Langlade County, Wisconsin - Chapter 15, 1922

Chapter 15

Indians with De Langlade - Grand Army of the Republic - Spanish-American War - Langlade County Heroes of 1898 - Antigo Guard Company of 1888 - Guards of 1901 - The 14th Wisconsin Infantry - The Mexican Expedition - Organization of Antigo Militia League - Co. G. Wisconsin National Guards - America at War with Germany - The Farewell of August 11, 1917 - 57th Field Artillery Brigade - 107th at Pontinazian Barracks - Camp De Coetquidan - In Alsace Sector - Vesle River - Soissons - Argonne Offensive - Officers Promoted - Reese Sparks - ToUefson, Ballard and Alft Killed - Antigo Home Guards - Liberty Loan and Victory Fund Drives - Schools in Wartime - The Women in War - Board of Exemption - Advisory Board - The Red Cross - Great Armistice Celebration - Return of Soldiers - Casualties - American Legion - Veterans of World War - Battery "A" - Memorial Park at Polar - Council of Defense - Memorial Hospital.

The citizens of Langlade County are ever peaceful and law abiding, willing to be neighborly and live happy and contented. They are on an average progressive, thrifty and industrious. Ready to defend the right they are equally willing to condemn the wrong to the extent of taking up arms for the upholding of right, if in the defense of their country, such must be.

Langlade County has nobly performed its duty in time of distress, when war, rebellion or insurrection against the peace and civil dignity of our commonwealth has imperiled national respect.

Long before Langlade County was organized, years before the Northwest territory was legally defined and when the French had control of Wisconsin territory, bands of Indians roamed within the present limits of Langlade County. Charles De Langlade, noted leader of the French and Indians in their battles with the British and colonial troopers, drew recruits from within Langlade County.

The force under command of De Langlade, besides the French, was composed of Ottawas, Chippewas, Menominees, Winnebagoes, Pottawottamies, Hurons and Wyandotts and perhaps others. This force defended the French fort Du Quesne against the English and Colonists under the leadership of General Braddock in 1754 and included within the ranks were Indians from the territory now known as Langlade County. They were, no doubt, Chippewas, Menominees or Pottawottamies. Thus the military history of Langlade County begins and it has since been one of loyalty, faith and gratitude to country.

The Grand Army Of The Republic

THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. The John A. Kellogg Post No. 78, G. A. R., was organized by District Commander J. H. Woodnorth of Waupaca, May 15, 1883, and was named in honor of General John A. Kellogg of Wausau. Charter members were : W. H. Blinn, B. F. Dorr, S. W. Chamberlain, William Brainard, John A. Long, F. M. Sherman, Henry Smith, John B. Bruner, A. L. Russell, Edward Daskam, Charles Beadleston, Edward R. Dudley and H. Springstead. First officers were : Commander, W. H. Blinn; Senior Vice Commander, B. F. Dorr; Junior Vice Commander, S. W. Chamberlain; Surgeon, J. A. Long; Officer of Day, F. M. Sherman; Quartermaster, J. Beemer; Adjutant, H. Smith; Quartermaster Sergeant, Abel Russell.

Civil War veterans are dying fast. The once flourishing membership of the John A. Kellogg Post has dwindled down to fifteen comrades. October 2, 1921, the John A. Kellogg Post No. 78 elected Robert M. Dessureau first honorary member for "meritorious devotion to the G. A. R." He is the youngest honorary member in the United States and one of two in Wisconsin.

June, 1913, and again in June, 1921, the State Encampments of the Grand Army of the Republic and auxiliary patriotic organizations were held in Antigo. Distinguished visitors were present at both conventions and were accorded splendid receptions. W. S. Carr and R. C. Dempsey were General Chairmen of the 1913 and 1921 encampments respectively.

Veterans Of The Civil War

Daniel Webster once said, "When my eyes shall turn to behold for the last time the sun in Heaven, may I not see it shining on the broken and dishonored fragments of a once glorious union." He could see that the conflict between the North and the South was irrepressible. The three-cornered presidential fight of 1860 in which Abraham Lincoln, Republican, who maintained that slavery must not only be curtailed, but destroyed, was elected, forced the issue squarely before the American people. The South supported John C. Breckenridge of Kentucky. Stephen A. Douglas, formidable debater and opponent of Lincoln in the election, was the choice of the moderate Democrats. When the storm broke this distinguished statesman rushed to Abraham Lincoln and pledged unswerving allegiance to the Union. Lincoln's words.

"The nation cannot exist half slave and half free," was a warning to those who sought to perpetuate slavery at the expense of a united nation. When Fort Sumter was fired upon in the harbor of Charleston, S. C, April 12, 1861, the entire North was solidified into one unit, whose purpose was to save at all costs the union of the states. President Abraham Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers April 15, 1861, and declared the coast of the Confederacy to be under blockade. Young men rushed to the colors in the defense of their country and for four years the world looking on, stood aghast as the contending armies of

Twenty years later the Grand Army of the Republic became a vital factor in the village of Antigo. W. H. Blinn was its first Commander. The following Civil War veterans are now or have been members of the John A. Kellogg Post No. 78, G. A. R. The date of their enlistment, the date of their honorable discharge, and the unit in which they enlisted are given also:

Grand Army Moxumext The Spanish-American War

Langlade County was still in its infancy when President William McKinley issued a call for 125,000 volunteers on April 23, 1898, after the blowing up of the ill-fated Maine in Havana harbor. Yet Langlade County citizens were ready to do their part. Ed Kiefer enlisted at Portage, Wis., in the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry; John McGinley enlisted in Co. D., 49th

Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Waterloo, la. He saw service in Cuba and was mustered out at Savanah, Ga., May 13, 1899. George Doersch served in a South Dakota regiment; Frank Lyons served with Co. L of the U. S. Cavalry; Dan O'Brien served in the 34th Michigan Regiment with an Ironwood Co.; John Mollitor served with Company "E" of the 2nd Wisconsin Volunteers, a Fond du Lac unit; Charles Clark served with "G" Co., 2nd Wisconsin Volunteers from Ap- pleton, Wis. Both Mr. Clark and Mr. Mollitor soldiered in Porto Rico. Willis Otis enlisted January 10, 1899. with Co. "D" of the 4th U. S. Infantry. He was mustered out in 1901 after service in the Philippines. Fred Springstead enlisted in May, 1898.

