Nannie's Scrapbooks
Book 6 of Nannie's Scrapbooks was originally a Book & Holiday Catalogue from Blackwell-Wielandy Book and Stationery Company dated October 1, 1916. The scrapbook includes 159 pages. Most of the articles cover the years 1917 and 1918 during World War I. Book 6 page 1
New Home of the Belton Firemen
BELTON'S BIG
FLOURING MILL, A Narrow Escape-Last Thursday afternoon as a crowd composed principally of young ladies from Belton, was out at Henderson's Crossing in bathing Mrs. Will MEANS jumped into the stream thinking that she could swim to the other side in safety, but somehow the current overcame her efforts and after she had gone under several times would most likely have been drowned, had not Mr. Walter LEE, who was present, jumped in and swam to her rescue. Mrs. MEANS remained unconscious for several moments afterward but at last regained consciousness to the joy of all the party. It was indeed a narrow escape for Mrs. MEANS. DENMAN-KELSO-(Omitted Last Week)-Last Saturday night at the home of Rev. A. F. CUNNINGHAM, Mrs. Robert DENMAN and Miss Ola KELSO were united in marriage. After the ceremony they left for San Antonio to spend the honeymoon. The groom is the son of Commissioner W. P. DENMAN and is a young man of sterling traits of character. He is one of Belton's industrious and worthy young business men. The bride is the daughter of one of Bell County's old families and Mr. DENMAN has indeed been fortunate in having her for a life partner. She ___ ____ young lady and an _______musician. Book 6 page 2
The First Baptist Church of Belton was organized in 1853 by Elders David FISHER and S. G. O'BRYAN, with nine members. Previous to the war they had no regular pastor but were supplied by Eld. John CLABAUGH, missionary of the State Convention. Hon. R. E. B. BAYLOR frequently preached for them at night while holding court at Belton and when passing through on his way from Waco to Austin. In 1864 Elders W. W. HARRIS and MANNING held a meeting with the church at which there were about thirty additions by baptism and some by letter. In 1871 the church was reorganized by Elders G. W. BAINES and B. H. CARROLL, and Elder BAINES was called as pastor and served them until January, 1875, when he was succeeded by Eld. M. V. SMITH; who after eighteen years service was succeeded by W. C. LATTIMORE, now of Denton, Texas and he by R. K. MAIDEN, the present pastor, in 1898. The church first worshipped in a little board house on the S. W. corner of the Central Hotel block. In 1875, this lot was exchanged for one on Main street, on which a wooden building was erected which served as a place of worship until 1882, when the present building was erected. In 1898 the building was enlarged, almost doubling its seating capacity. At present it is inside and out, one of the most ornate church edifies in the State. The present membership is 476. A very large Sunday school is maintained, of which Col. J. H. JAMES has for many years been superintendent. The church is prosperous under the ministrations of Rev. R. K. MAIDEN, who ranks with the most eloquent and able _____ines of the South.
Belton Mill and Elevator Company's Plant
Book 6 page 3 Letters From Our Boys in the Camps and on the Firing Line-Routing the Rats-Somewhere in France-E. G. TOWNSEND, Belton, Texas-Dearest Papa and Aunt Zella; I am sending you a coupon with respect to a Christmas package. It really explains itself. On account of the size, you will not be able to send a Victrola or a Baby Grand piano; but seriously anything you send will be appreciated merely ____comes from those I have and from home. I will not be in _____ Christmas, but the package will reach me all the same. By the time you receive this letter I will be back with my old company. I found my first lieutenant in town yesterday, and am going back with him. The boys here all say I am a darn fool to leave a good soft job and volunteer to go up; but I do not see it that way. I enlisted to fight and I have come over 3,000 miles to get in the game. I am not a bit afraid to go up and I have no fear of not getting back. I believe I am doing my duty. I am going up determined to fight my best and go through it all cheerful and uncomplaining. Don't worry about me, for that is not the idea at all. It's smile, smile, smile and "Give'em all you've got." I must close for I have lots of work to do. Wash some clothes for one thing, yes down at the creek. Can you imagine me doing that? I am writing this in my room, under the feed bin with a box of "corn bill" as a desk. I have some room believe me,. The floor is mud, nice and sticky, there are three big cracks in the walls, one just over my head, and at night the rat have a merry time-merry for the rats, not me. Last night I was just about asleep, had just thrown all the rocks from under my head and settled down beneath my overcoat and slicker for a good sleep, when I heard a scramble and the nice cold clammy feet of a rat rushed across my face. Well, after I had thrown a hobnail barrage on the western sector of my room the rats affected an orderly retreat and opened negotiations for an honorable peace. They accepted all my terms, and so quiet reigned for a while anyway. Then one of them rejected the fourteenth term and started an attack on the northern front of my back wall. Right away I shed blankets, coats and all, and went right "over the top." After that I managed to rest undisturbed until morning. Tonight I am going to assemble all my ammunition early and at the first signs of hostilities, I am going to open up with all I've got. Really, I must close or the censor will mark this a novel and seen it back. Keep on writing and some day I will get the letters. Give my regards to all my friends, I think of everyone of them. Your boy, GALE Making a Barber Chair-A. E. F. Nov. 5, 1918-Mrs. Annie BAKER, Temple-Dearest Mother: Hoping that everything is well with you, will try and drop you a few lines. Cold weather is here and am beginning to feel it already. We have moved into our new barracks, which have concrete floor and have not seasoned yet, and are pretty chilly of a morning when we have to roll out at 5 a.m. I received a letter from Myrtle today which was short but contained a world of news all about the family. She wrote about Georgia having a cow. Can you imagine that? Would like to have seen her trying to hold the cow when it got away and she caught it. I am a little bit afraid to come home now. Does it mean I am going to have to learn to milk. I would like to see all my nieces and nephews, they seem to accumulate faster than the Baker's dollars. Send me a group picture of all of them if you can. Myrtle says that Billie is in the second grade. I can't imagine that. I have been working for the past week on a barber chair for out company artist or butcher (as you like) have policed up some oak cross-ties and have ripped them up and have made a rather neat job of it, much to the pleasure of the above mentioned gentleman. He wants me to have a photo taken of it with him and I in it. If they turn out to be OK will send you some. I don't know what to send home for Christmas. I thought of sending some fancy needlework stuff but have found that the duty will amount to as much as the price, also everything else is the same way. Well, mother, as I am about to shiver to death will have to close for the time. Write soon-Sgt. WARREN BAKER-8th Const. Co., B. L. Air service
