More Boys Off To Training Camps (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, May 16, 1917

J. F. Binder received a letter Sunday from his brother, Homer, who is an engineer for the Allis Chalmers Company, of Milwaukee, Wis., stating that six young men and himself had been ordered to Ft. Sheridan, Illinois, to take three months training in the engineers corps. He also stated that out of 1,500 to 2,000 applicants from the city of Milwaukee only 300 were taken. The competition was very stiff and no one but those who were physically in excellent shape were accepted. He said he was going into the army with a light heart and did not dread nor fear the work. He expects to often see Russell Nowels, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Nowels, of the city, and Walter Ruch, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ruch, both of whom are at Ft. Sheridan.

Prof. Ross Tuttle, who has had charge of the manual training department of the local high school, left Sunday noon for Ft. Thomas, Ky. He recently enlisted in the army as a civil engineer or draftsman. The students who were taking work under Mr. Tuttle will complete their work themselves and it is thought that no instructor will be secured to complete the term which ends in the course of three weeks. Mr. Tuttle was accompanied to Ft. Thomas by Paul Pinkley, druggist at the Carter drug store. The latter enlisted in the medical department of the service and will also receive medical training before being taken into actual service.

Prof. Arthur Wilkinson, science teacher in the high school of this city, left a few days ago for the officers' training school. He completed his school work before leaving here and the examinations were held last Thursday.

In a complete list of enlistments published Sunday by the Journal-Gazette, the names of a few more Whitley county men who had not yet been mentioned appeared. In the list was Chester A. Lincoln, a young attorney at Churubusco, Lloyd F. Gates, superintendent of the Churubusco schools, Charles Hire, a son of Simon Hire, of Thorncreek township, and Gail F. Yontz, son of Mr. and Mrs. San Yontz of this city. Mr. Lincoln enlisted in the coast artillery, while the other young men all enlisted in the infantry. Mr. Hire has already gone to the training camp at Indianapolis, and Messrs Gates and Yontz will probably be requested to report soon.

News from Indianapolis is to the effect that the enlisted men are reporting at a lively rate, but some time will be required to do the clerical work and get the five thousand or more located in their quarters. It is said that when the first arrivals sat down to their first meal at the barracks and confronted some corn beef, rye bread and black coffee they looked down their noses and seemed to be mentally engaged. They probably were looking at a moving picture show in which the conspicuous features were the home table and home folks. But it is quite certain that the bill of fare will be better after the camp gets into regular working order, and the appetites of the boys will increase wonderfully after each work-out.

Russell Eisaman Writes From New York (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, September 26, 1917

Russell Eisaman, who enlisted with Virgil Morgan and Dick Gruesbeck, writes his parents in a letter received by them Friday that he is now located in Watertown, N.Y., with the field artillery. Parts of the letter follow:

"Dear Folks: - -
"I don't know whether you can read this or not because I just got through having an awful game of basket ball. As you can see they have a Y. M. C. A. here but this one is in a tent.

"Believe me we had some trip to get here, and after we got here we were pleased. There are about three thousand mules and horses here. They have to be curried three times a day. We drilled eight hours today (Sept. 18). We won't stay here long as they are using the cannon in practice and when that comes they get ready to go to New Jersey and you know what that means. There are no buildings here, all tents and there lots of them. It is just like it was in Wisconsin with the exception of the soil. All is sand here. There is not a bit of good hard dirt.

"We only had to hike three miles from the station carrying all our clothes and equipment. Our regiment is fully equipped but the one beside us had to use our guns. It sounds queer to hear a cannon roar and then it seems like a minute before the shell explodes away off in the opposite direction. We are sixteen miles from the nearest town and not a building within three miles.

"We got a good tip this morning from one of our tent partners that those who got along alright will leave soon so you may know I don't intend to stay long. We got another 'shot in the arm' just after dinner and then went out and drilled all afternoon. I feel fine and am glad we get only two more of them.

"They have all kinds of sports here: Basket ball, base ball, punching bag and about everything you can think of. Dick and I got in the same tent. Glen Johnson and Ralph Weston are both in our battery.

