World War I
Mrs. P. T. Chapman published the following discussion of the World War. She followed with an extensive list of Johnson county draftees, which can be found on pages 209 through 214 and volunteers on pages 214 through 215 in her 1925 History of Johnson County.
War having been declared by the United States, April 6, 1917, Johnson County had no part in it till June of that year, except to send some of her sons as volunteers.
The following people were given authority from central headquarters of the Red Cross to form a chapter in Johnson County. Mrs. P. T. Chapman, Chairman; Mr. E. C. Benson, Secretary; Rev. C. S. Tritt, Mrs. Mary E. Chapman, Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Parker, Mr. W. H. Gilliam, Mrs. J. Spieldoch, Mrs. Jennie Rosenburg and Mrs. George E. Galeener. Conforming to this authority the committee met June 18, 1917. The following officers were elected: Chairman, Rev. C. S. Tritt; Vice-Chairman, J. Spieldoch, Treasurer, E. C. Benson, Sec, Lucas Parker. The following elected on the executive board: George E. Galeener, F. R. Wolfle, W. H. Gilliam, Mesdames P. T. Chapman, 0. R. Morgan, W. E. Beal, Vienna; Miss Gussie Mathis, Bloomfield; Frank Leary, Foreman, P. C. McMahan, Tunnel Hill; Edward Cummins, Reevesville; Dr. H. W. Walker, Grantsburgh; J. W. Reynolds, Simpson; J. R. Barker, Ozark; Ray Lawrence and Mrs. Arthur Williams, New Burnside; Everet McMahan and Mrs. N. J. Benson, Goreville; Dr. Chas. Nobles, and Mrs. F. S. Kuykendall, Buncombe; H. A. Brown, Boles; Rev. J. R. Slaton and Blain Pearce, Cypress; Mrs. 0. P. Martin, and Joseph Crawford, Belknap. Executive committee: C. S. Tritt, J. Spieldoch, E. C. Benson, F. R. Woelfle, Mrs. P. T. Chapman and Mrs. 0. R. Morgan; Campaign committee, J. A. Spieldoch, H. V. Carter, J. E. Cunningham, Mrs. P. T. Chapman; Mr. J. E. Cunningham was elected secretary and the following committees were appointed August 14, 1917: Military Relief: Hon. P. T. Chapman, Dr. T. E. McCall, H. M. Jackson, Charles J. Huffman, H. A. Spann, J. E. Cunningham, and T E. Boyt; Civil Relief, T. C. Penrod, C. M. Pickens, I. H. Hook, W. H. Gilliam, F. R. Woelfle, Mesdames W. E. Beal, T. E. McCall; Auditing: E. F. Throgmorton, W. T. Jobe, Miss Lava Ridenhower; Nominating Committee: H. V. Carter, Dr. R. A. McCall, and C. M. Dorris; Committee on supplies: Mesdames P. T. Chapman, Delia Parker, T. E. McCall, Alice Beal and D. W. Whittenberg.
August 14, 1917, meeting for annual election held at the court house, the following were elected as trustees of the Johnson County Red Cross Chapter: Goreville, Mrs. Henry Terry, 2 years, Miss Lilly Foster, 2 years. Elvira: Dr. C. D. Nobles, 1 year, Mrs. Eva Kuykendall, 1 year. Cypress: Mrs. Nellie Wolf, 2 years, Mrs. P. S. Smith, 3 years. Belknap: Mrs. W. N. Gibbons, 3 years, Mrs. Sadie West 2 years, Mrs. Chas. Marshall, 1 year. New Burnside: Mrs. A. Williams 1 year, Ray Lawrence, 2 years. Grantsburg: J. T. Wormack, 2 years, E. S. Cummins 3 years. Bloomfield: Gee. Mathis 3 years, Thomas Travis 2 years. Simpson: Miss Laura Mount 3 years, Mrs. W. G. Taylor 1 year. Vienna: Mrs. Henry Mahl 1 year, F. R. Woelfle 1 year, Mrs. P. T. Chapman 2 years, Mrs. Alice Beal 3 years, Mrs. Lucas Parker 1 year, J. Spieldoch 2 years, J. E. Cunningham 3 years, C. M. Pickens, 3 years, E. C. Benson 2 years, Mrs. May McCall 1 year. Johnson County Red Cross meeting Oct. 26, 1917 the following officers were elected: Chairman, C. M. Pickens, Secretary, J. E. Cunningham, Treasurer, E. C. Benson. Executive Committee, Mrs. P. T. Chapman, Mrs. Delia Parker, J. Spieldoch; Civilian Committee: W. H. Gillian, Lucas Parker, John 0. Cowan, F. R. Woelfle, Mrs. Alice Beal, Mrs. Emma Gibbons and Dr. C. D. Nobles.