Everett Roscoe
FOREMAN(1898-1980)Writes Home! - 1918 during World War I Romance in One Reel-France, October 23, 1918-Miss Lois FOREMAN, Belton-Dear Sis: I received your note in mamma's letter and of course I was glad to get it but I would rather have a letter: I sure am having a time over here. Things are pretty lively over here now. I want to tell you something but please don't tell anyone you know for I would not have it get out for the world. When I first came here I saw a young French girl and I fell in love with her the first time I saw her. She is about five feet, six inches tall and has light brown hair and blue eyes and fair complexion. I fell in love with her and after about two weeks of courting we were married and now we have been married for a month and during that time we have found that our love was just a passing fancy and she is trying to get a divorce and I am not going to stop her. She has gone to Paris and I haven't seen her for a week. About that time I woke up and I sure was glad when I woke up, too for it sure was a dream. I think I ate too much steak for supper. I hope I never have another like it. Some dream, eh? But you need not worry for there is someone waiting for me when I get back. I guess you know who that is. I think George and I could fix the kaiser all right but the way I feel this morning I could do it alone. I have only seen one fellow from Belton. That was Clyde INGRIM. That is all the news but I forgot there isn't much news in this letter. Answer real soon.-With love,-Corp. E. R. FOREMAN-Co. A 159th Inf. A. E. F. Book 6 page 4 George KARNES, son of Mrs. Henry KARNES of this city, has received his honorable discharge from the navy and is here again to make this city his home. George is in the best of health, but he says he is glad to be out of the navy and back among homefolks again. Book 6 page 5 Joe COPELAND is Better-Temple Soldier Sends Letter to His Mother Stating He Suffered Only Slight Wound-American Red Cross, Nov 8, 1918-Dear Mother: Just started letter and chaplain offered to finish it. Sent you a wire that I was slightly wounded and wish to state that I am progressing well and hope to get up soon. the wound is in the flesh in my leg and think I may be all right soon. Now that we think war is practically over we may get home this winter. I haven't seen or heard from POWELL in some time but chaplain says none of his division are in this large hospital, so guess he is OK-Your loving son, Joe H. COPELAND-Bas Hospital No. 6 Bordeaux, France A. E. F. Is Now An Instructor-Mrs. Will RAMSEY is in receipt of a letter from her son, Jas. A. RAMSEY, "Somewhere in France," which states that he has attended an Artillery school and is now back on the job as an instructor. He is with the 36th division, the one which has made such a great reputation during the past few days as fighters. He also tells of meeting up with a number of Belton boys lately, among whom are Byron JARRELL, Arch WILSON and Ivery BROOKS. This young man thinks the war will soon be over, and while he is having a good time and wants to stay as long as is necessary, yet there is no place like the U. S. A. Death of Frank O'KEEFE-Frank O'KEEFE who, before his induction into the Army by the local board, worked for Freeman & Jackson, died at Camp MacArthur, Waco, Sunday night of influenza. The remains were taken to Clifton for burial. T. L. MEANS has a letter from his son, Victor, from over seas, which states that he has entered an officers training camp, Congratulations. Bell County boy Answers to Call-(Bartlett Tribune)-In a letter to home folks, Coy NANCE, a Holland boy, now somewhere in France, says: "And by the way, while I think about it, while out strolling the other night, someone called: "Is there any one here from Bell County, Texas?" I answered "yes," and went to him and found Gus LINDEMAN, who is now first lieutenant. Well, Roy THORNHILL is getting along fine, and I have gained twelve or fifteen pounds since I landed here." DE GRUMMOND Wounded-Former Temple Man Survives Bitter Conflict and Now Rests in Hospital in Paris-Harry de DRUMMOND formerly of Temple, was severely wounded in the leg in a battle in France on Oct. 20, probably Argonne, according to a letter written by him to his wife and sent by her to Mrs. Herbert TAYLOR of this city, who is his aunt. De DRUMMOND was a first lieutenant in the 90th division, in which nearly all of the officers with whom he was associated were either killed or severely wounded. He accounts himself very fortunate to be in a hospital in Paris, with a wound from which he will recover. He had formerly been wounded in the hand. Burial of Dick SHANKLIN Sunday Afternoon-The remains of Dick SHANKLIN, who died at Camp Joseph, E. Johnston, Fla., on Wednesday of last week, reached Belton Sunday morning and were buried in the North Belton cemetery Sunday afternoon. The funeral services were conducted at the grave by Rev. C. W. PEYTON of Temple, formerly pastor of the Presbyterian church of this city. The burial ceremonies were performed by members of the local Elks lodge of which order the deceased was a loyal member. Prof. W. M. W. SPLAWN and Hon. J. B. HUBBARD each eloquently pronounced eulogies on the life and character of this splendid young man, whose seeming untimely taking away is so much regretted by the entire community. The funeral was largely attended and many and beautiful were the floral tributes. the active pallbearers were: Pat DOUGHERTY, Kyle HAMBLEN, Cal PORCTOR, Dr. Lester CURRY, Byron HAMMERSMITH, Columbus JACKSON, Fred LEWIS. Honorary pallbearers were: W. W. JAMES, Ghent CARPENTER, Harry COCHRAN, Dr. M. P. MCELHANNON, F. K. AUSTIN, S. M. RAY, Sr., Dr. J. C. HARDY, T. L. MEANS and J. M. SCOTT. The body was accompanied from Camp Johnston to Belton, By Cpl. Walter Z. BAKER, who attended the funeral of his comrade, and then went to his home in Twetty, Texas, for a five day's visit with his wife and mother before his return to the Camp. Aubrey BEAN Dies-Belton, Nov. 4-Word has been received that Aubrey BEAN died at an army camp in San Antonio on Oct 30. Aubrey is a former Belton boy. Two Hundred Soldier Boxes-Belton, Nov. 29-The local Red Cross has completed its work on the 200 friendless soldier boxes allotted to them, and they are now well on their way to gladden the hearts of soldiers who have no relatives or friends to make Christmas bright for them. These 200 boxes were filled by volunteers and bore the name of each person filling them. Death of Mrs. Will SCHNELLE-Mrs. Will SCHNELLE new Mary MILLER, died in St. Pauls Sanitarium, Dallas, Friday evening and was buried in the North Belton cemetery Sunday morning at 10 o'clock. the funeral services were held on the lawn of the father of the deceased Col. J. Z. MILLER, conducted by Dr. F. L. JEWETT of the State University of Austin, Roy BREGG of Dallas, State President of the Christian Endeavor of the Christian Church, and Rev. J. R. NUTT, pastor of the Baptist Church of this city. A large number of friends of the family attended the funeral many from a distance and many and beautiful were the