Shelbyville Township (part 1 of 3)

Shelbyville Township

So to co-ordinate the activities and the resources of the organized and unorganized women of the country that their power might be immediately utilized in time of need, and to supply a new and direct channel of communication and co-operation between women of governmental departments, was the purpose of the Woman's Committee of the Council of National Defense, a unit of which was established in

The departments of the Woman's Committee in- . eluded the following, some of which, however, were not adaptable to local conditions, hence were not .actively developed:

Those familiar with the splendidly comprehensive work of the women in Shelby County during the .course of the war will readily recognize the avenues through which they worked. Miss Hopkins' able assistants, named by her as chairmen of the various departments, were:

The State Council of Defense did a magnificent piece of work all over the state, but its activities largely had to do with questions concerning military matters, finance, crops, labor, business, etc., while the Woman's Committee had to do more with the women and children and with the practical details of the home. It dealt mainly with human beings.

Child Welfare Department

One avenue through which the work of this committee was done was the Child Welfare Department. Under the general direction of Mrs. S. S. Crook, many children in Shelbyville and throughout the county were weighed and measured, the work being done at different times over a long period. With the weighing and measuring, the parents were given instruction as to the proper care of the children, that the child life of the county might be conserved in harmony with the state- and nation-wide plan. A great deal of literature was distributed, and even the school boys became intensely interested in the subject. Mrs. Joseph T. Bowen, State Chairman, told of one lad who wrote a composition in which he said: "Xow that we are at war, it is everybody's business to have a baby and to save it!"

Out of this work developed the school nurse who was and still is employed to look after the physical welfare of the school children in Shelbyville.

Allied Relief

Early in the war activities the Allied Relief Work was undertaken in Shelby County under the direction of the Woman's Committee, C. X. D., with Mrs. Rella W. Hoover as County Chairman.

The making and shipping of clothing to Belgian refugees was undertaken, the work being done principally from three centers - Shelbyville, Findlay and Clarksburg. Mrs. Arthur Birkett of Findlay and the Misses Mel Compton and Verna Ragan of Clarksburg co-operated splendidly with Mrs. Hoover and the women of Shelbyville, and many hundreds of aprons, dresses and boys' waists were shipped to destitute Belgian children.

The campaign for the adoption of Fatherless Children of France, directed by Mrs. Hoover, also was waged very successfully. The "adoption" consisted in furnishing sustenance for such children at the cost of $36.50 each per annum, this amount added to the French government allowance being sufficient to maintain the child and make it possible for it to remain with and under the care of the widowed mother. The following individuals and organizations thus adopted French children:

Mrs. H. M. Scarborough. Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Walker. Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Dove. Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Dove. Mr. and Mrs. B. S. Yost. Christian Science Society. Geo. B. Roberts. Noble C. Leathers. Miss Bessie Wilson. Anna A. Dole, Findlay. Unitarian Sunday School and Alliance. St. Paul's Lutheran Sunday School. First Presbyterian Sunday School. Mizpah Class, First Methodist Sunday School. Frances E. Willard Class, First Methodist Sunday School.

In addition to the adoption of these children and the making of the garments already mentioned, a special drive was conducted on Dec. 7, 1918, Mrs. Birkett and the Misses Compton and Ragan taking charge in their respective towns. A total of $767.92 was raised - $586.42 in Shelbyville, $109.50 in Findlay and $72.00 in Clarksburg.

Shelby County thus assisted materially in swelling the totals of the State, which_ raised $788,130.68 for relief and sent to Europe 705,140 hospital supplies, 182,035 garments, 27,188 kits, and adopted 8.844 fatherless children.

Food Production

Under the department of Food Production, of which Mrs. F. C. Bolinger was the county chairman, many hundreds of "war gardens" were established. The need for increased production of vegetables, as well as of grains and other food products, was systematically and convincingly laid upon the minds and hearts of the people, and there was a magnificent response in Shelby as well as in other sections of the country. Plots of ground that hitherto had been but waste tracts, were tilled, and while the increased production was the material and obvious result, there was a very real benefit also in the lessons of industry and the physical effect on the workers.

Food Conservation

Another important work accomplished under the general direction of this committee was that of food conservation, of which department Mrs. F. O. Bisdee was the head. Notable among the activities of this department was the Food Show conducted at the Sparks Gymnasium in the county seat, extended mention of which is made elsewhere in this history, the effects of which were far-reaching and still are in evidence in practical economies in many homes in the county.

The conservation doctrine also was taught and its lessons clinched through the Hoover Food Card pledges that were signed by thousands, who were thus definitely committed to retrenchment in the use of food and foodstuffs.

The Registration Of Women

Early in 1917 the United States government required of all Shelby County men of a certain age that they register for public service. Again, the question of food conservation coming up the men and women, regardless of age, were asked to conserve the food supply to the best of their ability. The next request, in the week of Xov. 5, 1917, was for the women of the county to register.

When the country called for a great supply of men and they left for training camp and trenches, it meant for every man taken for war service a woman had to be found to take up the work he laid down when he went to fight for his country, or that of another man transferred from his accustomed occupation to fill the vacant place. Therefore the registration of Shelby County's women was directed, and it was pointed out that while by registering the women did not obligate themselves to go wherever ordered, the registration was necessary in order that it might be known how many women could be depended upon to perform certain work from time to time.

Chairman Hopkins and her co-workers organized thoroughly for the registration, and the following chairmen were appointed throughout the county and thoroughly instructed in their duties, which were by no means a sinecure:

Women of other townships where there were no towns and therefore no chairmen were named, registered where it was most convenient for them. The registration primarily was for women who could afford to give their services to the causes; but it also was for women who required their expenses, and also for the woman who must be paid for her time and labor.

The response far exceeded the expectation of those in charge of the work. The many registrars who volunteered for this serevice were swamped, but bravely stuck to the work day after day until the registration period ended and it was found that 2,595 women of the county had "enlisted" for service of whatever sort was required of them. -

Miss Mamie Laue, Shumway, a college student in Shelbyville, was the first woman to register in the county seat. Those who registered as housekeepers far exceeded those who registered under any other one classification. However, most of these also signified their willingness to do other things besides housework, to help win the war. Poultry raisers, gardeners, stenographers were among those who offered their services to the government, and the list also contained names of those who signed up as motor car drivers. In many instances the registrations were pathetic, in that women who were burdened with heavy tasks in the rearing of children and the keeping of the home, offered some service to their country.

The registration books were reopened April 20, 1918, when a great number of additional women offered their services in war work of various kinds.

Volunteer Clerical Work

Another activity under the Woman's Committee, C. N. D., was the volunteer clerical work done by the women registrants in connection with the administration of the Local Exemption Board. From time to time women who had registered for clerical service were called on to assist the local board in filling out records of the selective service men, and in the aggregate gave many days' time to this work.

Shelby County women have the grateful consciousness of having been aligned with an organization that was 100 per cent, effective, as the Woman's Committee of the Council of National Defense, of which Dr. Anna Howard Shaw was National President and Mrs. Joseph T. Bowen, Illinois State President, is conceded to have been the most complete organization of women ever existent in state or nation, accomplishing more and better things in line with its purpose than any other body.

Furthermore, the Illinois organization, which was perfected first, was recognized as the most complete and was taken as the pattern for those of other states.

Took Special Training Course

In July and August. 1918, Miss Hopkins, chairman of the Woman's Committee, C. N. D., took a sixweeks' course of training in the School for National Service, at Chautauqua, N. Y., where she and others were trained, under strict military discipline, for duties that come through war and other national disasters. When the course was half completed, Miss Hopkins was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and placed on the staff as registrar. Perhaps her best work was done as a speaker in the Liberty Loan and Red Cross campaigns, in which she served efficiently and at many points.

The distinction of being the youngest Red Cross member in Shelby County during the war, lay with little Miss Joy Carnes, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Wallace C. Carnes of Shelbyville. Born late Saturday night, Oct. 19, 1918, she was enrolled early Monday morning as a member of the Shelby County Chapter, American Red Cross, while little more than thirty hours old. Thus the Carnes home was kept "100 pet. R. C."

One of the active, effective bodies that constituted the civilian wartime machinery of Shelby County was the War Executive Committee, composed of heads of and receiving reports from all war and relief organizations of the county.

The War Executive Committee was formed at a meeting held at the court house in Shelbyville on Saturday, May 4, 1918. Mr. J. W. Yantis and Miss Georgie T. Hopkins were made temporary chairman and secretary, respectively, and permanent organization was effected by the election of the following:

At this time it was officially decided that the chairman and secretary should constitute the nucleus for the Finance Committee, and that the organization might always be fully effective, the chairman was directed to make a new appointment to succeed any member of the committee who at any time became inactive, by failing to attend to the duties of his position.

The first and third Saturdays of each month were designated as meeting dates, and on these days the members of the War Executive Committee assembled to hear reports and transact such business as was necessary. One important matter proposed was the institution of a War Chest, and Messrs. J. C. Westervelt, John C. Quinn, Jacob Lovins, William H. Chew, A. L. Yantis and H. E. Monroe were appointed as additional members of the Finance Committee for the purpose of reporting on the feasibility of the War Chest plan. At a subsequent meeting they presented an adverse report, and the project was not approved nor put into execution.

At the request of the Finance Committee, A. L. Yantis laid before the county board of supervisors a plea for an appropriation of money with which to meet the legitimate expenses of the various war work departments, and he reported to the War Executive Committee that the board had appropriated the sum of $1,000 for the use of the committee for the purpose stated.

