L. L. Bowers
Tours, France

May 26, 1919

Dear Hunise,

I received your sweet letter yesterday and was glad to hear from you and to know that all was well. I am ok and in good health. I guess all the people are through chopping cotton by this time. I wish I were home with you. I would have liked to be there for ‘children’s day’ but if it is in June I won’t be there. I think I will be home some time in July. At least, that is what the Captain said  - that I would be home in July. But you keep on writing every chance you have for I may not make it home in July. Hunise, I think your dress is pretty indeed. I guess I will have to dress up when I get home. We will all have fun going to parties and picnics when I get home.

Sister, I have no news. I close with lots of love to you and all my people. Write soon.

Sincerely your brother, L. L. Bowers                                                                 Observer 6/24/1919, p1

L. L. Bowers, son of Jacob Luther and Mrs. Kizah Morris Bowers married Miss Ruth Long, daughter of W. H. Long, at the Prosperity Methodist Parsonage on 11/28/1920 officiated by Rev. J. D. Griffin. Little Luther Bowers died 11/28/1962 at the age of 69 years at Newberry County Memorial Hospital survived by his widow, two daughters: Mrs. George (Myra) Moore and Mrs. Curtis (Elaine) Shealy; four sisters: Mrs. Norman Boozer, Mrs. Buford Dominick, Mrs. Howard Wessinger and Miss Amelia Bowers; three brothers,: Huston, Bradley and Sam Pat Bowers. Burial was in the cemetery of Bethel Baptist Church. McSwain Funeral Home was in charge. 

Pvt. John L. Krell writes to the Home Folks – his father George Krell

On Active service, AEF, France

September 16, 1918

My Dear Home Folks,

As I have a few spare minutes this morning I will write so that you know I am fine. I trust you are all well. How are the crops getting along? Guess you are busy picking cotton. How is the price of cotton this year?

We are having a fairly good time over here. Last week we did not accomplish much because of the rain but today is fair and warm. Our boys are going right through the Germans. At the speed they are going now, the Germans cannot last long. I noticed in the paper that the US has 23,500,000 men registered now for military service. Guess the Germans would open their eyes if they knew that. Your son,  Pvt. John L. Krell   Co. G   306 Ammunition Train   AEF, France

Sgt. R. Wallace
November 25, 1918
Dear Pa,

I was told today was Father’s Day so I am writing a short letter to you and tell you something to make it interesting. Now get a map of France – one that has all the names of the towns on it – and I will let you trail me up.

To begin with I am in Virton, Belgium. We don’t know how long we will be here but hope to be moving on soon. July 18 we landed at Brest France and went by rail to La Pallis. We left there July 30 and traveled by ambulance to Chateau Thierry. We remained there August 31 for the Neufchateau. Left there August 31 for Petit-Majouy, near Verdun. We left there September 24^th for Vaux-Les-Palamoix where we remained until October 11. Then we went to Les Islettes in Argonne Forrest and after we went to Varesnes on November 6^th. We left for Belgium November 21^st and we are still in Belgium but hope soon to go to Germany.

Now if you can follow the map you will see we have covered just about all of France and have done our bit in the war. We still have our original ambulances and you would be surprised to see what they have gone through. They were worked night and day since July 30 and we only lost one. All of the men have enjoyed the best of health and most of the boys in the company have gained weight. We have had lots of fun in addition to seeing things we always thought were impossible. It has been an education for everyone of us, but since it is all over, we are ready to come home as soon as Uncle Sam sees fit to send us. We are very anxious to see all of the folks and see what it is to live in a world with new wars. We have seen so much and had so many exciting things to tell about that I really don’t know what to tell. When I come home I can tell you about the big guns and how a man feels when the big shells are bursting all around him. One thing I will say – they all seem to play “Home Sweet Home” and when you hear the machine gun bullets whiz and wonder which one has your name written on it, you get ticklish in the part of your body that’s most speedy. No man is considered a coward for running.

If I am not home by Christmas be sure and save at least one big turkey, because it won’t be long.

A son’s love for his father is inexpressible and all those who have ever had an inclination to pray, never forget their fathers and mothers.

Your son, Sergt. R. Wallace      Evac. Amb. Co. No. 6   AEF, France

Virton
November 28, 1918
Dear Folks,

Well, as this is Thanksgiving Day and I am so far from home, I feel I should let the rest of the family know that I have many things to be thankful for.

At 11 o’clock on the eleventh day of the eleventh month as I sat in our advanced dressing stations loading wounded Americans into the train of ambulances – all became very quiet on the front except for the occasional report of a small gun. I heard the report of one American big gun, which sounded like the explosion of a large powder plant and then the entire front was quiet. Soon we got the message that the armistice had been signed and that the big gun we heard was the final shot of the war. The order to cease firing had been received at that time. Here I am absolutely unharmed. Who has anything more to be thankful for? I hope all of you join with me in thanking God for bringing me safely through all of this.

I am sure all of you had a very nice time today and I would have given anything in the world to have been with you. My chair at your table is vacant today but will soon be filled and then nobody will be happier than I will be.

Our Thanksgiving dinner in France was a very simple one but as much as anyone should wish for. I ate it from my old mess kit, which has followed me all through the war. With everything so simple I feel my prayers of Thanksgiving were heard as much as any kin.

We boys are all getting along fine and having lots of fun but are anxious to know when we are coming home. I am sure it will happen soon.

Remember me to all and write as often as you can. Letters help to make the time pass.

Love to everyone
Sergeant Wallace                     Evac. Amb. Co. No. 6   AEF, France

Lieut. Robert G. Wallace of Belfast was recently mustered out of the armed services and took the position of book keeper for Purcell Co. Observer 1/3/1919, p8; he had an appendectomy in the Columbia Hospital.

