Rains Co.TX WWI News & Draftees
From the Rains County Leader
Submitted by Connie Dollins
January 4, 1918
Publicity Division Offices Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
John W. Tarbutton, from Emory, Texas is located with the U.S. Forces now in training at Camp Travis, Texas. He has shown his ability as a leader and has been made an acting-non commissioned officer.Soldier Boys Visit Home Folks
Several of the soldier boys from Camp Travis and Camp Bowie have visited home folks in the past ten days, among whom we noted, Tom Tackett Jr., Jack Blount, Orman Sisk, Jeptha Allen from Camp Bowie and Jessie Caldwell, Raymond Hill, J.W. Garrett, Carl Linebaugh, Dee Spradling and others whom names we did not get. They were all looking fine, though Orman Sisk had just come through a sick spell
Smyrna Dots
Geo. Tadlock, one of the soldier boys spent Xmas with home folks.Marshall Yandell, who is with the colors at Camp Travis spent the holidays with relatives and friends here. We later learned that Marshall Yandell got his furlough extended five days
longer on account of having contacted the measles.January 11, 1917
Service Men
J. W. Mc Elroy, wife and son Bruce and Mrs. Mamie Cain went to Fort Worth after the latter's son Jamie who returned with them Friday night. Jamie recently happened to an accident, getting a hole shot through his hand and is here on furlough while his wound is healing.
Marshall Yandell, one of our soldier boys, left Sunday for San Antonio, after a few days visit in Hogansville community with home folks
Mr. and Mrs. T.N. Tackett went to Dallas, Wednesday to spend a few hours with their son, Tom before he returned to Camp Travis. They asked us, to state he regretted very much that he was unable to see all his friends and bid them goodbye.January 18, 1917
Publicity Division Officers Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
The rest of our boys have returned from the target range and Co. 1, is all together once more. We enjoyed our special program presented at the Y.M.C.A., New Years Day. Those who lost their clothing and bedding in the fire here on Christmas night, are being supplied with new ones as fast as they can be obtained. Co. 1, regrets it very much that they lost their Sergeant Jeptha T. Allen, who went home on furlough during the holidays, was taken sick there with pneumonia, which proved to be fatal. He died, January 7, 1918, at home. Sergeant Allen has many friends here and his death was a great loss to Co. 1.
Tom Tackett Jr.Sergeant Blount and Dinwiddle are students of 3rd officers training camp.
The Leader is in receipt of a nice long letter from Arthur A. Tarbutton this week. He is with Battery C. 344th, Field Artillery, Camp Travis, and says he is in good health and writes contentedly. We regret we can not print the letter, but we have been requested by the publicity agent of the war department not to publish letters from the boys with the colors, unless they had been ok'd by the army censor, and we think it is the duty of the papers to accede to the request of those in charge of our military affairs. Arthur is not with the Rains county boys as he registered in Harrison county, but we know he is with a bunch of good Texans and will do a man's part when it comes to defending the stars and stripes.
January 25, 1918
Publicity Division Officers Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
Private Curtis E. (Unable to read the last name), assisted by private Neill J. Bodine, has for sometime been making field desks for use in the fields in France. The first desk was made for the Major and the workmanship was of such high standards that the Captain also had to have a desk of similar manufacture. Private Eller Shepherd has been detailed from Co. B. 345th Machine Gun Battalion, to attend school for cooks and bakers, which is held in Camp Travis.
Tom Tackett Jr.February 1, 1918
Men Accepted for the Service
Following are the names of those accepted for the military service by the Rains County Exemption Board this week:
John Crawford Hipp
Comer Burnett
Lemmy C. White
Lee B. Williams
Jesse C. Garrett
Charlie Smart
Tomer Neal
Jno. F. Martin
Abner Lewis
Claud E. Matthews
Michael J. Buchanan
Willis B. Matthews
Dail Briggs
Jas. B. Cason
Craig Leach
Elvin T. Carter
Tallmidge A. Sparks
William Donald
Blumer Murray
Miles Malone
Jesse A. Woosley
Mose Woosley
G.W. Belcher
Tipp A. Horsley
V. Sidney Arrington
Lon D. Kinser
Hope T. Gill
Claud Asbrook
Alfred Blalock
Hallie B. Garner
Jerome Huff
William Freeberger
Calvin L. Pace
J. H. M. Humble
Benjamin S. York
Homer Murray
Wm. F. Spence
Claud F. Elkins
Arthur Chastain
Argie B. White
Roy M. Coats
Ben E. Wood
Lee Mosley
Clyde Percy Davis
Sydney Hogue
Parom R. Wilson
Charlie Snell
C. N. Carter
Jno. Rogers
P. C. Hass
W. Hedgecoth
Eddie Mc Gee
E. Grissom
Oshie Murdock
R. B. Miller
Bob Ford
Frank Terry
Jacob Freeberger
E. J. Vaughn
Mack Parker
E. Lofton
H. C. Bloodworth
V. L. Pate
M. L. Draper
Clifford Chastain
Fred Jones
Veteran
Dr. L. Faulk, Lieutenant in the Medical Officers Reserve Corps, was called to the colors Sunday. He left Monday for Camp Bowie to take up his duties.Camp Division Officers Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
Rains County - January 17,1918
Our company is nearly full now and we are drilling each day. Most of us are going to many different schools and they are proving very beneficial, as it learns a soldier modern types and usage of weapons, maneuvers, etc. Sergt. Jack Blount appointed to go to training camp and so was Sergt. J.T. Allen, but Sergt. Allen died on the day of his appointment. The officers and company feel a great loss in his demise and as we come from his town and county, we feel especially the great loss of his wonderful life. Marshal Yandell is well again and his furlough home was a good way to spend his spare sick time. We hear from Orman Sisk and hope he will soon be able to return to us. Tom Tackett is going to Grenade school and had just finished a course in France Chaucat machine rifle. Both are very interesting. Guy Sisk is now cozily domiciled in the medical corps and his health is excellent. Everybody is training hard and we hope to make the Germans hunt cover when we go to France. Keep the home fires burning and we will return before long and we will return victorious. We hope your Fund is doing nicely. Keep it up. W.J. Wallace was down last week to see his brother. Am sure it is the biggest camp he ever saw. We invite all the people who have an interest in the U. S. to visit our company. May prosperity follow the Leader through its future course and its editor is appreciated here by all the boys from home. Will write again next week.Camp Division Offices Nineteenth Division Camp
January 24, 1918
This week has been filled with hard drilling, hard schooling and inspections. Company 1, has proven herself to be among the best of the regiment and we are proud of it, of course. Our company is practically all here now and we are having very little sickness. E.L. Allen from Emory we here this week and all the boys enjoyed him much. Jeptha Allen was Sergeant when he died and our company and officers welcomed Mr. Allen. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Sisk have been down to see their son, Guy. The writer had a handshake with them and we are all glad to see home folks. It would be a nice treat as well as educational to visit this wonderful cantonment. The Tarbutton boys of Emory and Shepherd and Burchett of Point are doing well. All seem pleased with their work. The weather here is very pleasant and all signs of snow have gone. Sergt. Settle is going to rifle school, Corp. Tom Tackett to Grenade School and Jack Blount to officers training. Everyone is trying to learn to soldier and we hope to put up a good contest with Kaiser Bill. Always remember that we boys from Rains county enjoy your paper and almost fight over who reads it first.
Tom Tackett Jr.