One of the interesting reports at the June 15 meeting was that of Dr. J. C. Westervelt, who stated that up to that time the sales of War Savings Stamps in Shelby County amounted to more than $130,000, with a special drive for increased sales arranged for June 28.

Miss Georgie Hopkins reported at that time that the women who had registered were now available for work in any department to which they might be assigned, and were at the disposal of the different committees.

T. B. Shoaff, chairman of the Naval Enrollment Committee, reported that between 55 and 60 men had responded from this county and were then at work in the shipbuilding department.

The final meeting of the War Executive Committee was held Aug. 17, 1918. During its activity it gave careful and very effective attention to many details of the war work in the county, that had a decided effect on the general war work of the county.

Consistent with its well-established reputation for turning a willing ear to the cry of the distressed, Shelby County gave with comparative generosity to the relief of the starving, shelterless, suffering peoples of Armenia and Syria, when the call came to them in February, 1919.

The slogan of the drive was "It takes but $7.50 to save a life," and Shelby County was asked to raise $7,500 of the total amount required to secure the relief necessary. Apportionment was made on the basis of the United War Work F'und, and the amount asked was but one-sixth of the other fund. A mass meeting in Shelbyville was addressed by Professor Albert T. Olmstead of Chicago, and other mass meetings were held throughout the county, with local speakers carrying the message of the suffering people overseas to the people.

The National War Savings Committee was organized as a war expedient. Its purpose was twofold - to instil in the American people the habit of thrift, not alone for the duration of the war, but permanently, and to procure funds to aid in the successful prosecution of the war.

Martin A. Ryerson of Chicago was appointed chairman of the Illinois State War Savings Committee, and Dr. J. C. Westervelt of Shelbyville was appointed chairman for Shelby County, with authority to organize the district and appoint aids. Townships and school districts were organized, Chairman Westervelt making the following appointments of township chairmen:

These men were well chosen, and the sales of Thrift Stamps and War Savings Stamps went forward satisfactorily. Even the children caught the spirit early, and played no inconsiderable part in swelling the totals. Wanoma Phelps, the little daughter of Leverett Phelps, a clerk in the Shelbyville post office, was the first purchaser of a Thrift Stamp through that office. The sales campaign gathered such momentum that during the interim between June 1, 1917, and Jan. 1, 1919, more than $500,000 was secured through the War Savings Committees of the county, while the sales since that time have been considerable. In addition, the sales of the 1918 series of Thrift and War Savings Stamps through the post offices of the county, as reported by the accounting postmaster, Frank Stone of Shelbyville, amounted to $430,000, and those of the 1919 series to $28,298.66 on Oct. 14. Sales through the banks of the county and other agencies, reports of which are not available, greatly increase the total of returns from these sources.

Dr. Westervelt served as county chairman of this organization for nearly two years, resigning the position in the spring of 1919. The appointment then went to D. Leslie Davis, but upon his declination William Harris, superintendent of the Shelbyville public schools, was induced to take the county chairmanship and still is serving in that capacity.

In the year 1917 the United States Food Administration was organized with precise thoroughness. Herbert Hoover, who had done such splendid relief work in Belgium, was United States Food Administrator, and Harry A. Wheeler was appointed Food Administrator for the State of Illinois.

Dr. J. C. Westervelt served as F"ood Administrator for Shelby County, and organized the district, appointing a representative in each township of the county. These appointees, who did fine service until the close of this particular work, were:

A record was made at once of every food dispenser, each and every dealer was advised of the food laws and regulations, and the restrictions on staples, particularly on flour and sugar, were strictly enforced.

Considering the fact that theretofore their tastes, appetites and inclinations had been denied only by the limitations of the wherewithal with which to purchase, the cheerfulness with which the people of the county, in common with the whole country, adjusted themselves to the new order of things, was little short of marvelous. The restrictions, required by the crying needs of the peoples across the sea, soon sat easily upon the patriotic men and women; though

"Famines" in sugar and flour were of frequent occurrence, though with the greatly decreased use of these staples the demand was greatly less. Dealers were sorely pressed at times to obtain a sufficiency of substitutes, and their mathematical skill was brought into play to apportion their sales equitably under the rules and sell any wheat flour at all. Some dealers in flour disposed of their stocks to bakers, and suspended trade in that commodity until the close of the restricted period.

Notwithstanding the cheerfulness of their sacrifice, announcement by Food Administrator Westervelt on Thursday, Nov. 14, 1918, that no more substitutes need be used for wheat flour, brought delight to the housewives, and immediately it was white bread for all except those who through extended use had acquired a liking for the corn bread and other substitutes that for months had been a part of the daily diet.

Dr. Westervelt served as County Food Administrator from October, 1917, to January 1, 1919. On the latter date the organization was discontinued. While the war was a frightful thing, it taught many an American that less expensive tastes are as well as the old extravagances.

Shelby County people who had been told that to save an ounce of this or that a day will accomplish such and such in a year, but without getting the practical application, were given a demonstration on Friday and Saturday, March 8 and 9, 1918, that failed not of its purpose to teach by example as well as by precept the importance of food conservation.

The demonstration was in the form of a Food Show, given in the Sparks gymnasium under the direction of the Woman's Committee of the Council of National Defense, which was accorded the fullest co-operation of the Food Administration, the Free Public Library, the schools, the press and the food dealers. The huge gym was profusely decorated with banners, bunting, flags and food posters, and everywhere, though in orderly array, were displays of various foods and food products, arranged attractively and uniquely with a view to giving the beholder a graphic object lesson as to what and how the people could save, in order to patriotically support the government in its fight for democracy.

The exhibits were placed under six general classifications, namely: Proteins, Sugars, Starches, Fats, Fruits and Vegetables, and the Library section. Each division was complete in itself, with exhibits arranged in a striking manner. One or two examples will suffice to illustrate the methods used to carry the desired message of economy and saving to the beholder: In the Protein division a small slice of ham, one ounce in weight, was laid beside three large hams, with a poster stating that if each person in Shelbyville would save an ounce of meat a day, it would save the larger quantity - 36 pounds - in the same length of time. A slice of bread placed beside the picture of a battleship illustrated the fact that the saving of a slice of bread a day by the people of the country would build a battleship.

work of pupils of the local schools; a plasticine exhibit of various foods, showing their relative value in eggs, meats, fruits, vegetables, sugars, bread, etc.; a number of books and leaflets on gardening, and a miniature truck patch, the work of E. M. Harwood, illustrating what might be accomplished by intensive gardening.

A spectacular feature of the display, carrying with it a peculiar appeal to Shelby County people whose boys were at Camp Taylor or had passed through that cantonment, was the children's section, designed to show "How Children Can Help." Camp Taylor, with the Shelby County soldiers therein, was reproduced as the central figure of the design to illustrate the poster declaration that the saving of one pound of wheat, two ounces of fat, seven ounces of sugar and seven ounces of meat for one day by Shelby county people, would keep the Shelby County boys at the cantonment in sugar and fats for eleven months, and in meat and flour for eight months.

Entertainment features included singing by the Woman's Chorus at each session, demonstrations by the Boy Scouts, Children's Folk Dances, and each afternoon Miss Katheryn Patterson, instructor in Domestic Science at the Shelbyville high school, gave a cooking demonstration. At noon hour a "war" luncheon was served by the Surgical Dressing Class of the Red Cross, and was generously patronized. In the evening a clever little playlet, embodying the "Blue Bird" idea and worked out by Miss Okla Sturgis, was given by a group of children.

The Food Show, carefully planned and conducted, and with premiums for superior products the ingredients of which conformed to war-time restrictions, unquestionably did much toward instilling the spirit of saving into the minds of the people, and had a very material bearing on the unanimity with which Shelby County people conformed to the government's food regulations.

A fine example of a man's love for his adopted country and the spirit that prompted the real patriot to go into the field against the autocracy of the Central Powers, was shown by Henry Anderson of Sigel, who, though a Dane and subject to the government of that country, registered June 5, 1917,

"I came to America poor. I came here to make my living. All I have, I made here. This country has afforded me protection and a living, and I am ready and willing to bear arms in its behalf."

Rev. N. H. Robertson C. H. Belting

With the urgent cry for increased production of farm crops that the world might be fed, and with the ranks of farm labor decimated by the transfer of the experienced young farmers into military service, it became necessary to draw upon the ranks of men in other lines of activity for assistance in tilling the soil and harvesting the crops. The condition became acute in the summer of 1918, and a countrywide call was issued for the enrollment of men for farm labor.

Elza M. Ragan was appointed County Chairman of the Farm Labor Enrollment in Shelby County, and in the discharge of his duties worked in co-operation with Farm Adviser C. H. Belting. A store-tostore and office-to-office canvass was made, not alone in the county seat but in the other towns of the county as well, and a magnificent response was obtained. Not a man, whatever his business or profession, refused to enroll for farm labor when needed. Merchants, doctors, lawyers, ministers and members of other professions instantly signified their willingness to "help out" in agricultural necessities, and did give of their time and energies when requested later to do so.

The demand was less than the supply of volunteer labor, however, though some workers were furnished through this department. Later, the work was handled directly through the Farm Bureau.

The Shelby County Farm Bureau was an efficient aid in carrying on the war work in Shelby County, particularly along agricultural lines with the co-ordination of crop production and food conservation. The officers of the bureau were:

Executive Committee

Farm Adviser Belting was in close touch with the labor needs of the farmers, and was enabled to render valuable assistance in furnishing the labor required to properly handle the crops.