"This camp is called Pine camp but you don't need to put that on the address. It sure is a beautiful place. There is one general here from Canada who has been in Europe for some time. You don't have any idea how many different camps and soldiers we have seen. Don’t' forget to have everyone write even though I don't get to answer at once. My address is:
Russell E. Eisaman
Battery B. 4th F. A.
Military Branch
Watertown, N.Y.

Heber Allen Describes Y. M. C. A. Work (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, September 26, 1917

Heber W. Allen, of this city, who enlisted in the army at Fort Wayne, in June, and who is now at Camp Jackson, Columbia, S. C. address 2 M. C., Company 41, has just written friends in this city a general report on the work of the Y. M. C. A. Heber having had experience in the last three months at three of the principal army camps of the U. S. finally being transferred to Camp Jackson to assist in the baking department in the great camp there.

He says: "The Y. M. C. A. needs all the praise you can give it. Everything I heard regarding the good work before enlisting is true and then some. While we were held in Camp Gordon in Georgia, the Y. M. C. A. came to our rescue, offering us free of all charge books, stationery, magazines, newspapers, besides new army Bibles for each soldier to keep. One of the Y. M. C. A. men came several times a day with our mail and was very generous in offering to go and get tobacco, candy, etc., for the private soldiers. At many of these Y. M. C. A. headquarters you can pick up most any study you desire, including French. Also writing, spelling, arithmetic, and typewriting.

"Tonight we have a "Hawaiian band," by ambulance company No. 31, including both vocal and instrumental music. Yesterday a celebrated band came out at 4 o'clock and played for us. Every day there is something good arranged for us. Then at 7:15 each day there is a Bible study for half an hour which is very interesting. My hay fever has not left entirely but is not near as bad as at home. I can sleep at night now."

Boys Are Well Situated at Louisville (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, September 26, 1917

All the word back from them tells of the good times they are having - it is a jolly bunch from all reports - Other News.

The Whitley county delegation at Camp Taylor, Louisville, Ky., seems to be having a good time, according to all reports and the boys are having the time of their life. Frank Hull, Don Kennedy, Keller Sheeler and Fred Yontz were on hand to greet them Thursday evening and all of the boys from here are in the same barracks. The four fellows named helped the boys fill their ticks with straw.

Don Kennedy has been appointed acting corporal, as has Edgar Lorger. Bud Mygrant was out to the camp the other day, and he knew a number of the boys. The fellows planned to hold a reunion of the Whitley county boys Sunday. Lieut. Tom Pontius is in the same camp but about a mile away.

"Please pass the butter" is the call that the fellows give as they march into the mess halls at meal time. They are not given butter, so the boys have a lot of fun asking each other to pass it. The report is that you can hear the "Please pass the butter" run all the way down the line as the hungry young fellows hustle in and eat the good things which are offered them. The meals are good, according to reports.

Firmer R. Born writes the local conscription board that everything is satisfactory with the Whitley county bunch. His letter follows in part:

"We arrived all O. K. at the camp about 9 o'clock. Hull, Yontz, Sheeler and Kennedy met us at the door of our barracks in which all the C. C. men are located. The men were exceptionally nice and obedient. Not the least bit of trouble. Had plenty of eats out of Denver and out of Indianapolis. The boys were certainly a jolly bunch. We had lots and lots of fun. Lorber, Strouse, White and Harsbarger were the minstrels. Mr. McKnight proved himself a good sport and friend of the boys. We were 47 out of 414 men on the train and I dare say we were the best looking bunch in the lot. The conductor and brakeman told me he liked our bunch of men the best. Today, (Friday), we drill all forenoon. This afternoon, we were examined and vaccinated."

Fred Yontz has been appointed Supply Sergeant in the commissary department, and his is kept busy handing out goods to the new men as they arrive. Frank Hull, who is familiar with the dry goods business, is also in the supply department. The story is told that as the men were being fitted for shirts, they were asked what sized collar they wear. One fellow replied: "I don't know. I never wore a collar." Firmer Born has also been appointed an acting corporal for the present. These men who have been appointed to non-commissioned positions, may be changed at any time, according to the word from the boys.

