Letters from Williams, Covington, Shaw Printed Feb. 27, 1919

From the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Feb. 27, 1919

George Wilson Writes from Cuba

U.S.S. Vestal

Guantanama Bay, Cuba

Feb. 16, 1919

Dear Editor:

We are now at the southern drill grounds but expect to be back at Hampton Roads by the middle of April. The Atlantic fleet will assemble there then and the various ships will have a regatta, boat racing, ball games, etc.

The weather here is ideal, warm, most too warm. A sameness. We get all the fresh fruit and vegetables we want here. Bananas cost us 15 cents per dozen (5 cents each in R’ham). Oranges and grapefruit cost 20 and 25 cents per dozen, and we get the best.

While in Hampton Road we had several cases of flu, but have none here.

With best wishes to the paper, and assuring you I look for it eagerly, I am,

Yours very truly,

George T. Wilson

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Wm. J. Covington Writes

Battery C, 151^st. F.A.

42^nd Division, Germany, Jan. 21^st, 1919

Dear Parents:

Hope you are all well; am well myself and getting on nicely. We spent Christmas in Germany and had a good time, though of course we longed for home and missed the “home” touch. But we are here for business, and we make the best of things.

We have fairly good weather here; rains but little and not very cold. In France we had rain almost all the time.

It makes a fellow almost boil to think how terribly France has been devastated by the Huns, and then to see the contrast of these sleek Germans who cried “quits” before their own land had been touched. Seems like justice for the Huns to have had the same medicine the French got.

Haven’t heard from you all since I came over. My mail seems to have gone wrong. Hope we’ll soon start back for the states. Give my love to my relatives and friends.

William J. Covington

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Letter from Walter Shaw

St. Blin, France

Jan. 28, 1919

Editor Post-Dispatch:

Just a short letter to thank you for the good old home town paper received through Corp. Furman Jones who is a close friend of mine. We boys from old Richmond county stick together and we all hope to come back to Rockingham some old day and meet all of our good friends. We are now in a small village of about 500 and a very old town. We are about 20 miles of Joan of Arc’s home and we visit it very often.

Well, as I am writing this by candle light, and it’s not very good, I will close. I want to say a good word for the Red Cross. They have been our best friends and always ready to do anything they can for us.

With best wishes for them all and with love to all of my friends,

Walter W. Shaw

Battery C 316, F.A. American Expeditionary Forces

Richmond County Court Proceedings, Feb. 27, 1919

From the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Feb. 27, 1919

Toils of Law

A colored man named Sam Smith of West Rockingham was given a hearing before Squire Guthrie Wednesday night, charged with retailing ginger. He was bound over to court under $300 bond, which W.A. McDonald gave for him.

Another colored man named George Tender was bound over to court under $100 bond for carrying a concealed weapon.

A white man named Charlie Warner of Pee Dee No. 2 was given a hearing Tuesday by Squire Barrett charged with being drunk and disorderly; fined $5 and costs. He was bound over to court under $100 bond on another charge of carrying a concealed weapon.

Recorder’s Court, Hamlet

Murd McSween, colored, was tried before Recorder Austin at Hamlet Wednesday, charged with trespass. The Recorder fined him $25 and costs. McSween gave notice of appeal to superior court.

Furman Petty was tried by the Record Thursday morning, charged with stealing a coat from Ernest Williams, and with gambling. Both parties are colored. Petty was sentenced to the roads for six months.

Mayor’s Court

Lewis Phipps and “Bud” Henry submitted to the Mayor Monday to an affray which took place Saturday afternoon in front of W.P. Ingram’s store. Phipps was fined $5 and costs, $3.15; Henry was merely taxed with the costs, $1.95.

A man named Hearst of Fayetteville was required to pay a fine of $10 and costs, $1.95, Monday for breaking the speed limits.

James Henley, fined $2.50 and costs, $3.55; total $6.05.

E.L. Maner submits Tuesday to being disorderly Saturday; fined $5 and costs, $1.95.

Connelly Springs Boys Jilt Fiances Day Before Wedding

From the Hickory Daily Record, Feb. 27, 1919

Two Boys Jilt Girls Day Before Wedding

After they learned the men who were to have married them at a double wedding Saturday has left town the night before, Miss Mary E. Brandt and Miss Ella Grant, of Gloucester, went to the homes of the persons who had been invited of the wedding and personally recalled the invitations.

The girls, who are 18 and 17 respectively, live a few doors from each other on Cumberland street. They were to have been married at 5 o’clock Saturday afternoon in the parsonage of the First Methodist church.

The bridegrooms were to have been Lawrence Stephenson, 18, of Connelly Springs, N.C., fiancé of Miss Brandt, and Otis Berry, 18, of the same town, fiancé of Miss Grant.

While they wooed the two girls they spent their money freely. At Christmas each gave his sweetheart a diamond ring. Wednesday the young men discussed the wedding and the honeymoon trip with the girls. Thursday they disappeared; and have not been heard of since.

They Had Their Lynching Frolic, Now Let Them Pay the Piper, 1919

From the editorial page of the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Feb. 27, 1919. The crowd that gathered outside the jail where the accused was supposedly imprisoned, brought guns. A 14-year-old girl looking out the second story window of her home was shot and killed, as was a fireman who had been given the direction to spray the rioters with water.

Fifteen of the defendants indicted for participation in the riot in Winston on Nov. 17, 1918, when an attempt was made to lynch Russel High, a negro, were convicted in superior court last week at Dobson. Six were sentenced to the Forsyth roads by Judge Long for 14 months each, one for 16 months, four for six years, two for four years, one for three years, and one for two years. It is to be hoped these men will be made to serve their full sentences, but of course they will be pardoned long before their sentences expire. Mob law cannot be too strongly condemned, and when a conviction is finally secured the convicted ones should serve their sentences in full.

These men had their lynching frolic; now let them pay the piper.

Pvts. Henry Warren, Richard Wade, Write Home, 1919

From The Dunn Dispatch, Feb. 27, 1919

Letter from Pvt. Henry Warren

Jan’y 16, 1919

To the Editor:

Did you ever hike millions of miles and carry a ton on your back and blister your heels and your shoulders to where the straps ran down from your pack in the rain or the snow or the mud perhaps in the smothering heat or the cold? If you have, why then you’re a buddy into our fold.

Did you ever eat with your plate in your lap, with your cup on the ground at your side, while cooties and bugs of species untold dancing fox trot over your hide? Did you ever sleep in a tent so small that your head and your feet played tag? Then shake old man, you’re a Pal of ours for you followed the same old flag. 

Did you ever stand in a front line trench with Fritizie a few feet away, with Jerries and Minnies a whistling around and gas coming over all day, with No Man’s Land a ?? of steel, and a tempest of bursting shell? Then come in old man and toast your shins for we’re all just back from Hell.

Private Henry C. Warren

Co. B 322 Inf. A.E.F.

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Private Richard C. Wade, Co. I, 321 Infantry, A.E.F., to his mother, Mrs. W.F. Wade, Dunn

Jan. 23, 1919

Dear Mother:

I will write to you this time. So many people have died back in the States I am almost afraid to write, fearing I might write to some one that has died with the Flu. I am now in Aix, Les Bain on a furlough. I won’t even try to describe the scenery, but will send some views.

We had a march about two miles from Aix Les Bain to Georges, where we spent the afternoon. I have just come from the theatre where I enjoyed a good vaudeville and will mail this before I go to my room in Astoria Hotel. There are two more places I want to go before my seven days are out. Then my vacation will be finished and I’ll go back to my regiment which is some over 200 miles from here.

We are enjoying the trip here all o.k. so far. We are expecting to be home by summertime. When I write one of the family I want it passed around and let you all read it.

The Second Day

I won’t even try to write all I have seen. I went through the Museum this morning and saw lots of interesting things. We saw the old Roman temple and the oldest bath pool in history. It was used years before Christ. These things were gotten up before American was discovered. We had a guide to carry us through and explain everything. We went into a large building used for a bath house for crown heads, Kings, millionaires, etc., of the European country and believe me it’s some swell place. We soldiers use it for free. We make the water fly and the beauty of it all is the water is always hot, right out of the mountain hot springs. There is a well about 5 miles deep. The water looks like it is boiling. There are 18 different kinds of water to bathe in, Sulphur, alum, etc. We went upon a high hill this p.m. and saw a man and his wife and his 16-year-old girl behind there. He was born in the U.S.A. and could speak English. He has an American home, an auto, etc. It snows here all the time. Sleigh riding is the girl’s and boys’ sport. I am going up on a mountain one day this week, and Monday I am going to take a boat and go across a large lake which I will write the name of later, and I am going upon the second highest mountain in the world and from there you can see Switzerland and Italy. The highest mountain is in Italy. We can see it with our natural eye. I have some field glasses and you bet I will see it all.