More LaterFebruary 8, 1918
Rains County
Private Guy Sisk, Reg. Infirmary 359th Infantry of Emory, Texas has been made First Class Private. Private C.C. Barker of this county, who is now in Battery B 344th Field Artillery, Camp Travis, Texas, has been assigned to the school of smoke bomb course to last some six weeks. Ewell Bullard of Co. B 345 Machine Gun Battalion has returned to the Company after an absence of two months in the hospital with pneumonia. Clifford Hogue, Private of the 315 Trench Mortar Battery is at home on furlough and reports everything is moving nicely at camp. He was lucky enough to be married during his visit and the boys are looking forward to his arrival with his bride.Publicity Division Office Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
Another week in the army and good schooling, drilling, etc. We are having summer weather now and everyone is acting like spring lambs. Today our company has been on a hike and ate dinner our in the country. We had some company from different counties, in our Company. Edward J. McDade of near Alba had gone home to visit sick relatives. Clifford Hogue had gone home on furlough and will be back in a few days. John Faulk, formerly of Emory, was down in our barracks the other night and was enjoyed by all the home boys.
Guy Sisk had been made first class Private in the Medical Corps and is studying hard and expects to advance. Ben Mercer is in the Medical Corps also and has a sore hand now, which has him laid up for a few days. Martin Allen of Colony community is attached to Supply Company now and reports he likes his work fine. Marshall Yandell is going to concert school to be organized for the purpose of going town to town giving concerts for soldiers and others. The writer is expecting his own people down this week - Mr. and Mrs. T.N. Tackett of Emory and we want to show them how well this army is organized. The war is still eating its way into the nation and Americans are expecting to hurry up and settle the aspirations of the Kaiser by nipping his World Wide Rule with an ice-cold rain of steel.
This adjoins the meeting until next week.
Tom Tackett Jr.Mr. D.L. Garrett, his daughter in law and another young lady visited his son at Camp Bowie, Saturday and Sunday.
J.W. Allred, W.D. Porter, J.B. Barker and two of his sons and Marshall Wade left yesterday evening for Camp Bowie to visit Rains county boys in training there. This trip was made in Mr. Allred's car with Key Long driving.
Jesse Caldwell came over from Camp Bowie, Sunday evening to visit home folks, returning Wednesday morning.
Mesdames W.Y. Adams and Maude Hill went to Wills Point in the formers car. Mrs. Adams returned the same day, but Mrs. Hill went from Wills Point to Camp Bowie to visit her son Raymond.
Soldier Boys Moving
Jamie Cain was called to Camp Bowie Sunday morning. He has been at home on furlough for several weeks, nursing a wounded hand. His company and also Ott Meagher's has been moved from Camp Bowie. We don't know where they were moved to and would not be permitted to tell if we did know.February 15, 1918
Luther Brooks who is now in training at Camp Travis, has been visiting Point and Emory this week.
Will Settle, one of our soldier boys was here a day or two this week visiting folks.
Publicity Division Offices Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
The biggest event of this week has been the visit of ex president Taft. He made a speech to us, one out at Kelly Field and to another brigade. He is thoroughly American and voiced the sentiment of the thousand of soldiers who heard him. After his speech all troops passed in review. The entire 90th division paraded for him and it was a beautiful site. Each soldier was tuned up to the highest point and to the music our splendid military bands we showed the development of our months training. Mr. and Mrs. T.N. Tackett witnessed the parade and pronounced it an eye opener. We were so glad to have them in our camp. Also Mrs. Engleman and Miss Allen of McKinney. Marshall Yandell's brother just came in this morning to view our tremendous camp and shake hands with the home boys. He was accompanied by J.J. Mc Kay of Hogansville. Demps Yandell reports the country is in very good shape and is carried away with our camp. Sergt. Jack Blount leaves today to be absent from our camp on account of serious illness of his mother. Darel Yandell of the Colony community is back in our company now, after a siege of pneumonia, he is feeling fine now and with all the good eats, we are all getting too fat. We are glad to hear of Clifford Hogues marriage and wonder how he fooled the girl, but we suppose he offered to fight for her.
All the other boys are fine and want to be remembered to Rains county friends. More to follow next week.
Tom TackettFebruary 22, 1918
June Shultz, one of our soldier boys of the Pilgrim Rest community has been home from Camp Travis the past few days.
Raymond Hill one of our soldier boys from Camp Bowie spent a day or two here with home folks the first of the week.Publicity Division Offers Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
A big bunch of visitors to our camp was reported this week. Demps Yandell, Jim Mc Kay, J.B. Allred. Joe Barker, Carl Roberts, Henry Barker, Kay Long, and Marshall Wade. Like all the others who have visited this camp - it is a wonder to them. Our boys flocked around them and were eager to hear any bit of home news. Sergt. Will Settle has returned to camp after a five days visit to his people, occasioned by the illness of his grandmother. Sergt. Blount has also been home to see his mother, who was very ill but is much better now.
We have been learning a bunch of war songs to sing when we go over - Marshall Yandell is the leader. Guy Sisk was out to show with the writer and incidentally dropped the remark that Rains County still holds a lot of charm for him. He said, that Corporal Orman Sisk was still unable to report to camp and we are anxious for him to return as he helped we Rains county boys have fun. Have not seen Clifford Hogue since he was home. Suppose he is busily engaged in writing to his wife that Army Life holds interest for him. We are expecting a new bunch of boys to be down pretty soon and they may expect to soon become soldiers. We received picture and written ceremony of Sergeant J. T. Allen's funeral in McKinney paper and have placed some on the bulletin board of our company. Arthur and John Tarbutton are doing fine. They are in the Artillery and are about 8 blocks from us. We are always eager to see your paper and it goes around among the home boys. We are sorry to learn of Gus Allen's loss of his home by fire. We may see lots of homes under fire before the war is ended. Express to all the people of Rains County, our best wishes.
Tom Tackett Jr.March 1, 1918
More Boys Answer Their Country's Call
Fifteen more stalwart sons of Rains county answered their country's call Tuesday and entrained at 2 o'clock for the training camp San Antonio. After boarding the train as many of them could crowded out on the rear platform and cheered as long as they were in hearing distance, and their yells had the genuine patriotic music in them. Hurrah for these boys. They are going out to serve their country with genuine patriotism and they will be heard too. Pros. Bradford recessed school and there were several hundred people present to tell the boys goodbye and bid them Gods speed. The school children sang several Patriotic songs.
Following are the names of the boys:
Lemmy C. White, Grand Saline
Elvin Thos. Carter, Point
Comer Burnett, Quinlan
John Franklin Martin, Point
Lon D. Kinser, Emory
Jess A. Woosley, Emory
Jesse Charles Garrett, Point
Ben Elit Wood, Ginger
Craig Caville Leach, Emory
Michael J. Buchanan, Alba
James Bennett, Cason, Point
William Freeberger, Brashier
Dock Kimbrough Brashear, Emory
Clyde Percy Davis, Point
Willis Bird Matthews, AlbaPublicity Division Officers Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
This week has been another wet one and we have been unable to drill, but have been making up for it by having school for Non Commissioned Officers and First Class Privates. We were glad to shake hands with Will Bevers of Emory, but he only stayed a short time and returned up. He had been down to deliver a prisoner. We understand Corporal Orman Sisk is nearly well and all the boys will welcome him in when he comes. We are expecting to have a new bunch real soon. The newspapers all say Germany is playing havoc with Russia, but we American soldiers are going to give Germany a healthy sting. We are glad to have Mr. Yandell and Mr. Mc Kay here a few days ago. We hope that when our visitors return home the will give the camp a big boost, as it justly deserves any compliments they see fit to bestow up on it. Guy Sisk, the Tarbutton boys, Hogue, Moore and all the other boys are fine.
More the following week.