floral offerings. Active pallbearers were Ghent CARPENTER, Kyle HAMBLEN, Jesse W. BLAIR, Thos. YARRELL, Jr., Byron HAMMERSMITH, S. M. RAY, Jr. Honorary pallbearers were: Thos. YARRELL Sr., A. D. POTTS, W. W. JAMES, P. HAMMERSMITH, Geo. W. TYLER, F. K. AUSTIN. The Dallas News of Saturday contained the following notice of this most estimable lady whose seeming untimely taking away we all mourn: Mrs. Mary MILLER SCHENELLE wife of Will S. SCHNELLE, 2002 Moser Avenue, died at 8 o'clock last night at St. Paul Sanitarium of pneumonia following an attack of Spanish influenza. She was born in Belton Dec. 6, 1892, the daughter of Colonel J. Z. MILLER, one of the most prominent bankers of Central Texas. Mr. and Mrs. SCHNELLE moved to Dallas in July. They were married in January, 1917, Mrs. SCHNELLE was a graduate of the University of Texas and also of the University of Colorado. As Miss Mary MILLER she was one of the best known and most popular members of the class of '14 at the University of Texas. She was a member of the Delta Delta Woman's Fraternity. She also was member of the Christian Church and was active in the Sunday school and Christian Endeavor work having been delegate from Belton to conventions of the denomination." (Note by submitter: The obituary of Mary's child can be found in Book 6 page 6 of Nannie's Scrapbook) Funeral of Orland C. COWAN-The funeral of Mr. Orland C. COWAN, who died at his home in Tulia yesterday morning, will be held from the home of his brother, J. S. COWAN, on Leon Heights tomorrow afternoon at one o'clock. Services will be held at the grave in McDowell cemetery at 2:30 o'clock conducted by Rev. LUKER, pastor of the Methodist Church at Killeen and Rev. CONNELL of Nolanville. Book 6 page 6 Letters From Our Boys in the Camps and on the firing Line-Fred DAY at Hospital-Mr. Chas. M. CAMPBELL, Temple, Tex.-Dear Mr. CAMPBELL: Just a few lines to let you know that I am still on the top side of the earth. It rust that you have received my other letter of a few weeks ago. Since I wrote you last, I happened to a little accident and was sent to a hospital at or near, Winchester, England. They operated and fixed me up OK. Ether pneumonia got a hold on me and gave me quite a little trouble. After four weeks in the bed and a week in a wheel chair, I was able to be up and about. On the 7th of October, they shipped me over to this convalescent home, and I am feeling better every day. This place is only forty-five minutes from London, so I took a little trip over to see the city day before yesterday. Well, London is some city, even in war times, and no place for a country boy. I took in as much as I could and saw many places of interest. The Tower of London, I believe, was the most interesting. the crown jewels are kept there, and world of ancient things, armor and all kinds of old implements of war. I crossed the Thames and saw the house of parliament. Westminster Abbey was a very interesting place. saw the tombs of many of the formers kings and people of prominence. In the evening I strolled around the famous Picadilly circus. I'll tell you about that when I return. This hospital is the home of a Mrs. CLAY and the most beautiful place you can imagine, with its grounds and flower gardens. Mrs. CLAY is the wife of Colonel CLAY of the British army. She is from America and was a Miss ASTOR. She has fitted up her home as a hospital and loaned it to the Red Cross of the American naval and army officers. Both branches of the service are represented here, and almost all grades and ranks. Most of them are back from the front after having been wounded. We have every comfort a man could wish of and entertainment of the best kind is provided. We have pool and billiard tables a wonderful place to dance, pianos, and all kinds of musical instruments, tennis courts, golf links, a fine library, victrolas,, bicycles, automobiles and four good meals each day. There are numerous other things that I am sure I have overlooked. Nothing that will add to our comfort or pleasure is overlooked. There are quite a number of the finest young ladies from the Red Cross who take care of the hospital. They are very kind to us fellows and you may be sure we appreciate all that is being done. Now, with all this, when we pull up our chairs in front of these immense fire places in the evenings, our thoughts fly back across the Atlantic to the ones dear to us, but we don't want to come back until "it's over, over here." Prospects for peace seem bright, right at this time. Germany is on the run and its a retreating run all along the line. This I get from the papers and I am sure you get as much or more news than we do. I have been thinking of you and all the boys there in the bank for I know how busy you have been with all the fall runs of business, and the additional work caused by the Fourth Liberty Loan. I hope that crops have been fine, lots of cotton with a good price. I noticed in a bulletin issued by the Y. M. C. A. where Texas had had fine general rains. I thought first of old Bell County, and I hope she got, what was coming to her. Last Sunday, Mrs. CLAY took a party of us fellows over to meet the Duchess of Marlborough. she was a Miss VANDERBILT. "Crowhurst" is the name of her estate. Part of her home was built about 1012, so you can judge what a wonderful piece of architecture it is to have withstood all these years. Henry VIII often visited at this place. the gardens and grounds are very beautiful. This letter is growing rather lengthy, and I trust it has not tired you. When you have occasion to write to Will BANKS, or speak with him, I will appreciate your remembering me to him. I will never forget his courteous manner toward me while I was an enlisted man at Camp Travis. He is an exceptionally fine young man. When you have the time, I will greatly appreciate a letter from you I think of you, the City national and all the boys very often. I hope before many months slip by I can return and again be one of the force. With kindest wishes for yourself and Mrs. CAMPBELL- I am, Lieut. Fred W. DAY. American E. F., Co., A. 303 Bn.-Heavy Tanks-Warget Camp-Wareham, Dorset England. Plane Falls in Camp-Somewhere in France, Oct. 14, 1918-Mr. L. P. HEARD, Temple, Tex.-Dear L. P:-Things are pretty lively here again and I hope we succeed in whipping the huns soon. It is pretty cold here and rains most every day. I believe the boy knew his business that gave us hip rubber boots, for they are used most of the time. Have some better camp than when I last wrote you. We are now in a house with all modern conveniences (on the front). It is about sixty feet long with a door in each end. the windows are of tar paper and perfectly good floor of dirt. We can either hustle hay and build bunks or sleep on the ground, I preferred hay but some use both. We usually slip off our boots and crawl under our blankets and overcoats, leaving they rest of our clothes on. by the way got a new issue of underwear yesterday so guess I will try a bath in the creek(but gosh! it is cold) and shift for a change. A terrible barrage began thundering away about 12 o'clock last night and is still going on but getting further away. By the way, I didn't tell you about the million rats that play around over us each night. I never saw the like. We had some excitement just over our heads as a young lieutenant from Buffalo brought down a hun plane right in our camp. Surely was great sport to watch them scarp like hawks, as they would fly past each other taking a few shots each time they passed. The boche plane caught fire and came down, but the two huns escaped with slight injuries. Will send you a souvenir I got off the plane while it burned. Feeling fine and have lots to eat, but, why not, we may go west at any time.