Fred Springstead, son of Mrs. Jane Springstead, of Antigo, was the only Langlade County man to be killed during the Spanish-American War. He was killed in action August 1, 1898, before the entrenchments of Cavite, P. I. by a sniping sharpshooter. He died while fighting with "D" Company of the 1st Colorado Volunteers.

His military funeral at the Antigo M. E. Church, March 29, 1900, was the largest gathering that had to that day ever assembled to pay homage to a Langlade County hero.

Antigo Guard Company

After the Spanish-American War a military unit known as the Antigo Guard Company was organized, March 21, 1901. Officers chosen were: Captain, George H. Doersch; 1st Lieut., William C. Ross; 2nd Lieut., Thomas F. Thompson; Secretary, R. C. Lillie.

the six months following organization. The company was reorganized with a change in officers. Thomas Thompson, J. H. Hopkins, D. Meyer served as Captains successively. When the company disbanded, because it was not possible to be admitted into the Wisconsin National Guards, it had the following officers: Captain, J. H. Hopkins; 1st Lieut., Harry F. Kohl, and 2nd Lieutenant, Otto F. Berner.

The Antigo Guards Of 1901

The old Antigo Guards was a live unit, much more so than the Antigo Light Guards of 1888, who disbanded shortly after their organization. Many an Independence Day celebration and sham battle were given by the Antigo Guards. The Battle of Crocker's Landing was a thrilling mock battle staged by Antigo Guards at a July 4th celebration.

The 14Th Wisconsin Reunion

The old 14th Wisconsin Regiment of Civil War fame held a reunion in Antigo in June 1902. Antigo was lavishly decorated. A welcome address was given the veterans by Mayor Thomas W. Hogan. Beautiful arches were erected at Edison, Clermont, and Superior streets and near the depot. Antigo people enrolled at the reunion headquarters were: George Jessie, "A" Co., 14th Wis.; Lieut. C. M. Beattie and wife; Edward Daskam, "G" Co.; M. V. Elliott, "H" Co., and E. Galligan, "H" Co., all of the 14th Wisconsin.

Antigo Boys With Pershing At Border

Pancho Villa, bandit chieftain, in his desire to wage guerilla warfare against the United States, ransacked the border town of Columbus, New Mexico. President Wilson ordered General John J. Pershing into Chihuahua and other northern Mexican states in pursuit. State militia was called out to patrol the border and excitement was high. Langlade County boys in Co. L., Rhinelander, Oneida County military unit, were Louis Maybee, Archie and Curtis Carpenter of the city of Antigo, Charles Gehrke, Summit Lake, Oscar Hertell of Bass Lake, and Otto Staats. They returned home after eight months of border service, February 28, 1917. Truck drivers were necessary for border warfare and Bert Nixon, Lester Tosch, Ben Pliska and Ward Walsh enlisted in that branch of service.

Recruiting For World War

When it became apparent that the United States had no alternative but to enter the war against Germany, a recruiting office was opened in Antigo. It was located in the rear of the Rogers-McCollister fruit store, Voight Bldg., and later located in the Manthey bldg., corner of Fifth Avenue and Edison Street.

Edward Cody, Postmaster, and Otto F. Berner were the men most influential in organizing plans for an Antigo military unit. They were working quietly on the matter as early as June, 1916.

Antigo Militia League

The Antigo Militia League was organized April 18, 1917, two weeks after war was declared. Henry Hay was elected President; Edward Cody, Vice President; Fred L. Berner, Secretary, and J. C. Lewis, Treasurer.

The object of the league was to promote the organization of an Antigo military unit; to give moral and financial aid to the unit in its embryo stages. An executive committee consisting of G. J. Quigley, R. B. Johns, S. B. UUman, Fred L. Berner, and John Hanousek, was appointed. The Antigo Militia League applied for state aid for an armory under the Wilcox Law after John Hanousek, a member of the executive committee, purchased the Antigo Opera House and presented it to the city for an armory. This work, together with a great patriotic meeting. May 16, 1917, when Col. Guy D. Goff and General Charles King spoke and the organization of Company "G," 4th Wisconsin Regiment, practically completed the purpose of the Militia League.

Citizens' Training Camp

The Antigo Citizens' Training Camp, a home military unit, recognized in war on an equal status with the state militia, was organized October 26, 1917. A Board of Governors consisting of C. J. TeSelle, James Cody, S. B. UUman, J. D. Mylrea, and Fred L. Berner was appointed. J. D. Mylrea was elected Captain, C. J. TeSelle, 1st Lieutenant, and Edward Faust, 2nd Lieutenant of the unit. Captain Mylrea resigned shortly after his selection. C. J. TeSelle then became Captain, Edward Faust, 1st Lieutenant, and Charles Cody, 2nd Lieutenant.

The Citizens' Training Camp drilled regularly and performed a service of importance at home. The organization took its oath and was inspected by a representative of the Adjutant General. No definite termination was made of the home guards, as they were called. Drill ceased when war ended.