Tom Tackett Jr.Rains County
Eller Shepherd, formerly of Company B Machine Gun Battalion, has been promoted to first cook and is at the present cooking for the Student Officers' Camp, Camp Travis.March 8, 1918
Mr. T.N. Tackett and wife and Miss Imogene Allen went to Dallas Friday to meet their son Tom Tackett Jr., who had a short furlough and had run up to Dallas to meet them from Camp Travis. They reported, he is in fine shape.March 15, 1918
Publicity Division Offices Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
Another week of rainy weather tho it is so pretty now that you would think summer was here as all the trees are budding out and so we advise those that want to visit to begin to be ready to do so. We have been on a little hike this morning and learned a little skirmish movement. We carried small packages and bayonets and rifles. All soldiers learning the game and we are expecting to give the Kaiser the Dickens when we get a whack at him. The writer was in Dallas last week and saw the parents as I only had a day. Clifford Hogue's wife came down last week to spend a few days with her husband and we hope this wonderful camp will make a good impression on her as Clifford will have to lead this life until Kaiser is whipped.
We have not heard from Corp. J. O. Sisk but hope that he will soon be able to come down among the boys.
Sergt. Blount, Will D. Settle, Marshall Yandell, Don Yowell, and Tom Tackett and Edwards McDade are the only ones in our Company from Rains county but we all get together and have a good time.
The new bunch is down in the Dept. Brigade and will soon be moved here with us, which of course will afford us more pleasure. We do not know all the boys that are here but understand Jess Woosley and Craig Leach, Mann Davis and Dock Herriage are among them.
We got the donation home folks made for our regimental funds and it is duly appreciated by everyone of us from Rains County. We do not know the purpose but it will go for furtherance of our comforts while here in Camp. The Tarbutton Bros. of Emory are both faring fine and are located in the Artillery. We don't see them often as we're in anther part of camp but when we do our thoughts go back to the good people and good times we have had there. Marshall Yandell is song leader in our company and has a splendid voice so that we are proud to have him for that reason as well as his many other good traits. We are hoping to get to whip the Kaiser in this year and we believe we are, so its up to us to do all we can to down him with a heavy blow. Our training will help do it and good news from you people at home thru
Rains County Leader will help us too, so send your sheet each week.
More to follow next week, so here goes for this time.
Tom Tackett - Of Regimental Fund CommitteeMarch 22, 1918
Publicity Division Offices Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
"There is no ground glass found in the food served to Camp Travis soldiers. No Mennonite preachers are under arrest at Camp Travis on charge of disloyalty." This is the statement of Major General Henry T. Allen, Commanding the Nineteenth Division at Camp Travis. The officer responsible for the rumors is now in the hospital. He is suffering with a nervous break down.Private First Class Edward J. McDade of Alba, Texas, has been appointed a Corporal in Company 1, 359th Infantry, at Camp Travis. This company is composed of men from Franklin, Wood, Red River, Rains and Titus counties. It is a unit of the 180th Brigade commanded by General Johnston and commonly known as the "Texas Brigade." This brigade is one of the units composing the 90th division, which is popularly styled "The Alamo Division." Camp Travis is filled with troops from Texas and Oklahoma and the big cantonment is constantly being visited by friends and relatives of the men in service
here. Although a schedule of intensive military is being maintained at Camp Travis, there are pleasures and entertainments galore for the Texas and Oklahoma boys in training at the big National Army cantonment. The most noted public men of this continent and the Allied nations, the leading musicians, entertainers and lectures have visited the cantonment and
entertainment and instructed the young men who are in training there.To Organize Volunteer Company of National Guards.
Claude B. Cooper of Lone Oak has been authorized by Governor Hobby to organize a company National Guards, ages 18 to 45 years. He will be assisted by F.H. Pearson, who will be First Lieutenant. We understand that about one third of the number required, 105 members, has been secured already.March 29, 1918
Pilgrim Rest
We had a lot of good singers to go to Harmony to a singing Sunday Evening. Among them being Marshall Yandell who was home on furlough from Camp Travis and we sure were glad to see him and to hear him sing again. Hurrah for Uncle Sam's boys, we think they are defending the greatest cause in the world.Mrs. Lizzie Henderson whose husband was drafted last fall received a card saying he had landed in France safely. He was in the 344th Field Artillery, Camp Travis.
One of our soldier boys, George Tadlock, who is in the Infantry at Camp Bowie, is at home on a ten-day furlough.
Publicity Division Offices Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
We just had a big review for Brig. Gen. Johnson and it was a wonderful sight.
Our company is drilling pretty hard and we are becoming efficient soldiers. The Hun is our object and incentive for this hard work. Corporal Orman Sisk has returned to our Company after his long spell of sickness and we are glad to have him back with us. All the boys were sorry to learn of the big fire at Emory which destroyed Tackett & Allen's building and contents. We hope they will soon rebuild and keep our town's good appearance. That good old spring weather is upon us and Private Yandell had become a bird by joining the Operatic Class they developed in the army. Private Moore of the Colony community visited our barracks today and reports he is getting along fine.
The new boys never come to our Company yet but we hope to see them soon. We are anxious to know who they all are.
Sergeant Blount, Sergeant Settle and Corporal Tackett are getting all the drilling they need now and we long for some time when we can put all these duties away and take a big fish with the editor on Sabine.
Numerous visitors are coming down each day, but none of Rains County has shown up for a little while. Furloughs will be issued the boys in rotation and Bill Burchett, Daral Yowell and Edward McDade are going to feel happy when their time comes.
No more news this time, but our best wishes to all the people in good old Rains County.
Private J. P. Porter, Co. E. 315th Engrs. has been transferred to the Casual Detention Detachment.
More to follow next week,
Tom TackettApril 5, 1918
Frank Moody, Gus Sparks and Dail Briggs, left Saturday evening for San Antonio to report for the military service. Judge Rodes informs the Leader representatives that this is more then the quota of white men then for the first draft.
Man Woosley, John Jackson, John Kendrick, Abner Lewis and Blummer Murray, colored left Tuesday evening on the Local for Camp Travis, which only leaves three to fill out the quota of Negroes for the first draft. T. C. Moore, colored was notified to appear for duty Tuesday, but failed to appear.
Private Ewel M. Bullard of Company B 345 Machine Gun Battalion, has improved so that he can drill with the Company. Private Bullard has been confined to the hospital and quarters for three months.
Private Arthur A. Tarbutton of Emory has been transferred from Battery "C" 334th F. A. to 165th Depot Brigade Camp Travis, Texas.
Homer McCallon visited the boys at Camp Travis last week. He says the visit was worth a thousand dollars to him and we are sure the boys there enjoyed it too.ONLY A VOLUNTEER
Now why didn't I wait to be drafted?
And be led to the train by the hand
Or put in a claim for exemption?
Oh, why did I hold up my hand?
Why didn't I wait for the banquet?
Why didn't I wait to be cheered?
For the drafted men get all the credit,
While I only volunteered.But nobody gave us a banquet,
And nobody said a kind word.
The puff of the engine and the grind of the wheels
Was all the goodbye that I heard.
Then we hustled
To be trained for the next year.
And in the shuffle forgotten,
I was only a volunteer.But perhaps someday in the future,
When my little boy sits on my knee,
And ask what I did in the great war.
And his big eyes look up at me,
I will have to look back in those eyes.
That at me so trustingly peer.
And tell him I wasn't drafted;
I was only a volunteer.
Contributed.W.C. Whittle and son, Ernest, D.W. Taylor, A.N. Fitzgerald and John Nix returned Friday evening from a visit with the soldier boys in San Antonio. They reported the boys in fine shape and overjoyed to see them. They also visited Austin and went through the capital building.
