LeMars Sentinel
February 4, 1919
TRUCK JOB NO SNAP
MANY A DRIVER CAME BACK TIED IN A BLANKET
HUNG ROCKS ON HIS BROKEN LEG
Harry J. Walsh, a Stanton Township Boy, Writes Interestingly of How He Got
His and of Lying in Mud at Zero Hour.
[There is a photo of Harry Walsh, standing wearing his uniform that
accompanies this news article.]
Harry J. Walsh, Co. A., 321 M.G. Bn., a LeMars boy, now convalescing from a
compound fracture of his leg in a hospital at Fort Des Moines, writes his
brother the following vivid description of how he got his:
"We landed at Liverpool, England, May 1st, and with the exception of the sub
scares, had a rather lame crossing. From there we went to Southampton for
rest but the boys didn't get much rest as the English ladies were much taken
up with the American lads. Our next stop was Winchester and then across the
Channel to Le Havre, France. We spent about a month with the English, but
they had to put guards between us and the "Tommies" as there was "fighting"
all the time. Then we hiked across country to Toul and it was some hike.
Here volunteers were called for to drive munition trucks and "yours truly"
put in his name. (I used to dodge squirrels in a 4d at home!) About a dozen
volunteered and two got the job. This truck job, take it from me, running in
spurts between the H. E.'s and the A. P. bombs was no snap and many a truck
we dragged in all busted and the driver tied up in a blanket-"Gone West" as
the English say. Well, about two months of this and I was tickled to receive
order to report to my machine gun pals. They were in the front line but a
tame part of the front. We only lost three men here, killed by shrapnel, so
thought it was a joke.
We were then ordered to hike for the St. Mihiel for real over-the-top stuff.
We hiked a night as usual, and mud, oceans of it, and it rained all the
time. Word went around September 12th was to be the day, so we were brought
up and lay all night in shell holes doubled up in our rain coats but sleep
was out of the question. Shrapnel was bursting all around while flares made
the night like day. I am sure the Germans expected us to go over. There we
lay in that damnable mud with the zero hour approaching. We were to go over
at 4:30. A fellow had strange thoughts, he said a few prayers, thought of
his mother, and all you kids passed before my mind. There was little or no
talking. Minutes were hours and hours dragged into days. About midnight 250
of our guns opened and Fritz came right back, and the big gun duet was on
the like of which I guess the world has seldom seen. At 4:30 the word was
passed, it was: "Boys, go over into those hills and get them," and with a
wild whoop like Indians the doughboys went. The Dutch sure can fight and
talk about the noise, and smoke and dust. Many of the boys I knew called my
name for help as they fell, but no stops until we reached our objectives
were the orders. But we didn't stop even there but plunged on and the noche
seeing the jig was up scattered like sheep and the little valleys between
the hills were full of running men. Everywhere on the ground were Germans
and Americans and the cries of the wounded was what I could hardly stand. We
were now in the German trenches and they shelled something fierce but we
were there to stay and routed all attacks to drive us out.
We went over again that Sunday following, one o'clock in the afternoon and
drove the Huns off the next range of hills, so that is how I spent my
Sundays in France. There wasn't much left now of our division so we were
relieved by the French and went back near Nancy for two weeks rest.
We all tried to get passes for Nancy but nothing doing. So one night about
fifty were A.W.O.L. Two never came back and we never heard what happened to
them. Our division was now filled up again and we left in French motor
trucks, the latter part of September for the Verdun front. We stopped in
some woods and about twelve at night started for the "red lines." Shells
were dropping all around and one got four men and the mule of the outfit
just ahead of me. There was one continual line of stretcher bearers passing
from the front and we understood the great drive into the Argonne forest was
on and were to support the doughboys. Into this inferno, we drove after the
retreating boche. It rained continually and was bitter cold at night. All I
had to eat for three days was six hard tacks and we drank water out of the
shell holes. It seemed every other Jerry was a machine gunner and let me say
it was hell to face that fire. Crawling through the mud like a snake, then
dashing through a wood, over the hills and through the valleys we chased
them. "Kamerad, kamerad" was heard on all sides, but at times it came too
late. Prisoners, we sure got them.
Now comes the night I will never forget. It was getting dark and some of the
guys were detailed to take the G. P.'s back. A job we all hated-we would
sooner empty a clip into them.
A young kid and I set our machine guns back of a willow hedge and empted a
clip at any sound. They were dropping big G. I. cans all around, and at each
buzz we would throw ourselves flat and get a shower of dirt. I will never
forget that willow hedge-it seemed to protect us. Remember at home we would
always rush for a willow hedge in a storm, and here I was with the same old
thought in my mind. As we both lay flat back of that old M.G. right after a
close one, I wiggled over to my buddy-" Getting closer old boy, looks like
you or me pretty soon." Just then we heard another buzzing. They say you
never hear the shell that gets you but we both heard that one. It landed
with a thud right in front of the gun and sure gave us a ride on the rods.
They boys said the other kid never lived to tell about it and he was such a
young fellow. I came to on the other side of the hedge and started hollering
for the first aid. I lay there for six hours nearly froze and it was raining
all the time. At last some of the fellows from my squad found me and carried
me in a blanket to a first aid station. They had some job as I am not very
light and that seemed to amuse me. There I found fifteen ahead of me and
from the arms and legs laying around thought mine was next. Oh, boy, when
the doc said he could save it. When I came from under the ether, I was
between WHITE SHEETS and I at once felt for my leg AND IT WAS THERE, in
splints with a lot of weights hanging over the foot of the bed. Every once
in a while they would come along and measure my leg, and if it wasn't long
enough to suit them, hang on another rock.