Original Roster Of The 107Th Trench Company G, 4Th Wisconsin

The application for creating an Antigo military unit was forwarded to the Adjutant General, Orlando Holway, at once after the necessary volunteers had enlisted and other arrangements made. April 22, 1917, at the Antigo High School, sixty-five recruits were sworn into service as soldiers of Company G., 4th Wisconsin National Guard. Otto A. Miller was elected temporary Captain, Otto F. Berner, temporary 1st

Otto F. Berner

Lieutenant, and Vernon Quigley, temporary 2nd Lieutenant. Captain Miller was permanently commissioned May 17, 1917. Lieutenants Berner and Quigley were permanently commissioned July 12, 1917.

The new company drilled at the ball park in earnest from July 15, 1917, to August 11, 1917, when it was ordered to Camp Douglas, Wisconsin. Amid impressive scenes and farewells that were heart-rending, the boys entrained. Thousands of people were at the Antigo depot at seven o'clock that eventful morning to bid farewell to Langlade County's military unit. Who knew but what they would not return?

McArthur, Waco, Texas (with the 32nd Division). The 4th, 5th, and 6th Wisconsin regiments were reorganized at Camp McArthur and Company G became the 107th Trench Mortar Battery.

The 107th Trench Mortar Battery was a unit of the 57th Field Artillery Brigade. Lieutenant Otto Berner was ordered to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, to take a three months' field artillery course. The battery left Camp McArthur February 8, 1918, proceeded to Camp Merrit, N. J., and on February 16, 1918, boarded the U. S. S. President Grant and a day later sailed from New York harbor. They arrived at Brest, France, March 4, 1918. While Langlade County citizens were aware that the Antigo unit would sail soon, they did not know it had embarked from New York until notification of the unit's safe arrival at Brest was given out by the War Department.

From Brest the battery proceeded to Pontinazian Barracks and after a few days' rest marched to Camp de Coetquidan, near Guer, France. Some of the Antigo soldiers were ill and remained at Brest. Private Ora N. Tidd, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Tidd of Neopit, Wisconsin, a member of the 107th, died at Brest in March, 1918. He was 26 years old at the time of his death. He enlisted July 18, 1917.

The 107th Trench Mortar Battery evacuated Camp de Coetquidan for the Alsace Sector, near the Swiss border, June 10, 1918. Captain Miller and Lieutenants Berner and Quigley returned May 10, 1918, to the 107th headquarters, after attending a trench mortar school at Langres en Marne. Lieut M. V. Griscom of Chattanooga, Tennessee, had charge of the battery during their absence.

The 107th was in action in the Alsace Sector on June 29, 1918, and it was here that Reese Sparks fell fighting for his country. Reese Sparks, first Langlade County soldier to be killed in action, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Sparks of Olive Hill, Kentucky, and enlisted in the Antigo unit in June, 1917.

Alft And Ballard Killed

The 107th Trench Mortar Battery was located in a French fort and attached to French Mortar Batteries while in the Alsace Sector. Here Joseph Alft and Thomas Ballard were killed by a premature explosion on July 8, 1918. Joseph Alft was the son of John Alft of Shawano, Wis. He enlisted April 23, 1917. Thomas Ballard was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Ballard, Elton, Wis. He was born August 12, 1895, and enlisted May 6, 1917. John Baetz and Jackimo Gambino of Detroit, Michigan, were wounded by the same explosion.

At Chateau Thierry

July 20, 1918, the 107th Trench Mortar Battery was ordered to Chateau Thierry and there participated in the Vesle River engagement. The unit used captured

A Trench Mortar

German trench mortars in the skirmish. The 107th was under fire from July 27 to August 23, 1918, while in this section. When not in the lines the men were engaged in burying the dead and in salvage.

Corporal L. A. Tollefson Killed

In the Vesle River engagement, where the American army won undying glory by pushing the German army back for miles. Corporal Leland ToUefson was killed on August 17, 1918. He was delivering an important message to brigade headquarters in the Chateau Thierry Sector and sacrificed his life while on that duty. Corporal Tollefson was the son of Mrs. A. M. Tollefson and was born May 30, 1894.

In The Argonne Forest

August 25, 1918, the 107th moved north of Soissons, just previously captured by the French and Americans. September 15, 1918, the battery was ordered to the historic Argonne forest. The unit arrived at its destination September 24, 1918. The battery was split into two groups and assisted two French mortar batteries in the Argonne offensive, which was launched with a terrific attack upon the Germans September 26, 1918. The end of war was now in sight, as the German army was retreating all along the entire front.

On October 1, 1918, Captain O. A. Miller was promoted to rank of Major and assigned to a trench mortar battalion. Fifteen days later Lieutenants Berner

The 107th Trench Mortar Battery assisted the 89th Division Trench Mortar Batteries in a drive against the Germans at Bantherville, twenty miles northwest of Verdun, October 25, 1918. Thirteen days later, November 17, the Antigo unit left the front lines.

November 9, 1918, the 57th Field Artillery Brigade was ordered to Bar Le Due because of a shortage of horses needed to haul battery equipment. The battery equipment of the 107th was disposed of at Vitrey in December, 1918, and the Langlade County soldiers were now ready to embark for America. Joy spread over the entire unit at the thought of home and loved ones. But it was a long wait ahead of the now seasoned veterans of the greatest war in history before they would trod on American soil.

James A. Cody, Charles W. Fish, William H. Brown, C. J. TeSelle and Fred L. Berner, were in charge of the great celebration, program and parade. Langlade County made it a holiday such as the children of its citizens of the coming generations will ask questions. Thousands of mothers, weary and overstrained because of war, sweethearts, wives, fathers, brothers and sisters beseiged the passenger coaches of that historic train. The Antigo band struck up the tune "On Wisconsin" as the boys stepped from the train. Rousing cheers were given them from the huge mass of humanity. It was a day Langlade County will not forget. God had delivered back to the folks at home the soldiers who had bid farewell August 11, 1917. They marched to the Antigo Armory where John Hanousek had prepared a regular meal, "the kind mother makes," for them. And although Uncle Sam fed his soldiers the best, the 107th soldiers thought much more of "what mother cooked."

tance from St. Nazairre and here the 107th was on detail duty until the early part of April, when orders to proceed to St. Nazairre for embarkation were given.