April 12, 1918
March 27th
This week has been filled with lots of work for all of us, for we have taken in a lot of new men who have come down from different counties but strange to say we have not gotten any of our boys from home. Mr. Homer McCallon paid the boys form Rains county a nice visit last Sunday and we were please to shake his hand once more and have him look at the army
camp. He, like all the rest thinks it's a splendid camp, and hopes we will be able to continue with our good training. We understand Barnard Fischer is in North Carolina and we guess he is having a cooler climate then we are at the present, as flowers are blooming here and everyone is getting ready for 15th of April to come so they can witness the Event of the Battle of Flowers.
Dan Yowell and John O. Sisk have been transferred from our company and we hate to give them up, as they have made a bunch of boy friends while they have been in "1"
Some of the boys are getting furloughs now and they are enjoying the home folks we hope. Our time will come sometime and we will be glad to see you all. The editor should go fishing with us when we do come back on furlough, for we believe we can best him telling fish stories.
Tomorrow we all have to go through a gas house with gas mask on and we are expecting to realize a little of Germany's methods of attack.
Sergeant Blount and Sergeant Settle are new recruits and we hope to develop them into as good as soldiers as those who have been down here quite a while.
John Wallace of the Dunbar community is going to Cooks and Bakers school and is making good.
We know his friends will be glad to hear this.
Tom TackettThe following note on a separate sheet of paper was enclosed with the above letter.
Best wishes to you and yours.
"Happy" Co. 1, 359th Inft.
If this isn't Jack Blount who is he? And the same to you and many more of them _ EditorRaymond Hill came in Thursday from Camp Bowie for a few days visit with his mother and friends.
Volunteers for Service
Willie Bailey Clendenin, the eighteen-year-old son of Judge and Mrs. W.H. Clendenin, has enlisted in the U. S. Army in the Field Artillery. Bailey is their only child. He graduated at the Emory High School, May 1917. Since September last year he has been a student in Burleson College at Greenville and was making a fine record there as he did at home. He has an appointment to the U.S. Navel academy at Annapolis, Maryland through Congressman Rayburn, and Bailey would have gone to Annapolis in June. He gave up this opportunity of getting a fine collegiate education at the expense of the government in order to join the army and begin active service for the government because he believes it is his duty to do so. He passed his physical examination last Monday and left Emory this morning for the Recruit Depot where he will put on the soldier uniform and "join the colors." His father goes with him as far as the recruiting station at Dallas, where Bailey is to report at 2 P.M. today.
Bailey is among our most dependable and quite young men and will have the well wishes of all.Publicity Division Offices Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
Furnished by Publicity Bureau
March 20, 1918
Editor Leader,
We have had for visitors this week from home Cape Whittle, Ambrose Fitzgerald, Ernest Whittle, Dick Taylor and John Nix. All were carried away with the place and John and Ernest took a swim with the boys. We only saw them for a short while, but sure enjoyed them.
Guy Sisk has been home on furlough, also Marshall Yandell. One went on sickness and one went on business. They both have good reports from you all.
We hope that everyone has gotten over the big fire two weeks ago. All of the boys want to extend their sympathy to the losers. Hope to see the damage repaired when we return.
Clifford Hogue has a broken thumb, but we are glad to report he is doing nicely.
Sergeant Blount, Corporal Sisk and Corporal Tackett are on regimental guard this week and it was said our guard mount was the best that has been seen in a long time. We were inspected the other day by Brig. Gen. Johnson and pronounced the best company in the division. We were sure strutting like peacocks and are putting up some snappy drills.
Our weather is superb and we are faring excellently. We are to have a good dinner Friday because of our good inspection. Wish you were here to enjoy it with us.
Hope to see many of you down at our camp before long.
The new boys are still in detention camp and we hope to see them soon.
Expect more soon
More army news next week,
Tom TackettApril 19, 1918
Publicity Division Offices Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
Another week and we are still training in Camp Travis, but the weather is so warm now the boys wish that we were in a cooler climate.
Cpl. J.O. Sisk and Daniel Yowell have been transferred from this Camp and we are waiting to hear from them so we can write their location to the home paper. Marshall Yandell has been transferred to Headquarters Company and we lost one of our best.
Curtis Moore's mother and father were down to see him this week and we think they were well pleased with the camp.
We understand Clifford Hogue had his finger broken and was suffering very much with it.
Cpl. Tom Tackett has been made assistant Supply Sergeant and is having plenty of work to do. Sergeants Blount and Settle and Corporal Tackett are having trouble with the mail hereof late- wonder why?
We are sorry that Leo Allen could not come down and be with us. Too bad that he fell down, as we hoped to have his company here.
Private Will Burchett is slinging hash at the Officers Mess and is tickled to death over his job.
Private Edward Mc Dade has been promoted to the rank of Corporal and nearly all the boys from Rains County are now Non Commissioned Officers.
The boys here fight over the Rains County Leader and would like to whisper in the editor's ear to please send two copies each week, as one won't go far.
The last of the first draft has arrived at camp, including the colored boys, but we don't know whether the boys from Rains County have arrived here yet. We understand that they have left home and we know just how they feel to have to leave such good people and such a prosperous little town.
We cannot get used to the new time, as we have to get up so early in the morning.
We have been beautifying our barracks and now have the best appearing barracks in the entire camp. It is almost like home now and we enjoy it to the fullest.
Will write more next week.
Look out for the hot one next week.
Tom Tackett
Jack Blount
Will SettleApril 26, 1918
Publicity Division Offices Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
Editor Rains County Leader
This week finds us with some very beautiful weather and we are enjoying the same to the fullest.
This is Fiesta week in San Antonio and the parades they are having are wonderful even to the military parade.
We were paid a visit by Sec'y McAdoo, and his speech has encouraged the purchased of Liberty Bonds by the citizens of San Antonio. He was given quite and ovation by all and thru the patriotic efforts of the citizens and the never-ending zeal of the boys in Khaki we expect to lick the Kaiser.
Mr. T.N. Tackett, wife and Mrs. Guy Chisholm of Beaumont were here to see their son and as usual carried away with the camp and general surroundings about San Antonio.
We have a bunch of new recruits now that will soon be well trained and they are getting it down fine. Some are over in a big parade today, as they will have a parade everyday while the carnival is on.
Some of our readers will be glad to hear that Ben Looney is here in the signal Corps over at Fort Sam Houston and his work is very important to the efficiency of the American Army today.
Marshall Yandell has been made Singing Corporal in Headquarters Company. He likes his new work fine and is a good singer too.
We are glad to note that there are some new business houses in Emory and hope they will have the prosperity that accompanies all stores there. Hope when we come back to the Garden Spot of East Texas that they will have good roads, a bigger town and a bunch of boosters.
Guy Sisk was down to our barracks last night and reports he is in perfect trim as he has had several communications from the town folk and when they render good reports and tell about the interest they are showing in buying the Liberty Bonds and Thrift Stamps it makes us work harder and we are firm in belief that this will win for us.
We were glad to see Ershell Shepherd's brothers from Point were here for a visit with him and one said he would soon make his home with us in our efforts to train to win this war.
Our company still stands tip top of our Regiment and we are proud that it does for its interest and its success is ours.
Hope to see the account of our Inspection Dinner in your next issue that we get here which will be Saturday. Until then we will wait more news.
Tom Tackett
On Regimental Committee for Publicity Company "1"Cases Go To Trial
The Rains County men, who were indicted for attempting to obstruct the draft law, are being tried this week in Federal court. There are twenty-nine of the indictments in all, six of them pleaded guilty in open court. It is expected that the trial will consume several days and many citizens from this county are to having attend court.
