The local Red Cross fund was swelled quickly to $1,100, which was distributed as follows:

In addition to the cash donated, a large amount of food supplies and clothing was forthcoming, and officers and members of the Red Cross, as well as other citizens, gave generously of their personal service in alleviating distress at the stricken points.

Some Notable Red Cross Dates

Notable dates in the history of the Shelby County Red Cross Chapter include Tuesday, Nov. 27, 1917: Saturday, April 27. 1918; Saturday, May 25, 1918, and Thursday, April 24, 1919.

On the first date the Chapter had its first big Red Cross rally for the entire county. The meeting and conference were held at the First Methodist church in Shelbyville and the Red Cross headquarters, respectively, the latter in the afternoon and the former in the evening. A large number of (vomen were in the county seat, representing practically every branch in the county. The conference ,vas presided over by Mrs. Mollie Isenberg. Mrs. Geo. B. Rhoads called the roll of Branches and conducted a round table. Mrs. Agnes Palmer of Chicago talked on the general work of the Red Cross. Mrs. George Reinhart of Windsor, a registered Red Cross bandage instructor, talked enlighteningly on bandages and their making. Displays were made at the conference of many finished articles, knitted and sewed by various Branches.

In the evening the mass meeting at the church was addressed by Mr. Asher R. Cox, field representative of the Red Cross society, who had been representing this country in the foreign field, particularly in Germany. He graphically described the needs of the work, and drew a direful picture of the consequences in the event the people did not rally to its support. Mrs. Palmer also spoke at this meeting.

The Auction

On Saturday, April 27, the Chapter held an auction sale on the streets of Shelbyville, and served a cafeteria dinner. Among the many things put up at auction were two Shetland ponies, numerous hogs, calves and other livestock. The auctioneers, who cheerfully gave their services and put their best efforts into the selling, were Del Bennett of Shelbyville, Hal Bennett of Windsor, T. A. Askins of Lakewood, Walter Prosser of Clarksburg and Curt Wilson of Findlay. The receipts of the sale were over $1,400, and a second session, with good results, was held on the following Saturday. The dinner netted the Red Cross $131.00.

Field Day

The Red Cross Field Day was held Saturday. May 25. 1918. Fifteen thousand peo'ple assembled in Shelbyville for the celebration, and all Branches of the county participated in the big event. With spectacular parade, concerts by the famous Beaumanoir Commandery Band of Decatur, address by Professor Robert T. Herrick of the University of Chicago, the presence of two aeroplanes from Chanute Field, the exhibit of the great war picture, "The Unbeliever." and many other interesting features, the day passed into history as one of the red-letter events of the organization.

The parade was nearly a mile in length. Floats, cleverly wrought to depict the more striking of the Red Cross posters, the Shelby County Red Cross Chapter and Branches, surgical dressing units, the Boy Scouts, veterans of other wars and the women of the Relief Corps, various lodges, the service Hags of the churches and other organizations were featured in the procession that moved through the business section of the city and to Forest Park. Birma Kinnamon as a Red Cross knight, mounted on a pure white steed with Red Cross caparison, led the procession, and was immediately followed by "Old Glory," borne by John Wilburn, former color sergeant of the 130th U. S. Infantry. Following the band, J. C. Westervelt and Mrs. M. Isenberg, chairmen of the Chapter and of the Woman's Division, respectively, led the other units of the procession, which included the various Branches, decorated floats, the animated Red Cross posters and other features.

Perhaps the most affecting division of the entire procession was that composed of the mothers of soldiers and sailors. Fifty-nine of them, each with a service flag and more than one of the flags bearing two or more stars, silent testimony to the sacrifice of the mother hearts, were in line.

One of the most interesting and practically helpful features in line was the great Elks' flag, 15x24 feet in size, which was carried by the Shelbyville lodge and into which was cast a total of $125.45 as it passed through the lines of people. Additional contributions were received through the tagging system, and the financial returns of the day, turned into the Second War Fund of $25,000 asked of the county, were quite satisfactory.