The Boy Scouts of Troop No. 1, Shelbyville, did heroic work for the Xation and the World in all the Liberty Loan campaigns, the Red Cross drives, the United War Work activities, and even sent one of its members to France for active work on the firing line. In all their activities, into which they entered with a zeal that was commendable, they were directed by their Scoutmaster, Rev. N. H. Robertson, pastor of the First Christian of Shelbyville.

The Scouts were allowed to sell bonds only in the first three campaigns. Every Scout who sold ten or more bonds received a medal from the Department of the Treasury at Washington, and a bar was given on the same basis after an emblem was secured.

The Scouts distributed a great amount of literature in the five Liberty Loan campaigns. The following is a summary of the work done both in this and the bond-selling activities of the Scouts:

Twenty-nine different Scouts had part in this splendid work. They, with the recognition accorded them by the Department of the Treasury, were as follows:

Certain prizes for their meritorious work were also given the Scouts by the Scout committee, Messrs. Geo. C. Bolinger, W. S. Middlesworth and C. H. Beetle. Presentation of the medals and the prizes were made in public, patriotic meetings, in which the Scouts gave demonstrations of their signaling and other work. The awards by the government, made necessarily by a representative of the government, were presented by Postmaster Frank Stone.

Every Scout had a war garden, and actively assisted in other vital war work. The Troop donated $25.00 to the Red Cross, and twenty-two Scouts contributed $110.00 to the United War Work campaign. They gathered nearly 1,000 books and magazines for the soldiers and sailors, and took a black walnut census of their territory.

The Shelbyville Boy Scout who served in France was Headen Broyles, who enlisted in Company H, 130th U. S. Infantry, and participated with that organization in the splendid fighting that characterized its service overseas.

Dr. G. Henri Bogart, now deceased, was appointed County Fuel Administrator and was charged with the official handling of the complicated fuel situation in Shelby County, until changed conditions brought relief from coal shortage and rendered his further service unnecessary.

In common with the country at large, Shelby County had its fuel shortage, but with careful and at times drastic direction by the Fuel Administration. the situation, though at times critical, did not become disastrous. Occasionally it became necessary to confiscate coal in transit as it was passing through local yards, and at other times the local Fuel Administrator was obliged to send out an "S. O. S." call, and by these and other means the conditions were met with not too great distress.

Then came the famous Garfield "Heatless Mondays" order, under which various classes of industry and commercial enterprise were closed on the first secular day of the week for a certain period of time. The "heatless Mondays" were preceded by a fourdays period of heatlessness, in which places of public meeting and many business houses and offices were closed as a means of conserving fuel.

Despite the fact that in some instances business buildings had to be heated because on upper floors there were living rooms, the business men with patriotic unanimity subscribed to the spirit of the order, as well as its letter, and closed their doors during the prescribed period.

With a clearer understanding of the requirements under Dr. Garlield's order, by the second "heatless Monday" the system was working smoothly and there was a more universal conformity with the order than on the first closed day. This resulted in some inconvenience, naturally, but as a rule this was accepted cheerfully. Drug stores were open for the sale of drugs and the compounding of prescriptions only, but their cigar counters were covered and the man who had failed to lay in a supply of his favorite cigars went smokeless until Tuesday. Though unaffected by the order, the public schools, entering into the spirit of the fuel-saving plan, were closed on Mondays.

"Save a Shovel of Coal" cards were issued and distributed widely, and had a very salutary effect on the extravagant use of fuel. The conservation methods, while criticized by some, nevertheless served their purpose in early movement of ships that had been tied up in harbors, the delivery of loaded coal cars stalled along tracks, the smashing of congestion at terminals and ports, the early resumption of normal operations in industry and normal deliveries of fuel.

Dr. G. Hexri Bogart

One of the indefatigable workers during the war period was Dr. G. Henri Bogart, associate editor of the Shelby County Leader, and Fuel Administrator.

Dr. Bogart was born October 26, 1857, in Cincinnati. Ohio, and on Dec. 26, 1878, married Miss Josephine Duncan. He led a busy life, and was teacher, doctor, politician, journalist and medical writer. He came to Shelbyville in July, 1915, and from that time until his death, Saturday, Nov. 23, 1918, was associated with The Leader. Devoting his attention principally to the Fuel Administration, under appointment from Washington, he also gave considerable time to other "drives" in the war work of the county.

His death was due to pneumonia, and followed closely that of a beloved daughter, Sybil, whom he nursed in her fatal illness. Mrs. Bogart and three children survive him. These children are Guy Bogart, a journalist of Los Angeles, Cal., Mrs. Idyll Burgess of Lebanon, Ind., and Elbert Bogart, who served through the war as an ensign in the navy.

The Four-Minute Men, a nation-wide organization of volunteer speakers, was organized June 16, 1917, as a division of the Committee on Public Information, with the personal approval of President Wilson, who asked that the work of the organization be extended as rapidly as possible throughout the country, that its purpose, the dissemination of authentic information and utterances of the government, might be put into early effect.

Xot until January of 1918, however, was the local organization perfected. Then the appointment of D. Leslie Davis as chairman of the Shelbyville Four- Minute Men was made from Washington on the recommendation of Mr. C. E. Bolinger, president of the Shelbyville Commercial Club, with the concurrence of the Illinois state chairman, George R. Jones of Chicago.

The chairman immediately enlisted the services of nine business and professional men of recognized oratorical ability, as spokesmen of the United States Government in this community. These men were:

Confirmation of these appointments came from National Director William McCormick Blair and State Director George R. Jones. Mr. Frank S. Russell, manager of the Yale Theater, the sole public playhouse in Shelbyville, cheerfully granted the use of the stage of his theater as the rostrum from which the Four-Minute Men could address the public, and the first speech was made Jan. 31, 1918, by Dr. Barker, who from that time on shared with his colleagues of the organization the very distinguished honor of being the official and authoritative spokesmen of the United States Government. The messages they carried to the people of Shelby County from the stage of the Yale Theater and .other rostrums where opportunity presented itself, were powerful, enlightening and inspiring, not alone because of their authenticity, but by reason of the eloquence and patriotic fervor with which they were presented.

It is a certainty that no other one-theater community excelled the record made in Shelbyville, even though the Four-Minute Men did not get into action until late and for several weeks before the formal cessation of the organization's activities, Dec. 24, 1918, the theater was closed because of quarantine. Also, in the midst of his very faithful service as one of the speakers, Mr. Headen met with a distressing accident that compelled his retirement from this and other duties until near the close of the campaign.

The organization here remained throughout just as it was under the original appointments. No speaker withdrew, none was added. Late in the summer, however, the Committee on Public Information provided for church and lodge Four-Minute Men, to present the messages in their respective churches and lodges. From that time on the official bulletins were furnished to these men, who represented various parts of the county.

Another late feature of the work was Four-Minute singing, which was undertaken in Shelbyville under the capable leadership of Prof. R. G. Newell.

On the night of Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1919, the Four-Minute Men were guests of the chairman at a dinner at the Xew Neal hotel. The only absentee was Dr. Barker, who recently had been bereaved. The affair was very informal, but at the conclusion of the dinner the chairman, making his last assignment of speakers, called on Mr. Chew for an impromptu four-minute speech and delegated to him authority to make another assignment at the close of his own remarks. He did this, and each in turn called on another until the eight speakers whose voices had been heard throughout the year from various rostrums, had spoken.

During the evening the chairman gave from records kept as accurately as possible, a resume of the work of the Four-Minute Men. It was as follows:

Summary

"Upon you Four-Minute Men who are charged with a special duty and enjoy a special privilege in the command of your audiences, will rest in a considerable degree, the task of arousing and informing the great body of our people.

"My best wishes and continuing interest are with you in your work as part of the reserve officer corps in a nation thrice armed because through your efforts it knows better the justice of its cause and the value of what it defends."

* How much you and your speakers contributed toward winning the war and maintaining the lighting spirit of the people at home, history alone can tell.

"It remains for me to say a personal word in appreciation of the loyalty and devotion which you have shown in futherance of the cause which we all have had most at heart."

Women of Shelby County who bore the peculiarly tender relation of "mother" to boys in training camp and overseas, were organized into a "Mothers' Club'" for the purpose of sharing their mutual joys and sorrows. The organization was effected Saturday, June 22, 1918, at a meeting in the First Methodist Church of this city, when a large number of women, representing practically all communities of the county, assembled there.

Mrs. W. C. Kelley, the mother of two sons in the service, was elected chairman by acclamation, and Mrs. H. A. Thorn was elected secretary. The women were addressed by Mrs. Frederick A. Dow of Chicago, vice chairman of the Woman's State Council of National Defense, who spoke entertainingly on "Woman's Part in the War."

Several meetings of the Mothers' Club were held at intervals, when matters of special interest to the mothers were discussed and letters from the "boys" were read.

Shelbyville's Victory Sing, in which the people poured out their thankfulness for the termination of the war in song, was held at the High School auditorium Thanksgiving Day afternoon, 1918. It was held under the auspices of the Woman's Committee of the Council of Xational Defense, and was directed by Mrs. Josephine Grider, with Dr. E. M. Hopkins co-operating in the leadership. The exercises began promptly at 3 o'clock, the hour at which countless thousands of other voices throughout the nation broke forth in similar praise. As might be supposed, "The Star Spangled Banner" had the place of honor at the top of the list of songs used. A prayer by the Rev. J. A. Tracy and State's Attorney A. L. Yantis's reading of Mrs. David Allen Campbell's statement as to the purpose of the Victory Sing preceded a half hour in which orchestra, Liberty Chorus and audience united in singing the inspirational patriotic songs and hymns.