Awful pains developed in my chest and they couldn't keep me warm although
they piled six blankets on me. So the "chest bullie" was called in and said,
"Young man, your right lung is badly infected with pleurisy." So they tied
me all up with that sticky tape and started giving me "see-see pills,"-the
army cure for anything from a broken leg to a case of homesickness.
I had a pretty tough time but could not see I was meant to "push up daisies"
in France. After two transfers I finally landed in St. Dizier aboard a "fog
train"-such a ride strung up on a stretcher. A few weeks later we were told
the war was over and were were to go to the coast, and then to Heaven or the
U.S.A."
_____
An eleven pound son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hazel, north of town,
January 25th.
ONLY DAUGHTER IS TAKEN
MISS CLARA WALKER HAD SUFFERED MORE THAN A YEAR
The home of Mr. and Mrs. M.S. Walker, residing on Eagle street, was saddened
by the death of their only daughter, Clara, who died on Thursday after a
long illness. Death was due to tuberculosis of the lungs. The young woman
had been a sufferer for over a year.
Clara C. Walker was only nineteen years of age. She was born at Mound City,
Mo., on October 3, 1899. She came to LeMars with her parents about a year
and a half ago from Jacksonville, Ill. Miss Walker was a graduate of the
Jacksonville schools. After coming to LeMars she took a commercial course at
the high school but on account of her health had to desist from her studies.
She was an active member of the church and in the school work at
Jacksonville. She made a number of warm friends during her short residence
in LeMars and was a talented young woman. She leaves to mourn her death her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.S. Walker, and her brothers, Paul and Wells, who
both volunteered for service as soon as America declared war against
Germany. Wells is at present with the army in France.
The funeral services were held from the home on Saturday afternoon, Rev. E.
L. James pastor of the Baptist church officiating.
TO HOLD STUDY CENTER
Teachers of Plymouth County to Meet in LeMars
A study center for teachers of Plymouth county will be held February 7 and 8
under the direction of County Superintendent, E.H. Plath. Prof. John R.
Stacks and Miss Belle Schofield, of the Iowa State Teachers college, will be
instructors on didactics and primary work.
YEOMANS: (Special Correspondence)
Mrs. James McCormick, Mrs. Fred Tapkens, and Mrs. Edward Bruford
attended the Ladies Aid meeting at Brookdale Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs. Charlie Miller, who has been in a hospital in Sioux City for
treatment, was brought home Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. Miller is
improving slowly.
Earl Campbell, who went to Camp Gordon, July 22, 1918, with a large
number of other Plymouth county boys was mustered out of the service at
Camp Dodge and returned home Tuesday. His relatives and many friends
welcome him home.
Mr. Jerry bought a new car at Hinton the past week. The other car he
had bought proved to be a stolen car and the owner came for it but as
Mr. Sloan had a bill of sale from responsible parties, he was secure and
got his money.
Joe Wells was very seriously injured in an auto accident Tuesday night
just south of the Jos. Graham farm. Mr. Wells had several ribs broken.
He is in the hospital in Sioux City. It is hoped that there are no
internal injuries. Mr. Wells has lived on a farm at Yeomans for a
number of years.
James Solomon was seriously injured Thursday a short distance from his
home when his care turned over pinning him under it. He was badly cut
about the face and head with the glass from the broken wind shield.
Both legs were badly bruised and his chest seems injured. His age is
against a speedy recovery.
UNION: (Special Correspondence)
Con Kohl was in Sioux City Tuesday with a carload of hogs.
Roy Henspeter was a guest of the Dotzauers Saturday and Sunday.
Harry Acker was in Sioux City Friday with a consignment of hogs.
Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Eyres visited the James Oswald family near Cleghorn
Monday.
Miss Sybil Hasbrook was home from LeMars high school from Wednesday
until Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Werth and children, of LeMars, were guests of Mr.
and Mrs. Con Kohl Sunday.
Cecil Foulkes and Cecil Bullington baled straw for Jas. Goudie, Dave
Goudie and Burton Hasbrook the past week.
Mr. and Mrs. Foster Phillips are back from Wisconsin and are living in
the Harvey store building at O'Leary.
Mr. and Mrs. George Smith and son, Ervel, Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Prayn
and Mrs. W. H. Hasbrook were Sioux City visitors Monday.
Services will be held at the Union Presbyterian church both morning and
evening Sunday, February 2nd. Everyone is cordially invited.
Frank Laughlin is able to be out again after a long illness with the
flu. Mrs. Laughlin is better, also her mother, Mrs. Harvey, although
she has a severe cough.
Miss Day, the nurse who has been caring for Mr. and Mrs. Lockey, has
returned to LeMars as Mr. and Mrs. Lockey are getting along nicely and
will soon be able to be out again.
The Pershing society of the U.H.S. are giving a program and basket
social at the school house Friday night, January 31st. Everybody come.
Ladies, please bring lunch for two.
Mrs. Wm. Freis, who has been ill with the influenza for several weeks,
but seems to be improving, suffered a relapse Friday night and a doctor
was called to see her. Both Mr. and Mrs. Freis are getting along nicely
now however, and their many friends hope to see them out again soon.
A number of relatives and friends of Johnnie Becker gathered at his home
Saturday evening to remind him of his birthday. A most enjoyable
evening was spent in games and music and Mrs. Becker served an elaborate
lunch. The guests departed in the early hours of the morning wishing
Johnnie many more happy birthdays.
SENEY: (Special Correspondence)
Will Rees was a Sioux City visitor on Tuesday.
Lou Bouma shipped a carload of hogs to Sioux City Tuesday.
Ed. Detloff shipped two carloads of cattle to Sioux City on Tuesday.
