William F. Jones of Dunn Killed in Action at Front in France, 1918

“William F. Jones Dies in France,” The Dunn Dispatch, Oct. 31, 1918

A telegram from the War department at Washington was received by E.A. Jones Tuesday, announcing that his son, William F. Jones, had been killed while in action at the front in France He was severely wounded July 20^th and died the following day. Several weeks ago, Mr. Jones received a telegram stating that his son had been severely wounded and had heard nothing further until the message came Tuesday announcing his death.

Williams was just 22 years of age and was born and reared in Dunn. He enlisted in the army in January 1917 and sailed for France June 10^th of the same year. He went to France with the first American troops and had been in service there for 13 months, being a corporal in Co. F of the 16^th infantry, at the time of his death.

William was one of the first ones of the Dunn boys to give his life for his country on the battle fields of France. He was well known here where he was popular with his friends, who deeply sympathize with his father and other loved ones. He was a member of the First Baptist church and an excellent young man.

The World Will Never Be the Same Again, Oct. 31, 1918

From the front page of The Roanoke News, Weldon, N.C., Oct. 31, 1918

The World Will Never Again Be the Same World

In these days of horror how much of the past seems like a dream! Gone those common daily tasks which flowed on so quietly and forgetfully that we were hardly aware of their passage. Often they grew dull and irksome in their respected monotony, and we sighed for something different, even something painful so it were different. Now look back from the midst of war and tumult and terror, and the monotony seems sweet.

The old affections still persist, of course, and always will, since nothing can uproot them. But there is something vague and elusive about their persistence, as if we knew them but could not realize them, had not time or strength to enjoy their comfort and delight. Loved faces tease us as do the shadowy figures of a dream.

And the old, simple pleasures: a walk in the fields, or a dinner with friends, or the pleasant progress of our gardens, or an evening with books. Either they are gone because we haven’t time for them, or if we keep them up, there is the same haunting flavor of unreality, of dreaminess. We seem to be moving and laughing and loving in our sleep.

Let us at least insist upon the same quality in what is hideous and hateful. For the nightmare of this war will pass also like a shuddering shadow. The world will never again be the same world. It never is the same world for two years or two minutes. But cruelty and hate will pass out of it, as joy for the moment passed. Some day, sooner or later, mankind will reawaken to brotherhood, tranquility and peace.

What concerns us meanwhile is so to bear ourselves that in the dream memories of that future we and those we love shall find nothing to be ashamed of. Let us fill our lives with courage and dignity and patience and hope, so that we may be fully worthy of that glad awakening when it comes. In the words of the great poet who has most felt this dreamlike uncertainty of life:

So fairly carry the full cup, so well

Disordered insolence and passion quell,

That there be nothing after to upbraid

Dreamer or doer in the part he played,

Whether tomorrow’s dawn shall break the spell,

Or the last trumpet of the eternal day,

When dreaming with the night shall pass away.

Alamance County Board of Health Passes Additional Rules to Prevent Spread of Flu, 1918

“lnfluenza,” from The Alamance Gleaner, Oct. 31, 1918

Additional Rules and Regulations

The County Board of Health, in session October 28, 1918, all members present, passed the following:

Because of the continued increase of the epidemic Influenza in certain sections of Alamance County, all public gatherings, whether held indoors or out, such as public sales, public speakings, picnics, and similar gatherings, be prohibited until November 30^th, unless this regulation be sooner repealed.

That all persons, save those entertaining to act as nurses, or upon errands of mercy or necessity, are prohibited from going in and out of houses other than their own, where cases of influenza exist.

That all persons that have had influenza are prohibited from leaving their homes and houses until such time as attending physicians shall pronounce it safe for them to do so.

That all persons violating the above regulations are subject to the penalties provided by law for violating any rule promulgated by the County Board of Health.

Members of Board: W.K. Holt, Heenan Hughes, P.H. Fleming, Dr. W.E. Walker, Dr. J.A. Pickett.

--W.K. Holt, Chm’n

--P.H. Fleming, Sec’y

Updates From N.C. Soldier Boys Injured in France, 1918

“News of Soldier Boys,” from The Alamance Gleaner, Oct. 31, 1918

Private Winfrey Martin, son of Mrs. K.T. Martin of Graham, is reported slightly wounded in France.

Willard Goley, son of Dr. and Mrs. W.R. Goley, was heard from a few days ago. He had been gassed and was in a hospital. He wrote himself and said he was improving.

Mr. Henry M. Moser received letters from his sons Kenneth and Ammon yesterday. Both are in France. The letters were written a month ago. Kenneth was reported wounded in August, but in his letter, written a month later, he said nothing about having been wounded. Ammon tells in his letter that Kenneth was gassed and was in a hospital about 10 days. In that Kenneth says nothing about it and writes cheerfully, it is taken that he has entirely recovered.

Vote for State Amendment To Keep Schools Open Six Months, 1918

“Six Months School Term,” from the editorial page of The Alamance Gleaner, Oct. 31, 1918

A constitutional amendment is to be voted on next Tuesday to provide a six months school in every school district in North Carolina.

Both political parties endorse longer school terms in their platforms.

The Democrat State Convention in Raleigh said:

“Education was never more necessary than in this time of jeopardized civilization for preparation of our children for the larger responsibilities and duties, for the fiercer competition for the harder tasks of reconstruction and readjustment that are sure to follow this world-wide war, and for preservation of all that our boys at the front and their Allies are fighting and dying to win.

“that the Democratic Party renews its pledge to the fullest support of the public schools, pledges its support to the constitutional amendment for a six months school term, and calls upon all patriotic citizens of the State irrespective of party affiliation to vote for this amendment as a patriotic duty to the present and future generations of North Carolina children.”

The Republican State Convention in Greensboro said:

“The advantages of education were never more necessary than now in the preparation of the youth of our country for the larger duties and responsibilities and the fierce competition in all the activities of life that are sure to follow this world-wide war. The Republican Party of North Carolina, therefore, heartily favors the amendment to the constitution of this State securing a six months school term in every school district of the State.”

The advantages that will flow from a longer school term cannot be estimated. It means greater opportunities for the children because of better education and fitness for filling more responsible positions. It will mean better teachers because longer terms will insure better pay and attract more competent teachers.

Every one should vote “For Six Months School Term” and help put the Old North State in the class she deserves to occupy.