Early in 1918, in response to an appeal of the Xavy Department for binoculars with which to equip lookouts on transports and other vessels, G. A. Sexton, manager of the Western Union office at Shelbyville, loaned his binoculars, with little confidence he would ever see them again. He was agreeably surprised, however, about a year later to receive the glasses, with the information that they had been in use from the first of May, 1918, until the close of hostilities. The binoculars bore a metal tag, on which were the words, "Donated to U. S. Xavy by G. A. Sexton, Shelbyville, 111.," and a card on which was the following inscription:

"This glass was used on the U. S. S. Roanoke from May 1st, 1918, to cessation of hostilities, on a voyage from Xew York through the war zone to the Xorth Sea and through 12 mining operations in the Xorth Sea, which resulted in bottling up the German fleet."

Military service hit the newspaper offices of Shelby County hard. Several men from outlying offices were called to the colors, while no less than six Shelbyville linotype operators entered the service. These included Rennie L. Frazier, William C. Holloway and Whit Noe of the Union office, Chas. L. Twiss and Ben Parish of the Democrat, and W. E. Rominger, formerly of the Union, but at the time of entering the service printing instructor in a State school at Normal.

The exit of the keyboard artists in rapid succession left the publishers with troubles of their own, and at different times while the conditions lasted it became a problem as to how to keep the newspapers issuing on schedule. A kindly Providence, aided and abetted by some accommodating linotype operators who "lent a hand" when the situation became desperate here or there, tided them over until the boys came back.

Cecil T. Demonbrun Chas. H. Beetle

In no other year of the life of the Shelbyville Commercial Club were the members of that organization so busy with matters pertaining to the public welfare, as in 1917 and 1918: so forgetful of self and private interests; so ready to assume responsibilities that led them into service for others; so quick to respond to the unusual demands upon purse and time and physical and mental vigor and energy; so ready to uphold the traditions of the nation's past and assure it a still more glorious future.

With America in the war and hundreds of the boys of Shelbyville and Shelby County facing the foe and, shoulder to shoulder with their valiant allies, ever advancing until the complete rout of the enemy, the heart- and purse-strings of the men "over here" were stretched and their sympathies awakened and patriotism stirred as never before. Neither individal member nor organization as a whole failed to respond to every demand, and in most instances splendidly.

While these men, with the exception of Captain Wendling. who was in state service with headquarters at Springfield, were in active military service, many other members of the Commercial Club were in the service of their country just as truly, though without the coveted privilege of wearing the olive drab. Three members for a year and a half constituted the Local Exemption Board, charged with perhaps the weightiest responsibilities of any civilians in service; ten were in service as Four-Minute Men, carrying the government's official messages to nearly 50,000 people; one faithfully discharged the duties of County Food Administrator: a number were active in the work of the Council of National Defense, and others in the Neighborhoods Committee; its president in 1918 was chosen to lead in the United War

Demonstration, with parade, luncheon and other features on the occasion of the departure of the first contingent of selective service men, Sept. 5, and others on later dates.

Contributions of hundreds of dollars to finance these demonstrations, in addition to raising, in cooperation with press and citizens in general, a "Company Fund", of more than $1,100 for Company H.

In 1918, under the presidency of C. E. Bolinger, without entering upon a system of elaborate demonstrations, the Commercial Club in a body and with a band escorted seven contingents of departing selective service men to their trains, while an escort with automobiles was furnished for a number of small contingents. Under circumstances that made it possible, two contingents were entertained at theater parties while awaiting the departure of their trains, another at a public reception on the Elks' Home lawn, and Companies C of Sullivan and D of Paris were given a public reception on the streets as they passed through this city on their way to embarkation port. The Commercial Club also tendered a reception to the "Jackies" when they visited the city to play basketball with a local team; co-operated early in the year in the Food Show and later in the Canning Club demonstrations and several centennial celebrations. It also made possible a notable event when in April, in conjunction with the Daily

Union, it engaged William G. Shepherd, the wellknown war correspondent, to deliver a first-hand story of the various battle fronts to an audience that numbered a thousand people. Again in May the club arranged and brought to a successful finish the great county Red Cross pageant and demonstration, and with a frequency that made it almost continuous engaged in activities that contributed to the welfare of the people at home and the success of the Xation's arms abroad.

In 1919, under the presidency of C. T. DeMonbrun, the Commercial Club continued its patriotic work, co-operating in all movements for the pleasure and welfare of the service men and the public in general. Early in the year the club advanced the expenses of American Legion delegates to a convention in St. Louis, and later sent a reception committee of four members, which was accompanied by a number of other citizens, to Chicago to welcome H Company when it arrived there en route to Camp Grant for demobilization. Following the arrival of the company in Shelbyville, the Commercial Club tendered this organization and all other returned soldiers, sailors and marines, a reception on the lawn of the Elks' Home, where a very pleasing program, including the beautiful Flag Day service of the Elks. was given. Refreshments were served, and the rooms of the Home were thrown open for dancing.

In the fall of the year the Commercial Club provided a fund of $500.00 to provide Roy Vanderpool Post, American Legion, with headquarters and its maintenance for a year, and on the 15th of October gave the returned soldiers and other service men of the entire county a big reception and celebration in the county seat. For perhaps the last time the fighting men passed in review before their own people, when they formed a procession and marched through the business district as a feature of the day's exercises, while fifteen thousand people observed them in thankfulness that they had been returned to their families and friends.

From the "log"' kept by Charles Meitzner, Jr., of Stewardson. it is possible to give a bird's-eye sketch of the movements of the 78th Division, which embraced a number of Shelby County boys and had a very vital part in breaking the power of the Hun and stripping him of his vaunted military glory.

The division sailed from New York early on the morning of Monday, May 27, 1918. There were 4,500 men aboard Meitzner's ship, the Cedric, and there were twelve transports, with a convoy of seven destroyers. After the destroyers turned back, June 5, the transports were chased by submarines, but by zigzagging the vessels escaped contact with torpedoes. The landing was made at Liverpool June 7, and a royal welcome awaited the Sammies. Several days were spent at a rest camp near Southampton before sailing for Havre June 12. For some time the boys were in Camp De Meucon, then moved toward Vannes; were under fire at Echelon, and Sept. 12 went over the top and took the German front line. By 9 a. m. 1,000 prisoners were taken. Sept. 15 it was reported 15,000 prisoners had been taken, and the 78th had captured 4,500 of them. They were in hot fighting at Monteville, supported the 359th and 360th Infantry and 345th Machine Gun

Company at Death Valley, where 14 were killed and 35 wounded; were relieved by the 5th Division; were in action at Point De Musson: relieved and went to Troyon. where they crossed the Meuse; relieved the 27th: left Chatel Oct. 15 and started through the Argonne; fought their way through: hard fighting con-' tinned day by day; hot action at Bellejoyense Ferine, which they took and where they went over and shot the Germans in their trenches: on Nov. 1 the fighting continued, and 500 of the enemy were bagged the first hour; ten hours of gas cleared the Argonne and Grand Pre of Huns; were shelled at Brieulles, where several men and horses were killed and wounded and where 400 aeroplanes were in action; nine hours behind the Germans and pushing them hard; Xov. 6 crossed the Meuse, and were eating Hun food, left behind in the enemy's precipitate retreat; moved from Brieulles-Sur-Var into Lorraine, and were in camp beside a German cemetery Xov. 11. Later they moved to Verdun.

From Oct. 16 to Xov. 11 the 78th had nine German divisions against it, and made a name for itself that was not surpassed by any other division. On the 14th of May, 1919, the boys of this division again set foot on American soil.

Gkrmax Prisoners Helped Wix The War Flag Day At Tower Hill

When the United States declared war against the Central Powers. Tower Hill community stepped to the front by sending a large number of men into the service. Conditions soon called for workers at home. The Red Cross was organized and mothers and daughters met regularly at the city hall with machines, needles and thread, and yarn and goods were made up for the necessary comforts for the boys in camp. Enthusiasm grew and the Y. M. C. A. and the Salvation Army were added to the "help win the war" societies. The Red Cross auxiliary knit 99 sweaters, 101 pairs of socks, 43 wash cloths. 7 helmets. 26 pairs of wristlets, 21 scarves, 7 eye bandages - a total of 304 knitted garments.

They made garments of outing, gingham, etc., as follows: Pajamas, 147 pairs; chemise 9; ladies' blouses. 62: operating shirts. 48: bed shirts, 54: convalescent robes, 65; bed socks, 82 pairs; nightengales, 17: trench handkerchiefs, 48; fracture pillows, 10; serge dresses, 5 - total 547. These were reported by Mrs. Julia Maze, treasurer of hospital supplies.

The Red Cross received $2,308.72 and paid out $1.077.72. Seven hundred dollars of this was subscribed by the miners to a volunteer committee of ladies, namely: Mrs. Floyd Read. Mrs. Frank Herten, and Mrs. Charles Ellison, who braved the danger of going down in the coal mine 800 feet below the surface to solicit the miners.

By popular subscription a large iron flag post was procured, which was placed in the central part of town and "Old Glory,'' 10 by 20 feet, presented by W. M. Thompson, the druggist, was kept afloat to the breeze daily until the war was ended.