November 20, 1918, being the day appointed by the National Red Cross for annual election, the following directors were elected to serve for the year 1919. Vienna Chapter: Mesdames Delia Parker, R. R. Ridenhower, P. T. Chapman, Maggie Hill, Mattie Cantwell, H. W. Walker, Rev. C. H. Croslin, Rev. C. S. Tritt, John M. Brown, T. E. Boyt, J. E. Cunningham, Lucas Parker, C. M. Pickens, J. Spieldoch, H. M. Jackson, F. R. Woelfle. Goreville: Lily Foster, Siegle Hubbard; Belknap: Emma Gibbons, | E. Sabine West; Grantsburg: Ella Modglin, John Griffin; Bloomfield: Lewis Taylor, Delia Fitzgerald; Burnside: Nell Williams, W. T. Edmonson; Buncombe; Mable Kuykendall, Dr. C. D. Nobles. Reeseville: C. C. Whitworth, Mrs. Frank Marberry. Tunnel Hill: Mrs. Guy Beauman, Mrs. Will Fern. Cypress: Mrs. P. W. Rose, Cora Casper; Ozark: Mrs. L. M. Smith, Mrs. James Barker. West Vienna: John Racy, Sarah Horsely.
November 20, 1918 the Board of Directors of Johnson County Red Cross elected the following officers: Rev. C. S. Tritt, Chairman; Mrs. Delia Parker, Vice; T. E. Boyt, Treasurer J. E. Cunningham, Secretary, Mrs. P. T. Chapman, Mrs. Mary Walker and J. Spieldoch, Executive Committee.
The Johnson County Red Cross fell a little short of its quota, 2,149, the membership reaching about 2,000. Those who did work, worked with a willingness unsurpassed in any section of this broad land of ours. The Chapter, including all the branches, sent in 8,000 articles, including 1,074 pairs of socks and 526 sweaters made according to the directions sent out from headquarters. The Chapter paid for all materials used.
Belknap Branch was organized July 13, 1917, with Mrs. 0. P. Martin, Chairman; Mrs. Emma Gibbons, Vice; Miss Prudence Anderson Secretary, Mrs. Bertha Martain, Treasurer, Goreville Branch August 5, 1917, with John J. Reed as Chairman, Mrs. Delia Calhoun, Vice, Louise Calhoun, Treasurer, Lily D. Montgomery, Secretary. New Burnside Branch was organized November 22, 1917, with W. A. Williams, Chairman, J. M. Howerton, Vice, H. C. Laborn, Secretary, Ray Lawrence Treasurer. This branch had 356 members, by January 1918. Cypress Branch was organized November 22, 1918. Mrs. Ellen Jones, Chairman, Mrs. Cora Casper, Vice, Mrs. Nannie Rose, Treasurer and Mrs. H. T. Evers, Secretary. Ozark organized May 6, 1918, E. R. Steagall, Chairman, L. M. Smith Vice. H. A. Cox, Secretary J. T. Moore, Treasurer, Reevesville, February 11, 1918, S. E. Cummins, Chairman, Frank Marberry, Vice, C. C. Whitworth, Secretary, Henry Moore, Treasurer. Buncombe Branch organized February 17, 1918, Hattie Nobles Chairman, Ettie Mathis, Vice, L. Hoover Secretary, Eva Kuykendall, Treasurer. Grantsburg Branch was organized May 1, 1918, Louis Trovillion, Chairman, John Griffin, Vice, Mrs. Modglin, Treasurer, Phylis Allard, Secretary. Grantsburg Branch, Nunmber 2, organized the same date as Reeseville, Simpson Branch was organized June 21, 1918, James A. Whiteside, Chairman, Mrs. Nellie Morris, Secretary, S. B. Morris Treasurer. Route 2 organized with 23 members, Mrs. Ada Elliot, Chairman, Mrs. Cora Able, Vice, Miss Lily Chitty, Secretary, Mrs. Effie Johns, Treasurer. West Vienna organized June 20, 1918, John Racy, Chairman, Essie Horsely, Vice, 0. Newton, Secretary, H. A. Brown, Treasurer.