I was sure sorry to hear of Walter Barefoot’s death.

You ought to see my room in hotel, it has bath tub, electric lights, safe in which to keep my money and jewels, etc. The doors are beveled glass. Some mirrors, believe me. We have the kindest, finest little French girls for waiters to serve the table and make the beds, etc. Dog on my lucky time I am going some. I don’t think I will let anyone go back to America and have anything on me. Theyi have not so far for I have done my bit at the front and I’m going to see the rest.

My Third Day in Aix Les Bain

I took a trip up on Mount Reward this P.m. We went up on a train that runs like a skidder winding round and round until it reached the top which was 5,700 feet high. I was up there at sunset. It was some interesting for me. The sun looked like it set beneath us. And the snow was some beautiful on the trees. We had skates, also sleighs to ride on. The skates were furnished by the Y.M.C.A. They were about 10 feet long and 5 inches wide. You ought to have seen me take my first trip. Ha! Ha! I named by sleigh Dixie-Flyer and think it was the fastest one on record. We had about one mile down hill which was steep. There was about 300 skates and sleighs and you know a picnic, that’s what we had.

Well, I have just come from one of the finest vaudeville shows you ever saw. I am going to visit the old king of Italy’s home Sunday. We take a boat across some channel. It’s some place to go. We will see a real monk and a million other things while I’m in the old country. I’m going to try to complete my history and if I continue lucky I’m going to know how to meet everybody, talk French, German, Scotch, Irish, etc., and I’m going to coin the cash.

You ought to see me flirt with the little French hotel waiters. I’m the very picture of health. I am sitting in a millionaire’s theatre with a bracket which contains 35 electric light bulbs overhead and marble columns, beveled glass doors, etc. What I’m praying for is health and to continue lucky, and when I come home I’ll have some sense, or be crazy one, Ha! Ha!

Write me a long letter. Love to all.

Richard C. Wade

Just Out of Army, Hunting Accident Leaves Mr. Rogers Lame for Life, 1919

From The Alamance Gleaner, Graham, N.C., Feb. 27, 1919

Mr. G. Oroon Rogers Shot Through Foot

Monday afternoon Mr. G.O. Rogers, who had been out hunting with his brother, Mr. Mack Rogers, in stepping over a small bush, struck the muzzle of his gun with his right foot. The gun fired and the load went through the middle of his foot. He was carried at once to Rainey Hospital and the toes between the bid and little toe were taken out. He was resting as comfortably at last accounts as the circumstances would permit.

Mr. Rogers had just returned Sunday morning from Camp Hancock, Ga., having just received his discharge, and was stopping by to see his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.S. Rogers, some two miles south of Graham. He had been in camp since the early part of last fall.

The accident will lame him for life and his many friends sincerely regret the distressing accident.

Local Doings From Weldon, N.C., Feb. 27, 1919

From The Roanoke News, Weldon, N.C., Feb. 27, 1919

Local Intelligence

Almost time to plant Irish potatoes. You can plow up your garden now and get ready.

The green grass has commenced to grow on the hillsides, and large flocks of wild geese frequently pass over town.

Miss Mary Stringer of Portsmouth spent the week end in Weldon.

Mrs. J.D. Eckles of Black Mountain is visiting Mrs. C.W. Gregory.

Mrs. A.M. Inge and daughter, Miss Virginia, are visiting relatives in Baltimore.

Mr. Roy Owen of Trinity College spent the week end with relatives in town.

Miss Julie Curtis Rhem of Tillery is visiting her sister, Mrs. C.W. Gregory.

Mrs. W.L. Knight was called to Philadelphia last week on account of illness of her brother.

Mr. P.N. Stainback has moved his family to Portsmouth, Va., where they will reside. We regret to lose them as citizens of Welcon.

Rev. F. Cousins of Canada, the new rector of the Episcopal Church, as arrived and preached his first sermon last Sunday. We welcome him to our town.

Miss Annie Medlin is in Baltimore buying her spring and summer millinery for her store at Rosemary. She will have many new novelties to offer the public when she returns.

The ladies of Circle 2 of the Aide Society of the Baptist Church will serve Brunswick stew and chicken salad in the Clark building Thursday, and will appreciate the patronage of the public.

Local Items From Alamance Gleaner, Feb. 27, 1919

From The Alamance Gleaner, Graham, N.C., Feb. 27, 1919

Local News

It rained all day Tuesday. The groundhog may or may not have had anything to do with it.

News was received this week that Lieut-Col. Don. E. Scott of Graham had just been promoted to a full fledged colonel. His record since the United States went into the world war has been such as to be highly gratifying and pleasing to his many friends and this additional evidence of his efficiency gives all his friends further pleasure. He belongs to the 30^th Division, than whom no division has won higher praise on the fields of France.

The County Commissioners will meet in regular monthly session next Monday, it being the first Monday of March.

March Term of Alamance Superior Court will convene next Monday for the trial of criminal actions. The docket is not a large one.

A daughter, Ora Holt Long, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Roy Long, last Friday morning.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy will meet Thursday afternoon, March 6^th, at 3 o’clock with Mrs. Junius H. Harden.

The Ladies’ Aid Society and Mission Study Class of the Graham Christian church will meet Wednesday afternoon, March 5^th, at 3 o’clock with Mrs. Walter R. Harden.

The Woman’s Missionary Society of the M.E. Church will meet Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock in the church.

Mr. Daniel L. Bell left the first of the week for Pittsboro where he will locate for the practice of the law, having formed a partnership with Messrs. Long & Long of Graham. He is a very excellent young man and well equipped.

Mention was made by The Gleaner last week of the resignation of Rev. L.U. Weston as pastor of Graham Baptist church and of Hocutt Memorial Baptist church in Burlington. Both of these churches having under consideration the calling of a whole-time pastor, the solution was the resignation of Mr. Weston. Since his resignation he has been elected whole-time pastor of the Graham church.

Burlington has been afflicted with wholesale thievery in the past few days. Mr. A.O. Huffman’s automobile was stolen Sunday night while he was attending church in Burlington, and on Monday night around $1,000 worth of hosiery was stolen from the Piedmont Finishing Mills. The automobile has not been heard from, but several of the gang who stole the hosiery have been caught and are held for a hearing.

Mrs. J.D. Lee has returned from Baltimore where she has been purchasing stock in millinery.

Mrs. Eugene Knight of Durham is here with her mother, Mrs. James P. Smith, who is sick.

Messrs. Ralph W. Vincent and Thos. C. Carter of Mebane were here this morning on business.

Miss Duke McCracken spent the week-end in Winston-Salem with her brother, Mr. Eugene McCracken.

Mr. Jas. P. Smith returned the latter part of last week from Virginia where he had been for several weeks on business.

Mr. and Mrs. Faucette Moore of Gastonia and Miss Louise Moore of Salisbury spent Sunday here at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Moore.

Messrs. J.S. Cook and J.L. Scott Jr. were in Raleigh last were taking advanced work in Masonry. There was a class of more than 70 who were advanced to the 32^nd degree.

Among the Sick

Mr. John G. Longest continues to be quite sick.

Mrs. Jas. P. Smith is confined to her home by sickness.

Mrs. McBride Holt is confined to her home by sickness.

Mr. Ben N. Turner continued to be quite sick.

Dr. J.N. Taylor is confined to his home with an attack of influenza.

C.D. House Jr. Writes From France, 1919

Mr. C.D. House Jr. Writes to His Mother at Thelma

Jan. 22, 1919

Dear Mama:

I am at Menton in the Riviera Cave area. This place is only a short distance from Monte Carlo. It’s an hour’s ride from Nice. My hotel is only about 15 minutes’ walk from the Italian border. My room fronts on the Mediterranean. Caravan Palace is the name of the hotel. It’s a nice place all right.

The best part of it all is its nice and warm sunshine. That’s what suits me best of all. The war sunshine. We hadn’t seen the sun in Dijon for a couple of weeks.