Bonnell Peabody Home on Furlough (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, September 26, 1917

Bonnell Peabody, who is in the U. S. aviation service, arrived home Friday evening from Mt. Clemons, Mich., on a forty-eight hours furlough. He has been in training there for several months, and is to return to Mt. Clemens and from there the men in his company will leave at once for Long island, N. Y., where he will probably take further training and perhaps aerial work. He has been acting as mechanic on one of the flying machines at Mt. Clemens. The work requires regularity and thoroughness, but he states that he never felt so well in his life, though he has not gained any weight. Saturday, about fifty members of the family met at the Peabody home on the Wilkeswood farm, holding a sort of a family reunion. Bonnell has to return to Mt. Clemens early Sunday morning.

Val Worden Writes From San Antonio (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Saturday, September 22, 1917

Vallorous Worden, son of Henry Worden, of Coesse, who is now in the aviation corps, is planning to take a course of special instruction preparatory to being commissioned in the aerial service. He is located at San Antonio, Texas, and in a recent letter writes as follows:

"We have had a couple old Indiana rains and consequently it is not nearly so dusty here as formerly. I like it better all the time and I can truthfully say that I have never felt better in my life. The days are rather warm but the nights are positively great. I am really desirous of taking my training here although there is a possibility of our being sent to Dayton, Ohio, or some other place."

Movements of Other C. C. Boys in Regular Army (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Saturday, September 22, 1917

Four boys from Columbia City were transferred last week from Ft. Thomas, Ky., to the Mountain Artillery which is to be trained and conditioned high in the Adirondack mountains in New York state, and are located there. They are Russell Eisaman, Dick Gruesbeck, Glen Johnson and Ralph Weston.

Virgil Morgan and Ernest Erne have not yet been assigned to any particular branch of the service but they were transferred from Ft. Thomas to Ft. Meyer, Va., only six miles from Washington, D. C. they left Ft. Thomas Saturday noon and arrived at Ft. Meyer the next day just before noon. Clyde Overdeer is there and he has been in training at that place for the past two months. Frank Metzker, of South Whitley, has not yet been transferred from Ft. Thomas, and he is the only Whitley county man still there.

Aden Schannep in Aviation School (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Saturday, September 22, 1917

Aden Schannep, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Schannep, of Cleveland township, enlisted last July in the aeroplane corps and is now in the regular army training camp in Texas, according to a letter received by his parents this week.

Mr. Schannep was summoned to report before the local draft board for examination on the first call. He failed to appear and members of his family who had not heard from him since he left home did not know where he was. It was thought that the young man had run away to avoid the draft but instead he volunteered for service in the aviation corps.

In a letter to D. C. Scott, druggist at South Whitley, Schannep states that he has been in camp at San Antonio since July 30. He belongs to the 61st division and gets two lessons a week in aviation. He expects to be sent to France soon.

One Grand Time All The Way To Camp (1917)

The Evening Post ~ Saturday, September 22, 1917

The forty-seven men from Whitley county who composed the second [sic] contingent of men from this locality, had a fine trip to Louisville, Ky., according to letters received by relatives Friday morning. All along the line people were out by the hundreds and thousands to greet them, and they could not but feel proud of the honor that was paid them throughout the state.

They report that they had lunch at Denver. It was served in a box car. The men lined up and Edgar Lorber had hold of the coffee pot, pouring it out to the fellows. They were served with ham and veal sandwiches, hard boiled eggs, bananas, cake and coffee, and they had all the smokes they wanted. More men kept joining their crowd until they had eighteen coaches, totaling 414 men, all bound for Louisville. Logansport was the only place that had more men than this county, as the quotas were not as large from some of them, owing to the number of volunteers who had gone.

At Logansport, women pulled flags off of their houses and rushed over and gave them to the boys, and at Kokomo, a woman took a big silk flag off of the rear of her automobile and ran over to the Whitley county bunch and said she wanted to give her flag to them. They fastened it on the rear of their car.