May 3, 1918, the membership committees appointed for Vianna Chapter were as follows: Ward 1, Mrs. Mattie Cantwell, Ward 2, Mrs. J. B. Hankins, Ward 3, W. E. Beal, E. C. Benson resigned as Treasurer to enlist in the army, December 26, 1917, and T. E. Boyt was elected to fill the vacancy. Miss Emma Rebman was appointed County Chairman of Junior Red Cross. July 18, 1917 was Red Cross day for Vienna Chapter for soliciting members. Committee Isaac Hook, Captain of team for ward 1, J. E. Cunningham, Captain of team for Ward 2, L. G. Newton, Captain of team for ward 3.
June 9, 1918 was set apart for a patriotic day at Vienna a flag pole was set and a large flag raised. Many participated in the parade with decorated automobiles, wagons and buggies; the school children and members of the Red Cross carrying flags formed in two sections. There were also some good addresses. The Vienna Red Cross Chapter provided every soldier that left with the draft contingencies with a comfort kit, towel, soap, housewife completely furnished, till the order came from headquarters not to give out any more comfort kits but they continued to furnish the other articles. The Red Cross work rooms were first established in the Carniege Library of Vienna, but were later moved to a room on Fifth Street near the center of town.
Mrs. Lucus Parker was county chairman for the Woman's Council of National Defense, Vice-Chairman, Mr. W. G. Jackson; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Cornelia Smith. Chairman of Departments — Conservation, Mrs. W. H. Gillian; Child Welfare, Mrs. Maggie Hill; Courses of Instruction, Mrs. Ruth Chapman; Food Production, Mrs. John Brown; Information, Mrs. W. Y. Smith; Liberty Loan, Mrs. F. R. Wolfle; Publicity, Miss Wilma Harris; Registration, Miss Arline Smith.
Vienna Unit: Mrs. P. T. Chapman; Belknap Unit, Mrs. W. H. Gibbons. Chairman, Registration Committee for Womans National Defense, Goreville, Miss Lily McCormick; Elvira, Mrs. Calvin Mathis; Cache, Mrs. F. S. Smith; Belknap, Mrs. W. H. Gibbons; Bloomfield, Mrs. George Mathis; Vienna, Mrs. C. M. Dorris; New Burnside, Mrs. J. C. B. Heaton; Simpson, Mrs. S. Morris; Grantsburg, Mrs. Joseph Gann.
First Liberty Loan Campaign, County Chairman, P. T. Chapman, Vice; T. B. Kirley. Quota, $130,750, subscribed, $26,850.
Second Liberty Loan August 10, 1917, P. T. Chapman, Chapman, Chairman; Sales committee, Ed. Boyt. F. R. Woelfle, J. Spieldoch; Publicity Committee, W. H. Gilliam, J. B. Hudgens, J. B. Suit, D. A. Burgeous, Calvin Carter, and Joseph Crawford; quota $87,500, raised $91,700. The Third Liberty Loan, campaign began April 6, 1918, P. T. Chapman, Chairman; Hon. W. A. Spann, Chairman of the committee of one hundred, quota $94,450. The amount was subscribed by one hundred and sixty -three people. The fourth Liberty Loan, P. T. Chapman, Chairman. Quota $190,000, raised $199,400. The fifth Liberty Loan, P. T. Chapman, Chairman. Quota $135,000, raised $148,100.