Rev. T.H. Lent will preach next Sunday morning at eleven o'clock.
Jake Warner had a shipment of hogs on the Sioux City market Tuesday.
Joe Kohler had a shipment of hogs on the Sioux City market on Thursday.
George Laughton shipped a carload of cattle to Sioux City on Wednesday.
Our school opened Monday after being closed for the past three months.
Ted Rees, of LeMars, visited his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rees,
on Wednesday.
Miss Lucile March, of Sioux City, spent the week end with her mother,
Mrs. Elizabeth March.
Mrs. Anthony Daugherty and daughter, of Sibley, visited Tuesday in the
Mrs. Mary Daugherty home.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schwiesow, of LeMars, spent Sunday with their niece,
Mrs. Alvina Jeffers.
Frank Kunath arrived on Tuesday from Camp Funston, Kansas, having been
honorably discharged.
Mr. and Mrs. M.M. Kennedy autoed to Ireton on Sunday to visit their
daughter, Mrs. J.W. Bushby, and family.
Mrs. Bernard Miller, of LeMars, spent a few days this week with her
uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Whitman.
Miss Ethel Baldwin, of LeMars, came up on Friday to visit a few days
with her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Perry.
Mrs. Elvira Krudwig, of Leeds, who was called here by the illness of her
mother, Mrs. Mary Daugherty, returned to her home on Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. August Witt and children, of LeMars, were Sunday dinner
guest of Mrs. Witt's father, M. Ewin, and sister, Mrs. Iona Clark.
W.W. Jeffers, of Sioux City, is spending the week in the C.W. Reeves
home and helping to care for the sick, all the family being sick with
the flu.
Joe Fitzpatrick, who has been stationed at Vancouver Barracks, Wash.,
and has been honorably discharged, visited Sunday in the home of his
uncle, Will Deegan.
Mrs. Will McArthur and grandson, of Sioux City, have been visiting
relatives here a few days. They left on Wednesday accompanied by Mrs.
D.F. McArthur for Rock Valley to visit with the latter's sister, Mrs.
Ira Eldridge and family.
ROYAL THEATRE
Wednesday -----
Dorothy Phillips in the superb production...THE TALK OF THE TOWN
A Superb production in 6 reels
A beautiful star
A great favorite
Thursday ----
Vivian Martin in UNCLAIMED GOODS
The story of a Western girl, the daughter of a sheriff who is sent to a
mining town by express, the same as a piece of merchandise.
Also..A Billy West 2 reel comedy..THE ORDERLY.
Shows 7:30 and 9:00 p.m.
10 cents-15 cents
Always the Best of Music
ATTENTION
AUTO OWNERS
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LeMars Sentinel
February 11, 1919
DID HITCH IN HELL
LeRoy Rounds Went Through Devastated Country
Private LeRoy Rounds, who is with Co. G. 315th Ammunition Train, part of the
army of occupation now stationed at Morbach, Germany, writes his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. M.H. Rounds under date of December 29, a letter from which we
make the following extracts:
"I am feeling fine. I have received several letters from you and got the
pictures you sent me. We sure had quite a trip across country with our
mules. We left Stenay, France, December 12th and it rained about every day
of our journey. I walked two days and covered forty miles. We stopped at
towns in the evening and stayed in homes where the people were very good to
us. On December 16th, we were in France, Belgium and Germany.
They built fires for us to dry our clothing by and gave us hot coffee. We
did not stop in the city of Luxemburg. We crossed into Germany and passed
through Trier and stopped over Christmas in a little village. There were six
of us in the same house and the Germans invited us to enjoy the evening with
them. The Y.M.C.A. sent us candy and cake and we ate supper with the people
where we stayed, so you see the German people are good to us.
The country we passed through had all been destroyed. We passed through a
range of mountains and their snow capped tops are very pretty. It rains
about every day here. We reached Marbach, Germany, December 28th. It is only
a small place but we can buy fruit and candy here. Money goes lots further
in Germany than in France. We got paid the other day and have plenty of
money. We used to spend francs but now we spend marks. I do not know when we
will get home or what we will do here.
You have always asked me what I do so I am sending you a little poem which
explains what we do:
I am sitting here thinking of the things I left behind,
And I hate to put on paper what is running through my mind.
We've dug a million trenches and cleaned ten miles of ground
And a meaner place this side of hell, I know is yet unfound.
But there's one consolation, gather close while I tell,
When we die, we're bound for Heaven, for we've done our hitch in hell.
We've built a hundred kitchens for the cooks to stew the beans,
We've stood a hundred guard mounts and cleaned the camp latrine.
We've washed a million mess kits and peeled a million spuds,
We've rolled a million blanket rolls and washed a million duds.
The number of parades we've made, it would be hard to tell,
But we'll not parade in Heaven for we've done our hitch in hell.
We've killed a million rattle snakes that tried to steal our cots,
And shook a million centipedes from out our army socks.
We've marched a hundred thousand miles and made a thousand camps,
And pulled a million cactus thorns from out our army pants.
But when our work on earth is done our friends behind will tell,
How they died and went to Heaven for they did their hitch in hell.
When the final tap is sounded and we lay aside life's cares,
And we start our final march up the shining golden stairs,
And the angels bid us welcome and the harps begin to play,
And we draw a million canteen checks and spend them in a day,
It is then we'll hear St. Peter tell with a gladsome yell,
Take a front seat, Ammunition Train, for you've done your hitch in hell."
LeMars Sentinel
14 Feb 1919
MERRILL: (Special Correspondence)
Mrs. Gladys Lang visited in Sioux City Saturday.
Mrs. August Kling is recovering from an attack of influenza.
