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First Lieut. Ralph Wickham Jones, son of Judge F. H. Jones of Bay City, Texas, and former Norwalkian, has been given the Belgian war cross by King Albert for exceptionally gallant conduct in action during the operations in Belgium of the 37th division, U.S. army. Lieut. Jones is a member of the headquarters staff of the 73d infantry brigade.―Norwalk (O.) Reflector-Herald. Lieut. Jones is the son of Judge and Mrs. F. H. Jones of this city, and entered the army at the beginning of the war. He was soon, thereafter, sent to France where he made good rapidly. Near the close of the war he was appointed to an honorable position on his general’s staff and represented his general when King Albert and the queen of Belgium triumphantly entered Brussels early in December, 1918.
The Daily Tribune, Friday, January 10,
1919 |
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Made Provost Marshal in Full Charge of Camp Grant, Illinois Mr. Louis LeTulle, of this city, received a telegram today from his son, Capt. Sam V. LeTulle, who has been stationed at Camp Grant, Ill., as discharge officer, advising him that he had been made provost marshal in full charge of Camp Grant. Capt. LeTulle, at the outbreak of the war, entered the officers’ training school at Camp Travis and was soon thereafter commissioned a lieutenant. In a short while he was advanced to the rank of captain and became instructor in expert pistol and rifle shooting, training soldiers for the front. Immediately following the armistice he was made assistant supervisor of the rifle range, but soon thereafter promoted to the command of the discharge attachment, from which position he was promoted to provost marshal in charge of Camp Grant. Capt. LeTulle was raised in Bay City and is one of the youngest officers in the service. He has made this splendid record through a loyal application to duty and by his own efforts, advancing, step by step, to his present position.
The Daily Tribune, January 25, 1919 |
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W. C. Berg, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Berg, of Matagorda, who has been stationed at Camp Logan for some time, has just received a well-merited promotion and is now Corporal W. C. Berg, Q.M.C., Camp Logan. Corporal Berg entered the service and began to apply himself immediately with the results mentioned. His comrades write The Tribune to the effect that Corporal Berg was too modest to say anything for himself so they took the task upon themselves, feeling that he is entitled to much credit not altogether for winning the promotion, but for the faithful and untiring efforts he has made to make himself agreeable to all as well as efficient. The Tribune congratulates Corporal Berg and confidently looks forward to later and deserved promotions, should he elect to stay in the service.
The Daily Tribune, January 28, 1919 |
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Jack Thurston anticipated by a number of months America’s entry into the war. He joined the Canadians in January of 1916 and went over. He next transferred to the London Irish Rifles. He has been across the channel to France three times and has been wounded three times and gassed once. In writing his parents, Dr. and Mrs. C. M. Thurston at Markham, Texas, he writes: “I’ve been through such actions: Hill 60 (1916) Vimy Ridge (1916), Ypres (1916), Somme (1916), Messinces (1917), Third Ypres, Memin Road, Bolygon Wood, Westlock Ridge, Bassclundaele Ridge (1917), Lens (1917), Bullecourt (1917).” He enlisted as a private and was promoted because of his distinguished service. At the time the armistice was signed he was sent to Stoke Rochford Grantham to try out for a commission, and he was in line for a captaincy.
The Daily Tribune, February 3, 1919 |
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Mr. F. A. Verser received a letter yesterday from his brother, Hubert, who is with the A.E.F., now stationed at Glenoble, Alsace-Lorrain. Hubert sent along his picture which shows him to be in excellent health. He writes that he hasn’t been sick a day since he arrived in France. Mr. E. F. McDonald received a telegram this morning from his son, Esker, who is now stationed at Mare Island, in which he stated that he had assurance of being discharged this month and sent home. There are several other Bay City boys at the same place who will, in all probability, be discharged at the same time.
The Daily Tribune, February 7, 1919 |
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Mr. and Mrs. Amos Lee have received lately a letter from their son, Henry, who is in the service of the U.S. navy and whose ship was at Harwich, England, when the German war vessels surrendered. Only recently Henry has been sent with his company to Germany and visited several of the important German ports with officers who inspected German submarines and submarine bases. His letter is real interesting, but in spite of the “sights” the boys are seeing they are anxious to come home.
The Daily Tribune, February 12, 1919 |
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A telegram was received in this city today by Mrs. A. E. Stinnett apprising her of the death of her brother, Will Cherry, in Germany, from pneumonia. Will was with the American army of occupation. He entered the service early in the war, joining the marines and had gone through some hard fighting, only to lie down and die just at the dawn of peace. His death occurred on the 13th day of January [February].
The Daily Tribune, Tuesday, March 4, 1919 |
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Will Cherry, With U.S. Marines, Died of Pneumonia in Germany on February Thirteenth Eagle Lake Headlight. News was received here Tuesday of the death in Germany of William Cherry, a former Eagle Lake boy, whose mother, Mrs. Ellen Cherry, and sister, Mrs. A. E. Stinnett, live at Bay City. A cablegram from the war department was received by Mrs. Cherry at Bay City Tuesday announcing his death. The message stated that he died in Germany on the thirteenth of February. Will Cherry was a splendid young man and possessed a great many friends. For a number of years past he has been living in New Mexico, having gone to the western country on account of failing health. While in New Mexico he took up some government land and was living on this land. While in the west he fully recovered his health, and having learned that he could enlist in the service and still retain possession of his land, he enlisted with the marines. Prior to his enlistment, Will came to Eagle Lake and spent several days here, his mother being in Eagle Lake at that time. From here he went to Houston and enlisted in the marines, and was with that branch of the army in Germany when he contracted his fatal illness. Friends of the family here join the Headlight in extending sincerest sympathy to the mother at Bay City who has given her only son to her country.