Fellow Sailor Relates How Edward Leonard, First Class Seaman, Died When Ticonderoga Was Sunk By U-Boat, Sept. 30, 1918

From the Monroe Journal, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 1918. For more information on the sinking of the Ticonderoga, go to the Naval History and Heritage Command site online at https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/wars-and-events/world-war-i/incidents--1918/uss-ticonderoga-sunk-by-u-152.html

Eye Witness Relates How Captain of German Sub Shot Edward L. Davis of Warrenton, N.C. in the Head

Edward Leonard, first class seaman and one of the three surviving the American ship Ticonderoga, sunk September 30, relates how Edward L. Davis of Warrenton, N.C. was shot in the head by the captain of the sub. Davis had swam alongside the sub and was pleading for the life of his comrades on the sinking Ticonderoga, which was being shelled by the sub, when shot by the Germans.

Leonard’s story, as printed in the Warrenton Record, follows:

“It was shortly after 5 o’clock on the morning of September 30 that an explosion on deck brought me out of a sound nap. I ran to the bridge and shrapnel was flying in every direction. I saw the bridge was on fire and Captain James Madison wounded. I had hardly gotten my bearings when I heard the order to get ready the life-boats.

“Everything was topsy-turvy, but I heard still another order to send the gun crews to the six-inch piece aft. It was then that I discovered the three-inch gun for’ard had been shot away by the Hun. That was Bobby’s gun. (Bobby Burns, famous light-weight champion and friend of Leonard.—Ed.)

“Going aft I saw our men dropping with the shrapnel still sweeping the deck. There lay little Bobby with a wound in his head. He had been hit on his way to his new post of duty. I ran to him. He was still conscious. I took his head in my arms and he opened his eyes. Looking straight into mine, he said:

‘Leonard, you’ve been a friend to me and I’m going to ask you one more favor. If you get away safely, which I don’t believe possible, please go to my home and tell them how I died.’

“A minute later Bobby was dead and I ran to help with the life boats. As the sub was on our starboard side, we lowered on the port side, thinking they would hit us, but as fast as we dropped a boat into the water the Germans fired upon it. We had 14 boats and most of them were crushed to pieces before our eyes. We could not fight any longer because they had shot away our other gun. We didn’t hit them one—at least I saw no marks on the sub later. Yet, I have seen our gun crews split a barrel, at practice, many a time. We were helpless then and they kept firing.

“One of our crew, a lad named Edward Davis, from Warrenton, N.C., as game a boy as ever lived, swam to the side of the U-boat, which was hardly a thousand yards away, and pleaded for the lives of the men aboard the sinking ship. When he told the Huns they were killing everyone, a German officer stepped forward and shot him through the head.

“When the ship quickened her downward pace, stern first, we lowered our boat No. 7, on the starboard side, for by that time the sub, confident she had completed the job, submerged. We were rowing as hard as we could and our ensign was encouraging us, but the sub came to the surface again. With her reappearance we concluded she would let drive at our boat.

“The ensign was a man. There on the bottom of the boat lay our captain and there were others wounded too badly to help, but the ensign instructed us how to act.

“’They’ll order us alongside,’ he said, ‘and we must go, but I want each man to be a true American. Do not answer their questions. Let them sink us if they desire. Be a real American and die for your country.’

“We promised, and when we drew alongside, as ordered later, an interpreter, who was brought upon the deck by the German commander, endeavored to pump us.

“None of the fellows answered.

“It was then that they ordered the captain to stand forward, but it was explained that he was very badly wounded and we requested some surgical dressings.

“That reply to our request came from one of the Huns who said the only thing he would give us was an 8-inch shell. Finally they took our executive officer and demanded the engineer, but our chief was killed in his room, so they took the assistant and submerged again.

“All during the conversation we were tied to the sub, our towline having been made fast to their stern. When the hatches were closed the U-boat started below with our lifeboat attached, but somehow the rope broke or was cut, for we were free at last. After four days of drifting, we were picked up and brought home.”

James Earl Null Died Thursday at Camp Hancock, 1918

From the Hickory Daily Record, Oct. 29, 1918

Claremont, Oct. 29—Mr. Monroe Null received a telegram stating that his son, James Earl, died Thursday at Camp Hancock, Ga., with pneumonia following influenza. The body was brought here Sunday night on No. 35 and was buried Monday evening at Bethlehem church. He belonged to the 53^rd company of which several other Catawba members of the same company have died. The deceased was 33 years of age and leaves a wife, father, mother, sister and brother, besides a number of relatives and friends.

Army's Official Casualty Lists for North Carolina, Oct. 29 and 30, 1918

“Today’s Casualty List,” from the Hickory Daily Record, Oct. 29 and Oct. 30, 1918

Washington, Oct. 29—The army casualty list shows the following names from North Carolina:

Killed in Action

Lieut. Bascom L. Field of Greensboro

Lieut. John C. Miller of Fairview

Died from Wounds

John Q. Collston of Wadesboro

Ira H. McKee of Rougemont

Rovitzy Smith of Creek

Died From Accident and Other Causes

Jimmy Griffin of Cardinas

Died of Disease

Capt. Geo R. Hardesty of Baulau Heights

Sgt. Horace B. Connelly of Winston-Salem

Slightly Wounded

Sdison (?) M. Green of Waynesville

Corp. Curby Bare of Wagoner

LeRoy Bennett of Reelsboro

Jesse S. Ambrose of Williamston

Corp. Charlie W. Tunger of New Hall

James N. Evans of Spray

Welzy Dodd of Just

Roby Tysinger of Randleman

Dackie (?) of West of Coilmbia (Columbia?)

Wounded, Degree Undetermined

Captain Vincent P. Rousseau of Charlotte

Corp. Jacob H. Pittman of Wilmington

Brice B. Ipock of Cove City

Walter E. Bryson of Balsam

Casualty List for Oct. 30, 1918

Washington, Oct 30--The army casualty lists issued for today contain the following names from North Carolina:

Died of Disease

Private Siam (Sam?) McLaughlin of Maxton

Wounded Severely

Corporal Marshall C Fowler of Hamlet

Private June L. Parks of Seagrove

Wounded, Degree Undetermined

Corporal Tommie A. Lee of Norwood

Corp. Haskel E. Page of Benson

Private Manson A. Buchanan of Greenscreek

Emergency Hospitals in Haw River, Burlington, Graham Are Saving Lives in Alamance County, 1918

From The Alamance Gleaner, Oct. 31, 1918

Gov. Holt Residence, Haw River, Emergency Hospital

It was a capital idea to turn the Gov. Holt residence at Haw River into an emergency hospital. The residence contains about a dozen large, well ventilated rooms, equipped with all modern conveniences. It stands well back and can be kept perfectly quiet. There was being treated about 30 cases of influenza there at last accounts, and it is noted that the disease is now under fairly good control there. Ten days ago the situation there was alarming. This splendid property belongs to Mr. Finley L. Williamson, one of the owners of the Holt-Granite Mills at that place. He personally helped to fight the epidemic until stricken himself and then authorized his bank account to be drawn on up to $5,000 to combat the malady.