 Observer 8/15/1919, p1

Thomas Creighton Wicker writes from Mt. Pleasant SC

Mt. Pleasant SC

Rifle Range Detachment

Dear Mother,

I am leaving the Rifle Range and I don’t know where I am going. I think I am going back to the Navy Training Station for awhile, but I can’t tell. I may be going there and I may be going to board a ship as I have already been assigned to one. I tell you, this rifle range is a good thing. I have made good so far. I have been given a medal for marksmanship and a bull-eye for sharpshooter. I shot 120 shots a day and sometimes 240 a day. I have used the machine gun and qualified myself on it. So I don’t have to shoot that anymore. I am now trying for expert. It is the last course I have to make in this. I like it fine. It is some fine life. These boys are the best set of boys you can find anywhere. They are all so nice to me.

I can’t come home yet but after I get paid I am going to try for a 72 hour leave. I think I can get off that long and if I can’t I am going to ask for a 48 hour pass. After I am here four months, I will get a ten days furlough. Then you’ll be happy, won’t you mother.

I am glad to go back to the training station. I saw Corley and another boy from Clinton the other day. I see Robert West nearly every day. Sarah Williamson and her brother asked me to spend the day with them. Miss Williamson seemed so glad to see me. She said that Ellis was in France and liked it fine. I saw a boy who went to Newberry College the other day. He wanted me to spend last Sunday with him but I could not as I was on guard duty.

Mother, I get up at 5:15 in the morning and go to work at 7 am until 7:30 pm. I eat dinner at 11:30 and go back to work at 1 pm. I sure like this life. You should see me. I weigh 147 pounds. I am sunburned on the neck and my face is blistered – but don’t worry – it is almost well now. And I am just as happy as happy can be. I have not been homesick a single day since I have been here. Tell Aunty and Uncle hello for me and ask them to write a letter. Has Otto left as yet?

Your sailor boy, Creighton Wicker

After seven months in the USN, most of the time spent at a training camp in Charleston SC, Thomas Creighton Wicker, son of R. D. Wicker, is home again, having received honorable discharge since the war closed, in order that he may complete his education at school and at college. The young man was not yet sixteen years old.

He was about as young a sailor as Uncle Sam had in his service but he was large and strong for his age and did a man’s part all the way through, winning an honorable rating.

Last summer, when other young men were enlisting for the army and navy he wanted to enlist also. His father tried to dissuade him from the notion but he was so anxious to go that his father let him go to Charleston and apply for enlistment. He was rejected on account of his age, the age required being not under eighteen. He came back home and received his father’s permission and was accepted. He has seen a good deal and the experience will be helpful to him. While most of his time was spent around Charleston, he crossed the ocean once and back and was out at sea when the armistice was signed on Nov. 11, 1918. He returned to Newberry to resume his studies.                                                                                     Observer 2/14/1919, p5

Thomas Creighton Wicker is now with the American Fleet on the USS Arizona. He sailed for Cuba on 1/6/1920.   Observer 1/9/1920, p8

Thomas Creighton Wicker of the US Naval Hospital at Portsmouth NH was at home recuperating after recent surgery.      Observer 2/11/1921, p8 

Walter L. Ruff wrote to his brother John H. Ruff

Sunday morning, France

June 9, 1918

Dear John,

The first thing I did this morning was write this letter to you. All of us have just returned from the bath house so of course I am feeling fine. A bath now is something we can’t get every day and when we do get them the entire company has to go. In other words, you have a day set to take them. Nobody kicks about taking them for they are always needed and we realize it. You see, we are trying to stay free of the cooties. So far I have been lucky and haven’t come across any of them, but of course I will later. How would you like for me to send you one as a souvenir? I would like to see one myself but hope that when I do it will be on another fellow. I hate to think of having them but everybody does. So of course I will be in style. When in France, do as the French do, etc.

John, I am doing just as fine as anybody could and believe I am getting fatter every day. We are getting plenty to eat and have nothing to kick about. I am just as well satisfied as can be. Now don’t think I would rather be here than home, for you know I wouldn’t. But what I want to impress is that I am not dis-satisfied or blue. I would rather be home than any other place in the world. But since I can’t be there I am going to make myself satisfied here. I know you are all right and will be there until I get back. I am looking forward to my returning home. I can’t feel like we will be here very long and most people are of the same opinion. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if we were home by Christmas. If I am, we will have a great one, won’t we? You know, I have never missed being home for Christmas. So, of course, I can’t break the record.

Things are certainly going our way now and will until the finish.

How are Mama and Papa? As well as the rest of you? I hope everyone is feeling as good as me. I hope Mama and Papa are not worrying about me for honestly – I am all right. There is nothing to worry about. Nothing is going to happen to me and I am living for all of you. I am taking the best care of myself and will as long as I am here. What I want to do is to get back home after it is over, and that is what I am going to do.

We have a jolly bunch together and enjoy everything. We sing etc. every night and talk about the folks back home. Don’t think I forget you for a minute, for I surely do not. I think of you more often than anything else. I wouldn’t get careless towards you if I stayed here a thousand years. I love my people too much for anything like that. I dream about home most every night. I dreamed about old George last night. How is he anyway? I am going to write to him.

Do you know I haven’t received a line from home yet? But of course I expect one every day. I know you have written and the letters are somewhere. I will probably receive all of them on the same day. What a glorious time I will have reading them. I have received only three letters so far and they were from the same person. We look forward to our mail here and you must write often. My address is Med. Dept. 118^th Inf. AEF. I know it looks funny but we have to do it and with good reason. Have you received any of my letters? I have written many times.

John, you should see my head now. I had it shaved this morning. Most of the boys are doing the same thing. In fact, there is an order to keep the hair short. Mine feels good but looks awfully funny. Some of the boys say my head looks like a football. I guess it does too. I don’t care – what I am looking for is comfort. I guess it is a good thing that my girl can’t see me. I expect she would quit me. I figure it will be all grown back by the time I get home.

You ought to hear us speaking French! There is a nice family right behind us with two grown daughters that took an interest in teaching us. They speak pretty good English too so we get along nicely. They are good people and just as nice as can be but there are lots of differences between them and our people. I have some rich things to tell you about their ways when I see you.