-Best regards, Willis F. WILSON:-Willis F. WILSN formerly worked in Temple for J. M. LEE & co., was raised at Little River, son of B. F. WILSON. The number plate from the plane that was burned bears marks that appear to be: "Milltur Flugeing C. L. II, 1544-17." Upon the under side is written: "Captured Oct 2, '18, by Lieutenant JIBB of Buffalo, N. Y." Also knife marks show the letters "W. F. W." Land All Cut Up-France, Oct 3, 1918-Dear Home Folks: How is everything getting along at home? I am fine and like France pretty well, but there is no place like home and Texas. The weather here is much cooler than at home at this time of the year. It has not rained for two days and the sunshine seems very nice. We landed safely just one month and one week before my birthday and started from the other side the second Friday after sister's birthday. I enjoyed the trip but it grew tiresome being on the water so long; we were all glad to get on land again. This is a pretty country but things are so much different than at home. The land is all cut up in small patches and all I have seen growing is garden truck. Al the wagons are two wheeled concerns drawn by one horse and if the load is too much for one they hitch another out ahead. All along the roads you meet women and girls with baskets selling nuts, candy and grapes. I bought thirteen English walnuts for 10 cents. The fences are made of rock and dirt walls four or five feet high; bushes and heavy vines are growing on them. The berries are very similar to our dewberries. We are having much experience very different than any we have had before, but we will have to wait about telling it until we get home. I could write long and interesting letters if we could tell of our trip and the things we see and do, if I just knew what I could tell. Maybe I could write more, but I must not tell too much. I did not think of telling you to keep up my church dues. Willis CARSON will know the last time I paid. I would like to be there on Sunday and go to preaching in a church again. Alvin, you write me a long letter and tell me all about the mules and horses and how big Joe is now. Did I make feed enough to keep him growing this winter? How are your pigs? I will close with much love, Your son-Carl KNOLL Belton Teams Victorious-The Senior Girl's and Boy's basketball teams of the Belton High School defeated the same teams from the Bartlett High School. At the same time the Junior Girl's and Boy's basket ball teams were defeating the Bartlett Junior teams at the Tyler school building. Winning four games in the same afternoon is a good record for any school. Death of An Infant.-The infant, William Lee, which came to see Mr. and Mrs. Will SCHNELLE in Dallas Wednesday, remained only a few hours. The body will arrive in Belton, This (Thursday) afternoon and will be buried in the North Belton cemetery. The mother, who was before her marriage Miss Mary MILLER and who was reared in this city is seriously ill of pneumonia. Her father Col. J. Z. MILLER left Wednesday for Dallas to be with his daughter.(Note by submitter: The obituary of Mary MILLER SCHNELLE can be found in Book 6 page 5 of Nannie's Scrapbooks) Book 6 page 8 Birthday Party at the First Christian Church- We are sending to you this little sack Book 6 page 9 Letter From France-Base Hospital No. 80, Beaune, December 15, 1918-Dear Mother and Father: At last I got a letter from you dated Oct. 13 and one from Nellie. I was sure glad to hear from you. It relieved my mind about the "flu epidemic" I sure do hope that it has passed off without touching any of you. Now I hope that the mail that is coming will bring me good news from everybody. I figured that those 360 infantry albums were just a fake or a graft, but since you have gotten it I am satisfied. But most of the old boys are gone over the road to the far beyond and what few are left are scattered to the four winds. I sure do wish that "Kirk" was with me now. I sure do get lonesome. The flu has put old Belton on the bum hasn't it. When we boys come home we will make enough noise to open up everything. You women have played the dickens haven't you. Send us old boys over and then go and vote the Budweiser out of the state. We will have to vote it back again. That is OK. We have done without it thus far and I believe we can continue to do so. I haven't drank enough since I have been here to drown a hen and chicks. I am glad you enjoyed your visit to Fort Worth. I wish I could have been there to help you out on amusing the kids. Ask John HOOD if he can't fight fire without me being there. I thought I had left Fred there to do my part. Give them my best wishes, especially "Miss." I can just see Rover and grandpa going around town. I wonder if he will bite me as he did when I came home from Fort Worth. I hope not. I didn't get De Otis's letter but hope to some time before I get back home. I have got quite a few letters from young folks at home, but I haven't time to answer them now. I will do that later. Well I am doing fine I think, and expect to leave for home any time now. My company is in Germany and I won't be sent back to them. So it is from here home I think and real soon I hope. Hoping this finds you all well and enjoying the best of health. I remain as ever, Your Loving son and grandson, Private Tom C. NAISMITH-[Miss referred to is for Mrs. John HOOD who is verbally known by "Miss"] The Christmas Holiday-Before another issue of the Belton Evening News, reached you Christmas of 1918 will have come and gone. The News wishes for all its patrons and everybody else, the most happy and joyous December 25th, that the self sacrificing spirit of 1918 will have in store. Christmas is the only one of our holidays the observance of which is based upon love and thoughtfulness for other people than our individual selves. Other holidays are for the most part, as is fitting, in recognition of a great national event or in memory of those who have done, and suffered great things for their country. Thanksgiving expresses gratitude for our blessings and New Year's, if we keep it with thoughtfulness, is an occasion for a little self-examination and some fresh resolves. But Christmas is rightly a day of generosity and love. We make the children happy with toys and candies we think of the gift which pleases mother, father, wife, sister, husband, we plan home entertainment's. But Christmas lacks something if our observance of it is bounded by our family circle and our friends. The festival will be an especially joyous one for America this year. The shadow of a great and cruel war has been lifted from us. We look forward to an era of peace and prosperity. But at the same time here has never been a year when generosity was more needed. Prices of all commodities