World War I Letters
Newberry County, South Carolina
Genealogy Trails
data gathered and contributed by Edith Greisser
William E. Wedeman
Pvt. 1st Class Co. K, 167th Inf. 42nd Div. WW1 January 13, 1892 – December 14, 1923 was buried in Bethlehem Lutheran Church cemetery. His gravesite at Bethlehem Cemetery was given a monument by Woodmen of the World, Ashgrove Camp of Pomaria. Observer 5/16/1924, p1; Observer 12/9/1924, p1
| BURKE MILLER WISE
In 1912 he was in the oratorical preliminary contest with his subject on “Benefits of the Civil War” and received a graduation certificate from Little Mountain High School in May. Burke Wise was in the Mexican Campaign of 1916. He was later mentioned in the newspapers in 1917 and 1918 as serving in the Coast Artillery at Fort Moultrie and visiting on furlough in Prosperity. He was the son of James H. and Nora Miller Wise and married Annie Rast. His only child was Mrs. D. C. (Kathryn ‘Kitty’) Baxley of Camden SC. Burke M. Wise owned and operated the WISE BROS. Mercantile in Little Mountain. He served as Newberry County Clerk of Court from 1957 until his death at age 70 years and was the organizer of the American Legion Post at Little Mountain with nineteen members. Besides his wife and daughter he was survived by siblings Frank C. Wise Sr. of Atlanta GA and Mrs. Wilbur F. Huiett of Sarasota FL; grandchildren Lynn, Charles, Ann and D. C. Baxley. Burial was in the cemetery of Holy Trinity Church of Little Mountain. Whitaker Funeral Home was in charge. |
Jesse Edward Shealy
Earle Shealy hears from his son in France October 15, 1918 Dear Father, Your letters were received OK. Was sure glad to hear from home. I am well and having a very good time. Have a great deal to do, plenty to eat and am well cared for in every way. You certainly are getting a fine price for cotton. I hope to be home in time to make a crop for next year. Your letters were the first I received since I came over. This is a fine country – very rich soil and a very good climate. We are having a great deal of rain at present. I wish I could tell you what I have experienced since I came over here, but will not now. Please give me Bub’s address and I will write to him soon. Don’t worry about me – take care of yourself. Will write as soon as I can, but don’t worry if you don’t hear from me often. Your son, J. E. Shealy Co. G, 53rd Regt.
Jesse Edward Shealy 89 years old of Newberry County died 5/6/1979 in the Veteran’s Hospital of Columbia SC. He was a retired farmer, the son of Earl and Mary Jane S. Shealy. Surviving was a step-son John Henry Wood. Burial was in Rosemont Cemetery. Whitaker Funeral Home was in charge.
Vandora Edwin Stuck Pvt.
| Vandora Edwin Stuck | M. T. Co. 545, M. S. T. 428, was the son of J. W. Stuck and wife Minnie L., born 3/22/1892 and died 10/14/1918 at the age of 25 years, 6 months and 22 days. He was survived by his parents, six brothers and four sisters. On 7/1/1918 he was sworn into service and after training was shipped to France 9/30/1918. He took sick on the ship enroute to France and died just as he reached the shores of France of pneumonia following the Flu with burial at Lambezellie Cemetery in Brest France. His remains were brought home to Little Mountain from France. Burial was in the cemetery of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Motor Truck Co. No. 545 Motor Supply Train No. 428 For Federes, APO No. 716 June 15, 1919 Mr. J. W. Stuck, Peak SC Dear Mr. Stuck, Just a few lines to tell you that your son was not forgotten by his comrades on Memorial Day. Bouquets of flowers were purchased from a fund donated by the men of this organization and were placed on his grave. Fitting memorial services were held at the cemetery where he is buried. It is impossible for us to do homage to your son as we know you would have done had it been in your power. We wish to assure you that we did everything that could possibly be done to honor your son, who sacrificed everything in the service of his country and his flag. Ralph R. Bruton, 2nd Lieut.