There are oranges growing everywhere here. Trees hanging full. Palms all about everywhere. The town is built between the mountains and the sea. Mountains on one side of the hotel and the sea on the other. It’s much the prettiest seaside resort I ever saw.

There was a dance at the Y.M.C.A. last night. There were at least 50 men to each girl dancing so that it pretty soon developed into a rough house almost. Everyone seemed to be having lots of fun.

The Y.M.C.A. is in the Casino here. It’s a swell building. It has a theatre, dance hall and numerous reading and writing rooms.

The only thing I don’t like here is that we don’t get any sugar. There is a commissary here run by the U.S. where the officers can go and buy sugar but the enlisted man is not supposed to use sugar I suppose. Anyway we can’t buy any at the U.S. commissary. So will just have to go without for the rest of my leave.

Believe me it’s some trip down here on these French trains. I left Dijon at 3 o’clock in the afternoon and got to Lijon at 7 o’clock. Intended staying over night in Lijon but there was nothing doing. They wouldn’t let us off the train. The American M.P. made us stay on and go through to Marseille. We arrived in Marseille at 2 o’clock in the morning. The A.M.P. gave us a pass out of the station to get something to eat and told us to come back at 11 o’clock a.m. and take another train out for Nice. We could not get a room at that hour of the night and nothing to eat. Went back at 11 o’clock to take the train and were informed that only officers and Red Cross nurses were allowed to ride on it. They told us to come back at 4 o’clock in the afternoon and take another train out for Nice. Well I didn’t do any such thing. Went down town and found us a room and went to sleep until after 6 o’clock. We got a train for Nice and Menton at 5 o’clock in the morning. Saw lots of Marseille. It’s almost as gay as Paris. But believe me there is nothing enjoyable about a long ride on a French train.

There are six nurses here that I knew when I was in the hospital at Dijon. I danced some with them last night. They looked like old friends to me when I saw them.

Give my love to everyone in both families.

Probably I will be home by the first of June.

Your loving son,

Charles Jr.

Red Cross Buys Wilson County a Car So Community Nurse Can See More Patients, 1919

From the editorial page of the Wilson Times, Feb. 25, 1919

Thanks to the Red Cross

By L.J. Smith, Health Officer

For some time the Health Department of the city and county of Wilson has been greatly handicapped for lack of transportation for a Community Nurse. No funds were provided by the Department for the purchase of an automobile, which was a source of much regret, realizing the fact that one nursed with an automobile could do the work of two or three nurses who had to walk from place to place.

This proposition was put up to the Red Cross and they saw the business side of the proposition along with the great possibility of helping all the people of the city and county of Wilson. As a result they instructed me to buy a Dodge car for this purpose for which the Red Cross furnished the funds, except $65 which Mr. Abbitt deducted from the price.

I am sure every good citizen of Wilson appreciates this generosity and especially is the Health Department grateful for this donation.

Long live the Red Cross Chapter of Wilson County.

Jackson County Opens Pockets to Help Armenians and Syrians, 1919

From the editorial page of the Wilson Times, Feb. 25, 1919

Jackson County the First

Raleigh, N.C., Feb. 20—Jackson county was the first in the State to go over the top in the Armenian-Syrian campaign. Mr. A.C. Reynolds, county chairman, was appointed by Dr. Joyner, and three days after his appointment he called the State headquarters to tell Dr. Joyner that his county had not only raised its quota, but had gone far over the top.

Mr. Reynolds said he had no difficulty in securing the cash and that all he had to do was show the people the telegram from Dr. Joyner appointing him chairman. In that telegram Dr. Joyner had stressed the needs of the suffering people of Armenia and Syria, and that plea was all that was necessary to arouse the sympathy and open the hearts of the people of Jackson county. Chairman Reynolds said he did not think it necessary to wait for the drive, which is set for Feb. 21 to 28, but went right out after the money as soon as he was put in command of the county, and he turned the trick.

Dr. Joyner predicts that this relief fund will come equally as readily in other parts of the State as it was raised in Jackson county.

Pvt. Lovelace, Sergts. Powell and Harris Cited for Distinguished Service, 1919

From the Wilson Times, Feb. 25, 1919

Cited for Distinguished Service

Pvt. David H. Lovelace, Machine Gun Company, 120^th Infantry (A.S. No. 1319176). For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 29, 1918. His left arm having been rendered useless by a shrapnel wound, Pvt. Lovelace continued to carry ammunition with his other arm until the objective was reached, when, against his protests, he was ordered to the rear for medical treatment. Home address, Mrs. Fannie Lovelace, mother, Jonesville, N.C.

Sgt. William H. Powell, Machine Gun Company, 120^th Infantry (A.S. No. 1329097). For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 29, 1918. Sgt. Powell, then a private, took charge of four other soldiers who had become separated from their platoon and let them forward toward the objective. Attacking a machine-gun nest, they captured seven prisoners and a Maxim gun, which they immediately put into action and fired 2,000 rounds at the enemy. They then continued to advance under heavy artillery and machine gun fire. Home address, J.B. Powell, father, Oxford, N.C.

Sergt. Graham W. Harris, Machine Gun Company, 120^th Infantry (A.S. 1319104). For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 29, 1918. Becoming separated from his platoon in the dense smoke and fog with five other soldiers, Sergt. Harris kept his men together and continued to advance under heavy artillery and machine gun fire. Upon reaching the objective, he made a personal reconnaissance 600 yards to the front, capturing several prisoners and assisting in breaking up three machine-gun nests. He remained in this advanced position until he was ordered back. Home address, Mrs. R.W. Harris, mother, Oxford, N.C.

Raise Your Own Hogs in 1919 Rather Than Buying Western Pork, 1919

From the Wilson Times, Feb. 25, 1919

More Hogs for Wilson County in 1919

By B.T. Ferguson, County Agent

As has so often been said, no system of agriculture is safe without the presence of livestock to go along with it. And truly no branch of livestock could be made more profitable for this section that that of hogs. With the proper rotation of pastures that can so easily be had in this county I see no reason why we should not make the business a paying one. With rye, rape, potatoes, peanuts, soybeans and many permanent pasture grasses that we can use to advantage, there is no reason or excuse for Wilson County having to buy a pound of Western meat. We are asked to increase our output again this near not less than 10 per cent and I hope that the farmers of this county will respond to this call.

Aside from having proper pastures the year ‘round, the health of the animal is very important. He should have a warm, dry bed in winter, and one as free from dry dust as possible in summer. You will find the following to be worth while if kept in a box where the hogs can get to it at will: Salt one pound, Sulphur one pound, lime one pound, copperas ½ pound, and wood ashes one peck.

Another very important matter is to safeguard the hog against cholera. This is easily done by the use of serum which costs very little, and which is an absolute preventative against the dreaded disease, if used before the hog gets sick, but it will not cure the disease. Hog cholera is usually more prevalent during the spring months, therefore I would advise that the farmers keep this in mind and have their hogs treated in case there should be an outbreak in the community at that time. I will be glad to administer the serum at any time. For further information, call me.

Cotton Farmers Must Get Together or Be Ruined, Feb. 25, 1919

From the editorial page of the Wilson Times, Feb. 25, 1919

Don’t Forget the Cotton Convention Here Wednesday

Don’t forget the Cotton Convention which meets in the court house on Wednesday at 10 o’clock. This is the biggest meeting and of far more value than any you have attended in a long day. The situation is alarming and unless something is done another large crop of cotton with one on hand and every farmer knows there is a lot of cotton in the hands of the farmers even will spell ruin to them and the South if the matter is not looked after.

Let every farmer in the county come to Wilson prepared to agree to cut his cotton acreage and put that much land in something to eat and if this is done the price of cotton will not only be increased, but we will have plenty of food to take care of our families without buying it. Under present conditions the western farmer is guaranteed a big price for his wheat on account of the great demand for foodstuffs at home and abroad.

Every pound of cotton raised this year not only helps to decrease the price of that you have on hand, but also helps to increase the price of the western farmer’s food products, because it makes an automatic market for his produce to the detriment of cotton.