Homeward Bound

April 20, 1919, the 107th boarded the U. S. S. Mercury and ten days later, April 30, 1919, landed at Philadelphia. The boys were mustered out of service at Camp Grant, 111., on May 15, 1919, and arrived in Antigo on a special train at 11.30 a. m., May 17, 1919.

The Great Welcome Home

Never in the history of Langlade County will there be witnessed such a welcome as that accorded the valiant soldiers of the 107th Trench Mortar Battery. The flag-bedecked special train pulled into Antigo near noon. The citizens' committee, consisting of

Two Programs

After the monstrous parade, second to none in the county's history, was reviewed by civic leaders and Civil War veterans, two programs were given. The Armory program was presided over by Judge T. W. Hogan and that in the Beavers' Hall was presided over by Judge J. W. Parsons. Officers and men of the battery talked of their experiences and sang trench songs. When the program closed that evening the boys began at once to turn their attention to the arts of peace, and, like Cinncinnatus, took up their tasks where they left off almost two years before.

The Council Of Defense

The Langlade County Council of Defense was organized April 10, 1917, with the following membership chosen by the State Council of Defense: Chairman, Leonard Freiburger; M. T. Canfield, Food Ad-

The Council of Defense had as its many duties registration of the Antigo Militia unit, supplying organization and expense for the war registration, encouraging food production and conservation, distribution of funds to various committees and aided in meeting all labor emergencies, promulgated ideals of loyalty and Americanism, furnished speakers to every Langlade County community in all war drives, co-ordinated the women organizations to war conditions, gave their support to the State Council of Defense in mobilization, executed the supply, distribution and welfare of labor in the county, acted to curb disloyalty and sedition, assisted U. S. secret service agents in a campaign of education among the few who were disloyal, provided for the protection of public health, assisted the federal government in floating the various loans and war drives, encouraged community and patriotic singing with the aid of rural and city schools, distributed wheat and corn seed in car lots with the aid of the county agent, the Farmers Co-operative store and Hirt Brothers Milling Company, cared for the food and fuel supplies of the county, aided War Savings Stamp and Red Cross drives, executed the Victory Fund drive, and received whole-hearted support from the public in the "war garden and back yard poultry flock" campaigns of 1917.

The Langlade County Board unanimously approved the action of the Council of Defense and without solicitation appropriated money to aid it. The Council of Defense automatically ceased its work six months after armistice day. Thirty-four cases of disloyalty were reviewed by the organization. Apprehension of slackers was accomplished by the U. S. District Attorney through the local committee.

First Men Transported

The first men transported by the Council of Defense was November 1, 1917, when John Chadek, Charles Dean, William Schatschneider, Edward Boerner, Laddie Bierczynski and Earl Hodgson joined a group of volunteers at Rhinelander and proceeded to Texas.

Historic Posters

The Council of Defense was charged with registering every male inhabitant of draft age. Governor E. L. Philipp was anxious that Wisconsin be first to report complete registration. He sent the following wire to C. J. TeSelle through the State Council of Defense : "Every point must be worked out carefully in each

The Langlade County Council then posted large cards everywhere bearing the words : "Work or Fight," "Register or go to Jail." The State Historical Society has one of each of the posters in its archives.

C. J. TeSelle was appointed Government Appeal Agent by President Wilson at the opening of the war and was honorably discharged March 31, 1919. He worked with the Board of Exemption.

Four-Minute Speakers

C. J. TeSelle, T. W. Hogan. J. W. Parsons, W. J. Gallon, Fred L. Berner, Arthur Goodrick, Henry Hay, Robert M. Dessureau, F. J. Finucane, Charles H. Avery, T. J. Reinert, A. N. Whiting, H. Morson, E. A. Morse, A. M. Arveson and F. G. Swoboda.

Other War Activities

Antigo had a Labor Bureau in charge of A. A. Garland and much was accomplished by it. The United States Public Service reserve was represented in Langlade County during the war by Edward Cody. A. M. Arveson had charge of the Boys' Working Bureau. Peter Krier had charge of the bureau for returning soldiers and sailors as early as December, 1918. The Community Labor Board consisted of the following members : Peter W. Krier, Charles W. Fish, Esther English, for employers; Fred W. Luebke and Miss Althea Wade for employes. Peter Krier was examiner and John H. Menting, junior examiner of the Antigo war employment office. County Fuel Administrators were: R. Koebke, James Cody and C. H. Avery successively. Food Administrators for Langlade County in order of service were : Charles Metcalf , M. T. Canfield, David Stewart and Mose A. Jansen. F. J. Finucane had charge of the war history work for the Wisconsin War History Commission in Langlade County. The County Non-War Construction Committee consisted of Endre Norem of Bryant, Leonard Freiburger and Mose Jansen of Antigo.

Legal Advisory Board

The Langlade County Legal Advisory Board rendered efficient service gratuitous to drafted men in filling out questionairres. The board had the following membership : Chairman, Henry Hay, Charles Avery and Arthur Goodrick. They were often assisted by other citizens, including members of the bar, school officials and ministers.

The Selective Service Law, section four, authorized the creation of a Board of Exemption in each county in the State or one board for every thirty thousand inhabitants in a large city. The Board of Exemption of Langlade County was appointed by President Wilson, membership consisting of the following: J. C.