You ought to see this country! It is beautiful. They have an unusual way of cultivating the soil. They don’t plow like in the states. The houses are different too. Most of the time you will see two homes with barns, stables, etc. all joined into one building. I must stop writing now. With a heart full of love for everyone, Walter

Severely wounded by shrapnel and picked up in ‘No Man’s Land’ by four German soldiers who were fleeing to the American lines to surrender, was part of the exciting story told today at Debarkation Hospital No. 3 in NYC by First Class Private Walter L. Ruff of 1430 Main Street in Columbia SC where he is a business man. His home is in Newberry SC.

Ruff was a member of Co. ‘A’ 118^th Inf. of the 30^th Div., which was cited several times for gallantry in action. He enlisted in May 1917 and was sent to Camp Sevier where he took special training in first aid work and was later named one of the two first aid men in his company. In May of last year private Ruff was sent to England and then to      Calais France for three weeks, after which he was sent to the Belgium front in July.

The 30^th Div. with the 27^th was brigaded with English Regiments and its first action was at Kemmel Hill where the Germans had been entrenched for four years. The French were betting the Hill would not be taken by the Americans. The doughboys captured the Hill however after some of the most brilliant fighting of the war up to that time. They had many casualties however and as first aid man Ruff worked night and day for a week.

The Division was then sent to Tours France where it took special training in advancing behind the tank battalions. The 30^th and 27^th were then sent to between St. Quentin and Cambral where on September 26 the great assault was begun against the Hindenburg line. The Germans made a stubborn resistance, but the doughboys smashed the famous line and shoved the Huns back several miles before being relieved. In that drive the Division lost many of its best men. After that the division went to an area known as a rest camp. They were there only two days when they were sent up to the lines again on October 5. On October 8 the division started another drive. Private Ruff was kneeling on the ground dressing a wounded soldier when a shell burst near him. A piece of the shell struck the left side of his neck, cutting away the chain that held his identification tag and passing through the neck, came out the back, under his ear. He became semi-conscious and dizzy and could not help himself. Shells were falling all around him and the machine gun bullets ploughed up the earth at his side. The snipers seemed to be trying to finish him off and the wounded man he had been helping.

He tried to crawl away but could not make much headway. Suddenly he saw four Germans running to his rear. They had no guns and were evidently breaking all speed records to surrender. Pvt. Ruff waved to them and ordered them to stop. They could speak no English but he made known what he wanted and they picked him up and carried him back two miles to a dressing station. It must have been a funny site to see a wounded first aid man being brought in by four Germans. They were shelled all the way back and it was lucky they were all alive when they reached the dressing station. Later Pvt. Ruff was taken to Base Hospital No. 72 and then transferred to other hospitals. He had not received any mail since he was wounded and was anxious to get back home. He had great praises of the care given the boys by the Red Cross and Salvation Army in France.

Pvt. Ruff said two members of his company received the distinguished service cross for gallantry. They were William Jones of Abbeville SC and Pvt. Faison of Dillon SC. Commanding officer Major James S. Poore of Columbia SC wrote a letter to Ruff’s family telling of many of the individual deeds of bravery the young man performed under fire and it may also come to pass that Ruff will also be recommended for the DSC, if he has not already been.      Observer 2/14/1919, p5

 W. H. Sterling writes from France

October 27, 1918

Dear Home people,

Of course you will note from the dating that I am a few days late in writing. To give you my new address is one reason for the delay. You will be surprised to learn that brother Charlie and myself have met up together. I saw him once during the week and again this morning. He and I are all right at this writing. Since being over here I have seen quite a few old things dating back some two thousand years. I was in company with a soldier who could speak French and learned something of the history of the sights. I have seen some of Caesar’s works and some of Napoleon’s and some things the rulers built back nearly seventeen hundred years ago. I also saw a clock that keeps time of the various countries, hours, minutes, seconds, days, weeks, months, years, leap years, centuries, times of stars, moon, sun and a number of other things. It took two years to build and has 3200 parts. I saw a piece of the cross of Christ, a part of the whip and a thorn of the crown. That is the history we have on it, given by a Frenchman. I have had no mail from you, only through Charlie. He handed me three letters he had received from you. I haven’t heard from Richard, but wrote again to him this week. I notice cotton is bringing a good price. If you have a good crop that will be good. I haven’t had one of the Observers and if I ever get any the address will have to be changed.

I guess Elsie has gone to her school. I think it is better to go up the State than down as she was before. Hope Pa has found what is needed to do him good and he is improving. I will close for this time and write soon again. Hoping all are well, your son and brother, Pvt. W. H. Sterling, Btty. F, 317 FA, AEF. France       Observer 12/3/1918, p1

William Herbert Sterling died 10/12/1972 at the age of 84 years. He was the son of J. T. and Mena Shultz Sterling and survived by siblings Furman Sterling of Newberry, Mrs. Joe Brehmer of ’96 SC and Mrs. John T. Quinn of Pittsburg PA. Burial was in Rosemont Cemetery. Whitaker Funeral Home was in charge.

Captain Clyde McCarley writes to his mother from France

Mrs. McCarley also received letters from Capt. McCarley’s French teacher.
France
October 16, 1918
Dearest mother,

I received your letter today and you sure did bless me out for not writing and I am guilty to a certain extent. But never you mind – you probably received a letter already from my Mama in France.

I have a lady friend over here who is my French teacher and she has agreed to take care of me while I am over here. She is married so don’t think that I have fallen in love. The way it came about is that I had a suit made at her shop and we became good friends and one day she asked me how often I wrote to my mother and my answer didn’t suit her so now she is going to write for me. So look out – she doesn’t speak or write English as we do.

I read President Wilson’s note to the Kaiser tonight and I sure am tickled over it because he put it up to them in black and white and there was so much truth in that little note. Anyone who is in France or had been can say that those Germans are thieves and barbarians because the victims are here to be seen and those cities and towns in France and Belgium are not circumstantial evidence by any means. May the Allies fight until Prussianism is no more and France and Belgium are restored to their former selves.

Mama, I haven’t had a chance to go to the front yet but might before it is over. This Division was made a Depot for giving soldiers their last training for the front and that is the reason I haven’t been sent up but there is still a chance.

Love to all Clyde

Captain Sydney C. McCarley     330^th Inf.           APO 762           AEF, France

LeMans France
October 19, 1918
Madam S. B. McCarley
Silverstreet SC USA
Dear Madam,

You will excuse me if I take the liberty to write to you but I suppose that, as any mother, you will be pleased to receive news of your dear Carley from another source than his own.

