Starke County, Indiana - The whole text, 1928 (part 1 of 3)

Washington

I appreciate very deeply indeed this opportunity to send you a few words of greeting and commendation for the World War History of Starke County, Indiana, which you are compiling. While we have nistories recording the achievements of the entire nation, it is to these works devoted to more limited fields that we must look to preserve to posterity the many fine acts of individual heroism and sacrifice. I am pleased to note that you have undertaken to record the part played by the soldiers of Starke County in the brilliant successes of our army in this conflict.

Foreword

The Starke County History of the World War, 1917- 1918, is hereby set forth for the purpose of giving our home folks a tangible and intimate record of our own activities in the greatest and most severe of all wars and to give Starke County a permanent place in the Historical Archives of our glorious state.

It has been the earnest desire of all the committees to compile an accurate, thorough, and impartial history, covering the most important economic conditions surrounding our World War activities, as well as the military factors. Any omission or error is purely accidental. We have striven through every available means to secure all the data, material and statistics bearing upon this period of the County's History, and we offer with pride and patriotism this volume.

We want to thank everyone, especially the commissioners, for the cooperation which made this volume possible and we hope our efforts meet with your unlimited approval and that the Starke County World War History will not only be a valuable addition to your home but to the loyal generations to come.

Sylva Reiss Jonas Index Of Illustrations

Page Frontispiece - Starke County Court House Starke County Commissioners, -1923-1924 «1......2...:60-. 5 Editing Board of the World Wat "History. ts Aerc te 6

The Gold Star Mothers

INTRODUCTION (a) Economic Survey of Starke County Herbert R. Koffel (b) Pre-War Patriotic Survey Claude S. Steele COUNTY COUNCIL OF DEFENSE The Editor THE Boys WHO PASSED ON THE GOLD STAR MOTHERS HOME VOLUNTEER WORKERS The Editor (a) The Attorneys (b) The Editors of the County Papers (c) The Knox Band (d) Women in War Work (e) Women Registration....Mrs. Mahlon Hartzler (f) Camp Fire Girls Hazel Hatch Steele (g) Home Guard...............-.+ Henry F. Schricker ARMY AND NAvy RECORDS The Editor TOWNSHIP RECORDS (a) North Bend Twp... Warren S. Terry (b) Wayne Twp. (N. Judson) Dr. G. B. Corbitt (c) Railroad Twp. (San Pierre ) Otto Dolezal (d) Oregon Twp. (Grovertown) Mrs. Eudora Reinhardt (e) Washington Twp. (Ober)........-: ee Mrs. A. C. Bolen (No. Rep.) Patifornia oe Mrs. Cora Conklin (No R.) Davis Twp. (Hamlet) Mrs. H. W. Childs Jackson Twp Francis Palmer (No Rep.) Center Twp Editorial Board

Patriotic And Loyalty Demonstrations Humorous Stories Of The World War

WAR SAVINGS STAMPS .................._E. H. Taylor THE RED Cross ..... Hazel Hatch Steele (a) Organization Hazel Hatch Steele (b) Fiest-Ditiwe coi... . Hazel Hatch Steele (c) Christmas Red Cross Drive - 1917 Norma 'Taylor (d) Second Red Cross Drive - 1918 Norma 'Taylor (e) Red Cross Work Rooms... Hazel Hatch Steele . WAR RELIEF Work........Charles Hamilton Peters FooD ADMINISTRATION .................F. E. Whitson FUEL ADMINISTRATION The Editor PATRIOTIC AND LOYALTY DEMONSTRATIONS (a) Editorial John L. Moorman (b) Celebrations H. FP. Schricker Boys WORKING RESERVE..................1. L. Totten AGRICULTURAL WAR WoRK............. I. L. Totten STARKE COUNTY SCHOOLS IN THE WoRLD WAR Lanai Ase Watts eae gee ee SS Pf J. Allen Barr POINTS OF REFERENCE The Editor LETTERS FROM OuR SOLDIERS HUMOROUS STORIES OF THE WORLD WAR

Introduction

Starke County is located two counties from the West line and one county from the North line of Indiana, the Northwest part of the County fronting on the Kankakee River, being organized as a County in 1850 and is therefore one of the youngest and perhaps smallest in area in the State.

Before the land in Starke County was re-claimed by an extension system of large open ditches it consisted largely of sand hills and marshes. The opportunity for settlement for that reason was not very desirable and the population of the County increased very slowly. The population now consists of some 12,000 people, the native population largely coming from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois. We have a considerable foreign population, consisting of natives of Germany, Poland, Bohemia and sprinklings of Russians and Italians.

The social life of the people is very similar to that of other rural communities in Indiana. The church creeds represented are Methodist, Catholic, Christian, Lutheran, United Brethren and some few other minor church organizations.

The moral standing of the people of the County is very good and the general standard of citizenship has improved very materially within the last ten years.

The economic resources of the County are almost entirely agricultural, and this is limited by a lack of fertility in much of our soil. No manufacturing enterprises of any importance are conducted within the county.

"The sinking of three more American ships by German submarines and the probable loss of fifteen American lives only adds to the feeling between America and Germany that will surely lead to open warfare."'

This editorial was written at a time when the hearts of Starke County citizens were full of hope and fear; hope that the great clouds might pass and that our nation might keep in its historic path of peace; that Europe might settle its own controversies: yet in almost every heart was the fear that Europe's troubles were fast becoming ours and that the great questions which were facing our friends across the seas were becoming world wide and that America must soon assume her full share of preserving and defending the hopes and aspirations of mankind.

Here and there upon the streets and on the farms, men and women left their work to gather and have their say. It seemed to be the prayer of all that America might be spared. 'Yet how," they asked, ''can we shirk our duty?" All seemed to realize that the obligation of America was becoming more and more evident each day. Excited groups gathered about the first morning papers as they were distributed about the streets. 'Then came the news that the United States had definitely decided to enter the war. Starke County's response to this declaration is best depicted by the following editorial from the same pen:

"The die is cast. America and Germany are at war. The war is not of our making but it is here. There may be some who honestly doubt our right to enter this war: but all such must keep their doubts to themselves or banish them entirely. It is no crime to have German blood in ones veins, but it is treason to have German sentiments in ones heart. America is right and no man will be tolerated who acts otherwise. The best we have, have gone forth to do and die if need be, to uphold the hands of our President and none left behind may falter in their Americanism. 'There is no petty politics back of this war. The most powerful nation on earth is sucking our national life. It is the most sacred duty of all to stand firm and true, in word, deed and thought for America and constituted authority."'

That the citizens of Starke County liked this editorial almost to a man is now history. Their response was spontaneous and immediate. They pledged their lives and their dollars without stint. Meetings were held in every civic center in the County, the one question being constantly asked, "What

Events came thick and fast. In every newspaper in the county appeared an appeal to the farmers to raise more grain, and more food stuffs. This appeal was headed - ''Men who fight must eat,'' and was signed by all the banks in the County and occupied a prominent place on each front page. In the same Knox papers appeared an account of a flag pole being raised in the Main Street just across from the Fitz Hotel. Private O. D. Hepner formerly of Co. "H'' was the moving spirit. Dr. S. I. Brown presided and strong patriotic addresses were made by Rev. Ivey of the M. E. Church, Rev. Gray of the Christian Church, and Rev. Hubbard of the Free Methodist Church. Knox was aflutter with flags. A fifteen foot flag purchased by proper subscription was run up to the top of the pole as the band played '""The Star Spangle Banner." 'The flag was raised by a squad of gray haired Civil war veterans.

At the same time Capt. E. D. Turner of Company "H" was busy securing recruits for the Indiana National Guard. Harold Green, William Chapman, Russell Stradly, Glen Hardy

Typical of those stirring times, this local is taken from the Starke County Democrat: ''Robert Fletcher has left for Ft. Wayne to join the aviation corps." Another item: 'Both Starke County Trust & Savings Bank and Farmers State Bank are assisting farmers by ordering car loads of seed potatoes and selling them in long time easy terms. J. E. Osborn, our local seedman, is overseeing this arrangement. William Peele and Editor Schricker had charge of the meeting where this was planned."

That North Judson was busy is indicated by the following account of a flag raising taken from the North Judson News, Chester A. McCormick, Editor: ''A monster flag 29x40 feet, the largest flag in Indiana, was raised in North Judson Saturday, April 28th, 1917. A long parade formed at Burch's hall and marched to the spot chosen to raise the flag. The huge flag was borne by the school boys holding to its edges as they proudly marched along; after them a double file of school girls dressed in white, then decorated autos and floats. H. FE. Schricker made the principal address. <A splendid patriotic program was given at night. Music was furnished by the Knox Band. The members of Company ''H'"' were present and did their bit. Ralph N. Smith of LaPorte made the principal address in the evening.

That everyone seemed to want to help in some way is indicated by the following letter which appeared about this time in the Knox papers: ''A letter to the People,'' President Wilson has asked the people of the United States to sell goods at a small profit and to help our customers and others I have concluded to comply with his request. - P. VanDerweele."'

On May 3rd appeared the following headlines in the Starke County Republican: ''Conscription Law Passed - - Nation will raise army of 500,000 by selection draft - Troops to Europe by end of year is planned."'

Then follows - ''The Nation was fully awakened from its dream of peace Saturday, when the news was flashed from Washington that Congress had passed the Conscription Law as called for by President Wilson."

That the people of Starke County were fully awake to the situation is evidenced by the following editorial by Henry F. Schricker of the Starke County Democrat on May 2nd, 1917: "Tt is as much of a man's patriotic duty to pay his taxes as to help to defend his country in time of war. Yet how much money do you suppose would be paid into the County Treasurer's office each year if the business of tax paying was put under the volunteer system? A few, yes a very few, but the great majority would be dead willing 'To let George do it'. And so it is with the plan of raising an army by the volunteer system. The Nation's maxim: 'Equal rights to all special rights to none' leaves no room for the volunteer plan. Abraham Lincoln in urging a conscription law: "You who do not like to be soldiers do not like this law,' and these words doubtless apply today."