Service Flags

The hero dead of Masonic lodge are George Ellsworth Moore, killed by bursting shell Sept. 10. 1918, at Hart Court, France, and Arthur Corson, who died with pneumonia at Polliac, France, Xov. 15, 1918.

The Red Cross

While fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers of the soldier boys were noticeable by the non-appearance of their names in the make-up of the several organizations, their activities were none the less ardent, for they hoped, prayed and worked for victory, and as a whole Tower Hill community need have no regrets for the part it took in an endeavor to make the world safe for democracy.

In the different Liberty Loan drives the patriotism of the citizens was emphasized by the fact that the community went "over the top" in the Third, Fourth and Fifth loans, though like so many other towns and communities, there was a shortage of her quota in the First and Second loans, before the people really awoke to their government's necessity.

The Red Cross worked valiantly to send in the necessary supplies, and besides the regular work the Branch provided each boy that left for camp with a comfort kit.

Of the scores of boys who went from this village, one was killed in action, one went down on the ill-fated Moldavia in the English Channel, one died on the sea while en route to France, and one died of pneumonia at Camp Taylor.

The first victim of the enemy was Henry C. Lading, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lading. His record is to be found in the Gold Star section, as are those of Strasburg's other dead heroes, Andrew E. Ruff, Frederick W. Nippe and Henry Fred W. Pieper.

While they will always be missed in home, church and community circles, it was just such heroes as these that made peace possible. And as other boys returned from the battle fields of Europe, heroes were found among them - some of them cited for heroic service and others having been formally commended by their superior officers. Susa M. Risser, son of Dr. and Mrs. W. F. Risser, was officially cited for valiant service.

Elmer P. Richards, a former Strasburg boy, was the recipient of three medals. The first was a Distinguished Service Cross, presented by the general for heroic services rendered after he had been wounded. Later he was awarded two F'rench decorations, the Meadille Millitair and Croix de Guerre, with Palm.

Harley Gill was wounded slightly and in the hospital a short time, and Herman Doehring was gassed, which sent him to the hospital for several weeks.

All of the boys who entered the service from this town have returned and are quietly slipping into the old grooves. Truly it can be said of the boys of Strasburg and vicinity that they were all patriots - not a one of them a conscientious objector, but on the other hand among them were many who voluntarily enlisted for early service.

Armistice Day At Strasburg

ARMISTICE DAY AT STRASBURG Strasburg observed Armistice Day, 1919, with a big celebration under the auspices of the Liberty Post, American Legion. The festivities opened promptly at 11 o'clock with the ringing of all the bells and blowing of all the whistles in town. The Red Cross women served a chicken dinner to thirtyfive service men in uniform.

At 1 o'clock the service men formed a review parade and with the Strasburg band marched through the town. Following the parade Mayor William W. Engel made a short welcome address and introduced F. Roy Dove of Shelbyville. Mr. Dove was elected as one of the delegates to the constitutional convention on Xov. 4 and he took this opportunity to thank the voters for their support, as well as to pay tribute to the soldiers and sailors.

Pony races, a basketball game, a 5 o'clock supper by the Red Cross and a dance at night in the fire engine house were other features of the day's celebration. In addition to these, G. W. Gill conducted a shooting match in A. W. Young's pasture.

Cowden and vicinity were not behind other communities in meeting their full share of the sacrifices due to the world war. Men in large numbers, money in great amounts and ardent service by Red Cross and other organizations demonstrated clearly the patriotism of our people.

As marks of honor for the boys who entered the service, service flags were prepared and dedicated by the community and the Methodist Episcopal church, the stars on which stood for the following named persons:

Tony Beck Axxie May Beck

Shelby County was represented in the Yeomanette service by Miss Annie May Beck, daughter of W. W. and D. A. Beck of Gays, 111., who enlisted as a Yeomanette (Landsman) in the United States navy at Washington, D. C., Oct. 8, 1918, for a term of four years. She was assigned to duty in the Award Section, Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, Navy Department, at Washington. She had passed the overseas examination and was available for service in Europe, but the armistice was signed while she was awaiting orders. She remained in the service, however, and at Washington has charge of all bids for supplies for the Xavy. She was promoted to Third Class Yeomanette Feb. 1, 1919.

She had two brothers in the service - William Ross Beck, who died from wounds received in action Oct. 9, 1918, and Tony Beck, who also saw overseas service, returning to the United States and receiving his discharge July 24, 1919.

Flossie A. Beck

A sister, Miss Flossie A. Beck, also is in the service of her country, but in a civil capacity. She entered the Xavy Department in Washington March 21. 1918, as clerk, was made assistant manager on June 1, 1918, and later manager of the Emergency Purchase Division of the Navy, supplying all war equipment and all urgently needed material for the fleet, navy yards, naval training camps and stations, naval hospitals, naval air stations and training camps, aviation fields, proving grounds, marine stations, submarine bases, ship repair bases, radio stations, etc., both in America and Europe.

She was honorably mentioned for meritorious service by Admiral Samuel McGowan, Paymaster General of the Xavy. She is still in the government service in Washington, and it will be conceded that Miss Beck has been performing a "man-size'' task.

To write a history of the war-time activities of Windsor community is a difficult task, because Windsor community embraces parts of four townships lying in Shelby and Moultrie counties. Thus some of the activities that could be credited justly to the community have been just as fairly credited to the township of Windsor, Ash Grove or Richland, lying in Shelby County, or to Whitley township, Moultrie County.

However, Windsor community responded bravely to every call - whether it was the offering of her sons, the pouring out of her money or other material resources to the Red Cross, the Y. M. C. A. and the allied war organizations, or the loaning of her finances to the government. X'ot in one instance did she falter.

On several occasions the Shelby County men who had been called to the colors passed through Windsor on their way to camp, being joined here by the selects from Moultrie County. On every one of these occasions the men were given rousing and patriotic farewells at Windsor. The city would be decorated and the Strasburg band would be procured to play. Once a special trainload of soldiers detrained at Windsor as they were on their way from Camp Funston, Kansas, to the Atlantic seaboard. The news that the men would detrain at Windsor for exercise reached the citizens less than an hour before their arrival, but Windsor was ready for them with wide-open arms. Fruit, lemonade, sandwiches, coffee, cakes and "smokes" were served in abundance. Public meetings were held only occasionally. One of these was held on the night before the Third Liberty Loan was launched. Enthusiasm ran so high at this meeting that the township's quota of $78.000 was subscribed at once.

For thirty-five years Windsor has held a harvest picnic and homecoming on the last Thursday in August. With the war touching so many homes the 1918 picnic took on a different phase, and a community service flag, bearing at that time 154 stars (several have been added since) was dedicated with appropriate patriotic services, thousands of people being present.

The Methodist church's service flag bears thirtyone stars, three of which are of gold. They are for Earl Garrett, killed in action in France, May 29, 1918; Charles Cox, died of disease in France in October, 1918, and Vern Edwards, died of disease while in training at Pepria in October, 1918.

The Christian church also has thirty-one stars on its service flag, the Masonic lodge ten, the Red Men's lodge eight and the Odd Fellows' flag three stars.

The Womex

The noble women of Windsor community met all demands made upon them, whether by the Red Cross or other interests connected with the winning of the war. There was a local chapter of the Woman's Council of National Defense, which did much excellent work.

But in the Red Cross work they were extremely active, and their activities have been carried on to the present day, for they have contributed much in the way of food and dainties to the canteen service maintained at the railroad stations in Mattoon.

Other Men Who Sacrificed All

Besides the three young men whose names appear above in connection with the gold stars, the following from this community also laid down their lives on the altar of their country:

First To Celebrate Peace

FIRST TO CELEBRATE PEACE Windsor has the distinction of being the first city in Central Illinois to hold a formal, dignified celebration of the victory over the Huns. At 1 o'clock in the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 11, 1918, the celebration of the signing of the armistice started, and continued for two hours. The event had been carefully planned, and while in Windsor and elsewhere there was a general outburst of joy incapable of being restrained, the formal demonstration here was the first.

There was a big parade, with decorated automobiles, floats and other features, led by the Windsor concert band. The fugitive kaiser was present in effigy, and was burned. At the park a formal program of music, speeches, the raising of "Old Glory," prayers, readings and the raising of the community service flag, was given. Business was suspended throughout the afternoon, and for that matter nearlyall day.

Windsor Entertains Soldiers

Twenty-six soldiers, sailors and marines of Windsor and vicinity were feted by the appreciative and patriotic people of that city when they were given a banquet and reception in the social rooms of the First Methodist church there in March, 1919. The

National colors and flowers were used in the decorations of the rooms, and plates were laid for 175 persons. The signal to proceed to the dining rooms was given by Bugler Howard Lemons, who sounded "Attention," then "Recall," and the banqueters were led to their places by Lieutenant 11. B. Woods and Sergeant Wendell B. Wallace.

The feast, at which Editor Hugh S. Lilly of the Windsor Gazette, acted as toastmaster and which consisted of a delicious and bounteous menu, was preceded by the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner," an address of welcome by E. G. Munsell, president of the Business Men's Association, a song by the Windsor Ladies' Liberty Quartet, and prayer by Rev. C. W. Gant. The courses were interspersed with toasts from a number of men. Several of the returned soldiers spoke briefly. Rev. W. I. Griffith paid tribute to Windsor and vicinity's ten fallen heroes, and Clyde L. Bowen of the Spanish-American war, James Ellis of the Civil war and W. W. Griffith of the Sons of Veterans gave short talks at the banquet table.