Burlington Graded School Emergency Hospital

The City of Burlington when it closed its Graded School on account of the epidemic of influenza converted its splendidly equipped Graded School building into an emergency hospital. They have the situation under good control now and there is a very appreciable decrease in the number of cases reported daily.

Emergency Hospital at Presbyterian Manse, Sunday School, Graham

The rapid increase of influenza in Graham last week called for extraordinary measures to care for the sick. Recognizing the necessity of immediate action, a meeting of Red Cross workers was called Saturday morning to lay plans for action. Without delay it was decided to open an emergency hospital, secure competent nurses and arrange to supply nourishment best suited to the needs of the sick.

A suitable building for a hospital was the first matter to be settled. The Presbyterian manse was found to be available, as Dr. McConnell had just packed up his household effects preparatory to going to Florida. It was cleared at once and thoroughly cleaned and aired. Cots, beds and bedding were arranged for and these were put in Sunday. Before the day was over arrangements were made to accommodate a dozen or more patients and some were moved in. The manse was apparently inadequate owing to the increase in cases, and Monday it was arranged to use the Sunday School class rooms at the Presbyterian church in connection with the manse. This arrangement was better still as the church is supplied with heat, water, a kitchenette and other conveniences, making it ideal for the purpose.

In the meantime a nurse of experience had been secured through the good offices of the State Board of Health to help in the organization. She came, but found matters in such excellent shape that her services were not further required after a stay of a couple of days. Two graduate nurses are now in charge, aided by volunteer nurses. An expert passed this way the first of the week and gave the arrangement here unstinted praise.

Up to today, 32 patients have been received. Some have been very sick. A few are still quite sick, but it is believed all will safely recover. The doctors frankly and openly say that the prompt action has saved several lives.

Women and men, many of them have generously aided in personal service and with money to supply everything needed, and what they have done is worthy of the highest appreciation.

While everyone deserves special mention, the services of Miss Irma Coble, County Demonstrator, has been such that hit should not go unmentioned. Before the hospital was established, she converted her room in the court house into a kitchen and was preparing dainty and palatable soups which were carried to the homes of the sick. She is in charge of the food preparation at the hospital and many of the sick outside are being served from the hospital kitchen.

No community effort could have been more generously approved than the Emergency Hospital, and none could have rendered a more needed service.

Influenza in Graham

A week ago today there was reported 77 cases of influenza in Graham. For the four or five days following, it spread rapidly and the number must have approximated 200. The crest seems to have passed as only about a half a dozen new cases have been heard of in the past 24 hours. There have been two deaths form cases originating here. It is to be hoped that the worst is passed.

Sgt. Harden Shares His News From the Front 'Somewhere in France', 1918

“Somewhere in France,” a letter home Sgt. Albert W. Harden, printed in The Alamance Gleaner, Oct. 31, 1918

September 21^st, 1918

Dear Mama:

After wandering all over France we have at last landed on the front. Although this is not one of the real lively sectors, they shoot through just the same. Last night I watched a fight with an aeroplane, and several pieces of shrapnel fell around us.

I have been trying to find out Robert’s whereabouts ever since I have been over here, but do not find any one that has seen his Division, and information of that kind is very hard to get any way.

Night before last we hiked all night long through the cold rain. We had to make about 22 miles before daylight, so we had to hurry along regardless of the rain and mountains. It was some long, cold and wet trip, but only one man dropped out and was left behind, that was good for that bunch of men.

What do you think of the war news now? It still looks good to me. We have been fortunate in getting an American paper that is printed in Paris almost every night, and believe me we certainly enjoy it, too.

I have received one letter from you at this time, that is, besides the ones forwarded me from Camp Upton, although I am expecting some mail here, for we have been on the move, and all mail was sent ahead.

Tell Aunt Annie to be sure and write, for getting mail over here is like Christmas coming to a child. The boys don’t look forward to pay day like they do mail day, and another thing, getting a bath is just about as often as getting a letter, and both are very scarce.

This is a very beautiful country. I did not think it was near as pretty as England, but since I have traveled more and have seen more of France I like France better, and the people are much better to us, and try to help us all they can, although their help is very limited, as there are no people at home but women, children and old men, and it is wonderful the amount of laboring work the women do, but their method of work is so antique.

Maybe the next letter I write I will have more news to tell you, for we will be on relief by then. Write soon.

Love to all,

Segt. Albert W. Harden

Dr. Edward Graham, President of University of North Carolina, Died Oct. 26 of Influenza-Pneumonia, 1918

Dr. Edward Kidder Graham

From The Tar Heel, the official organ of the athletic association of the University of North Carolina, Oct. 30, 1918

Dr. Edward Kidder Graham

Dr. Edward K. Graham, president of the University, died at his home here Saturday, October 26, following an illness of five days from influenza and complications. Dr. Graham had been ill a few days when pneumonia set in, and, although the student body was aware of the serious nature of his illness, every hope was entertained for his recovery. The unexpected news of his death has overwhelmed the student body with a keen, personal grief and has brought sorrow to the hearts of those who knew him.

The University has lost, by the death of President Graham, a great leader—a virile young leader of the new era who brought the University he loved into a more intimate relationship with people all over the state and at the same time placed it in the forefront as one of the Universities of the nation alive to educational requirements of today. In his inaugural address, delivered April 22, 1915, he characterized the State University as a “living unity, an organism at the heart of the living democratic state, interpreting its life, not by parts, nor a summary of parts, but wholly fusing them all into a new culture center, giving birth to a new humanism.” Such was is idea and to this end he lived and wrought. On that day, the day of his inauguration, the governor of North Carolina said, “That man and hour have met. We are beginning a new chapter in the history and culture of North Carolina.”

A true prophecy. The man,--a product of the institution he was to lead so well, endowed with every requisite for that leadership, a great thinking, clean minded young leader—and the Hour—the turning point in the University’s life.

It was but characteristic of the man to offer his services to his country when this nation entered the war and these services were constantly sought. When the Students’ Army Training Corps was recently organized he was at once selected as regional director of the corps for the South Atlantic States, States, with the University as regional headquarters. This work was his chief care at the time of his death, but he also found time to act as trustee of the American University Union in Europe, as a member of the internation committee of the Y.M.C.A. and as a member of the educational committee of the council of national defense.

The relationship between Dr. Graham and the student body was close, affectionate. His personality was of that rare type which is aptly said to be in “the spirit of things”—the type of personality that stimulated among the students the love of the right—the defense of cherished ideals—the birth of new, clean thought. Under his leadership men not only became his devoted admirers,--they were his disciples also.