In addition to the address by Professor Herrick at the park, there were exhibitions by the aeroplanes, concerts by the Beaumanoir Commandery Band, the May Pole dance by the high school girls, and the moving picture.

The only marring feature of the day was an accident in which Lieutenants Cupp and Jeffries fell a distance of 100 feet with their aeroplane. The latter was wrecked, and Lieutenant Cupp was slightly hurt. Jeffries was uninjured.

Dinner For Soldiers

On Thursday, April 24. 1919, three hundred of Shelby County's returned soldiers, sailors and marines were guests of the Red Cross at a sumptuous chicken dinner, as a feature of a patriotic demonstration attending the visit of a War Relics Exhibit train, which came to the city in the interests of the Victory Liberty Loan. The reception to the soldiers, initiated by the Shelbyville Commercial Club and cheerfully participated in by the Red Cross, was a happy feature of the day's interesting events. The room in which the soldiers dined was prettily decorated with the "colors" and Victory Loan posters. The "mess" was promptly disposed of, and in a meeting of the service men later in the day a vote of thanks was tendered the Red Cross for the splendid treatment accorded by that organization.

Following the dinner, the soldiers. Commercial Club, Victory Loan organization and others, marched to the railroad station to greet the War Relics train and its complement of 59 men, which included a military band and details of soldiers and marines. A whippet tank was one of the many interesting exhibits, and this was prominent in the parade that was made through the streets, preceding the programs of speeches and music that were given from platforms erected in the business district. The music was furnished by the Ladies' Victory Loan Glee Club, the Victory Loan Male Quartet and the military band. The speeches were delivered by Judge Fenton W. Booth of the United States Court of Claims, Randall Parrish, the noted author, Ser-

The Red Cross was given unstinted praise for its part in the demonstration, serving as it did an elaborate chicken dinner without cost. Its latest service of this sort was on the occasion of a reception to the soldiers and sailors Oct. 15, 1919.

Early in 1918 the Red Cross resorted to the monthly payment plan of raising funds, and received a generous response to its solicitation of subscriptions for a stated sum each month for a definite period of time. Tn January, 1918, the County Board of Supervisors appropriated $100.00 for each of the Branches.

Christmas Seals

The Christmas Seals campaign was waged each year in the county seat and the county at large. In 1917 the sales were very gratifying. Incidents illustrating the alacrity with which the Seals were purchased include the following: Miss Catherine Anderson, teacher of the Empire school in the western part of the county, originally was furnished 500 Seals. She soon ordered 1,000 more. Miss Margaret Welch of the schools in Moweaqua, where again and again it was demonstrated the people were 100 per cent patriotic, telephoned to headquarters for 2,700 Seals additional to her allotment. Miss Hester Clem of Ash Grove asked for a 500 per cent increase in her allotment. Mrs. Matthew Maurer of Rural ordered double the number she first received, Windsor called for an additional 2.000, and Findlay 3,000.

The campaign period showed a heavy increase in the sales. In fact, the advance was 2,000 per cent over the sales of 1916. This was due largely to the fact that the selling campaign was thoroughly organized and carried into all parts of the county. School children alone sold 44,755 Seals. In the school contest the Strasburg school, of which Prof. E. X. Norris was principal, won the city school prize with an average of 11 13/17 sales to the pupil, while in the rural contest Empire school, near Assumption, of which Miss Catherine O. Anderson was teacher, won by an average of 48 stamps per pupil.

Mrs. J. C. Coplin, a member of the Shelby County Chapter, early in the service originated an improved helmet. The new feature was a flap which could be placed over the face to protect it from cold, dampness or the encroachments of the festive rat with which the trenches were said to be infested, while the soldier slept or rested. When not so used, the flap was laid up over the head, forming a second crown and held in place by a fastener. The plan was used extensively in the making of helmets, not only in Shelby County, but elsewhere.

Ax Epitome

An epitome of the work of the Shelby County Chapter, American Red Cross, and its Branches, indicates a grand total membership of 6,968, $87,- 898.85 in money raised, 921 Christmas boxes sent overseas in 1918, and the making of 28,850 garments and other articles for the soldiers and French refugees.