N.C. Soldiers on Army's Feb. 20 Casualty List, 1919

From the Wilson Times, Feb. 25, 1919

Casualty List for Feb. 20

North Carolina Soldiers

Died of Disease

Archie C. Rasberry, Fayetteville

Died from Wounds

Charles T. Norwood, 1107 East Lane St., Raleigh

Robert B. King, Davie Avenue, Statesville

Willie N. McKnight, Mount Airy

Wounded Severely

John A. Barkley, Statesville

Clarence H. Miller, West Asheville

William C. West, Unaka

Wallace F. Mustian, Ridgeway

Hamp Burke, Reddies River

Esco Stewart, Vests

Robert Warren, 34 North Tryon St., Charlotte

James A. Wright, Wilmington, R.F.D. No. 2

Ramnsom Respass, Pinetown, R.F.D. No. 1

William Ruth, High Point

Sherman Turner, Booneville

Wounded, Degree Undetermined

Sam B. Montgomery, Greensboro

Jerome Pack, Wehutty

John S. Williamson, Cerro Gordo

Mack D. Atkins, Makatoka

James J. Cagle, Hamlet

Ed Garden, Hillsboro, R.F.D. 1

William H. Corbett, Selma

Lamm H. Hall, Pink Hall

Harrison C. Collins, Bessemen

Reddin E. Honeycutt, Buies Creek

Folger B. Dancy, Wilkesboro R.F.D. 1

Forrest V. Friday, Iron Station

Fred H. Pennell, Boone

Leonard B. Spruill, Roper

Daniel McDuffie, Sanford

Dempsey Odom, Wades

Robert H. Taylor, Idlewild

Wounded Slightly

Aaron R. Butler, Winston-Salem

Herman F. Owens, Fountain

Dallas Caudle, Kannapolis

Jesse L. Moss, Gastonia

John D. Smiley, 630 Crowell St., Wilson

William Weatherington, 909 Chestnut St., Kinston

Roy D. Martin, Statesville R.F.D. No. 46, Box 47

James C. Daniels, Elizabethtown

Robah B. Flynt, Madison

Hardy Barnes, LaGrange

John H.C. Brown, Trout

Ellis N. Hollowell, Hobbsville

Edgar H. Dellinger, Lincolnton

Henry L. Honberrier, Salisbury, R.F.D. No. 1

John W. Springer, South Creek

Martin Newman Mintz, Mill Branch

Arthur I. Saunders, New Hope Academy

Fulton Leak, Wadesboro

Sampson D. Roberts, 837 Walnut St., Kannapolis

Willie Murphy, Goldsboro

William L. McAbee, Fairview

John S. Hailey, Dunn

Community Singing Popular in the Colored Village at Badin, 1919

From The Badin Bulletin, Feb. 1, 1919. News was separated by race. “The Colored Village” news was on page 14.

The Colored Village . . .Community Singing

Our community singing is growing in interest; our welfare worker has spared no pains in making it a success.

We have the co-operation of the entire community. A special program was rendered January 12. “All soldiers were invited. The program consisted of a solo, “Make a Little Heaven in Your Heart” by Mrs. Grace Reed; a quartet by The Badin Elks’ Club; and some very interesting remarks from non-commissioned Officer Hall from Camp Jackson.

A large crowd attended the service, and the singing was thrilling.

We know no failure, since music is the medium thru which comes joy and sorrow.

After the program of the above date, a silver offering was raised for a worthy cause.

Eighth Grader Adelaide Chester Explains Why She Likes School, 1919

From the Hickory Daily Record, Feb. 3, 1919

Why I Like My School

First because my teacher is kind and takes an interest in us and wants us to do our best and become some kind of business men or women. Second, because in after life our education will help us along better in this rough and tumble world. Third, because I like figuring in every degree and most of all I like Latin, because it is a foreign language and is peculiar, mixed with our beautiful English language. I like history because it gives us the history of our most noble heroes, some of whom, like many of our brave boys of today, fell upon a bloody battlefield and some of whom were beheaded or murdered in some form. I like spelling because it learns us to spell correctly, so that we may not be ashamed of our letters which many, many of us write. I like English because it teaches us to speak correctly, punctuate and write letters correctly. I like the study of North Carolina because I want to know all that is possible about our state of North Carolina.

Adelaide Chester, 8^th grade

West Hickory graded school

Chaplain Arthur Huffman Dedicates Composition to Sgt. Huffman, Killed at Ypres, 1919

From the Hickory Daily Record, Feb. 5, 1919

Chaplain Huffman Is Musical Composer

Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Huffman and family are in receipt of a musical composition by their son Chaplain Arthur M. Huffman formerly of this city, who is with the army of occupation now in Germany. It is some of Chaplain Huffman’s own work and is indeed hauntingly beautiful. It is set to the beautiful and popular song “In Flanders Field,” written by Mr. McRae before his death upon the field of battle in France. Chaplain Huffman dedicated it to Sergeant John Huffman who fell in the battle of Ypres and now sleeps on the battle ground of Flanders fields.

It was composed during Chaplain Huffman’s continued stay in France while recuperating from illness contracted while at the front. The exact date of the composition is Dec. 31, 1918.

The composition has undergone the examination of several prominent musicians and has been awarded unlimited praise by each and all. It is a song of pathos and tender meaning. It sweetly expresses the thought contained in the poem while the melody that flows in one continuous stream from beginning to end is indeed remarkable.

It might be stated that this is not the first of Mr. Huffman’s compositions along the musical line, although it is presumable the first of his war productions.

Add Registered Poland Chinas to Your Farm, Feb. 26, 1919

From the Hickory Daily Record, Feb. 22, 1919

Poland China Hogs Arrived Here Today

The carload of Poland China hogs which will be sold at auction at the fair grounds on Wednesday arrived in the city during the night and were taken to the grounds today to be given careful attention pending the great auction next week. They were accompanied by tenders and nothing will be left undone to care for them. All the animals have been treated with serum and they are in robust health.

The sale is under the auspices of the American Poland China Record Association and is approved by the North Carolina Experiment Station. The idea is not to make profit but to place the big hogs in this section. It is interesting to observe that Hickory is one of the three southern points selected for the sale.

In addition to the Poland China sale next Wednesday, there will be a sale of five thoroughbred Jersey cows from the herd of Mr. L.M. Bollinger.

Full details of the Poland China sale will appear in Monday’s Record.

Road to Brookford A Sea of Mud, Feb. 22, 1919

From the Hickory Daily Record, Feb. 22, 1919

The road to Brookford, according to persons who have tried to pass over it, is no such thing. Four or five automobiles were partly buried in the mud this morning.

Ed Diggs Kills Adder in the Snow, 1919

From the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Feb. 20, 1919

Snake in Snow

Ed Diggs, colored, who works with R.J. Meacham on E.N. Ingram’s place, killed a large adder on Feb. 10^th while the two-inch snow was on the ground. The snow had melted close to a stump and his snakeship had come forth for a sun bath.

Flu Takes Two McAskill Children, And Now House Burns, 1919

From the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Feb. 20, 1919

House Burns

A cottage belonging to Pee Dee Mfg. Co., on the hill overlooking Pee Dee No. 2, and occupied by Will McAskill, was burned Saturday afternoon about 4:30 o’clock. Most of the household effects were saved. The hand brigade succeeded in preventing the cottage across the street from catching.

McAskill has had hard luck recently. Most of his family have had flu, two of his children dying of it since Christmas, and he himself has but recently recovered.

Catawba County's Reception to Honor All Soldiers, White and Colored, Feb. 22, 1919

From the Hickory Daily Record, Feb. 22, 1919

Plans for Reception of All Catawba Soldiers, White or Colored, To Be Included in Grand Entertainment

Plans for giving all Catawba county soldiers, white and colored, a great welcome some time soon were discussed at a largely attended meeting at the Chamber of Commerce last night and a central committee was named to work out the details. While Hickory citizens will be hosts to the returning veterans, including soldiers who enlisted in old Company A from other counties, the rest of the county will be invited to join in the recognition service, and contributions will be accepted form all persons who may care to have a part in the feast.

Never before in the history of Hickory was enthusiasm greater than at the meeting last night, and discussion centered around doing the honors in a style to show the boys, whether they went across and faced the Hun or got to farther than a training camp, that the home folks were with them. The plan calls for a minimum reception fund of $2,500 and provide for entertaining visiting soldiers in the homes of the people.

Mr. Hugh D’Anna, chairman of the general committee, opened the meeting and Dr. W.H. Nicholson motioned that a central committee be accepted to work out details and appoint committees to help in the preparations: K.C. Menzies, chairman; Dr. W.H. Nicholson, Walker Lyerly, C.H. Geitner, Mrs. W.B. Councill and Hugh D’Anna, the latter ex-officio member.