It may be said here in all truth that there was very little, if any, draft dodging in Starke County. The boys, as called, presented themselves for examination. There were many bitter disappointments as some were rejected for service. Many left for hospitals for minor operations which might fit them for service, and enable them to get into the war. Many whose cases were such as to entirely bar them from shouldering a gun, enlisted for clerical work and thus, did their bit.

By this time things were becoming lively in Starke County. All over the county schools, churches, lodges, clubs, in fact all civic bodies and organizations were getting on their toes. What War means was being more and more realized. Business houses, especially the banks, were getting under way for the liberty loans. Those who thought America so large that even war could not stir her to the depths were beginning to change their minds. Those who were doing nothing were beginning to arouse suspicion or were casting about for some place to put their shoulders to the wheel. More and more the truth was coming home to us in Starke County that every man and every woman as well as every boy and girl were to have their full share of conflagration whose flames were leaping higher every day. Lives were being poured out as never before, the lists of wounded and dead were mounting at a rate which made former wars tame indeed. All this was brought home to us and spurred us on and on until all were working.

The churches were doing their full share. Every pulpit in the county teemed with patriotism and the voices of our ministers and priests lashed their congregation to greater efforts and sought to instill in the public mind this great truth; that America and her institutions were at stake. Even Christianity was menaced by the war lords of Germany and her allies. Sunday, July Ist, 1917, was set aside as a Patriotic Sabbath, and on that day the good people of our County found their way to the church of their choice and there consecrated themselves to the new duty and listened to their religious leaders as they sought to point out the path of honor and glory which in the end lead to victory and peace.

Lon E. Bernethy County Council Of Defense

For the purpose of cooperating with other organizations of a similar character in other states and with our Federal Government, the Indiana State Council of Defense was organized May 19th, 1917 by Governor J. P. Goodrich, who at the request of the Council of National Defense appointed twentyseven representative citizens to undertake organization throughout Indiana. At the head he appointed W. H. Hays, later destined to be a leading political figure.

Judge W. C. Pentecost of the Circuit Court appointed the members of the Starke County Council of Defense June 16th, 1917. Each local council is composed of seven members, one

LON E. BERNETHY, of North Judson. WILBUR W. DYE, of Hamlet. WESLEY W. OSBORN, of Ober. THOMAS CLEAVE, of Bass Lake. Miss AGNES LARAMORE, of Knox. HERBERT R. KOFFEL, of Knox.

Extensive plans were adopted by the County Council of Defense for the suppression of disloyalty in any form, for the encouragement and promotion of all necessary war work and this work was carried out to a successful conclusion with but little trouble and with no particular antagonistic influence. The chief functions and activities of the County Council of Defense was to encourage, support and aid in promoting the work of the local board, financing the war, the Red Cross, all war relief, agricultural war work, food and fuel work administration, etc. In this respect the council was very successful, accomplishing its purpose in almost every instance. In all there was $1,150.00 appropriated for use of the County Council of Defense, about $200.00 of which was expended for various purposes the balance reverting to the treasury.

Various and vague reports came to the knowledge of the County Council of Defense, that certain citizens of the county were accused and suspected with disloyal acts and utterances. The matter was discussed at a meeting of the County Council and a majority of the members expressed themselves as being in favor of calling a meeting at the court house in Knox, the county seat of Starke County, and notifying the various per-

H. R. KOFFEL Member of Board of County Commissioners Who Resigned Because of Ill Health sons thus criticised to be present. This meeting was held on the 25th day of September, 1917, and all the parties who were SO requested to report were present and answered all questions that were put to them by the chairman, the meeting being open to the public. At the close of the meeting the Council entered into an executive session and after thoroughly discussing the various issues involved, decided that the men so called were to be exonerated, and that the charges so vaguely made were unfounded and unjustified. A resolution was then adopted that before the County Council would pay any attention to reports or rumors questioning the loyalty of our citizens, the same would have to be made in writing and filed with the chairman, and that the accused party would be put in possession of all the facts. This resolution no doubt accomplished a great deal of

Several patriotic meetings were held the latter part of October, 1917, under the auspices of the Starke County Council of Defense. The first one was held Friday evening, October 19th, at the Knox Opera House; the second,. Monday evening, October 22nd, at the Majestic Theatre at Hamlet; the third at Arndt's Hall, San Pierre, October 23rd.

Early in 1918 Henry F. Schricker, one of the members of the County Council of Defense, tendered his resignation and J. W. Long was appointed as his successor. Later in 1918 Lon E. Bernethy resigned' as chairman of the County Council of Defense, because of his removal from the county, and H. R. Koffel was appointed chairman as his successor.

April 3rd, 1918, California Township held an organization meeting at wihch the following officers were chosen: Emery A. Turner, chairman; Samuel J. Taylor, vice-chairman: Miss Olive Weidner, secretary, and Peter Mosher, treasurer. Assignments of other members to special war activities were as follows: J. V. McVey on espionage; Thos. O. Mays on military affairs; John G. Marks on agricultural pursuits; Lewis Raschka on public speaking, and Miss Olive Weidner on women's work.

Harry Keller

Son of Ezekiel and Caroline M. Keller, born April 14, 1891, North Judson, Starke County, Ind. Employe of Tin Plate Mili, Indiana Harbor, Ind. . Enlisted in U. S. Regular

Army June 27, 1917, Chicago, Ill. Sent to Camp Jackson, Ss. C., assigned to 17th Engineers. Overseas in July, 1917. Gassed during drive in the Marne Sector. Returned to U. S. as casualty January 23rd, 1917; taken to Cook County Hospital, Chicago, where he died July 28th, 1918. Buried with military honors, North Judson, Indiana. The American Legion Post at North Judson bears his name.

John Earl Good

Son of Jeremiah and Martha Good (both deceased); born March 16, 1896, Knox, Ind. Employe of Rubber Boot Factory, Mishawaka, Ind., when the entered service October 5, 1917. Sent to Camp Taylor, Ky. Transferred to Camp Jackson, S. C.; assigned to Company A, 327th Machine Gun Battalion. Sailed overseas May 11, 1918. Participated in battles of Bellecourt and Premont. Gassed Oct. 24th, 1918, and died. Body returned to the U. S. and buried at Knox with military honors.

Charles Emigh

service July 23, 1918, Knox, Ind. Sent to Camp Wadsworth, S. C.; assigned to 321st Ambulance Company, Sanitary Train. Contracted pneumonia and died Nov. 29th, 1918. Buried in Bass Lake cemetery with military honors.

Frank Clifford Garbison

Son of Joseph (deceased) and Emma Garbison (Fite) ; born. April 8, 1896, Davis Township, Starke County, Ind. Farmer. Entered service June 24, 1918, Laporte, Ind. Sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio. Transferred to Camp Mills, N. Y. Overseas September 3, 1918: assigned to Company F. 335th Infantry, 84th Division. Contracted pneumonia; moved to Base hospital No. 3 in France where he died October 14th, 1918. Buried in American cemetery, Menezterol Motignac, Dordogne, France.

Columbus H. Shilling

Son of Hiram and Alice Prettyman Shilling; born September 28, 1893, near Knox, Ind. Farmer-salesman. Enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps, August 7, 1918, Chicago,

Ill. Sent to Paris Island, S. C.; assigned to Company Z 33rd transferred to Quantico, Va.; assigned to 13th Company, 10th Regiment, where he manned a seven-inch gun. Contracted influenza and died October 24th, 1918. His body was returned to Knox, Ind., where he received full military honors and was buried in the Round Lake cemetery. Columbus Shilling was a decedent of Lord Delaware of England.

Albert W. Williams

Son of Walter F. (deceased) and Aldawa Williams; born August 24, 1886, North Bend Township, Starke County, Ind. Machinist. Enlisted in U. S. Regular Army May 12, 1917. Detroit, Mich., where he was employed. Sent to Camp Jacinto, Tex.; assigned to Company C, 26th Infantry. Overseas in June, 1917; attached to First Division. Wounded March 25th, 1918, while fighting in the Toule Sector and died two days later. Buried in American cemetery, No. 108, Grave 15, Sebastopol Barracks, France. 'The American Legion Post, Knox, Ind., named in his honor.

Joseph Regnold

1895, Englewood, Ill. Moved to Starke County, Ind., in 1904. Enlisted in U. S. Regular Army May 8, 1917, Indiana Harbor. Sent to Ft. Thomas, Ky.; transferred to Syracuse, N. Y. Overseas April 2, 1918: attached to Third Division. Fought at St. Mihiel, Montfaucon, and in Meuse-Argonne. After his brilliant heroism in the battle of Hill 204 in the Marne division, June, 1918, he was promoted to Sergeant. He lost his life October 9th, in the battle of Meuse-Argonne, at Madaline. farm. The regiment in which he was fighting was decorated as a whole by the French Government with Croix du Guerre.

Walter J. Wallace

Son of Montgomery J. and Jennie Wallace, born at Peck, Sanilac County, Michigan, July 26th, 1890. In early boyhood moved to a farm near Hamlet in Starke County, Indiana. He enlisted as a Y. M. C. A. Secretary for foreign service and on June 15th, 1918, departed for France. At this time came the second crisis of the Marne. Through shortage of men in at Hill 204 was so badly gassed that he never quite recovered. During the drive at St. Mihiel all of the Y. M. C. A. equipment was destroyed by a German shell so Walter decided to enter the contest as a real fighting man. For extreme bravery at Deadman's Hill Walter was decorated with the Croix de Guerre. He received a painful flesh wound and was invalided to Paris and finally home. He died in a tuberculosis sanitarium at Val Mora, New Mexico, March 18th, 1921. His body was brought back to Knox where it was buried with full military

Home Volunteer Workers

WAR! The very word brings visions of sacrifice, hardships, suffering, cruelty, blood-shed - death. And to what avail? Because the mighty overpowers the weak does not necessarily make right prevail. Animosity and revenge cannot produce friendship and reciprosity; peace founded upon military supremacy cannot endure. So our great adversaries in the World War discovered, for Germany with all her powerful military organization could not maintain the peace she won in 1871.