MTC Observer 8/17/1920, p2
William M. Mayes
| William M. Mayes
Charleston News & Courier
July 4, 1918 | Prior to his enlistment in the US Army William M. Mayes was the head of Southern Bell Telephone Co. in Birmingham ALA. He went first to Fort Oglethorpe for officer training and then to Camp Greene in Charlotte NC for further training. In April 1918 he was shipped to France. His wife took employment in Columbia SC at Fort Jackson. It only took two months before he was severely wounded. He had been over the Draft age but was among the first to enlist when war was declared between the US and Germany and went over to France with the original American Expeditionary Forces under General Pershing. On June 6, 1918 he was desperately wounded. One piece of shrapnel four or five inches long went clear through his thigh, passing the bone and the artery. Another long thin piece went through his arm about midway between his hand and elbow, passing through the two bones. He was wounded in both legs and arms and his right eye was blinded. The worst wound was the foot and ankle, shattering several bones. The wound necessitated the use of crutches but he had high hopes to someday walking without them. He experienced flashes of light in one corner of the eye that was blind and held hopes sight might be restored. Doctors walked over the field after the battle, looking for survivors and discovered him as he lay on the field. One of the doctors noticed he was still alive. One of them said to the others, “Here is a poor fellow who will pass in a few minutes. Let’s load him up with dope and leave him.” Lieut. Mayes could hardly speak but he begged not to be left. The doctors had him placed in an ambulance and carried to the hospital back of the lines and laid him down to die. After a time a French surgeon noticed that he was alive and began to work with him and kept it up. Surgical skill and the vitality of the patient did the rest. Willie Mayes landed at Ellis Island Detention Hospital, New York on October 12, 1918 and arrived in South Carolina a month later. After a few weeks of furlough he was expected back in Cape May NJ for further surgery. Mrs. J. T. Mayes and Mrs. G. L. Summer went to Columbia to meet the train bringing their son and brother from New Jersey who was on a month’s furlough. After Lieut. Mayes was reunited with his wife who was living in Columbia, he would spend time visiting family in Newberry SC. An interview with a State reporter: Lieut. M. Mayes now with Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Haltiwanger at 170 Pendleton St. in Columbia SC was the only one in a group of eleven men in line at Chateau-Thierry who was not killed when a high explosive shell burst among them on June 6, 1918. As it was he received eleven wounds, his right ankle was practically shattered, he had a fearful wound of the thigh and the sight of the right eye was almost gone. But today Lieutenant Mayes was bright and cheerful, had no bitterness in his soul and while he was full of enthusiasm at the work of the allies, except to condemn the Germans for lack of sportsmanship and resort to unjustifiable measures. He talks with the absence of that hate which one frequently hears from civilians. What Lieutenant Mayes especially condemned was the use of the Germans of the Red Cross brass awards. He says that on a captured prisoner was found an order stating that, as the Americans would be slow to fire on anyone having a Red Cross badge on them, they should be used as means of deception and that very many German prisoners had the brass awards in their equipment. He told of an instance in which an American officer noticed bearers carrying stretchers covered with blankets and supposed to contain dead or wounded men from one wood to another. A number were permitted to go unmolested, but suspicions being aroused, they were watched very closely and while thirty bearers were in the open the wind blew aside a blanket and a machine gun was revealed. Immediately fire was opened and the whole lot was killed and each stretcher was found to have a machine gun on it. Lieutenant Mayes says that in other armies were many more spies than the public appreciates. He said that Lieut. Paisley from this state was particularly adept at picking out spies. He said that late one afternoon at dusk a man came running down the trenches crying, “Gas” and immediately each one put on his mask. Lieut. Paisley noticed the man had no glasses in the eyepieces and suspecting him of being a spy, shot him dead. It was shown to be true that he was a German by the papers found on him. It was a ruse to prevent the Americans from seeing an attacking party of Germans. In speaking of the fighting qualities of the Allies, he said he could see no difference in the final results except that the Americans did not know how to retreat. The French and British, while differing in mannerisms and temperaments, were all whole-hearted fighters and the greatest comradeship existed. Maybe for a day there would be some differences arise between the nationalities, but in the sum total there was good feeling and determination to win. In airplane work he was inclined to think that the English were entitled to the palm, if such is to be awarded. He said he judged by the opinions of the aviators themselves. He told of the particularly destructive work done by aviators when troops were marching between long lines of moving vans, both bombs and machine guns being used effectively. Lieutenant William M. Mayes of Newberry was severely wounded in action on June 6 suffering from a badly fractured ankle and other minor injuries. It was reported the wounds, which were inflicted by a bursting bomb, would permanently disable the young Lieutenant. Lieut. Mayes, thirty five years old was the oldest son of J. T. Mayes of Newberry and the nephew of Mrs. E. C. Connor. For the past few years he worked for a large electric concern in Birmingham ALA. He lay aside his job on September 1917 and attended officers training school at Fort Oglethorpe, GA where he was awarded a commission as 2nd Lieut. He was immediately assigned to Camp Greene, Charlotte NC where he remained in training until April 1, 1918, when he sailed for France. Since reaching the battle lines Lieut. Mayes saw hard service in many sharp conflicts. He was put in the Thirtieth Infantry, Third Division. He landed at Havre April 17, 1918 and went into the front line May 28, being brigaded with the Sixth French Army. After being wounded he was put in a French Hospital and kept there four months.
