Pleasant Hill Township

Pleasant Hill Township

The move for organizing a local Red Cross Branch in Pleasant Hill was started by Mrs. Ada S. Bybee, she circulating and securing the required number of signers to the petition, after which the Branch was organized, with the officers: Chairman, Edgar Voshall; vice-chairman, T. E. Gurney; secretary, C. C. Thomas; treasurer, Alta C. Wells. Three hundred and sixty-five members were secured in 1917.

The women organized and opened their work room in September, 1917, with Mt. T. E. Gurney as superintendent of the sewing department and Mrs. Lou Bower as assistant. The knitting was supervised by Mrs. Mollie S. Thomas. These women had the co-operation of a goodly number of others, and from their faithful efforts were turned out and shipped 879 articles from the sewing department, 140 articles from the knitting department, besides a great many articles made and sold locally at sales and bazars, the money from all these being turned in to the general fund of the local Branch. The women made their first shipment Nov. 7, 1917, and ceased work in February, 1919.

The officers of the society for 1918 were elected in July, and all old officers held over except the secretary, who was succeeded by Minnie E. Guthrie. The second drive for membership was made in July, 1918, and resulted in raising the roll to 491. The Chaistmas campaign made in December, 1918, resulted in the signing up of 309 members.

The amount raised from memberships was $1,167, and by drives, sales, donations, etc., $2,540.12. To this fund people contributed readily and liberally, several parties giving $50; others giving hogs, and everyone doing their bit as best they could. The total amount raised for the general fund was $3,707.12.

Griggsville Chapter

The Griggsville Chapter of the American Red Cross was organized May 17, 1917, with the following officers, who are the present ones, with the exception of the secretary, who is now Rev. G. P. Burdon, Mr. Dew Brittain having moved away: Chairman, John S. Felmley; vice-chairman, W. O. Cunningham; secretary, J. H. Dew Brittain; treasurer, Fred H. Farrand. Executive Committee: Mrs. Anna E. Shoemaker, Mrs. Eva N. Conklin, Mrs. Margaret T. Yates, Fred A. Stone and Harold S. Hunter.

This was the first Chapter organized in Pike County and, while its jurisdiction extended over the townships of Flint and Griggsville, with a population of about 2,500, it acquired a membership of about 750, nearly one-third of the population. This membership was very active and enthusiastic and it excelled in all branches of the work.

Our quota for the second Red Cross drive was $3,500, and we raised over $5,200, going 50 per cent over the top. We also had $3,775 donated to us for the use of the local chapter, thus making the amount raised for the work nearly $9,000.

Under the capable management of Mrs. Charles H. Sparrow, chairman of the sewing department, the ladies of the Chapter made several thousand bandages and other articles. Under the direction of Mrs. S. M. Stead and Mrs. Zula Stone the ladies also knitted a great many sweaters and socks - nearly as many, in fact, as the rest of the county.

In the epidemic of influenza in the winter of 1918 the Chapter, through its committee, furnished nurses and free meals to families that were in need of them, and is at present aiding the invalided and sick soldiers to obtain their allotments from the Government.

There were branches of the Pike County Chapter in Detroit Township, New Canton, Rockport and Summer Hill, in addition to the ones represented, but no reports have been received from the latter four. No special report was made for the Pittsfield Branch, as its work was included with the whole of the Pike County Chapter, and no separate records kept.

R. T. Hicks M. D. King

The Pike County Unit of the State Council of Defense was organized soon after America entered the World War. The Board consisted of Wm. Elza Williams, chairman, and Judge Harry Higbee, Judge Edward Doocy, R. T. Hicks and M. D. King, members. An Executive Committee was organized, with the chairmen of the respective war activity committees as members. Every branch of the service was complete in its detail and organization, and constituted one of the most effective county organizations in the State. The county chairman of the State Council of Defense received many commendatory communications and letters of approval from the chairman of the State Council of Defense as to the promptness and efficiency of all war committees co-operating with and organized under the Council of Defense. This organization was in a measure advisory over all other war activities in the county, and is entitled to much of the credit for the success of every war undertaking. Pike County's record in the war is a source of great pride. More than one thousand of our boys met the requirements of the selective draft and were enrolled in the army, and a considerable portion of them went overseas. Every demand for money, whether it consisted of the sale of Liberty Bonds or War Savings Stamps, or drives to raise funds for the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., Salvation Army, Knights of Columbus, and other organizations constituting a part of the United War Work Campaign, was promptly met by our citizens, and in every instance Pike County went over the top.. There were few instances of disloyalty brought to the attention of the Council, and in not more than three cases did the Council have to admonish any citizen of the county. There was practical unanimity among our people, and a spirit of patriotism and sacrifice was always manifest.