We read with pride the glowing praise he received from great men of the state and nation, but we who knew him, who loved him, grieve to know that once more, but for the last time, the Man and the Hour have met.

Washington, Oct. 26—Josephus Daniels, secretary of the navy, made the following comment tonight on the death of President Gram of the State University.

“I have just learned of the death of President Graham. I loved him like a brother. I think he was the most useful man in North Carolina, and we could possibly spare any man in the state rather than him. We have nobody to fill his place. He was a man of clear vision, had the confidence of the entire state and was truly representative of the best spirit of North Carolina. I have known all presidents of the State University since 1875. He was the youngest man elected to the presidency of that great institution and bore not only a state but a national reputation as an educator, counselor and great citizen. I deeply deplore his death, which means an irreparable loss to the educational system of my state, and to the country as a whole.”

“Washington, Oct. 26—The tribute of Newton D. Baker, secretary of war, to President Graham, was as follows:

“Word which comes to me through the Washington bureau of the Greensboro Daily News of the death of President Graham distresses me beyond words. President Graham was a man of great distinction and talent. He was one of the south’s most foremost educators. I have known him intimately for a long time and highly valued his personal friendship. One of the greatest of the young educators produced by Dixie has passed and I am sincerely grieved. His death is a lamentable loss not only to the University and the state which he served but to the entire country’s educational system.”

Governor T.W. Bickett made the following statement to representatives of the Tar Heel:

“After giving the matter the most serious thought, there was no man in the state that we could so ill afford to lose as Dr. Graham. There is no man in the state whose place it would be so hard to fill. The whole state feels that it has suffered an irreparable loss.”

Dr. Graham was born in Charlotte, October 11, 1876. He was the son of Archibald and Eliza Owen Barry Graham, who for many years resided in that city. In 1898 he received a Ph.B. degree from the University of North Carolina and in 1902 he was awarded an A.M. degree from Columbia University, New York City, which institution he attended in 1903-04 as a graduate student.

His connection with the University of North Carolina began in 1899, when he became librarian, leaving the University a year later to take up graduate work. In 1905 he resumed this connection as an associate professor of English, and served the institution constantly from that time to the present. In 1908, the year of his marriage to Miss Susan Williams Moses of Raleigh, he became professor of English and dean of the school of liberal arts. During the absence of Dr. Francis Preston Venable, he became acting president of the University, and on April 21, 1915, he was formally inaugurated president. The year previously, he received the degree doctor of civic laws form the University of North Carolina, and in 1902 he was awarded an A.M. degree by Erskine, Wake Forest and Lafayette colleges.

During recent years he was recipient of the following honors: member of the National Education Association, member of the North Carolina Teachers’ Association, member of the North Carolina Literary and Historical Association, member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and Gordon’s Head, member of the educational committee of the Council of National Defense, director of American universities’ union in Europe, director of the Students’ Army Training Corps, collegiate branch, for the southern states, and a member of the International Committee of the Young Men’s Christian Association.

Dr. Graham had planned to move to Raleigh this week to take up more fully his duties with the Students’ Army Training Corps during the period of the war although he would not have discontinued his work as president of the University.

His life was saddened on December 22, 1917, by the loss of his wife. He is survived by a son, Edward Kidder Graham Jr., seven years of age; a sister, Miss Mary Owen Graham, president of Peace Institute, Raleigh; his father, Archibald Graham of Charlotte; and a brother, Archibald Graham Jr., also of Charlotte.

Corp. Ben Carter Died Sept. 1 in Hospital in France of Wounds Received in Action, 1918

“Corporal Ben Carter,” from the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Oct. 28, 1918. The newspaper published a photo of Ben Carter; you can see it online at https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84026483/1918-10-28/ed-1/seq-1/.

Another of North Carolina’s brave boys has fallen on the western front in the battle for the world’s freedom. This time it is Corporal Ben F. Carter of Co. L. 119 infantry regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. S.A. Carter of Red Springs.

Corporal Carter was born July 18^th, 1898, and died in a hospital in France Sept. 1^st, 1918, of wounds received in action. He volunteered January 15^th, 1917, at Lumber Bridge, joining company L of the 2^nd N.C. regiment of the national guards. He had been in France four months when the end came. He fought valiantly for his country’s cause and died a hero doing his duty till he fell on the field mortally wounded.

Ben was converted in the camp before leaving the United States, led to Christ under the influence of the Y.M.C.A. by a camp pastor, and joined the Methodist church. On leaving for France he directed that his church letter be forwarded to Rev. A.J. Parker, pastor of Trinity Methodist church, Red Springs. The following poem which he sent his mother on leaving camp in his home land gives an insight to his spiritual life:

Dear Mother, you’re a lily placed by God beside life’s weary way,

To give new home, new life, new joy, which smiles and seems to say—

“Cheer up” for at the end of this dark, dreary, cheerless road,

A haven of rest awaits your soul, a bright and heavenly abode.

God grant that I will return to you, when e’er the battle’s won,

But should I fall, God give you strength to say, “Thy will be done”

For I die proudly in this fight, the souls of men to save,

Knowing that “Back Home” a Service flag for evermore shall wave.

So as you journey down life’s road, making others’ burdens light,

Remember that your “khaki boy” prays for you and yours each night.

“Your Soldier Boy” by Rev. A.J. Parker, Red Springs, N.C.

11 of 13 Deaths Reported in Robesonian Are From Flu, Oct. 28, 1918

“The Record of Deaths” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Oct. 28, 1918

Mr. Hubert Rogers

The remains of Mr. Hubert Rogers, who died Saturday night at 8:30 at the Thompson hospital, were sent to Raleigh yesterday and interment was made in the family burying ground there late yesterday afternoon. Deceased had been sick several days with influenza-pneumonia. He is survived by his wife and two children, all of whom are sick.

Deceased was a plumber by trade and had made his home here for several years. He was robust and the picture of health when he was stricken with influenza. He was assistant fire chief here and had many friends.

Mr. W.F. Edwards, who accompanied the remains to Raleigh, returned home this morning.

Mr. Woodie P. Wade

Mr. Woodie P. Wade, aged 29 years, died at his home in the eastern part of town yesterday at 8:30 a.m. of influenza-pneumonia. He is survived by his wife and two children. Mrs. Wade and one child are sick with influenza. The funeral was conducted from the house at 10 o’clock this morning by Rev. W.D. Cereba(?), pastor of theGospel Tabernacle, assisted by Rev. J.M. Fleming. Interment was made in the family burying ground near Allenton.