The Matagorda County Tribune, March 7,
1919 |
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Deepest regret and sympathy have been expressed by the many friends of Mrs. Ellen Cherry and Mrs. Allen Stinnett, who have recently received the tragic news of the untimely death of their son and brother, William R. Cherry. He was born in Eagle Lake, Texas, March 5, 1895, where he spent his boyhood days, until his mother came to make her home in Bay City with Mrs. Allen Stinnett, since which time he called this place home. After spending two years in New Mexico for his health, he came home for a few days before registration day and volunteered for military service. His enlistment in Houston only showed his deep consideration for those who held him closest. After training at Paris Island, South Carolina, for two months, he was sent to Quantico, VA., and while there was among the 100 boys selected on account of personal merit, to fill a unit for overseas service, which sailed October 31, 1917. The following is taken from a printed Xmas program used by his company (97th, 6th Reg.), giving an accurate account of the battles in which he saw active service: Verdun Sector, March 15 to May 15, 1918; Chateau-Thierry, June 1 to July 16, 1918; Soissons, July 17 to July 23, 1918; St. Miheil, September 11 to September 25, 1918; Champagne, October 1 to October 10, 1918; Argonne, November 1 to November 11, 1918; march to the Rhine, November 17 to December 11, 1918. Through all of these battles he received only one wound and wrote often of his desire to come home, after having done his part. His death occurred on February 13 from broncho-pneumonia. He would have been 24 years old on March 5 of this year. There seems to remain some consolation in the words, “Lay down sweet one, and take thy rest, God called thee home; He thought it best!”
The Matagorda County Tribune, March 7,
1919 |
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Evacuation Hospital No. 9, A.P.O. 927, Third Army, Amer. Forces, Coblenz, Germany, February 22, 1919. Dear Mrs. Cherry: As I was one of he nurses who helped care for your son, who recently died of pneumonia at this hospital, I am taking the liberty of writing you a few details of his illness. It is very hard, indeed, to see our boys die over here, alone, and away from their families, and when they do I do all I can that will make up in a very small measure for the absence of their mother or sister. Yours especially appealed to me for he resembled very strongly my oldest brother at his age, and strange, as the coincidence is, Cherry is a family name―my mother being an Elizabeth Cherry of Columbus, Ohio. On account of his gentle and courteous manner, your son quite won the hearts of us all and we so hoped to see him pull through. When he came to the hospital, February 4, nine days before he passed away, he seemed to have a simple case of influenza, though he was very quiet most of the time and seemed quite sick. After a few days he developed pneumonia, and we moved him from a ward to a room where we had several very sick patients and where we could give him better care. He was delirious most of the time―but always easy to manage and handle. He seemed in very good condition and holding his own nicely when about two days before the end, a re-infection of his lungs set in, and he began to give up his brave fight. Two very good doctors, a Lt. Dingman and a Major Jewett, looked after him, so you may rest assured that everything was done that could be done here in far off Germany. The American cemetery is not far from here up on a hill top, and I am sure it is a very beautiful place, for it overlooks the town of Coblenz as well as the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. I am on night duty now, but when I have the time, I expect to go up to the cemetery and find his grave. I had my heart so set in you boy’s recovery and made up my mind if he did get well I would be an older sister to him over here, where the boys have so little personal interest taken in them. Offering you my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of such a lovely son, I am your sincerely, Katharine P. Haire, A.N.C., Home address: 421 E. 46th Place, Chicago, Ill. P.S.―I had the priest with him before the end came. K. P. H. ---------------- Leutesdorf, German, Feb. 16, 1919. Mrs. Helen Cherry, Bay City, Texas. My dear Mrs. Cherry: It is my sad duty to inform you that your son, William A. Cherry, of this company, died at base hospital No. 9, on February 13. Your son was evacuated on February 3 with influenza and today we received the notification of his death. He will be badly missed by the many friends he has made in the Sixth Regiment, all of whom think of this friend and his relatives at the present moment. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., February 14, at the place of his death. Accept, if you will, the sympathy of one who knew and had the greatest admiration for your son. May the Lord, Father of all, be with you in the dark hour of your bereavement. With kindest regards, I remain, yours sincerely, Douglas P. Wingo, 1st Lt., U.S.M.C., Comdg 97th Co.
The Daily Tribune, March 12, 1919 |
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Judge and Mrs. F. H. Jones received a wire this morning from their son, Lieut. Ralph Jones, 146th Infantry, informing them that he had landed at an American port. Lieut. Jones is in command of North Carolina and Tennessee troops and will take them to Camp Green, N. C., for demobilization, after which he will come on to Bay City for a visit. Private William B. Irwin, recently arrived from France, is the guest of Miss Marie Ferguson of Bay City, Texas. His first six months of service there was in Company M, 164th Infantry; then being transferred to Engineers, serving six months with them. Among the many relics from France was a German gas mask, a French light artillery shell, and many other souvenirs from the battlefield.
The Daily Tribune, April 2, 1919 |
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P. Yeamans of Matagorda, Texas, is seeking information concerning the whereabouts or fate of his son, Private Joe Yeamans, company D, 142d infantry, 36th division, who was reported missing in action October 9. Mr. Yeamans requests any returning soldier who has any information about his boy to please communicate with him. He has had no word of him since the official notification.―Houston Post.
The Daily Tribune April 4, 1919 |
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The soldier boys continue to arrive home in two and threes. “Skete” Helmecke and Roy Bandy returned yesterday.
The Daily Tribune, April 8, 1919 |
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Private Charlie Jepson arrived home Saturday from overseas duty. He brought many interesting souvenirs from the battlefields of France.