Dr. Vernon and Clarence Lake went to Lincoln, Neb., this week on
business.
Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Hauff and son, Warren, are visiting Mr. Hauff's
brother in Lincoln, Neb., this week.
Mr. Patterson, the new manager of the Lampert Lumber Company is moving
into the Howard house this week.
Miss Marjorie Naffizzer is spending the week at home, the Sioux City
school being closed on account of registration in the high school.
A small crowd attended the dance given in the opera house Thursday
evening. Although the crowd was not as large as was expected, everyone
enjoyed a good time.
A bunch of rooters journeyed to Remsen in a truck Friday evening to
witness a basketball game between the local and Remsen high school boys.
The games resulted in a victory for Remsen.
Miss Anna Rollag, of Sioux City, and George Rollag, of Booge, S. D.,
visited their sister, Mrs. Halvor Larson, over Sunday. Miss Rollag, who
is a trained nurse, is caring for her father, who was injured in a
runaway. She returned with her brother to Booge, Monday evening.
EAST PERRY: (Special Correspondence)
Mr. and Mrs. William Tullis spent Sunday with Sioux City relatives.
C. E. Walters was on the Hinton market with several loads of corn last
week.
Relatives from Nebraska spent several days last week at the Tom Sheridan
home.
Albert Swanson spent several days last week in Sioux City at the home of
his cousin, George Johnson.
A doctor was called to the John Knucht home Monday morning to attend a
little daughter, who was ill.
Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson and family were pleasantly entertained at the
M.T. Mansfield home last Sunday.
Marion McCoy left Wednesday evening for a few weeks visit in Bethany,
Mo., and other points. He was accompanied by his niece, Etta McCoy.
Cattle buyers from Sioux City purchased several head of cattle from
William Tullis and Harley Swisher last Monday.
There will be a box social and program given in district No. 1 Friday,
February 21st, by Miss Beulah Hawkins and pupils.
A number from here attended the A.L. Murrill sale last Tuesday. Mr. and
Mrs. Murrill have purchased a farm at Fair Acres and will take
possession soon.
A farewell party was given at the A.J. Baker home last Saturday evening
complimentary to the Baker family who are about to move to their new
home near Merrill. A good time was had by all present.
SENEY: (Special Correspondence)
Henry and Joe Groetken were Sioux City visitors on Tuesday.
Miss Dollie Hinde is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Ira Eldridge, of Rock
Valley.
Sherman Hughes, of Westfield, visited Sunday with his sister, Mrs. C.
Henricksen and family.
Relatives here received word of the birth of a daughter to Mr. and Mrs.
Miles McArthur, of Sheldon, on February 2.
Gladys and Lottie Daugherty, of Sibley, visited with their grandmother,
Mrs. Mary Daugherty, last Saturday.
Miss Sadie Alderson left on Monday for Denver, Colorado, where she will
visit her sister, Mrs. W.D. Kennedy and family.
Miss Fern Chapman is keeping house for her grandfather, J. Alderson,
during the absence of her aunt, Miss Sadie Alderson.
Mrs. Wales and son, Charles, of Palisades, Neb., arrived on Friday and
are visiting in the home of her sister, Mrs. John Lancaster, Sr.
Mrs. L.A. Riter and daughter, of Rock Rapids, visited a few days the
past week with Mr. Riter's brother, E.H. Riter and parents.
Mrs. Elizabeth March received word on Monday of the death of her nephew,
Lieut. W. March White, of Sioux City, who was killed in action in France
on November 4, [1918.]
Pine Grove Grange will meet on Friday evening, February 14, in the hall.
As we have had no meeting for the past few months and this is the time
for election of officers, a large attendance is desired.
Rev. and Mrs. C.E. Holman and children left on Monday for Omaha, Neb.,
and Hiawatha, Kan. Mr. Holman will attend a Centenary meeting in Omaha
for two days and Mrs. Holman will visit her parents in Kansas.
Mrs. W.E. Hennrich, Dwight and Fred Riter were visiting Mrs. Hennrich's
sisters, Mrs. M. Myers and Mrs. H. Daley, in Sioux City, on Friday and
Saturday. Pauline and Marjorie Riter, who spent the past month in Sioux
City accompanied them home.
Otis Tipple, of Sibley, who has recently returned from France and has
been honorably discharged from Camp Dodge, was married last week to Miss
Wanda Rairdon. They visited here with Mrs. Tipple's mother, Mrs.
Rairdon, from Sunday till Tuesday, when they left for Sioux City where
they will make their home.
SIOUX: (Special Correspondence)
A daughter was born to Mrs. Mackrill last Friday.
Miss Ethel Bray is attending school in Westfield township.
Richard Milner, who had been spending part of the week at home, returned
to Merrill Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs. Wilson, who had been unable to attend to her school duties for
several days, resumed work Thursday afternoon.
Some of the young people at the neighborhood enjoyed a party at the
Gorman home near Ellendale Sunday night.
Don Lawrence left last Wednesday for his home in Wibeaux, Montana, where
he will assist in farming the Lawrence section.
Relatives here have been in formed of the illness of Amos Brown, who was
taken sick with pneumonia shortly after his return to his home near
Verndale, Minnesota.
Mr. Fry, who accompanied his son-in-law, Frank Helm, to Rochester,
writes that the young man came through his operation successfully.
Mrs. Owen Taylor was called back to her brother's to take care of one of
the Kellogg children who did not make a good recovery from the flu.
LAUDS RAINBOW DIVISION
Men Faced Battle With Indomitable Fortitude and Heroism
In a speech delivered in congress this week Judge Towner paid eloquent
tribute to the Rainbow Division and especially to the 168th Infantry, the
Iowa regiment in that division, with which sixty-eight Plymouth county boys
fought. Judge Towner said among other things:
One of the four infantry regiments of the Rainbow Division was formerly the
Third Iowa National Guard. It was originally recruited from southern Iowa.