Calvin Lowrey, Died at Camp Stuart

The remains of Calvin B. Lowrey, Indian, formerly of the Buie section, arrived home last week from Camp Stuart, Newport News, Va., where he died of influenza. Deceased was a son of Calvin F. Lowrey, a highly respected Indian of the Buie section, and had been in the army seven months. Interment was made in the family burying ground.

Mr. Isaiah Wilcox of Britt Township

Mr. Isaiah Wilcox, aged 70 years, died Thursday at his home in Britt township of stomach trouble. He is survived by his wife and several children.

Mr. Fulton Phillips of Boardman

Mr. Fulton Phillips died yesterday at 11 a.m. at his home at Boardman of influenza-pneumonia. Deceased formerly lived here.

Giles Prevatt

Mr. Giles Prevatt, formerly of Robeson county, died Thursday at his home at Rockingham of influenza-pneumonia. Deceased was about 62 years old and is survived by his wife and several children.

Randolph Branch

Rudolph, one-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Branch of Britt township, died Saturday of influenza. (The headline in the paper read “Randolph” and the text “Rudolph.” Sorry, I don’t know which is correct.)

John Dial, Indian

John Dial, Indian, aged 53 years, died at his home in Back Swamp township Friday night of pneumonia following influenza.

Mrs. A.H. Flowers

Mr. A.H. Flowers of Palmento, Fla., spent Saturday and yesterday here visiting relatives. Mr. Flowers was on his way back to Florida from Eureka, this State, where he went to bury his wife, who died October 15 of influenza-pneumonia. Deceased is survived by her husband and one child 22 months old.

Miss Sallie Townsend of Hope Mills

Miss Sallie Townsend, aged 80 years, died at her home at Hope Mills Friday morning of infirmities of old age. She was an aunt of Mr. S.H. Hamilton of Lumberton. Deceased was born near Lumberton, near the J.H. McNeill place, but had lived in Hope Mills for the past 60 years.

Mrs. S.R. Jacobs of Fairmont

Mrs. J.R. Jacobs died at her home in Fairmont Thursday night of influenza. She was a daughter of Mr. Condary Arnett of Wishart township. (The headline says she’s Mrs. S.R. and the story says she’s Mrs. J.R. I don’t know which is correct.)

Lucy Lewis, Colored

The remains of Lucy Lewis, colored, arrived here Thursday from Goldsboro, where she died of influenza.

Mr. Stephen Davis of Raft Swamp

Mr. Stephen Davis, aged about 50 years, died Saturday morning at his home near Raft Swamp church. Deceased had been sick for several days with influenza-pneumonia. He is survived by his wife and six children.

32 Carolina Boys Lay Down Lives Overseas, 33 Wounded, 3 Missing In Action, 1918

From The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Oct. 28, 1918

Overseas Casualties

Reported for North and South Carolina:

Killed in Action

Lieut. Robt. A. Gilmore, Anderson, S.C.

Lieut. Jas. Sykes, Pee Dee, N.C.

Corporal Oscar Waset, Anderson, S.C.

Private Troy Fletcher Johnson, Ivanhoe, N.C.

Pvt. West Jacobs, Marion, N.C.

Pvt. Angus Love, Elko, S.C.

Pvt. Anderson A Williams, Metryville, S.C.

Pvt. Wilford H. Davis, Orangeburg, S.C., Rt. 4

Pvt. Bruce Horace Kincaid, Morganton, N.C.

Pvt. Burley Waycaster, Black Mountain, N.C.

Pvt. Dillard S. Pearson, Moravian Falls, N.C.

Died From Wounds Received In Action

Private Roger M. Hockaday, Hoke Forest, N.C., Rt. 1

Pvt. Ira H. McKee, Rougemont, N.C.

Pvt. Mack Matthews, Coward, S.C., Rt. 1

Pvt. Novitzy Smith, Creek, N.C., Rt. 1

Pvt. William. H. Beaver, Kannapolis, N.C.

Pvt. Rufus H. Genobler, Pacolet, S.C.

Pvt. Cleon R. Jones, Mount Olive, N.C., Rt. 1

Pvt. James Biennon, Blackville, S.C.

Pvt. Cumbee Pace, Saluda, N.C.

Died of Disease

Captain George R. Hardesty, Baylau Height, N.C.

Sergeant Horace B. Connelly, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Corporal Pinkney H. Burton, Greensboro, N.C.

Private John F. Stansell, Pickens, S.C., Rt. 1

Pvt. Robert F. Ward, Asheville, N.C., Rt. 1

Pvt. Louis F. Townsend, Connelly Springs, N.C.

Pvt. Henry Boyd, Youngsville, N.C., Rt. 2

Pvt. Samuel W. Smith, Spencer, N.C.

Pvt. William Lewis, Epworth, S.C., Rt. 1

Pvt. Anderson L. Aber, Tyrrell, N.C.

J.C. Wingate, Lincolnton, N.C.

W.F. Malpass, Wallace, N.C.

Wounded Severely

Corporal Dallas Corder, Dobson, N.C.

Corp. Sanford Cain, Westminister, S.C.

Private Barnie F. Jester, Boonville, N.C., Rt. 2

Pvt. James W. Morrow, Saxapahaw, N.C.

Pvt. June C. Johnson, Ramseur, N.C.

Pvt. Charlie C. McAuley, Troy, N.C.

J.T. Murphy, Spray, N.C.

Slightly Wounded

Capt. Arthur Lee, Greenwood, S.C.

Corporal Charlie W. Gunter, Newhill, N.C., Rt. 1

Corp. Spurgeon A. Wilson, Gastonia, N.C., Rt. 4

Corp. John McD. Michal, Woodrow, N.C.

Corp. Charles H. McPherson, Franklin, N.C., Rt. 2

Corp. John L. Brown, Wilkesboro, N.C.

Corp. Walter O. Brown, Bennett, N.C.

Private James N. Evans, Spray, N.C.

Pvt. Welzy Dodd, Just, N.C.

Pvt. Roley Tysinger, Randleman, N.C.

Pvt. Dockie O. West, Columbia, N.C.

Pvt. H.P. William Scott, Walhalla, S.C.

Pvt. Richard N. Sentelle, Waynesville, N.C.

Pvt. Walter T. Warren, Belmont, N.C.

Private Robert D. Cox, Pisgah, N.C.

Pvt. Joel S. Deese, Monroe, N.C.

Pvt. Pleasant R. Fain, Spray, N.C.

Pvt. Fred E. Turnipseed, Baakman, S.C.

Wounded, Degree Undetermined

Corporal Coy M. Bell, Troy, N.C.

Private Asa L. Bradley, Spartanburg, S.C.

Pvt. Jas. H. McKenzie, Carthage, N.C.