The Daily Tribune, April 9, 1919 |
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LETTER FROM GERMANY The following letter has been received by Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Franz from their son, Silas C., who is in Germany, in the Army of Occupation: Zeltingen, Ger., March 18, 1919. Dear Mother and Father: Just received your letters today and will answer as I have time. Guess you know we won’t leave till May, but it isn’t far off. I don’t mind it now like I have been for we are having a very good time here, but there is no place like home for me. Sure hope Bud is with you all now. Norman has gone to Paris for three days. I don’t care to go for I don’t like those Frogs at all. Just think when I come home in May what a funny feeling I will have for a few days. We are all well at present and hope you are the same. I see people here that are so old they can’t see. Don’t guess any one ever dies here for they all look well. Mother, tell sister I can’t find anything that is worth sending home, but will try and find something some day; have sent you a map of the Mazel River and hope you will like it. Sent Myrtle some cards; guess she hasn’t gotten them yet. Tell Lucille she doesn’t have to write, for I will soon be home and can tell her all the news. Mother tell the people I am still here, and you can tell dad he had better build a large house for you can’t tell what I will do when I get home. Got a letter from Archie some few days ago; will answer real soon. You asked about Rosco―he is in the hospital―has been for some time. I hope he will soon be able to come back to the company. The Dutch sure do stand around here; we get along fine. We had a hosre show last week and we took first prize. Will show again on the 28th of this month. Well, mother, I will close for this time, for I have told you all the news over here. Answer when you have time. As ever, Wag. S. C. Franz, Sup Co., 360th Inf., A. E. F., A. P. O. 770
The Daily Tribune, April 9, 1919 |
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Capt. R. R. Lewis arrived in the city yesterday from Houston and will remain here for a few days with his family and visit with his many friends. Mrs. Lewis accompanied him from Houston. Capt. Lewis has only recently been discharged from service in France and says he is through until Uncle Sam needs him again. He will go to Pearsall within a few days from which place many of his men were secured and tell the mothers and fathers of their conduct and deeds in France. Capt. Lewis’ company, a machine gun company, was in action in the Argonne for 22 days. Five men of his company were killed 55 wounded and a number gassed. He says that no bunch of soldiers ever lived who behaved better in battle than his men. When asked how this country “stacks up with” the European country, Capt. Dick used only one word―“heaven.” Capt. R. R. Lewis, just returned from France, will speak at the court house Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock and is prepared to tell you some interesting things. Don’t fail to hear him. In addition to Capt. Lewis’ talk Saturday afternoon, other returned soldiers will have something to say. As this is our first meeting of the kind a good crowd ought to turn out.
The Daily Tribune, April 28, 1919 |
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The following letter has been received by Mrs. Walker from her son, Paine: Ironer, France, April 19, 1919. Dear Mamma: Received your very dear letter today and was so glad to hear from you again. I have just returned from a fourteen days leave that I spent in Nice, France and Italia; have had a wonderful time and saw the prettiest country that I will ever have a chance to see again. Made a trip over the Alps and it looked like the top of the earth; could see a long distance over in Italy; also visited the great gambling den of Monte Carlo. It was some grand place and on a distant hill was the Princess Palace at Morocco, so had to take the sight in at that place. It is one of the most beautiful places in France. I also mailed you some cards from a little town in Italy which was situated high up in the mountains. That is one trip that money could not buy and it cost me almost nothing to make the trip only 270 francs which is about $60.00 in our money. The government furnished railway fare and paid the board bill. I would like to make a trip to England, but none of you have ever sent me the address of papa’s kinfolks, so I did not know where to go and who to see and now it is too late, for they have cut out all furloughs in the 36th division and are preparing to go home. We leave this place April 27 for Le Mons and will stay there for about a month, then homeward bound. I thought we would be over here much longer but something has caused a change and before many days we will be walking down the gang plank and off for grand old Texas and our loved ones. We can hardly realize that we are going home and are so afraid that something will happen that will keep us here longer. Was so sorry to hear of Will Cherry’s death; to think that after all he went through in this war he had to leave us in the time of peace. I have certainly thanked my God that he has spared me and only hope that I will keep in good health until I reach home. I am glad that William has sold out in California and hope that he will make his home in Texas; would like to see William take charge of dad’s business, so that he will have no worries and can take the rest of his days in ease. I don’t know how I will be after spending so long a time in the army, for it has been such a different life than working; am afraid it will take a few months to get back in the habit of work, for you won’t have forty different men to tell you what to do. Well, mamma, I will have to turn in, so will send you one of my pictures. You can see that I am all O.K. and looking good, so good-bye. I will see you before long. Paine Walker, Co. L., 143d Inf., 36th Div., France
The Matagorda County Tribune, May 23, 1919 |
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Joe Veselka, formerly of Sargent, who joined the United States forces and went overseas with the 360th division, has returned home and is now at work with Mr. Henry Altenburg. Joe’s regiment was in the thickest of the fight at Verdun, St. Mihiel and in the Argonne. He went “over the top” six times and was hit three times, twice on the helmet and once through his knapsack, but escaped injury. Forty men were all that was left out of 250 in Joe’s company. The 360th was composed principally of Texas and Oklahoma boys, who, according to Joe, gave the Boche hell. He brought back with him some very interesting pictures of actual occurrences on the front.
The Daily Tribune, June 5, 1919 |
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Grant and Tom Williams, who have been overseas with the A.E.F. forces, have arrived home. Grant has re-enlisted and will join the American troops on the border after a brief furlough with relatives and friends here. Payne Walker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Walker, who has been in France with the American army, has returned home, arriving Sunday. Payne looks as though he has fared well during his occupancy of France. Mr. F. A. Verser yesterday received a card from his brother, Hubert, who has been with the 36th Division in France, stating that he had safely arrived in New York after an eleven-days’ sea voyage, spending three days and nights at sea in a storm. Hubert is now in Texas and will be at home in a short while.
The Daily Tribune, June 17, 1919 |
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Sergeant Oscar E. Kennedy of the 315th Field Signal Battalion, 90th Division, has been discharged and has arrived in Bay City. He is with his wife at the home of her parents, Judge and Mrs. J. E. Linn. Sergeant Kennedy had several close calls during the American advance in the Meuse-Argonne sector, but came back without a scratch and with unpleasant memories of a certain gas attack that put him out of business for awhile. After getting rested up he will go to Laredo to take his old job which is waiting for him.