Lieut. Mayes was married in January 1906 to Miss Sara Cockrell of Birmingham. Mrs. Mayes worked in the government service at Fort Jackson while he was overseas.
Observer 7/1/1918, p5; 7/12/1918, p8; 7/16/1918, p1; 9/17/1918, p1; 10/25/1918, p8; 11/19/1918, p1; 11/26/1918, p4; 12/3/1918, p3; News & Courier 7/14/1918
J. Mack Longshore
son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry T. Longshore of Floyd Township was in the US Army in France in WW1 and afterwards with the army of occupation on the Rhine, Germany. When he returned to the US he joined the shipping board fleet and had worked for them ever since. He wrote in 1923 that he was taking his third trip with a ship-load of cotton to Germany from Galveston TX and when he returned, hopefully for Christmas, he may bring a little German girl with him.
George S. Ruff
received a cablegram from his brother Walter L. Ruff on 11/26/1918, dated 11/25/1918 – containing four words “Improved, Danger Passed, Love”. It was sent from Trouville France where Mr. Ruff was in a hospital suffering from a wound through the shoulder received in battle on October 9, 1918. Observer 11/29/1918, p8 Walter Langdon Ruff 79 years old of Columbia SC, retired owner of Ruff Insurance Co. died 4/3/1969 at the Medicenter. Burial was at Greenlawn Memorial Park. He was born in Newberry, son of John H. and Katherine Sligh Ruff and was survived by his widow, Mrs. Frances Carroll Ruff.
 | Herman Taylor
May 1919 Herman Taylor, son of Noah Taylor, was honorably discharged from military service. This photo was taken while he was stationed at Camp Sevier in Greenville and after he had married Miss Lalla Dominick daughter of Creighton Dominick on 4/12/1918 at the Lutheran Parsonage at Prosperity SC officiated by Rev. C. J. Shealy. (Wedding ring is seen on his left hand). He served in France during the war. |
Dion AlewineSomewhere in France November 12, 1918 Dear Father and all, It is a beautiful sunny day. I am feeling fine after having such a long trip across the ocean and being seasick half of the time. We were caught in a storm, which lasted a day and a night. Right now we are not active. We go on hikes for exercise and just lay around waiting for orders. If all reports are true we won’t be over here for very long. Things are different than at home. I can understand very little of what the local people say. You know how crazy I am about candy. I bought some the first day I was here but - Oh my! - I could not eat it. It tasted like tobacco and I do not like tobacco. The weather is getting cold. The ground was frozen last night and now since it thawed it is muddy. Hope you are done gathering the crop so you don’t have to work in the cold. I think about all of you when I am out and get cold fingers. I have woolen clothes and gloves but still get cold. We are not permitted to have a fire where we are now and don’t have any light at night except a few candles in the building. There are some sights to see over here. Most of the French wear wooden shoes. Very seldom does one see a two-horse wagon. All of the carts are two-wheeled. The carts look like the town trash wagons back home. All the houses are built of rock and mud. The only wooden buildings I have seen are the ones built by the Americans. There is not much in the way of planting around here – mostly cabbage and tulips – but they are fine specimens. I guess you received the label I sent to put on my Christmas box but if you didn’t I don’t want you to worry for it will be all right if I don’t get a box for Christmas. I am getting plenty to eat anyway. The Red Cross ladies gave me the label and that is why I sent it to you. Hope to hear from you soon. Love, your soldier son and brother, Dixon Alewine
Camp de Sourge, France
February 16, 1919 Dear Sister, I received your letter dated January 17 and was glad to hear everyone is well. I will tell you something about the camp where I am staying and what we are doing. We have three YMCA buildings. Each of these has a picture show and you see it is some pleasure to sit down and watch the pictures. We also have a K of C Hall, which has a show in it too. We enjoy very much attending these places and go as often as we feel like it. There are some wine shops near our camp but of course I don’t spend any time there. We have plenty of work to do in this camp as there are about 4,000 horses and mules. So you can imagine it takes some men to care for them. I was at the stables today – the first Sunday I have had to work for some time but I am not worrying as every company has to work as its turn comes. So some other company will have to work next Sunday. It has been raining for the past few days but it is fair today. We have cold nights and cool days, so you can see that the weather is fine. My friend Sease has the mumps now and has been in the hospital for a week. Wishing you success in your school work, Dixon Alewine
PS – I am sending you a handkerchief as a souvenir from France. Observer 3/21/1919, p3
Charles Dixon Alewine 88 years old died in J. F. Hawkins Nursing Home in Newberry SC. He was a retired farmer, the son of Charles Hampton and Mittie Ella Haltiwanger Alewine. His surviving family were siblings Mrs. Nell Caldwell of Newberry, Mrs. Leona Zobel of Charleston SC and Muscoe Alewine of Prosperity. Burial was in Capers Chapel Methodist Church cemetery. McSwain-Evans Funeral Home was in charge.