Later: - The trial was started, the jury being selected, the defendants pleading to the charges and won witness examined, but was then continued until next term. So the witnesses will not have to attend court until next term.May 10, 1918
Soldiers in the Making
Jesse (Lorenza) Edgar left Tuesday for Waco, where he entered the aviation training camp. He volunteered for this service with permission of the draft authorities.
Pink Swindell and Till Fallian have been called to leave Saturday for Camp Travis to enter the training camp.
Tomer Neal another draft man from this county, has volunteered and been accepted for training as a mechanic. He will go to the State University of Austin the 15th inst.Publicity Division Offices Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
Furnished by Publicity Bureau
Cpl. Luther H. Brooks, of Co. 57, 15 Bn., 165 Depot Brigade, who for some time has been on special duty at Fort Sam Houston returned to duty.
Sergeant Will D. Settle of Co. I, 359th Infantry, has gone to Tyler this week to attend the Federal Court, in which he will appear as a witness for the U. S., against those arrested last Summer for resisting the draft. He expects to be gone for ten to twelve days and may get to come up to Emory for a short stay.
Sergeant William W. Blount of Emory, a member of Co. I, 359th Infantry, has the ball game spirit now and was catcher, Wednesday afternoon against Co. K in which he did good work, which adds interest to our athletic sports.
Corporal Edward J. Mc Dade of near Emory, also did good work in the game knocking a home run and doing excellent fielding. He is making good as a Corporal and the folks in his community should feel proud of him.
Corporal Thomas N. Tackett is now Laundry Orderly of Co. I, 359th Infantry and assistant in the Supply Office and his job keeps him in his usual busy mood. The Post Laundry is an immense institution and fitted with the most modern equipment and he should make a "Laundry Queen" when he returns from the war.
Private William E. Burchett of Company I, 359th, Infantry, is waiter at Officer's Mess and his work is proving successful, as the officers are all getting fat at this method of handling the foods to them.
Private Guy Sisk of the Infirmary, 359th Camp Travis, reports the accident that his father had and he states perhaps he will be called home to assist his father in starting a crop, since he will be unable to work himself for several weeks.
Cook James Wall of the Bright Star community, a member of Co. I, 359th Infantry is doing exceedingly fine in his work and we are all getting fat and are receiving the best food. We all tribute it partly to the good knowledge of cooking he has acquired since his advent into the army.
Mr. and Mrs. T.N. Tackett, were visitors to our camp about a week ago and they gave flattering reports about the conditions at home and said the interest at home manifested in the welfare of the boys in the service and the unstinting way that they were buying Liberty Bonds and War Stamps makes us feel like fighting all the harder for the folks back home. We hope to be able to bring victory with your splendid aid and shall give you most of the honor when we clasp your hands in victory.
Private Curtis Moore of the Engineers is Laundry Orderly for his company and is seen quite often by our members. He has fattened some and works like a Trojan at this job. We can all have many good talks about this war when it is over.
Buy Bonds and help us win the war.
Tom Tackett
On Regimental Committee for Publicity Company "I"Everybody Must Work
Idlers are slackers as well as vagrants. At a time like this when our soldier boys are having to be brought home from the training camps to do the work of civilians, vagrancy is an offense not only against our State and Nation but against the civilized world. Therefore, all boys above 16 years of age as well as all able-bodied men of whatever age, who are found loafing, or who are not engaged in some useful employment will be taken up and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
H. D. Garrett, County Attorney
Wm. Whittle, Sheriff
May 17, 1918
More Boys to Camp
Following is a list of the boys who went from here to the training camp at Camp Travis last Saturday.
Thos. P. Kerr, Burrey Burton Bullard, David Lee Nabors, Hallie Garner, Arthur Chastain, Jas. Jerome Huff, Edward J. Vaughn, Marion L. Draper.
The following colored boys, left Monday for Camp Travis: Homer Murray, William Donnell, Miles Malone, Jas. H. M. Humble.
Also Clarence Durham will leave tomorrow or Monday for Camp Travis.Rocky Point
One more of our boys has been called to the colors and left for Camp Travis last Saturday. It was Hallie Garner. We hate to lose the presence of Hallie, but we are sure he will do his best to down Kaiser.Publicity Division Office Nineteenth Division Camp Travis
Furnished by Publicity Bureau
Our company had a big baseball game Monday in which it was closely contested. The score being 6 to 5 in L Co.'s favor but it was wholesome and the boys enjoyed it.
Sgt. Jack Blount of Co. I, has returned from Tyler and her reports the trial of the men charged with resisting the Draft Act was put off on account of sickness of the judge. He was glad to have seen some of his friends from Emory and reports that they have filled their quota for Liberty Bonds which has put us in better spirits.
The new bunch from home came Sunday and we got to see them for a little while, but since they have been classified we have not been able to locate them. Shook hands with Dave Nabors, Arthur Chastain, Roy Draper, Hallie Garner and a few more boys. They report to us that nine men came down from the first quota of the second draft. We hope they get into lines of work where they can render more service then they thought they could.
Private Guy Sisk of 359th Infirmary expects to go home on a farming furlough since he received news that his father has his finger cut off which he figures would cause his father to lose his crops unless he could help.
Corporal Mc Dade, Tackett and Private Burchett of Co. "I" are still pegging away and wish to be remembered to all their friends there. Some of us may get to come up there and see you all and show you our Regimental Books with pictures of the whole Regiment in it. All the boys from Rains County are there expecting a few who came down first and are in the
Artillery.
John Nix from Emory is here and we are glad to have him, he has told us lots of happenings and mostly of the lively interest they are taking in the furtherance of the war to a decided victory for us. He states everybody is doing well and some of the town boys gone to the farms to raise food for soldiers. We are glad to hear this and are whetting our appetites up to the point where we can devour the results of our labor.
Our new men in the company are learning fast and all are making good soldiers and enter into their work with a pep that is characteristic of all American people. They are all eager to learn and will be pretty well trained in a few more weeks.
Weather conditions here are ideal! I suppose but it turns cold here like it does in North Texas and we all sleep under blankets. We learn of the good gardens you have there and we are hoping to get to eat a big dinner with you all, furnished from your gardens. Until then we will stop for this time and gather more news for next weeks issue.
Tom Tackett
On Regimental Committee Publicity Company "I"32 Boys Leave for Camp Travis
The Local Board here has been call on to induct thirty two men into the
military service in Rains county, Monday, May 27th, and they will leave
Emory on local Tuesday evening for Camp Travis.
Following are the names:
Felix Shepherd
Thomas T. Sadler
Geo. H. Barker
Lee Mosley
Calvin L. Pace
Ben S. York
Lee B. Williams
Charlie Snell
John C. Hipp
Hope T. Gill
Tipp A. Horsley
Elmo Melton
William F. Spence
Parom H. Wilson
Claud Asbrook
Salmon Courtney
Argie B. White
Boyd G. Rogers
Claud McDonald
Clifford Chastain
Mark Parker
Virgil Lee Pate
Bishop D. Hutchens
Ocie Engleman
Jessie W. Jones
John Rogers
Henry Thompson
Powell C. Hass
Luther W. Lancaster
Joel W. Lennon
Jas. E. Tippitt
Matt Wade
Robert E. Watts was called, but on account of having small pox the Local
Board substituted Matt Wade.May 24, 1918
One of the Rains county boys, Clifford Hogue write home to his father about the good work the Red Cross girls are doing for the soldiers while they are still in the United States. He has been stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and said that when they left there a short time ago for New York that the girls came down to the train and loaded them down with cakes and good things to eat and at every stop on the way the Red Cross women came down to the train to distribute sweaters and other knitted goods among the boys when they got to New York, the girls were ready and waiting for them to do what they could to make their loves more pleasant. Isn't that a sweet thought now that your boy, your kinsman has a multitude of Red Cross worker, not only in the United States, but all over the scarred battlefield of Europe to look after them and minister unto them. Have YOU subscribed to the Second Red Cross War Fund? Have you given every cent you can? If you have not done your best, you must not have a drop of American Blood in your veins.Clarence Barker of Rocky Point community came in Wednesday on a furlough from Camp Travis.