During the Spanish-American War it served as the Fifty-first Iowa Infantry
from May 30, 1898, until November 2, 1899, and saw active service in the
Philippines. After its return and demobilization, the regiment was
reorganized as the Fifty-fifth Iowa Infantry, and in July 1915, it
reorganized as the Third Infantry, Iowa National Guard. Under this
designation, it served on the Mexican border in 1916.
When the order was issued for the mobilization of the national guard, the
Third Iowa assembled at Camp Dodge, where it was mustered into the service
as the One Hundred Sixty-eighth infantry. There were about 2,000 men in the
original Third, and the regiment was raised to war strength by 1,600
additional, mostly from the First and Second Iowa national guard. It left
Des Moines September 10 and arrived at Camp Mills September 13, where it
became part of the Forty-second (Rainbow) division and soon thereafter
embarked for France.
The service of the One Hundred Sixty-eighth with the Forty-second division
has been given with the account of the service of the Rainbow division, of
which they were a part. Particular reference to this regiment is justified
because of its long and exceptional service. Wherever the fighting was
hardest and the responsibility the greatest, there the One Hundred
Sixty-eight was sent. In whatever duty assigned, no matter what dangers were
incident or what losses were inevitable, the regiment braved the dangers and
suffered the losses without complaint and without protest.
Throughout their service they endured privations and faced the hazards of
battle with indomitable fortitude and invincible heroism.
Colonel Bennett, who commanded them for a long period of their service, said
of them, "I only wish that I had the power to express the character of the
work performed by these men. It is wonderful and deserving of the highest
praise."
Colonel Brown of the general staff said, "They are a wonderful fighting
outfit."
Captain Leon Bentz of the French staff said, "It is the best regiment I ever
saw. The men are too brave, too courageous."
Gen. Douglas McArthur, chief of staff, said, "You can tell the people of
Iowa that this regiment ranks 100 per cent."
The war correspondent repeatedly singled it out for special praise. As one
of the reported, "The One Hundred Sixty-eighth has earned the name of the
most famous American regiment. The French cheer whenever it passes. The
English have marked it for special praise. The Australians, the Canadians
and other colonials, considered the best fighters among the allies, claim
the troops of the One Hundred Sixty-eighth as their brothers."
A member of congress describing the battle fronts and that the names of two
American regiments were one every tongue: that of the One Hundred
Sixty-eighth Iowa, and the One Hundred Sixty-seventh Alabama. These two
regiments constituted the Eighty fourth infantry brigade and fought side by
side throughout almost their entire service. Representing the blue and the
gray together, they gave new luster to the flag they carried on many a
foreign battle field and vied in affectionate rivalry in service and
devotion to each other and to the cause for which they fought.
While praise and honors and citations and decorations were lavishly given
the gallant boys who composed the One Hundred Sixty-eighth, they were dearly
bought. In the fight of July 25th to obtain the heights beyond the Oureq
river, Major Stanley's battalion lost over 50 per cent of its enlisted men
and 20 out of 26 officers. The next morning only 27 men and officer reported
for duty. Of the 250 men of Company M who were in the service only 27
escaped, 230 men being killed or wounded. Such was the price paid to
vindicate American rights and save the civilization of the world."
Judge Towner also told of the capture of Hill 288 in the Argonne by the Iowa
troops. Of this, he said, "In the Argonne offensive one of the most
difficult tasks assigned the Forty-second division was the taking of Hill
288. The Rainbow boys first attacked it frontally. The attack failed. They
made four more vain attempts to storm the hill. One rainy morning the One
Hundred Sixty-eighth regiment started on the sixth trial. With our
artillery dropping shells on the crest and the New York troops spreading
machine gun fire in all the slopes, the Iowa boys just at daylight, in a
cold rain, again started up the hill. Through the barbed wire, over the
trenches, driving the gunners from hundreds of machine gun nests, they were
at the Germans with bayonets set.
There were hundreds of hand to hand conflicts on the slippery hillside.
Captains fell and lieutenants commanded. Lieutenants fell and sergeants
commanded. One platoon of nineteen men was led over the top by a private.
For six hours the struggle continued before the top was reached and the
victory won. When the Germans surrendered there were only 107 men left, the
rest had been killed or wounded."
In the course of his remarks, Judge Towner, told in detail the hardships and
difficulties of the fighting in the Argonne. He told of the desperate
battling day and night, in the cold rains, and in the darkness, against
heavy forces, against a constant storm of artillery fire, against defenses
as nearly impregnable as could be made, and in a region difficult in the
extreme.
He summed up by saying: "It is not too much to say that never in the history
of warfare, ancient or modern, was greater courage, endurance and individual
heroism shown than in this great battle of the Argonne."
ALCOHOLISM IS ALMOST NIL
Only Thirteen Men Rejected For That and Drug Habit
Of the 3,346 persons out of the total of all Iowa registrants rejected at
cantonments only thirteen were rejected because of the use of alcohol and
drugs by the camp surgeons, according to statistics furnished by Provost
Marshal General E.H. Crowder.
The statistics show that 339 Iowans were rejected because of flat feet, 41
on account of defective bones and joints, 361 for defective eyes, 149 for
defective hearing, 518 on account of defective heart and blood vessels, 416
for hernia, 108 for mental deficiency, 477 for tuberculosis, 156 for teeth
and 146 for defects not stated.
Iowa registrants from June 5, 1917, to September 11, 1918, totaled 240,934
of whom 152,863 were either exempted or received deferred classification.