I have the pleasure to see him from time to time in this town since he is living rather near of it in his commandment. He enjoys satisfactory health and we all find him a kind and gracious gentleman. You will know better than I do how the American assistance helps us in many ways yet probably apt to condemn a short time this dreadful war. So I hope for McCarley that he will not have too much to expose his life and will not disquiet more his dear and respected mother.

I remain dear Madam, Yours respectfully
Raymonde Rouillat
10 Rue de l’Stoile
LeMans, Southern France
November 13, 1918
Madam,

For since two weeks I have been without mail from your boy and who is now very far of here. But today I have received a letter from him. He is in good health and very pleased that this dreadful war had terminated by our great victory.

I think that you are very contented also because you will be happy to see your dear boy very soon.

The French, English and Americans are going to live beautiful days and be in our admiration. Our memory go first to our dead. Then our sincere thanks to all our allies and in particular to our dear American brothers for their great assistance and many thanks all American mothers. You will have always our eternal gratitude.

With kind regards I am R. Rouillat   Observer 1/14/1919, p2

S. Clyde McCarley enlisted in the Regular Army in 1912 and was stationed at Columbus New Mexico, San Francisco CA and El Paso TX. He served for 11 months with General Pershing in Mexico. In 1917 he was made a provisional 2^nd Lieut. and was promoted to Captain after attending Fort Harrison Training School. He was then sent to Camp Sherman Ohio with the 83^rd Division. In the first week of June he sailed from NY, acting as Major of the transport. July 1919 he returned from overseas and on 7/16/1919 he was discharged. After the war he was a rural mail carrier for Rte. 1 Newberry. He was the new Newberry deputy sheriff, replacing Officer Dorroh and in December 1921 was elected the new chief of police for the town. He was the son of Brice McCarley and grandson of W. W. Riser. His wife (A trained nurse) was the daughter of Bachman Cromer. He and his wife were rooming at W. T. Jackson’s on Nance Street.    Observer 2/3/1920, p8, 2/13/1920, p8, 1/3/1922, p4

Clifton Shealy was the first Prosperity SC boy to return from France. He was a Freshman at Newberry College when called on 3/9/1918; served in the 42^nd Division and was wounded at the 2^nd battle of the Marne on 7/30/1918. He returned to the US December 1918 and was stationed at Fort McPherson GA. Observer 2/11/1919, p4

Clifton Shealy was discharged March 1919 and resumed classes at Newberry College, graduating June 6, 1922. He married Miss Spencer Carter in Williamston SC on 6/15/1922.

Clifton Shealy was the first Prosperity SC boy to return from France. He was a Freshman at Newberry College when called on 3/9/1918; served in the 42nd Division and was wounded at the 2nd battle of the Marne on 7/30/1918. He returned to the US December 1918 and was stationed at Fort McPherson GA.  Observer 2/11/1919, p4

Newberry Memorial Gardens: Michael Clifton Shealy 10/4/1891—5/29/1993, husband of Spencer Carter Shealy.

Job Hughey Crooks to his sister Mrs. E. S. Boozer

Naval Training Camp
Barracks 400, League Island   Phila. PA

Dear Sister,

I guess you will be surprised to hear from me away up here but I thought I would rather see a little more before I got out of the navy.

We left Charleston on the 27^th at 5 o’clock; ate supper at Florence SC about 5:30 pm. We slept in sleepers on the train and woke up in Richmond on the 28^th where we had breakfast. I didn’t see much of the city but it seems pretty.

We left Richmond at 9:30 am for Washington and along the way I saw some fine farms, well cultivated; very few colored people; all the farms appeared large and prosperous. The RR runs along the Potomac River for miles and is the prettiest body of water I have ever seen – just as smooth as glass. You can hardly see across it in places. We crossed it just before getting into Washington and it took a little while in the crossing.

As we were approaching Washington we went through a long tunnel which runs under part of the city and station. It is dark in there because the trains were not lighted.

Washington is a beautiful place. We didn’t see very much of it though. I saw the capitol and the Washington Monument very well and several more of the government buildings, though I don’t know the names of them. We stayed there about one hour. We left there for Baltimore over the Pennsylvania RR and believe me they run trains up here. Trains sweep past every five or ten minutes going 60 mph.

About the finest country we passed through was Maryland. All the farms seemed to be large as in VA. Most of them seemed to have waterworks and electricity. Quite a difference between this country and the part down there.

We left Baltimore about 4:30 pm for Philadelphia. We came through part of DE and stopped for awhile at Wilmington, which is a fine looking town. We crossed the Delaware River and the Chesapeake Bay. The River is just as we have all read about it in history when Washington crossed the Delaware to get to the British. It was full of floating ice and very rough. The Bay is a beautiful body of water. It is very wide and very smooth – has no current at all. We crossed it twice.

We left Wilmington, 40 miles from Philadelphia, passing through towns all the way. The towns all seemed to join one another. They had the most factories I ever saw. We arrived in Philadelphia at 8 pm on the 28^th. We stayed in the station for awhile before coming out to League Island and believe me you can hurt your eyes looking around there too. Everything is fine and so many people.

We got to camp and to bed on the floors. Our baggage didn’t arrive until the next day but we slept good anyway – from 2:30 until day light. That was the first time I ever slept on a naked floor but I was pretty tired and I slept OK. They have steam heated houses here so we didn’t get cold. We have liberty every night and from Saturday noon until Monday morning. I haven’t been back to town yet though. I had to catch up with my rest first but will go tomorrow and see everything I can, if my money doesn’t give out.

We are at the Delaware River line, as it is the harbor and we see some of the biggest ships here – battleships and all kinds. There was a transport full of troops landed here yesterday – mostly Pennsylvania Troops.