are appallingly high, and the little income of many a family has been sadly diminished by the absence of one or more of its wage earners in the army or navy. If we consider this and, not forgetting our own dear ones, do what we can to bring relief and pleasure to those in need, we shall feel the blessedness of real Christmas. As we have prospered, so let us give. When our soldiers come home they well be able to tell us what a Christmas in France was like, and many of them will be able to tell us what two Christmases in France were like. Our Army-we stand upon the threshold of a new era and we cannot predict what its opening door will show us. During the next few months our young men will come home from abroad. They are indeed picked men. Both in physical and mental qualities they are the best representatives of our nation. From their age and qualifications we know them to be the men who will shape the policies of this country for the next twenty-five years. Over two million in number they have gone through an experience which was bound to alter them. What changes may have been made in their character and opinions we cannot tell. Probably their military training will lead them to demand more exactness in all details and business arrangements. But this is entirely subordinate to the great question of how they will react upon America-how they will form her ideas and influence her. The future must tell us. Just now they are only our boys coming home, and we will receive them with a joyous welcome. Capt. Don LEE was here today from San Angelo en
route to Dallas where he has accepted a position after receiving his honorable discharge
from the army. Mrs. E. W. FOREMAN has received a card announcing of the safe arrival in New York from France of her son, Corporal E. R. FOREMAN, who came across on the steamship Lavithian. Letters from NAISMITH Boys-somewhere in France-November 16, 1918-Dear Father and Mother-It has been several months since I have had as good an opportunity to write as I have now and I think I will catch up with a lot of it. Today is Sunday and we have the day off for the first time since we were put against the Huns and now that it is as good as over we get a little more time off. It sure is winter here now, almost as cold as you will have all winter. But dry which makes it a little better. I have not seen or heard from Tom in several days but expect a letter from him at any time. Don't worry for he is OK only a little gas is all and shock. I think he is back to his company by this time. I sent you a cablegram a day or two ago to keep you wondering if I got through the last few hours of the task. We sure put in a long hard night the last night of the war. But we knew the purpose and all did their duty good. It gave this regiment quite a write up for their work. You should have been in the town that we went into the last day and saw how the people took to the American soldiers, the first they had ever seen and to know that they were out from under the iron fist of the huns. All are moving back to their old homes. I saw a few of the Russian prisoners yesterday that were left by the Huns in the field where they had been at work. It is a shame how the dirty huns did with property of the French. What they could not use they destroyed. It seems that we will be on our way home soon, but I am a little afraid it will be a long time. It can't be too soon for I am sure tired of this part of the world, so very slow and far behind that it will take a century to catch up. The flu seems to be giving the people lots of trouble what seems to be cause of it. Here it is more of a stomach trouble which is easily got over with. I guess old Belton is sure dull with short crops and so many of the young girls as well as the boys gone, but it won't be long now until some of us are home and back to our old ways. Since I wrote last I have had a little promotion. Instead of corporal it is sergeant now. We are living in an old French training camp, so much difference in convinces that I feel like I was back in a real camp. A good stove and lots of room and a real desk to use as well as fine chairs we got out of the houses close by. I never did get any of the papers you sent, but wish I had some of them for today. As I have to write several more letters I will now quit and write again soon. Write us as often as you can, same address. Don't ever forget the famous date eleven 11-11-11. Remember me to grandpa and everybody I Belton. Your son-Sergeant William L. NAISMITH-[The cablegram referred to above was not received by Mr. and Mrs. NAISMITH] In Hospital Somewhere in France, November 18, 1918-Dear Mother and Father: I am still in the hospital but I am doing fairly well. I am doing my part to get well. I hope to be able to join my company within a few days anyhow, But if I feel like I can't stand it I will wait longer. Please don't worry about me for I will be well before you ever know that I have been sick or gassed. I sure do get lonesome here. Everybody talking about going home and I am away from my friends and don't hear from home but hope it won't last long. I know you are wanting to hear from me and as soon as I can. I will wire you. I can't wire from here until I get back to my company. I have nearly four months pay coming to me. I really don't want it till I get back home then I will have it. What do you think-here it is just a few days till my birthday. I had forgotten it nearly. Well I sure am going to spend in France for once. I have always been lucky enough to be at home on that day-we should worry about that. Holidays, Sundays, vacations and such days are all alike to a soldier over her. Time sure flies, except time waiting for a trip home. But even if we have to stay here for a while yet, the time is well spent I think. We all can't be first to get home I would like very much to know where Robert and Willie are and how they are. I will hear soon I hope. Paper about gone, so I must close. Tell grandpa I have not forgotten him. Tell my friends hello. Your son, Tom. Willard MILLER came in last night from Fort Worth, where he received an honorable discharge from the army. He has been training in Florida, and returned to Fort Worth to be released. Letter Form Germany-Leiser, Germany, Dec 23, 1918-Dear Mother and Father: No mail for several days but will get mail soon. I got the Xmas present OK and sure was good. We are still on the move, seeing lots of the country via ankle express. You may not find this town on the map but the closest city to this place is Tuir which is about 25 miles so you can tell pretty well where we are. The Mosel River Valley is sure pretty with the small town on its banks and mountains on both sides which are covered with vineyards and pine timber. Quite a few old castles on the mountains. Well you can tell pretty well how this country is practically the same as Scotland, and a hundred year behind the times. The people, all Germans, sure will do anything for the American soldiers, at present I am sitting in a room of a German house, with a big bottle of real wine, a pan of some home made cookies, also a red hot stove. Don't worry, Bill will get by. We are quartered in this same house. A fine big feather bed to flop on at night. My pal or