J.H. Ball, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Walter Smith, Charlotte, N.C.

C.C. Watson, Oval, N.C.

Missing in Action

Corporal Frances C. McAuley, Dunlap, N.C.

Johnnie Johnson, Windsor, N.C.

Willie Daniel, Northampton, N.C.

Worth Miller, 8, Explains Why We Are Fighting and How He Is Helping, 1918

From the Polk County News, Tryon, N.C., Oct. 25, 1918

If you don’t think the boys of this country understand what our soldiers are fighting for and that they intend to do their part, just read the following letter written by Worth Miller, aged 8 years, of Greens Creek township. Worth knows, and what more is determined to do not only his might but his best. His example might be followed by many of his elders who have failed to do either their bit or best:

“I have bought a War Savings Stamp to help my two brothers, John and Gus, in the army, fighting for me. This is how I got my money: picked up wasted corn in the field, got 50 cents; got me a fish basket and caught sold 37 cents worth of fish; went to the mail box three times for Uncle Solon, he gave me 30 cents; I stuck stakes for Mr. Profit, laying off fences, he gave me $1; I picked 210 pounds of cotton for Mr. Rob Riddings, he gave me $2.10 for it; I picked blackberries for Osborn Miller, he gave me 12 cents.

Worth Miller

Greens Creek Township

When our eight year old boys grasp the situation as this youngster has, and does as he has to secure the money which he loans to Uncle Sam to help his two brothers as he puts it, how can our grown-ups hesitate? As long as our children continue to grow up with such ideas in their heads, have no fear for the future of democracy. It is too deeply rooted to ever die. All honor to Worth Miller and his ilk.

News From Polk County as Published in the Tryon Newspaper, Oct. 25, 1918

“From Our Friends Over the County,” the Polk County News, Tryon, N.C., Oct. 25, 1918. 

Some Items of General Interest Gathered from Various Sections of Polk County

Pea Ridge

Mr. John Thompson spent Sunday afternoon at Mr. E.G. Thompson’s.

Mrs. J.B. Dalton made a trip to Rutherford Thursday.

Mrs. J.T. Green is visiting her mother, Mrs. J.T. Waldrop.

There’s a long, long trail of winding

   Into no man’s land of France;

Where the shot and shells are bursting

   But we must advance.

There’ll be lots of drills and hikings,

   Until our dreams come true;

But we are going to show the Kaiser

   What the Sammie boys can do.

Red Mountain

Old Mr. “Flu” has not invaded our corner yet, and the school is still going on with a good attendance.

Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Ruff left Friday to visit their daughter, who is seriously ill at Great Falls, S.C.

Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Lynch, Mr. and Mrs. Furman Jackson, also Mr. Billy Dimsdale, motored to Asheville Saturday.

Miss Mae Lynch spent Saturday at the Teacherage.

Mr. J.B. Wilson’s mother spent last Sunday at his home. Miss Gladys carried her back to her home in the afternoon.

Mr. Curtis Wilson returned from Spartanburg Saturday.

The Republican candidates of the county held a meeting at the Red Mountain school house last Friday night. A few more Liberty Bonds were sold.

Mill Spring Route 2

Mrs. R.F. Coggins is visiting relatives in Spartanburg this week.

Mr. Roland Ruppe is very ill.

Mr. Mack McGuinn had the bad luck to lose a mule one day last week.

Mr. N.E. Williams made a business trip to Spartanburg last week.

Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Dimsdale spent Wednesday night with their daughter, Mrs. F.R. Coggins.

Mr. Albert Lynch, who is at Camp Jackson, is very low with the influenza and measles.

Mr. Miller Justice was a caller at Mr. N.E. Williams’ one day last week.

Mr. A.L. Hill and Mr. Ballenger from Tryon were visitors in this section last week, on Fourth Liberty Loan business.

Silver Creek

There is much rejoicing in this section over the recent war news. We sincerely hope our boys will keep the Huns on the run while the running is good. As our much admired Lieut. Copeland says, our boys will not be satisfied until they put Old Glory on the Kaiser’s palace in Berlin. We wish Lieut. Copeland would write something for the News every week.

Mr. Will Foster of Landrum, S.C., spent Monday last at his father’s farm on Green river.

Mr. Logan Newman of Green River Cove was laid to rest on Silver Creek last Thursday, where many of his relatives are buried. Mrs. J.L. Jackson of Tryon, a sister of Mr. Newman’s, attended the funeral. Also Mr. W.C. Newman of Hendersonville.

Mr. H.P. Arledge is very ill at this writing.

Mr. C.E. Justice was here in business one day last week.

Mr. Walter Green, while on a business trip to Spartanburg, was attacked with Spanish influenza and came home very ill.

The little son of Mr. Brisco Davis died last Friday and was buried at Friendship church.

Mill Spring Route 1

Well, we haven’t much news, as we are not allowed to get any farther than our cotton fields.

L.H. Shehan and Grover Wilson were visitors at A.A. Edwards’ Saturday.

Private Grover Thompson writes that he has had the pleasure of walking over some dead Germans, also went over the top with success. Good for him.

Mr. A.F. Corbin, with the Edwards choir, are practicing songs in the Methodist hymnal to be used at Lebanon on the first Sunday.

Sunny View, are we going to send a Christmas box “over there”?

Miss Eliza White spent Sunday with Miss Mattie Abrams.

As I smell possum and “punkin” cooking, will have to go see what else we will have for dinner.

Sunny View

Say, Mr. Editor, you was mistaken. It was Mr. Bill Jackson that has arrived safely overseas, instead of Mr. Flu.

Mr. T.P. Brawn received a telegram Friday that his son, Charlie, who is at Camp Hancock, Ga., had the influenza and pneumonia and was very ill. Mr. Brown has gone to visit him.

Mrs. J.L. Jackson has been on the sick list for several days with la grippe.

Mr. A.L. Hill and several others from Tryon were in this section last week, preaching Liberty Bonds. We hope old Polk went over the top.

Mrs. Will Haynes has received word of the death of her brother, Mr. Norman McAbee. He died in camp of the influenza.

Mr. J.C. Whiteside made a splendid talk on school matters near Cooper Gap last Friday night.

Mr. A.H. Lynch visited his grandfather, Mr. J.L. Jackson, Sunday.

Mr. Belton Jackson and Mr. and Mrs. Will Haynes attended the funeral of the latter’s brother, Sunday, at Fairview, N.C.

Misses Maggie Jackson and Anna Wilson were guests of Mrs. G.S. Whiteside, Sunday afternoon.

On account of bad weather, Rev. McCall of Hendersonville failed to fill his appointment at Cooper Gap, Sunday.