The people here seem to be fine and very friendly. The YMCA offer to take you to town and give you a good time and if your money gives out, will pay for it themselves. They give us a show here every night free of charge. They seem very different to soldiers and sailors here to what they do in Charleston. Treat them so much nicer. Will give you anything you need. Well Sis, I don’t know how long I will be here as we may be assigned to transports. May be here a good while or may not. Some say we will go to Germany for the ships that are to be used bringing troops back. If I go to sea I may be gone for a long time. Hope I get home in the spring or summer. You must write as often as you can.   Your Bud, Hughey

William Senn
Mrs. William D. Senn gets a letter from her son

Somewhere in France

November 10, 1918

Dear Mother,

Have made a move and am still very busy but will take time to write a little. I left the old village a week ago on an advance billeting detail. They sent one ‘non-com’ from each company under the charge of two Lieutenants and I happen to be the one representing F Co. We were to select billets for the companies. We rode in good cars and not in freight boxes, as the companies always do. We had to change cars about every other stop and with heavy packs, had quite a scramble. In addition to the steel helmet and gun, I had a heavy blanket roll over my shoulder. We had a long way to go and were about 48 hours on the road.

The first night we arrived at a large city near the front at 11 o’clock. The train stopped three miles out on account of the danger and we had to hike in through rain and mud. We had such a load we threw away our rations and had to bum for the rest of the way. We went to an American Hotel which had just opened up and slept until six. They had no bunks but we slept very comfortably on a floor that would have made a fine dance hall.

We got a pretty good look at the city – most of the windows were blown out and several buildings had been ruined by shells. I can’t tell you the name of the city – you know – Mr. Ruff Wert’s daughter’s name.

We left next morning and had a breakfast of eggs, French coffee, etc. on the train. When we couldn’t get a passenger train we would jump on a flat or a box car – just any way to get there. And they never ask for tickets no matter what kind of car we are on.

That night we spent at another city. It is now occupied by Americans but was for a long time held by the Germans. It has been completely destroyed. There is not a building left with a roof.

All along the railroad we could see the old line. It is now behind us but the barbed wire and the camouflaging are still there. It is strange to see how the roads, and even the canals are camouflaged. We slept that night in a box car in the yards and pulled out for our destination the next day. We arrived several days in advance of our company.

We then billeted in little stone houses and were fairly comfortable, except for the mud. We can hear the big guns all the time and at night the flashes look like summer lightning. Occasionally a big barrage will light up the whole sky at night.

We are some distance from the front and I don’t think we are likely to go into battle right away. I can’t tell about that, though. Anyway, when I do go I believe I will be able to control my legs all right and expect to place all the damage I can on the Boches. It is quite a common sight now to see the anti-aircraft guns filling the sky with bombs, trying to bring down one of Fritz’s planes.

We were sorry when we had to leave the little village where we had such a big time for two months. The French girls were the chief attraction and there are not many civilians in this section.

I went out yesterday and got my bed sack filled with real wheat straw. I am sleeping on the upper story of a double decked bunk and have a comfortable bed.

I have not heard from home in a week now and don’t expect any mail for some time on account of the changed locations.

I met up with Paul Monroe, one of my college classmates. We were very much surprised to see each other. He is an MP in our division.

Hope to hear from home soon. Will close now.

William Senn    Observer 12/3/1919, p4

Co. F    306 Amm. Train, 81^st Div.

William Thornwell Senn 81 years old of Seneca SC, husband of Mary M. Senn, died 4/23/1977. He was born in Newberry SC. He was survived by a son William Thornwell Senn Jr., daughter Mrs. H. M. Baskin of Macon GA; a sister Lucy Senn of Clinton SC. Burial was in Mountain View Cemetery of Seneca.

CAPTAIN Claud Smith wrote to his parents Dr. and Mrs. Van Smith

Marseilles France

June 21, 1919

Dear Mama and Papa,

When I returned from my sojourn through England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and northern France I was delighted to find letters from both of you waiting for me. That was a most pleasant way to end a most wonderful trip. It would take many, many sheets of paper to tell you everything about my trip that I would like to tell, so I will wait until I see you to tell you about it.

Lieutenant Bullard and I went together. I wanted my roommate and sure-enough pal to go with us but he couldn’t make it.

Bullard and I went from here to Paris and spent about six hours there. We then went by way of Boulogne and Folkstone to London and spent two pleasant days there. We saw almost all of the places of interest in the city. The American YMCA had sightseeing trips arranged and they were well conducted. We were able in that way to see in two days what would have taken ten days to see on our own. Saturday was especially interesting to me. We went to Buckingham Palace and saw King George bestow the Victoria Cross on an Australian soldier and ‘dub’ a few knights. At Buckingham we saw the Guard Mount. It was certainly a beautiful ceremony. The soldiers were the best drilled I have ever seen.

From the Palace we went to Eagle Hut, the American YMCA headquarters and heard Lt. Commander Reed gave an account of their Atlantic flight. They must be better aviators than they are public speakers. Being in London at the same time as Reed opened my eyes to the fact that the English people certainly haven’t got that feeling of jealousy and enmity towards the Americans that I have always been led to believe. The welcome that London gave to Reed was beyond my powers of description. Had one not known, one would have thought that the English were welcoming one of their own heroes, rather than one of their rivals, who was successful at the same time that the British aviator HAWKER was failing. Their welcome was so hearty and so spontaneous that it could not be other than sincere. That day changes the wrong impression I had of the English for so long. Contrary to their nature, as I have been led to believe, they went out of their way to make us feel welcome and when we went into the stores they would always engage us in conversation. Another thing of notice was that we were not robbed every time we turned around as in France. We always felt sure we could get a thing at the same price an Englishman could. So different in France!

Among some of the most interesting places I saw in London are: Buckingham Palace, White Hall, Westminster Abbey, House of Lords, House of Commons, London Tower, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, British Museum, Bank of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Law Courts, Charing Cross, Piccadilly, Leister Square, Temple Church and Dickens’s ‘Old Curiosity Shop’.

The Temple Church was the place of the last meeting of the Crusaders and where the Masonic Knight Templar was instituted. The ‘Old Curiosity Shop’ made famous by Charles Dickens certainly looked out of place. It is the quaintest little place you ever saw and all around it are large modern buildings. The ‘Shop’ looks so lonesome among all the big fellows.