The Board of Exemption had power to hear and determine, subject to review, all questions of exemption under the Selective Service Act and all questions or claims for including or discharging individuals from selective draft, made under rules and regulations prescribed by the President, except for persons who, under the provisions of the Selective Service Act, were legally exempt because of their being engaged in industry or agriculture found necessary to the maintenance of military forces and national interest during the emergency.

Draft Plan Changed

The original draft method was changed in September, 1917, and all future registrants were required to fill out questionairres in which general questions relative to physical fitness, citizenry, divinity, military service, federal or municipal service, dependency, religious conviction against war, industrial and agricultural occupation and numerous other matters were answered.

Draft ages were extended to all youths who had attained twenty-one years of age between June 5, 1918, and August 24, 1918. Registration took place August 24, 1918.

The order of military liability of registrants was determined by lottery. The serial numbers of all registrants drawn for service were published in local papers. Notice was given at once to registrants. This list was often referred to as the "red ink list." The local Board of Exemption fulfilled the purpose of the Selective Service Law in leaving at home in national interest, married men who were actually supporting families.

September 12, 1918, all Langlade County male inhabitants not in service between the ages of eighteen and forty-five registered in accordance with a state executive proclamation.

The Last Draft

Board of Exemption was instructed to proceed, however, with mobilization of men who were ordered to embark for camps beginning with the five day period starting November 11. A telegram, as follows, was received by the local board : "Work of Local Boards will proceed uninterruptedly." About four o'clock in the afternoon of November 11, 1918, a telegram was received at the local exemption board cancelling the last draft contingent that would in a few hours have been on "their way to camp" had not these words - "armistice signed - cancel draft," been received.

The Exemption Board thereupon gradually completed its work in the county. A total of 4,579 registrants were passed upon during its existence. The total registration on June 5, 1917, was 2,024; June and August, 1918, total registration in Langlade County was 180 men; September 12, 1918, 2,555 were registered. Of those registered in Langlade County 530 were accepted at camp, 611 were chosen for general service, 38 were classed as remediables, 47 were placed in limited service, 51 were disqualified from service, 680 were granted deferments because of dependency claims, 122 because of agriculture claims, and 20 because of industrial service.

Victory Fund

The Langlade County Victory Fund Campaign, organized to consolidate all war drives without waste or unnecessary effort, into one great fund raising campaign, was launched July 14, 1918. The organization perfected to raise this fund was under the supervision of the Council of Defense of Langlade County. Officers and trustees held office for one year and directed the disbursement of funds upon orders approved by the Executive Committee. The total amount collected during the campaign was $33,506.98, of which $25,000 was collected by the time the armistice was signed. The first subscription was $25 by the Community Welfare Association. Charles W. Fish contributed the largest individual subscription of $500. With the exception of $1,349.25 used for remodeling the Armory, $334.02 appropriated for the homecoming celebration of the Langlade County Soldiers, $8,771.96 turned over to the local Red Cross Chapter, together with a small amount for current expenses, the balance was turned over to the state headquarters of the United War Work Campaign at Milwaukee. Organizations participating in the Victory Fund were Y. M. C. A., Y. W. C. A., National Catholic War Council, K. of C, Jewish Welfare Board, War Camp Community Service, American Library Association and Salvation Army.

Headquarters of the Victory Fund were in the City Hall at Antigo, managed by Mose A. Jansen. The fund was capably supervised under the direction of the Chairman and Town Committees, a complete roster of which appears :

Liberty Loan Campaign

The Liberty Loan drives were directed by J. C. Lewis, Chairman, who served throughout the war. He was assisted by Sam B. Ullman, selected Vice-Chairman, Attorney A. N. Whiting was Chairman of the Speakers' Bureau. Fred L. Berner was in charge of publicity. The women workers were directed by Mrs. F. V. Watson and Mrs. Howard Bishop.

The success of the Liberty Loan drives in Langlade County was due to the energetic activity of the Liberty Loan workers and to the unflinching patriotism of the citizens, who from every walk of life bought bonds, "until it hurt."

The American Red Cross

Langlade County's Red Cross Chapter reached the high mark of 4,581 members in 1919 and had a war fund totaling $14,602.80. Various methods were taken to raise funds for the Red Cross, such as a white elephant sale, church benefits, baseball games, bazaars and membership drives.

Antigo young women who served as Red Cross nurses during the World War were: Miss Mable Leslie, Anna Burnet, Miss Claire E. Censky, Miss Anna B. Honzik, Miss Clara Hull, Miss Paulina Benishek and Miss Mary Kalouner.

Officers of the Red Cross have been re-elected annually since 1917. The original officers remain in charge of the work. 910 members are listed for 1922 in the local chapter.

Women And The War

The great burden of the war fell upon the women back at home. They labored incessantly while their brothers, husbands, sons and sweethearts crossed the Atlantic and faced the foe on the battlefront. They were helpful in maintaining here in the county the necessary morale, courage and sense of responsibility to keep the home fires burning. The last farewell and the terrible suspense did not leave until November 11, 1919, when the vigil ceased. The women of Langlade County played their part at home and in service. Future generations should concede all honor to them.

Adopting War Orphans

Fifty-five war orphans were adopted by Langlade County lodges, individuals and societies. The war orphans communicate with their benefactors.

Y. M. C. A. work in Langlade County during the World War was in charge of E. H. Palmer. Langlade County subscribed $5,528.28 in 1917 for Y. M. C. A. purposes. William Reese Dixon, Pastor of the Congregational Church served with the Y. M. C. A. from February 23, 1918 to July 3, 1918. Langlade County was in District No. 3 of the ten Wisconsin Y. M. C. A.

districts. Besides the good work for which the funds were raised Langlade County citizens were educated during the drive about the "Y" and its merits.