MR. AND MRS. C. H. ALEWINE hear from their son overseas:
Brest France February 21, 1919 Dear Home Folks, I am just back from Paris. I had a seven-day leave. Adams and two more boys and I went together. We sure had a time. We saw some of the grandest sights in the world. On Monday we went out to get tickets for Verdun and at Bar de Duc we had to change cars. Some soldiers told us we could catch an army truck and get there quicker. So we got on one and rode about forty miles and then found out it wasn’t going to Verdun after all. But the driver told us where we could catch another one. We started on a hike across the country to another town named Chilly but got lost and walked on until we reached an army camp. It was night and the soldiers begged us to spend the night with them or take supper anyway. So we decided to eat supper and then go on to Chilly. We went to eat supper and as we were coming out someone said, “Hey there Lang” and I looked around and there was William Wendt. It was several minutes before either of us could say anymore. I was so shocked and so was he. He was going in to supper and said he didn’t want any then. I don’t think I was ever so glad to see a ‘boy’ in my life as I was to see him. He insisted on our spending the night with him and we did so. We sure had a time that night. He told us all about his fighting the Germans. He had some time but never got a scratch. He said he felt so sorry for Clarence L. when he was shot. Next morning we left for Verdun and spent the night there. Next day we spent looking over the place. Everything is shot to pieces. Not a whole house is standing. It is terrible to see the ruins of war. Next morning we went on almost to Sedan. You know that is where they stopped fighting. We went over the hill they call “Dead Man’s Hill” and through “Crown Prince Tunnel”. It is some sight to see. It had railroads, electric lights and everything in it. It must be a mile or more long. I can’t begin to describe it by writing but will tell you when I see you how it is. We came back by way of Chateau-Thierry and saw the edge of ‘Bella Wood’. As you remember these places are where they did the greatest part of the fighting. I could write a whole book and still have lots to tell. I am so nervous from riding so much and scarcely sleeping any during the week. With love to all, Langford Alewine Observer 3/21/1919, p3
Brest, France
November 19, 1918 Dear Mother, A few lines to let you know I am fine. I am sending this letter with a friend who is going back to the States to mail for me. We had a very narrow escape when we came over here. Two submarines attacked us and one torpedo just missed our ship just about six feet. There were some exciting moments. It all happened at 6:30 in the morning in a thick fog. We didn’t see the sub but we did see the torpedo. At the time we were within sight of land. We had only two destroyers with us, twenty-five chasers and several other different classes of ships. We landed here in Brest, France on August 5 and we are still here. I don’t know how long we will stay here. The talk is that we will leave before Christmas. Hope that is true but the weather over here now is much better than it has been since we arrived. I see some of the most pitiful sights anyone could see. All the girls are certainly pretty but all the young men are in uniform. We have some nice times here. Anyone who drinks can get all the booze they want and when we heard the war was over, there sure was a bunch of drunken men. Bells were ringing and whistles were blowing. You could see some people shooting skyrockets and using the big flashlights. We didn’t fire our guns but the French did. It was the most beautiful sight we have ever seen. We will probably never forget it. Well Mother, I guess this will be a happy Christmas for you. I hope so anyway. I hope brother Dixon can be home with you. At first I had wanted to go to Paris but then decided to save a little money so I can spend it when I get back to the good old USA. All the French girls we have seen want to come back to the States with us. I don’t think I will bring one back with me. We are going to give several hundred French children their dinner on Thanksgiving Day. I know we will have a good time. Our Captain left today for England and from there he will go to Germany. Some say we are going by way of the Kiel Canal. But we hear so much we don’t know what to believe. I hope we go down around Turkey and Italy because I want to see some of the world while I am over here. I will tell you all about it when I get home. Mother, write and tell me about the home affairs. How is dad getting along working the land? Has he any men working for him? I hope the new school, which opened recently is a success. Lots of love to all and a good night kiss to Mother, From your sailor son, Langford Alewine Clarence Langford Alewine 85 years old son of the late Clarence Hampton and Mittie Elizabeth Haltiwanger Alewine, died 2/24/1978 at Newberry County Memorial Hospital. He was a retired farmer and barber and was survived by his siblings: Mrs. Richard Caldwell of Newberry, Mrs. R. D. Zobel of Charleston, Dixon Alewine of Newberry and Muscoe Alewine of Prosperity. Burial was in the cemetery of Capers Chapel Methodist Church near Peak SC. McSwain Funeral Home was in charge.