Still At Work

The Red Cross is still serving the men who gave themselves to the saving of the world. Since the war closed several hundred dollars have been expended in the county for financial assistance to families of soldiers, and much else has been and Still is being done for the returned service men.

In this work the Shelby County War Historians have co-operated extensively, initiating and carrying on for several months the free information bureau and the taking up of many matters, the scope of which covers allotments and allowances, compensation, back pay, bonus, reissue of clothing, conversion of insurance, decorations, registration of discharges and citations, employment, Victory buttons and bars, vocational training and general information and advice for all service men. The filling out of all papers to secure the above was done by the War Historians up to Nov. 1. when the work was definitely taken over by the Red Cross. Claims for more than $30,000 were filed for the men by the War Historians, in co-operation with the Red Cross and American Legion, the Historians advancing the funds for the service.

This service is now being performed by the Red Cross through its Home Service Department, under the direction of the secretary. Miss Edna Conn, who recently took a six-weeks training course in methods of handling this work. Through this department, offices of which are maintained in the court house at Shelbyville, the Red Cross is keeping in touch with disabled soldiers, compiling their hospital records and reporting to headquarters on their condition, and in many other ways maintaining the reputation of the American Red Cross as "The Greatest Mother in the World."

The Work Of The Branches Ash Grove Branch

The Ash Grove Branch was organized Xov. 19, 1917, on which date a Woman's Auxiliary also was formed. The officers of the Branch were: Chairman, Mrs. Thomas Clawson, Windsor; vice chairman. Miss Edna Storm, Windsor; secretary. Miss May Templeton. Gays; treasurer, Mrs. J. J. Thomas, Cays. Mrs. Clawson, Miss Templeton and Mrs. Thomas also were chairman, secretary and treasurer, respectively, of the Woman's Auxiliary. There was a membership of 160, and the sum of $1,237.34 was raised, while 13 comfort kits were sent to Red Cross headquarters and the manufactured articles numbered 243, with 175 additional knitted pieces, including 42 sweaters. 24 wristlets, seven helmets and 102 pairs of socks.

Ocoxee Braxch

The Oconee Branch was organized Xov. 5, 1917. with Mrs. Lou Welch chairman, Mrs. Laura Spurrier secretary, and Miss Catherine Eckolt treasurer. It grew to a membership of 270. The Branch raised a total of $2,426.65, which was expended for the benefit of the "boys." Thirty kits were furnished the soldiers direct, 15 Christmas boxes were sent overseas, and 537 garments were made. The Branch has four Junior Red Cross organizations, with <> membership of something like 50.

Cowden Braxch

The Cowden Branch was organized Sept. 14, 1917, with A. W. Moore as chairman, Mrs. R. X. Thompson secretary and B. E. Prater treasurer. Xine hundred members were enrolled, with six subscribers, and the sum of $3,611.81 was raised. Thirty-seven Christmas boxes were sent overseas, and 982 garments were manufactured. The Branch made and partially rilled 40 comfort kits at one time, but all its supplies were sent through the Chapter headquarters, according to orders.

Strasburg Branch

1917, with Henry Faster as chairman and Edwin H. Faster as secretary and treasurer. The Branch attained a membership of about 250, and was one of only two Branches in the county which went "over the top" in the Red Cross drive. A total of $4,000 was raised and much other splendid work done.

On the 12th of September, 1917, a Woman's Auxiliary was formed. Mrs. E. N. Norris was made chairman, and Mrs. J. E. Weber secretary and treasurer. The membership was 57, and $2,846.71 was raised for the relief fund. Thirty comfort kits were furnished the boys direct; eight sweaters also were made and given soldiers; 977 knitted articles, including washcloths, were manufactured, and 4,048 surgical dressings and 72 dozen trench candles also were the work of the busy hands of these women. The receipts of the auxiliary came from various sources, among them being the following: A carload of hogs, donated, shipped and sold on the Chicago market for $1.200; a Red Cross sale, amounting to $500.00; a chicken fry, several hundred dollars; a lecture at Grace Lutheran church by a Camp pastor, with free will offering amounting to $81.25, which was donated to the Red Cross; an entertainment by St. Paul Lutheran young people, the proceeds of which were given the Branch; a play by the young people of the village; quilts made by St. Paul's Ladies' Aid, and sold. After the war was over, the Branch purchased $1,200 worth of Liberty Bonds, and still has $132 on hand.