The Knights of Columbus contributed to the support of all patriotic contributions among which was the K. of C. war activities. Antigo Council No. 1002, K. of C. raised a total of $4,242.22 prior to the United War Work Campaign in the fall of 1918. Their assessment then was $506.00.

Public And Parochial Schools

The Public and Parochial schools of Langlade County demonstrated their loyalty and patriotism to the nation during the World War by purchasing Thrift and War Savings Stamps, Liberty Bonds, and in the High School, the classes adopted war orphans. The stirring patriotic songs, the patriotic essays written by the pupils and the student four minute topics on war campaigns all aided in maintaining a high morale at home. The school children played their part in the home coming celebrations, patriotic demonstrations and parades.

The American Legion

After the World War the returned soldiers rapidly organized as did the veterans of the Civil War. The American Legion became permanently established in Antigo in October, 1919. The local post took for its name, "Reese Sparks Post," in honor of Reese Sparks, the first soldier of Langlade County to be killed in action in the World War. First officers were Commander, Otto F. Berner; Vice-Commander, Ray C. Dempsey; Adjutant, William Wessa; Historian, Harry Zuehlke; Chaplain, George Y. King; and Post Finance Officer, Ben Bradley.

Present officers of the post are : Commander - Edgar Van Gorder; Vice-Commander - William Kohl; Adjutant - E. E. Cherf ; Historian - Ed. Bernier; Chaplain - William Wessa; Post Finance Officer - Fred Kolerus; Executive Committee - Frank Lynde, Otto F. Berner, E. Koles and Harley Schaefer, with Commander, Vice- Commander and Adjutant. Meetings are held at the Adraktas Hall every first Monday of each month. The local post has a membership of about one hundred.

Prosser Post No. 11, World War

The Prosser Post, No. 11, World War Veterans, was organized at a meeting at the Ullman Hall on February 11, 1922. The meeting was presided over by State Commander Rebenstorff, who was introduced by W. H. Fuller. Officers chosen were : President, T. Cherek; Vice-President, A. Carlson; Secretary, H. Richards; Treasurer, T. Mentch; Sergeant-at-Arms, Paul Chase. There were ten charter members.

William Prosser

Meetings are now held the second and fourth Tuesdays at Brunswick Hall. Ten members are now in the auxiliary to the post. The post was named in honor of William J. Prosser, son of Charles Prosser, Antigo, Wis. Prosser, a Wagoner, was killed November 24, 1918, by being crushed between two trucks near Verdun, France.

Antigo's post war military unit is a part of the 120th Field Artillery, designated as Battery "A." It was organized on May 8, 1920. Frank T. Lynde and Robert Dewey were Captains in succession. They resigned and Otto F. Berner was appointed Captain, resigning in May, 1922. He was succeeded by First Lieutenant E. H. Koles. Other officers are First Lieutenants George Edee and Alvin H. Damm.

Captain Edward Il Koles Memorial Hospital

At the January, 1922 session of the Langlade County Board, a committee consisting of Supervisors L. A. Maier, J. W. Mattek, and August Goeman was appointed to confer with a general citizens committee on the feasibility of constructing a hospital to be dedicated as a memorial to the soldiers, sailors and marines of

Langlade County, who served in the World War. The citizen's committee consisted of M. T. Canfield, J. R. McQuillan, Edward Cody, R. Koebke, and Mose A. Jansen. The County Board committee reported at the April, 1922 session and presented ways and means whereby the proposed hospital could be erected. A referendum vote will be taken on the proposed hospital in the 1922 November election, this being the wish of most of the members of the County Board.

Memorial Park At Polar

On July 4, 1919, a Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park was dedicated by the citizens of Polar to the memory of the men who served from Langlade County during the World War. \ Addresses were given at the dedicatory celebration by Ray C. Dempsey, Sam B. Ullman and Robert M. Dessureau. Hon. Edward Nordman acted as Chairman. The Memorial Park is at Mueller's Lake, one of the beautiful and picturesque spots of northern Wisconsin. The citizens of Polar and their Town Board are credited for the initiative taken in the project. The Town Board purchased the property and turned it over for public use as a Soldiers and Sailors memorial. The Reese Sparks Post, American Legion, held their Independence Day Celebration, July 4, 1921, at the Park. The original Park Board in charge of the park project consisted of : Herman Parsons, Herman Bruening, Herman Dallman, Charles Lade, Charles Rusch, John Groth and Richard Bloedorn.

Their Lives For Their Country And Flag

That posterity may know, the names and a brief record of Langlade County soldiers who gave their lives for their country during war are given here.

The Spanish-American War

Fred Springstead, son of Mrs. Jane Springstead. He was killed August 1, 1898, before the entrenchments of Cavite, P. I. Private Springstead was the first soldier from Langlade County to die for his country.

The World War

MAITLAND WILLIAMS - Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Williams, Antigo, Wis. Private, Aviation section. Enlisted in November, 1917. Born April 13, 1896. Died in discharge of duty while in service of his country. Buried at Antigo, Wis. He was the first of Langlade County's soldiers to die in the World War.

REESE SPARKS - Son of Mr. and Mrs. George Sparks, Olive Hill, Ky. Enlisted June, 1917. Private 107th Trench Mortar Battery. Born March 10, 1890. Left U. S. February 17, 1918. Killed in action June

ORA N. TIDD - Son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer E. Tidd, Neopit, Wis. Born June 29, 1892. Enlisted July 18, 1917. Left U. S. February 17, 1918. Died at Brest, France, March, 1918. He was the first of the soldiers in the 107th Trench Mortar Battery to die.

ALFRED J. BRIGGS - Son of Burt Briggs, Antigo, Wis. He was born October 3, 1891. He enlisted July 22, 1918, as a private, 1st Class, in the 343rd Infantry, 86th Division. He died in service overseas, October 7, 1918. He was returned for burial to Antigo, Wis., in 1920.