John W. AdamsFrance, September 12, 1918 Dear Sister, I will try and write a few lines on this rainy day. We sure are having some wet weather now. It rains all the time – and the mud – I never saw so much in all my life. We have got a dry billet to sleep in and that is all. We are in France again. We had been in Belgium for quite a while. I like where we are now the best for it is a much nicer country. Things over here sure are high. Oranges are two for one franc or twenty five cents in our money and chocolate is so high until you have to get in an airplane to buy it. Well, I don’t have much to tell you so I will close for now. I am well and hope you all are the same. I have had some pictures made and I will send you one. I know you would love to have one. Send me one of yours as soon as you get this. Give my love to all. Your loving brother, John W. Adams with the AEF
France, September 20, 1918 The mail came this evening and I sure was glad to get your letter dated August 24. Sorry to know you have not heard from me lately. I have been trying to write to you every two weeks and sometimes sooner. You are wanting me to write and tell you some things about the war. It is impossible for me to do that. But don’t get disheartened, for I don’t think it will be much longer until we can be together again. If I still hold my luck – and I pray that I do – I am going to make good when I get back home. I often think of the good times waiting for me when I get back home. Ask mother if she received my $100 Liberty Bond. I had it made out to go to her. My allotment is out also and I made another allotment for fifteen dollars a month. I want you to write as soon as you get this to let me know if you received it. I am in the sunny hills of France now. I guess you know I was in Belgium for a time. The girls in Belgium speak English much better but I like the French girls better. I have sent you one of my photographs and hope that you received it. Hey, there is one thing I would ask of you – to send me the Newberry newspaper every week. I sure would appreciate it. I would love to read the news of home every week. Don’t forget. I sure do want it and it will come all right. Well, I have run out of news so I will close. I will write as soon as possible. Don’t wait on me – write often. You don’t know how glad I am to get a letter from home. Give my love to all, Your loving brother, John W. Adams
John W. Adams of Silverstreet married Miss Eddie Lee Adams of Whitmire on 8/16/1919 at the O’Neal Street Parsonage officiated by Rev. R. F. Cogburn. Observer 8/19/1919, p5
John W. Adams 39 years old WW1 veteran and Newberry Textile worker was fatally injured 6/6/1937 when his car was hit by an Atlanta based truck from the rear, 5 miles south of Greenwood SC. Besides his widow, the former Miss Eddie Lee Adams, he was survived by two children: Boyd and Essie Belle Adams of Newberry SC; two brothers Walter Adams of Clinton SC and Frank Adams of Whitmire; two half-brothers Charles and George Reid of Newberry; a sister Mrs. H. F. Shealy of Columbia SC; two half-sisters Miss Frances Reid and Mrs. Jessie Baker of Whitmire and his mother Mrs. Minnie Hendrix Reid of Kinards. Funeral services were held at the Oakland Union Church. Burial was in the Trinity Methodist Church Cemetery. McSwain Funeral Home was in charge. Observer 6/8/1937, p1
Talmage L. Hamm
Mrs. Eugenia Hitt received a letter from her brotherJanuary 12, 1919 France My Dear Sister, I received your letter the other day and was glad to hear from you. I received the box you sent me and I was glad to get it from you because we cannot get anything like that over here, especially in the small towns near the front. It rains six out of every seven days. There has not been one clear day this year and right now it is snowing but I have a good place to stay, in a building with cows and hogs. We live upstairs and the cows and hogs are downstairs. Have you and mama received the handkerchiefs I sent to you? If you have let me know. I sent them before Christmas. Tell Eugene we did not get the Kaiser. But we made him leave his home. Tell all the children ‘hello’ for me. I don’t know when I will get to come home but hope it will be soon. The 79th Division is in Baltimore MD and we will have to go back to Camp Meade in Baltimore to be mustered out. You don’t have to worry about my volunteering to stay over here for I don’t think that much of France. It is very uncomfortable staying here without a fire. We have five hours of drill each day and there is so much mud. You come in and your feet get awfully cold without a fire. I don’t have much news to write. Below is my permanent address. Lovingly, you brother Private Talmage L. Hamm, Co. ‘L’ 313 Inf. APO 771, AEF Observer 3/21/1919, p4