According to a letter from Edgar Lorber, the fellows were singing nearly all the way to Kokomo. They got quiet there as the Y. M. C. A. men boarded the train and distributed letter paper and envelopes and most of the wrote home. He also stated that the fellows all got acquainted before they had gone very far and the very best of spirit prevailed among them. They were a happy lot and the new surroundings occupied their thoughts and their attention. They were all impressed by the receptions which they received all along the line. At some places, girls were at the train, giving the boys their addresses and telling them that they will write to them if they furnish their addresses. It is hardly probable that any of the boys will furnish their addresses under such circumstances.

Soldier Boys Depart - Part 2 (1917)

Continued from Soldier Boys Depart - Part 1
Columbia City Post ~ Saturday September 22, 1917

The train pulled in promptly at 9:39 and the boys entered a special coach on the rear. Fred McKnight, of the Panhandle company, had been sent here from Logansport to take personal charge and he saw to it that the men had every accommodation. The local board also boarded the train to see that the required number was all present and as soon as this was done the signal was passed to the conductor and the train moved out.

Hundreds of flags were waved in farewell, and the boys left, knowing that they occupied a warm place in the hearts of the folks back home. After they climbed on the car, they opened the windows and talked to their relatives until the train left.

The crowd was so large that many relatives were unable to get near their boys to say good bye, waving at them from a distance, instead. Jim Galvin presented the boys with a box of cigars just before the train left, so they will all have a smoke on the way, if they want it.

When the train over the Panhandle arrived at South Whitley, at ten o'clock, the young men leaving for Camp Taylor, Kentucky, the South Whitley band and a large number of school children met them at the depot. There was a large crowd of friends and relatives present to bid the boys farewell.

There was only one substitute out of the forty-seven men. Russell Albert Bowdy, of South Whitley went in place of Keslar Ray Beers, of Etna township, who was operated upon for appendicitis just two weeks ago. Beers is the young fellow who walked into Clerk Plattner's office Wednesday morning to answer roll call. He stated then that he was ready to go if the board wanted to take him. He was so weak then that he had to be assisted from the office but he was game.

Photograph courtesy of the Whitley County Historical Museum.

The men who went.

The following eight men substituted for those who will go later:

• Samuel Gale Raber, South Whitley, for John B. Rouch.
• Wesley Dakin, South Whitley, for Paul Dwight Pence.
• Walter G. Wetzel, Columbia City, for Homer Sandison Ohmart.
• Ralph Strouse, Columbia City, for William H. Oberkise.
• Norman Lowell Karnes, South Whitley, for Herschel C. Gray.
• Raelin Victor Phend, Columbia City, for Void Truman Humbarger.
• Sidney E. Ort, Churubusco, for Guy H. Thompson.
• Otto Brubaker, Churubusco, for Kesler Ray Beers.

The following men composed the balance of the lot:

• C. Guy Crowell, Columbia City.
• Lewis Glotzer, Fort Wayne.
• Myron J. Growcock, Columbia City.
• Earl R. Bordner, Columbia City.
• Victor L. Gaff, Churubusco.
• Lee Nichols, South Whitley.
• Charles V. Hickman, Coesse.
• Noah J. Wolfe, Columbia City.
• George A. Hawn, Columbia City.
• J. A. Pence, Columbia City.
• Adam Fausz, Columbia City.
• Grover C. E. L. Brown, Columbia City.
• Harry N. Dimmick, South Whitley.
• Homer B. Ray, Columbia City.
• James Trout, Columbia City.
• Ralph D. Slessman, South Whitley.
• Charles E. Dinius, Columbia City.
• Lloyd J. Stough, Columbia City.
• Edgar M. Lorber, Columbia City.
• Charles Hildebrand, Columbia City.
• Earl George Jones, Columbia City.
• William L. Johnston, Larwill.
• Marshall Harshbarger, Columbia City.
• Lozon A. Williamson, Columbia City.
• Charles Egolf, Larwill.
• Adlai White, Columbia City.
• Daniel E. Small, Columbia City.
• Walter L. Blain, Columbia City.
• Firmer R. Born, Columbia City.
• Marshall J. Kates, Columbia City.
• Oris Winebrenner, Churubusco.
• Lester O. Crowell, Columbia City.
• John E. Clingeman, Columbia City.
• Lawrence J. Byall, Columbia City.
• Floyd E. Hyser, Roanoke.
• Walter J. Miller, Churubusco.
• Noah S. Tillman, South Whitley.
• Harry Elmo Burris, Columbia City.
• Amos E. Walker, Columbia City.

Soldier Boys Depart - Part 1 (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Saturday September 22, 1917

Soldier Boys Depart With Throng Waving Farewell.

Forty-seven picked young men from Whitley county left Thursday morning over the Panhandle railroad for Logansport and from there to Louisville, Ky., where they will enter Camp Taylor for training in the new national army. The scene enacted in this city Thursday morning will linger long in the memory of all who witnessed it, and the sadness of the parting which was felt in this community was experienced in other county seats from one end of this broad land to the other. Three hundred thousand more American soldiers entered training camps to prepare to enter the mighty conflict which is sweeping the world.

The business houses of this city were closed and the people turned out by the thousands. Soon after 7 o'clock the selected men commenced to arrive in town and by 8 o'clock hundreds of machines were here from all parts of the county. The public square was decorated with flags, and emblems were flying from nearly every window in the court house. Stores were decorated with flags and bunting and to all appearances, a stranger might have judged that the people were turning out for some gala day celebration.

But it was not an hilarious crowd that gathered here. It was rather a serious, sober gathering of people whose hearts were heavy and whose thoughts ran deep. Every little ways there was a machine load of people and some of the ladies were crying, and they were gathered around the town in groups. There was not much conversation and it was only now and then that you could hear anyone laugh or talk in a loud tone. The serious business at hand and the uncertainty of it all affected the stoutest heart and men everywhere were moved by thoughts of the departure of the young men.

The school children, marching by classes, with the little folks from Miss Mary Raber's room in the west building leading the procession came down Van Buren street at 8:30. The band had gone up to meet them and marched behind the Troop of Boy Scouts who were under the command of Clarence Feist. One of their number marched in the center of a double line, carrying a big flag, the band followed, marching four abreast, and then came the school children.

As the little folks marched down street, each carrying a flag, a spectacle was presented which no one could forget. The boys and girls were serious, like the crowd. There were big flags and little flags and each child had one. The teachers marched at the head of their respective classes. The children from the E. L. McLallen building marched up and joined the larger procession from the west school and high school buildings. The procession halted north of the court house and the old soldiers, veterans of the civil war, fell in line, taking their place at the head of the procession.

The forty-seven men who were to leave were at County Clerk Otis E. Plattner's office Thursday morning at 8 o'clock to answer roll call. They also answered roll call Wednesday morning and evening. Before they marched out of the east side of the court house, the men were presented with a little gift from the businessmen of this city. The gift consisted of a small kit containing a brush, a comb and a metallic mirror, which will not rust. The latter is polished on both sides and it cannot be broken.

[There is an entire column devoted to the speech given by Attorney D. V. Whiteleather, which is being omitted here. . . ]

As the boys marched out onto the east steps of the court house, they halted and L. E. Pontius photographed them, together with the conscription board, composed of Dr. D. S. Linvill, County Clerk Otis E. Plattner and County Sheriff James M. Bodley. The young men removed their hats while the picture was being taken, and a fine, manly looking lot they were. As they marched down the steps, the casual observer was lead to believe that the men who were about to leave were the least disturbed of all.

The procession then moved down the east side of the court house, turned east on Market street to Whitley and thence south to the depot. The band played lively marches most of the way. The big crowd followed, walking in the streets, and getting down there most anyway to get there. The people thronged around the depot. Boys climbed on top of buildings and box cars near by and one fellow even got up on top of the big water tank. The crowd extended more than three hundred feet along the track and the automobiles were there by the score. The size of the crowd was variously estimated from 2,500 to 5,000 and nearly everyone agreed that it was larger than the crowd here Old Settlers Day.

The soldiers mingled with the crowd and there was a good word for all of them as goodbyes were said. They all displayed remarkable self-control; even in the face of heart-breaking scenes and their cheerfulness had much to do with brightening up the situation. The soldier boys were called to assemble at 9:25 and answer to roll call. Phil Farren blew the assembly call. The five corporals, Walter L. Blain, Gale Raber, John A. Pence, Edgar Lorber and Walter J. Miller, who had seven men assigned to them which composed their squads called the roll and kept their men together so as soon as the train pulled in they were all there ready to load in the car. Firmer R. Born was in charge of the contingent and Sidney Ort, of Churubusco, was his assistant.

Continued in Soldier Boys Depart - Part 2, which includes a photograph of the men.

Yarn Is Here For The Knitters (1917)

The Evening Post ~ Wednesday, September 19, 1917

A small amount of yarn has arrived here for the Red Cross knitters and Mrs. Miller, chairman of the knitting department, has a sufficient quantity on hands to start those who are ready to go to work at once knitting outfits for the soldiers. As the supply is so limited each person will be required to make a deposit of a sum equal to the amount of the yarn they take, and upon their return of the knitted article, the money is refunded to them. This policy is followed all over the country. It is highly desirable that the knitting work should be started at once, as it will take some time to distribute the sets to the soldiers even after the pieces have been made.

The Sibert Boys Are Patriotic (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, September 12, 1917

William Sibert, the village blacksmith of Collamer, and his wife are feeling rather lonesome at the present time, but they find some consolation in the fact that their sons are filled with the patriotic spirit. When the government first called for volunteers Edward and Floyd Sibert answered the call and have been in the service for more than six months past.

Sunday, the third son, Gerald, who is but sixteen years of age, decided to also enlist. He is large and well built and would pass for an 18 year old at any time, and when Alex Goff, 19, son of Heber Goff, and Ray Ulery, 20, whose father is dead, decided they wanted to get into the army, Gerald Sibert felt the impulse so strong that he decided to join them. So Sunday afternoon, the trio were taken from Collamer to South Whitley by Walter Galbreath and there they boarded the Nickle Plate train for Fort Wayne. They went before the recruiting officers there and successfully passed the examination. They were not assigned but were told that they would be assigned in the morning.

All three of the boys are plucky and have many friends in Collamer and vicinity whose good wishes accompany them.

Elmer Pence Writes for Bull Durham (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, September 5, 1917

Elmer E. Pence, brother of Vern Pence, manager of the Simplex Gas Lighting Company of this city, is now at Sunningdale, England, recovering from injuries sustained in France when the ambulance he was driving was blown to pieces, leaving nothing "but its reputation," as Mr. Pence words it in his good letter which follows. It was received here by Vern Pence Saturday:

Dear Brother:

I will write you a few lines to help pass the time away, as I am not doing anything these days but resting. As the saying here is, I finally got a "Blightey." That is what the boys call it when they get wounded bad enough to get sent back to England. I was shell-shocked by a big one; was driving an ambulance at the time. There was nothing left of the Cadillac but it's reputation. I am all together but badly stiffened up. As near as I can describe it, it felt just the same as if my legs were asleep in the hips and knees, not a bit of life or feeling.

I will get over it alright but it takes considerable time, and I am very happy that I am not shoveling up daisies back in France with a lot of the bunch. Oh well, it is all in the life - some life too. I surely have been born to be hung or else my time has not come yet. I am sure to get alright and if I stay here there is no danger, but if I get well I will have to go back. Now for the important part of this letter. Bull Durham costs 30 cents for a 5 cent package and is hard to get at that. I wish you would send us some by mail registered. Be sure and mark it "socks" plainly so the darned post office clerks won't steal it.

P.S. Bull Durham, small packages, and repeat the order.

Mr. Pence's address is:
Elmer E. Pence
513,981 C. F. C. Co. A.
Attached to Staff,
Smith's Lawn,
Sunningdale, England.

First Men Will Go To Louisville (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, September 5, 1917

The first contingent of the representatives of Whitley county for the New National Army will leave this week for Camp Taylor, Louisville, Ky. Two men will leave on each of three days and this call is for but five per cent of the county's quota. All of the six men who go in the first contingent requested that they be permitted to go first and in all fairness to others we say that there were at least twenty more who volunteered and asked the local board if they might be permitted to be in the first bunch. All of them feel that since they are the chosen ones to go that they want to be among the first ones called.

The first pair to go will be Kellar Sheeler and Gale Frederick Yontz. The former is a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Sheeler of this city, and he has been claim agent on the Pennsylvania lines west of Pittsburg for a number of years. He is an expert in shorthand work and he also is thoroughly qualified as a stenographer and office man. In selected a man who will be of great assistance in carrying out the big task of organizing the new army, it would be hard to find a more competent or more reliable man than Mr. Sheeler is. He was married a year or more ago to Miss Merriette Brand, daughter of Postmaster and Mrs. John W. Brand, and it is probable that he would have been exempt on account of his employment, had he filed claims, but he felt that it was every man's first duty to serve his country when called. Mrs. Sheeler will live with her parents and the Sheeler home on east Van Buren street will be rented by Will Brand and wife for the present.

Fred Yontz is a son of Mr. and Mrs. San Yontz of the Yontz & Hallauer grocer firm, and he, too, is one of the prominent young business men of this city. He had a year of military training while a student in the University of Wisconsin which will make him of considerable value in instructing the new recruits. He has also practically had full business charge of the Yontz & Hallauer store so that his business experience can be utilized to great advantage by the government. Fred was married a few months ago to Miss Merle Weick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Weick, now of Warsaw. She will stay with Mr. and Mrs. Yontz and with her parents, during the absence of her husband.

Frank Hull, of the Hudson Dry Goods Company, and Donald Floyd Kennedy, who is a barber by trade, and who has been working for Edward Hollinger for the past year, will be the pair that leaves Friday. The former is a son of B. F. Hull and wife, of East Van Buren street. He was a former member of the Columbia City base ball team and he is one of the best athletes this city ever developed. He has been employed at the Hudson store for years and his steady application to his work and his never failing energy won him the recognition of his employers to such an extent that he became a member of the firm at the time Robert Hudson disposed of his interests in the local store. He is unmarried.

Donald Floyd Kennedy will probably have a chance to follow his trade in the army. Barbers are needed there just as much as in private life, and those who have been shaved by him know that he knows how to handle the razor. He is a married man, having a wife and one child, but he felt that his services should be offered to his country if the army could use him. He filed no claims for exemption.

The men who go Saturday are not from this city. One of them, Clyde Everett Bollinger, is from South Whitley, and the other, Dave Buttermore - well everybody knows he's from Busco. Mr. Bollinger is a brother of Ex-County Surveyor H. G. Bollinger and he is a hustler like his brother Harry, and will make a valuable man in the building up of the army organization.

Dave Buttermore will be the favorite of his regiment within a few months, for he can pretty nearly take on all comers in the wrestling game and lay them on their backs. All sorts of athletics are encouraged, for they help to put the men in condition for army life. Few men have a nicer disposition or are cleverer fellows to meet than Dave, and he had no thought of filing claims for exemption once he was called for the draft. He has a lot of friends in this city and in Busco who will wish him good luck and God speed.

None of the fellows in this bunch of six claimed exemption and they are all capable fellows who will work with a will at whatever task is assigned to them.

Messrs Sheeler and Yontz will leave on the Panhandle Wednesday morning and will be accompanied by their wives as far as Indianapolis. From here they go to Logansport and then direct to Louisville.

What to Take (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, September 5, 1917

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 - Drafted men of the first five per cent, contingent who will leave Wednesday for mobilizing camps are directed in regulations issued to-day to take a minimum of civilian clothing and personal belongings. Toilet articles, towels and handkerchiefs are recommended and no objection will be made to two changes of underclothing but other articles are frowned upon.

Attention is called to the fact that civilian clothing will be discarded when camp is reached and to those not desiring to send such apparel back home it was suggested that clothing not worth keeping be worn. The men may carry only light hand baggage on the train and as suit cases and hand bags will not be allowed for permanent use at camp, articles may be carried in bundles if desired.

Before reporting to the local draft board men should have their hair cut very short, should be bathed and wear clean clothing. To insure quick communication with his family each recruit is advised to provide himself with post cards or stamped envelopes.

Drafted Boys Entertained (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, September 5, 1917

The reception held for the drafted boys of Cleveland township, at South Whitley, Friday evening was quite an elaborate affair, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and greatly appreciated by the boys.

At six o'clock the families, wives and lady friends of the young men dined at the Baptist church banquet room. At seven o'clock a parade, headed by the South Whitley band, started with the young men in automobiles, and the old soldiers marching through the streets to the K. of P. hall, where a splendid program was enjoyed by those assembled there. The program consisted of solos, duets, quartettes and music by the Fox orchestra, and several addresses. A very large crowd attended and almost half of the people who desired to attend were turned away, there being no more room in the hall.

Better Carry That Registration Card (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, August 15, 1917

Lee Daniel of this city was the first person from here, so far as known, who has been inconvenienced because of the fact that he did not have his registration card with him. Mr. Daniels went to Chicago Tuesday with a carload of cattle. While in the Exchange building at the stockyards he was approached by a U. S. Secret Service man who demanded that he show his registration card. Mr. Daniel had changed clothes before going to Chicago, and had left it at home. He was able, however, to get several men at the stockyards, where he is well known, to vouch for him and so avoided being arrested.

He telephoned to his brother, Harry, who notified the local registration board and Dr. D. S. Linvill and Sheriff James Bodley sent a telegram to Chicago stating that Lee had registered. Harry also mailed him his card and he will have no more trouble. Mr. Daniel said that a number of western stockmen were in town and that government officers who were there arrested a number of them who did not have their cards. The fact that Lee was well known by Chicago men at the yards and that they could vouch for him prevented his arrest.

Paul Wilcox Soon to Sail for France (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, August 1, 1917

Paul Wilcox, son of Clinton Wilcox of the Farmers Loan & Trust Co., may now be on his way to France. He is a member of the company recruited from University of Michigan students in the 91st Ambulance Corps, which has been in training at Allentown, Pa., for the past five weeks.

It was the understanding of the men that they would be trained there for at least three months. The order for them to move in three hours came Saturday afternoon and was entirely unexpected by the members of the corps. Paul telegraphed his father that they had been ordered to prepare to move but a second telegram received by Mr. Wilcox from his son Sunday evening stated that they had not yet left but were not permitted to leave their barracks.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox were planning to go to Allentown for a few days soon, but they thought that they would wait until about the middle of the three months' training period. The word from Paul completely changed their plans, as their son will probably be gone before they could reach him.

The ambulance service is one of the most hazardous branches of the service. The drivers have displayed the greatest heroism in removing wounded from the battlefields, and the losses sustained by the various corps have been very great.

With the arrival of Paul Wilcox in France, Columbia City will be well represented. Dr. Merritt Ireland is on Gen. Pershing's staff; Ray P. Harrison is a first lieutenant with the expedition, and Jay Werstler, nephew of Henry Tantlinger, on the south side, is a private in company K, 16th Infantry of the regular army.

Artillery Man is on His Way to France (1917)

Columbia City Post ~ Wednesday, August 1, 1917

Corporal Hugh S. Earl, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Earl, who reside in the north part of the county, is now probably somewhere on the Atlantic on his way to France with a contingent of U. S. artillery. His mother received a letter from him written from an inland point and there was a postscript to it in which the young man stated that he did not get the letter mailed at the place where it was started. The point at which he mailed the letter was on the Atlantic seaboard and in the postscript he stated that they were about to sail.

The young man will be twenty-two years old in August. He was born in this county, up near the Noble county line, and lived here with his parents until about ten years ago when they moved to Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Earl recently moved back to the county. Their son enlisted in the regular army at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, last January and from there he was sent to Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, where he was assigned to the Seventh Field Artillery, Battery C. He evidently stands well with his officers as he holds a non-commissioned office, that of corporal.

Earl is a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Jones, of north line street and is a brother of Mrs. John Russell, of East Jackson street.

Jimmy Washburn states that he did not see any artillery in the camp where he landed in France and there were thousands of American troops there - many more in fact, than most people imagine, in his estimation. The artillery is probably being sent over as fast as guns can be provided.