Hello, Route 2, we thank you so very much for your advice as how to escape Mr. Flu. We took a cup of boneset and never sneezed any more. [Boneset tea is an old herbal remedy for flu, bronchitis and pneumona. It is a stimulant that promotes sweating.]

Mill Spring

On account of so much Spanish flu there was not any preaching on Christian Endeavor at the Baptist church Sunday.

Word has been received that Mr. Edward Barber has arrived safely overseas.

Mr. J.H. Gibbs’ family is recovering from the Spanish flu, all of them had it except Hubert and Gordon.

Mr. Sam Cocherum is home from Hopewell, Va.

Miss Mollie Dalton was the guest of Miss Sue Gibbs, Monday afternoon.

Messrs. John Price and Amos Arledge spent Saturday night at the home of Mr. Dave Thompson.

Miss Ether Gibbs returned to her school Monday after being away for about three weeks.

Mrs. M.C. Gosnell spent Monday afternoon at the home of Mr. J.H. Cocherum.

Mr. Claude Lewis and Rev. J.M. Barber made a trip to Rutherfordton, last Friday.

We hope since the rain came that the flu will stop.

Miss Edith Gibbs is home from Atlanta, Ga.

We are sorry to note that Mrs. C.M. Dicus’ little babe, Charles III, is very ill.

Miss Esther Gibbs and mother spent a few pleasant hours at the home of Mr. G.C. Brisco, last Saturday.

Mr. D.T. Helton spent Sunday at Mr. J.C. Lawter’s.

Quite a crowd attended the speaking at the school house last Tuesday night, on the Fourth Liberty Loan.

Tryon Route 1

Hurray for Polk, one of the first to go over the top in the Fourth Loan Drive.

Glad to note Mrs. Bickett, wife of the Governor is soon to return from France, and will make a tour of North Carolina, speaking in the interest of the Y.W.C.A. preparatory to the United War Work campaign. Hope all will be well and that she can come to Columbus so we Polkites can hear her.

Misses Pearl, Essie and Clara Edwards are home from Brevard. Pearl has the influenza.

Mr. S.B. Edwards has an Overland, to help him in his electioneering this year.

Mr. and Mrs. Jake Hobert visited relatives out on the route, last weekend.

Miss Octa Pack has returned home from the Saluda Seminary on account of the flu.

Oh, yes, Mill Spring, the old Spanish hen ditn’t fly at me “end ways,” she flew face forward and hovered over me for two weeks, and has just now flown thither.

Aren’t we proud of our editor’s sailor boy? Who could help from appreciating his letter in the Polk News last week?

Words fail to convey my feelings of sorrow on reading of the death of my dear schoolmate, Miss Bertie Jackson. But our loss is Heaven’s gain. May God in his kindness console the bereaved family just now.

Three cheers for our soldiers who are marching on to Berlin.

October weaves rainbows of the forest leaves.

Tryon

Mrs. G. Lecount was in Spartanburg, Tuesday.

So far the Spanish Flu has touched Tryon but lightly.

Mrs. Paul Smith left last week to join her husband at Peoria, Ill.

Mrs. Roberts of Chicago, who spent the winter season here last year, has returned to Tryon.

Mrs. Anson H. Merrick left last week to join her husband at Nashville where he is connected with the Dupont powder works.

Miss Clara Peugh of Beclair, Maryland, is visiting her sister, Mrs. J.P. Williams. Master Pinckney Williams returned to Tryon with his aunt.

Mrs. Caldeit Scodells of Chihuahua, Mexico, and Miss Emma Allen of Wilkesboro, N.C., are guests of Mrs. G. Lecount.

Miss Louise Kenworthy writes to her mother from Washington, D.C., “I cannot think of anything I would rather do at this time than to be a nurse.”

Mr. Roraime Stone of Chicago arrived in Tryon Wednesday for a short stay with his parents before reporting for duty. He expects to be sent overseas within a very few days.

Mr. F.M. Gosnell, after occupying the position of overseer of the Gillette estate, has resigned his position and moved to a farm near Landrum, S.C. Mr. John Lankford has been chosen as his successor.

Capt. Bernard Sharp’s many Tryon friends are glad to know that he has been promoted to be Major in the regular army. Although on the retired list he has won praise and this honor for his active workin preparing recruits for service.

The remains of Mr. A.D. Brown, who died at Petersburg, Va., of influenza, arrived in Tryon Wednesday and on Thursday were taken to Clinton, S.C., the old home for burial. He was a son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Dedmond of Columbus.

Hon. Zebulon Weaver, congressman from the 10^th District, was in Tryon last Friday and returned to his home in Asheville on Saturday morning. Mr. Weaver was looking after his political fences along with other matters.

Owing to the prevalence of the Spanish influenza in the outlying districts, the Red Cross has been put to considerable extra expense for nurses, food, etc. Any one desiring to help in this S.O.S. call may send their contributions to the Red Cross treasurer, Geo. H. Holmes.

Spanish influenza is raging over the entire country, and Polk county is having its share. There is no excuse for becoming panicky over the situation. We would not attempt to deny that the situation confronting us is serious, and we cannot dodge the issue. While several deaths have resulted in Polk county, our condition is not nearly so bad as some other sections. One thing above all our people should do, and that is to avoid crowds of all kinds. Keep away from any house, locality or family where there is any influenza. Keep away from funerals. Only by doing these things can we hope to get the scourge under control. Keep in the open air as much as possible, eat plenty but not too much of wholesome food and dress in good warm clothes. Use common sense, and we will soon be rid of the pestilence.

In our last issue we spoke of the promotion of Wallace Lankford, and at that very moment the young man was a corpse, and one in this, his home town, knew it. Saturday his father received a telegram stating that Wallace had died at sea, that his body would be returned to the United States, and asking what disposition was wanted of the body. It is the wish of the parents that it be sent home for burial. So far as we know, this is the first Polk county boy to give up his life while in the service, in the present struggle. As we said last week, Wallace Lankford was an exceptionally fine young fellow, and if he had lived no doubt a brilliant career was ahead of him in the Navy. We join with the whole of Tryon in extending sympathy to the bereaved family.

Dr. and Mrs. Conrad were at the station, Sunday evening, about to take the train to go to Winston-Salem. A soldier alighted from it, whom they at first did not recognize. Suddenly Mrs. Conrad discovered that it was her brother, Julian Hester, just arrived from the aviation field at Akron, on a week’s leave of absence. Instead of taking the train they returned home with him, taking their departure the next day. He is looking in fine condition. He recently ascended in a balloon for the first time without a pilot. At the height of 5,000 feet he decided to descend, but found instead of going down, he continued going up. He finally got control, descended to a height of 4,000 feet and sailed along enjoying the farmers at work in the fields. He thoroughly enjoyed his first flight and thinks he is already rewarded for his first year’s hard work at Boston Technical Institute. He is the first in his class to take what is called a solo flight.