Todd'S Point Branch

1918, with the following named officers: Chairman, Mary C. Perry, Bethany; vice-chairman, Frieda Martin, Bethany; secretary, Clara B. Nuttall, Bethany; treasurer, Zoe Janes, Bethany. The Branch had a membership of 15, and raised $65.00, furnished four sweaters, three helmets and eight pairs of socks to soldiers direct, and made 10 garments.

Prairie Home Branch

The Prairie Home Branch was organized Aug. 11, 1917, with the following named officers: Chairman, DeForest Baird, Bethany; secretary, Myrtle Lindley, Bethany; chairman of the Women's work, Mrs. W. B. Lindley, Bethany. The Branch had a membership of 114, and raised $429.25, sent four Christmas boxes overseas and manufactured the following garments: Forty-four sweaters, 9 pairs socks, 6 pairs wristlets, 11 mufflers, 25 pillow cases, 20 skirts, 2 helmets, 25 underskirts, 5 pairs drawers, 27 Belgian pinafores.

Clarksburg Branch

The Clarksburg Branch was organized in the fall of 1917, and had an annual membership of 197. The total amount of money raised was $2,143.62, while two Christmas boxes were sent overseas, 23 sweaters were furnished soldiers direct, and 479 garments were made. The officers of the Branch are: Chairman, Mrs. J. A. Hickman; secretary, Miss Mell Compton; treasurer, Charles Flenner. Leverett Compton also held an official position. The Branch held a very profitable auction sale at Clarksburg on June 19, 1918, when a considerable sum of money was raised.

Sigel Branch

Sigel patriots organized a regular Branch and a Woman's Auxiliary on the same date, November 21, 1918. with a combined membership of 360. The officers of the regular Branch were: Chairman, Dr. H. C. Heuck; vice chairman, Mrs. William Paxton: secretary, Mrs. H. C. Heuck; treasurer, S. S. Bigler. Officers of the Auxiliary were: Chairmen, Mrs. William Paxton and Mrs. Lou Behrman: secretary, Miss Louise Mense; other officers, Mrs. Julius Hansen and Mrs. George R. Dunlap. The sum of $1,- 892.28 was raised. Sixteen Christmas boxes were sent overseas, 25 filled comfort kits were furnished soldiers direct, and 291 sewed garments, 164 knitted garments and 3,985 surgical dressings were manufactured.

Westervelt Branch

Mrs. W. C. Kelley and the Reverend N. H. Robertson of Shelbyville were the organizers of the Westervelt Branch, on Nov. 14, 1917. Miss Rolfa Barrickman and Mrs. Paul Christman were elected chairman and secretary, respectively, and later were succeeded by Mrs. H. M. Jackson as chairman and Miss Bessie E. Fritz as secretary. The Branch had a very satisfactory membership, and raised a total of $3,144.19. Three hundred thirty-five garments were made, and a number of Christmas boxes were sent overseas. The number of these could not be furnished by the secretary, as they were sent through the Chapter headquarters at Shelbyville.

Tower Hill Branch

Sept. 14, 1917, was the date of the organization of the Tower Hill Branch, of which the following named persons were officers: Chairman, Mrs. Minnie B. Eiler; vice chairman, Mrs. Eva Cannon; secretary, Mrs. Delia Werstheimer; secretary-treasurer of Hospital Supplies Department, Mrs. Julia Maze: treasurer, H. H. Runkel. The Branch had a membership of 445, and raised $1,768.76, sent 23 Christmas boxes overseas and manufactured 885 garments, of which 463 were sewed and 422 knitted.