The Daily Tribune, June 30, 1919 |
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Palacios Youths Who Helped Break Hindenburg Line Welcomed Home Leon Martin, whose arrival in New York was mentioned in the Beacon two weeks ago, arrived in Palacios Thursday afternoon, having received his honorable discharge. Leon is looking fine and says he enjoyed it all very much but is glad to be under the parental roof and be with his friends again. Lieutenant Linz Lovering and Guy Stulting, who recently returned from a service of duty in France, arrived in Palacios this week and were joyfully welcomed by homefolks and loving friends. These young men nobly did their share toward convincing the Huns that American soldiers are wildcats when it comes to fighting. Private Eddie Moore, who enlisted in May, 1917 and went to France with the 20th Engineers came in the first of the week, having been honorably discharged and is now being royally entertained at the home of his father, H. L. Moore and is gladly welcomed by his many friends. Private Moore was 18 months “over seas” spending most of his time in the Visages mountains from where a large majority of the telephone poles, railroad ties and other timbers for army use were secured which work brought him right up behind the front line trenches. Sargt. Jack Evans, a nephew of Mr. Art Skinner arrived in Palacios Monday afternoon from Camp Bowie, having received his honorable discharge. Sargt. Evans enlisted in Galveston soon after the declaration of war, was with the 36th Division, Headquarters Co., 143rd Infantry and spent more than a year “over seas.” He helped partake of a five hundred dollar dinner of pre-war Sunday foods, such as chicken, pie, etc., before leaving camp. After a weeks visit here he will go to Champaign, Ill., to visit his mother. Thomas A. Tolleson, commonly known to his Palacios friends as Junior Tolleson, who enlisted a month before he was 18 years of age, is home after serving his country two years, lacking one month. He was with the 36th Division, 143rd Infantry and left Fort Worth the 7th of July 1917. Their journey over was delayed some, on account of being chased by submarines. Private Tolleson had just received his certificate for having completed a course at a cooking school. He has learned French, of course, but would not care to live there even if the French girls are so nice. Junior says he is glad he went and is also glad it is over, but would be just as willing to go gain if it were necessary. He also says he will never forget the Salvation Army Lassies and all their thoughtfulness. His company went “over the top” on three different occasions and among other experiences was that of seeing Clarence Greenwood, son of our marshall lying on the battle field after he had been killed. Among the very interesting souvenirs he brought home with him are a gas mask, helmet and dummy shell.
The Palacios
Beacon, June 20, 1919 |
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Among other arrivals of the past week one of our boys, Sargt. Henry F. Barnett, who has seen service for more than three years, came to Palacios on a furlough to visit his sister Miss Lillie Mae Barnett, and uncle and aunt Mr. and Mrs. John F. Barnett. Henry left Palacios in 1915 seemingly but a lad. He enlisted June 7, 1916, at Texarkana and went at once to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, where after five days, he was transferred to the Mexican border for real duty at Warren, Arizona. Here the boys cleared the country of cactus, rattlesnakes and chili con carne. His company, Co. A of the 22nd infantry, remained on duty along the Mexican border until June 5, 1917, when he was transferred to Governor’s Island, New York, where he remained until Sept. 5, in readiness to visit Hunland. Through some army regulations, many of which nobody comprehends, he was placed at Camp Dix while it was just beginning to be organized. At this time he was also transferred from the regular to the National army. He trained there until May 5, 1918, at which time he, by invitation from some unknown friend, was invited to take the boat for France, where he spent one year and three days. Henry states that he has had a million dollars worth of experience, but would not give fifty cents for another bunch like it. Life on the Mexican border was hard on account of the heat and the universal desire to get to France. Also the service in France was irksome after the armistice was signed. The saddest part of his experience is that many friends who went with him could not return. His experience shooting ducks at Palacios helped him to distinguish himself as a marksman, which is a very necessary attribute for a Hun exterminator. Henry tried to explain to some of his French friends that France was a hundred years behind the times, but they claimed they are not behind, but we are one hundred years ahead.
The Palacios Beacon, June 27, 1919 |
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Henry Lee, son of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Lee, has returned home, arriving here last night after having served in the United States army for over two years, fourteen months of which were spent in Europe. He has some interesting stories to tell of his experiences during his connection with the army and duties on the front line.
The Daily Tribune, July 18, 1919 |
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Everett Bond, son of County Clerk and Mrs. J. T. Bond, who has been in the service of the United States in France as one of the soldiers in the famous 2nd Division, has returned home, arriving yesterday. Donald Moore, another Bay City boy who has been with the 2nd, is now in San Antonio and is expected home within a few days. These boys saw and engaged in some of the hardest fighting of the entire war.