Saturday night we left London and proceeded to Ireland by way of Holyhead and Dublin. We had a nice boat trip from Holyhead. The Irish Sea was calm as was the English Channel.

When we reached Dublin the circus began. I never laughed so much as I did while in Dublin and the southern part of Ireland. Our welcome in Ireland was a ‘bawling out’ given to us by a lady running a hotel because we asked for breakfast at 8:15 am. She told us that anybody ought to have more sense than to try and get breakfast that early in the morning. After jollying her around for a few minutes we got a little to eat. Then a British officer who was with us suggested that he and she sing ‘God Save The King”. She nearly took the roof off the building! What she said about him and King George wouldn’t do to repeat.

That was the beginning of the circus. The circus lasted until we reached the north of Ireland.

The two portions of Ireland are as unlike as it is possible to be. In the southern part the people spend most of the time cussing the King. They won’t work and there are more beggars than I ever imagined there could be among white people. In the north they are wide-awake, energetic and prosperous. In Belfast you find a city that is nearer like an American city of its size (80,000) than any I have seen anywhere.

I went to Cork and from there drove out to Blarney and of course ‘kissed the Blarney Stone’. From Cork we went to Killarney and went through Dunloe Gap and the Killarney Lakes.

From Killarney we went to Dublin, then to Belfast and then took a boat to Glasgow Scotland.

Next to our own America, I love Scotland. In Scotland you are an American. They have nothing that is too good for you. They love the Americans and they don’t fail to show it. It is the Americans own fault if he doesn’t enjoy his stay in Scotland.  We spent the afternoon of the day we reached Scotland at Ayr, Robert Burns’ home. We saw the birthplace of Burns. ‘The Brigs’ of Ayr, Brig-O’Doon, Tam O’Shanter Inn and other places he made famous. The next morning we went by train to Ballock and began our trip through the Trossacks, a most pleasant day’s journey. At Ballock a lake steamer took us to the other end of Lock Lomond and there we were met by stagecoaches and carried through the mountains to Loch Katrine where we got on another boat. The Killarney Lakes were beautiful and Dunloe Gap was rugged but they amounted to nothing when compared to the beauty of the Trossacks. Walter Scott was right when he said, “The whole might seem the scenery of a fairy dream.”

“See Naples and Die” runs the old proverb. “See the Trossacks and take a new lease on life ” is much better.

We reached Callender and took a train to Sterling. We spent two nights and a day there.

Stirling Castle and Wallace’s Monument were the main things to be seen there. The cause of our second night in Sterling – two pretty girls.

Edinboro was our next stop and there we found a beautiful, progressive and interesting city. I found there a man named Smith that tried his best to make me believe that we were distant cousins. Maybe we are, I don’t know. Did any of our ancestors come from Scotland?

He didn’t have much trouble convincing me he was a Mason. Masons were plentiful in Scotland and they liked to talk to American Masons.

After taking in the sights at Edinboro we went to London and from there to Paris. We spent one day on the old battlefields and by that time we had to hustle back to camp.

That ended the most wonderful trip I have ever taken and I certainly am grateful for the opportunity that the AEF gave me.

I took about 150 snapshots on the trip and I expect to have a nice collection of pictures. I carried the films down yesterday to have them developed. I am sending you a few kodak pictures of my pal and myself.

It begins to look like we will be going home very soon. Never mind writing anymore after you receive this because I am sure I will be on my way before your reply would reach me. Should anything delay my departure I will write and let you know. I am sure we will leave before July 1.

With Lots of Love, Claud     Observer 7/15/1919, p5

Claud Smith was mustered out at Camp Gordon on August 8, 1919. He returned to his former job as mail carrier at Whitmire but by October had been transferred to a Newberry Route. May 1920 he resigned as mail carrier and took a job of handling motor trucks and automobiles in Newberry (Smith & Gresham Motor Co.) In September 1921 Claude C. Smith and J. H. Summer Jr. were partners in Beaufort SC for the business SMITH & SUMMER Real Estate & Insurance.

Retired army Colonel Claude C. Smith, a Beaufort real estate and insurance man, died 2/8/1955 in a 2-car accident at Bells SC and became Colleton County’s third automobile fatality for the year. He was the son of Dr. Van Smith and Lilla Swittenburg Smith of Newberry SC. He was driving alone on US 21 and died instantly of a broken neck. Mr. Smith had been in business in the Walterboro area for the last five years. He attended Newberry College and was a graduate of the Univ. of SC. As a 1st Lieut. in WW1 he helped organize in 1921 a Coast Artillery Co. which was federally recognized and became part of the 262nd Regt. He was its captain, commanding officer and was gradually advanced to the rank of colonel in 1938. He was survived by widow Mrs. Mary Ward Smith and a sister Mrs. Hillary Sleigh of Birmingham ALA. Funeral services were in Beaufort and burial was in Newberry SC.

PRIVATE Hayne Morris writes from France.

January 15, 1919
Ransback, Germany
Dear Mother and family

I am well and enjoying good health. I suppose you thought I had forgotten home but I have not by a lot. I have been in the hospital and did not write but my thoughts were of home and the family.

I would like to be there to see if things look like I remembered them. I have thought of everything that is on the place and every door and window that was in the house. And you know – I thought about Ben and Queen.

I guess you get news and know as much about the war as we do. I know the news looks good and is good. Everything here is in high spirit and in good health. Have you heard from Hoyt and Holland?

I am with some boys from home: Hermis Kibler and Colie Morris. Colie is homesick but he likes his work and says he would like to keep his job. How is the crop at home and how was my crop and everything at home?

Is anybody hunting Ben for me? Did uncle hunt him? If he has not—ask him to train him and I will pay him what he charges. I will write to him tonight but he may not get it for I have not heard from home since August 15^th. I have written but did not get any answers. Wishing you a comfortable heart and a contented mind,

Your soldier boy,  Pvt. Hayne Morris    BN. ‘D’ Field Artillery    1^st Div. AEF

Hayne Morris was honorably discharged May 1919.