War has as many phases as a prism has angles. It is not only the man in the fighting lines who makes the army of victory. "The man behind the plow, the man behind the desk in the offices, and the man behind the great machines in our factories deserve equal credit. One without the other is lost. He is not a "'slacker'' who was not permitted to go gloriously "over the top'' in the front line trenches; he is not a "'slacker"' who untiringly labored month after month at whatsoever the government asked him to do - giving his time, sacrificing his own affairs and donating hundreds of dollars that our fighting soldiers might return victorious heroes.

In July, 1914, the Arch Duke of Austria and his consort were foully assassinated by a half-crazed Serbian youth. Immediately Austria and Serbia locked forces in a warfare that developed into the most fiendish, the most inhuman war ever reckoned in history. Science, heretofore considered noble and exceedingly helpful to the progress of humanity, lent itself to the invention of the vilest means of destruction. Poisonous gases were shot over the royal Princess Pat Regiment of the English army in France by the Germans which mowed down these unsuspecting boys like wheat before a harvester. Those

When the allied armies saw this outrage they immediately provided the soldiers with gas masks an equipment never before used in any war. It was a mask for the face only which protected the wearer from the deadly effect of the gas. When the front lines recognized an approaching gas attack, a signal was given to the entire division and the masks were placed in position immediately.

Guns were manufactured that could shoot a range of seventy-five miles, called by the entente '"The Big Bertha." In this war aeroplanes, zeppelins, submarines first made their important appearance. "The power of our great men of war was as naught compared to that of those fast running treacherous submarines. Aeroplanes made camouflaged trench 'warfare necessary and with it the vermin such as notorious cooties. The term "'No Man's Land"' was a phrase of horror to everyone. . Years of preparation gave Germany the advantage at the beginning but they did not reckon with the spirits of the allied armies; a spirit of patriotism, of dogged determination and love of home; the spirit of men not beaten into military discipline by an iron-fisted military machine, whole-hearted men of every nationality and religion banded together in one supreme purpose of halting this outrageous barbarism and stopping the huns in their sacriligious slaughter.

April 6th, 1917, Woodrow Wilson, at that time President of our United States, declared a state of warfare between the United States and Germany. Immediately America began preparation to send the American Expedition forces (A. E. F.) to the aid of the allies who had been in the conflict already two years.

Sergeant Alex Arch, Battery C. 6th Field Artillery, was the first American to fire shot into the German line. November 3rd our first troops entered the war on foreign soil.

Already our boys were leaving for the camps to begin rigid training for the battling line. Service flags with their plue stars on white backgrounds, each star representing one boy in service, surrounded with a border of red hung in nearly every window. 'The stars soon began to change from blue to silver designating that one boy was wounded, and then, alas, the gold stars appeared for those who "went west.' Starke County's heart followed the boys as they entrained for camp.

Thanksgiving, 1917, nearly a hundred boxes of food were sent to the camps for our boys. 'The contents were various, such as brown bread, jelly, sandwiches, chicken,, pickles, cake, cookies, friut and homemade candies.

Ralph Kline donated a bushel of apples. Forty-nine boxes were sent to Camp Taylor; twenty-one boxes were sent to Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Miss.; twenty-one boxes were sent to several other camps.

When the Library War Service issued a call for books for the camps in March, 1918, Starke County set aside March 23rd from 8 to 12:30 A. M. for books to be left at the Knox High School. Women of Knox took their cars and canvassed the town for books. Conséquently Starke County sent a goodly share to the camps. "There were thirty-seven free libraries throughout the camps.

Much confusion was avoided by the gallant assistance of the Starke County lawyers in helping the boys with their questionaires, a complicated paper each boy was compelled to file. December 12th, 1917, the County papers printed this notice:

"The Attorneys of Starke County will render such aid and assistance as may be necessary under the service act to every registrant, such services to be free."

The most important battles of this World War were the Argonne, Chateau Thierry, St. Mihiel, Bellau Woods, Cantigny, Soissons, Vesle, Verdun and Yprez. Indiana furnished one hundred, six thousand, five hundred and one men for the atmy, making us tenth among the states for the number of troops furnished from the U. S. A. Sixty-nine thousand, seven hundred, forty-nine went with the National Army. Twenty-five thousand, eight hundred forty-seven enlisted. Eight thousand, three hundred thirteen went to the Navy, and one thousand, sixty-four went to the Marines.

Starke County is proud of a number of officers she possessed. "There may be more of whom we have no record. A short space will be left following this list so that any omission may be filled in by the owner of this history if so desired.

The boys in the Marines were Joseph Arnsdorff, Jacob Beyers, Raymond Cox, Ed. Haley, Columbus H. Shilling, Robert Fletcher and Donald Reinhardt.

Many of our younger boys eager to get into the fight enlisted in the Students' Army Training Corps (S. A. T. C.), where they underwent strict military discipline.

One group of men, small but powerful, deserve honorable mention in. this History - the editors of our three Starke County papers to whom, also the editing board of this History are deeply grateful. Chester A. McCormick, Editor of the North Judson News; Henry F. Schricker, Editor of the Starke County Democrat, and John L. Moorman, Editor of the

Starke County Republican. They not only gave their time writing editorials and attending all the meetings through the county that they might authentically cover them but their papers were free mediums of patriotic inspiration and information during the entire period of the war. Forgetful of politics, nationally or religious difference, they printed everything of interest to the people of our county. They did their bit faithfully and Starke County appreciated it.

As early as 1776 when the drum and fife stirred the blood of our colonial ancestors with the fire of patriotism, music has been the inspirational means of touching the hearts of humanity. Some are more susceptible than others to its power but one thing is certain; music can arouse and when the Knox band marched down the street playing one of its lively patriotic airs, the blood in the veins of those who listened tingled and they burned with patriotism. Even now when we hear "Over There'' strange little quivers run up and down the spine.

They never failed. At every meeting, campaign or celebration they unselfishly donated their services and played with all their fiery enthusiasm. They went all over the county in all kinds of weather and Starke County owes a debt of gratitude to the Knox Band Boys they cannot easily repay. 'The following men played in the band at the time:

J. M. Swartzell, A. W. Swartzell, C. A. Baldwin, Frank A. Green, O. D. Hepner, Harry Loring, Harold Loring, Grant Green, Bruce Wilhelm, Roy Savery, Clarence Savery, Russell E. Thompson, C. D. Newby, Virgil McCormick, Robert Edgell, Lewis Morlan, Leslie Miller, Charlie Lundin and Harry Menser.

Besides giving their time and energy to knitting and sewing and campaigning for war funds the women of Starke County made a noble showing in military service. Marie Fletcher was the first to leave the county for war work. She enlisted in the clerical department at Washington and took up a position with Col. Deitrich. Ada and Harriet Geddes followed in 1918. They also went to Washington. In July, 1918, Miss Alice Baldwin, Miss Sylvia McGill and Miss Zelma Jordan answered the government's call.

The woman's section for the State Council of Defense and the Red Cross undertook to recruit 1500 student nurses in Indiana for government service. The drive extended over the period between July 28th and August 11th. Four recruiting stations for the convenience of Starke County's young women were opened at the following places:

From North Judson's recruiting station Esther Atherton, Ida Henning, Helen Dolexal, Florence Akers and Edith Short enlisted. From Knox, Ruth Gronquist and Emma Marks.

In October, 1918, six North Judson girls and one San Pierre girl left for Camp Sherman, namely: Miss Lydia Koukalik, Miss Florence Akers. Miss Esther Atherton, Miss Setepta Fruits, Miss Louis Hudson and Edith Short, of North Judson, and Helen Dolezal. of San Pierre.

The registration of women for war work of Starke County, Indiana, was taken during March and April, 1918. Mrs. Mahlon J. Hartzler was appointed County Chairman, and appointed the following Township Chairmen:

About eighteen hundred women of the county registered showing their willingness to assist in clerical, domestic, agricultural, industrial, professional, public and social service, Red Cross and allied relief. After the close of the registration a detailed report was made and sent to the State Chairman, Mrs. Anne Studebaker Carlisle, at Indianapolis.

32 Cooking 'actory - Cont'd. | '85 Dentist, 103 Publicity vu _Soctal Service Instruction - Cont'd. Bicone, 61. Sgcios 86 Dieticlan | 104 Statistician i st ai Industries by home | 62 Paperand printing | 87 Draftaman | 105 Surgeon lemploy't | 63 Wood trades 88 Engineer | 106 Teacher Garee eee 3 Taundrese | 68 Tentiles Handicrafts: dults....-..0-. | 132 ci executive villian 37 Practical nurse } 65 Forewoman | 89 Metals 133 District nursing 38 Trained attendant | 66 Inspector 90 Textiles 134 Hos IX, Miscellaneous 39 Seamstress | 62 Janitrese (cleaner) | Woods Tadberto } 13s todvartal wears : - 40 Waitress + 68 Laundry operative ournalist Oar Sonal mgr | 136 Investigator 2 Contributions IV. Industrial | 69 Mapager 33 Leborstory 'gr: vaker | Mall carrier 137 Playgrounds SO Baker | 70 Manicureand bairdr Polles patrol 138 Proteetive awoc'a | B B ver for car Roar essenger | reational uplicating mach EB (Bie | seca RES | Ree" |b Cook Retall déaler | eee | 440. Music E. Home for c onvalew: $3 Camp Restaurant RES PERE ; eary 141 Reading aloud spit $4 Ipeitutional | aleaw } 118 Telephone | 142 Rellel visting F 55 Dressmaker 70 W 96 Lecturet ] Transportation: | 143} Settlement: G Laboratory Factary 97 Librarian Neleuin S| 144 Soctabeubs H_ Motor beat Needle trades | re & Musics 20 Horse | Vi. Red rose nnd Ag Relit otc 7 Food trades | 81 Architect iy Motor car | Tos J Leather trades =| 82 Arust armact | Motor cyde 150 Sareea dreesings Sba rae ws Hat trages | 83 Author 101 Photographer 3 Power boat 1st ietetica veldow of ehildres Metal trades | 84 Chemist 102 Physician ie Railroad 182 'Biessentary bys.