bedmate is a Texas boy. GILMORE is his home and what we can't manage for we get after dark. I haven't seen or heard from Tom in several days but am thinking as you are that he is on his way home. Robert wrote and I have to answer his today if I can find time between glasses of wine. These people sure believe in keeping the wine glass full and you too if possible. I will send a few cards of the views of the Mosel Valley if I can get an envelope large enough. Sure having bad weather here, either raining, snowing or sleeting all the time, so we have to stay in pretty close to where it is warm and dry. Will write again soon. Hope this finds all well as it leaves me OK-Your loving son-Sgt. W. L. NAISMITH-Co. F, 315 Engineers, A. E. F., A. P. O. 770 Letters From Our Boys in the Camps and on the Firing Line-Pass Inspection Every Week-France, Sept. 14, 1918-Dear Bud: I have heard from you once and will answer your welcome letter, although I am somewhat late in doing so. I am having some time, but that does not mean that I could not be enjoying myself better at home. I am not having any luck whatever learning this language, in fact I have no time in which to learn it. I have only been to town twice, and once I went on company business, at least partly. We have been restricted to only four hours in the city but a new pass system is being started which will allow us more time and will not give me so much trouble in writing up the passes for men every Saturday and Sunday. By the old system it was a great deal of work and as you know I never was a lover of work. But nevertheless it seems to pile in on me these days until I am in it up to my eyes and can hardly see my way through to smooth going. I am going to try and get a pass and take in the city tomorrow. The last time I was there I only was just beginning to get located and getting to where I could place myself. The streets do not run as ours do, but wind and twist around and so is your sense of direction twisted in the same way and by the time you hoof it over the rough stone pavement for several hours you are somewhat tired and also trying to locate the road that will take you out of town and to your billets and you are lucky guy to find it the first time without any trouble. We have a weekly inspection of everything we have ever been issued, every Friday. Last Friday I had everything but this Friday I missed my cap yesterday at noon and I searched everyone in the battery and looked high and low for it from the kitchen to the captain's quarters but without any success whatever. So as a consequence I was short this dinky thing at today' inspection. Tonight, while listening to the band concert, I happened to remember all of a sudden that I had put it under one side of the field desk to be pressed, and upon looking there I found it very neatly pressed indeed. So not I suppose I am charged with an extra cap. But I should worry as I would rather have two than one. The weather is turning cooler all the time and I am beginning to believe that it will get pretty cold here this winter, but we have been issued winter woolen underclothes and have some pretty good heavy woolen socks and other clothes to match, so believe I will be as snug as the next fellow. You should see me in my gas mask and tin hat. I make a lovely looking soldier and if I am able to get some films will send you and family a picture of myself. Give mother best love and a kiss to the kid and don't leave Nina out of her share.-As ever, Corp. James Dearld FORD. Has a Brass and Silver Helmet-Somewhere in France, Sept. 22, 1918.-Mr. and Mrs. W. M. MITCHAM-Dear Parents: Just received a letter and glad to hear from you. This leaves me well and do hope you all are the same. I can't write once a month regularly. For the last two weeks we have been on our trucks. On the road you can't always travel in daytime, especially around the front. The best place in daytime like last week is in the woods. This is going on seven months in France with a gold service stripe on my left arm. The first time I went up I thought the skies were on fire and the big guns barking. I didn't sleep any the first night for I was too busy watching the endless flashes of all colors of lights. I can't see why most of the boys join the navy, unless they think the deep blue is safe than the land. The ocean is all right but regulars for mine always. I sure have some leather belt; I decided Fritz did not need it any longer, so I got it and several other things. I wish I could send you a German officer's helmet. It sure is pretty. It must be new. I guess he just got it from its looks. The brass and silver just shine. On one side is engraved "God with us" but he sure has left hem now; they retreat so fast the doughboys say God can't keep up with them. While waiting to mail this received another letter from you, so glad to get it. If you don't hear from me so often you will know it is not my fault. I may be where I can't mail it. We sometimes are. I expect to mail this in a few days. It is about ten days now we have not been able to mail letters. Will close of this time. Lovingly, George MITCHAM. Temple Boys Meet-France, Sept. 25, 1918-Mr. Wiley V. FISHER-Dear Wiley: Just a few lines to let you know that I am well and doing fine. I am doing convoy work out here and have been for some time. It is fine work too. You know that I like to be on the go and besides we get to go everywhere. Yesterday I enjoyed myself more than on any other day since being in this country. I met Lieut. LEIGHT and Barton HIERONYMOUS. And do you remember one day last March, you and Sam SMITH were sitting out in front of the station in your car; Hubert ROBERSON came by and you sent me a message to France by him? Well, he delivered the message yesterday. I was coming back on the train and had a twelve-hour "lay over." There I met the three Temple boys. It was just like being home for the day; we had been looking for each other for some time and you may know that we pulled off some show. Old Temple is sure well represented in the war. I don't see how many could be left around there. These over here are all well and doing fine, said tell Wiley and all the bunch "Hello." Wiley, I am now promoted to the grade of sergeant. You see I have been on the job; it has cost me about thirty pounds of fat, but is cheap at that. buddy is also a sergeant and sends his regards to all. Wiley, tell everybody that we are dong fine and that all is going well. Your friend-Sergt. Jno. R. PARKER Killed A Few Boches-La Foyer Du Soldat, Union Franco-Americane(The Home of the Soldier)-Sept. 19, 1918-J. F. LANCASTER-Dear Old Pal: Well, old pal, I just received your letter and was glad to hear you were getting along so well. Yes, old pal, I wish you were here with me to. I believe you and I could whip a few Fritzies. I am glad to hear you are in the cavalry. They are making all the cavalry military police over here. I hear from Earl WALKER and from Earl MUNN often, but I cannot hear from Luther POOLE. Where is he? What outfit does he belong to? Well, Buddy, we killed a few of the d---n "boche" July 14, 1918. There were many times the night of the 14th and the day of the 15th when I would have sold my life for 15 cents and I would not have taken $100 for