Second Liberty Loan, Mrs. Louise Woefle, County Chairman for the Womans Liberty Loan Organization; Chairmen for the different townships were: Goreville, Mrs. Asa Foster; Tunnel Hill, Mrs. Guy Beauman; New Burnside, Mrs. Arthur Williams; Elvira, Mrs. C. D. Nobles; Blomfield, Mrs. J. S. Plater; Simpson, Mrs. T. B. Mount; Belknap, Mrs. Bertha Martain; Cypress, Mrs. P. W. Rose; (Cache); Vienna, Mrs. Maggie Hill; Grantsburg, Mrs. Delaski Walker.
F. R. Woelfle, County Director of Boys Working Reserve, also Chairman of Committee for the sale of war saving stamps, sold about $210,000.
Johnson County Y. M. C. A. drive was organized November 7, 1917. Lucas Parker was elected Chairman, W. H. Gilliam, Secretary. Members of the Executive Board were F. R. Woelfle, J. Spieldoch, Dr. R A. McCall, Charles A. Huffman, E. F. Throgmorton, of Vienna; Goreville, John Grisham, Chas. Calhoun, Thomas Bradley; Elvira, S. F. Elkins, Calvin Mathis, W. B. McGinnis; Cache, John Bradley, J. C. Carter, Dr. P. W. Rose; Belknap; Mrs. O. P. Martin, W. H. Gibbons, O. M. Fraim; Tunnel Hill, Mrs. Guy Beauman, Mrs. D. M. Cover, John M. McCuan; Bloomfield, J. S. Plater, T. C. Taylor, Geo. W. Mathis; Vienna, J. M. Brown, W. N. McCorcle, Lee Bridges; Burnside, Fred Heaton, H. C. Laybourn, John Howerton; Simpson, James Whiteside, Fred Veach, Delbert Kerley; Ozark, Harvey Cox. John W. Rushing, George Murphy; Grantsburg, Chas. Modglin, Ezra Trovillion, John L. Grifin; Ganntown, George Cummins, W. A. Robins, John L. Marberry. The amount allotted to Johnson County for Y. M. C. A. was $2,000 and was oversubscribed $1,000.
Johnson County quota for the United War Workers Campaign was $7,500. Lucas Parker was county Chairman, Chas. J. Huffman, Secretary. The committees for the different townships were as follows: Goreville, W. H. Martin, J. J. Lily, J. L. Thornton, W. P. Gore, Henry Terry, A. D. Stanley, J. M. Francis, James Gibson; Buncombe, Chas. Trulove, Chas. Hunsaker, W. A. Elkins, E. L. Raglsdale, A. J. Kuykendall, Corda Elkins, Charles Nobles, and William Rich; Cache, Cypress, Olin Peeler, Frank Penrod, Henry Lowery, F. M. Capron, Arthur Deans, Dr. P. W. Rose, W. Y. Davis, and W. Y. Bradley, W. J Worrell; Belknap W. L. Wiliams, J. A. Anderson, 0. M. Frain, John Herrod, Chas. Marshall, J. C. Casper, S. D. Peeler, W. H. Larrison; Tunnel Hill, Guy Beauman, G. R. Casey, E. W. Sutton, W. J. Fern, Nimrod Webb, A. G. Benson, G. H. McMahan, James Mohler, Isiah Lowery, F. P. Carson; Bloomfield, J. C. Taylor, Geo. W. Mathis, D. P. Fleming, W. L. Nipper, Peter Fitzgerald, J. N. Benson, Walter Stewart, John L. Whiteside; New Burnside; J. C. B. Heaton, U. S. Lawrence, W. A. Hobbs, Norman Casper, Arthur Williams, James Horn, Geo. W. Lauderdale, H. D. LaRue, J. B. Henken; Ozark, Geo. P. Harper, L. M. Smith, Frank Stone, R. F. Taylor, L. G. Simmons, Otto Stout, Roy Chester, Harvey Cox; Simpson, Dr. T. B. Kerley, T. B. Mount, H. W. Emerson, W. F. Veach, Fred S. Veach, Chas, Murrie, J. F. Gillespie, John McCuan, James A. Whiteside, W. J. Murrie; Grantsburg, Frank Simmons, A. T. Hazel, Ezra Trovillion, Ray Allard, Ed. Guimm, Chas, Modglin, James Stout, Rollie Nelson; Gantown, John Lindsey, Dr. Joe, Gann, J. D. Wormack, Ira, Farquhar, G. W. Cummins, C. C. Whitworth, John L. Marberry, J. L. Herd, F. M. Fisher; Vienna, D. W. Mathis, J. W. Shinn, John M. Brown, Dick Morgan, A. M. Hester.