Trowbridge Red Cross Workers Trowbridge Branch

The Trowbridge Branch was organized Sept. 22, 1917, and attained a membership of 200. The officers were: Chairman, Mrs. Cleve Rogers: secretary, Miss Gertrude McClory; other officers, Maine Quinn and Annie McClory. The Branch raised $910.63, sent 11 Christmas boxes overseas and made 1,025 garments. Among the social activities of this Branch was a reception given the returned soldiers and sailors of Big Spring township, when about thirty of those who had seen service were entertained at a social and dance, with nearly 600 persons present to honor them.

Dollville Branch

The Dollville Branch in Rural township was organized Nov. 6, 1917, with the following named officers: Chairman. Mrs. Mathias Maurer, Tower Hill; vice chairman, Mrs. Andrew Metzger, Tower Hill; secretary, Mrs. John Weber, Tower Hill: treasurer, Mrs. Chris Munzenmaier, Pana. The Branch had a membership of 197, and raised $1,462.48, sent four Christmas boxes overseas and made 422 garments.

Faxcher Branch

The Fancher Branch was organized in May, 1918. Its officers were: Chairman, Mrs. William Marsh; secretary, Mrs. H. O. Clausen; treasurer, Henry Davidson. The Branch had a membership of 29, and raised $168.33 and made 48 garments.

Stewardson Branch

Stewardson had a regular Branch of the Shelby County Chapter, and a Woman's Auxiliary as well. Both were organized June 8. 1917. The officers of the former were: Chairman, Mrs. William Denn: vice chairman, Mrs. J. S. Belles; secretary. Miss Rose Streng; treasurer, Mrs. A. C. Mautz. The officers of the Auxiliary were: Chairman, Mrs. Edith Wilson, Stewardson; secretary, Miss Grace Spain, Trowbridge. The membership of the regular Branch was 369, and of the Auxiliary 17. The receipts from the membership fund amounted to $2,481.94, while the sum of $1,470.29 was raised in addition, making the grand total received, $3,952.23. Fifty-five Christmas boxes were sent overseas, and 709 garments were made.

Herrick Branch

The Herrick Branch was organized in October, 1917, and at the same time a Woman's Auxiliary was formed. Of the former, C. B. Latimer was chairman, I. R. Holt secretary and G. W. Kelley treasurer, while of the latter Mrs. C. B. Latimer was chairman, Mrs. lone Burrus secretary and Mrs. Alice Xowlein treasurer. Splendid work was done by these organizations. The sum of $900 was raised, 400 garments were made, and 24 Christmas boxes were sent to boys overseas. The membership of the Branch was 197.

Windsor Branch

Windsor organized a Branch of the Shelby County Chapter, American Red Cross, on May 15, 1917, and on July 28 of the same year added a Woman's Auxiliary to the great force for the accomplishment of war work. The officers of the regular Branch were: Chairman, Dr. A. B. Storm: vice chairman, C. H. Sexson; secretary, Lucille Reich; treasurer, E. G. Munsell. The officers of the Auxiliary were: Chairman, Mrs. M. E. Barton; vice chairman, Mrs. G. E. Dunscomb: secretary, Leota Garvin; treasurer, E. G. Munsell. The membership of the Branch was 394, and of the Auxiliary, 50. The cash receipts of the former were $1,112.64, and of the latter, $1,810.92, the Woman's Auxiliary exceeding the regular Branch by $698.28. Christmas boxes were sent individually, and five sweaters, one scarf and two helmets were furnished direct to soldiers, while a total of 4,086 garments were made.

Yantisville Branch

The Yantisville Branch was organized Nov. 15, 1917, with Mrs. J. M. Yantis, Findlay, as chairman, Miss Laura Belle Syfert, Findlay, as secretary, and Miss Hazel Bateman, Findlay, as treasurer. The membership roll bore the names of 166 persons. The sum of $789.93 was raised, five Christmas boxes were sent overseas, and 143 knitted articles and 152 sewed garments were manufactured.