The whole town is expected to be decorated, residences and all, and Mr. D.T. Applegate was asked about flags and bunting. He said that he had bought a lot of flags and bunting, on which he would not make a cent of profit but would sell at actual cost. A decoration committee was named to consist of N.W. Clark, Geo. B. Bisanar and R.E. Martin, and this committee is to see that a triumphal arch or other symbols are erected for the heroes.

While it was not possible to say when the reception would be held, it was decided to give it shortly after the arrival of Co. A, 105^th engineers, the soldiers here before its arrival forming an escort on horses under Capt. B.B. Blackwelder. Provision also was made for taking care of the families of soldiers who come to Hickoiry on that day, and Mr. J.W. Shuford is chairman of the automobile committee, which will see that all relatives are included in the parade. Other features of the parade include bands, Red Cross, fraternal organizations, school children, Lenoir College cadets, the home guards and other organizations.

The central committee will appoint a committee to proceed to Charleston or the port of landing to inform the soldiers that Hickory and Catawba county are awaiting their pleasure, and at the suggestion of Judge W.B. Councill, this committee will be as large as there are men and women who care to go.

Of course it was impossible to outline more than the details of the recognition service, leaving the larger questions open until it is known when the soldiers will return, but the tentative program calls for a general welcome, with A.A. Shuford Jr. as master of ceremonies, and provision for all soldiers and their families. The colored Red Cross will be invited to cooperate and it will serve the colored troops at separate table immediately after the exercises. It is planned to have a short address by Judge Councill and probably others and to furnish vocal and instrumental music for the evening.

The meeting was unanimous in agreeing that the celebration should include the whole county and Newton, Conover, Claremont, Maiden, Long Island and all towns and precincts will be invited to take a hand. The canvass for funds will be confined to Hickory, but if the good people in the county wish to help, their contributions will be accepted gladly.

When Newton has its general reception as has been planned, Hickory will join hands and help to make that another great event.

It was the feeling of the meeting that the whole county ought to be on its toes, and all hands should be outstretched in a welcome that will include every man who went to camp, white or colored.

In order to make it perfectly plain that all soldiers of the county are to be included in the recognition service, the Record repeats the statement. Let it be clearly understood that the welcome will be for all. That was the unanimous sense of the men and women present last night. And that it will be.

Those present included Geo. Baily, Dr. F.C. Longaker, Walker Lyerly, B.B. Blackwelder, Rev. S.B. Stroup, J.W. Shuford, Mrs. K.C. Menzies, Mrs. J.L. Riddle, Mrs. Geo. Yoder, Mrs. W.B. Councill, K.C. Menzies, Dr. W.H,. Nicholson, Rev. W.W. Bradshaw, A.K. Joy, Judge Councill, D.T. Applegate, Geo. E. Bisinar, L.F. Abernethy, Hugh D’Anna, Rev. W.R. Bradshaw, R.E. Martin Geo. S. Watson, J.A. Martin, Frank A. Henderson, Tom Pruitt, W.A. Rudasill, L.L. Moss, J.H.P. Cilley and others.

Fighting Negro Regiment, Which Includes N.C. Soldiers, Parades in Columbia, Feb. 22, 1919

From the Hickory Daily Record, Feb. 22, 1919

Fighting Negro Regiment Parades in Columbia

Columbia, S.C., Feb. 22—The 371^st infantry, composed of negroes fresh from the battlefields of France, which arrived at Camp Jackson yesterday, paraded through the streets of Columbia yesterday. The regiment suffered casualties of 1,003 men and 50 officers in the Champagne offensive. The organization is made up of North Carolina and South Carolina men, with white officers.

Eighty-five of the 1,450 members of the regiment wear French decorations and many others the American decoration for gallantry in action. The regiment was attached to a French division commanded by General Bobbet, who highly complimented them.

J.C. Phelps Is New Catawba County Agent, Feb. 22, 1919

From the Hickory Daily Record, Feb. 22, 1919

Mr. Phelps’ Announcement

To the Farmers of Catawba County:

This is to announce that I have been appointed farm demonstration agent for your county to succeed Mr. H.H.B. Mask, who was recently promoted to the position of assistant state agent, with headquarters at Raleigh, N.C. I trust that you will give me the same hearty cooperation and encouragement that you gave your former county agent.

Yours for progressive farming,

J.C. Phelps, County Agent

Sgt. David Hunt Write Home From France

From the Brevard News, Feb. 21, 1919

In a Letter to His Father, Sergeant David L. Hunt Gives an Outline of His Trip to France

On May 5^th, 1917, the 115^th Machine Gun Battalion under command of Maj. William R. Robertson, started on its trip to help “Get the Kaiser.” This battalion, composed of four companies, A, B, C, and D, was divided into two parts and sent to Camp Merritt, New Jersey, by two separate routes. I belonged to Co. A, which was on the same train as Co. B. Our route was via Charlotte, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Camp Merritt.

On May 11, 1917, we sailed from Philadelphia and after a trip of about four days reached the harbor of Halifax, Nova Scotia, stayed there one day and joined a fleet of 11 other transports before we started across sea which was a trip of 10 days.

Our English ship was partly loaded with chickens, apples, and candies. But our food for the 16 days’ trip was tea, half-cooked goat meat (not mutton), army hard bread (hard tacks), pickles and a few tea cakes occasionally. We paid 10, 25 and 50 cents apiece for the apples and about the same for the chocolates, etc. Why did we pay the price? Because we had to live. The government allots 41 cents per day for food to each soldier but—well that’s simply another one of “those things” that we cannot understand.

When the convoy reached the war zone a distance of about 500 miles from Europe, we were joined by six American submarine destroyers which escorted us until we landed. It was about 1 a.m. May 25^th, 1917, as we were drawing near the middle of the Irish Sea, when our fleet was attacked by two submarines, but in the same manner that the United States ended the war, her chasers that were guarding us, ended the two submarines, that is very promptly.

We landed in Liverpool and our next move was by rail to Dover. This was a main line English railroad and made exceptionally good speed. It made at least 30 miles an hour, which is “running some” for a train in Europe. There are four wheels under each car. Each car has four sections and each section has two seats. Each seat accommodates three human beings or five soldiers with all their equipment. If you go form one section to another, you must get out on the ground first. The trainman gets on the roof and puts his hand thru a trap door to light the gas lamps.

When the English soldiers are aboard these trains, they stop at every good sized village in order that hot tea can be issued to the “Fighting Tommies.”

From Dover we crossed the English Channel and landed in Calais, France. Marched from the dock to a so-called “Rest Camp” but the name “rest” is entirely misleading, because there is nothing restful about any rest camp.

Judging by the way that the French people stared at us they probably had never seen any American soldiers. After “Promenading” around the “Burg” a while we returned to the rest camp, which was named “Camp Sands” by a member of the company, appropriately named too as the sand was ankle deep. When our supper was over, which was the same as breakfast and dinner, corned beef and hard bread, “Bully beef and hard tack,” we played cards awhile and had our evening smokes. And had talks concerning the large guns which we could hear booming in the distance, the first of course that we had ever heard.

It was about 12 o’clock when “Gerry” (the popular name that applies to any German in general) woke us with bombs which were raining down any and everywhere, and the roar of the anti-aircraft guns all around Calis [Calais?], one would naturally think that there would be no town or camp left by morning.

A few days later we were detrained near St. Omer. The Corporals and Sergeants were sent to a special machine gun school, to take as long a course as possible before that the time that the 30^th Division, “Old Hickory” was scheduled to go to the front. I was sent to Camiers, France, where the “General Headquarters Base Machine Gun School” was located. I had a course of 30 days at this school before we went to the front.

In a machine gun company a corporal is in charge of a squad of seven men and one gun. A sergeant is in charge of a section, which is composed of two squads. The gunner of each squad must be entirely reliable and efficient. The best gunner in our company was Monroe Wilson of Transylvania County.

From the later part of September until about the middle of October the 30^th (N.C., S.C., and Tenn.), 27^th (New York) Divisions were driving the Germans out of St. Quentin and Cambrai and were the first American troops to penetrate the Hindenburg Line, which was through those two towns. Both the divisions were all shot up. I was in charge of two machine guns and 14 privates. The boys got all shot up, legs and arms, and some were gassed. Monroe Wilson of Brevard was slightly wounded in the head by shrapnel. He was one of my gunners, and a very good gunner. The 30^th and 27^th divisions won the war on the Western Front, when they broke the Hindenburg Line it finished Kaiser Bill. Those two divisions were the first American troops in Belgium too. We wear a gold star for that. I have several decorations and stripes.