my insurance. Well, pal, I have just about decided to settle down when I come back to America. They have reserved about 30,000,000 acres of land for the soldier's and what time we put in the army goes on our land. I have been in the army one year and have made $375 and have saved $300: that money, with what I will save until I get a discharge will be enough to improved the land enough to procure a deed to it and that is all I want. You can suit yourself, but I would suggest you do the same thing. When I come back if you want me to, I will come down and get you and we will go and see the land and if it suits us we will take up some side by side. Well, I will close for this time. Hoping to hear form you soon and wishing you all the good luck in the world, I beg to remained, As ever yours, Old Pal-James R. BARKER. One of the "Old 36th"-Somewhere in France, Sept 29, 1918-Ralph HOWARD-Dear Brother: I will try and answer your most welcome letter which I received some few days ago and say that I was real glad to hear from you, for you know a good long letter from home is good "abbreviation" of a visit back home to us boys over here. Well, how is everything down in old Bell County? Fine, I guess. You said it was still dry there. Well, boy I sure wish we could swap you some of our wet weather for a few days of dry weather, for gee! it sure has been raining here. We have to wear our ponchos all the time. We are billeted here, in a little old sleepy French village, but never get lonesome for these French people are very friendly toward us, and will do anything in the world, nearly for us. But don't think that there are any girls here, for there isn't a one of any size; they are all in the large cities, working. That is one thing that I can say for the French people, they aren't the least bit afraid of work. I have been staying with a French family some here lately. They sure are nice people , too. I like to stay with them, because it seems almost like being at home. Now I know you will want to know how I make myself understood, so I'll tell you. I am learning to speak French right along and what I can't make them understand by talking I make signs. Ralph, you were asking me about Clarence SMITH, Bruce FERRELL and some of the other boys, they are still with us and doing fine except Clarence is in the hospital. I guess you remember the BARTEK boy whom you met at Temple last winter, don't you? He was wounded but not seriously, I think. Well, Ralph, if I'm not badly mistaken, I think you will hear from the Old 36th sometime in the near future and we wont be chasing hombres either, like we were about thirteen months ago. I never will forget the sport that I had while we were on the border. That was some fireplace, believe me-Mission, McAllen. Well, I guess I had better quite it this time for fear I might tell you something that I ought not to. Well be good and write real often, Your loving brother, Corporal Chas. E. HOWARD. Book 6 page 12 Letters From Our Boys in the Camps and on the Firing Line-Alabama Fights in Silk Hats-France, Sept. 26-28, Oct. 1-2, 1918-Mrs. Wilfred S. DOUGHERTY-Belton, Tex-My Own Dearest Wife: I received two more letters from you yesterday. I have been getting my mail pretty regular since the drive, the St. Mihiel drive. You seemed anxious to know what we had for breakfast, so I am going to tell you what we had this morning. About 9 o'clock our striker called us and told us that our breakfast was ready and as it was pretty cool we decide to eat it in bed, so we had him bring it in to us. We had buttered toast, coffee, hot cakes with syrup, fried steak and cream gravy. Now, of course things were quiet is the reason we were in bed. Last night is the first night since we have been up here that the boche didn't shell us. We are going to have corn beef hash, beans, biscuit, jam and coffee for dinner, so the striker tells me. I am going to send you another boche belt buckle. It has inscribed on it, "In True Faith." I tried to get a German with a good looking helmet on but he was running from me and I didn't have any success in stopping him with my pistol and a machine gun opened up and forced me to hit the ground for protection, so consequently he got away. Our artillery bombarded a town just before the infantry went over and a shell hit a store, caved the room in and knocked the end of it out. An Alabama bunch got to the town and halted for the night. The store handled hats and had a lot of silk hats. That night practically all of the regiment got silk hats and the next morning when they started after the boche every man had a silk hat on. The boche saw them coming and naturally thought they were crazy, so they threw down everything and beat it. The Germans had a bunch of chickens and happened that they were in a farm house in the middle of "No Man's Land," or rather our land and we went out there to get them one morning. While we were out there they opened up on us with machine guns and consequently we rushed things up and let some get away. The hens started right for the boche front with a lot of us after them. We had fried chicken that night for supper. There were some hogs out there that some of the men went and got that night. Some of them would go to Germany for something to eat or a souvenir that is boche. How would you like to be up here where you could go out every morning before breakfast and kill a boche? Of course, I don't do anything like that but some of the men won't eat until they have a boche to their credit. Your husband-Lieut. Wilfred S. DOUGHERTY. Sees Four Boche Planes Fall-Somewhere in France, Sept. 25, 1918-Dear Friends: As I have a few minutes to myself will write you once more. You should see my writing desk. It is a box which I found some time back. It belonged to the huns one time and its some queer looking object. Well, I am doing fine and dandy here. We sure have some funny experiences here. My! I wish I could tell you all about them. I think we have some of the best company comrades in the world. They sure do treat us great and, believe me, we appreciate it too. I wish I could hear form home but I guess I will have to wait awhile longer. Say, I have some souvenirs that I wish you had, to keep, but I don't know if I can get them to you. I am getting as fat as a pig over here, and not working very hard now. Say, you know I can hardly write here. I don't know much to write and am not allowed to write that much. All the information, we get here is that the allies are still pounding thunder out of the Germans, and we sure do read the papers which we get from the Red Cross ladies. They also give us cocoa, tobacco, chewing gum and candy. Oh, gee! we can't give them enough praise, for they sure are nice to us. I have met one boy from Bartlett, Tex. His name is Rex GODFREY. I never knew him over there but I know him now. Well, I must go to work. It is 1 o'clock. Well, I've changed my writing desk from a machine gun belt box to a homemade stand, or center table, and it is now night. I am all closed up in a "dugout" so the light will not show out in the open and am sitting on a homemade bench, so you can see I am very comfortably situated. Ha, ha! So don't worry about me. I am in a :lady's dressing room," you know. I mean "No Man's