The Daily Tribune, August 18, 1919 |
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Memorial Day. Dear Mrs. Cherry: On this appropriate day, while the graves of Americans are being remembered with beautiful flowers both at home and on European soil, I am pleased to do my little bit by writing you a letter telling you of my acquaintance with your dear son, William R., who did so much for our country’s cause and of whom I know you are very proud. It was my good fortune to have been associated with Cherry (the name we knew him by) for about 18 months, having met him at Quantico, Va., when the 97th Company was organized. We were in the same platoon (1st) and therefore became to know each other quite intimately within a short time. The longer I knew Cherry the more I realized that he was a “man.” By the time we landed in France we had formed a very close friendship with each other. Many nights have we dug holes (on the front) just big enough for both of us to squeeze into. He was a real buddie and I liked him for a partner. No one out of our outfit saw any more actual service at the front than did Cherry. He was on the Verdun Sector; he was at Belleau Woods, our first great fight; he was at Soissons,―here he had a very narrow escape. A machine gun bullet penetrated his clothes and almost buried itself in his breast over his heart. Lucky the force of the bullet was almost spent before it found him; he was at St. Mihiel; he was at Champagne, and he was in the last big drive, the Meuse-Argonne. He was in the fray first, last and all the time. He seemed to bear a charmed life. When the announcement of the armistice came to us on November 11, I was in a little dugout with Cherry. When we heard it we grasped each other’s hand and I know that we both thanked God from the bottom of our hearts; for we had just been talking about how we should like to be back home and it seemed that now we knew we would get to go home. Several times I remember having heard Cherry say, “If I ever get back home I will be mother’s boy ever after,” and I knew he meant it. Little did I dream that his wishes would never be realized. It was not long after the long and wearisome hike into Germany to the Rhine that the influenza broke out all over the Army of Occupation. Many were dying every day. Cherry contracted it and was sent to a hospital in Colence. Pneumonia soon developed and our entire company was shocked to hear of his death on February 13. All the members of our company join me in sending you sympathy and remember that we as well as you will never forget what a noble, true-heart-and splendid fellow Cherry was. Thank God that I knew him as a buddie. Sympathetically yours, Cpl. R. L. Sutherland. 97th Co., 6th Reg., U. S. Marines. Home Address, Tiny, Va. ----------------- Hundsagren, Germany, June 10, 1919. My dear Mrs. Cherry, Bay City, Texas, U. S.A. I have visited the grave of your dear and son, and my life-long friend and comrade in arms, Will. As I did tears came to my eyes, thinking of the great sacrifice you have made, and the noble and great deeds that Will had done for his country―and so willingly―a volunteer, a thing that you may well cherish. And it seems so hard that he should rest so far away from his homeland, that he loved so well. Though his resting place is not forgotten for he has many friends. As I took the picture to send you two flags were on his grave, and since then flowers have been placed by kind and loving friends. I am sincerely, Hub Johnson.
The Matagorda County Tribune, August
22, 1919 |
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Coxswain Roy Hendricks, who has just been discharged from Naval duties is back in Palacios enjoying a visit with homefolks and friends. Roy enlisted three years ago and did duty on four different ships, the Minnesota, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and a receiving ship. He saw most of the large ports but thinks New York looked the best of all. While he crossed the ocean many times he regrets that he never had the pleasure of setting foot on European soil. He had several thrilling experiences, such as being chased by submarines, and one time his boat struck a mine a few miles from Philadelphia, but no serious damage was done and they were able to get back to port for repairs. While Roy likes the navy all right, he is mighty glad to be home once more and enjoy the sensation of walking on terra firma, and of course his relatives and friends are delighted to have him with them again.
Palacios Beacon, August 29, 1919 |
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Another of the Palacios boys who has been honorable discharged and is here enjoying a visit with homefolks and friends is Corp. Ercel Mangum, who is visiting his brother O. B. Mangum. Corporal Mangum was with the famous 36th Division and of course had many exciting and never-to-be-forgotten experiences, among which was being gassed on the Muese-Argonne front. He says the southern portion of France is very pretty as is some portions of Italy, Spain and Switzerland that he was in. He saw many things of interest but could not get accustomed to the funny little French passenger coaches which looked like chicken coops on two wheels. Even their best first-class coaches were nothing to compare with ours. The scarcity of automobiles was another feature, nearly everything being hauled in two-wheel carts. Mr. Mangum says he was somewhat disappointed with what he saw of the Y.M.C.A., but had no criticism whatever against the K. of C. or the Salvation Army.
Palacios Beacon, August 29, 1919 |
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The following names of the soldiers who died while in the service of the U.S.A., are all that has been reported. If any one knows of others, and the cause of their death, if possible, please inform Mrs. Wm. Cash, Bay City, Texas: From Bay City―John Erwin Fisher, died in training camp of pneumonia; W. R. Cherry, died of pneumonia in Germany. Palacios―F. Harper, L. F. Kelly, M. M. Stagg, killed in battle; E. Villareal, M. Wickham, died in training camp; C. L. Greenwood. Blessing―William Dewey White, died in training camp; Leonard Emmett Blackburn, died in training camp; Cyrille Marion Foisy, killed in Germany, buried in France. Matagorda―John May Williams, died in England. Cedar Lake―Ward Woodard. Cedar Lane―Jackson Page.
The Matagorda County Tribune, September 5,
1919 |
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Lieut. Lane Holman, of the U. S. regular army, arrived home yesterday to spend a well-earned furlough with his parents, Judge and Mrs. W. S. Holman, before leaving for Europe, he having recently been ordered to report for duty there. Lane is in fine physical condition and is very pleased to know that he has a voyage to Europe ahead of him.
The Daily Tribune, September 8, 1919 |
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Washington D.C., October 1, 1919 Dear Mr. Dismukes: Every enlisted soldier during the late war upon receiving his discharge was entitled to certain articles of wearing apparel, accutrements, etc., a list of which follows:
1 overseas cap for all enlisted men who have
had service overseas, or 1 hat and one hat cord for all other
enlisted men.
If you can spare the space in your valuable paper I would appreciate it if you will print this letter as it doubtless will be of service to quite a number of our boys who failed to obtain the articles to which they are entitled. Sincerely yours, J. J. Mansfield
Palacios Beacon, October 10, 1919 |
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Mrs. Ellen Cherry of Bay City, formerly of this city, has received notice from the government that the remains of her son, William Cherry, who died at one of the base hospitals in Germany from pneumonia, brought on from the effects of being gassed while at the front, were now en route from their temporary burying place in Germany to Eagle Lake, where they will be given final burial by the side of relatives in the cemetery here. Will died just a little more than a year ago, and until now has slept beneath the sod in Germany. His mother, who idolized her boy, wanted him buried here where other relatives are buried. If information can be secured, the Headlight will give notice a week in advance of the arrival of the remains for we know all of our people will want to pay a last respect to one of our city’s fine, handsome and most excellent boys, who paid the supreme sacrifice in a foreign land for his country’s sake. It will likely be several weeks before the remains reach here.―Eagle Lake Headlight.