Camp Fire Girls

The Kankakee Camp of Camp Fire Girls at Knox made generous donations to the Red Cross War Funds, and helped as much as possible for busy high school girls in other war work. Miss Agnes Laramore was their guardian. These Camp Fire Girls were: Ruth Johnson, Florence and Thelma Newtson, Lucile and Lenore Pentecost, Gladys Kesler, Kathryn Thompson, Mildred Budlove, Mildred Horner, Gertrude Foster, Dora Stevens, Dorothy Kellogg, Kletha Kreuter, Martha Tuesburg, Clara Thomas and Eulalie Shook.

The Home Guard

The government's appeal for the organization of Home Guard companies throughout the country met a-hearty response in Starke County, and a special meeting for this purpose was held in the Farmers' Room of the court house on the evening of September 27, 1917. This meeting was well attended and after some discussion it was unanimously decided to foster the organization of Home Guard Companies throughout the county.

On November 24, 1917, the first company was organized at Knox and more than seventy men were enrolled. Orville W. Nichols, Thomas J. Hurley and Henry F. Schricker were appointed a committee on rules and regulations, and at a subsequent meeting, on December 5th, the following officers were chosen: Henry F. Schricker, Captain; Orville W. Nichols, First Lieut., and Virgil H. McCormick, Second Lieut. Regular meetings and drills were held until the close of the war and enthusiastic support was given to all war activities.

The North Judson Company of Home Guards was organized at Burch's Hall on Friday night, December 7, 1917, and a large membership was enrolled. The following officers were chosen: Charles Heruska, Captain; Harry Watts, First Lieut.; Orin S. Schuyler, Second Lieut.; Chester A. McCormick, Secretary; John F. Lightcap, Treasurer, and William H. Replogle, Patriotic Advisor.

On December 27th the Aldine Company held a rousing meeting at the Gleaner Hall and organized by electing the following officers: James Forbes, Captain; Emery Turner, First Lieut., and John Hanson, Second Lieut. "The Company started off with a membership of sixty-five, and Captain Forbes appointed the following non-commissioned officers: Cecil Weidner, First Sergeant; Clyde Mosher, Charles Zahrn, Charles Reeg, Curtis Kelley, Martin Swanson, Homer Collins, Cressel Lucas and Otis F., German Corporals; Elmer Gridley, Patriotic Advisor.

The Hamlet company was organized on Wednesday night, December 26th, and the following officers were elected: Raymond E. Hardesty, Captain; L. N. Laramore, First Lieut., and Ellsworth Childs, Second Lieutenant.

All of these companies did effective home work during the war and through their organized efforts aided materially in moulding a spirit of patriotism and loyalty that was felt in every home and fireside in the county.

Army And Navy Records

The army conscription bill which makes every able-bodied man of military age subject to the government's call to defend the colors, passed both houses of congress at Indianapolis, April 28th, 1917, and Indiana the great Hoosier State, through the prompt action of Governor Goodrich, again took the lead in meeting the nation's plans under the new act. 'There were four district boards, one hundred twenty-four local boards, one hundred two medical advisory boards in the State. There were three drafts. The County boards were selected by Governor Goodrich late that night and in each instance the board consisted of three men: the County Sheriff, the County Clerk, and one other citizen selected by the Governor. The Board in Starke County was composed of Sheriff Clement L. Rodgers, Clerk Hugh Kruter, and Sidney A. Uncapher, of Knox. No-+ tice of these appointments were sent out from the Governor's office by wire. This was the first gathering of conscription officers in the nation and another important thing about this was the unanimous decision that the members of our boards and also the precinct registrars should serve without pay. May Ist, the county conscription officers met in their respective localities everywhere in Indiana to select the precinct officials and make their report to the Governor. the Starke County board met in the Clerk's Office at the court house and compiled this list of well known and patriotic men:

Military Service Record

Prepared by the Indiana Historical Commission as a permanent memorial to the Indiana soldiers and sailors enrolled in the American and Allied fighting forces during the World War.

The new conscription bill provided for the draft of men between the ages of 21 and 40. This was a House Bill; the Senate Bill fixed the age limit from 21 to 27. The bill passed fixing the requirement between the ages of 21 and 30 and June 5th was the day set for registration.

Following is the official list of boys as compiled by the County Draft Board with as many as we could possibly determine who enlisted away from home:

Additional Remarks

North Bend Township, No. 1........... At the Kaiserhoff Hotel North Bend Township, No. 2.......... At the Ora School House Washington Township, No. 1. At the Ober School House Washington Township, No. 2... At Cottonwood School House Oregon Township, No. 1....At the Grovertown School House Oregon Township, No. 2 At Dr. John R. Abner's Office California Township, No. 1.... ...... At Center School House California Township, No. 2..... At Maple Grave School House Center Township, No. 1....... At Harry E. Johnson's Residence Center Township, No. 2 ..A\t basement of Christian Church Center Township, No. 3........... At Johnson's Insurance Office

Wayne Township, No. 1... At the Town Hall at North Judson Railroad Township, No. 2........... At San Pierre School House Davis Townshipy9)- iad. s-st Entire Township at Town Hall Jackson Township... Entire Township at Jordan School House Following is the first Official Conscription Notice:

Conscription Notice

Notice is hereby given to all male persons residing or sojourning in Starke County, Indiana, over the age of 21 years and who have not yet attained the age of 31 years, to repair to their regular voting precincts on TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 1917, between the hours of 7 a. m. and 9 p. m. of said day and there register their names in accordance with the proclamation of the President of the United States of America.

Washington Twp. Prec., No. 1........ At the Ober School House Washington Twp. Prec., No. 2..At Cottonwood School House Oregon Twp. Prec., No. 1....At the Grovertown School House Oregon Twp. Prec., No. 2........ At Dr. John R. Abner's Office California Twp. Prec., No. 1...........-. At Center School House California Twp. Prec., No. 2....At Maple Grave School House Center Twp. Prec., No. 1......At Harry E. Johnson's Residence Center Twp. Prec., No. 2......At basement of Christian Church

Center Twp. Prec., No. 3.......... At Johnson's Insurance Office Wayne Pwpi No. Bet cere. At Town Hall.at North Judson Wayne Twp. ANG 42-2. Sade tite At Sonnerberg's Building

IN WITNESS WHEREOEF, I, C. L. Rodgers, Sheriff of Starke County, Indiana, have hereunto set my hand at Knox, Indiana, this 25th day of May, 1917,

In August, 1917, the Knox Draft Board consisted of Sheriff C. L. Rodgers, Herbert R. Koffel and Dr. John R. Abner, who decided upon August 8th, 9th and 10th as the days when Starke County's drafted men should appear in this city for physical examination. The Board decided that its first call should include the first 198 men taken in order in which their numbers were drawn in the draft.

WARD He FARRAR Si Bile a: Walkerton HARRY LOGY ee ee Culver GEORGE E. KECK North Judson LOUIS .KRieiR eel ee ee North Judson ROBERT > Pita ieerey cnt ketee Pes eee . Hamlet CARL TIN BROWH sec ace eer ene Hamlet MELVIN O. FERCH

Forrest J. Melvin

BENJAMIN F. BODAMER..................Donaldson JOHN PAWLISH....... edie. Cah We Cer San Pierre SAMUEL" LW EAPEVERG ei a Aoi a Hamlet LAWRENCE H. ABRAHAM North Judson FORREST J. MELVIN

NOW IN MILITARY SERVICE WILLIAM M. ATHERTON North Judson CORA -Cy EMERICK 2.521028 heed, ea Pee Hamlet GEORGE L. D. JENSEN 6 ene eae OM For the sake of interest we have attempted to find out from as many boys as possible the time at which they enlisted and the destination to which they were sent. This compilation is entirely unofficial, but we considered it decidedly interesting and therefore are printing it: ATTY. PATRICK MALONEY - San Pierre, Officers' Reserve Camp, Ft. Benjamin Harrison, May, 1917. RALPH GooD - Knox, Officers' Reserve Camp, Ft. Benjamin Harrison, May, 1917. CLYDE - TTANNER - Aldine, U. S. Cavalry, Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, May, 1917. ADOLPH DUKES - Knox, Great Lakes Naval Station, Harvard Radio and Wireless School, May 8th, 1918.

In Fhe. World War 67 Decorated By The French Government

The task of writing up the activities of North Bend 'Township during the late World War that you have imposed on me will indeed be a difficult task for me to perform when considering age, (74 yrs.,) lack of data, etc., etc., and especially so unless you indulge me in taking a step backward and including a bit of history not directly related to the matter in question, this means to go back to the sixties when the loyalty of North Bend Township was born. Time nor space, nor propriety will permit going into the details of that memorable time but we cannot refrain from mentioning the fact of this township furnishing the first hero (William Landon) from Starke County to fall in that great conflict, and that event couples with the fact that a North Bend Township volunteer (Albert Williams) was the first from "Starke County to sacrifice his life on the wicked battlefields in France during the late World War. Dear readers, you especially who wore the khaki, will not feel slighted if your names are not especially mentioned in this editorial, for as we said in the beginning, time nor space will permit. But be it remembered that your names are written on the highest pinnacles of patriotism and down to the abyss of everlasting honor.

War of the Rebellion - (Numerous ones) and at least one from every war since, that the Americans were engaged in, down to Charlie Emigh, who died while wearing the uniform of the late World War.

Now, to some this may look irrevalent to the subject assigned us, but just this morning I called Mrs. Sylva Jonas, the County Chairman, who gave us permission to insert in this bit of history, anything I pleased. It seems to be a large portion of human nature to want to slide back to times gone by - especially is it so to one of the age of your humble servant.

So here we go back to the year 1861 when our eyes first beheld the sceneries of North Bend Township, for we crossed the county line of Starke County into the very township we have been assigned to narrate. This was about the seventeenth day of September, 1861, when many of the township's brave boys had already gone to the front of battle, only a few days prior to the death of the lamented William Landon heretofore mentioned. The whole county was shocked at the news of his death, in fact has never fully recovered from it, but found some relief by naming the First Grand Army Post for him. Now you see this leads us to ring in special mention of the lamented Albert Williams heretofore mentioned, and whose memory has been revered by naming the American Legion Post for him. How could surviving comrades erect a more appropriate or honor bestowing monument?