JOHN P. MORGAN - Son of Hamlet D. and Charlotte Church Morgan, was born in 1897. He served as a private in "G" Co., 110th Infantry. He was killed in action September 27 in the famous Muese-Argonne offensive.

JOHN NETZELMAN - Private, 1st Class, the son of Mary Netzelman, Elcho, Wis., was born January 22, 1889. He enlisted in Co. C, 53rd Machine Gun Battalion, July 6, 1918. He died at Camp Trevis Texas, February 8, 1919.

ANTON CARLSON - The son of Mr. and Mrs. Gust Carlson, now of Velvet, Washington, was born September 27, 1892. He enlisted May 13, 1918, in the 4th Trench Mortar Battery "C," New Port News, N. J. He died October 10, 1918 at New Port News. He was buried at Polar, Wis., October 20, 1918.

JOSEPH LEIDHEISL - Son of Sebastian Leidheisl, Deerbrook, Wisconsin, was born September 19, 1889. He enlisted July 22, 1918, serving as a private in Battery E, 36th Field Artillery, 9th Division. He died of pneumonia, January 5, 1919 at Camp McClellan, Anniston, Alabama.

NOBLE L. ANDERSON - The son of Mrs. Sam Nelson, Antigo, Wisconsin, was born October 16, 1897. He enlisted April 1, 1919 as a landsman for electrician, 1st Class, Radio School, U. S. Naval Training Station, R. I. He died in service at the U. S. Naval Hospital at Newport, R. I., Sept. 21, 1918. Buried at Antigo, Wis.

RALPH KUHL - Son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kuhl, Parrish, Summit township. Wis., was born May 6, 1894. He left the U. S. in the spring of 1918 as a Wagoner, Headquarters Company, 12th Machine Gun Battalion. He had served previously three years in the cavalry on the Mexican border. He died in a hospital in France, September 20, 1918.

JOSEPH ALFT - Son of John Alft, Shawano, Wisconsin, was born October 23, 1897. April 23, 1917, he enlisted in Co. G. 4th Regiment, later the 107th T. M. B. He was killed in the Alsace-Sector by a premature explosion on July 8, 1918.

HARRY NEWBERRY - Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Newberry, was born April 13, 1883. He saw service from December 24, 1906 to November 17, 1918. He was a Chief Gunner's Mate four years before his death, December 11, 1918 at St. Elizabeth Hospital.

PETER GALUSKI - Son of John Galuski, Antigo, Wis., was born December 29, 1891. He enlisted May 25, 1918, serving as a private in Veterinary Hospital No. 9. He left for overseas, July 25, 1918. He died at St. Nazairre, France, August 30, 1918.

LELAND A. TOLLEFSON - Son of Mrs. A. M. Tollefson, was born May 30, 1894. He enlisted April 21, 1917, serving as a Corporal in the 107th Trench Mortar Battery. He was killed while delivering a message to Brigade Headquarters in the Chateau- Thierry Sector. August 17, 1918.

BRADLEY HALL - Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Hall, Antigo township, was born August 25, 1895. He enlisted as a private in the 2nd Casual Co., A. S. S. C, Vancouver Barracks, Vancouver, Washington, February 19, 1918. He died April 8, 1918. He was buried at Antigo. Wis., April 15, 1918.

DONALD WHITE - Son of Mrs. Emma White, of Manitowoc, formerly of Antigo, Wis. Served as a Lieutenant. He was killed in action November 1, 1918, in the noted Argonne Forest fighting.

ROY F. HECKER - The son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Hecker, was born October 6, 1895. He served as a private, 1st class, Co. M., 356th Infantry, 89th Division, enlisting April 26, 1918. Participated in the St. Mihiel and Argonne Forest drives. Was wounded with shrapnel October 1, 1918. Died February 16, 1919 at Hospital No. 11, St. Nazairre, France. Returned to Langlade County in 1920 for burial.

ANTON PRASALOWICZ^Son of Joseph Prasalowicz. Antigo, Wis., was born in January, 1891. He enlisted as a Private in Co. C, 361st Infantry, 90th Division. He left the U. S. May 22, 1918, participating in the Alsace Sector, St. Mihiel and Muese-Argonne sections of fighting. He was killed in action October 6, 1918, in the Argonne.

GEORGE CROWE - Son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Crowe, Antigo, Wis., was born May 27, 1885. He enlisted in October, 1917. He served in the M. C, Medical Detachment, 81st Field Artillery. Was 2nd Lieutenant, when he died October 30, 1918 at Camp Mills. Body returned for burial to Antigo, Wis.

ALEXANDER SKIBBA - Son of John Skibba, Junction City, Wis., was born January 8, 1889. He enlisted April 21, 1917, serving as a Corporal in the 107th T. M. B. He participated in the Alsace Defensive, Chateau-Thierry, Juvigny, and Meuse Argonne Offensives. He died of pneumonia March, 1919, in a hospital at Angers, France.

LEWIS M. WEED - Died while overseas. JULIUS LEO JORDON - Son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Jordon, Antigo, Wis., was born April 10, 1890. He enlisted July 22, 1918. At the time of his death at Cleveland, Ohio, October 15, 1918, he was a gas inspector, attached to the Chemical Warfare service.

FRANK TOUSCH - Son of William Tousch. was born May 17, 1896. He enlisted outset of war, serving as a Corporal, Headquarters Co., 355th Infantry, 89th Division. He served overseas and saw service in the St. Mihiel, Argonne and Vosges defenses. He

ED. BOERNER - Son of Mr. and Mrs. Boerner, enlisted November 27, 1917. He served as a Private in the 128th Hdq. Infantry, 32nd Division. He was killed in action October 23, 1918, in the Argonne Forest. His remains were returned to America and were interred in the Arlington National Cemetery. He was one of two Wisconsin heroes to be thus honored in death.