A Word Of Appreciation From President Wilson To The Women Of America

"T think the whole country has appreciated the way in which women have risen to this great occasion. They have not only done what they have been asked to do, and done it with ardor and efficiency, but they have shown a power to organize for doing things on their own initiative, which is quite a different thing and a very much more difficult thing. I think the whole country has admired the spirit and the capacity and devotion of the women of the United States. It goes without saying that the country depends upon women for a large part of the inspiration of its life. That is obvious. But it is now depending upon the women also for suggestions of service, which

What American Women Have Done For The Liberty Loan

"IT am deeply grateful for the splendid support American women have given to the Treasury and to all war activities. The increasing demands of the war made their work more and more important. Their continued enthusiastic and spirited co-operation strengthens my confidence in the success of

"Women have proven themselves worthy of equal partnership with men in all the affairs of Government. I earnestly hope that the remaining opposition to the grant of equal suffrage to them will rapidly crumble in the light of the notable things done by American women in this great war for liberty

Council Of National Defense

At the beginning of the greatest of world-wide wars the Council of National Defense was created by an Act of Congress, for the purpose of dealing with internal problems arising out of war conditions.

The Woman's Committee was organized as a part of the Council of National Defense, and Dr. Anna Howard Shaw was appointed its chairman by President Wilson and commissioned to "Keep the Home Fires Burning." Under the efficient direction of Dr. Shaw and her national committee every State in the Union was organized as a division, and every county as a unit of the Ge D.

Mrs. J. D. Hess was appointed chairman of the Pike County Unit by Mrs. Joseph T. Brown, State chairman, and Mrs. Jessie Stafford, organization chairman of the Illinois Division. Mrs. Hess was authorized to organize the county by townships and school districts, and the rapidity with which this organization was accomplished proved the intense loyalty of our Pike County women.

This county has been "cited" by the State officers of the Woman's Committee for being one of the three best organized counties of the State, of which fact the members of this unit are justly proud.

We were told to prepare for a long war - '"it would last at least five years" was predicted by some of our greatest statesmen - and the Woman's Committee of Pike County laid a splendid foundation for war work, and had organized committees in nearly every township, precinct and school district in the county. Because of this splendid organization we accomplished much and helped carry to success the many Government drives.

About seven thousand women registered for service, and the first task assigned us by the Government was to distribute, sign and urge others to sign, the pledge cards for the conservation of food during the period of the war. We carried the knowledge of substitutes into every community and importuned the conservation of food, fuel and clothing.

We bought and sold Liberty Bonds and War Savings Stamps, solicited for the adoption of many French orphans, and served unceasingly in the Red Cross work rooms for the orphans and needy of our Allied countries.

We weighed and measured babies, and now we hope, with the aid of Uncle Sam, that mothers will continue to weigh and measure babies until they have attained such perfection as that created in "His likeness and image." '

The members of the Woman's Committee, C. N. D., were interested in public health questions, and at the general election in November, 1918, voted for, and influenced others to vote for, the establishment and maintenance of a tuberculosis sanitarium for this county.

"Community Sings," one of the departments of war work promoted by the C. N. D., created much interest throughout the county, and many "sings" were organized. These patriotic song services continued in many communities long after the signing of the armistice, and were a great source of enjoyment and inspiration to loyalty in every organized community.

The Pike County Unit had a part in the following Government drives: The Armenian Relief, United War Work, Refugee Clothing, Salvation Army, Liberty Loan and War Savings, Red Cross Membership and Victory Loan.

The women of the Woman's Committee of this unit are proud of the fact that the Government gave us a part in this limited service, and because of our unfailing loyalty continued the organization until the signing of the Peace Treaty. The chairmen of committees and departments received a certificate of honorable discharge, signed by our beloved leaders, Mrs. Joseph T. Bowen and Mrs. Frederick A. Dow of Chicago.

Clara (Rentchler) Hess was born in Jefferson County, TIL, Aug. 17, 1865. She is the daughter of John and Lucy (Adams) Rentchler. Graduated from Mt. Vernon (Ill.) High School, and Illinois Woman's College, Jacksonville, Ill., in the class of 1883. Married to J. D. Hess at Rentchler, St. Clair County, Til, Nov. 22, 1883. Mother of four children: Stanley R., of ! Fairbanks, Alaska, (deceased); Terrence (deceased) ; Kather- ° ine and Eloise. A member of the M. E. Church, and many of : its auxiliaries; president of Fortnightly Club for two years; W. C. T. U.; Woman's Club, of Pittsfield. Organized Pike County Federation of Women's Clubs in 1915, and was president until resignation in 1919, Chairman of Executive Committee, Pike County Anti-Tuberculosis League; served as Recording : Secretary of 20th Congressional District Federation of Women's 7 Clubs, and is district chairman of department of Social and 4 Industrial Conditions of this organization. Was woman mem- - ber of Pike County Auxiliary Committee, State Council of De- - Z fense.