Hayne Morris 77 years old retired farmer died 12/17/1969 at the Veterans Hospital in Columbia. He was born in Newberry, son of Thompson and Ella Bedenbaugh Morris and was survived by a step-daughter  Mrs. Dudley Hunter of Prosperity SC; brothers Ernest Morris of Newberry and Monroe H. Morris of Prosperity; sisters Miss Lena Morris, Miss Cora Morris, Miss Nannie Bell Morris and Mrs. F. M. Warren all of Prosperity SC. Burial was in the cemetery of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Prosperity. McSwain Funeral Home was in charge.

Richard Maybin wrote from overseas

March 24, 1919

Bailleue, France

“Hoover’s Navy”

Dear Papa and Maybelle,

It had been one year ago today that I left home and raised my hand the next day to swear to defend the stars and stripes and the country we love.

When the armistice was signed last fall I thought I would soon put my feet under the family table and gnaw the bones of a big, fat hen, eat fruit, cakes etc.

But here I am away over here in France. I went in for the duration of the war and six months after peace is signed. I understand I can get out – maybe – before that long. I understand I am here for three months.

The place where we are is a total ruin. We have about four huts up now and have the stars and stripes flying over them.

The people here thought we were ‘chinks’ at first – Chinese – the British use them a lot around here for labor, cleaning up the fields and various kinds of work. So that is the reason we put up the flag – so people would know who we were.

We are hauling huts every day with four trucks out to small villages near here and parties are putting them up.

Saturday evening there was a party of us who left for Calais France to spend the weekend.

We went in one of the trucks. After we went four or five miles we were beyond the lines where the fighting was done. I think someone said it was about sixty miles – a little over two hours ride. Along the way we saw the farmers busy plowing and some had planted the grain and it was up and sure looked pretty.

You should see how they use manure over here. I have never seen so much manure. They spread it on the fields as thick as we do pine straw on Irish potatoes. It sure looked good to be back again where people were really living and their homes were not in ruins.

We got to Calais just about dark and it was snowing to beat the band. I thought we had picked the wrong night for our trip. We found a room and went out for a stroll but by nine o’clock the lights were out and stores were closed. So I went to my room and went to bed.

I awoke the next morning about the time we usually get up and turned over and went to sleep again for no one was there to say, “Come on son, hit the deck.” There was no bugler blowing “You’ve got to get up”. When I awoke again the sun was shining. So I hit the deck, washed up and went out to get a feed.

I asked a ‘Limey’ soldier where I could get some film and he said he was going past the place, so he and I walked together. I wanted to get a half dozen but the clerk said, “Only one to a customer”. But I persuaded her to let me have two and after awhile I got another soldier to go in and he got me one. I used two around Calais taking pictures of interest. The first one I took was the tower of a church that had a hole right through it. You would think it was a shot from a Jerry plane. The ‘limey’ told me the story: There was a spy in the tower one night making signals and a ship crew out in the bay saw the light and trained a gun on the tower – and that was the end of the spy. Good shot, all right!

Jerry made some good hits on Calais and the ‘Limey’ and I kept on walking, seeing the most interesting sights and the places where the bombs did the worst work. We walked down on the strand and saw the many bathing houses; also the large pavilion that is used now as a hospital for soldiers who are wounded.

We walked down on the beach and saw the fishermen digging some kind of fish bait. They looked like the red worms around home but were ten times as large. Fun to see them dig in the sand – sort of like what the crawfish does – though not so large.

We strolled on back to town and it was getting near 1 o’clock so we began to think of chow. We went into a pastry store. You know the French are noted for their fine pastry. In our rounds we met the ‘Limey’s pal’. He was visiting from some other camp. He bought a pie. I bought what we call cup custard, just about the size of a teacup and a sort of fried pie. I took a half dozen each. I do not know what they call them in French. I held up six fingers for how many I wanted.

We then went a few doors away and ordered fish and bread and I took some coffee too. The ‘Limies’ drank a drink made from pomegranate. We enjoyed our feed.

The ‘Limey’s Pal’ was a soldier in the British Army and had been in the states and we enjoyed talking of the good things we got in the states. He told the ‘Limey’ about the ice cream we had over there and said it could not be beaten. My! It made my mouth water to hear him tell how ice cream and many iced drinks were made.

After chow we went and saw the captured guns that were out near the port. They will be shipped to England. I saw many models of German and English guns and took many pictures. I hope they come out good.

We had to meet our party at 3 o’clock to start back for Bailleue. All were there on time and we turned our faces towards the ‘ship’ as we call our camp. Everyone said he had enjoyed his stay and had a good time. There were twelve in the party.

Oh yes! We have a French lad now as a mascot for our camp. He wears a suit of clothes his mother made from a British soldier’s uniform. We called him a ‘Limey’. The cook asked him if he was coming to the camp next day and he said no. His mother was going to wash his clothes and he would have to stay in bed until they dried. The cook had a pair of blue trousers  too small to wear, so he gave them to the boy. He had them cut off the right length and today he was in camp in full uniform – blouse, hat and trousers, looking good too. I will take his picture.

Hope you and Maybelle are OK. I met an American soldier here today. He said he thought the men from South Carolina had returned. Maybe Harmon is home by now. If he is tell him he must be sure and write to me and tell me what part of France he was in and all about his experiences over here. I am sure he has interesting stories to tell.

Much love, Richard        Learning to parley-vous François a little.      Observer 4/18/1919, p4

March 13, 1919
Lile France
Dear John and Willie,    (Richard S. Maybin to John and Willie Waldrop)

In less than a week I have been in three countries, Ireland, England and now France. Thirty of us left Wexford and arrived at Liverpool England. We thought we were on our way to the states but Tuesday morning sixty were called and told to have their hammocks and bags ready for transportation. We were sent to London. When we arrived at Kingston we met over two hundred men from the Queenstown air station. Among them was my old pal, Meyers. He was not called on the present draft with me. Lots of them were being put on German Ships to man them. Maybe he will be put on one of these. I stayed in London two nights and one day and saw some of the more important historical sites. The ‘Y’ man would take parties of sight seers to the historic places, in the morning and in the afternoon and tell about the places. I was in Liverpool on Sunday and hunted up the Methodist Church and went to morning service. There was no Sunday School on account of the Flu. There were over two hundred of us at the American ‘Y’ and we got our meals there. I was one of the six who helped clean up the dishes and wash them. I met some real honest to goodness American girls there. Two were volunteer workers in the canteen. The others were in the YMCA work. After our fellows were through with eating I stayed there and helped.