PAUL J. MARMES - Son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Marmes, Antigo, Wis., was born February 20, 1892. Enlisted April 30, 1917, Private, Co. G.. 26th U. S. Infantry, 1st Division. Left U. S. February, 1918. Killed in action, July 19, 1918, Soissons offensive. His honorable record of service is preserved in the archives of the A. E. F., signed by General Pershing.

LEON PRESTON - Was born February 25, 1895. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Preston, Pearson, Wis. Enlisted July 22, 1918, Private, Co. H.. 343rd Infantry, 86th Division. Left the U. S. September, 1918. Died of pneumonia, October 7, 1918, at Bordeaux, France.

WILLIAM F. GRIMM - Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Grimm, Antigo, Wis., was born February 27, 1890. Private, enlisted as Machinist at Chicago, transferred to S. T. C. Carnegie Institute of Music. Enlisted July 15, 1918. Died of pneumonia October 14, 1918 at Pittsburg, Pa. Buried at Antigo, Wis.

THEODORE MONNOT - Son of Julius Monnot, was born at Pearson, Wis., February 3, 1897. Enlisted Private Med. Replac. Unit No. 63, Aug. 26, 1918. Left the U. S. Sept. 23, 1918. Died Nov. 18, 1918 at Brest, France. Returned to Antigo for burial, 1920.

WILLIAM J. PROSSER - Son of Charles Prosser, Antigo, Wis. Enlisted May 2, 1918. Killed Nov. 24, 1918, being crushed betwen two trucks at Verdun, France.

HAROLD J. SARGENT - Son of Mrs. Lily Sargent, Antigo, Wis., was born September 25, 1895. He left the U. S. January 10, 1918. He was a 2nd Lieutenant, Co. H., 369th Infantry, 93rd Division. Lieutenant Sargent participated in the Ypres and Argonne Forest battles. He was killed in action September 28, 1918 in the district of Champagne. He was decorated with the Croix de Guerre by General Retain, French Commander-in-Chief.

THOMAS BALLARD - Son of Mrs. John Ballard, Elton, Wis., was born August 12, 1895. He enlisted as a Private in the 107th Trench Mortar Battery, 32nd Division. He was killed by a premature explosion in the Alsace Sector, France, July 8, 1918.

JOSEPH HELL - Son of Jos. Hell, Antigo, Wis., was born August 10, 1892. He served as a Private in the Veterinary Corps, Hospital No. 9. He left the U. S. June 31, 1918. He died at Base Hospital No. 101, in France, March 19, 1918. His body was returned to Antigo for burial.

FRED M. ST. CLAIR - Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. M. St. Clair, Lily, Wis., was born November 25, 1891. He enlisted June 2, 1918, serving as a Private in the 86th Division, 234th Infantry, Co. H. He died of pneumonia at Bordeaux, France, October 15, 1919. His body was returned to Lily, Wis.

PETER POLAR - Son of Mrs. Pat. Monray, Post Lake, Wis. He enlisted in the 46th Co., Machine Gun Bat, Camp Hancock, Georgia. He died in France. Private Polar left the U. S. in September, 1918.

JOHN FRANK WENZ - Son of Mr. and Mrs. George Wenz, Watersmeet, Michigan, was born December 15, 1899. He died September 21, 1918, at the Great Lakes Naval Station. He was a 2nd Class Seaman, U. S. N. R. F.

EMIL GLEICH - Son of John Gleich, Deerbrook, Wis. Died in France while in the U. S. service. His body was returned to Neva, Wis., for burial.

JOHN J. SCHWARTZ - Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Schwartz, Antigo, Wis., was born April 28, 1890. He enlisted June 15, 1918, serving as a Private in Battery E, 139th Field Artillery, 38th Division. He died October 17, 1918, while crossing the Atlantic Ocean on the U. S. S. Cedric and was buried in Everton Cemetery, England, November 4, 1918, with full military honors. Private Schwartz left the U. S. October 5, 1918.

DANIEL J. PLZAK - Seaman, 2nd Class, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Montona, was born May 20, 1896. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Plzak, Deerbrook, Wis. He entered the service May 11, 1917, and made 17 trips to France. He was accidently killed on boat when Hearing France on the 17th trip. His body was returned to Antigo, Wis., for burial, 1920.

GLENN DeBROUX - Son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael DeBroux, Phlox, Wis., was born February 6, 1895. He enlisted as a Private in Co. G., 343rd U. S. Infantry. He left the U. S. September 8, 1918. He died Oct. 2, 1918 at Bordeaux, France.

FRED INGALLS - Private Co. F., 344th Infantry, 89th Division, enlisted July 22, 1918. He was born September 10, 1895, the son of Frank Ingalls, Elmhurst, Wis. He was reported missing in action after taking part in the St. Mihiel and the Argonne Forest combats.

THOMAS INGALLS - Another son of Frank Ingalls, Elmhurst, Wis., was born June 15, 1894. He enlisted July 22, 1918. He was in the same unit as his brother, Fred, Co. F., 344th Infantry, 89th Division. He participated in the St. Mihiel and Argonne Forest battles. He was killed while fighting in the Argonne Forest, November 2, 1918.

Honor Roll World War Veterans

PRIV.\TE EDWARD BOERNER Langlade County soldier killed in the World War^ whose remains were buried in the Arlington National Cemetery, with high military honors. Private Boerner was one of two Wisconsin heroes thus honored.

1. This list is incomplete. Both U. S. Senators R. M. La Follete and I. L. Lenroot, as well as Adjutant General Orlando Holway, declare that due to failure of Congress to appropriate money to give the War Department an opportunity to complete this data for each state, it has been neglected.