Now listen, dear reader, if this epistle should escape the ravages of the great wind mill that separates the wheat from the chaff and meet the gaze of your penetrating eyes, let us not forget to reverence the parents of soldiers of all wars and especially the widowed mothers of some most conspicuous to mind whose likenesses brighten these pages. Mrs. Frank Williams. mother of Albert, and Mrs. Henry Wagoner, another of North Bend Township's mothers who gave to the service of our country, three noble sons who crossed the briny deep to not only face shot and shell, but had to breathe poisonous atmosphere of as murderous an enemy as ever wore uniform. But to the rest of you boys who wore the khaki let me beg your pardon for omitting personal mention, for the memories of that cruel and uncalled for war heat my blood to the point of explosion.

In our researches for information that we thought would be interesting to you, reader, we visited the homes of Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Wagoner, in North Bend Township, and found hanging on the walls of their most sacred rooms, pictures and souvenirs taken from the battle fields in France and Germany. One especially touching was a memorial nicely framed which we will copy here as it is very interesting and is signed by John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief:

In memory of Corporal Albert W. Williams, who died March 27, 1918, he bravely laid down his life for the cause of his Country, his name will ever remain fresh in the hearts of his friends and comrades, the record of his honorable service will be preserved in the Archives of the American Expeditionary forces.

While looking at these as they hung in two well-regulated homes we noticed two more brilliant pictures, the living features of two mothers who had, and are still suffering untold agony caused by the fruits of the World War. There is still another class of patriots that are worthy of special mention: the aged, the middle aged and infants, who gave their mites to supply this great country of ours with money to carry on this mighty struggle. Who ever heard of a nation wanting to bortow money from babes in the cradle? And how loyally they all responded.

Now while again referring to the loyalty of old North Bend Township, here is another fact we think worthy of special mention. We believe the little town of Ora produced more soldiers according to its population than any spot in America. We realized this is taking in lots of territory, yet we believe it is true. When you get fourteen (14) volunteers from a population of one hundred and fifty, it is a sure test of

We must not close our book without complimenting the Red Cross workers and other loyal organizations of North Bend Township for their efforts were untiring and compare favorably with those in fields of battle: and were we to make mention of those most active (in the language of the Holy of Holies) the world would not contain the volume.

I know of no more befitting benefiction to close this article than the recording of the names of the boys in brown who enlisted from North Bend Township, which names were handed to me by Wm. P. Castleman, who was record keeper in time of the World War.

I am quite sure there are others who should be accredited to North Bend Township (but enlisted elsewhere) and I have been unable to procure their names and places of abode. So, to you, if any there be, this is my excuse for not recording your names in this most honorable list, and to others, male and female, it has been my endeavor to give War History rather than the private history of those who were more active in your civil pursuits than others whose hearts and hands were just as loyal.

The Great War and its complications cast a responsibility like a mighty cloud over our nation, a portion falling upon every State. In turn that responsibility fell to every county, then finally to every community of our broad Union.

During the War Activities of Starke County, the people of North Judson and Wayne Township found themselves a community or a unit with certain responsibilities and duties.

Patriotism existing in every true American citizen demanded that these duties and tasks be worked out according to our massed judgment, in a manner fitting the best interests of our Great Republic, in the days of war, trial and need. 'The performance of these duties demanded of our people much in time energy, thought and finances.

First the people of our town and township must organize themselves into a working unit. We, the offspring of many nations dwelling together and making up the community, found it necessary to forget the differences of the nations from which we sprang. To forget the differences of creed and religion and to forget political and other differences whereby people are estranged, and became as a unit in the interest of the commonwealth of which we formed a part.

To the everlasting credit of the people interested, this organization became real. Our quotas were more than subscribed and our boys did credit to themselves and to the people from whom they sprang, in the various camps and on the fields of struggle.

When it was found necessary to raise a given quota of Liberty Bonds, Red Cross funds, etc., about thirty men were selected and divided into groups of about five. Each group being charged with a given area to canvass. Each group was made responsible for the same area of town and township in each succeeding drive.

First the town was canvassed. Then on an afternoon agreed upon, seven automobiles and men responsible for the drive, gathered and departed at one time making each part of the township simultaneously. A thorough canvass was thus made and notations made by any who were not found. These were seen later and though not easily accomplished at all times, Our quotas were more than subscribed and this part of our duties performed.

The Plag

One of our community, with a vision greater than small things, suggested that we make an immense flag. The people caught the spirit and:on a specified 'evening, more than one hundred, young and old, gathered at Burch's Hall. Bolts of ted, white and blue were produced, several sewing machines were brought and work was commenced on a flag. Some were busy cutting out stars, others were employed preparing background for the stars, still others sewed full width of the goods together making stripes. Everyone was busy. Some of us, perhaps, only thought we were doing something, but in the end, late at night a flag was finished, of which every soul of us was proud, a flag twenty-six feet in width, fifty feet in length.

An afternoon was set apart for the raising of the flag. Two of the tallest poles were set, one at each side of the street, in a prominent part of the town. Ropes passed through small pulleys were aranged with which to raise the flag at the proper time. At the time appointed, a procession was formed, headed by the band. The flag was carried by our troop of Boy Scouts. "The ropes were attached and the flag was raised while the band played ""The Star Spangled Banner."

Standing in the back seat of an automobile, Mr. Henry F. Schricker, of Knox, who was born and reared at North Judson, gave a patriotic address.

part in the making and the raising of a beautiful flag. The largest at that time and the second largest ever constructed in the State of Indiana.

Boy Scouts

During the period of war a Boy Scout organization was formed and maintained with Dr. F. G. Davis, Scoutmaster. Being in uniform and maintaining good discipline, the boys proved a troop of which the community could be proud. They took an active interest in selling Liberty Bonds and other activities of the time.

Meeting each week and joining in regular boy sports, working in an organization of which each was a part and living up to the rules and regulations of scouts; helped to form for them habits beneficial to any boy.

Home Guards

Our Home Guards organized with about eighty members, under the captaincy of the late Charles Hruska. We met regularly at Burch's Hall and performed the duties and exercises of the Home Guards. Members felt the benefit of the drill, felt their patriotism quickened for deeds, having a more direct application on the activities of the war.

These are some of the activities of the folk back home, seeking and expecting no glory as individuals, but as a community working together body and soul, doing their duties according to their best judgment in the support of Uncle Sam and striving to do their bit in the support and encouragement of the boys ''Over There'' and of the boys preparing to go.

As in all other communities, it fell upon the bank to handle the brunt of the Liberty Loan drives. It fell to the lot of The Bank of San Pierre to handle this end of it for Railroad 'Township. At the first call, Cashier "Thomas J. Daly joined the colors and Assistant Cashier O. M. Dolezal stepped in to take active charge of this work. All praise to the good people of our community for the parts they played in this work, for work, and hard work it really was. Everybody helped. No man refused, and it was this united effort which put us 'across'? every time. To the people of English Lake just credit also should be given for their aid in these Liberty Loan drives. Mr. J. Lester Short had charge of the north end of the township comprising - English Lake and adjoining territory. Throughout all of these drives all of the officers of the bank took a very active part in the raising of these loans.

Although this township is settled to a large extent by German people and in fact most parts of the county referred to our locality as ''Little Germany,"' still we were always among the first ones to report our quota filled or over subscribed.

Railroad Township was fortunate in that not one of her boys who joined the colors were killed in action. However, three of our boys were wounded.

John H. Baker shot through the right arm by a machine gun bullet while flanking a machine gun nest at Chateau Thiery. Wound healed nicely and left no permanent results.

Paul Badenhoop badly wounded while in trench fighting in the territory of Verdun by the explosion of a hand grenade. Paul says he owes his life to a Bible which his mother presented to him before leaving for the Front, and which he had in his breast pocket at the time of the accident. The piece of shrap- nel cut through the entire Bible and Paul now exhibits this as one of his most greatly prized relics. Every leaf of this Bible has a hole punched through it. Paul has never fully recovered from his wounds. The force of the explosion also bursted his ear drums and his hearing will be affected through life.

The son of Carl Carlson was also seriously wounded but as he is now in Chicago, I am unable to get any data on him. However, his injuries are permanent.

It was the custom of the people of San Pierre, every time one of our boys was called, to give him a grand send-off. They always did this by having a big "'blow-out"' in Ardnt's Hall. A patriotic program was always arranged followed by refreshments and dancing. Many a letter was later received from France by the people of our community from some of these boys, stating that they never would forget the send-off the people of San Pierre gave them.

The San Pierre Home Guard was organized by R. Leo Hogan and R. T. Kingman shortly after war was declared. R. Leo Hogan was appointed Captain. Its membership had a steady growth until at the time of disbanding it had a membership of 89. This Home Guard held together until it was plain to see that Germany was beaten, and no further use for its meeting was apparent. The Guard was composed of men of all ages ranging from 15 to 63 years of age. "They used the Town Commons for their drilling ground and Arndt's Hall for' their meeting room. This organization helped greatly when requests for funds began to come in, as the lesson of unity they here learned united them for the work of helping to organize teams to raise the funds requested for war financing when these calls started to pour in almost monthly.

The War Saving and Thrift Stamp drive which Railroad Township pushed through was one achievement of which they have.always been proud. On account of the small amounts involved in these stamp purchases, many townships did not give this branch of war financing the time and care it deserved.

Miss Mae Falvey was chairman of this work in Railroad Township, and through an organization which she perfected consisting of herself, Miss Evelyn Matthews, O. M. Dolezal, J. Lester Short, Owen Daly and Byron D. Roberts, she worked up an enthusiasm in these War Saving Stamps which placed Railroad Township at the head of all of Starke County's townships in War Saving Stamp sales.