The 30^th division was trained at Camp Sevier and the 27^th at Camp Wadsworth, at present they are near St. Nazaiae, waiting to be sent back to a real country U.S.A.

I have already told you in one of (my) other letters, that after serving a long time at the front I was recommended for the job and was sent to the 2^nd Corps Replacement Battalion as a machine gun instructor for the training of the new replacements just sent over from U.S. These men were also given instruction in gas before we assigned them to various divisions where they were needed.

After the armistice was signed I was sent to the 40^th division (The Sunshine Division) which was from Cal. We are now at Bardeaux (Bordeaux?) with orders to take the first available transportation to the U.S.

On account of their initiative, alertness, and swiftness, the Americans are the best soldiers in France. The Australians, Canadians, and Scotch soldiers lack those three qualities to the degree of the Americans and for that reason cannot be placed on the same footing as the soldiers from the U.S. Next are the French soldiers. They are splendid soldiers but are too slow and are not aggressive enough. Very good on a defense and can hold the line, but don’t have much success when they go over after “Gerry.” Judging by what I have heard, the Italians rank next to the French. Next are the Belgians. And at the bottom of the list we find the “Fighting English.” The English did well on aircrafts, and did much in transporting American troops.

I have been trying to find out why they call this “Sunny France.” If they would call it Muddy France or Rainy France, there would be no puzzle to the phrase.

During the eight months that I have been over here we have had some good weather. I will venture to say that we have had at least 23 to 27 clear sunshining days, during the eight months. And no two or three days consecutive.

The western Belgium around Ypres and through Flanders is lower than sea level. When we were entrenched near Ypres (which is nothing but a pile of rocks and bricks) we could dig only a few feet on account of water rising and in most places it would rise anyway. At one time the Belgians opened certain flood gates and drove the Germans out.

The people of western Belgium are almost uncivilized. They would run and hide, etc., and would take the handles off the pumps in order that we could not get water to drink. They live in huts of two rooms, they live in one room and the horse and pigs, etc., live in the other room. The chickens patrol the dining table. We caught a Belgian artillery battery with their guns reversed and shelling the Belgian towns that were within range. Of course they were turned over to the firing squad. I could name many similar instances.

The people of Northern France are civilized but very slouchy looking. The towns and houses of northern France are very unsanitary. And the height of these people’s ambitions is to cheat soldiers out of as much money as possible. In southern France there is rather a good class of people, comparatively speaking. Their towns and homes are clean, and they have barns for their horses, cows, etc. They are very kind, generous and courteous with the American soldiers. With the exception of the sanitation the towns of France are alike. Cobblestones for pavements and the only place where they have side-walks that are wide enough to walk on is Paris.

Some of the towns have a street car system, but none of them are any good. Nearly all of the buildings are of stone and brick and no buildings over three or four stories high. Even in the wonderful, famous city of Paris in Sunny France. Paris covers a large area of ground. A few of the streets are wide and are paved with asphalt and in comparison with the streets of the other towns, they seem quite pretty. They have a fairly large street car system, but very old-timey and slow. You can catch a car every now and then. They don’t have schedules in France. There is a pretty good sub-way system in Paris although the cars are much smaller and lighter and slower than those of the United States.

The people of southern France (not northern France) are very courteous and polite, always say good morning, good day, sir—never leave off the “sir.” It is very difficult for a Frenchman to speak English, yet the Americans learn French quite easily. There are no two towns of France where they use the same brogue. Americans don’t worry about the language, though. All they want is to get back to a real country once more and they will know how to appreciate a good home and country.

Home Demonstrator Could Help Women Can Food, Make Money at Home, Feb. 21, 1919

From the front page of the Brevard News, Feb. 21, 1919. 

Endorses Plan for Demonstrator

Editor Brevard News

Dear Sir:

I endorse every word of the article in your latest issue of the News. By all means, let us women of Transylvania have a county demonstrator. If men find a farm demonstrator a paying proposition, why not the women? Almost every county in the eastern part of the state has one, and the women and girls of Transylvania are just as smart, just as appreciative, and just as deserving of the best as any.

Think of the saving in money to our county, when our girls, having learned the various commercial packs and the very latest and best methods are able to supply our local merchants with all the canned fruits and vegetables they can sell. Think too, of the added influence and interest of our young women when they can, while living at home, supply themselves with liberal pocket money from this source.

No county that has tried a lady demonstrator has been willing to give her up. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Let us have her for one year’s trial, anyhow. The plan deserves that much, and so do we.

Sincerely yours,

A Transylvania Woman

Letters From Overseas: Warburton, Parsons, Ballard, Covington

From the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Feb. 20, 1919

Letter From Monroe Warburton to John Everett

Dec. 29, 1918

12 Rue d’Agueseau

Paris, France

Mr. John L. Everett

Dear Friend:

As some of the old timers might say, “well, here I be” in a land that simply vomits rain and snow. Say, I didn’t know I loved the old U.S. as a whole and especially old N.C. until now. Any man who speaketh ill of the U.S. when I return will have a good two-handed scrap on his hands.

This is a beautiful country, but gosh the sky-juice. During the spring and summer, I suppose (note the suppose) it is simply grand, as the vimmin would say; but nix now. But speaking of vimmin, my thoughts ramble back to the old bachelors who quit their life of ease and quietness and went “Over the top” into the troubled waters of “saluble bliss.” I admire their nerve, though, having been such hardshelled cusses and resisting the charms of the fair sex so long, to now capitulate May happiness follow them for evermore. (I refer to Leak and Wall.) If T.B. Hunter follows in their footsteps, then ‘goodnight,’ everything is lost, and I think I had better jump aboard the matrimonial wagon—if I can.

We have had quite a week. The President visited us and reviewed part of the troops. Had a fine Xmas dinner and topped it off with plum pudding and real sauce.

You should see my room: it is full of war relics, shells, bayonets, helmets, etc. I had a German anti-tank gun. It is an enlarged Mauser, weighing 65 pounds and shoots a shell about 8 inches long. It is a savage looking brute. Was thinking of sending it to the police of Rockingham so they could mount it in front of the Municipal building, but could not get it through the mails.

I have charge of the garage for this region and it is some job keeping the cars moving after being driven by the drivers they have. Wrecks every day. Just got a Packard Twin Six in the shop that collided with a motor cycle and tore things up. When you see Dr. Everett tell him he ought to have heard what Dinah said.

I wouldn’t trade your farm “Lemmengo” for all the chateaus in France.

James M. Warburton

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Letter From Watt (Walter) Parsons

Co. C, 324^th

Bissey La Cote, France

Jan. 22, 1919

Dear Papa:

Your letter of Jan. 1^st reached me yesterday, and I will answer at once and tell you something of our battle experiences. I can write very little, for I was only in the fight about three hours before being picked off by a sniper.