Findlay Branch

The Findlay Branch was organized July 13, 1917, and was aggressively active from the first. The officers were: Chairman, Dr. A. W. Askins; vice chairman, Mrs. John Cribbet: secretary, Miss Mabel Combs; treasurer, Mrs. William M. Pogue. The Branch had 245 annual members, one life member, one contributing member, and three subscribers. Twenty-one Christmas boxes were sent overseas, and a total of 2,920 articles of wearing apparel, bandages, kits, etc., were manufactured. The Branch raised $2,731.28. using unique methods from time to time to swell the fund. During the Findlay Communitv Festival, Oct. 24-27, 1917, the Branch netted $305.12 from the sale of Red Cross tags, donations and the like. One feature of the money-raising campaign consisted of the carrying of a large sheet, with the Red Cross emblem, through the streets for donations; another was an auction sale where two pounds of butter sold for $6.00, a white lamb for $70, a black lamb for $100.00, and a Red Cross quilt, made by Miss Edith Alward of Todd's Point, for $9.25. On June 8, 1918, an auction sale was held in the Findlay park. Girls dressed in Red Cross uniforms sold refreshments from a stand, and the stand and auction netted the Branch $1,396.34. At the Community Festival, Oct. 12, 1918, a Red Cross quilt made by the women of Forrest School District was sold and resold three times, bringing a total of

$135.00. Before and after the sale girls carried the quilt through the streets and received $200.00 in contributions thrown into it. Red Cross benefits were held in several of the country schools.

Lakewood Branch

The Lakewood Branch, with the Woman's Auxiliary, was organized July 2, 1917, and attained a membership of 169. Clyde Foor, Charles T. Bowman and Dr. J. H. Eddy were chairman, secretary and treasurer, respectively, of the Branch. Mrs. Mary Bowman was made chairman of the Woman's Auxiliary, and later was succeeded by Mrs. Dollie Specht. Mrs. Bertha Askins was the first secretary, and later this office was held by Mrs. Leila Newkirk. Mrs. Mary Eddy was chairman of the cutting department, and in the later months practically the entire burden of the Red Cross work in this community has rested on her and her husband, Dr. J. H. Eddy.

The Lakewood Branch raised a total of $1,085, sent five Christmas boxes overseas, and made and forwarded to headquarters in Shelbyville about 500 knitted and sewed articles. One of the activities of this Branch was a Red Cross sale, conducted in the summer of 1918, the receipts of which were in the neighborhood of a thousand dollars.

Moweaqua Branch

The Moweaqua Branch, organized May 31, 1917, and with a Woman's Auxiliary formed at the same time, has the county record, outside of Shelbyville, for the amount of funds raised for the work of the Red Cross. Moweaqua's total cash donations amounted to $7,978.06, of which $6,674.61 was derived from a Red Cross sale on May 4, 1918. The membership of the Moweaqua Branch the first year of its organization was 438, while in the second year it was 266. Fifty-three Christmas boxes were sent overseas, many sweaters, helmets, socks and other articles were furnished the soldiers direct, while 1,000 garments were made. The Branch has the distinction of sending two nurses into the field, one of them across seas and the other into the home service. These are Miss Minnie Snyder and Miss Ethel Yantis, whose records are given elsewhere in this volume. The officers of the regular Branch were: Chairman, Dr. J. L. Sparling; secretary, Miss Aileen Day; treasurer, K. R. Snyder. The officers of the Woman's Auxiliary were: Chairman, Mrs B. F. Stults; secretary, Miss Aileen Day; treasurer, Miss Mattie Snell.

The press of Shelby County fulfilled its mission nobly in wartime. Without exception the thirteen newspapers of the county lined up solidly behind every project that had for its purpose the welfare and encouragement of the "boys," the heartening of the folks at home, the smashing of autocracy and the making of the world safe for democracy. These newspapers were:

It is a well recognized fact that these thirteen newspapers did more than any other one agency to maintain the morale of the great civilian army of Shelby County, and also were a leading factor in the sale of bonds and raising of funds in whatever campaign was ordered by the government or great beneficent organization.