There were 26,563 placed in class 2, 10,477 in class 3, 82,071 in class 4
and 33,782 in class 5. The total registration in the state, including that
of September 12, 1918, was 524,456.
In Iowa 5,262 white deserters were reported and 517 negro deserters.
Inductions under the first and second registrations were 66,864 in the army,
7,832 in the navy, and 553 in the marine corps from Iowa.
Draft administration in Iowa to October 1, 1918, cost the federal government
$266,850.10, of which sum $71,301 was paid to members of the boards.
JOHN DOE-BUCK PRIVATE.
Who was it, picked from civil life
And plunged in deadly, frenzied strife
Against a Devil's dreadful might?
Just plain "John Doe-Buck Private."
Who jumped the counter for the trench,
And left fair shores for all the stench
And mud, and death, and bloody drench?
Your simple, plain "Buck Private."
Who, when his nerves were on the hop,
With courage sealed the bloody top?
Who has it made the Hun swine stop?
"J. Doe (no stripes) Buck Private."
Who, underneath his training tan
Is every single inch a man!
And, best of all, American!
"John Doe, just plain Buck Private."
Who saw his job and did it well?
Who smiles so bland-yet fights like hell?
Who rang again the Freedom bell?
Twas only "Doe-Buck Private."
Who was it lunged and struck and tore
His bayonet deep into Hun gore?
Who was it helped to win the war?
"John Doe (no brains) Buck Private."
Who, herding not the laurel pile
That scheming other men beguile,
Stands modestly aside the while?
"John Doe (God's kind) Buck Private."
~by Allan R. Thomson in the Stars and Stripes, France
_____
Miss Sullivan, teacher in Franklin school, was called to Rochester, Minn.,
the first of this week by the serious illness of a sister. Miss Grier is
supplying for her.
_____
The Women's Home Missionary society of the Methodist church met on Tuesday
afternoon with Mrs. Harriet Demaray. The special feature of the afternoon
was an interesting program on Home Missions.
_____
St. James Aid society met on Thursday afternoon in the home of Miss Anna
Carel with Mrs. Mary Burke as assistant hostess. The meeting was devoted to
the interests of the society.
LeMars Sentinel
Tuesday, February 18, 1919
NOTHING SUITED HIM
Beauties of Remsen Not Appreciated by Eastern Highbrow.
Remsen Bell-Enterprise: C. P. Kurtz, the teacher elected by the school
board to fill the vacancy in the public school caused by the resignation of
Miss Elsie Williges, arrived here Friday morning and departed Sunday
afternoon, and the board is still looking for a teacher. Miss Willigies will
remain in charge of the work until a successor is chosen, and it is hoped
the board will be more successful this time than was the case when Kurtz was
hired.
Mr. Kurtz left because he did not like the town, so he stated. He had not
been off the train more than two hours when he began belly-aching about this
and about that, and it seems that Remsen, although heretofore classed as one
of the best little towns in the U.S.A. is still highly deficient in moral,
social, religious and civic decency as compared to the highminded notions
that prevail in Bloomington, Ill., where Kurtz feels more at home. The
churches don’t suit him, the layout of the town didn’t suit him, in fact
nothing suited him, and he wasn’t here a day before Kurtz himself didn’t
suit anyone who had anything to do with him. He has drifted back to
Bloomington, Ill., which is considered the only good thing he did for the
town and school during his short visit.
_____
Theo. Hoffman, of Ellendale, has purchased the Nic Nemmers home on Fulton
street and will move into it from his farm in the spring. Mr. Nemmers has
purchased a lot from Jim Mathey on the corner of Sixth and Franklin streets
and will build a house there this spring.
_____
Marcus News: Dr. M. F. Joynt, lieutenant in the medical branch of the army,
has received his honorable discharge from service at Ft. Caswell, N.C., and
is now in New York. Dr. Joynt is expected to return to Marcus to resume his
practice next week.
_____
Frank Rothschild was called to Lancaster, Wisconsin, announcing the death of
his father, Wm. Rothschild, after a brief illness. Wm. Rothschild was 87
years old and had visited his son in LeMars several times.
_____
Marriage licenses were issued in Sioux City on Thursday to Carl C. Snyder,
of Kingsley, and Ethel Florence Adney, of LeMars; Robert W. George, of
Kingsley, and Mabel Nelson, of Mo. Valley.
FOUR IN SERVICE
LORENZEN FAMILY HAS ENVIABLE DISTINCTION
ALL WENT OVERSEAS TO FRANCE
Carl is the First of Quartette to Return and Says Now the War is Over
Doughboys Are Anxious to Come Home Again.
Carl Lorenzen was honorably discharged from the army at Camp Dodge last week
and returned home Saturday. Carl was one of the old Co. K boys and after
nearly a years at Camp Cody with the Thirty-fourth division went overseas
last August as an officers’ orderly, in which capacity he continued in the
service in France until transferred to a casual company for return home. He
arrived in New York a couple weeks ago on the steamship Adriatic, which had
passengers, Eddie Rickenbacker, the aviator, and other notables and says the
Adriatic was tendered a great reception.
Mr. Lorenzen was in France about six months, but was at no time under fire
although he made several trips to the fighting zone. He had exceptional
opportunity to see France and
England and comes home more than ever a booster for good old U.S.A.
The Lorenzen family is probably the only one in this community that had four
brothers in France and Carl is the first to reach home. Henry Lorenzen, who
went over with the Thirty-third division, saw much hard fighting, was
wounded and is now with the army of occupation in Luxemburg. George Lorenzen
is with the Eighty-third division and Tom, the younger of the four, went
overseas with the Eighty-eighth from Camp Dodge. Carl did not see any of his
brothers while in France but did meet Louis Herron, Tom Colledge and several
other local boys.