The excellent work of Byron D. Roberts, school principal, in boosting sales among school pupils is worthy of special mention. 'The thrift lessons driven home at this time seem to still survive in bank savings accounts of pupils who were students at that time.

Upon the first call for Red Cross funds, Mr. R. T. Kingman was appointed chairman of Railroad Township for Red Cross Funds Raising Drives, and served faithfully in this capacity throughout the entire life of the organization. He drafted an able set of helpers and the way in which Railroad Township over-subscribed her quota on each and every call for funds, shows how ably he managed this work. On one of these calls we almost trebled our quota.

The miscellaneous funds and War Relief Campaigns were generally turned over to the Bank of San Pierre, they to raise the asked for money in whatever way they saw fit. 'The plan the bank adopted was the appointing of six teams, each team containing three men. To each of these teams was appointed a certain portion of the township and their quota figured out on the basis of the taxable valuation of that appointed district. Each team was instructed to go out and get their quota and not to return with their report until they succeeded in doing so. Needless to say we were never disappointed in the returns they brought in, although one of our teams did not return from one of their drives until after midnight. Being asked what had detained them they replied: ''We had been commanded by the Captain of The Home Guard not to return until we had raised our quota and we dared not disobey."

Before doing so we wish to quote a few excerpts from an address made by President Woodrow Wilson in Congress April 2nd, 1917: ""The wrongs against which we array ourselves are no common wrongs;'' they cut to the very root of human life.

There are, it may be many months of fiery trial and sacrifices ahead of us. But the right is more precious than peace and we shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts - for democracy, for the rights of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own governments, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for universal dominion of right by such a concert of free peoples as shall bring safety to all nations and make the world as last free.

To such a task we dedicate our lives and our fortunes. everything that we are and everything that we have, with the price of those who know that the day has come when America is privileged to spend her blood and her might for the principles that gave her birth and the happiness and the peace which she has treasured.

Donald C. Reinhardt, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Reinhardt enlisted in 158th Co. Ist Regiment, U. S. Marines, at Chicago, Ill., in early June, 1917. Spent about four months in military training at Paris Island off the coast of South Carolina, where he successfully passed all trials of military train- ing, endurance tests, markhmanship, etc., after which he with his company was assigned to duty at Ft. Thomas, Virgin Island, as a Radio Operator. After eight months' service here he was sent to Philadelphia, Pa., for a post graduate course in Wireless Telegraphy. After completing this course he was stationed at Guantanomo Bay, Cuba, where he served until the August following the signing of the Armistice when he received his honorable discharge.

Norman Pattison, son of Mrs. Meta Pattison Marsh, enlisted in Chicago, Ill., April 3rd, 1917, in Company C. 131st Infantry; in Camp Grant from July till September. In Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, from September until the following May. From here he was sent overseas, where he saw active service, participating in a number of the principal battles, one of which lasted for forty-two consecutive days, passing through it all without mishap until the day before the Armistice was signed, when he was severely wounded by a piece of shrapnel in the thigh. On one occasion he and three others were detailed to bring wounded soldiers from off the battle field and returning with two wounded men, a shell struck near them killing all but him. He was made a Corporal early in his service, and was the first volunteer from this township.

Henry C. Marsh enlisted in 4th Co. U. S. Marines in July, 1917, at Chicago, Ill. After several months' military training at Paris Island, South Carolina, where he successfully passed all tests of endurance, marksmaship, etc., he was assigned to Marine Barracks at Dover, New Jersey, where he did guard duty over a large munition plant located there. He was honorably discharged in May, following the signing of the Armistice.

Harry Gumbert, Jr., was 16 years of age when he enlisted in September, 1917, at Chicago, Ill. He soon went overseas Where he served in the 5th Machine Gun Battalion, 2nd Division. He spent two years overseas and was in active service continuously; was shell shocked, gassed and slightly wounded. He was almost a physical wreck when he received his honorable discharge.

Bryce Gumbert, age 25 years, brother of the above, enlisted at Cleveland, Ohio, in Co. D., 26th Infantry, Ist Division; was severely wounded in the Argonne and was cited for gallantry in action.

Gordon Shaffer enlisted in Knox, Ind., in the 85th Field Artillery. He was assigned the duty of cook in Camp Taylor, Louisville, Ky., and at Mnotgomery, Ala. Honorably discharged.

Walter Stutsman, son of Sabina Stutsman, enlisted in Chicago, Ill., and was assigned to duty at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. He was soon commissioned a Second Lieutenant and served at Camp Grant during the period of the war, when he was honorably discharged.

Edward Stutsman, brother of the above, enlisted at South Bend, Ind., in Co. C., 309th Engineers and spent nearly two years overseas, where he did valiant service, building bridges, barracks, etc. He had many perilous experiences. Honorably

Marshall Marks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Marks, enlisted at Knox, Ind., in Co. G., 47th Infantry, and was in active service overseas within a month after his enlistment. He suffered shell shock and was gassed. Honorably discharged.

Albert Blad experienced many extreme perils and hairbreadth escapes from death and capture, as a motorcycle dispatch carrier. He was compelled to ride at night without any light, and several nights rode as many as 300 miles in utter darkness. Once he rode over an embankment, receiving but slight injuries, he succeeded in getting back up to the roadway; again a shell exploded about 50 feet in his rear in the path over

Nick Schroeder, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Schroeder, spent nearly the entire term overseas and was in the Tank service and witnessed many harrowing scenes in his big steelarmoured, death-dealing catapillared tank which dealt death and destruction, on the right and left, to hundreds of German soldiers. It has been hard to induce him to talk at all about his experiences.

Harry C. Wyland, Edwin Jacobson, George Adams, Stanley and Rudolph Cecrle and Tony Tarrant all did service overseas; unable to learn in which branch of the army they served.

Harry B. Klingman, with his company, was ordered overseas. "hey were about half-way over when the Armistice was signed and they received orders to return.

Alvin Haines, Roscoe Penrose, Herman Holm, John Mann, Henry Rough, Roy Hall, Albert Lindholm and Burger Peterson all spent the term of their enlistment in the various camps in the United States.

Every one of these boys whom I have named was more than willing to serve in whatever capacity Uncle Sam directed and did their duty as best they knew and all received honorable discharge.

Helping To Finance The War

First Liberty Loan, dated May 14, 1917 - 15-30 year 314 per cent. Gold Bonds of the United States. Do your bit, buy a Liberty Bond. At this time of necessity for action on the part of all citizens to aid our country in the stupendous task, purchase a Liberty Bond and help our country. In order that the war may come to speedy success our soldiers must be fed and clothed and provided with munitions. The $2,000,000,000 issue of the first loan closed on June 15, 1917. In this we did our first patriotic duty.

Second Liberty Loan, from October 1 to 17, 1917, a rubber impression stamp bearing the following legend, "BACH THE BOYS IN THE TRENCHES," buy a Liberty Bond, wa furnished offices, the impression to be placed on letters received for delivery, purchasing second liberty loans was not only a means of encouraging thrift on the part of the individual, but another indication of patriotism and the great desire to help win the war. When we are sending our boys to the front to make the supreme sacrifice, nothing that we at home can do will be too much to show our great love for them and the noble cause for which they are fighting. It was not only our duty to them and our country to leave nothing undone that we possibly could do, but it was vitally necessary for us to do so to win the war.

Third Liberty Loan, April, 1918, we put our shoulder to the wheel to make a fine record, bearing in mind that while splendid results had already been attained by the workers in the various war activities, we all begin to realize that there was a great deal of hard work before us to win the war, everyone purchased bonds to the limit of their ability. Our respective community put their whole heart into the success of the Third Liberty Loan.

Victory Liberty Loan Liberty Bond Posters From The Five Great Bond Drives, 1917

Pourth Liberty Loan, October 24, 1918, closed with much marked success. Rate of interest 414 per cent. They have been truly called the premier security of the world.

Our boys coming back after losing two years of their life in danger, toil and labor for our safety. What satisfaction to meet our boys with a glad hand and a free heart, feeling that we did what our government asked us to do.

The War Savings Committees concluded an arrangement whereby the entire organization would engage actively in promoting the sale of War Savings and Thrift Stamps.

A blue card was supplied by the headquarters, upon which individuals secured every person, even the one receiving the smallest salary, could do their part toward helping to. win the war. Jasper P. Diper, rural carrier, placed one of the blue post cards in each of the 116 boxes on rural routes and returned signed to postoffice. Hundreds of dollars were collected in this way and the committees received orders on the blue post cards in almost every home and from almost every individual in Oregon Township. The teachers in our school gave each scholar a 25-cent Thrift Stamp and card with name written on, encouraging the scholars to fill out thrift cards when full, receive a War Savings. Stamp and certificate.

Office oath: I, Eudora A. Reinhardt, do swear that I will faithfully perform the duty of registrar of precinct one, county of Starke, State of Inddiana, that I will correctly record the answers given me by persons registered.

Postmaster was again called upon to assist in the registration of German alien males, January 1-9, 1918. Registration of German alien females, June 17-23, 1918.

Teachers In Grovertown, Indiana High Liberty Loan

W. G. McAdoo, Secretary of the Treasury, during the World War under President Woodrow Wilson, wrote concerning the Liberty Loans that they were offered to the American people in such denominations and upon such terms that every patriotic citizen would have an opportunity to assist the government by lending his money upon the security of a United States government bond. The money was used for the purpose of equiping with arms, clothing and food our gallant soldiers who were called to the fields, of maintaining our navy and our valiant tars upon the high seas; providing the necessary means to pay the wages of our soldiers and sailors and to pay the monthly allowances for the support of their dependent families and to supply them with life insurance; of constructing a fleet of merchant vessels to maintain the line of communication with our brave troops in France and to keep our commerce afloat upon the high seas in defiance of the German kaiser and his submarines; of creating a great fleet of aeroplanes which gave complete supremacy in the air to the United States and the brave nations fighting with us against the great military menace and for other necessary war purposes.

The first Liberty Loan in Starke County was launched June 15th, 1917. Because of lack of organization, Starke County subscribed only $10,000.00 of its quota. 'The Liberty Loans were such a new proposition to the county that our people were not quite ready for them. In the following drives they did admirably.