Land." That is a "lady's dressing groom," it is not? I am just as happy as can be. How is everything and everybody at home? I will try to write them tonight if the big shells do no light too close and get my nerves upset. Ah! somehow we don't mind the shelling very much over here. I don't know why but I guess we are pretty nervy. We have been through some of the German trenches. My! they are something interesting to me. We found ammunition, rifles and lots of clothing in them and several dugouts. I have been over some of the battle fields and its awful to see the shell holes that are there, made by the big guns and lots of shells lying around that have not exploded. Will you send me Rogers and Jim's addresses and maybe I can find them. I see several boys from different companies every day. I would like very much to meet them and have a chat with them. Oh, yes, I have seen four "boche" planes brought down since I have been here. It's great to watch those air battles but rather thrilling and exciting to see them so close to us. I guess you have read about the peace terms of Austria by this time or probably before now. Please write Maynard and Mrs. BOND and tell them I am all OK and want them to write to me.-Sergt. Euzema S. DAVIS Farmers Live in Villages-Somewhere in France-Mrs. F. C. WHARTON-Moffat, Texas-Dear Mother: Will write you today as I am on headquarters bugling. I like it very well, for there is not much labor attached to it. Most of the boys are getting tired of staying here now; we want to be moving on. I have not had any sickness at all. All of our boys are getting fat but this wine over here makes anyone fat, so they say. That is about all we have to spend money for and it just costs two francs per quart. A franc equals 18 cents in our money. I have never seen Will or Orville yet but wrote to both of them and sent it by one of their friends. They are close by. Had a letter from Aunt Deed. Said she was coming to Moffat. She may be there by the time you get this. If so, tell her "Hello" What do all of the old Moffat sports think of the war by now? don't know what they think, but I think we have turned it and are going to keep it up. I wrote to Rodger and Tommie. I suppose they are here somewhere, but no one can tell just where by their address, for we mention no town names. I'll bet old Moffat is a dull old place by now. Some of the people around there think they have it hard, but I only wish they could see how some have to live over here. I don't see how they can live even in peace time. Their farms are so small they all live in a little village together, three or four families in a large stone building and their barn connected to that. There are not any sidewalks and the streets are not wide enough to turn around in. Think that is why they use two wheel wagons in order to turn around. When you see a two horse team one is in front of the other and a man leads them. They sure have some pretty stock, cows and horses. They sure are a queer bunch to us American boys. We can all see now why the war was lasting so long. I suppose papa is keeping up my W. O. W. dues. Don't suppose the band is doing much now, nor the lodge, either. I am going to allot half of my money home as I don't need it over here but when I get to New York city I may call you up for a little change. But don't think I will hurry about that. The first thing is to get back. Will close, hoping to see you soon (when the war is over.) With love and kisses, as every your only son, Forrest C. WHARTON. Gets One Boche-Somewhere in France, Oct. 1, 1918-Mrs. N. M. CARPENTER, Temple-Dear Sister and All: I received your letter and was sure delighted to get it. Was sorry that Roy had to leave before you got your fall crop sowed, but I think he is in a good branch of the service and will like it fine. I also received Fred's letter. Tell him this is for him too, as I have only three envelopes. I sure had some nice souvenirs to send you all, but lost them. Well there is nothing I can tell you in this letter, but I will tell you many things when I return. So don't worry about me for I am OK and have gotten one Dutchman. I have been over the top three times and have not gotten a scratch. Those Dutchmen sure do run when they see us coming. America has some of the bravest soldiers in the world, and they sure do like to get after those boches. Well I will have to write to Julia, so by, by. Love to all.-Corp E. B. HOLCOMB. Recovering in Hospital-Somewhere in France, Sept 28, 1918-Mrs. N. J. GOODE, Temple-Dear Mother: Just a few lines to let you know I am feeling OK. I was operated on again the 24th of this month. I am getting along fine and dandy. You need not worry about me; it is only a minor operation. How is all at home I haven't heard from any one for about a month and a half. My mail is with my company and they are so busy at present that they haven't time to think about mail; that is the least of their troubles. We certainly have some fine "nurses" here at the hospital. It seems like being in the states when a fellow can hear American girls talk. If you can't read this, just guess at it; I am lying flat on my back, writing. I will be up in three days and will be well by the time you get this. As ever, Your son-Sergt. N. H. GOODE. Somewhere in Geramny-Gefchrieben den. Sept 21, 1918-Mrs. Ella ALTWINE, Temple-My Dear Mother: Will drop you a few lines to let you know that I am fine and dandy, and hope you all the same. I am sitting in a little German dugout writing you this note We are on the front at present. Have a very nice time. Getting all we want to eat and we are sure doing our bit in the man's war. Of course you all know that every thing in war is not easy for we have been under shell fire for about three weeks. But that's what makes us want to fight when Fritz shoots at us for they can't scare the Americans. They have to show us. Well, mother, there isn't very much doing on the front this morning, only artillery fire and air plane battles. Of course we see lots of them. They are common things. You all can sure say that the allies have the air. Well, mother, there isn't much to say, so I guess I will close for this morning. I am as ever, your son-Sergt. Joe M. ALTWINE. Recruiting For volunteers-France, Sept. 19, 1918-Mrs. a. P. TAYLOR-Dear Mother: Received your letter of Aug. 12 and believe me mother, I sure was glad to hear from you, for I have had only one letter from home since I arrived overseas. Mother, tell Winfrey I said not to wait until he is drafted for there is already two of us in and neither one of us was drafted and we don't want anyone to say after this war that there was a TAYLOR drafted in this war or any war after this one. I know it will be hard on you to let him go but he will have to go sometime so let him go before he is drafted. Now, mother, don't worry about us, for we are going to go through this war and come back home and just think what a homecoming that will be for all of us to get home once more. It has been quite a while since all of us were at home at one time, but I don't think it will belong before we will be home. So don't worry about us. Lots of love and kisses for all of the family -Sergt. Ralph TAYLOR.
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