Federal Fuel Administrator for the county was J. Spielcoch, assistants, Thomas A. Bradley, and Dr. H. W. Walker; Federal Food Administrator for the county, P. T. Chapman; Deputies, Vienna, W. N. McCorcle, Grantsburg No. 2, C. C. Whitworth. Grantsburg No. 1, Ray Allard; Belknap, Joseph Crawford; Cypress, Ray Carter; Buncombe, Chas. Hunsaker; Goreville, W. H. Martin; Tunnel Hill, E. W. Sutton; New Burnisde, T. S. Ballance; Ozark, R. F. Taylor; Blomfield, Geo. Mathis; Simpson, W. J. Murrie.
It is only just, to at least mention the willingness with which the citizens of our town as well as those of the county, entered into the world war work. It is safe to say no other community excelled this one in work and contributions taking into consideration our number and financial resources. During the epidemic of the Spanish Influenza (winter of 1918-19) the situation became so desperate we were obliged to improvise a hospital in the Carnegie Library under the supervision of Reverend C. S. Tritt, Pastor of the M. E. Church and Chairman of the Red Cross. Nine patients were cared for here and only one was lost. This scourge took some of our best young business men as well as many older people. Among those who rendered invaluable service during this time of stress were Miss Beulah Walker of this county and Miss Lola Stevers, of Grand Chain, Ill. The citizens neglected nothing which would help in caring for those afflicted with this dread disease.
WORLD WAR INCIDENTS
Twelve men enlisted from Belknap before the registration in the county occurred. They were Rider Harris, Rodney: N. Tate, Ralph D. Peeler, W. H. Payne, Harry, Griffith, William West, James C. Anderson, Newman Russell, Jesse McCorcle, C. J. Russell, Walter Martin, Guy Casper.
Total registration in county for service in the World War at the first registration, May 5, 1917, was 1,001. By June, 1918, 121 more had reached the draft age. September 1918, the number of men registering between the ages of 18 and 45 years were 1,270, total registration 2,392. As some had entered the service before the registration this does not include all the men eligible from this county. The Registering Board of the county appointed by the Governor was H. A. Spann, John L. Veach, and Dr. H. W. Walker. The clerk for this board was E. F. Throgmorton. The registrars for the county appointed by the Sheriff were Regent A. D. Stanley; Goreville, Ebert Thulen; Cache, Dr. F. S. Smith Belknap, W. H. Gibbons; Tunnel Hill, S. H. Taylor and William Fern; Blomfield, T. C. Taylor Vienna No. 1 H. V. Carter, Frank Huddleson; Vienna No. 2. G. H. Bridges Lucas Parker; Burnside, J. M. Howerton; Ray Lawrence; Ozark, J. R. Barker, Oscar Anderson; Simpson J. A. Whiteside; Grantsburg No. 1 J. T. Wormack; Grantsburg, No. 2, J. D. Wormack. Advisory Board for registrants 0. R. Morgan, C. J. Huffman, J. O. Cowan.