Second Liberty Loan

Second Liberty Loan extended over the period from October Ist to October 27th, 1917. A period of intense war preparation had preceded the opening of the second drive. 'The war atmosphere had settled down definitely around Hoosiers. By the time the second Liberty Loan campaign opened the people of the state had realized that war was to mean sacrifice. ''Meatless Days' had begun to appear. On September 15th, two weeks before the actual opening of the drive, official steps were taken in mobilizing the loan workers. When the Liberty Loan county chairmen were called by Will H. Wade to meet in Indianapolis on October 2nd, 1917, the call summoned not only the leaders of the second loan campaign and the bankers, but also representatives of many agricultural associations as well. Our quota for this Liberty Loan was $170,000.00.

October 27th the second Liberty Loan was brought to a successful close in Starke County. Not less than 722 people made application for bonds through the several banks of Starke County and their subscriptions in the aggregate amounted to $93,500.00. Practically all the railfoad men in the county subscribed for bonds and if their subscriptions were added to the above amount the total for the county would run over $100,000.00.

Starke Co. Trust @ Savings Bank, Knox, 175 applications, amounted to $27,250; The Farmers State Bank, Knox, 155 applications, amounted to $23,150: First State Bank, North Judson, 272 applications, amounted to $23,100: Bank of San Pierre, San Pierre, 57 applications, amounted to $7,350; Hamlet State Bank, Hamlet, 63 applications, amounted to $5,050.

Third Liberty Loan

Starke County's quota in the third Liberty Loan, launched the middle of April, 1918, was $90,000.00. April 16th a glorious meeting was held at Grovertown at which more than $1,500.00 worth of bonds were sold. April 17th a meeting was held in Hamlet; April 19th at San Pierre and Ober; April 22nd at Knox; April 23rd Winona and Bass Lake: April 24th another meeting at Knox at which the North Judson Home Guard joined the Knox Guard in boosting Liberty Loan. April 11th, 1918, a large patriotic meeting was held at the Central-

'zed school of North Bend Township under the auspices of the County Council of Defense. The Third Liberty Loan was given a tremendous boost. William P. Castleman, chairman of that council, presided and was chosen as leader of the Liberty Loan Campaign. Speeches were made by Elmer Johnson, of Monterey; Schuyler Shilling and two officers from the Culver Academy, Charles S. Lundin, J. C. Fletcher and H. F. Schricker, of Knox.

After many enthusiastic bond meetings were held throughout Starke County, perhaps the greatest being at Hamlet April 18th, when twenty thousand dollars worth of bonds were sold in one hour's time, the following report for the Third Liberty Loan was issued: Aldine, $2100.00; Ober, $1800.00; San Pierre, $6000.00, and Rye, $1800.00. The final reports as compiled by the cashier of the Starke County Trust © Savings Bank, Mark D. Falvey, also chairman of the drive, recorded the total for the county at $127,300.00, taken by 1,575 subscribers. The latest report from the bank of San Pierre was 270 subscribers, $15,100.00; First State Bank, North Judson, 454 subscribers, $29,100.00; Hamlet State Bank, 233 subscribers, $25,850.00; Starke County Trust ®& Savings Bank, Knox, 240 subscribers, $22,500.00; Farmers State Bank, Knox, 335 subscribers, $34,750.00.

The churches of Indiana banded together as a powerful inspirational force and gave their untiring assistance in putting over this Liberty Loan Campaign. Every minister in the county lent his talents toward this end.

Fifth Or Victory Loan

The Fifth, or Victory Bond, issue came out following the armistice and the full quota allotted to Starke County was immediately taken by the banks of the county. Through the Starke County Bankers' Association the same was apportioned off to the five banks of the county, Bank of San Pierre, First State Bank of North Judson, Hamlet State Bank, Farmers' State Bank of Knox, and Starke County Trust ® Savings Bank of Knox.

When the real drive was made by the government for funds to successfully carry on the war the late Mark D. Falvey was made chairman of the Liberty Bond sales of this county, and beginning with the second loan Mr. Falvey had a very thorough organization throughout the county, with various committees in each township: but unfortunately we have no record of these committees. In addition to these committees Mr. Falvey had the cooperation of all the attorneys, Oscar B. Smith, Charles S. Lundin, Charles H. Peters, William J. Reed, Robert D. Peters, Orville W. Nichols, Harry C. Miller, James C. Fletcher and Judge Pentecost, and also the assistance of John L. Moorman and Henry F. Schricker, then the editors of the papers in Knox, and Chester A. McCormick, editor of the North Judson News and all the ministers of the county. 'These men attended all public meetings for the sale of bonds and other war work, made numerous patriotic speeches during the entire period of the war, and were of great assistance in the successful consummation of the loan drives, all who took an active part and spent considerable time in this work. In the fourth loan drive all of the business houses and offices in Knox closed one entire day and devoted their time to bond sales. [he same patriotic spirit was displayed by all the other business houses andd professional men in the county and too much cannot be said in praise of the general attitude taken by the citizens of Starke County.

The Starke County papers of April 11th, 1917, contain the first call to patriotic duty issued in Starke County for the great World War, United States having entered the war April 6th. The call reads as follows:

Whereas, the United States is facing possibly the greatest shortage in food supplies our county has ever known and simultaneously has entered upon the prosecution of a war which promises to be one of the most strenuous conflicts in its history, and

Wehreas, Our Nation looks to Indiana for her full quota of men to prosecute this great war, and for more than her share of food products to maintain our army, navy and civilian population, and realizing that the man who grows food for his country is no less a patriot than the man who shoulders a gun.

Therefore, We, the several banking institutions of Starke County, most earnestly recommended to the farmers and citizens of our county, general, that every effort be made to increase the crop output of the county this year and that every available means to this end be adopted. The Department of Agriculture at Wahington and also Governor Goodrich, of Indiana, have called attention to the great importance of increased agricultural activity this year, and we feel it our duty to heartily endorse this state and national plea for a greater crop production. Every farmer, we believe, should do his part. By working just a little harder he will doubtless obtain at least a slight increase in the yield of his acres, and this will only mean greater returns for him in the end.

Prices for all classes of farm produce are going to be high and a ready market will be found for everything that the farmer can possibly produce this summer. 'There is no danger of over-production and consequently the farmer will find a ready sale for his crops at almost unheard of prices. It will mean much to the prosperity of Starke County farmers if they will do their utmost to produce more and better crops than usual this year, and at the same time they will be rendering a great patriotic service to our common country.

The banks of Starke County, long prior to the beginning of hostilities between the United States and Germany, had organized a county bankers' association with G. N. Peterson as President, and John W. Kurtz as Secretary, and through this organization the banks of Starke County declared a half holliday and all officers, employees and directors met at the Taggart Hotel at Bass Lake in June, 1917, to devise plans, ways and means whereby they. could give the most efficient service to the government and the people of the community which they served in handling the war matters. The county association at that time was composed of five banks, Bank of San Pierre, First State Bank of North Judson, Hamlet State Bank, Farmers State Bank of Knox and Starke County Trust @ Savings Bank of Knox.

The banks of Starke County not only were able to stand the strain of the constant out-go of funds throughout the bond and War Savings Stamp sales, Red Cross, Salvation Army,

K. C. Drives, and other numerous war organizations which took out of the county in actual cash during the period of the bond drives close to $1,000,000.00, but in addition to this the banks were able to and did take care of all their local customers. 'The banks were largely assisted, however, by their local customers and other people of the country who deposited all of their surplus and unused funds, and the working spirit between the banks and their customers during this period was very cordial, each feeling that they had a patriotic duty to perform and with the full determination to perform it.

In this connection we wish to mention personally the officers and employees of all the banking institutions of the county who are deserving of more or less commendation for the service rendered.

Thomas J. Daly, the efficient cashier of the Bank of San Pierre, was one of the first to get into actual service and spent twenty-two months in the service of Uncle Sam, nine months of which was spent overseas.

Robert B. Fletcher, connected with the Starke County Trust % Savings Bank, was also in the service. He was in the Marine Corps at Paris Island, South Carolina, but did not see overseas service.

The banks of Starke County were also very active in all other war work, raising funds for the Y. M. C. A., Salvation Army, Knights of Columbus, Red Cross, Y. W. C. A., Jewish Welfare Board and American Library Association, and devoted considerable time to the handling and selling of War Savings Stamps.

Woman'S Liberty Loan Activities

Following the second Liberty Loan Drive the women of Indiana were organized to co-ordinate with the men in the war financing. In such a state as Indiana, where women had been organized in many diverse groups for years, the welding of these organizations into fighting units for the loan campaign was very important in the building of the war spirit. Their spirit in this work was manifested by their slogans - ''If you are a singer, sing for bonds;'' "If you are a speaker, plead for bonds;"' "If you are a teacher, teach bonds;" "If you are a woman of wealth, buy bonds;"' "If you are at leisure, get busy for bonds;'"' "If you have hens, let them lay for bonds;'' "If you have a cow, trust in her and God."

The Woman's Liberty Loan work for the county was in charge of Mrs. Hugh Kreuter. Under her guidance the township chairwoman pushed the bond sale in each township. The names of all these women could not be found. The following however, were among them: Mrs. Carrie Daniel Berg, Mrs. Dora Reinhardt, Mrs. Bert Fruits, Miss Julia Welsh, Mrs. May Knosman and Miss Mae Falvey.

The results of the Women's Third and Fourth Liberty Loan Drive is as follows: Third loan, $22,500.00, quota $24,850.00 surscribed. Fourth Loan, $125,000.00 quota, $67,075.00 subscribed. "There were ninety women workers during these drives.

Mrs. May Knosman was chairman of the Victory Loan of Starke County. She, with her efficient county organization, did splendid work in pushing the Victory Loan to success. However, there is no separate record of the women's subscriptions.

War Savings Stamps

Of the many methods employed in raising funds to meet the expenses of the government during the World War, the issue and sale of War Savings Securities stands out prominently in our recollections of that period of strife.