He thinks every many overseas will be delighted when orders to move for home
are received as he says it rains almost continuously in that country and now
that the war is over the boys are anxious to get back to peace pursuits and
a better country to live in.
WILL BE BIG EVENT
Large Number Planning to Attend the Firemen’s Ball
The firemen’s annual dance will be held at the armory hall on Thursday
evening, February 20. This is one of the events of the early spring season
and is always largely attended by devotees of the terpsichorean art and also
by others who desire to show their appreciation of the work of the
department. The committee has spared no pains to make the annual event as
pleasurable as in former years and a lively demand for tickets is a
forerunner of the success of the entertainment.
The leaders of the dances in vogue will have to look well to their laurels
as many exponents of the dance who foreswear many opportunities to trip the
light fantastic, make it a point to attend the firemen’s annual ball to
renew old acquaintances and dance away dull care.
The firemen will be in uniform to lend éclat to the occasion and many
returning soldiers in fascinating khaki will lend their presence to the
affair.
The firemen have secured Maynard’s orchestra for the occasion which means
the best of music will be heard to guide the steps of the fair and their
attendant cavaliers.
GIRL WELCOMED PEACE
It Meant That Fiance Would be On Time For Wedding
Sioux City Journal: Probably one person in Sioux City greeted the news of
the signing of the armistice with as much joy as Miss Glyde Margarett
Devitt, daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Devitt, 3834 Garretson avenue,
Morningside, for on Saturday evening she was married to Max Collins, a
returned hero from the Canadian army.
Since the day of his enlistment, three years ago, Miss Devitt has waited for
hostilities to cease and for the return of her fiancé. After two years of
active service overseas, during which he was wounded four times, Collins
returned to Sioux City Monday. His home is in Kingsley.
The wedding took place in the home of the bride’s mother at 6 o’clock in the
evening. Only relatives and a few intimate friends were present. Dr. William
Spence, pastor of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church performed the
ceremony.
LeMars Sentinel
February 28, 1919
A marriage license was issued yesterday at the clerk of courts office to
Carl W. Klaschen and Mary Mathieson, both of Remsen.
***
HOME FROM SERVICE
But Willing To Go Back and Finish the Job If Necessary
Melvin C. Newell, a son of H.N. Newell, of Remsen, is now back at his home
in Spokane, Washington, after nearly a year’s service in France and Belgium
with the Canadian army. In a letter written February 19th to his uncle, A.C.
Demaray, he says:
“I arrived home on February 14th and was glad to get back after sixteen
months service, eleven of which was spent in France and Belgium. Old U.S.A.
looks good enough for me. I saw some thing in France and Belgium that I
never want to see again and I did some things in the line of actual warfare
that I hope I will never have to do again, unless the monster that wears the
dirty gray field uniform breaks loose again. Then I would be willing to go
back and give them a trimming that they could never forget armistice or no
armistice. We left Apergill, a small town in north Wales, February 1st, and
in fourteen days and one-half days I was home. Spent seven days on the ship,
a Cunard liner, with 3,200 enlisted men on board, all light wounded and gas
cases. I am not discharged but go to Westminister, British Columbia to get
mine.”
LIEUT. BENDER AT FT. DES MOINES
Lieut. Henry Bender, who arrived from overseas the early part of the month,
reached the base hospital at Fort Des Moines this week and hopes to get home
on a furlough soon. He was shot through both legs and one has healed very
slowly and for months he had to get around in a wheeled chair. He is now
using crutches and can walk a little and his friends here are hoping his
recovery may be complete. Lieut. Bender was one of the first, if not the
first, Plymouth county man to reach France, and saw about eighteen months
overseas service. He was first wounded in the arm and had not been back in
the trenches very long when he received the injuries that gave him his long
stay in the hospital.
***
Supervisor J.G. Miller has sold his farm on section 3, Johnson, to Albert
Plueger. Mr. Miller bought the farm belonging to J.C. Ruble on section 4,
Johnson township, and will make his home there. Mr. Ruble was obliged to
sell his farm owing to deaths in the family and has purchased the 80 acre
farm in Washington township formerly belonging to Sam Diedeker.
***
Geo. Jones, of Chillicothe, Mo., arrived in LeMars on Wednesday. He will
work on the Harry Hoyt place in Union township the coming season.
TWOGOOD AND SHADE INVEST
Kingsley Men Purchase Woodbury County Poor Farm
Sioux City Journal: D.S. Twogood, 611 Twenty-second street, and J.A. Shade,
of Kingsley, Ia., yesterday bid on the county poor farm of 200 acres, one
and one-half miles southeast of Sergeant Bluffs, for $52,300 at the public
auction conducted by the Woodbury county board of supervisors. The land sold
for an average of $261 an acre.
With the $52,300 obtained from the sale of the farm and $100,000 to be
raised from the floatation of a bond issue the board will build and equip a
model poor farm on a tract of land owned by the county two miles east of
Morningside. The poor farm building recently was destroyed by fire and the
other buildings on the tract were included in the sale.
The movable equipment on the farm was sold to various other bidders,
seventy-five of whom attended the sale. A.A. Lyle of Kingsley, and G.
Williams of Moville were the auctioneers and Harry Adams, of Bronson, and
County Auditor Willis M. Pritchard were the clerks of the sale.
Mr. Twogood and Mr. Shade purchased the tract for investment purposes. It is
considered one of the best farms in Woodbury county.