The Government sent special trains throughout the country in the interest of the Liberty Loan Campaigns. One was sent to Vienna, April 19, 1918. It contained disabled aeoplanes, guns and various other implements of war captured from the Germans. Some returned soldiers made talks and it was altogether a very interesting incident for our little inland city. Hundreds of people came to see it from the surrounding country. Mr. and Mrs. J. Spieldoch presented a service flag to the Royal Arch Masonic Lodge No. 150, March 1918, on which were four stars in honor of Herman Frizzell, Ward and Ralph Chapman, Eugene C. Benson, members of the Chapter. Congressman T. S. Williams presented Mrs. Mary E. Chapman with a service flag on which were thirteen stars, in honor of her thirteen grandsons, soldiers of the World War, seven of whom served in France. Mr. and Mrs. Harris living east of town had three sons Clyde, Melvin, and Herman in World War service. Mrs. Woods, colored, of Vienna, also had three sons, Richard, Marvin and Lum. Pickens, who did their bit in the World War.
The news reached Vienna shortly after four oclock A. M. November 11, that the armistice between the Entente and Germany had been signed. The bells began to ring, whistles to blow, and fire arms to boom ! boom ! ! In fact, they made a noise with any and everything that came handy. Among the first ones to start out to spread the news were George and John Gray. They soon picked up Prof. Jobe in their car and instead of Sheridan's ride it was the Grays and Jobe heralding the welcome news that war had ceased. Soon the streets were filled with people of the town and surrounding country, all eager to satisfy themselves, that the news was true. Some expressed joy in one way, and some in another, but there could be no doubt that every soul was glad and every heart beat high with joy. Uncle Mark Hankins appeared on the scene with his flag and old army shotgun which had been captured from the Rebels in the '60s. He started out, others soon fell in and a parade was formed around the square. A figure of the Kaiser had been prepared and was drawn up on the flag pole. When the procession reached this point, at command, they shot the Kaiser full of holes, when he fell they used their swords on him and he was then placed in the hearse and carted off. The celebration was kept up most of the day. In the afternoon there were addresses made by Judge Lewis of Harrisburg and J. F. Craig of this county. C. J. Huffman also spoke in the interest of the United War Workers Campaign.
Questionaires were sent to Mrs. Geo. Mathis of Bloomfield, Mrs. Bertha Martin of Belknap, J. B. Hudgens, of Goreville, H. C. Layborn of Burnside, Miss Laura Mount of Simpson, Mrs. P. W. Rose, of Cypress, after her death to Mrs. Geo. Moak, Mrs. Campbell Allard, Grantsburg, Mrs. Nora Gilliam, Tunnel Hill, Miss Lava Ridenhower, Vienna, Calvin Mathis, Buncombe asking them to get the soldiers of each township to fill out the papers so that there could be a complete record of every man that went from Johnson County into the World War. They were not able to secure all the data requested, consequently, only the names are given which have been collected as carefully as possible. If any name has been omitted it is because no information could be obtained. The following is a copy of the questionaire: Name; Place and date of birth; Name of parents: Rank; Assignment; Place of training; Date and time over seas if any; Wounded or killed, and what battle; Decoration if any; For what service; Picture if possible.
The following is a list of soldiers who were killed or died during the war: James E. Cummins, son of J. C. and Alice Cummins, was born near Bloomfield, Ill., March 25, 1885. He enlisted in the United States Army, June 25, 1918. He was first sent to Ft. Logan, Colorado, transferred from there to Camp Joseph E. Johnson, Fla. He belonged to the 28th Company, 2nd Officers Training Regiment, died October 11, 1918. Was buried at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, this county, October 17, 1918.
Lieutenant Herschel C. Tritt, son of Claud S. and Mary Tritt, was born at Newton, Ill., March 23, 1896. He enlisted in the United States Army, January 11, 1917. Sailed for overseas duty August, 1917. He received his training at Ft. Totten, New York and Saumeur, France. He took part in the battles of Chateau Thierry, and the Second Battle of the Marne. He was killed in action at Cherry Chattrereuv, France, August 19, 1918. He was 2nd Lieut, of Battery B. 306 Field Artillery.