The canteen is a great place for men in uniform to get chow and it is real good too. We fed everyone that night from colored soldiers to gold-strippers. Two colored soldiers came in British uniform so I went over and spoke to them. I felt sure they were from the states. So I asked them. The one fellow said he was from NY, the other from Boston. They had been in the service for two years and were anxious to get back to the states.

We left London Thursday morning for Folkestone England. There we took the ship for Boulogne France. We spent the night at Boulogne and came to Lille on Friday. We left before daylight but it was day when we got to the first trenches. For more than an hour we were passing through the country where the awful war had been raging. Sometimes, for miles, or as far as you could see, there was not a house that was whole or else a total wreck. The fields were all full of trenches and shell holes. Plucky French were busy filling them up and sowing the fields in grain. I also saw the railroads, the public roads and bridges being rebuilt by the German prisoners who perhaps had helped to destroy them.

Lille was a French headquarters and the battle line was beyond there. The city is torn up badly by air raids and shells. Every day the trains are packed with people who once lived here, who are returning to begin their lives again. The place we use as our barracks was once a hosiery mill but the Germans took all of the machinery as they retreated. They once used it as a Headquarters when they held Lille. You can hardly believe your own eyes when you see the destruction of the war. They tell me that further on, where our work will be, you can not even tell where some cities once were. They are just a heap of ruins. We will put up the barracks that we used in Ireland and some that were in England that never were put up. These can help until the cities are rebuilt. We will be here for sometime. Do not know for just how long. The French seem to me to be more thrifty than the English. They have better cars and engines on their railroads and I have not been asked for any money here by people on the streets. In England, everywhere you move someone is asking you for money. I cannot speak French but I see lots of good books here and I shall spend my spare time reading and writing.

I shall have lots to tell you when I come back. Do write often, for I will appreciate your letters more now than ever since I am in a country and don’t know the language. Some of the men here have been stationed at the naval air stations over here and can speak French very well. There are some Frenchmen working here and I hear them talking to one another.

Much love, Richard     23 Boulevard de Liberta, Lille (Nord) France                   CRB

Richard Maybin married Miss Mary Belle Madden on 12/29/1920. The bride was the daughter of S. L. Madden. They  resided at Ware Shoals, SC.      Observer 12/31/1920, p8

Richard S. Maybin 74 years old retired grocer of Ware Shoals SC died 1/31/1963 at Self Memorial Hospital of Greenwood SC. He was born in Newberry, son of Reuben Maybin and Mrs. Sallie Harmon Maybin. Surviving were his wife, a son Dr. Richard M. Maybin of Lawndale NC, a daughter Mrs. Harry S. Duval of Columbia SC; sisters Mrs. John Waldrop and Mrs. Yancy Floyd of Newberry and Mrs. H. L. Dillard of Greer SC; a brother B. H. Maybin of Hickory Grove SC. Burial was in Greenwood Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

David W. Berry writes to his father John W. Berry
March 29, 1919
Dear Dad,

After reading your letter of the 11^th, I will write to you some of my experiences from the time I left the USA up to the present. Mine are not so numerous as those of some of the boys who went over the top some five or six times.

The morning of August 5, 1918 we were marched over the gangplank and boarded the Acquitania. At sundown that afternoon we sailed, about twelve thousand strong. I stood on deck watching the land disappear and not knowing whether I would see the good old USA again or not. But now I am living in high hopes of soon returning. I had a very pleasant voyage in every respect. Wasn’t sea sick in the least bit. I think I have told you about my voyage so I won’t dwell upon it now.

About noon August 12^th we spied land and on the same afternoon we landed safely at Liverpool England. You see we made a speedy trip. Immediately upon leaving the ship we were marched through the streets to a rest camp, four or five miles distant. Women and children were lined up on both sides of the streets cheering us as we passed. Men were few except those who were minus either an arm or a leg.

We spent two nights at Camp Knotty-Ash and then boarded a train for Southampton England. As we were marching down the streets of Liverpool I saw many beautiful things. After a good long ride we reached Birmingham England. Here we got off the train for awhile and were served coffee by the Red Cross. Then we proceeded to Southampton where we received practically the same receptions we received at Liverpool. We were again marched to a rest camp where we spent a few nights. We then took a boat and crossed the English Channel, landing at La Hame France where we again marched to a rest camp. Leaving here we took a train and rode for a couple of days until we reached Torrnerre, where we got off and hiked to a small town named Milloit. It was about 11 o’clock at night when we reached this place. So we marched out in the old field, put up our shelter tents, spread our blankets and slept awhile. The weather was warm. There was a small flat stone in my tent. I used it for a pillow. Right here we stayed under the shelter tents for about ten days before we got anything better.

We received one month’s training at this place and then left for the front, where our excitement began. Before getting to the front, we made an awful hike, one never to be forgotten. It began one afternoon about three o’clock and lasted all night long. The road led directly over a mountain for about three miles and believe me, we were all out of breath when we reached the top of it.

Believe me, as much rain fell on me that night as ever did or ever will in one night again. The second night, after reaching the front, the Germans shelled us some, which scared us to death. I was here only a few days before I was taken sick with the mumps. Then I was sent back to the hospital. By the time I got there I had bronchitis along with the mumps. I sure was a sick boy for about fifteen days. With the good care of the Red Cross nurses and close attention of the doctor, I pulled through – though it was sometime before I could pull duty again.

When I got back to my company the armistice had been signed and the company was where it is at the present.

I had a big Christmas – lots of fun with the French girls. I am in the very best of health at present. Wish to be home soon with you and my friends.

I am glad you saw Mr. Dominick about my allotment. He had gotten in behind it and found that it had been cancelled July 1, 1918, so I will get it myself the next pay day. Much love to you and mama.

Your son, Private David W. Berry

324 Infantry, MG Co.  APO  791, AEF     Observer 5/6/1919, p4