MAKE GOOD RECORD
Former Plymouth County Men Wore Gold Bars
The Oklahoma City, Oklahoman, in a recent issue pays tribute to two former
Plymouth county boys now located in Kildare, Oklahoma, Lieut. Joe B. Nelson,
who was born in LeMars, and Lieut. Andrew K. Paulson, youngest son of Mr.
and Mrs. Christian Paulson, formerly of Carnes. The Oklahoman says:
“There are two hundred person in the little village of Kildare, up in Kay
county. When the war started all the available fighting strength of the
little town—five youngsters—trooped down to the station and out into the big
world. According to word received here yesterday, the boys have established
a national record for three out of the five have returned home as
lieutenants. And there isn’t a private in the bunch, for the other two are
in France, one a gunner and the other a corporal. The lieutenants are Joe B.
Nelson, D.E. Jones and Andrew K. Paulson. The corporal is Ray Fagin and the
gunner is Dan Lillis."
FUNERAL OF F. R. GREEN
Lodge Members and Mill Force Pay Honor to Deceased Comrade.
The funeral of the late F.R. Green, who died from injuries sustained in an
accident while engaged at his work in the Plymouth Roller Mills, was held on
Tuesday afternoon at the Beely undertaking parlors. Rev. J.K. Hawkins
conducted the services and made a brief and touching address. Music was
rendered by a quartette composed of Mrs. Martin Heien, Miss Verda Coppock,
H.D. Haas, Geo. Lamb, and Miss Hattie Dresselhuys, accompanist.
At the grave side the services were conducted by the members of the Woodmen
of the World who marched in a body in the funeral procession as did
employees of the mill. The mills were shut down during the afternoon in
respect to his memory.
The pallbearers were members of the mill force and of the order of Woodmen,
J.G. Grimes, H.L. Dambrink, Jos. Bourne, Gus Forbes, Nic Kaufmann, and Henry
Matgen.
DEATH OF HARRY BRANDON
Was A Member of Well Known Kingsley Family
Kingsley News-Times: Harry Brandon, who had been ill at home in Kingsley for
several weeks, died at his home Saturday, February 22d.
About five weeks ago he contracted influenza which developed a very serious
case of pneumonia but from which he seemed to rally when other complications
set in which in his weakened condition he was unable to throw off and died
on the date stated.
Harry Carns Brandon was born in Kingsley, December 30, 1885, and was at the
tome of his death 33 years old. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert
Brandon, who are now residents of California.
He was united in marriage March 5, 1908, to Nora Logan, and to this union
five sons were born, Albert aged 10 years, Leland aged 8 years, Everet aged
6 years, Melvin aged 3 ½ years, and Arthur aged 2 years, who with the wife,
five brothers and two sisters survive him. They are: Everet L. of Fallbrook,
California; Roy E., of Lucas, S.D.; Ernest A., of Kingsley, Iowa; Frank S.
in the Navy at Baltimore; Mrs. Leona A. Steele, of Sioux City, and Mrs. Amy
M. Hoskins, of Sioux Rapids, Iowa.
The funeral services were held on Tuesday at the Methodist church and were
conducted by Rev. M.D. Bush.
The Modern Woodmen of America, of which he was a member, attended in a body
and their ritualistic services were given at the grave.
SENEY: (Special Correspondence)
Mrs. Ida Buss, of LeMars, spent a few days in the home of her daughter, Mrs.
Merritt Hawkins. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins have both been on the sick list.
Phil Riter and son, Orin, of Ireton, visited Wednesday and Thursday of last
week with Mr. Riter’s brother, Ed. and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Will Connor, of Kingsley, spent a few days the past week in the
home of Mrs. Connor’s mother, Mrs. Mary Daugherty.
Ernest and Mabel Reeves had their tonsils and adenoids removed one day last
week.
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Henricksen visited relatives in Sioux City on Saturday.
Mrs. Harry Britton, of Spencer, who has been caring for her mother here for
the past month, left on Saturday for a few days at home, returning on
Tuesday.
Oscar Darville, of Gayville, S.D., who has been visiting relatives and
friends here, left for his home on Monday.
The many friends of Robert Chambers were sorry to learn of his misfortune in
breaking his ankle while uploading hay at his home near Hazel, S.D.
Mrs. T.K. Chapman visited Sunday and Monday in Sioux City with her friend
Miss Katherine Bellinger.
Mr. and Mrs. John Lancaster Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Chapman were Sioux
City visitors on Monday.
Flores Hinde, son of Thos. Hinde, a former resident of this place but now of
Forestburg, S.D., is visiting with relatives here.
Stephen Sardison went to Sioux City on Saturday to spend a week with
relatives.
Tom Rees entertained corn shellers on Saturday.
Otis Tipple spent Saturday in Sibley visiting his parents.
E.H. Riter and daughters, Pauline and Marjorie, accompanied Mr. Riter’s
parents home to Rock Rapids on Friday returning home on Monday.
Pine Grove Grange will meet on Friday evening, February 28, in the hall.
Refreshments will be served and all members are requested to be present and
enjoy a social time.
There will be a community dinner given in the hall on Wednesday, March 5, at
12 o’clock. A meeting of the Ladies Aid will be held following the dinner.
Dr. Frank E. Mossman, President of Morningside College, will preach at 11
o’clock Sunday morning.
Will Detloff had a car of hogs on the Sioux City market Wednesday.
E.H. Riter had a shipment of hogs on the Sioux City market Wednesday.
Quite a number from here attended the wrestling match in Sioux City Monday
evening.
Mrs. George Hughes is spending a few days this week with her daughter, Mrs.
W.I. Jeffers, of Merrill, which Mr. Jeffers is away.
John Deegan returned on Monday from Waterloo, Iowa, where he spent a few
days in the Kinsella home.