On Nov. 5^th, at night, our company left the little town of Leronville, near Nancy, where we had been a week on duty unloading the division, for the front near Verdun. After riding for three hours, 30 mien to the truck, we unloaded and hiked eight miles in the rain to dugouts. Here we spent the remainder of the night and until 3 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 6^th. We relieved the 35^th division around 9 o’clock that night about 10 miles east of Verdun. Here our battalion, the first, was in reserve for the second which was holding the lines about a mile northeast of us. For three nights and two days we were reliving on easy street, nothing to worry about except an occasional shower of mustard gas shells and a possibility of an air raid. Friday night Cole Nichols was on gas guard, and I was with him writing a note to O--- when interrupted with a calling together, by the Captain, of the officers and non-coms. Here we noncoms were ordered to have our men up and ready to move out, with light packs at 5:30. We were not told which direction or for purpose we were moving but we all had an idea of what was to take place. We were issued two days’ rations at 4 o’clock and at 6:30 everyone was ready to move. But we did not move until three hours later. Our artillery started its barrage about 7 o’clock and at 8:30 we left our dugouts. On reaching the trenches we were given the command to load guns, fix bayonets and go over the top in line of combat groups. For about 600 yards we advanced through an open field with practically no resistance, and had reached the woods when all at once four or five machine guns opened fire on us. We of course immediately took cover as best we could, and continued to advance as fast as possible. About this time three enemy aeroplanes flew over us, just above the tree tops, and opened fire. A few minutes later they appeared again and in addition to firing they sent up two or three red rockets, calling for a barrage; and it certainly came, but fortunately at the time most of this barrage fell behind us, though occasionally a shell would knock the top out of a tree just over our heads. I remember one instance especially where “Nick” was on one side of a large tree and I on the other; and all at once the top of said tree began falling in splinters all around us. After that I stayed away from large trees. We had advanced beyond the enemy’s observation posts and were within a few yards of their trench when we were held up by a machine gun directly in front of us. Here our lieutenant ordered me to flank the m.g. on the right, and while we were trying to get this gun, several other machine guns began surrounding and closing in on us. This, together the unusually heavy barrage which by now was falling all among us, caused us to give up the gun we were after, and get out of the trap we ourselves were in. In getting out I and several others were wounded. Think a sniper got me for he kept “Nick” and me in the same shell hole for a good while; every time we would shake a twig he would shoot. As soon as we were clear of the trap I left the other boys and struck out for the first aid station in the rear. On reaching this station about 12 o’clock my wound was treated and I started out in ambulance for the hospital. Went through two field hospitals where correct records were supposed to have been made, and later reached evacuation hospital about 9 o’clock that night. Stayed there over night and left at noon the next day on Red Cross convoy for base hospital No. 6 at Bordeaux. Arrived at base No. 6 Tuesday Nov. 12^th at 2 a.m. Here I remained until Dec. 13^th when I left to rejoin my company.

Love to all, Affect.,

Walter

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Letter From L.E. Ballard

Dec. 31^st, 1918

Co. C. 324^th

A.P.O. 791, France

Dear Mother:

Your letter yesterday. Was so glad to get it. Sometimes it takes a letter a long time to come, but I am glad to get them even if they are old. Am well and feeling fine. Received my Xmas box yesterday, Dec. 30^th.  Was sure proud to have it; was filled with candy and cake; just what I wanted. We have little to do now; only drill five hours a day. Awfully rough over; rain most all of the time, and muddy. Will be more than glad when we can get back to the good old U.S.A.

L.R. Ballard

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Letter From James H.  Covington Jr.

January 21, 1919

Machine Gun Company, 324^th Infantry

A.P.O. 291, A.E.F.

I am now in a little town by the name of Thouier, France, about 150 miles southwest of Verdun. Have been here since Dec. 3^rd. We hiked from near Verdun and, believe me, it was some hike. Were on the road about 15 days.

Have certainly enjoyed the Post-Dispatch. Have read it in dugouts, trenches, barns and in all kinds of places. Was reading it in a dugout near Verdun the night before we went over the top. Shells were falling all around that night, but nothing compared with next morning.

I belong to the 8^th army corps 1^st army. We have very good quarters here and our working hours are good. Hard to get an idea as when we will leave this country. Have had some close calls but was very lucky and came out o.k. My love to all my friends. A letter from friends back home is worth lots to us over here. We value letters, or cards, more than you can imagine. Write us.

James H. Covington Jr.

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Dr. Covington to Mrs. Bennett

Extracts from a letter received by Mrs. John T. Bennett from Dr. J.M. Covington of Wadesboro, who is overseas in the 88^th division.

Field Hospital 349, 313^th Sanitary Train

88^th Division, France

Dec. 30^th, 1918

My Dear Cousin:

During Christmas week I visited Domremy, home of Joan of Arc, and while there I got for you at her residence and in the room she occupied, a little souvenir. Domremy is a very historical old place and practically no changes have been made in her home, or church since her childhood, between the years 1412 and 1429.

I left New York city with a convoy of 23 ships; time required crossing 16 days. Three hundred miles out from Liverpool we were attacked by two submarines and after an excitement of about 30 minutes our way was cleared and we went on to Liverpool without further trouble. Entrained immediately for South Hampton, England, and remained there 7 days. Crossed the English Channel and landed at La Havre, France, and was then sent to Nivers, France, to a base hospital for one month’s service. Then was directed to the front, in the Lorraine Sector, south of Verdun. Was placed in command of an X-Ray Mobile Surgical Unit. Was there for one month. Then was ordered down in the Alsace section and attached to Field Hospital Co 349. The infantrymen were rather quiet but cannonading and air combatting was all the “go.”

After staying there for about a month our division, the 88^th, was ordered north about 150 or 200 miles in northern Alsace, Toul Sector, preparatory to making a great drive for Metz. However, the 11^th of November arrived too soon and put an end to our job. On the 11^th of November I stood on the hill and listened to the last barrage which ended exactly on time.

Since the 11^th of November my patriotism is dead and I am saturated with “yellow” and homesick. Whenever our division, the 88^th, crosses the Atlantic and gets in sight of the goddess of Liberty, we will give a yell so loud that it will put every wireless apparatus out of commission on the Atlantic coast and no doubt you will hear the vibration of our voices in the good old state of N.C. I hope it will not be many moons before we return. I anticipate getting home by the time the robins build their nests.

Yours very sincerely,

J.M. Covington

Local Items From Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Feb. 20, 1919

From the Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Feb. 20, 1919

The Flu

It is safe to state that at no time since the influenza epidemic started last October has there been as few cases over the county as at the present time. There is still a case to be found here and there, but they are very few.

No new cases have developed from the three families on lower Fifth avenue, in this city, and the old cases in those families have recovered. The only new cases to appear in Rockingham during the past week (and these may prove to be merely bad colds) are reported this morning from the home of Mr. J.R. McLendon, whose two small children are thought to have mild cases.

The value of life insurance is well illustrated in the recent death of Mr. Pearce Whitlock, who died of the flu Jan. 17^th. Last year he took out a policy for $1,000 with the Mutual Life of New York on Sept. 29 and made but one payment on it. A short time ago he took out a policy for $2,500 with the Jefferson Standard, giving his note for the first payment. And now, barely a month since his demise, both insurance companies have paid the full value of the policies, and the sum of $3,500 is now in the hands of his widow, who with a six-year-old son, survives.

Our Soldiers

In the Casualty List published today is given the name of James J. Cagle of Hamlet, as having been wounded in action.

Gaston F. Smith, so of Mrs. J.B. Smith, Ellerbe, is in Co. B 105^th Reg. of Engineers, 30^th division. He left Camp Sevier about May 20^th, and left Camp Mills for overseas May 27^th. His relatives received a letter from him last week dated Jan. 25^th in which he said he was not very well, had a bad cold and headache. He was in the hospital during December with flu. Young Smith volunteered June 8^th, 1917, at Charlotte, aged 19.

Joseph H. Haywood returned to his home near here Tuesday, having been given his honorable discharge Monday from the Navy Signal School, co. 7, Hampton Roads, Va. He is a son of Mr. H.A. Haywood.

Mrs. R.B. Waddell received a letter from her son, J. Robert Waddell, Monday stating that he was at LaMans, France, awaiting passage to the States, and that he would likely sail within three weeks from that time. He is in the Marines.

Miss Marie Torrence, a gifted singer of Gastonia, is now in France where she sailed last month to sing for the Y.M.C.A. and hospitals. Miss Torrence is pleasantly remembered here as having given a concert for the Red Cross last fall.

William F. Gibson, son of Mr. W.W. Gibson of Roberdel, came home on Thursday of last week, having receive his honorable discharge from the army. He was in Co. A, 33^rd Bat. Machine Gun Brigade, 11^th division, at Camp Meade, Md., ready to go across when the armistice was signed. Three weeks ago he was transferred to Camp Gordon from which camp he was given his discharge last week.

Corporal James Stewart has been given his honorable discharge from the army, and came home last Friday to visit his mother, Mrs. S.W. Covington. He expects to return to Texas shortly, to Dallas, and work with his brother, Alec. He volunteered in April, 1917, and more recently was attached to Co. D, 54^th Machine Gun battalion, Camp Travis, Texas. While in the service he qualified as an expert rifleman and was awarded the medal of recognition as such. His military service has agreed with him, and his friends back home are glad to see him looking so well.

Jasper Grant, son of C.B. Grant, Wolf Pit, returned home Monday. Grant was in Co. B, 321^st Infantry, 81^st Division, and received a bullet in his leg in the last few minutes of the fight on Nov. 11. He was invalided home, and now has an honorable discharge. He has a yellow wound stripe on his right sleeve, and a yellow stripe on his left sleeve for overseas service.