W.E. Rabb, who is with the army camp secret work, was in Emory for a short time Monday and paid the Leader office a short call. He had been made Sergeant in this branch of the services and says he likes the work fine, though he is afraid it will prevent him from getting to cross the pond. He left Point, Monday for Kelly Field Camp, near San Antonio.
June 14, 1918
Judge W. B. Clendenin left for Lawton, Oklahoma, Sunday morning to visit his son Bailey, who is stationed with Uncle Sam's men.Howard Curtis left Wednesday morning for Dallas to report for duty with the Navy department. He enlisted as a wireless operator.
June 21, 1918
Thomas McElroy and Christine A. Hall, both of Point, will leave next Tuesday for the training camp under directions of the local board.Lt. Herbert Edwards, who has been on border duty the past several month, spent a few days here the first of the week with home folks and friends. He left Thursday for Gatesville to spend a few days before reporting for service at Camp McArthur, Waco.
After the train left, Wednesday carrying the seven drafted Negroes, an old Negro was asked, "What was all that crying about?" He replied, "Why we wasn't crying, we were cheering them. We are proud of them. If everyone would give up their sons and a part of their money with spirit, Old Kaiser Bill, would go where he belongs with his Devil brother."
D.L. Garrett and son, Sam and daughter in law, Mrs. Bill Garrett, went to Fort Worth, Monday to visit the boys in Camp Bowie.
July 5, 1918
Rains County Boy Injured
Roy Morgan, son of Ex Sheriff G.A. Morgan, was slightly injured about the 10th of June according to a card received by Mr. Morgan the first of the week. The card was written on the 11th and he has also received a second card written on the 18th. The wound was in the shoulder and is said to be slight. Roy enlisted in Kansas which probably accounts for his name being overlooked here on the casualty list, Mr. Morgan says he is glad he didn't not find out until the card came announcing the nature of the wound. He is in the Red Cross hospital and Mr. Morgan says, that he now knows he can't do enough for the Red Cross.
We are sorry Roy is wounded of course, but we are glad he was with the Marines who were doing such brilliant work, for he wanted to be a part of their work and we know Roy Morgan was right there with the good. Hurrah for the Rains county boys.
Hogansville News
J.J. Kay received a card a few days ago stating that his son, Ray had arrived safely overseas. Ray left for the training camp the 18h of last September.Rocky Point
News has reached here that Roy Morgan, son of G. A. Morgan, had been wounded in action and is now in the hospital in France. Mr. Morgan says he has already gotten back all he ever paid into the Red Cross. If all would be as liberal as Mr. Morgan without having a son wounded by some barbarous German, we would reach our quota in the W.S.S. Campaign.July 19, 1918
More Boys Called
List of registrants called for entrainment to Camp Travis, July 21st, 1918.
Robert E. Watts - Point
Bunyan Brown - Emory
R.D.J. Pounds - Emory
Willis Hedgecoth - Alba
Jim Daniels - Emory
Joe P. Partridge - Emory
Jas. C Cottrell - Lone Oak
Claud F. Elkins - Point
Price Nycum - Dallas
Archie A. Neal - Lone Oak
Andrew E. Fletcher - Greenville
S. J. Scoggins - Emory
These men are called to appear before the Local Board for Rains County, Texas, at Emory, Texas at 6 o'clock P. M. July 21st, 1918 to be entrained July 22nd, at 12:20 for Camp Travis.July 26, 1918
Harmony Dots
Jeff Prather and family and Mr. and Mrs. Rush Morrison of near Mineola came in Tuesday on a visit to relative and friends. Mr. Morrison returned home Thursday as he is expecting to be called to the colors any time.
H.T. Moore who registered in Oregon and Okie Cline who registered in Oklahoma left Emory for Berlin, Germany, Thursday morning. Okie's father charged him what ever he done, not to get shot in the back. But the editor will vouch for Okie and all the rest of the Rains county boys, that none of them will get shot in the back. They are not that kind.Cliff Chastain, who has been with the boys in training at Camp Bowie, returned home the first of the week, having received an honorable discharge on account of a cripple knee.
All of the boys that went to Dallas the first of the week have returned and report that none of them "passed muster' except Wicker Glass. He was accepted and will leave in a few days for the training camp.
Boys to Camp Travis
The following Rains county boys entrained here Monday evening for Camp Travis:
Robert E. Watts - Point
Bunyan Brown - Emory
R.D.J. Pound - Emory
Willis Hedgecoth - Alba
Jim Daniels - Emory
Joe T. Partridge - Emory
Jas. C Cottrell - Lone Oak
Claud F. Elkins - Point
Price Nycum - Dallas
Archie A. Neal - Lone Oak
Andrew E. Fletcher - Greenville
S.J. Scroggins - Emory
In addition to the above men the following men were sent for with the following men through they are registrants from other counties. Thos. P Sanford, Elmer Jennings, James Jagger and Henry Freeman. Also O.M. Still another man who registered in another county was sent to
Camp Travis, Tuesday.
August 9, 1918
J.J. McKay is in receipt of a letter from their son, D.E. who is with the colors somewhere, Ray as he is sometimes called likes that country fine, but the good old U.S.A. looks good to him.Boys to Camp
Five more boys left Emory, for Camp Cody, New Mexico on the local Tuesday. They were James Walter Johnson, Point; Alvin Victor Allison, Point; William J. Sisk, Emory; Dick W. Taylor, Emory; and Marion W. Mc Dade, Alba. A large crowd of relatives and friends were at the train to bid them goodbye.August 16, 1918
Earnest L. Davidson
Last night as I lay dreaming
In my vision I could see
Our dear son and brother
In France across the sea.And he, like a hero
Answered his countrys' call
And now like many others
Will make that Kaiser fall.With the dear old American boys
Coming in everyday
Me thinks they will be able
To capture that Hun someway.With our big machine guns
And our wonderful aeroplanes too,
We will sure get that German
And shoot him with a bomb.And when the war is over
We will come marching home
Singing, Hurrah for Old Glory
And the Victory we have won.Then they will meet us at the seaport
And welcome us home too,
And give us three cheers
For the Red, White and Blue.Composed by Mrs. O.M. Johnson in honor of her brother who is now with the American Army in France.
E stands for Earnest, our dear son and brother
A stands for America, the home of the brave.
R stands for Rule, for which we long to try
N stands for New York, where we said out last goodbye
E stands for everywhere, Old Glory to see
S stands for Soldiers, who have crossed the great sea.
T stands for True American, for Old Glory and Liberty
---Composed by Irene Henderson, 13 years of age, in honor of her brother who is now in France.
Tom Henderson has our thanks for a subscription, which we sent to his son Earnest, who is with the forces in France. His address is 110 Trench Mortar Battery and his letters home are cheerful. The Leader is not going to many of the boys in France.Neely Vaught who is in training at Camp Mabry, Austin returned to camp Monday morning after spending a day or two with his mother, Mrs. J.L. Fletcher in the Sparks Chapel neighborhood.