The Cecil Brothers

No Shelby County home sacrificed more of its members to the active military service than that of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Cecil of Windsor, from which four splendid young men went to war. These were Eugene Cecil, a locomotive fireman: Dr. Dwight L. Cecil, a veterinarian: Irl Hicks Cecil, also a locomotive fireman, and William C. Cecil, a farmer. All but Dr. Cecil realized their ambition to get into the fighting overseas, but the one, bowing as he must to military orders, performed his service on this side of the waters. Fortunately none of the boys was injured, though one of them, Irl, was in the hospital with a siege of pneumonia.

Returning fro'm service, three of the boys resumed their pre-war civilian pursuits, but Eugene Cecil was instrumental in organizing the Shelby County Aero Service company, becoming the principal stockholder and pilot in the enterprise, which is meeting with great financial success.

Dear little flag in the window there, Hung with a tear and a woman's prayer Child of Old Glory, horn with a star - Oh, what a wonderful flag you are!

Blue is your star in its field of white, Dipped in the red that was born of fight; Born of the blood that our forbears shed To raise your mother, The Flag, o'erhead.

Dear little flag in the window there, Hung with a tear and a woman's prayer; Child of Old Glory, born with a star - Oh, what a wonderful flag you are!

Xo prettier nor more significant recognition of the men who gave themselves definitely to the salvation of the world from oppressive autocracy, than the Service Flag was seen during the war. A border of red and a center of white on which rested a star of blue, constituted the flag which told silently that from this home or that business firm, clerkship, profession, church, fraternity, club. or other organization had gone forth a patriot to lay his life on the altar of his country, that democracy might live in all its fullness throughout the earth.

The little flag of one star in the window of the humble home on retired street or in rural community told as eloquently of sacrifice on the part of him whom it represented and those who remained behind, as the pretentious field of white dotted thickly with the scores, aye, even hundreds of stars denoting the service of many men from the organization to which it belonged. The individual Service Flag appeared everywhere throughout the county where there was a home in which was a youth of age and physical fitness qualifying him for military service; and also here and there throughout the county were organizations of one character or another which through the Service Flag proudly did honor to its members who represented them on battlefield or in camp.

The largest Service Flag displayed locally naturally was the one representing the service boys of the entire county of Shelby. This flag was procured by the Shelbyville Chautauqua Association, by which it was first displayed at the auditorium at I'orest Park during the Chautauqua Assembly of 1918. It was formally dedicated on Friday, August 1, and at that time bore 884 stars, eight of which were gold, signifying that at that time an equal number of service men had lost their lives. Later the number of both blue and gold stars was greatly augmented.

As an orchestra struck the first strains of "The Star Spangled Banner," the county service flag was unfurled, and catching the spirit of the occasion the audience took up the national air and made a rousing chorus. Representing the county, Honorable John W. Yantis made a brief but eloquent address, paying beautiful tribute to the boys represented by the stars in the Service Flag and urging that one hundred million American people "do their utmost until the Stars and Stripes are floating from every castle on the Rhine, the German bands are playing 'Yankee Doodle' in ragtime, and the liberty of the people of the world is guaranteed." This Service Flag still is in the custody of the Shelbyville Chautauqua Association, though a movement has been launched to have it taken over by the county and hung permanently in the county building.

Sparks Business College Flag

Sharing in the service by which the County Service Flag was dedicated was that of Sparks Business College and Conservatory, representing the former members of faculty and student body of that institution who were then in the service. As the County Flag was unfurled, the S. B. C. Service Flag was borne into the auditorium and placed conspicuously. It was bedecked with stars representing the following named men then in the service:

Baptist Service Flag

Among the early dedications of Service Flags was that of the Baptist Church, which in March, 1918, was represented by sixteen men in various branches of the military service. The dedication of the flag was a feature of an impressive patriotic service conducted Sunday evening, March 10, under the direction of the pastor, the Rev. C. H. Shepherd. Th.D. The service opened with the Processional, the choir singing "America, the Beautiful," and thirty-five children carrying the American flag, while "Old Glory" and the Service Flag were carried at

Eight of the above-named men were with the 130th U. S. Inf. At that time Roy Johnson was with the U. S. Marines, Wallace with the American forces in China, Becker with the aviation corps and Dill at Camp Taylor.

Christian Church Service Flag

Twenty-five stars originally bedecked the Service Flag of the Shelbyville Christian Church at the time of its dedication and the unveiling of the Honor Roll, Sunday, December 2, 1917. Later a number of other stars were added, representing men who subsequently entered their country's service. This church was the pioneer among local institutions and organizations in providing a Service Flag in honor of its "boys" in the military and naval establishment, and not only adopted the Service Flag in their honor, but grouped individual pictures of the men in a large frame.

The original dedicatory service was a feature of all-day patriotic exercises on December 2, 1917, in which Lieutenant Lester W. Miner spoke interestingly of the work of the Y. M. C. A., the pastor, Rev. N. H. Robertson delivered a patriotic address and there were appropriate songs and readings.

The subsequent stars and photographs were added in a special patriotic service during a revival meeting, Tuesday, March 26, 1918. The presentation of a new American flag and its unfurling, addresses by Attorney W. H. Chew, chairman of the local board, and Judge A. J. Steidley, and readings and solos, with a sermon by the pastor, were striking features of this meeting. The boys represented in these two lists were, namely:

Masonic Service Flag

In honor of twenty-two men who had followed the colors, representing a little better than 10 per cent, of its membership, Shelbyville Lodge No. 53, A. F. & A. M., dedicated a Service Flag in appropriate exercises at the First Methodist Church Wednesday evening, May 1. 1918. During the course of the service the flag, bearing 22 stars on a field of white and red, was unveiled by Worshipful Master J. J. Baker, who served as chairman of the meeting. Participating in the exercises were the Ladies' Glee Club, the Rev. J. A. Tracy, I. M. Douthit, F. R. Dove, who read the honor roll and the service record of the men, and the Honorable Wm. B. Wright, judge of the Circuit Court, who delivered a patriotic address.

Flag

No other profession in Shelby County gave more -generously to the man-power of the Nation during the war than that of the public school teachers. At the November meeting of the teachers of Shelby County, held in this city under the direction of County Superintendent of Schools Lee W. Frazer, a Service Flag bearing forty stars, three of them gold, was dedicated with appropriate exercises. The three gold stars were in honor of the following named men:

The blue stars, representing former teachers in Shelby County schools and others who were actively engaged in their school work here when called to the colors, were for the following named men:

Presbyterian Service Flag

Among the early dedications of Service Flags was that of the First Presbyterian Church, which in a special patriotic service on March 24, 1918, unfurled a new American flag and displayed a Service Flag bearing the stars of six members of that church then in the service.

Following the introductory exercises, the Processional was played and the new American flag, procured to the church largely through the efforts of Mrs. Frances Welsh, was carried into the auditorium by boys, while the choir sang "Hail to the Flag." Followed the flag's presentation to the church, its dedication, salute by the congregation and prayer. A further program of music, readings, an address by Honorable Geo. D. Chafee and the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," a solo by Mrs. Geo. D. Chafee and chorus by the audience, was given.

At the conclusion of these exercises the Service Flag was displayed, and the names of those represented by the stars read. These, with others added at a later date, were:

First Methodist Episcopal Church Service Flag

In patriotic services held on the evening of Sunday, July 7, 1918, the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Shelbyville dedicated a Service Flag and unveiled an Honor Roll bearing stars and names, respectively, of twenty-six members of the church and congregation who at that time were in the service. The list was as follows:

The services in which this Service Flag was dedicated included patriotic music and addresses of an eulogistic and patriotic nature by Dr. J. C. Westervelt and the pastor of the church, the Rev. M. G. Coleman. Practically every branch of the military service was represented in the list of service men.

Shelbyville High School Service

A beautiful feature of the decorations of the Shelbyville High School auditorium in 1918 was a large Service Flag, the stars on which represented former students of that institution. Many of them were graduates, while some of them had not finished their course. The list, which included the name of the Principal, Paul K. Theobald, who left Shelbyville with a contingent for Fort Thomas, Ky., only a few hours before the commencement exercises of the senior class of that year, is as follows: Auld, F. P. l.amb, Orville

Cowdex Christian Church Service

Forty-one stars appeared on the Service Flag of the Christian Church of Cowden at the time of its dedication, Sunday, March 10, 1918. The services were under the direction of Scout Master M. W.

Williams and the Rev. F. M. Morgan. One of the stars represented Miss Mary Buzzard, serving in Base Hospital Xo. 66, in France from Dec. 2, 1917. The men of Cowden and vicinity for whom stars were placed on the flag were:

Epworth League Service Flag

Honors were achieved by the Epworth League of the First Methodist Church of Shelbyville, when in a District Epworth League Convention at Decatur on Saturday, June 15, 1918, it was awarded a Service Flag by reason of the local chapter's having more of its members in active military service than any other Epworth League chapter in the district, including those of Decatur and many other towns and cities in several counties. Fourteen members were represented on the League's Service Flag. They were, namely:

More than thirty Shelby County men were in the Thirtieth Division, which had some of the roughest experiences of the A. E. F. Landing in Liverpool May 27, 1918, it proceeded directly across the island and to Calais, where it landed May 28. After three days it proceeded a short distance by train, then hiked to Louche, where the month of June was spent. On July 2 the march to Belgium was started, and at 4 p. in., July 4, the division reached Watou, Belgium - the first American troops to enter Belgium. There it drew the fire of the German long range guns by day and bombing planes by night. Attached to the Fourth English army, the division soon got into the thick of the fray. Early in August the division took over the sector between Ypres and Kemmel Hill, and drew large shells and gas shells from the enemy daily. Aug. 30 the boys went over the top and captured Vermerzeele, while the 27th Division took Kemmel Hill on their right. This was the beginning of the last big drive the allies made in Belgium.