Saluda

Mrs. H. Lock has returned from Demorest, Ga., bringing home her son Russell, who has been sick at the Piedmont school, there, but who is now convalescing.

Miss Bessie Sonner has also returned to spend the time intervening till the school, Piedmont college, reopens.

Miss Wilcox, who has been visiting her sick brother, is now at home, leaving him on the mend.

Mrs. B.I. Hazard is still in Birmingham, Ala., with her son, who has been quite ill, but is now improving.

Miss Octavia Moody, of this place, died on Oct. 19^th, and her remains were interred in Mt. Page church yard. Miss Moody has been for several years in charge of the telephone exchange here and will be much missed. She leaves many relatives and friends to mourn her loss.

Mr. Steele is much better and with his family have gone to Hendersonville for a change.

Mr. and Mrs. Aiken and son, Morgan, who is home for a ten days’ visit, from Washington, D.C., will join the Steeles in Hendersonville in a few days, and from there go on to Washington later.

Mrs. Campbell’s sister, Mrs. Spratt, and her son, have returned to their home in South Carolina, but her niece, Mrs. Spratt Jr., and children, will remain here for a week or more longer.

Dr. Salley’s cousin, Miss Irene Salley, is quite sick with pneumonia at his residence in Saluda.

Mrs. Kinloch of Charleston, S.C., has been quite sick at Mrs. Leonard’s boarding house, but is now better.

Miss Marvin Patterson has returned home from Demorest, Ga., to remain until school reopens.

Mr. and Mrs. Pugh are now residents of Saluda, and are living in Mrs. Reed’s pleasant cottage on Henderson street. Mrs. Pugh was ill for a while with a cold caught on the train but is now much better. Mr. Pugh has charge of some engineering work at the Green River power plant, near here.

C.L. Beland and Edward Hearne Write to the Home Folks, 1918

From The Daily Times, Wilson, N.C., Oct. 25, 1918

From a Soldier Boy

A letter from Mr. C.L. Beland to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Beland:

Somewhere in France

September 26

Dear Mother and All:

Will try to write you all a few lines to let you know I am still existing. I am getting along all right I guess, feeling pretty good all the time, hope you are all enjoying good health.

Well, I am a long ways from the fire line now, don’t know when I will get any nearer, can’t even hear the big guns firing.

We are in a little town in which there never has been any U.S. soldiers before. Gee, we have a time trying to talk to these people but we can make them understand what we are talking about after a while.

We stay in all vacant buildings. There is no camp here at all. This is certainly a pretty country, what I have seen of it. It looks right much like England, only the buildings are quite different.

We certainly have had some trip coming here, have been steady on the go for a good while, but think we will stay here for a little while. I was sick about two days when we were on the ocean, but soon got o.k.

I don’t know how the war is going on now, as I can’t read anything over here. You all at home know more every day about the war than we do.

I guess I will have to stop smoking cigarettes as I have just run out and the people here have not seen one for six months until the U.S. soldiers came in, so we can’t buy anything at all to smoke. Can get plenty of wine but I don’t like it, so that won’t bother me. It costs about 40 cents in U.S. money (2 francs in French money) per quart.

Have you heard from Roy since he came over?

Has Johnny been drafted yet? Guess he has by now, though.

Well, since I started this letter I have been issued a package of smoking tobacco, so I am fixed o.k. for smokes for a while.

Has Charley gotten any better yet or has he been sent home? I did not have time to write him before I left Wadsworth. Guess he stopped there to see me if he started home before he heard from you.

Tell papa I have seen some of the funniest looking little trains. They look like toys beside the ones in the U.S. The engines in this country are something like ours.

Well, mama, as this is the only piece of paper that I can get now, guess that I had better close for this time, hoping that I have not written anything that will not pass the censor, and you will get this letter all right. When you write me address your envelopes with ink.

Your son,

C.L. Beland

Write me at this address:

4^th Corps Artillery Park, Headquarters Motor Section, A.E.F.

-=-

A letter from Edward Hearne in France to his cousin

“Somewhere”

September 25

Dear Cousin:

“Somewhere in France” and I’ll say it is quite exciting, You can’t imagine the thrills of No Man’s Land, and I only wish I could tell you a few things. However, if I get back home, we’ll have a long, long chat, hey?

I still have that Kodak picture of you, Bessie and Mary.

Now you must excuse my writing as the hum of shells flying overhead is not a very comfortable feeling, especially when you are not exactly sure where they are going to fall and although “Fritz” may not know just where I am sitting, he is a pretty good guesser. And he doesn’t mind wasting ammunition to find out how many are sitting around either. He figures life’s a chance and so he takes a chance at finding us.

France is a wonderful place. Flowers galore and her people are wonderfully clever. They try to do everything in their power for our comfort when we are near them. One place we were in when we first came over they would treat us just like their own children. Sew our buttons on for us, and wash our clothes, and if they thought we were hungry they would even do without something to eat and give it to us. You see, bread is very scarce here. Each person is allowed so much per day. They are issued bread (Du pain, pronounced doo pai) tickets for a month’s supply of bread and no one can buy any unless they have bread tickets. After they buy their share it amounts to about two slices per day. Sweet things are luxuries. Wine is more than plentiful. It is much easier to get a drink of wine (vin blanc—white wine)-- than it is to get a drink of water. Every family has a supply on hand. They drink it for water at every meal. But it has no sugar in it. Resembles hard cider. Sugar is 2 cents a teaspoonful (2c de sous, pronounced der sou). We get so hard up for something sweet that we pay $2 a pound for cakes, such as lady fingers and social tea, only they are not as good. A frying size chicken sells for 12 francs or $2.40. Butter is 6 frances a pound ($1.20), cheese 4 francs or 80 cents a pound. Candies that sell three for five cents at home are 18 cents each. So you see how thankful you all should be at home when you can walk in a store and get good cakes for 15 cents a box and 20 cents a pound and good homemade preserves. I paid 2 francs (40 cents) for three eggs, so you can see how scarce chickens are. I mean chickens with feathers on them. There are young chickens 18 and 20 years of age here by the thousands and it really is unsafe to go out alone as they fight among each other to see which one is going to offer you a drink of wine first.

“Fritz” has begun feeling around again so I guess I’ll close while I have a chance to sign my name at the bottom.

This is a great life and I would not miss living in this age for the world.

Write soon and a long letter. Love to all. Tell all to write.

Lots of love from

Your devoted cousin,

Ed