In the Casualty List published Wednesday is given the name of Thomas P. Griffin of Hamlet, as having been slightly wounded. Griffin is a very intelligent negro, and at the time of registration was working at Carney’s Point, N.J. He was sent from this county to Camp Grant in the squad of 51 April 4, 1918, and he was placed in charge of the squad on their trip here to camp.

A wire received Wednesday by Mr. J.T. Bennett from Tyler Bennett at Beaumont, Texas, stated that he was making a voyage across to Rotterdam on the ship Dayron.

It is reported that the officers of the Brenizer Unit have sailed from France. In the Unit having sailed are Lts. Chas. I. Allen and James M. Davis, both of Wadesboro. The personnel of the Unit will doubtless sail immediately.

Mr. L.A. Wilson of Mt. Olive came Wednesday to spend two or three days with his uncle, Dr. L.D. McPhail. He was in Machine Gun Company, 119^th infantry, 30^th division, and was shot in the ankle. He was invalided home the first part of January.

Mr. and Mrs. J. LeGrand Everett motored to Laurinburg on Sunday afternoon to visit with the family of Rev. Mr. Davis, who is stationed there. The Shaws accompanied them to Laurinburg.

Lieut. Francis Liles came over from Lilesville and spent Monday afternoon he with relatives and friends. Lieut. Liles has lately gotten his discharge from the army. He was instructor at Camp Custis, Mich., for some months.

A most delightful party was given at the home of Mrs. James Threadgill Tuesday night in honor of Lonnie C. Cole, who has been home for the past month visiting his relatives. He left this morning for New Orleans, from which place he will sale Feb. 28^th for Panama. He has been in the military service over two years now, and next November, having served his three years, will be discharged. His address is Ft. Randolph, Panama Canal Zone, Pigeon Section. Guests at this “goodbye” party were Misses Netta Poplin, Mabel Dunn, Hassie Richardson, Bertha Covington, Bertha Bolton, Johnsie Henry, Mamie and Katie McDonald, Mary and Nettie Swink, Mary Hamer, and Margaret Cunningham; Messrs. Eugene Bailey, Jim and Carson Ratliff, Lee Davis and James Threadgill.

Marriage Licenses

Feb. 15^th, Dewey Thompson and Willie Henry, white

Feb. 15^th, Foster Parsons and Glennie Thomas, white.

Feb. 17^th, John Allison Winslow and Lena McKay, white.

Feb. 19^th, Freeman Nicholson and Florence Ellerbe, colored.

Personal

J.K. Long and family moved the last of January to the Gore farm near Cognac.

T.W. Childress has resigned as ‘second hand’ at Steele’s Mills and has opened a grocery near Entwistle.

The Library hours are now 3:30 to 6:30 in the afternoons and from 10 to 12 on Saturday mornings.

Mrs. F.B. Garrett is present in Salisbury, 528 Fulton St., where she will remain with her mother, Mrs. Ida Bostian, until April.

Ben Stubbs spent Saturday with his father here. He is working for the Phoenix Construction Co., which is building the tower transmission line from Laurinburg to Camden, 100 miles long.

Young Ben Guthrie, a 7-year-old hopeful of Judge Henry Guthrie, brought the Post-Dispatch a ripe tomato this week that Mrs. G.A. Patrick plucked from her garden a few days ago.

Mrs. Florence Watson will open on March 1^st a ladies’ beauty shop over McNail’s furniture store, for the purpose of electric hair dressing, massaging, shampooing children’s hair, bobbing, etc.

Shelton S. Webster of Cheraw was instantly killed Tuesday morning near Lilesville while climbing a post on the Yadkin Power Co.’s high tension line by coming in contact with a “static” current.

Hal Ledbetter Jr. and John Cole went to New York Tuesday and Wednesday nights respectively, and will return in 10 days. In a few weeks, Cole will open an office in Philadelphia and Ledbetter in Chicago for the Marlboro Cotton Mills.

Mrs. Minnie L. Blanton, secretary of the N.C. Library Commission, will visit Rockingham about the first week in March with the purpose of having the local library permanently established.

The engagement of Miss Caddie Fowle and Mr. Charlie Morton was announced this week, the wedding to be April 30^th. Both are of Washington, N.C. Miss Fowle is remembered here, having visited Mrs. C.K. Waddill, nee Miss Fannie Dockery.

Miss Elizabeth Haywood is doing clerical work in the Register of Deeds’ office.

R.B. Hutchinson Wednesday bought a five-passenger from Page Station.

Miss Sallie Davis returned home Monday from Salisbury hospital, much improved.

The Postal Telegraph Company has reopened its office at Laurinburg; it was closed for the past several months.

Dr. A.C. Everett now has his offices in the rooms over the Post-Dispatch office, formerly used by the Red Cross as a Sewing Room.

Dr. Fairley P. James and Miss Hallie Covington, both of Laurinburg, were married in that city Wednesday evening at the Methodist church.

Lieut. “Dutch” Hardison spent Sunday in Rockingham with friends, coming over from Wadesboro.

Mr. Ben Ely spent the week-end in Rockingham with friends, returning to Baltimore Sunday night.

Mrs. Gaskins of Charleston, S.C., who has been the house-guests of Mrs. Robert S. Leak, has retuned to her home.

Mr. Claude Gore went to Wilmington Tuesday to spend the day with his father, whose health is not robust these days.

The many friends of Miss Ann Steele will be glad to know that she is more comfortable than she was for several days last week.

Mrs. W.P. Webb, Mrs. J.T. Bennett and Mrs. A.L. McDonald left Wednesday morning to attend a conference of Home Section Civilian Relief, American Red Cross, Fayetteville, which meets Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Mrs. Henry Clay Wall returned Tuesday morning from Salisbury, where she has been visiting her parents for some weeks. Mrs. Wall’s father, Mr. J.C. Nicholson, is not at all well, and she will return shortly to Salisbury, when her father is operated on.

Entwistle Items

Mrs. Guy Dawkins, who has been sick for some time, is improving.

Mrs. Jule Caddell has been on the sick list for the past few days.

Mr. J.V. Meacham, who has had a case of the flu, is able to be back in the store.

Mrs. Bertha Covington is still on the sick list.

Mr. and Mrs. Vander Floyd have returned from Fries, Va.

Mrs. D.R. Henderson is visiting friends in Wilmington.

Mrs. W.H. Rich from Columbia spent Sunday with her sister, Mrs. John Gay.

Mr. G.W. Bullard is spending a few days in Wilmington.

Miss Monnie Gay entertained her Sunday school class of girls at a valentine party Friday night. They played games. The room was beautifully decorated with hearts and evergreens. Refreshments were served and all reported a nice time.

Steele’s Mills News

Mr. Charlie Skipper is moving his family this week to Entwistle from Cordova.

Last week Mr. Bill Jones moved from Hannah Pickett to Cordova.

The Baptist preacher of Cordova married a most lovely couple last Sunday afternoon at Cobb Memorial Baptist Church—Mr. Foster Parsons and Miss Glennie Thomas. They are of splendid families.

Hannah Pickett Mill Items

Master Thomas McCaskill is just recovering from what was thought to be a second attack of flu.

Mr. Dock Phifer is also on the sick list with the same complaint; hope he will soon recover again.

Mrs. W.L. Patterson is up again, after a spell of one week’s sickness.

Mrs. Mary Anne Clark, who has been sick for the past week or so, is rapidly improving, we are glad to note.

Hannah Pickett folks seemed to be playing “fruit basket”—moving last week. Mrs. Page moved to Entwistle mill and Mrs. Singletary moved into the Page house, and Jack Kelly moved into the Singletary house. Some one else moved in the Kelly house. Mrs. Fisher moved to Durham and Mrs. Mills moved in the Fisher house. Mrs. Stewart moved in the Mills house, John Patterson moved to Durham and Sam Hyatt moved in the Patterson house. Clinton Whitlock moved into the Hyatt House, John Bean moved to Rockingham and Henry Sanders moved in the Bean house. This is “some” moving for one week’s time.

It is rumored that there is to be a union revival at or near Hannah Picket village some time in the near future. It will depend on the co-operation of the people. Let everybody open their hearts and pocket books too, and let’s have this meeting, and let everyone come together and serve God in unity.