August 23, 1918
Automobiles Scarce in France
Uncle Don Yandel of the Hogansville community was in town Tuesday, and was a pleasant caller at our office. He had just received two letters from his son, Marshall, who is with our forces in France and we give our readers a part of one of the letters which is as follows:
I am getting along fine and having a "smart deal" of fun. We had a nice trip in some places and landed safely without the loss of a soldier or anyone. There is some very pretty country here and especially the woman. But I am at a loss when it comes to talking to them. "I don't like the method of farming here, because the still farm with oxen, while they have some horses and the best cattle I have ever saw. And automobile is a rare thing. Ox carts and small carriages are the ways to travel. "Don't forget to write all letters in ink. Don't send anything but money, for I won't get it. Write regular and all the news. You will hear more often now, as often as once a week."A TWENTIETH CENTURY PAUL REVERE
Listen my children and you will hear.
Of another rider than Paul RevereOf a tiny lad on a strange steed
Who rode a race for his country's need.He heard of country's call for men;
He heard of their sacrifice, and then -He heard of the need for money too,
For food and clothes to help them thru.He wanted to help, tho he could not fight.
He wanted to serve in the cause of right.So he mounted a Thrift Card, reins in hand
And rode and rode thru' out the land."Money!" he cried, "Money for clothes!
The boys in the trenches" - off he goes.And 'mid the sound of the clattering hoof
The call echoed across the roofs."Gather your nickels! Gather your dimes!
Help the Nation! Prepare these times."The people heard, as the boy flashed by.
The heard his fervid, earnest cry.
And out of the stockings, laid away
And out of the closet, hid from day.They gathered their savings of many years,
And poured them forth with hearty cheers."Take these!" they cried, "In the cause of right.
We'll save for the boys who nobly fight."As on he sped, he heard them say
"We'll do our best - save everyday."And when the boy on his valiant steed
Had spread the call of country's need.He drew the reins on old " Thrift Samp."
And petted his nose all sweaty and damp."Our work is done, " he said, "old man."
The Nation's roused to the War Savings Plan.August 30, 1918
More Boys to Camp
The following named boys will leave for training camp sometime next week.
Ulyss A. Duke
William A. Arnold
Frank P. Scott
Guy M. Stuart
Bill Thompson
Will Smart
Richard M. Teer
Tony H. Samford
John C. Gunter
Claud Smith
Willie Tippitt
Isaac B. Bass
Charles L. Cozart
Warren Fron
Jesse Butler
Julian L. Clanton
Oslin K. Curtis
Fred White
Miller R. Robinson
James R. Parker
John A. Crabtree
Olen A. Melton
Clyde E. Kearney
William A. Strickland
Robert T. McCroan
Floyd B. Hutchens
Samuel S. Davis
Charlie B. Deen
Leonard Pruden
Roy WilsonTwenty six young men registered last Saturday. The registration for the military in Rains county last Saturday was larger than expected than expected ther being 26 in the county. Their names follow:
Edward William Oneil - Point
Lee Harvey - Emory
Alois Fischer - Emory
Raymond G. Mc Kinney - Point
Dee Carlise, col. - Point
Nonus Morris - Alba
Seymore Wells, col. - Point
Collie Sam Panter - Emory
Reuel Ferguson - Point
Jerome H. Milliron - Alba
Willie Byram - Emory
John Henry Spence - Emory
James Willard Hughey - Point
Marshall Ernest Harris - Point
Byrd McMillan - Point
John Wesley Scott - Emory
Jesse Garrett col. - Emory
Robert Wert, col. - Point
Sylvester Cole - Point
Shelley Lee Hartley - Point
Arden Middleton - EmoryTwo More Boys to Camp
Tom Prince of Point and Walter Linebraugh of the Willow Springs neighborhood left Monday evening for Berlin, Germany, by way of Camp Travis.September 6, 1918
Dunbar News
Uncle Sam has called for some more of our noted young men to go to training camp-Warren Dorn and Arthur Arnold.September 13, 1918
Rains County Boy Wounded in Action
Mr. George W. Smith, who lives in the East part of the country received two telegrams Wednesday, one stating that his son, Thos. D. had been wounded in action at the front. Mr. Smith's name never appeared on the causality list through he was wounded on August 7th. The telegram from the War Department reads as follows:
"Deeply regret to inform you that it is officially reported that Sergeant Thomas D. Smith, Infantry, was wounded in action degree undetermined, August 7th, Department has no
further information."
The other telegram was from the Y.M.C.A. and it reads as follows:
"Your son arrived in home port today. Letter follows"
This is the second Rains county boy to be wounded at the front. Mr. Smith only received the telegram Wednesday, the 11th and the boy was wounded on August 7th.
Mrs. Viola Pound left Sunday for Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to visit her husband, who is with the soldier boys in training at that point.September 20, 1918
935 Men Register in Rains County
Nine hundred and thirty five Rains county men were registered for military services, September 12th, between 18 and 45 inclusive. The board has not yet got the names classified by ages and we will not publish the names until they are classified.
The questionnaires are being mailed out to those between the ages of 19 and 38. The men are to be classified first.
James E. Tippet, who has been in training at Camp Travis for the past three months, returned home a few days ago having received a discharge for physical disability.The Trial At Tyler
The trial of the Rains county men charged with conspiring to evade the draft law is still in progress but it is thought possible that a verdict may be reached by Saturday.
Our citizens have almost wore the road out from here to Tyler attending this trial as witnesses and a long sigh of relief went up, one that was felt (if not heard) all the way from Tyler to Emory. The editor was a good witness and talks with experience. We do not mean a good witness in the case itself, but we mean a good witness to that sigh of relief. We made two trips to Tyler and lost five perfectly good days.September 27, 1918
Former Emory Boy Married
Leroy S. Buzby, formerly of this place was married in Greenville on September 2nd, to Miss Marie Carter of Quinlan. Roy was our telephone manager here for sometime and many of his friends will be glad to hear of his marriage. He was called for Military service several months ago and is now stationed at Camp Travis.Smyrna Dots
One more of our boys will be sent in the next call for men to get the Kaiser. It's Jim Rhodes and no doubt Jim will make a good soldier.
Bruce Beck one of our boys volunteered last summer, has returned from France being discharged. Bruce days, he did not get a Hun, but says he guarded a lot of broche prisoners the American captured.
Dunbar Dots
We are glad to have our good friend Burey Bullard at home with us again. He has been discharged from Uncle Sam's forces.Guy Holman of Daugherty has enlisted with a tank corps and will leave with in the next ten days for Raleigh, N.C. to begin his training. Guy wants to ride right over the boches. He enlisted as an electrical engineer.
24 Sentenced for Hindering Draft Law
Sentences ranging from two months in jail to three years in the Federal penitentiary at Atlanta Ga., were imposed on the twenty-four men found guilty on the charge of hindering the draft law. The trial consumed over two weeks and many witnesses from this county were used on the stand. Twenty seven defendants were placed on trial, three of the number being found not guilty.. These were John Sanford, Ernest Clewis and Will Freeman.
Six defendants pleaded guilty and were sentenced to sixty days, in jail, as follows: Sam Orear, William Lamb, Jess Fleming, John Hodge, John Fleming and Josh Andrews.
THERE IS A BIG PIECE OF THE PAPER MISSING HERE.
The six men who pleaded guilty and George Belcher, who also was sentenced to sixty days accepted the sentence and commenced serving their time last Friday. The other defendants have appealed their cases, all being remanded to jail pending the action of the courts.