The Daily Tribune, Friday, January 23,
1920 |
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Eagle Lake, Texas, Feb. 17.―Mrs. William Cherry of Bay City has received notice that the boy of her son, William Cherry, who died in Germany from the effects of being gassed, is en route to Eagle Lake for burial. Young Cherry died just a year ago and was buried in Germany.
The Daily Tribune, February 17, 1920 |
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Henry Walters, who left Bay City in 1915 and joined the 8th Scottish Rifles of the now battle-scarred 52nd Division of the English army, has returned home, accompanied by his wife and child. They landed in New York last Tuesday from the Royal main liner, Campania, and arrived in Bay City just 60 hours later. Henry has seen the very brunt of service, was wounded, buried alive by shell explosion in France and torpedoed off the shores of Alexandria, Egypt, but is back home alive and able to tell the story. He saw considerable service in Egypt, visited all the places of interest there and throughout the Holy Land, saw a lot of the world in general, but when asked how he liked it shrugged his shoulders and said “no more of it.” Amongst some souvenirs he brought back is a gold watch he took from a German prisoner he had captured. He said he knew Heine would be relieved of the watch farther down the line so he told him he would take it and take good care of it for him. This he is doing for the watch is in good condition and keeping good time. The Tribune has an interesting article about the 52nd which we will publish in a later issue. Mr. and Mrs. Walters are at present with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Waters at the Baker House.
The Matagorda County Tribune, March 19,
1920 |
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The body of Will Cherry, who died in France of pneumonia, and which was shipped from New York last Thursday, had not reached here at the time this article is written, Thursday. The remains will be interred here with military honors by the American Legion, but until the body reaches here full arrangements for the funeral cannot be made. The body is overdue here now, but it is learned by the American Legion Post that all bodies for this section of the state are being shipped from New York to Camp Pike and reshipped from that camp to their destinations for burial. Owing to the shortage of men at Camp Pike it may possibly be several days before the casket reaches here. The funeral will be held under the auspices of the American Legion and full announcement will be made by that order on the bulletin board at the post office as soon as the casket reaches here. Interment will be made in the Masonic cemetery in which the family has a burying lot. Should the remains reach here in time, the funeral will be held Sunday and all American Legion men and ex-service men are requested to watch the post office bulletin board closely for funeral arrangements―Eagle Lake Headlight.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Friday,
August 13, 1920 |
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The body of Will Cherry, an Eagle Lake boy, who died overseas while serving with the army of occupation in Germany, reached Eagle Lake on the early Southern Pacific train Tuesday morning. The casket, covered with a large American flag, is now at the Eagle Lake Undertaking Company’s parlors. The funeral will be held at 3 o’clock on Sunday afternoon from the Catholic Church in this city under the auspices of the local post of the American Legion. Rev. George Berberich of Mentz will conduct the funeral services at the church. All members of the American Legion and all ex-service men are requested to be present at the funeral, and all the people of Eagle Lake and community are invited to be present and pay a last respect to one of our boys who gave his life for his country’s sake. Mrs. Ellen Cherry and Mrs. Allen Stinnett, mother and sister, who are now residents of Bay City, will be here for the funeral. Will was born and raised in Eagle Lake and was an exemplary young man, and a handsome, manly young fellow. He enlisted in the marines shortly after war was declared and saw much active service after going overseas.―Eagle Lake Headlight.
The Matagorda County Tribune, August 20,
1920 |
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Eagle Lake, Texas, August 18.―The funeral of Will Cherry, an Eagle Lake boy, who enlisted in the marines early in the war and who died while serving with the army of occupation in Germany, was held here under the auspices of the local post of the American Legion. Three volleys were fired over the grave and the legion’s bugler sounded taps. Services were conducted at the Catholic Church and at the grave, Father George Berberich of Mentz conducting the services at the church and Father Ludwig of Flatonia preaching the funeral sermon at the grave.―Eagle Lake Cor. Galveston News.
The Matagorda County Tribune, August 20,
1920 |
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Eagle Lake Headlight.―The funeral of Will Cherry, son of Mrs. Ellen Cherry of Bay City, who died overseas while serving with the army of occupation in Germany, was held here last Sunday afternoon at three o’clock under the auspices of the local post of the American Legion. Members of the American Legion marched with the hearse from the undertaking parlor to the Catholic Church were Rev. George Berberich of Mentz conducted the services, paying a splendid tribute to the dead soldier boy after which the procession formed and marched to the Masonic Cemetery where Rev. Father Ludwig preached a beautiful funeral sermon after which the casket was lowered into the grave over which the firing squad of the local American Legion post fired a salute of three shots after which the post’s bugler sounded taps. Will Cherry was born and raised in Eagle Lake and spent practically all of his life here. A few years before the war started he went to Arizona for his health and lived there about three years. War having been declared against Germany, and he having fully regained his health while in Arizona, he returned to Eagle Lake and at once enlisted in the marines and after a short training course went overseas where he saw much active service. He contracted pneumonia and died of that disease while serving with the army of occupation in Germany. The funeral ceremony was a beautiful and impressive one and was largely attended, both at the church and at the grave, the church being large enough to accommodate hardly more than half of the crowd.