The newspapers gave thousands of dollars worth of space in the aggregate to propaganda and publicity, without which the county would have failed abjectly in playing its full part in the great scheme of the World War and war work. Without stint the publishers opened their columns to reading matter and display advertisements setting forth the necessities of the government and to the dissemination of information and orders it desired the public to receive. The various Liberty Loans, the War Saving Stamps, the conservation of fuel, the increased production of foodstuffs, the conservation of flour and sugar, the calls sfor volunteers for both military and civilian service - these and other interests of the government were "played up" in the press with a prodigality of space that marked the publishers as patriots, indeed, ready to contribute of their "stock in trade" in a measure beyond the average class of men in bringing success to the allied arms.

Nor was their contribution of valuable space made to the government alone. The Red Cross, the Y. M. C. A., the United War Work, the Salvation Army, and the many other institutions that served in any measure to help the American and Allied armies to "carry on" to a successful consummation, had free access to the columns of the Shelby County press with their appeals for money or workers.

In a few of the drives, it is true, an advertising fund was provided; but in the great majority of these campaigns the newspapers were asked to contribute space without hope of monetary reward, and right splendidly did they meet the demand by their ready contribution of space.

VICTORY hath attended our arms, O my Country, and Triumph percheth upon our banners. The enemy hath been vanquished and goeth no more up and down the Earth, seeking whom he may slay or what nations he may conquer.

My heart is glad when I hear the happy laughter and observe the smiling faces of little children, whose songs have not been stilled, whose hands have not been severed and who have two feet upon which to run and jump and play.

My soul riseth up within me in a great thanksgiving of praise because our wives and daughters have no need to hang their heads nor seek to hide themselves because of the unspeakable lechery of the ravishing Huns.

I rejoice exceedingly in my heart that our brave sons, with a forgetfulness of self, with high ideals and patriotic fervor answered the call of Humanity and followed "Old Glory" to the aid of their stricken brothers across the sea, where with minimum sacrifice of life, and maiming of body they smashed the Monster of War and gave assurance that Liberty and Justice and Peace shall not perish from the earth.

In thankfulness, therefore, before my God, as freely as we gave our sons to the service of the World, I shall pour my Gold upon the altar of my country, that the cost in dollars of the campaign that caused the war to cease at least three years before the end could otherwise have been expected and myriads of our precious boys to be brought home alive, shall be paid and the integrity of our nation be maintained.

Four and a quarter million dollars was Shelb\ County's response to the United States government's request for loans of cash with which to finance its preparations for and conduct of the war and to extend credit to the sorely-pressed and all but bankrupt Allies. Through the five popular loans the people of this county poured out their golden store unstintedly in the purchase of Liberty Bonds, in addition to their heavy purchases of War Savings Stamps and their free-will gifts to the various humanitarian organizations through which war work was being done.

It must be admitted that in the First and Second loans the spirit of the people had not yet arisen to the point where they were whole-heartedly back of the bond flotations, and at the end of each of these campaigns, both of them in 1917, there was a deficiency in the quota allotted to Shelby County. By the spring of 1918, however, with American soldiers in a steady stream pouring into Europe and America participating actively in the maneuvers in the war zone, men and women of all classes and varied financial conditions were ready to back their government with their money and from then on Uncle Sam asked nothing he did not get.

The First Loan

The First Liberty Loan was floated in midsummer of 1917, the drive taking place officially between the llth and 18th of June, though an extension of time was granted in order to clean up the work. In Shelby County Geo. B. Herrick, cashier of the Citizens National Bank of Shelbyville, was appointed chairman of the campaign. The Shelby County quota was placed at $300,000.

The organization was not extensive, yet there were willing workers in all parts of the county. The drive was handled principally from Shelbyville, however, Chairman Herrick, representatives of the other banks and Boy Scouts visiting various sections in the interest of the loan. The city of Shelbyville had a working organization in the various wards, the men and women composing the several ward committees being as follows:

Fourth Ward

A house to house canvass was made in Shelbyville June 12 and 13, the value of which was seen in the fact that of the total amount subscribed in the county, $126,300 was taken in Shelbyville. The grand total for the county was $260,550, taken largely by and through the following named banks: