Granite County History: Mettle of Granite County, Chapter Seven, The War is Over (Part three)

The Great War is over

The war is over

Trying to get back to normal

"Patriotic demonstration"headlined the newspaper article reporting Philipsburg's celebration of the end of the Great War. Mayor S.E. McClees declared November 11 a holiday in celebration of the signing of the Armistice. An impromptu parade was formed, headed by a soldier and a sailor, carrying an American flag between them. A band and The Red Cross members in uniform followed them, and that was followed by about thirty cars. They stopped at the homes of J.W. Duffy, then the home of Harry Parfitt Sr. “in honor of the young man from each home who gave his life while fighting for Democracy.” At both homes the band played the Star Spangled Banner. The "Kaiser" was hauled to his last resting place, a scaffold erected over a huge pile of boxes and wood, by a truck bedecked with War Campaign literature. Six small boys, riding donkeys acted as pallbearers. They were Edwin Carmichael, William Duffy, Humphrey Courtney, Emil Perey, Thomas Gorman and Chadweid Shaffer. At eight o’clock the flames of a large bonfire started mounting the scaffold upon which a dummy of the abdicated Kaiser was resting. When the dummy dropped into the flames the crowd cheered wildly.

The joy of Armistice changed rapidly with the November 22, 1918, headline:

Manganese Industry Affected. Closely following the signing of the Armistice by Germany came word to some of the smaller producers of manganese to clean up without delay and to ship no more of this ore. This order did not apply to those mines making regular shipments under contract and is not thought probable that the steel companies will abrogate such contracts. However the situation is absorbing the attention of every resident as the future of the manganese industry will mean much to the camp…The future of the industry is as yet uncertain and mining men familiar with the situation are not optimistic regarding the future probabilities… Considerable renewed activity in the development of silver claims around the camp is reported--and some good prospects are opening up…For many years the engineers and geologists of the state have discussed the probability of these large manganese deposits being underlaid with silver-bearing sulphide ores, and many have held that this is altogether probable.

There was to be another series of War Saving Stamps, called the Series of 1919, and they would have a maturity date of January 1. 1924. The current stamps and cards now in use would be continued and could be exchanged into the new series. The Red Cross had become involved in the mailing of Christmas packages and would help with the necessary labels so no soldier would go without a Christmas parcel. The parcels could weigh eleven pounds but it was absolutely necessary they have the Red Cross label on them. The date to ship parcels had been extended to November 30.

George J. Egge, aged thirty four years and Mrs. Lucille (Perraut) McClellan, thirty one years old were victims of the influenza and pneumonia the past week. Egge’s body was to be shipped to North Dakota, accompanied by his sister. Mrs. Egge would also accompany the body if she was well enough to travel, since she also has the influenza. Lucille’s body arrived from Mullan, Idaho, by train and graveside services were conducted by Rev. W.H. Calvert. Pallbearers were: Sebastian Seelos, Clarence Hansen, E.P. Ballard, Gus Lindstadt, Fred Kroger and Charles Anderson, according to the Philipsburg Mail, November 22, 1918.

Headlines on November 29 were:

When will boys come back? With peace assured, everybody is asking when will the soldiers come back? Some people think the boys-over there-will soon be sent home, while others now in camps will be sent over to take their place. This would involve much extra transportation and seem impractical. Much will depend on the turn of events inside of Germany.

If a new revolutionary government is created that gives evidence of sincere desire for peace it may be possible to reduce the force which it had been expected to keep over there for the next year. We have of course learned that the German word is not to be trusted. But it should be possible to so thoroughly disarm the Germans that a large part of our army could be discharged.

As Europe’s chief need is food, it would seem as if France, England and Italy would want our boys to get home as soon as possible so as to help increase the food supply.

Then the Russian situation will affect the matter. Russia is still a powder magazine with explosions likely any minute. The Bolshevik rule has created a condition of tyranny and cruelty far worse than anything that existed under the czar. Such a condition cannot be permitted to continue indefinitely. It involves many elements of danger. The Germans could take advantage of it too easily. How far our army must restore order only the future can show.

The quick transport of our troops to Europe was achieved only by the use of many English ships. With England short of its food supply we cannot ask her to lend us those vessels any further. We must get the boys home in our own ships. As yet our fleet is not big enough to do that very rapidly, though it is growing. Still it seems reasonable to hope all things considered, that the great majority of the boys will be home within twelve months--Ex.

The influenza called two more Granite county residents the past week. Twenty seven year old, Hadley Morrison. He was survived by a wife and two small babies, the youngest a few months old. Hadley was a rancher in the lower valley and son of Mr. and Mrs. Hadley Morrison. The other victim was Mrs. Vera Mae (Hughes) Bowles, also twenty seven years of age and the mother of Maxine and Bernard. The services were at the Hughes residence in Hall and she was buried in Valley View Cemetery, at New Chicago.

Mr. and Mrs. Donald McDougal received a letter from a chaplain, that their son John had been wounded during the last few days of fighting in France and that he was still not able to sit up but was doing all right.

Also, the Friday casualty list contained the name of X. Bennett as killed in action. He was the son of X. Bennett formerly the owner of the six-mile house on the road to Hall. Several years prior the family had moved to Butte.

The Saturday casualty list reported John W. Johnson, of Hall, missing in action. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Johnson. Then, in Thursday’s report, he was reported among the prisoner’s, returned from Camp Geissen, Germany, making the Johnson’s a happy family.

Jim Weaver wrote from his hospital bed in Boulogne, France, to his parents that he was seriously injured, on his fourth trip over the top. “A piece of shrapnel went through my neck and another in my right side and was cut out of my shoulder. I was hurt on October 31.” The letter was received the week of December 6, 1918.

Austin J. Gates, the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Duff, of Drummond was reported missing by the war department. He had been reported wounded, about one month before and everyone hoped he would be included in the returning prisoner’s of war. I was unable to find any further information of his condition.

Due to the order from President Wilson, that all breweries discontinue use of barley for making malt liquor, after December 1, the Silver Spray Brewery

practically closed its doors at midnight Saturday…the order made little material difference with the breweries in Montana for the reason that prohibition goes into effect in thirty days and beer cannot be placed on the market in less time after its manufacture. It is the beginning of the end...

Frank Reavley, of the Rexall Drug Store, found time to set up a “splendid” Christmas display stating now that the war is over this Christmas will be observed more than ever before and suitable gifts will make it more easily realized...

E.P. Rule, of Hall, died from pneumonia secondary to influenza, at the Butte hospital on November 30. His son Elisha was also stricken and his condition continued to be serious. He was survived by his wife, son Elisha age twenty one and daughter Della, age six.

Also, succumbing from the effects of insanity, caused by a severe case of pneumonia was James P. English. An inmate at the poor farm, he escaped Wednesday evening and died of exposure. He was found under a bridge, at the J.J. Carmichael field by Murdock McLean on Sunday, December 1.

Everyone was reminded to keep their War Saving Stamp pledges, or Montana would be one of the few states in the Union that would have its war backing record dishonored. On account of the cessation of hostilities many people believed it to be unnecessary to keep their pledges, but they were reminded, they must remember the war expense necessary to demobilize was fully as great as before the war was ended.

Hoyt Van Norman, of Company G. was the first young man to return home on furlough from the French battlefield. Being ill and on base he missed the battle, but observed several plane duels as the enemy tried to bomb the hospital.

Mrs. Pete Gallagher received a letter from her son after not hearing from him for two months. He wrote from a hospital and stated he was almost healed and ready to be discharged. The letter was written on the 12, of November, making the recipient believe he was injured in one of the last battles. Apparently after going over the top twice a large shell burst near him and he woke up in the hospital with several shrapnel wounds according to the Philipsburg Mail, December 20, 1918.

His headstone, in the Philipsburg Cemetery stated he served in the Second Division of the U.S. Marine Corps (Forty Fifth Company, Fifth regiment) and died May 22, 1931. He died at his home in Seattle, Washington of pneumonia. Born Peter B. Gallagher in Granite, Montana to Judge and Mrs. Peter Gallagher in 1898, his parents moved to Butte, when he was a toddler. After the war Peter attended the Northern Pacific College of Dentistry in Portland, Oregon and in 1928, he set up a dental practice in Philipsburg. He had recently moved the practice to Seattle. His funeral took place in Butte and then the funeral cortege drove to Philipsburg where he was interred in the family plot. Survivors were: his wife, a brother and four sisters and his parents.[i]

The December Honor Roll, on the 13th added: Wounded in action: Wingfield Brown Jr., Rod Huffman, Ed Waldbillig, John McDougal and James Weaver; Gassed: John Goldsby and Prisoner returned: John W. Johnson. In December 1931, Ed Waldbillig received $30.00 in payment as Deputy Sheriff, for Granite County, so his wounds must have healed.

The state headquarters’ staff and county director’s were working very hard to reach Montana’s War Saving Stamp quota, by December 31. The amount collected was $5,760,136.43, as of December 1, and the quota was short $2,091,411.77.

In the December 27, 1918 Mail, was the notice from Frank Gerbil of Butte, that his son Frank was injured and in a hospital, in France and was hoping to be out of the hospital and sent home by the New Year.

The Red Cross membership was now at 917, for the County, with Philipsburg having 586, Hall 181 and Drummond 200 members. The Chairman E. Hannah, thanked all the members and especially Mrs. H.A. Featherman, chairman for the Philipsburg district with Mrs. Ross and all her “girls”, plus Mrs. G.L. Peterson of Hall and Mrs. Hanbridge of Drummond.

No soldiers from Granite County were able to cast votes, according to the Granite County commissioners, who met Saturday to count the soldiers votes that were to be received by, December 27, 1918. The story stated many of the fighting men were not even allowed to see the ballots, because their officers felt they were to busy to be bothered with such things. “it is regrettable in the extreme” was the Commissioners comment, published on January 3, 1919 in the Mail.

An indication the population had hard times and not politics on their mind was that during the election, the only office that was close was the office of Representative. There were only twenty three votes between T. N. Brogan of Philipsburg and H. J. Faust of Drummond, with Faust in the lead. Also voted into office were: Fred Burks for Sheriff, A.J. Murray, Treasurer, E.P. Ballard, Clerk and Recorder, Commissioner, A.S. Huffman, Coroner, J.J. Carmichael and W.E. Albright for Assessor, with H.T. Cummings, Administrator.

Arthur “Bill” Taylor, was home from Camp Lewis, where he had been stationed, since late summer and did patrol duty in Seattle. Also, John Schuh returned to Camp Lewis after a short furlough, with his wife and relatives. Leo McClellan had arrived in New York, according to a telegram received by the Clerk and Recorder Ballard, and was anxious to get back to Montana and Philipsburg, after spending his duty in the battlefields over seas.

The infant daughter of one of Philipsburg soldiers, died December 26, of bowel complications. James Mazza Jr., had been overseas since July. The funeral was Friday and all the returned soldiers, marched in the funeral procession, as a mark of respect for their comrade and Mrs. Mazza.[ii]

A letter was sent from Rod Huffman to his father that described the battle in which he was wounded and stated he was back in New York and hoping to be home in the near future.

There were three besides myself, loading a machine gun belt and were sitting around the loader in a circle about three feet in diameter when Bingo! Jerry dropped over a high explosive (I would have sworn it struck right under me, but I guess it didn’t) and killed my three buddies and wounded every other one in the squad. It wounded the sergeant, too, for he was with us. I was sitting with my back to the trench and when I came to I was turned completely over on my hands and knees and crawling for all that was in me. I had suddenly come to the conclusion that that was no place for a minister's son, so I started for a first aid station and on my way there I overtook the rest of the squad. It sure looked like a fighting bunch after a hard battle.

The letter continued on describing the many first aid stations and hospitals he had been treated at and that he was anxious to get back home.

The January Honor Roll added: Wounded in Action: Dennis Heaney, Pete Gallagher and Bert Mitchell; Gassed: Frank Griebel and Charles Drury.

Then the January 10, 1919, Philipsburg Mail headlined:

Another Granite County Boy Makes Supreme Sacrifice for His Country: Philipsburg was inexpressibly shocked Monday when word was received that John McDougal, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald McDougal, had succumbed November 30, to wounds received in battle the latter part of October. (a recent letter received by his family had said he was doing well and planned on returning home shortly)…Now that he has given his brave young life for the country he loved we know that the splendid conception of what he considered was his duty to others would not permit him to cause his parents and family the least worry and that he shielded all thoughts of his wounds and sufferings as much as possible.

We all knew John and liked him for his fine and true characteristics which our American manhood is imbued and we were unprepared to receive the saddening news so long after peace was declared. He is one of many of our boys who have fulfilled their duty to the final conclusion on the fields of France. He will not return home to receive the honors which would have been his right of conflict, but his memory will be the more revered for he gave up his life in the sacred cause of humanity…

He was twenty nine years of age and was born February 4, 1889. Besides his parents he left to mourn his loss two brothers, Joe, in Philipsburg and Dan, who was in the Marine barracks at Hawaii, and one sister, Mamie.

In the Philipsburg cemetery is a large marble headstone that reads:

In our country’s service

Private John A. McDougal

Co. A 104 infantry 26 Division A.E.F.

Born in Butte, Mont. Feb. 4, 1889

Wounded in battle of Argonne Forest October 12,

Died in Blois, France Nov. 20, 1918

Loved by all who knew him

McDOUGAL”

A Poem written by Mrs. D.A. McDougal had been sent in to The Mail, for publication, after she wrote it December 20, 1918, but due to lack of space it was not published until January 10.

My Soldier Son

I have watched for my boy in Khaki

With his arm tied up in a sling

For the wounds he got on the battlefield

To me are a terrible sting.

I have watched and waited and waited

For he seems so far away,

But a ship arrived last Sunday

And I thought he’d be home today.

I have sat today by my service flag.

The one with the silver star,

Thinking of him in the hospital,

Away from home so far.

I have prayed both night and daily

For my boy to come home safe to me,

But the hand of the cruel German

Has made life a burden to me.

So I’ll watch and wait for my loved one

Till God sends him back to me,

To trust in his infinite mercy

Is all that is left for me.

To the hearts that are weary and aching

For their sons to return to them

Will keep hoping and watching and waiting

And trusting and praying to Him.

The following letter was received by John’s mother, from C. Davies, Chaplain, describing the care provided to this young man:

Blois, France, December 14, 1918; Dear Mrs. McDougal: I suppose you know by this time through the U.S. government that your dear boy died on November 30, a few hours after I had written you. We never thought he would start so quickly, though his condition had suddenly become very serious.

On Friday evening he was very weak and on Saturday morning when I saw the state he was in and fearing he would become unconscious I suggested the last sacraments which he received with much piety at two o’clock in the afternoon. Then he made the sacrifice of his own life “for my mother and the cause of the allies” as he said. At 3:30 I came back to him, said a few words and asked him if he heard me. He opened his eyes and answered “yes, Father”. I gave him a last absolution and waited. Half an hour later he passed away very peacefully.

Well, dear Mrs. McDougal, it is sometimes very hard to accept Almighty God’s will, but I am sure it will be a real consolation for you to know that your beloved son died well. From Heaven he will protect the dear mother he so often mentioned to me and one day you will meet again, not to be separated any more.

Your son was really a very good man. We all loved him here and shall never forget the genuine smile we found on his face every time we approached the bed. “Rest in Peace” I pray you, dear Mrs. McDougal to accept my deep sympathy and believe me, Yours very respectfully, C. Davies, K. of C. Chaplain.[iii]

Reminding the citizens of Granite County that others in the world were mourning losses, the same issue, of the Mail, had the following article:

Nation Mourns Great Loss: Col. Theodore Roosevelt died in his sleep early Monday at his home on Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay. Death is believed to have been due to rheumatism, which affected his heart. The colonel suffered a severe attack of rheumatism and sciatica on New Year’s Day, but none believed that his illness would be fatal. The former president sat up most of Sunday and retired at 11 o’clock last night. About 4 am, Mrs. Roosevelt, who was the only other member of the family at Oyster Bay, went to her husbands room and found that he had died during the night…his attendant, James Amos, the young Negro who has been in the employ of the colonel every since he left the White House, noticed that the patient was breathing heavily in his sleep and went to call a nurse. When he returned with her, the former president was dead. Mrs. Roosevelt was immediately summoned…One of the things that is believed to have contributed more than any other to the colonel’s breakdown was the death last fall of his son, Lieut. Quentin Roosevelt, the aviator, in action in France. Proud of his son’s achievements, Colonel Roosevelt bore up under the sorrow of his death with a fortitude that was in keeping with his spirit in public life. Friends said that while the father “did not carry his heart on his sleeve”, he suffered most poignant grief in silence and tried to forget them by plunging harder than ever into his work.

Vince Huffman wrote another letter to his father Frank, dated November 24, 1918:

Dear Father; Yesterday was Dad’s Xmas letter day, but it was so cold that I could not get up enough heat to produce the necessary energy to write.

We are now at Born, Luxemberg, a small town on the German border. On the night of November 9, our battalion took over a part of the Bradenberg sector. We were just in time to go over the top on the morning of November 10. After advancing a couple of kilometers a halt was called so that liaison could be established on our right and left. On the eleventh the companies were just getting ready to cross the Meuse River when word came to call off all attacks. This was seven o’clock and the last shot was fired at eleven.

Believe me, it was a happy bunch. That night the woods were full of bonfires and lights showed everywhere. A thing that had not been seen in France in many a day. The first few nights the heavens were kept alight with red white and blue flares. Every once in a while some one would light a box of powder and for a second everything would be as bright as day for miles around. The Germans especially seemed happy. It was they who did most of the celebrating. They said “Now we can go home”.

On Saturday we started our long hike that took us through Longry up into Luxemberg and on to the border. We spent seven days hiking and such a hike. I wore a big blister on the end of my toe, the first blister I ever had on my feet. Some of the fellows suffered tortures with their feet.

The people of Luxemberg were sure glad to see us and hailed us as liberators. The Germans, I guess, had not treated them very well, robbing them of everything worth taking. They were surprised when they learned that the Americans paid for sleeping in their haylofts. They said that the Germans never paid and that they slept where they pleased.

One thing that favored us was the weather which was clear and cold. As soon as the guns quit shooting it cleared up, stayed clear until today when it warmed up and started to rain.

I don’t know how long we stay at Born, but probably a couple of days yet. From here it is rumored that we go to Coblenz and by the time this letter reaches you we should be there. They are trying to get us transportation on the railroad, but I suppose we will have to hike.

There is quite a bit of betting as to when we start home. My private opinion is that it won’t be until after New Years and may not be until next spring. I hate to think of waiting that long, but guess it can’t be helped. We have hopes of being sent among the first as our division was in some of the hardest fighting and there wasn’t many combat divisions that beat us across. But I suppose you will know when I start. Well I’ll call this enough. Write soon. I am in hopes of seeing you all soon. Your affectionate son Vince.

A letter published in the January 24, Philipsburg Mail, from Harold McDonel, assuaged the family fears, as they had not heard from him since October.

We have been on the move almost every day since the armistice was signed. We were in the front when the big thing was over; the night before they called it off, we started about eight o’clock in the evening, and got to the Boche lines about nine o’clock and there we had quite a fight, but when we got them out of the trenches we sure put them on the run. We drove them thirty kilometers that night and at day break we were about five kilometers out of Sedan and the next day they fired the last shot, and now we are on the way to Coblenz, Germany. We came through Alsace Lorraine, then through the Province of Luxemburg and now we are about fifty kilometers from Coblenz. I think we will get there about day after tomorrow. I was surely surprised the way the German people treat us--they are fine to us, only once in a while you run across a crank. We billeted in an old German house tonight and the old man and his wife do everything they can for us. He is sitting at the table talking to us now and all I can say is 'nix for stay'. I was surprised for sure the other day--I was eating my dinner and young Garrity was talking to me about Anaconda and a soldier across the road asked me if I was from Anaconda and I told him I had been there, so he came up to talk to us and who in the devil was it but Forrest Nowak. He came in from a bunch of replacements, so we are in the same outfit now. We sure have had some good old chewing matches. He got close enough to the front to hear the last shots fired. I haven’t any idea when I will get home, but I don’t think it will be very long. Don’t send any more money, but I got the money order you sent in Auntie Cole’s letter.

In the same issue of the Mail, was the news W.E. Albright, would be turning over his duties as County Director of War Saving Stamps, to R. E. McHugh. During his tenure he had assisted in placing Granite County, at nearly the top of Montana’s counties, in over subscribing their quotas.

The Patriotic Instructor of G.A.R., reminded all Comrades that February 12, was set aside as a holiday to celebrate the memory of the great emancipator, Abraham Lincoln. He deeply regretted that in the past few years, few people have taken the time to celebrate this day and reminded all:

Were it not for Abraham Lincoln this great nation of ours would not now exist and it is the duty of every real American to see to it that the day is given the proper observation. Nothing would please me more than to see flags waving on that day from every home in Montana.

Rodney Huffman came home on January 24, and was the first Granite County boy to return directly from the battlefield.

On his coat sleeve he wears a gold bar, showing that he was injured in fighting, another gold bar for actual service and a third indicating his discharge from the service…His army life consisted of only eight months, but the experiences were sufficient for a life time. On the first day in the trenches he witnessed the destruction of three Boche airplanes. His wounds are completely healed and never felt better in his life, in fact weighs more than when he left, but nevertheless he is mighty glad to be with his own people again and says he wouldn’t give two bits for all of France. He cannot praise the Red Cross and the Salvation Army workers enough for the work they are doing over sea.

The same issue of the Mail commented Erton V. Herring, would leave shortly for Santiago, Chile where he would occupy the position of chemist for the Santiago Mining Company. Erton had just recently received his discharge from the chemical branch of the government service and his many friends were sorry to learn that he would leave the community although glad that he had such a splendid opportunity for advancement.

F. D. “Sandbar” Brown wrote in the Mail, a couple of columns of advice to the local investors and prospectors to:

Either ride the horse or get off and walk for in the business life of the present, deleteriousness and indifference has no more place in its affairs than a fifth wheel has on a wagon.

This was in reference to the closing of mines and blaming outsiders, such as the investors of the Granite Bi-Metallic and the Hope, for being the cause of unemployment in the camp. He gave praise to L.U. Loomis, for engaging in the development of The Two Percent Lode and asked where he got his money assured all that it does not come from Granite County investors.

In the past people of this section have depended entirely too much on chance, and the efforts of others---of the calibre of Loomis--to accomplish beneficial results to themselves and the community at large.

Headlines on February 7, 1919, stated the Manganese miner would receive aid. Congressman Evans sent a letter to Frank D. “Sandbar” Brown, stating that the bill known as HR 13,274:

which provides for the validating of contracts and relief of parties who held informal contracts with the government, was amended to take care of those miners who actually sustained loss by reason of being induced by the government to make an expenditure or outlay of money. Yesterday a wire was received stating that the bill had passed and now is a law…the bill will fairly well take care of the manganese miner.

Reminding the population of the need to remember our patriots was this article by Scott Leavitt, Federal Director of Employment for Montana:

Each community in Montana should take especial pride in caring for the returning soldiers and sailors. As fast as the boys are released they will naturally return to those communities in which their family and friends reside, and what is left of the boy’s pay of thirty dollars per month after allotments, government insurance, laundry, post-exchange, and company collections are deducted is not large enough to carry him over only a few days. The necessity for the attention of American people to their obligation can not be over emphasized--They must help these boys in re-establishing themselves. The use of the service flag to be displayed by business houses and industries employing returned soldiers has been advocated. It should be as much a matter of pride to give a soldier or sailor a job now as it was to display that an employee had gone to war. A design being used in some of the western cities consists of a blue field on which is shown a large white six pointed star, inside the white star are smaller red stars with a figure indicating the number of returned soldiers or sailors employed, and below the white star the wording “Returned soldiers employed here”

The month of February brought the following letter from Harry Hameyer, to Ed Ballard, Clerk and Recorder:

Herzule, France; December 28, 1918; We are due to leave here Monday morning for some place in central France. It will be a thirty hour train ride, but a train in the U.S. would make it in ten…The Germans sure did make a mess of some of these railroad yards. Julian Ellison and I are still together. Bill Johnson was missing in action in the Argonne woods and I haven’t heard anything of him since. Julian helped to bury Dr. E.E. Beal who was killed in the battle that took place on the twenty sixth of September. That was our first experience. I got a trip back to the base hospital out of it. Got hit in the wing with a piece of high explosive shell. I was there nearly six weeks. The day I got back to our company we were ready for the 'turnip' drive that took place in Belgium. It was a chase more than anything else. When the armistice was signed we were at the front again ready to keep up the run clean into Germany if necessary.

James Weaver related his experiences and the several battles before getting wounded in the neck and shoulder by shrapnel. He woke up four hours later in a first aid station. The shell missed the spine by only a fraction and he was paralyzed for several weeks. He was hospitalized for almost three months and saw a number of Granite boys during his time in the Argonne woods. Herman (Muggs) Crowley, was wearing a German cap and high boots as he came out of the Argonne woods. He also saw Gus Schultz of Hall, who was shot in the body and he has not found out how he is doing. John Goldsby and Wingfield (Wink) Brown, he also ran into just before Wink was wounded. Weaver was mustered out at Fort Logan, Colorado and returned directly home, according to the February 21, 1919, Mail.

The steady drop in food prices was a welcome sight to the household budget, causing many to believe that living expenses would soon be back to normal. Some prices had dropped 25 to 50%. Eggs that were going for ninety cents a dozen were now fifty five cents. Butter going for seventy five cents a month ago was now fifty five cents, a real savings to the average household.

Dennis Heaney, son of the Dennis Heaney family in Granite, was home on furlough after his overseas duty. He was wounded below the knee and has to return to Camp Merritt, New Jersey, for surgery to make him fit, to return to civilian life.

Sad news was sent to Horace Bradshaw, stationed at Camp Lee, Virginia when he was notified of the death of his father, F.A. Bradshaw. Born March 17, 1863, in Michigan he would have been fifty six years old, next month and was the father of eight children, two of them from his first marriage.

Calhoun, Clerk of Court, received an interesting letter from Wm. H. Biggar, son of Mr. And Mrs. H. T. Cummings of Drummond.

Bad Bertrich, Germany, 19, 1919; Dear Sir: We arrived at Brest, France, May 19, 1919, from S.S. Great Northern. We stopped here for several days, occupying one of Napoleon’s barracks, called Pontenazen barracks. Brest is one of the most important ports of France and her harbor greatly resembles that of San Diego, Cal.

From Brest, we went south, through several important centers of France, to Camp de Souge, about 14 miles from Bordeaux. We were there for about 6 weeks, most of which was spent in going to school. I completed my wireless course, and other units of the 13^th Field Artillery were instructed in the new type of guns which we are to use, machine guns etc. The field piece of the 13^th is a 6 inch howitzer called 155’s. The other artillery units of this division are the Sixteenth F.A. and the Seventy Seventh F.A. both three inches, called seventy five’s.

From Bordeaux we went direct to Chateau Thierry, then the hottest place on the western front. We arrived there on August 2, and pulled out for the front immediately, at that time a few miles north of the town Chateau Thierry, and opened fire on August 6. The first shot fired for the 13th made a direct hit on a German mess hall, and I presume spoiled much “chow”. Chateau Thierry itself was all shot to pieces large buildings are completely blown to pieces. The Marne River runs through the town and one of the large bridges was completely destroyed. Our engineers repaired it sufficiently to allow our guns to cross. We passed through the town of Fere en Tardenois, also completely demolished, and to the east of which lies Quentin Roosevelt. While on this front, we established battalion headquarters in the town of Sergy, which town changed hands 9 times in one day’s fighting. This is where our “doughboys” tried out the famous Prussian Guards and completely showed them up.

From this front we pulled out for the St. Mihiel salient, opening fire on September 12. After chasing the heinies all over the map there, we again pulled out this time for Esnes where we opened fire on Sept. 26. This latter fight was the beginning of the Argonne-Meuse fight, the hottest and hardest fought in the war. Our infantry went over the same ground that the French and Germans fought over in the big Verdun fight of 1916. The country around Hill 304 at Esnes is the most desolate I have ever seen, and about all it is good for is for a battlefield. (Unable to read the next two sentences) Germany proper, there is nothing to indicate there ever was a war. I was in Coblenz yesterday, situated on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, and the people there are well dressed and seem to have plenty of everything, and do not seem to worry over anything. Our infantry is doing guard duty over there also, but we are placed in a smaller town this side.

I might add a few words regarding 'sensations' on the front. When Fritz starts shelling, and the big ones commence to land somewhere around your immediate location, the first thing you do is to look for a dug out of some sort. Finally, if one lands right near you and does not hit you, it is a mighty pleasant feeling, I assure you, but there is no feeling in the world to compare with the one when Fritz lands one right in the same tent where you are sleeping just a few inches from your head and it doesn’t go off. This kind of a shell is called a 'dud'. Or at night when Fritz sends over one of his big bombing planes. These planes are easily recognized by the sound of its motors. Finally at some point they start dropping his bombs; to the man on the ground they seem to come from right over him. They come closer and closer, and just about as he is to drop one in your dugout, he makes off either to the right or left. It's another sweet feeling, I assure you.

Right now, the big question before the Army Occupation is -When Do We Go Home. This is the big question before the soldiers. On the front nobody had a growl to make, but now everybody seems to have a grouch…As the Fourth Division is classed among the fighting divisions, we ought to stand a good chance for that Home Boat.

We are credited with three fronts, Chateau Thierry, St. Mihiel, and the Argonne-Meuse. Our position in the latter fight is quite close to Verdun.

I was made Sergeant-Major at Bordeaux, and had the first battalion of the 13^th on the Chateau Thierry and St. Mihiel Fronts. Was recommended for the Artillery training School at Saumur, but the armistice did away with the men slated to go.

This is about all the information that I can think of which would interest you. However, I would like to see you when I get back and personally tell you several other incidents which might interest you.

I am also enclosing several postcards of the town where we are now located. Bad Bertich, before the war, was quite a summer resort. Several fine hotels are located here, good natural baths, etc. Here is where division headquarters is located. With my best wishes, I am, Sincerely; W.H. Biggar.

The February Honor Roll added: Killed in Action: Gus Schultz on February 28, 1919. I have been unable to find his obituary.

Trying to get back to normal

Obviously, the war became back burner news and little was said as the young men returned in mass, with the country trying to rebound and replace the war economy with a job that provided a consistent income.

The estimated census for Montana was published in 1919, as a total of 769,590 with Granite County having 5,695. The number arrived at, by the children attending schools for the year 1918/1919 according to the October 13, 1919, Mail.

March 5, 1920, the Philipsburg Mail, announced that:

Twenty eight Montana men in the American Expeditionary Forces have been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for bravery in action. The full list of citations is being prepared by the secretary of war for submission to congress and will show awards to the following Montana heroes: Corp. D. C. McAuliff and Sergt. J. E. Reese of Butte; Private E .E. Anderson and Corp. Waldo Thompson of Anaconda; Sergt. John Brinda of Alzada; First Sergt. B.P. Harwood and Corp. Jesse Martin of Billings; Major C.L. Sheridan of Bozeman; Private Gilbert Straabe of Devon; Private Austin gates of Drummond; Private I.Y. Bailey of Fort Shaw; Private P.W. Prevost of Geyser; Second Lieut. William Belzer of Glascow; Private E. F. Knoke of Glasston; Private F. D. Miller and Private Andy Skrypeck of Great Falls; Sergt. D.K. McRae, Private Charles Phillips and Private George Whitcomb of Helena; Second Lieut. J. Q. Adams of Kalispell; Private C.M. Jordan and second Lieut. C.G. Snyder of Malta; Private Emanuel Karch of Miles City; Lieut. Co. R.J. Maxey of Missoula; Corp. J.H. Moore Jr. of Ridgeway; Private A.S. Long of Roberts; Sergt. Arthur Aamot of Saco and First Lieut. C.J. Sonstelle of West Kalispell.

Three thousand four hundred and forty-three Montana men of the American Expeditionary Forces were reported by the war department on the casualty list of the war with Germany, of which number 934 laid down their lives, 39 were taken prisoner and later repatriated, and 2,469 were wounded. From this tabulation it appears that seven Montana officers and 495 enlisted men were killed in action. One officer and 178 men died of wounds, no officers and 206 men died of disease, three officers and nine men died of accidents, two men committed suicide, one was murdered, 17 died of other known cause, four from causes undetermined, and 11 are presumed dead. Of the wounded, 15 officers and 968 men were wounded slightly, 21 officers and 1,058 men wounded severely, 7 officers and 399 men were wounded with the degree, undetermined by records.[iv]

The final rites were performed for the deceased hero, Private John A. McDougal, when his remains were returned on Wednesday January 5, 1921, accompanied by Private Brill of Fort Russell, Wyoming.

The body was met at the N.P. depot by a squad of ex- soldiers and sailors under command of Sidney H. Grigg, commander of the American Legion and taken to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.A. McDougal, in south Philipsburg were many friend were gathered to extend their sympathy…Through the efforts of Mayor S.E. McClees and the legion of business houses, schools and county offices were closed during the hour of the funeral (Friday). All of the flags in the city were lowered to half mast…born in Butte February 4, he was nearly thirty years of age…drafted September 1917, but exempt due to father’s poor health…was recalled in October and left in November to Camp Lewis then to camp Mills in New York and sailed on the President Lincoln for France, where he arrived on Christmas day. He fought many battles and was wounded in the last battle of Argonne Forest in the lungs and shoulder and was taken to base hospital 43 at Blois, where he lived six weeks, dying November 30. Several letters were received by his mother telling of high regards his comrades held for him.[v]

February 1921, brought the shocking news that another war hero has died.

Wingfield (Wink) Ludwell Brown Jr., one of the most popular young men in Granite County, died Thursday evening at a sanitarium where he was taken last Friday morning suffering from a serious nervous breakdown. Wink Brown was born in Philipsburg August 13, 1893, and had spent his entire life in this community, with the exception of four years attending the University of Montana at Missoula and the time he served with the A.E.F. in this country and overseas. He attended the Philipsburg public schools and was graduated from the Granite County High School in 1912. Later he went to Missoula to study law at the University of Missoula. He was attending the law school when he was called for service in the world war. He left Philipsburg with the first draft contingent in September 1917 and saw considerable service overseas. He was wounded in the left breast, by a machine gun bullet, while trying to comfort a wounded comrade.

Christy Leskovar stated in her book, One Night in a Bad Inn, that the wounded comrade was her grandfather Peter Thompson and that Peter refused to accept the Croix de Guerre from the Republic of France because one was not offered to Wink. Leskovar stated the cause of death was that Wink’s “…bullet wound had reopened, taking his young life…” I assume her father used that euphemism, as a nice way to say, Wingfield died of the mental stress of war, which is now known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

After Wink’s, discharge from the service he returned to the University to complete his course in law. At the last election he had been elected County Attorney of Granite County by a large majority. He had his office in the Court House and had served only two weeks in his official duties, when he was stricken with a serious nervous breakdown, which was probably caused by too much study and worry. During his college career, at the University of Montana, Wink Brown was one of the best known and most popular student on the campus. He was elected Student Body President in 1917, and was one of the best all around athletes at the school and was a letter man in both football and baseball. He is survived by his mother and father Attorney and Mrs. W.L. Brown, two sisters, Mrs. Margaret McFarland and Miss Mary, and one brother, Lewis all residents of Philipsburg. The pallbearers were chosen from Wingfield’s closest friends. The funeral took place on February 5 and Masonic services were conducted at the Philipsburg Cemetery.

An interesting error is listed in the obituary which stated “the funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, February 28 at two o’clock from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church…” The date of the paper is February 4th. Wink was also survived by his uncle Frank “Sandbar” Brown.

The February 11, edition of the Mail carried a picture of Wingfield and a description of his very large funeral, which was during a flurry of snow. The pallbearers were: Edwin T. Ervine, Frank Winninghoff, Francis L. Perey, Sidney H. Grigg, Rodney J. Huffman, and Austin Jarvis. Honorary pallbearers were Leo. H. McClellan, Edward Mullen, John H. Cole, F.W. Horrigan of Philipsburg and Samuel Cook of Missoula and Thomas Busha of Helena.

“Will come to aid of ex-service men”, are the headlines March 4, 1921, in the Philipsburg Mail. The article below this statement discussed how the Federal Board for Vocational Education was sending out squads of men to all areas of the state to place disabled veterans into training. The squad would perform physical exams, certify official papers, advise them of training and provide transportation for them to attend these schools. All interested parties from Missoula, Granite County, Sanders, and Mineral County needed to present themselves at Missoula with all their government documents to receive the service.

On July 29. 1921, in the Mail was an announcement of the showing of:

A hair raising film of fighting in France will be shown by the American Legion at the McDonald Theatre on Friday August 12. The film will contain action from the Ninety First, Forty Second, and First and Second divisions. Some of the local men in this action were: Austin Jarvis, Leo McClellan, Herman (Muggs) Crowley, Rodney Huffman, Victor Johnson, Vincent Winninghoff, Edgar Sprague, Denny Heaney, James Weaver, Bill Johnson, Walter Kaiser, Francis Perey, Harold McDonel, T.H. Hazelhurst, Si Gorman, Bill Gregovich, Edward Goldsby, Carl Billman, and Chris Agnast. Also Dr. F. Dratz, Former Granite County Manual Training instructor was in the Ninety First Division.

One of the returnee’s from the June 28, 1918, entrainment was Charles Rau, a half brother to my grandfather. He spent a number of months at Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital in Helena, Montana. His death on October 22, 1921, was from being gassed during the War with the toxic substance named Mustard gas. Charles’ body was accompanied from Helena by Dr. L.H. Jones a Major of Government Services and the body was met at the train, by a squad from the local American Legion and escorted to his sister’s Mrs. G.E. (Lily) Hamm’s home in south Philipsburg. The funeral was at two p.m. on Tuesday the 25, with a firing squad composed of Allen Webb, Elmer Way, Robert E. Perey, Angus McDonald, Frank Winninghoff, Austin Jarvis, and John L. Herron, under the command of Leo H. McClellan. Pallbearers were: Arthur Taylor, Richard Hoehne, George Johnson, Arthur Durand, Thomas Purtle, and George Higley. The first five pallbearers were inducted at the same time as Charles into the service.[vi]

Charlie, born on April 13, 1892 to Herman and Anne (Bentz) Rau, traveled by covered wagon with his family, from Illinois to Idaho, around the turn of the century. After the death of his mother Anne at Tammany, Idaho, his father Herman, with the four sons and two daughters: Charles, Edward, Robert, James, Anna and Lily, plus half-brother Billy Bentz, wife Mae and children Walt and Vernus, moved to Granite County, to homestead on Upper Willow Creek, in 1916. The family is discussed in the Amerine chapter in Book II.

Because of the chemical warfare utilized by our enemies many of the veteran’s lived short and tortured lives after their return. These facts were discussed in the Mail, on November 18, 1921:

The rate of disabled service men is increasing at the rate of 1,000 per month and now totals 26,300 patients in the 1,692 United States Public Health Service, contract and other government hospitals and soldiers homes. The Red Cross is frequently the agency that assists these veteran’s to receive the care where they need it, and the local chapter of the Red Cross has contributed $794.39, according to Mrs. Vatis Page, who is the secretary for the Granite County chapter. The current fund raising drive began on Armistice Day, November 11, and continues until Thanksgiving. The problems for service men is believed to continue expanding until at least 1925, according to well informed government officials.

Attorney General, Wellington D. Rankin, ruled Saturday, February 4 that County Commissioner’s are:

compelled by law to pay the funeral expenses of all honorably discharged soldiers, sailors, marines or nurses, not to exceed $150.00.

A notice was posted that any ex-serviceman who had an ailment, he believed he contracted, while in the service, should contact Leo H. McClellan, of Philipsburg for aid in getting compensated if the cause was just.

“Ex-servicemen appreciate gifts received” was the headline of an article in the February Mail, discussing letters received by the Woman’s Club of Philipsburg. Fifty one Montana boys who were struggling to regain health and strength were remembered in some way through the club. Following are the letters:

Walla Walla Vets Hospital; January 27, 1923; Dear Madam---I am in receipt of a very generous package this morning and I wish to heartily thank you for it. I fully appreciate what you have done for the disabled boys and myself and feel sure your efforts bear fruit. I like your photo enclosed in the package and will keep it always in remembrance of your every kindness. Again I thank you and wish to always remain as one among many of your very best friends. Respectfully, Roy Seymour.

Lohair, Mont., January 31, 1923. To the Woman’s Club. Dear friends:--Received the box of candy you sent me and it sure was fine. Thank you very much for it. It sure is very nice of you people to think of me like that. I have been very sick with the flu and don’t seem like I can get over it. Will close thanking you all, Your friend, George A. Larson.

U.S.V. Hosp. No. 85 Walla Walla, Wash. January 27, 1923. To the Woman’s Club, Philipsburg. Dear friends---Have received the box of candy and wish to express my appreciation and thanks, as it was certainly enjoyed, a wonderful treat. Kindest regards and best wishes to all the members of the club. I am very truly yours, Charles R. Barta.

Somers, Mont., February 6, 1923. Dear Kind friends--A few days ago I received a nice box of candy and gum and sure was pleased to get it. You hardly realize the pleasure that us boys get out of a box of candy, or most anything else. The reason I did not answer sooner was that I was feeling bad, that is I had a bad cold, but I am a great deal better. Hope this letter finds all ladies in the Philipsburg Club in perfect health and enjoying life in general. With best wishes, H.G. Smith.

Each one who contributed toward the success of the Woman’s Club dance, which was given for the purpose of raising the fund, could not help but have a personal feeling of gratification for his or her part in bringing happiness to the boys. The club was especially grateful to those who furnished music and to the Firemen, for their generous financial contribution, and to each and every one who helped in any way to make the dance a success.

Following was a report of the Woman’s Club disbursement of funds in the March 2, 1922 Mail:

Receipts: Total received from dance-$3.75;Cash donation Firemen-$15.00; Total $98.75 Expenses: Music-$ 4.00; War Tax-$ 8.00; Hall Rent-$15.00; Posters-$ 2.75; Gifts :Gallen 7 boys-$13.78; Fort Harrison-15 boys-$12.00; Warm Springs 29 boys-$39.20; Postage-$3.25; Total-$98.22; Balance left-$ .53. Gifts were phonograph records, books, card and other games and boxes of candy.

Harold R. McDonel, a veteran who died in 1925, is discussed in the first chapter of this book.

By April 29, 1927, H.L. Hauck, Clara D. McDonel, E.W. Glendinning and Dewey Price, were actively recruiting names of all the Granite County High School graduates that served in the Great War They decided to wait until after Memorial Day 1927, to cast the memorial tablet because they believed families from out of town would visit and they might find out two more names to bring the total names, on the tablet to seventy. Of the sixty eight names listed there were two females: Mary Dawson, a nurse and Jean Butter Holdeman, with the Red Cross.

Headlines in the November 11, 1927 Philipsburg Mail, were “Memorial Tablet Presented to School” with an article following that described a week long program for Educational Week which included an Armistice Day Program under the direction of Mr. W.W. Penington on Friday the 11. The unveiling and presentation of the Memorial tablet was done by D.M. Price of the class of 1919. The response was by Allen McKenzie Commander of the Granite Post No. 33, with S.E. McLees, Chairman of the High School Board, accepting the Memorial. Eliza Huffman, performed the roll call on the Tablet, followed by a reading by Doris Page, of the Causes and Course of the World War to April 1917. Then, Catherine Lindstadt, read President Wilson’s speech. Jennie Ray presented the reading of America after entering the World War. The ceremony was concluded with the singing of “America”. This Memorial Tablet was displayed in the High School foyer above the glass display case.

As the decade closed, one more war veteran made the final sacrifice. Daniel Herman Crowley, died on July 23, 1929, after suffering for years from mustard gas poisoning received during his combat time. He was called to duty in April 1918, and fought in three major battles: Meuse-Argonne, St. Mihiel and Lepschelds. He had been a patient in Fort Harrison Veteran’s Hospital several times in the past two years. Born May 15, 1890, he was the son of the late, Daniel Crowley, attended the Philipsburg schools, and became a teamster and rancher after the war. Survivors were: his mother Mrs. Elizabeth Crowley and brothers: Arthur of Ravenna, Ohio and Louis “Tex” of Philipsburg. Burial was in the family plot in the Philipsburg cemetery July 25, with pallbearers: George Higley, William Gregovich, Harry C. Herron, Leslie E. Manning, Rodney J. Huffman and Angus McDonald.[vii]

At this time I am ending the discussions of Patriots, with the plan to publish World War Two at a later date. Too much sadness is not good for any book and this chapter has had its fair share. I feel these pages, emphasize how deeply patriotic the county has always been and it certainly contributed more than its share, to the documented battles and wars.

[i] Philipsburg Mail, May 29, 1931.

[ii] ibid, January 3, 1919.

[iii] ibid, January 24, 1919

Trying to get back to normal

[iv] ibid, March 20, 1920.

[v] ibid, January 14, 1921.

[vi] ibid, October 28, 1921.

[vii] ibid, July 25, 1929

The Great War is over

"Patriotic demonstration" titled the article which disclosed the community had received the news the Associated Press had announced the signing of the Armistice. The previous Monday, was claimed a holiday by Mayor S.E. McClees. An impromptu parade was formed, headed by a soldier and a sailor, carrying an American flag between them. A band and The Red Cross members in uniform, followed them and that was followed by about thirty cars. They stopped at the homes of J.W. Duffy, then the home of Harry Parfitt Sr. “in honor of the young man from each home who gave his life while fighting for Democracy.” At both homes the band played the Star Spangled Banner. The Kaiser was hauled to his last resting place, a scaffold erected over a huge pile of boxes and wood, by a truck bedecked with War Campaign literature. Six small boys, riding donkeys acted as pallbearers. They were Edwin Carmichael, William Duffy, Humphrey Courtney, Emil Perey, Thomas Gorman and Chadweid Shaffer. At eight o’clock the flames of a large bonfire started mounting the scaffold upon which a dummy of the abdicated Kaiser was resting. When the dummy dropped into the flames the crowd cheered wildly.

The joy of Armistice changed rapidly with the November 22, 1918, headline:

Headlines on November 29 were:

As Europe’s chief need is food, it would seem as if France, England and Italy would want our boys to get home as soon as possible so as to help increase the food supply.

Due to the order from President Wilson, that all breweries discontinue use of barley for making malt liquor, after December 1, the Silver Spray Brewery

An indication the population had hard times and not politics on their mind was that during the election the only office that was close, was the office of Representative. There were only twenty three votes between T. N. Brogan of Philipsburg and H. J. Faust of Drummond, with Faust in the lead. Also voted into office were: Fred Burks for Sheriff, A.J. Murray, Treasurer, E.P. Ballard, Clerk and Recorder, Commissioner, A.S. Huffman, Coroner, J.J. Carmichael and W.E. Albright for Assessor, with H.T. Cummings, Administrator.