The Daily Tribune, Friday, August 27, 1920 |
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Red Cross Assists in Doing Honor Over Body of Cyrille Foisey WITH ARMY IN GERMANY Fourteen Uniformed Companions Act as Pall Bearers and Guards―Buried Beside Mother With the greatest part of the people of the town in attendance, Palacios Friday paid tribute over the body of Cyrille Foisey, who died while a member of the American army of Occupation in Germany. His was the first body of a man from this section of the county to be returned the Untied States for burial. The J. O. Davis building was decorated with flowers, palms, flags for the occasion. Surrounding the bier were various floral decorations, one a great gold star, another an American flag made of red and white roses with blue heliotrope. Another floral pierce was the flowered lettering, “A. E. F.” set into a green background. All the work, as well as many of the funeral arrangements, were made by the local chapter of the Red Cross. In the packed building, Rev. G. F. Gillespie gave an opening prayer, and 14 soldiers, most of whom were members of Foisey’s company, surrounded the bier. A quartette sang “My Faith Looks Up to Thee.” Rev. H. A. Echols read a scriptural passage, and was followed by a male trio in “Abide With Me.” The funeral sermon was delivered by Mr. Gillespie, who selected John 13:15 as his text. The choir closed with “America.” Soldiers in uniform acted as pall bearers. An automobile procession accompanied the body to the cemetery where the bugler blew taps as the body was lowered into the grave beside the body of the departed’s mother. Those attending the funeral from out of town were Mrs. C. J. Schram of Fayetteville; Mrs. Eldred of Houston; Miss Jennie Curneal of Blessing; the departed’s brother from near San Antonio; Mr. and Mrs. John Vaclavik and sons, from Blessing; Major Selkirk White, Blessing; Nathan Danistrom [Dahlstrom], LaWard; the escort was Cor. J. P. Connelly. Among the Palacios ex-soldiers who acted in connection with the funeral were Emmet Margerum, Henry Barnett, John Wolf, U. P. Fant, Claud Allen and Andrew Gomez. Cyrille Marion Foisey was born at Jefferson, South Dakota, December 11, 1893. He was the son of Alfred F. Foisey and came to Texas with his father in 1899 and grew to manhood in Wharton and Matagorda counties. His military service began when he was inducted into the service of his country on September 19, 1917 at Camp Travis, Texas, where he was in training until June 6, 1918 when his company, The Supply Company of the 360th Regiment Infantry, of the 90th Division entrained for overseas ………. Arriving at South-……… England, June 21, …….. on June 23, in ……….regiment was in action ……. The St. Mihiel and ……..Argonne engagements ……..on the signing of the Armistice were with the Army of Occupation and located at Beltigen, Germany, where Cyrille met his death on February 8, 1919. [Paper was torn] His father and several brothers and sisters survive him to mourn his loss.
Palacios Beacon, November 19, 1920 |
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On Friday afternoon there arrived in Blessing the remains of one of our soldiers who had died in France of wounds received in action at the front. The Red Cross Chapter at Blessing was asked to take charge of the funeral and make the necessary arrangements. The S. P. Train was met by the family of the deceased and a large number of friends and sympathizers. Six ex-soldiers of the World War acted as pall-bearers and received the coffin draped with a flag. The funeral service was held at the Presbyterian Church, which was decorated with flags. The sermon was preached by Rev. F. G. Gillespie, pastor of the Palacios Presbyterian Church. The following was the obituary notice: “Private George Hawk, 335 Infantry, Company G, was born October 30, 1887, in Phillips county, Kansas. Died in France Nov. 1, 1918, from wounds received while in action; age 31 years and 1 day.” After the solemn service at the graveside in Hawley Cemetery, Taps was sounded and a volley fired. The deceased’s parents reside in Clemville and the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community goes out to them in their sorrow.
Palacios Beacon, June 10, 1921 |
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By Sydney Shomette, Tribune Staff Writer Veterans’ Day undoubtedly means many things to many people, but probably is most significant to those men who were fighting for their country on that memorable Nov. 11th in 1918. . . on the 50th anniversary of that day, here are the reminiscences of some of them. . . Neal Cleveland was in Bordeaux, France. “They told us to come and knock off the rest of the day. By the time I got to the sergeant for a pass, it was too late, as only a certain number were issued. I was over there one year and one month.” A. S. Dierlam was in a hospital outfit in the Muese-Argonne, and was hospitalized in a village back of the front. “There was quite a commotion, everyone jubilant and celebrating for 24 hours. I had been over there about 15 months when I returned home in May.” D. L. Gibbs, in the Navy, was aboard a British vessel on patrol. He said “About all we did was celebrate.” Dr. A. J. Giese was in the back lines in France. “We went celebrating.” Walter Hawkins celebrated in New York City. “You know, there were two armistices. We had started overseas, heard about the first (false) one, turned around and came back to New York where we heard about the second one. We really celebrated. People marched down Fifth Ave. There were no cars, nothing but people celebrating. I’d tell you more, but I know if I got started I couldn’t stop.” Layton Moore had been wounded and heard about the Armistice in a hospital in Des Moine, Iowa. “I couldn’t celebrate because I was on crutches; I was just joyful that the war was over. There was a lot of snow that day.” Armistice Day 1918 Herbert H. Parker was moving back from the front in Argonne, France. “We didn’t know the Armistice had been signed. We wondered why there was no artillery fire.” Armistice Day found Joe Wolffarth aboard ship in San Francisco Bay, “loading up to go watch a bunch of German interment ships in Mexico. We never did get off to celebrate.” The following is a letter written Armistice Day, Nov. 11th, 1918 by Margaret Poage (Mrs. W. O. Haizlip), presently of Nederland, to her brother, Dr. A. J. Poage, now of El Campo, who was at the time in a naval hospital in Philadelphia. Mrs. Haizlip is the sister of Mrs. W. C. Lloyd and Mrs. C. R. Cox of Bay City). Dear Alan, This is some day. Bay City has turned wrong side out. Mr. Tibbits announced to us at noon that peace had been signed. Believe me, there was some stomping, clapping, whistling, yelling and everything that was noisy. They turned out school at 2 o’clock and the whole school marched, double file, to town and ten more miles after we got to town. There was about three blocks of us. We had speeches and songs, etc. We were going to have a history test today and Miss Kennedy put it off. Wasn’t she sweet? The Lewis laundry burned Saturday morning. Everything burned. The gasoline tank burst and the whole place was in flames before they knew it. So many people had their clothes in there because washerwomen are so scarce. Every hotel and boarding house in town nearly had a lot of linens in there. I think it’s the worst fire we’ve ever known in Bay City. Secretary Daniels will have to make good his promise now and let you all come home to see your “sweetheart.” We sure are eating pecans now. Everyone has a big sack. All you hear all day long is crack. Mr. Cartwright, our neighbor, got over a hundred dollars worth today. Don’t you wish you were in France tonight? I sure do! Wonder how it seems to those people who have heard guns for four years. I’ll bet their ears still ring. I’m sleepy and have to retire. Lovingly, Margaret.