France
February 10, 1919 My Dear Sister, I have been sick for the past week with a cold. It sure is cold over here. There has been snow on the ground for nearly a month. I received two letters from Mama a few days ago and was glad to hear all were well. We do not have the Spanish Flu over here. We are in a good town now. It is a large town but I think we will move to another one in a few days. I am getting tired of France. We have been over here for six months and will receive a service stripe as soon as we have completed the six months (On March 3). I don’t know when we will come home – don’t think it will be before April or May. Tell Eugene and the children ‘Hello’ and that I would love to see them. Lovingly, Your brother Private Talmage L. Hamm, Co. ‘L’ 313 Inf. APO 771, AEF Observer 3/21/1919, p4
Talmage Leroy Hamm, 27 years old WW1 veteran, son of the late James Hamm and Mrs. Martha Susan Hamm died at the home of his mother in Goldville 4/19/1922. The cause of his death was from being gassed during the war. Burial was in Rocky Springs Church Cemetery near Laurens SC. He was survived by a mother and siblings: John G. Hamm of Atlanta GA, James Edward Hamm, Will Hamm and Minor Hamm of Goldville and Mrs. Eugene Hitt of Kinards. Observer 4/25/1922, p4
Colie L. Stevens
| Colie L. Stevens
Pvt. Colie L. Stevens C. A. C. Auto Repl. No. 1, died 10/6/1918, English Channel“… he died not only for his flag and country but for every mother and little child alive today. His life blood was poured out that the joys of a mother’s love and the lips of childish words of affection may not perish from the earth and become associated with an age that is forever past. So the Golden Star of hope shines on.” He volunteered for duty 8/3/1918, eager to do his bit. On 10/16/1918 while going through the English Channel the Otranto was sunk. Four days later his body was found on the coast of Scotland. There, among comrades draped in the stars and stripes he was laid to rest. On August 25, 1920 his remains arrived at Cross Hill SC and he was laid to rest by the Woodmen of the World at Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church Cemetery. A lengthy poem written by Miss Estelle Chappell followed the article in the paper. A few lines were: Yes, the dreadful message came Mother took it at the door Private Stevens drowned in crossing That was all it said – no more
In the house, dry eyed and peaceful Grief and pride the story told People passing paid a tribute When the blue star turned to gold. Observer 9/7/1920, p5 |
Paul Stone
MRS. W. F. STONE hears from her son in GermanyCoblenz, Neuendorf March 2, 1919 Dear Mother, I received your letter the other day and am glad you are well. It feels like spring over here. I was happy to hear you are building onto the house for you will need more room when I get back with my little girl. I have a very pretty girl over here. She is about sixteen years old. She said she would go with me to America but you know there are plenty of them over there. She sure is good looking though. Mama – how is Coley and little William Luther doing? I am crazy to get back and see my little nephew. I bet he is a fine little fellow. Guess there will be a great change when I do get back. Lots of the girls will be married and some dead too, I guess. Some of the boys over here get the OBSERVER and the HERALD & NEWS, which I get to read sometimes. I saw a piece that Dixon Alewine wrote to his folks and also saw J. Hugh Livingston’s death reported. I was also sorry for him and Bennie Folk both. It made John awfully blue but he never says anything about it to me. I think he saw it in the Newberry newspapers. I received a letter from George Suber and he said he was going hunting and