Gertrude E., daughter of Howard and Mary Cohenour, was born north of Pittsfield. Attended country grade school and graduated from Pittsfield High School. Was married to Chas. H. Penstone of Newburg in 1900. Is a member of Pleasant Grove M. E. Church, president of Ladies' Aid, a member of Pittsfield Woman's Club, Sorosis Club, and Greenfield Community Club. Was Newburg Township Chairman of Liberty Loan Organization, United War Work, and Armenian Relief. Address is Griggsville, Ill, R. R. No. 3.

Pearl C. Williams, daughter of John M. and Frances A. Williams, was born near Detroit, Pike County, Ill, Sept. 25, 1881. Attended Kirksville Normal School at Kirksville, Mo., for two years and taught school for seven years in Missouri. Was married Oct. 27, 1908, to George M. Smith of Pittsfield, Ill, which is now her home. Was president of Pittsfield Fortnightly Club for two years, active in Red Cross work, secretary of Woman's Committee, C. N. D., for period of the war, and at present vice-president of the Pittsfield Woman's Club.

Oct. 28, 1888. She graduated attended Illinois College Conservatory of Music, at Jacksonville, Ill. Is a member of the Congregational "Church, was president of Pittsfield Woman's

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The Atlas Township Precinct No. 1 Unit of the Woman's Committee, C. N. D., was organized Nov. 5, 1917, with the following officers: Mrs. Richard Long, chairman; Mrs. Ela James, vice-chairman; Miss Lena Henry, secretary; Dr. Mary Aiton, treasurer. Depart- ' ment chairmen were appointed as follows: Americanization, Mrs. Helen Deam; Allied Relief, Mrs. Carrie McCarty; Courses of Instruction, Miss Sue G. Long; Food Production and Conservation, Lulu M. Long and Bessie Deam Adams; Social Hygiene and Child Welfare, Dr. Mary Aiton; Finance, Miss Lena Henry; War Savings, Mrs. Irma Carlton. The organization made a complete registration of the women and children in the township and helped in all the war work drives - Liberty Loans, Red Cross Financial and Membership, Fatherless Children of France, Tuberculosis Work in Pike County, State Aid Roads.

The Pleasant Hill Unit of the Women's Committee, Council of National Defense, was organized in September, 1918, with the following officers: Chairman, Mrs. Helen L. Wells; vice-chairman, Mrs. Etta Thomas; secretary, Miss Geneva Collins; treasurer, Mrs. Elmer Baker.

Departmental chairmen appointed were: Americanization, Mrs. W. T. Waugh; Allied Relief, Mrs. Emma Blake; Conservation, Mrs. Minnie Windmiller; Child Welfare, Miss Minnie Guthrie; Courses of Instruction, Miss Stella Ferguson; Finance, Mrs. Elmer Baker; Food Production, Mrs. A. O. Venable; Information, Miss Viola Thomas; Publicity, Mrs. Etta Thomas; Registration, Mrs. Helen L. Wells; Recreation of Girls, Mrs. A. T. Brant; Social Hygiene, Mrs. R. P. Wells; Public Health, Mrs. James Goodman and Mrs. Oscar Waggoner; War Savings and Liberty Loan, Mrs. Ada Bybee, Miss Marie _ Windmiller and Mrs. Chas. Shive; Women and Children in Industry, Mrs. P. B. Yates; Directors of Music, Rev. Chas. Liston and Rev. Fenton Bartine.

The government call for registration of women was responded to by the registration of 198 from this and Ross township. Nearly all the registrants expressed their willingness to give personal service if necessary. Registration fees to the amount of $16.10 were collected. Under the direction of the Child Welfare Department 30 babies were weighed and measured and a movement was started for the registration of all births and deaths in the township.

All calls for money and personal service were responded to and the apportionment of $215 for the Armenian Relief Fund was met in full. That many of our women worked untiringly in the Red Cross, both in the work room and in the drives, is shown by the records of that organization. Personal purchases of bonds by the women of the township was as follows: First Loan, $7,000; Second, $2,800; Third, $9,700; Fourth, $10,950; Fifth, $5,700; a total of $36,150.

eral rural school districts, and a chairman was then appointed in each district. The districts, names of chairmen, and the work accomplished in each district follows:

Liberty Song Leaflets were received from Mrs. Harry Hart, State Director of Liberty Chorus and Community Singing, and were distributed among the several district chairmen