The Daily Tribune, Monday, November
11, 1968 |
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WWI Over But Not Forgotten By Luke Morris, Tribune Staff Reporter Although it’s been 64 years since World War I officially ended, Louis Fabrygel still recalls the distinct engine hum of the German planes he saw duel with American ones in France. Born in Hallettsville in 1897, being involved in a world war was one of the last things on his mind as a young man. However, when the United States declared war on Germany in 1917, Fabrygel heeded his country’s call to arms. Enlisting in the army on July 5 of that year, he was sworn in on the 7th in San Antonio and transferred to Camp Chickamauga Park, Georgia. After boot camp in Georgia, he was sent to Camp Logan in Houston for training with Company “E” 5th Ammunition Train. From Houston, his organization took a train to New York and on May 27, 1918 they embarked on a 12 day sea voyage to England. On June 11 they crossed the English Channel into Le Harve, France and journeyed to Valdahon, located in eastern France. From there they traveled to Vercel and following additional training, they went to Beaulaue, near St. Die. It was near St. Die that they first came under fire in the line of duty. Their job was to supply the artillery batteries with ammunition and though not at the very front of the battlelines, they were quite close and were fired upon a few occasions. He recalled once when they were fired upon by artillery shells, one hit nearby and caused the back end of a truck to come off the ground. “The shells made a whistling sound,” he said prior to their explosion. As for their war effort, “we loaded caissons (ammunition) at night,” he informed, “delivered them at night and stayed in the woods during the day.” He said “this was done as long as the war lasted.” A shortage of food was a common problem near the battlefront, he pointed out. It, along with water, was rationed. “We had two meals a day,” he said “and it wasn’t enough.” He also said the horses which were used to haul the ammunition (75 mm shells) were on rations too. As the battlelines moved, so did Fabrygel and his organization. “We went wherever the (artillery) batteries went.” As they moved across France, he noticed a lot of destruction, “villages were leveled and orchards destroyed.” In September of 1918, stationed at Bois de la Rappe, they hauled ammunition for the 19th and 20th Field Artillery who were engaged in a major battle at St. Mihiel. Following this victorious battle, they were transferred Pouvenelle Woods and remained there until November 4, repairing and camouflaging roads in addition to hauling ammunition. From there they went to Bois de Four, attached to the 7th Division. On November 11, the Germans signed an armistice thus ending a war which left the U.S. with a total of 325,018 casualties. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 as Armistice Day, a day dedicated to the men who fought in the war. It was later changed to Veterans Day by Congress to honor all U. S. Veterans. Following his return to the States, Fabrygel married Katherine Florus of Robstown on Sept. 21, 1926. They eventually made their way to Matagorda County and set up a farm near Midfield. The crops raised included “cotton, corn and kids” he chuckled. Seven children, to be exact. In Feb. 1962, he and Katherine moved to the town of Blessing where they reside today [1982]. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1976 and at last count, they have 23 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. [Note: Pictures of several WWI veterans appeared in the newspaper. Below are the comments which appeared under the pictures.] Louis Fabrygel entered the army in 1917 and served with company “E” 5th Ammunition Train in the war zones of France. Their job was to supply the artillery batteries with ammunition. A. S. Dierlam, a member of the AEF 36th Division, served in the battle zones of France. Cecil O. Legg, born Jan. 1, 1896, volunteered for the National Guard on July 17, 1917 at Wharton, Tx. In Aug. of that year, he entered the army and trained at Camp Bowie in Fort Worth. Serving with Co. L of the 143 Infantry, 36th Division, 72nd Brigade, Legg participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in Champagne France. Matthew William Boone, born Aug. 5, 1895, enlisted in the army on July 16, 1918 at Camp Travis, San Antonio. He served with the 165 Depot Brigade and became a corporal before leaving the service. Albert Tanner, born July 17, 1897 in Brazoria, was inducted into the army on March 30, 1918. He served in various parts of France before being injured and sent back to the States. He was honorably discharged by reason of disability on June 26, 1919. A member of American Legion Post 50, he went into retirement in 1972. Clyde E. Ryman of Wadsworth, born February 2, 1896, enlisted in the army on Oct. 7, 1917. He served in France and Belgium working with a supply regiment. Herman J. Yoakum, born Nov. 10, 1892 in Illinois, enlisted on Sept. 18, 1917 and was assigned to the 327th Field Artilery at Camp Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky. On Dec. 3, 1917, he was transferred to Air Service, Kelly Field, San Antonio. He was promoted to sergeant on May 20, 1918. Yoakum served until Jan. 22, 1919, honorably discharged from the 508th Aero Squadron Air Service, Gerstner Field, Louisiana. Floyd Young, born in Minnesota, entered the army in San Antonio. Stationed in various parts of Europe, he served with the 36th Division, 111th Supply Train. This photo is dated 1917. Joe Yeamans, born Feb. 10, 1896 was the son of Phillip and Pauline Yeamans of Matagorda. Serving with the 142nd Infantry Co. D of the 36th Division, he was the only Matagorda native killed in action during the war. He was killed Oct. 9, 1918 in the Battle of Argonne Forest, France.
The Daily Tribune, November 7, 1982 |
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Copyright 2011 -
Present by Various Newspapers |
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| Created Sep. 5, 2011 |
Updated Sep. 5, 2011 |