taking my dogs with him. You told me he had been helping you. I am glad that he did. You know he is one of the best hearted fellows that ever was. He sure has been good to me. I guess Clarence is still with George, is he not? Helen wrote to me that they were driving a mule in a cart and something broke and just dumped them out. I sure had a big laugh. Would love to have seen them, as they never got hurt. You said for me not to let these people hurt me. I don’t think there is any danger, as we have them under our control now. They haven’t given us any trouble yet. Am sending you some money to keep for me as I don’t think it is safe to have very much in my pockets. Hope you will get it safe. I sent it through the PO. Has Junius Cromer got my bird dog yet? He said if he liked her he would give me fifteen dollars for her. I don’t know how long it will be until I get home but not as long as it has been. I will soon get an overseas stripe for being here for six months. It will be six months on 3/12/1919. Love from your son, Paul Stone
Co. ‘B’ 54th Pioneer Infantry
Observer 3/28/1919, p4
PAUL STONE wrote to his sister:
Dear sister, I am sending you some views of Coblenz. I am sure you would like to see them. Helen, I have been receiving letters almost every week from all of you. I am always glad to hear from you as you tell me all the news and that is what I like. Some of the boys in ‘A’ Company take the Newberry newspapers and so you see I get all the news. But you know I am 3,000 miles away. I was working over in Coblenz today, shipping German wagons back to France. We have finished the work in that big fort. We sure did move lots of war material out of it too. You asked me if I ever see any boys that I know over here. I haven’t seen anybody yet. Herbert and Albert Wicker have been to see Ben but I never saw them. They are about ten miles from here. Helen, how is my little nephew? I do want to see him so bad. But you know I want to see all of you. It seems like a year since I saw everyone. I don’t know how long I will be here. Sometimes we hear it won’t be long and then we hear it will be two months. You said something about the fine wine that they have over here. They sure have plenty of it, such as it is, though it isn’t sweet enough for me. The German people haven’t much to eat. The most they have is rye bread, potatoes and some kind of jam. Their sugar is very scarce. Well, I have to close – I have to go on guard duty tonight. Hope to be coming home soon, Your devoted brother, Paul
Observer 3/28/1919, p4
Mrs. W. F. Stone received a letter from her son overseas.
December 25, 1918
Dreis, Germany
Dear Mother,
How is everyone this Christmas? I am OK. I am now in Germany, living in a house with German people. I never thought I would eat my Christmas dinner in this country when I was first drafted. But you never can tell what will happen. The German people seem very glad the war is over and I don’t blame them. The American boys are sure going for them. There are eight of us boys staying in one house in which there is an old man, his wife and his daughter and a small boy. Santa came to see the little boy last night and brought him a toy horse and some crackers. He was very proud of them. The girl seems pleased with the American boys. She said she would come back to the states with me but I think there is already enough without me bringing back more. Mama, I went to a German Catholic Church this morning. You know that is something new to me. The priest looked almost like a god. He was dressed in a robe with gold tassels and a gold cross on his back. It was a fine church – some statues – one of the Virgin Mary and others – I don’t know who they were. Regimental services are given here with some fine sermons. Well Mama, I have traveled through France, Belgium, Luxembourg and am now in Germany. I don’t know where we will go next – home I am hoping. The Belgians sure treated us nice. We were on the hike when we came to Belgium and were tired and hungry. Our rolling kitchen got lost from our company but the women gave us plenty to eat, coffee to drink and rye bread, which was very good. How are Boatman and little William Luther doing? Will close for now, Your son, Paul Stone
Co. ‘B’ Pioneer Inf.