Relieved Sept. 3, the boys were sent to a small town near St. Pol, France, thence to Fincourt Woods, near Roisel. The division there had its greatest task - the breaking of the Hindenburg line between St. Quentin and Cambria. At 5:50 a. m., Sept. 29, a long range gun announced the zero hour, and hell broke lose. Immediately the allied artillery on a 72-mile front laid on the enemy's trenches the deadliest barrage the world has ever known. After five minutes of bombardment, the barrage lifted and the infantry went over the top, keeping well up with the artillery fire. So deadly was the allied fire that

On Sept. 30 the Americans advanced their station to what was formerly the enemy's trenches, in which were found good concrete dugouts. The Australians sifted through the American lines, and the latter dropped back to Pincourt Woods, then further back to the banks of the Sonime. These boys returned to the front about Oct. 8, remaining for a few days, and then were relieved and dropped back to Ramicourt. Again they went to the front for another siege in the trenches, returning from which they retired to Behewcourt, remaining there until the cessation of hostilities.

Captain Frank R. Wendling, a Shelby County man, was during the war and is still in the state service. He was born in Shelbyville on Jan. 1, 1852, a son of the late George E. and Frances Wendling. He is state senator from the Fortieth senatorial district, and also since May 1, 1913, has been attached to the Adjutant General's Office, with rank of captain. On the above date he was commissioned by Governor E. F. Dunne, after a very rigid examination, with questions furnished by the United States army authorities. His headquarters are at the state arsenal in Springfield, where his duties are exacting and important.

Ivan P. Abbott

Ivan P. Abbott, a son of Mrs. Martha Dawdy of near Fiiidlay, died in France of wounds received in action. Previously he had been reported as wounded severely, and later announcement of his death was received by his mother from the war department at Washington.

Abbott enlisted at Shelbyyille, and left there on February 23, 1918, with a contingent of 54 men for Camp Taylor, Louisville, Ky. He was in the same contingent with Herman It runs, Lester Gordon, Andrew E. Ruff, Wm. R. Beck and Chas. V. Settles, all of whom have a place in the gold star section of this history.

All that happens in the world of nature and man, - - every war, every peace, every horn of prosperity, every horn of adversity, every election, every death, every life, every success and every failure, all change, all permanence", the perished leaf, the unutterable glory of stars, - all things speak the truth to the thoughtful spirit.

William Ross Beck

Private William Ross Beck was one of four children of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Heck of Gays who gave their services to their country during the war, and he gave more than his services - his life.

W. R. Beck, aged 25 years, was inducted into the army February 22, 1918, leaving Shelbyville February 23, for Camp- Taylor, Ky., at which point he was in training one month. Leaving there on March 22, he was 'transferred to Camp Sevier, S. C., where he was in training about six weeks. From there he was transferred to Camp Merritt, which was his last station before sailing for France, where he was destined to meet his death while fighting for the liberty of the world. Ilis movements are best told in the following excerpt from a letter received by his relatives :

"Wm. R. Beck sailed from Boston May 12, 1918, for Halifax on the British S. S. Laomedon ; from Halifax May 16 for Liverpool. On the 21st the boat was attacked by U-boats on the Irish coast, but the attackers were beaten off and three of them destroyed. Landed May 27, and from Liverpool traveled to London and Dover, then across the channel to Calais on the 28th of May. On June 2d, we went into training at Yeuse, and July 1st we began our hike to the lines in Belgium, near Ypres. We spent the last ten days in the front lines with the British, on the right of this town. On August 15th we took the sector from Vpres to Mt. Kemmel. We were in the last battle of Kemmel, and took Voormazeele September 2 - the first town taken by American troops in Belgium. .September 5th we were relieved from this sector and were then used only as storm troops. We were in the St. Quentin and Cambrai drive, and took the Hindenburg line at Bellecourt September 29. Among other towns your brother fought for were Nanroy, Estress, Busigny and Escaufort.

On November 5 the family received a letter from the nurse who attended young Beck, to the effect that he was very seriously wounded in the abdomen and died at 7 o'clock p. m., October 9, a few hours after being wounded. He is buried in grave No. 4, plot 3, row A, in the military cemetery at Roisel, Department of the Somme, France.

Russell Clixt Bennett

Russell Clint Bennett was a victim of Spanish influenza, which slew its hundreds of thousands, thus adding to the horrors of war. His death occurred at Camp Grant, Rockford, 111., on the 7th of October, 1918, after he had been in the service little more than a month and before he had an opportunity to go overseas.

Bennett was a son of Jacob F. and Emma Bennett, who live between Herrick and Cowden, and was born October 14, 1895. The place of his birth was Edgar county, Illinois, though he had lived in Shelby county for a number of years and was engaged in farming. On the 5th of September, 1918, he enlisted at LaSalle, III., and was assigned to Company 2, 161 Depot Brigade, at Camp Grant. On the 14th of June, 1918, he married Miss Pearl Neva Cherry, a daughter of James H. and Clara Cherry of Herrick, Shelby county. His wife and mother visited him in the hospital at Camp Grant, and left him improved in health. His apparent improvement was a false condition, however, for shortly he suffered a relapse and died.

The body of Mr. Bennett was conveyed to Herrick, 111., for burial in the family lot in the cemetery there. It was accompanied from Camp Grant by his father, who went to the encampment for that purpose.

Lester Bennett, a brother of the deceased soldier, was in camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Ind., at the time of Russell's death.

Clarence Monroe Bixler

Clarence M. Bixler, a son of George and Anna Bixler of Findlay, was the eleventh Shelby county soldier to give his life for his country during the World War. He died of wounds received in battle, according to the message received by his parents from the War Department at Washington. The date of his death was July 26, 1918, and his body rests in one of the numberless graves *'in Flanders field."

Bixler was born in Rose township, near Shelby ville, August 3, 1894, and was reared as a farmer. He was one of the first registrants in the county, and on September 19, 1917, was inducted by the Local Board and with sixty- three other men was sent to Camp Taylor, Ky. On the 16th of the following Xovember, with several other boys from Shelby county, he was transferred to Camp Pike, Little Rock, Ark. Early in 1918 he and his associates were sent to Camp Green, and about April 1 embarked on the ill-fated Moldavia, which fell a victim to the Hun campaign of submarine frightfulness and in going down took two of the Shelby county boys with her. These were Jesse Mars and Henry C. Lading.

That Bixler was soon at the front and under fire is indicated by the fact that only about three months after landing in France he suffered the fatal wounds.

Bixler was survived by his parents, two brothers and three sisters. One of the brothers was then subject to the call to service, but was not called. This was Frank Bixler. The other was Fred Bixler, an older brother. The sisters are Mrs. Sarah Tinnea and the Misses Caroline and Bertha Bixler, all residing at Findlay.

While craving justice for ourselves, it is never wise to be unjust to others. To deny valor in the enemy we have conquered, is to underrate our victory ; and if the enemy be strong enough to hold us at bay, much more to conquer us, ^ * self-respect bids us seek some

The triumphs of truth are the most glorious, chiefly because they are most bloodless of all victories, deriving their highest lustre from the number saved, not of the slain.

Wilber Broughton

Death came to Wilher Broughton, a valiant and patriotic son of Shelby county, on the battlefield in France, where he was serving as a messenger and scout in the United States army. On the night of July 19, 1918, he was wounded, and removed to a hospital at Oise, France. Six days later, or on July 25, he died from the effects of the machine gun bullet. He met death as he had met the enemy, bravely.

Wilber Broughton was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Broughton of Stewardson. He was born at Rose Hill, 111., March 26, 1899, and at the time of his death was nineteen years old. At an early stage of the World War he enlisted in the United States army at Danville, and was sent to Texas for training. After nine months there he was transferred to Syracuse, N. Y., where he remained for four months before being sent to France, where he served with the 23d Inf., M. G. Co.

Young Broughton was a splendid young man, brave and intrepid, and gave splendid service before cut down by the weapons of the enemy in the foreign field. His family and friends, the latter of whom were many, sincerely mourned his untimely death.

Exact justice is commonly more merciful in the long run than pity, for it tends to foster in men those stronger qualities which make them good citizens.

Justice, sir, is the great interest of man on earth. It is the ligament which holds civilized beings and civilized nations together. Wherever her temple stands, and so long as it is duly honored, there is a foundation for general security, general happiness, and the improvement and progress of our race.

Herman T. Bruns

Cheered by a letter from his wounded son in which the latter stated he was "doing fine" and expected to start for home soon, only to be plunged into deepest grief by a letter from a chaplain, telling of the death of the boy the day after he had written the cheery letter, was the experience of Theodore Bruns of Pana, whose son, Herman T. Bruns, was a selective service man of Shelby county and left Shelbyville February 23, 1918, with a contingent of fifty -four men for Camp Taylor, Ky.

After four weeks at Camp Taylor Bruns was transferred to C'amp Sevier, S. C. May 10 he sailed {or France, where he fought, bled and died for human freedom.