The original issue consisted of $5.00 War Savings Certificate Stamp, and the 25 cent Thrift Stamp, which were issued by the Treasury Department, and offered for sale January 1, 1918.

War Savings Certificate Stamps were issued in denomination of $5.00. They were sold at $4.12 each during January, 1918, the cost increasing one cent each month thereafter during the year, the interest being paid when the stamps were cashed, and computed at 4 per cent. per annum, compounded quarterly. Payment of War Savings Certificate Stamps, series of 1918, at full value of $5.00 each was due Jan. 1, 1923. Provision was made, however, for redemption of these stamps at any time. Purchasers of these stamps were given a blank War Savings © Certificate, bearing a serial number, name and address of purchaser of stamps, to which stamps were affixed, each certificate having space for twenty stamps of the aggregate maturity value of $100.00, a table of cost and redemption values being printed on the back thereof.

Thrift Stamps were issued in 25 cent denomination, and were affixed to Thrift Cards, each card holding 16 stamps, total value $4.00, and when filled was exchangable for a War Savings Certificate Stamp upon payment of the additional value thereof, (12 to 23 cents depending on month of purchase) .

Postoffice Department assumed joint responsibility with the Treasury Department for the proper distribution and sale of these securities. Starke County's quota, of the Series of 1918, was placed at $100,000.00, and due to the untiring efforts of the County War Savings Committee, organized under the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and of which James C. Fletcher, of Knox, was chairman, and to the splendid cooperation of the postal employees throughout the county, the entire quota for the county was subscribed by June 1, 1918.

The Knox postoffice having been designated as the center accounting office for Starke County, all of the stamps sold in this county were sent to and accounted for by the postmaster at Knox, and by him distributed to the other postmasters in the county and to various other selling agencies throughout the -county.

The Red Cross

In 1917 at the May meeting of the Knox Woman's Club, it was decided to organize a county chapter of the American Red Cross. The president appointed Mrs. John L. Moorman and Mrs. F. A. Green to circulate a petition for application for a charter. [hey rapidly secured the required signatures and applied for a charter in proper form. 'The names on this petition were: Mrs. Maud M. Moorman, Mrs. Amanda Green, Mrs. May Knosman, Mrs. Hazel Steele, J. W. Kurtz, Henry Schricker, F. A. Green, Gus Reiss, O. B. Smith and Rev. H. P. Ivey.

On June 3rd, 1917, the Starke County Chapter was formally organized at a meeting of the petitioners. The following officers were elected for the year: Gus Reiss, president; Hazel H. Steele, vice-president; O. B. Smith, secretary, and J. W. Kurtz, treasurer. Each township trustee was appointed chairman of Red Cross work in his township. An executive committee was named: Mrs. Roy Wyman, Mrs. Maude Moorman, Mrs. H. R. Koffel, Mrs. May Knosman, Miss Agnes Laramore, F. A. Green, Rey. H. P. Ivey, Rev. Earl Gray, H. F. Schricker, Elza Aukerman and J. C. Fletcher.

'The first public meeting was held on June 8th at the court house in Knox, with the president, Mr. Reiss, presiding. This meeting was well attended. Mr. Reiss announced that Starke County's quota for the first war fund was $4,250.00, to be raised in one month. He made a strong appeal for subscrip- tions followed by similar appeals by other citizens. A considerable sum was raised but not enough, however a growing interest in the work was noticeable which was fostered by the hearty support of our three county papers.

The official charter for the Starke County Chapter was received from Washington during the same week and it was believed that the announcement of this recognition would stimulate and create interest throughout the county.

Center Township was effectively organized at a special meeting at Secretary Smith's office on June 18th, and twenty men and women were delegated to canvass the township before the end of the week. The business district of Knox was canvassed the next morning and five life memberships representing $25.00 each were secured.

During the last week of June, successful meetings at Hamlet and Bass Lake were held. Two meetings in Washington Township had equal results. Grovertown, North Judson and San Pierre responded well. Many auto loads of Knox citizens attended these meetings. The Knox Band was an added attraction at several places. The speakers were: T. J. Hurley, H. F. Schricker, C. S. Steele, J. L. Moorman, Gus Reiss, Rev. H. P. Ivey and C. Elmer Tuesberg.

The drive culminated at Knox, Sunday evening July Ist, Rev. H. P. Ivey presiding. He made such a wonderful appeal that over $600.00 were raised in a short time. This amount put Starke County over the top in its first red ctoss war fund. The subscriptions came in all amounts from large sums down to the $1.00 pledges of the school children. Such response and enthusiasm promised well for the greater demands to come.

At the close of this successful campaign the red cross workroom was opened in the court house the work of which will be taken up in another chapter.

During the autumn a musical comedy ''Our Boys' was presented in Knox by home talent, for the benefit of the red cross netting the organization $178.00. This play was written and staged by Sylva Reiss Jonas of Knox. Its great success artisti- cally as well as financially gave ample proof of the authors ability. The cast was as follows: John D. Moorman, Ruth Kline, Orville Nichols, Weldon Bogan, Mary Gorrell, Irma Stevens, Grace Hisey, Stella Klopot, Bernice Aukerman, Virgil McCormick, Ward Wilhelm, Robert Kreuter, Lewis Morlan and Harry Johnson. The orchestra composed of Bernice Wilhelm, Harry Loring, Harold Loring and Jacob Byers also won much commendation.

A very enthusiastic meeting of the ladies of Ora was held at the school house April 11th, 1918 at which a Red Cross Chapter was organized. Mrs. H. H. Cappis was elected president, Mrs. R. B. Walters vice-president, and Mrs. Helen Good Secretary-Treaurer, and Mrs. J. B. Parker assistant secretary.

Xmas Red Cross Drive 1917

New officers for the Starke Co. Chapter of the American Red Cross were chosen at a meeting held December 11, 1917. Attorney Thos. J. Hurley, of Knox, was chosen county chairman to succeed Gus Reiss who had served very efficiently in that capacity during the past six months. Homer Piper of Bass Lake, vice chairman, F. Forest Whitson, secretary and John W. Kurtz, Treasurer.

Committees were appointed throughout the county and a house to house canvass was made . During the last week of the drive, a Red Cross booth was opened at the Knox Post- Office from nine o'clock in the morning until six in the evening. This accommodated persons who had not been solicited or who had not paid their dollar.

Marie Truby

Even the youngsters of the county organized to help the Red Cross. The Junior Red Cross was organized February 15th, 1918, officers elected: Chairman, Russel M. 'Thompson; Vice-chairman, L. E. Johnson: Secretary, Miss Ada Geddes:

Treasurer, Miss Stella Klopot. The purpose was to aid in doing the same work that the senior Red Cross was doing. The making of democratic citizens.

San Pierre School Junior Red Cross contributed $86.61. Washington Township Junior Red Cross at a Box Social contributed $23.00 April 3, 1918.

Second Red Cross War Fund Drive In The World War

One of the big features of the drive was an address given by former Congressman Fred Landis of Logansport, at North Judson. A large delegation from Knox, headed by the band, attended the meeting.

Other important features of the drive was staged at Hamlet and Bass Lake in the nature of Red Cross auction sales. The people of Davis and North Bend Townships donated all manner of produce, live stock, and. other articles for this sale, and the proceeds were to go to their respective Red Cross Funds. A speaking program preceded the Bass Lake Sale.

During the week other splendid meetings were held at Jackson and Washington Townships. At the close of the drive it was found, as usual, that Starke County had done more than her share.

The quota was almost doubled, the amounts raised by different townships were approximately as follows: David Township with a quota of $550, raised a grand total of $870.15. North Bend 'Township with a quota of $400, reported $600. Oregon Townhip with a quota of $400, reported $520. Center with a quota of $1100. Wayne with a quota of $900.

About six weeks after the armistice was signed November 11th, 1918, America's second' Christman Red Cross Drive was scheduled. Claude S. Steele was appointed campaign manager and the following deputies were appointed:

While the men of the community were especially called upon to finance the Red Cross work the women were depended upon to make the clothing, surgical dressings and other necessities for our soldiers in the hospitals. To accomplish this a work room was equipped in the court house, committees appointed and appeals made in our papers and from the pulpits of our churches for workers.

Chairman Reiss appointed the following workroom committee on July 25th, 1917: Mesdames E. H. Taylor, T. J. Hurley, Frank Hofffman, Albert Keist, H. R. Koffel, Wesley

The first workroom in the county was established in Knox at the Court House, September 5th, 1917. This room was open from two to five o'clock every afternoon. The first garments made were pajamas and hospital bed gowns. In a very few weeks workrooms were opened in the following places: North Judson with Mrs. Albert Fisher in charge; at San Pierre, with Mrs. Richard Hogan in charge and at Hamlet with Mrs. H. W. Childs in charge. Mrs. Gus Reiss was appointed head of the Knox work room. Mrs. E. H. Taylor was put at the head of the county work with Mrs. C. S. Steele as Secretary. Early in 1918 Mrs. Ada Hurley was made Secretary. All materials for these various workrooms and for all other work done in private homes and clubs in the county were purchased by the buying committee and were distributed by the Chairman and Secretary. All finished articles were shipped in to Knox and sent to headquarters. In the other townships not mentioned above there were many clubs and circles of women who took work out and returned it as faithfully as in the towns where workrooms were established.

In California Township, the Bass Lake Woman's Club, Mrs. Estus Kesler President, and the Round Lake Ladies' Aid, Mrs. Lewis Raschka, president, worked faithfully and did their bit.

The San Pierre workroom, Mrs. Richard Hogan chairman, was established in the old McLaughlin building which was donated for this use by M. D. Falvey. This room was used for a workroom throughout the war. Trustee Wm. J. Solt donated the use of the school sewing machines and other equipment from the domestic science department. Many others donated other equipment. There is no separate record of the number of garments made in San Pierre; this is included in the County reports. However, San Pierre in this work made its usual fine showing.

'The report of work from the excellent North Judson auxiliary, Mrs. Albert Fisher Chairman, is combined with that of the Knox workroom and the adjoining townships in the following report taken from'the County papers.