Sandy Kelly, son of I. N. and Elizabeth Kelly, enlisted July 29, trained at Camp Taylor. Died in camp, October, 1918.
Lieut. Lindorf R. Kerley, was the son of Dr. T. B. and Mary E. Kerley. He was born at Simpson, Ill., January 27, 1889. He served as 1st Lieut, in 119 Field Artillery with the A. E. F. Was killed in a railroad accident near Orleans, France, December 5, 1918. He was buried in Fraternal Cemetery, Vienna, Ill., January 21, 1921.
Harvey, Gold, son of C. B. and Mary Gold, was born near Goreville. He belonged to Co. C. 314 Field Signal Battalion. Was wounded at Haumont, France, the day the armistice was signed, November 11, 1918. Died five days later.
Ray E. Nipper, son of M. V. and Effie Nipper, was born at Regent, Johnson County, Ill., March 2, 1892. Enlisted in the U. S. Army, April, 1917. Went overseas April, 1918. Died of pneumonia, at Toul, France, November 26, 1918. He belonged to Head Quarters Company, 77th Division.
Chester S. Jobe, son of John and Armina Jobe, was born at Tunnel Hill, Ill., September 3, 1895. Enlisted February 22, 1918. Was sent to Camp Taylor, Ky., where he remained about two weeks, when he was sent overseas. He was wounded in action September 29, and died October 30, 1918. He was buried in St Sever Cemetery, near Rouen, France. His body was sent home and buried at Reynoldsburg, 1921. He was a private in 119th Infantry A. E. F.
George R. Murphy, was born near Glendale, February 23, 1894. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Cassia Murphy. He enlisted in U. S. Army, May, 1917, going to Jefferson Barracks, Mo. He was transferred from there to El Paso, Texas, then to New York City, from which he sailed, June 17, 1917, with Pershing's Troops, possibly the first Johnson County son to go overseas. He was a Corporal in Headquarters Company, 15th Infantry, 4th Div. A. E. F. He was wounded in action October 11, 1918. After two months in a French hospital, he was transferred to a New York hospital where he died, February, 1919. The body was brought to Simpson, for interment.
Harry Sullins, son of Lincoln and Elizabeth (Brooks) Sullins, was born at Ozark, Ill., April 3, 1894. Enlisted May 25, 1918. He was a private in Co. G 58 Infantry, 4th Div. He trained at Camp Gordon, Ga. Went overseas July 18, 1918. Participated in the battles of St. Mihiel, and Argon Forest. Was wounded in action October, 1918. Died October 28, 1918. His body was sent home.
Curtis Grissom, son of W. M. and Nettie (Farris) Grissom, was born in this county, January 30, 1895. He trained at Mare Island and Quantico, Va. He was a private in the fifth Marines, 2nd Div. Was killed October 4, 1918 at Mount Blanc, Ridge.
WORLD WAR CONDITIONS
The experiences of the World War have been sad ones for the people of the United States. It took the flower of our manhood, physically speaking, and if they were not killed they were injured mentally, morally or physically. The declaration of this war came very unexpectedly, almost as much so as a peal of thunder out of a clear sky. Many soldiers went into this war half -heartily and they could not be blamed. It was a trying ordeal to take a man from a peaceful pleasant home, a lucrative position or business and send him across the sea to fight with and for people he did not know. True it was for a principle which was right and circumstances came about which justified it. Many in this county as elsewhere, volunteered, but this was decidely a draft war. In most cases those who had positions when they entered the service, found them waiting for them on their return, but there seemed to be a restlessness and discontent among them that has barely passed away in five years. One thing is certain, those who served on the other side are not free to talk of their experiences. The prevaling idea, was, that war would cease in Europe after the treaty of Versailles. There is still turmoil, strife and hatred. At a glance; it looks as though, those who filled graves in France, and those who will finish lives maimed and disabled, have suffered and died in vain. There may come a better day from all this sacrifice, but it has certainly not dawned as yet.
Extracted 30 Apr 2016 by Norma Hass from 1925 History of Johnson County written by Mrs. P. T. Chapman, pages 196-207.