Bruns landed in France on the 25th day of May, and on the llth of the following July spent his first night in the trenches. From that time on he was under fire almost continuously, and on the 6th of August he was stricken by the full force of Hun frightfulness and sustained wounds which later caused his death. While cleaning his gun in front of a dugout, he was struck by fragments of a high explosive shell. Six of his comrades were killed outright. lie himself lost an arm and a leg and two fingers on his right hand, and sustained a frightful wound in the jaw, also a very severe wound on his left shoulder. < >n November 20 Chaplain Moulton wrote the cheerful letter to his father. The next day the boy died.

Mr. Bruns was born July 2, 1895. He was 23 years, 4 months and 20 days old at his death. Before his call to the colors he was in the employ of his brother, William Bruns, on a farm near Tower Hill, and was registered in Shelby county. He is survived by his father, the brother, William Bruns, another brother, John Bruns of Griggsville, and one sister, Mrs. M innie Ade of Pana. His mother died Dec. 16, 1916. In his infancy he was baptized in the German Lutheran church at Pana.

Bruns was given Christian burial in France following his death, Chaplain Moulton, who notified his father of his death, saying the last rites over his body as it was committed to a grave back of the lines, in Boulogne, France.

Arthur Carroll

A resident of Shelby county but enlisting in Billings, Mont., Arthur Carroll went forth to foreign soil to fight for freedom, and there fell a victim, not to shot or shell of the German enemy, but to the deadly disease, pneumonia. His death occurred in an overseas hospital on the 10th of October, 1918, about two months after he landed in France.

Carroll was a son of John D. and Carrie Belle Carroll, who live near Shelbyville. He was born February 13, 1887, at Moweaqua, and was reared on the farm. He went to Montana and was employed there when the United States went to war. On the 28th of June, 1918, he enlisted at Billings, and was assigned to Company A, 160th U. S. Infantry. He was first in Camp Lewis, Washington, and later in Camp Kearney, California. After only five weeks, however, he was sent east and in August sailed for France. There he was in the trenches a period of five weeks before contracting the disease which caused his death. For three years before the war he was in the Coast Artillery at Ft. Flagler, Washington. His complete service record is unknown, and could not be learned for incorpo ration in this sketch. It is known, however, that he served faithfully and well for as long as it was given him to follow his officers and accompany his comrades. It was with sad hearts the good people of Shelby county placed a star of gold on the service flag in his memory.

Glen Carroll

Glen Carroll, another Shelby county boy who laid his life on the altar of his country and hesitated not when the complete sacrifice was exacted of him, did not reach France, and in that was disappointed. He was still at Camp Custer, Battle Creek, Mich., when he was stricken with bronchial pneumonia and died. His death occurred September 20, 1918, and as soon as military and health regulations would permit, the body was returned to Moweaqua for burial near his old home in Flat Branch township.

The funeral was held from the home of the young man's father-in-law, Stephen Hastings, at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, October 19. The service was brief, and the Sanner Chapel choir furnished the music. The casket of the dead soldier was draped with the American flag, the Home Guards of Assumption under the command of Captain Shan acted as escort, and Herman Foster sounded "taps." The casket-bearers were chosen from among the young man's friends, and were, namely : Arthur Sanner, William Bohlen, Milton liridgman, Fred Elmers, Raymond Coulter and Corry Simpson.

The germs of all truth lie in the soul, and when the ripe moment comes, the truth within answers to the fact without as the flower responds to the sun, giving it form for heat and color for light.

Justice is what is established; and thus all our established laws will be regarded as just, without being examined, since they are established.

Liberty is the parent of truth, but truth and decency are sometimes at variance. All men and all propositions are to be treated here as they deserve, and there are many who have no claim either to respect or decency.

Geneva Casstevens

On Shelby county's roll of "those who did not come back" appears the name of one woman - Miss Geneva Casstevens, who laid down her life in a foreign land that others might live. Spending every ounce of energy in alleviating the distress of the patients in the army hospital at Liverpool, Kn gland, Miss Casstevens, a nurse attached to the Major I). M. ( >ttis Hospital I'nit, contracted the influenza, which quickly developed into pneumonia and on October 14, 1918, only a week and a day after she was stricken, caused her death.

Miss Casstevens was the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Casstevens of near Fancher, and was horn February 20, 1891, near Etna. From her second year her home was in Shelby county. Completing the rural school course she went to the home of a sister at Moscow, Idaho, where she took the high school training. In 1909 she entered the Nurses' Training School at St. Luke's hospital, Boise, Idaho, and for four years after her graduation in 1912 she nursed in that state. In 1916 she came to Springfield, 111., where she served as a Red Cross nurse for a year. Then she volunteered for overseas service and sailed for England on April 18, 1918. She was assigned for duty in Military Hospital Xo. 40 at Liverpool, where she performed her duties assiduously and efficiently.

On August 31, 1919, a memorial service was held in the United Brethren church at Fancher. In the audience were her brother, Don Casstevens, her brother-in-law. Dr. E. W. Brooks, and her nephews, Glen and Jesse Sculley of West Frankfcrt, all of whom served also in the war. One of her ancestors was David Crockett, of Alamo fame, and her maternal grandfather fought and died in the Civil war.

Miss Casstevens is survived by her parents, five sisters and three brothers. The latter are Mrs. Maude Sculley of West Frankfort, 111.. Mrs. Nellie Brooks of Beecher City, III., Mis. Edna Shinn of Spokane, Wash., Mrs. Frances Schaub of St. Elmo, 111., Mrs. Georgiana Mc- Gilligan of Shelby ville, J. M. of Beecher City, T. H. of Mt Vernon, la., and Don of Fancher.

Herbert J. Collins

Private Herbert J. Collins, a Shelby county recruit of January, 1918, failed to realize his ambition to tight the Hun from the air. Within twenty-four hours after reaching Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas, to which he was transferred from Jefferson Barracks, Mo., where he had been assigned to Company 16, Aviation Corps, after his enlistment at Decatur and successful passing of the physical examination, he was stricken with pneumonia and despite the fact that for nine long weeks he made as brave a fight for life as he had anticipated making for democracy, he died on April 2, 1918. Death followed an operation for empyemia, into which his illness had developed.

Collins was born in Shelby county, October 9, 1898, and was the only son of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Collins. They, with two daughters. Avis and Bertie, survive the young man. The latter was reared at the old homestead, near Assumption, and following his demise at Kelly Field his body was brought back there, to be laid away where those who mourn his untimely passing may in melancholy satisfaction visit its resting place from time to time. The body was accompanied from Kelly Field by his mother, whose privilege it was to be with and minister to him during four weeks of his illness, and Sergeant Major Frank I. Glenn of Kelly Field.

The funeral was held from the Presbyterian church in Assumption, of which he had been a member since his profession of faith in 191 4, and the services were more largely attended than any of like character in the history of that church. The young soldier's body was clothed in the uniform he had expected to wear on the field of battle, and the casket was draped with the flag which he had sought to defend. Troop 1, Assumption Boy Scouts, attended the funeral in a body, and each Scout, living symbol of a comrade who fain would have stood at the bier, dropped a flower into the grave. Taps were sounded.

Collins' career as a soldier was brief and uneventful; but while he did not get to the battle zone and was not under fire, he gave his life for the great Ideal as truly as the man who fell in Flanders.

Arthur Howard Corson

Arthur Howard Corson, the only son of W. S. and F. J. Corson of Tower Hill, died of pneumonia on the 15th of November, 1918, at Pauillac Gironde, France, and was buried in the Pauitlac cemetery with full honors.

Corson enlisted in his country's service May 11, 1917, and was called to service as yeoman of the second class on the 4th of the following September. He was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Training School, where he remained until July 25, 1918, when he was transferred to the navy yard at Philadelphia, Pa. About September 15 he was sent to France, and after arriving there was made a yeoman of the first class. Two months after his landing in France, he yielded to disease and passed away.

Mr. Corson was born in Pleasant Plains, 111., Nov. 5, 1895, and come to Tower Hijl when about 12 years old. After completing his course in the public schools there, he entered Sparks Business College in Shelbyville, taking the stenotypy course. Graduating therefrom in June, 1915, he took employment with the Big Four Railroad company and until his enlistment in the navy was employed in the office of the superintendent at Mattoon. In June, 1918, he married Miss Martha A. Williams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Williams of Mattoon, and in dying was survived by her and his parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Corson received a letter from Glenn R. Ward, one of the young man's comrades, who in testifying to the splendid character and the popularity of their son. said :

"I worked in the same office with your son from the time he reported at this station until his death, and desire to state that he created the impression among his many shipmates that he was one of the most manly, energetic and ambitious men in our group, and his death was a shock that will always be felt by his friends. He gave his life for his country and died for a true and just cause."

Subsequent to receipt of the word of his death, memorial services were held, both at Mattoon and in Sparks Business College, where fitting tributes were paid to the memory of the dead yeoman.

Charles Cox

Charles Cox of Windsor died of spinal meningitis in an army hospital at Recey-sur-Ource, Cote d'Or, France, January 27, 1919, according to an announcement received by the young man's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Linza Cox. Later a letter from Captain Henry T. Kent, 52d Infantry, U. S. A., of whose company Cox was a member, wrote the parents a letter of condolence, in which he stated, among other things: "His death takes from the company one of our best soldiers. Always faithful to duty, we have never known him to shirk any responsibility - prompt at formations and drill and in every way a good soldier. While in active service in the Argonne forest lie conducted himself in such a way as to bring commendation upon him. lie died doing his duty, than which there is no nobler death."