Judge Duval West of San Antonio presided at the trial, judge Gordon Russell being unable to hold court on account of illness.October 4, 1918
Friends of Argie White will be glad to learn that he has been heard from and that he is all right. In some way the other people have been unable to hear from him since he landed in France, but through private correspondence it is learned that it is only the fault of the mail.
Ocie Engleman, who is in training with the boys at Camp Travis, was here the past few days visiting home folk.Mrs. Johnson has our thanks for a subscription which we sent to her son, H.B. Garner who is with the boys in France.
C.B. Couch went to Greenville, Friday where with a number of other non-commissioned officers will be entrained for Camp Stanley at Leon Springs to take about a five weeks training.
Buck Kinser, who is in training with Uncle Sam's forces at Camp Sheridan is spending a few days in Emory and vicinity on a furlough. He looks hale and hearty and doubtless he could eat a Hun or two by himself.John Nix, who is attending the military academy in Bryan, is spending a few days at home.
October 18, 1918
Hogansville News
W.P. Deen was called Saturday to the bedside of his sick son, C.B., who is in training at Camp Travis. The message stated he had pneumonia.Guy Stuart, who is stationed at Camp Travis, is at home for a few day visit.
October 25, 1918
Dr. S.S. McCrum of Lone Oak, who is now with Uncle Sam's Medical Forces at Fort Bliss was in Emory a few hours, Wednesday meeting old friends and acquaintances. He was looking fine and said, he was just up from a brush with the Spanish influenza.Mr. W. Horsley sends the paper to his son Tip A., who is with the forces in France.
November 1, 1918
Accepted to the Military Service
Willie Nations, Lone Oak
Jesse J. Cause, Alba
John T. Childers. Emory
Hiram T. Long, Emory
David N. Nix, Point
Dewey J. Havins, Point
Charlie A. Robertson, Emory
Marshall H. Mc Millan, Point
Lewis J. Newsome, Alba
Horace W. Roland, Point
Bailey A. Robertson, Emory
Fred, Vansiyke, Emory
Fina Hays Kenemur, Emory
E. Bennett Williams, Alba
Obie Earl Whittle, Emory
Albert L. Whittle, Emory
Albert L. English, Ginger
Bryan J. Briggs, Point
Davis S. Andrews, Point
William C. Parmer. Alba
John T. Henry, Emory
Leeome Miller, Lone Oak
Emmett T. Porter, Dallas
Otto R. Allen, Emory
Eugene D. Scott, Point
John Sisk, Emory
F. Clyde Kerr, Point
Lester A. Kirk, Emory
Guy L. Holman, Emory
Austin C. Hobbs, Point
Claud R. Hobbs, Point
George Leggett, Point
Orian K. Harian, Point
Albert Murry, Emory
Charlie L. Owens, Emory
Clarence H. Cline, Emory
Paul M. Hughey, Point
William D. Shelton, Emory
Ervin C. Spencer, Point
C. D. Castleberry, Emory
W. J. Burleson, Point
Frank Barrow, Point
Charlie H. Trumble, Point
James W. Cox, Alba
Walter L. Rabe, Point
Albert J. Fields, Point
Thos V. Fuller, Alba
Bethel R. Passons, Point
Alden V. Campbell, Emory
H. Erwin Woodson, Ginger
Oscar L. Garner, Emory
John H. Clay, Emory
Hugh P. Bowers, Point
Joseph H. Thornton, Lone Oak
John Armstrong, Point
Oscar W. Tilton, Point
Fred Thompson, Point
Arthur Taylor, Point
William D. Greecey, Point
J. Leo Middleton, Emory
Walter F. McCormick, Point
Windle Watson, Point
Walter F. Hubbard, Point
Thos. N. Ratliff, Emory
Richard H. Swain, Point
Huey Greer, Emory
Jesse G. Brown, Emory
Roy D. Fenter, Point
Jas. F. Williams, Point
Jerry Hoskins, Point
Joseph A. Taylor, Emory
Jesse C. Tarbutton, Emory
Benjamin F. Stuart, Point
Johnnie H. Jones, Lone Oak
Harry I. Disman, Emory
Willie Melton Scott, Emory
Looney Toral White, Point
Gilbert N. McTaggart, EmoryMen Called for Service
Ruel Ferguson of Point, left Wednesday for Camp Mabrey, at Austin, to take military training.
The following boys will leave Tuesday for Camp Travis.
Joseph Morris, Yantis
Jim H. Rhodes, Point
Arthur E. Fletcher, Greenville
Edward W. O'Neil, Point
Lee Harvey, Emory
Elios Fischer, Emory
Nonus Morris, Alba
Jesse H. Sparks, Point
Arden Middleton, Emory
Raymond C. Mc Kinney, Point
The following boys will leave for Camp Bowie next Wednesday
Sylvester Cole, Point
Fred Thompson, point
Joseph Thornton, Lone Oak
O. W. Tilton, Point
Several more men were called the 19th inst.Rains County Boy Honored
The following from the Division Commander, shows what our Rains County boys are doing in France. Private First Class Stacey L. Underwood, M. D. Ambulance Co. No 2, showed
extra devotion to duty and coolness and bravery under heavy shell fire and repeatedly disregarded his own personal safety in evacuating wounded in the open with no protection from shell fire. He was continually on duty for 72 hours with our sleep or food and by his own fine example greatly aided the morale of the troopsBy Command of General Summerhill
Just why we do not know but the above named soldier is going by an assumed name and his real name is R.L. (Lee) Bloodworth, son of our friend B.D. Bloodworth of Henry Chapel neighborhood.Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana
Dear Sir:
Wish to advise that my address has been changed from Co. B 2nd Proc. Bn Eng'rs to Post Headquarters, Ft. Benj., Harrison, Ind. I failed to get last weeks paper and thought I had better notify you of change of address as I always like to get the "Leader" and learn news from home. Am now working in the office here in Post Headquarters and chances look very
slim forgetting to go across. Was sorry to learn that there were so many deaths in Rains County from the effects of the influenza. There were seventeen hundred cases here at the Camp at one time and there were as high as twenty of the boys died on night. This Camp was under quarantine four weeks and three days and we boys couldn't go to the city or any other place. But the camp is normal once more and everybody is going to the city of Indianapolis, Ind. and having a nice time. Trusting that the epidemic is under control in and around Emory.
Yours very truly,
Clarence E. CliftonJoe Partridge, one of our soldier boys, has been at home the past few days, visiting home folks. He is stationed at Camp Travis.
November 22, 1918
Another Rains County Boy Wounded in France
Mrs. M.J. York of Point, received a message from the secretary of the Y.M.C.A., notifying her that her son Andrew J. York of Co. M. 144 Infantry had received a wound, but is getting along fine and would be up in a few days. This is the first word she has had from him since July 13th.December 6, 1918
Another Wounded Boy
Through a letter from Tom Tackett it has been learned here that Dave Nabors, another one of our Rains county boys, has been wounded, though from the letter we judge the wound is slight. Mr. Tackett's letter was written on the third of November and we still haven't been able to hear from any of the boys since the armistice was signed. The latest date of the letter we have heard of was from Clifford Hogue. It was written on the 10th, ten hours before the hostilities ceased.December 20, 1918
Rains County Boys on Casualty List
Two more Rains County boys were reported slightly wounded the past week. They were Edward J. McDade of Alba and Ray R. Tilton of Point. We haven't heard anything from the families of these young men, but hope they will soon be out and on duty again.
We learn from the family that Mack Parker of Point, who has been located at New Orleans for sometime is to receive his discharge from the military service in a few days, according to information furnished his mother by his commanding officer.