AEF
Coblenz, Germany
January 12, 1919
Dear Mother,
This letter finds me all right and I hope the same for you. I received my Christmas box Friday and was sure glad to get it. I also got one from the Red Cross today. Tell George Suber that the cake was very good. Also ask him to write. I have written to him twice and have not heard from him yet. Ask poor old dad to write a few lines to me too. I would like to hear from him. I have received several letters from you and was glad to hear from home. I have been over here four months today and have seen lots I never dreamed of seeing. I haven’t been to Paris yet. Most of the time we have been on the battlefield. All the towns near were torn to pieces. You can see churches worth thousands all torn to pieces. Where those large shells hit not a thing could stop them and several have fallen near me – near enough to throw rocks and shrapnel all around me. Nothing in the world beats luck. I never got a single scratch. I haven’t been sick but three days since I have been over here and wasn’t very sick then. Mama – how is the flu over there? I hope that you won’t get it. Tell Boatman I know he did a fine job darning that stocking on the Christmas tree. The little children over here don’t have much of a Christmas – no candy and fruits for they are too expensive though they get lots of toys. I am sending you my photo. It looks like me only I never got to fix my clothes like I wanted to. They were wrinkled up. Am also sending you a map of the Rhine and Meuse Rivers. There are towns all along them and large mountains on each side. They are two beautiful rivers. I guess Luther Fellers and John Stone will soon get to go home and I bet they will be glad too. Don’t know when I will get to go but I guess when everything is settled over here. Am glad Clarence made it back home. I hope he will stay with you. Tell Thomas and Oscar I was glad to hear from them. Write just as often as you can. Your son, Paul Stone
Co. ‘B’ Pioneer Inf. AEF
Observer 2/14/1919, p3
James Paul Stone 61 years old died 5/1/1956 at his home on Digby Ave. in the Oakland section of Newberry following a heart attack. He was born in the St. Philip section of the county, son of W. F. and Katie Cromer Stone. Surviving were his wife, Mrs. Claudia Kibler Stone; a daughter Mrs. Betty Stone Halfacre of Newberry; three sisters Mrs. Helen Sease and Mrs. Ernest Wicker both of Newberry and Mrs. Lucy Ruff of Clinton; five brothers George E., W. Oscar, Jesse C. and John Colie Stone all of Newberry and Clarence Stone of West Columbia. Burial was at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. McSwain Funeral Home was in charge. Observer 5/4/1956, p1
| John Claude Sease
S/o John Marion Sease, MD and his wife Margaret Agnes "Maggie" Monts was born: 07 Jul 1892 and died: 31 Jan 1960. He graduated Little Mountain High School, Newberry College and South Carolina Medical School and interned at Roper Hospital. He served in the US Army during WWI. After he was honorably discharged he came home to practice medicine with his father. He constructed the building on Main Street in Little Mountain SC for the doctors' offices. His father John Marion Sease died 1923 and Claude practiced alone until ca. 1934 when he went into Public Health in Newberry County. When he died he was serving Newberry, Union and Laurens Counties. He never married, was born and died in Little Mountain, in the same home built by his father. He lived with and supplied a home for his Mother, his sister and when his brother died took on the responsibility of three additional persons.
| Ralph Willard Sease
S/o John Marion Sease, MD and his wife Margaret Agnes "Maggie" Monts was born 08 Mar 1896 in Little Mountain and died 02 Dec 1929 in Kingstree, Williamsburg County, SC. He was a graduate of Little Mountain High School, Newberry College and SC Medical School. After interning at Roper Hospital he went to Kingstree SC to practice medicine. He married 17 March 1925, in Charleston, SC. to Beatrice Abigail Belvin. They had two children: Margaret Elizabeth Sease, 31 Jul 1926 and Beatrice Belvin Sease,10 Jun 1928. Buried Williamsburg Cemetery, Kingstree, SC.
in photo: John Claude Sease (Soldier), Ralph Sease (Sailor), John Marion Sease, Virgil Sease. | 
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| Monroe Earl Fulmer 3/9/1893—2/3/1960 S/o Samuel David Fulmer and Melissa Joanna Stack His siblings were: Herbert Samuel Fulmer Matthew Stack Fulmer Amanda Lorena Fulmer (Mrs. Jacob Lester Shealy) Lucy Eva Fulmer
photo courtesy of Margaret Sease Jayroe |
William Leslie Sample
2nd Class Seaman died during WW1 with burial in Rosemont Cemetery. Observer 5/18/1923, p3
Walter Calvin Brooks, Sgt.
of the Auto Mech. Rel. died in service in WW1 with burial in Soule Chapel Cemetery, Vaughnville SC. Observer 5/18/1923, p3
Ira Vance Matthews
S/O Charlton Sondley Matthews & his wife Mary Emma Mayer; b. 12 Jan 1888, d. 14 Feb 1950.
Buriel was in Holy Trinity, Little Mountain, SC.
Married Mattie Boland, d/o David Boland & Ella Epting.
photo courtesy of Margaret Sease Jayroe | 
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