Company D, 4th Infantry Regiment, Ohio National Guard Again Called into Federal Service (The Great War)

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Shortly after returning from the Border Campaign and settling back into civilian life and getting back to their vocations, D Company members were again readying themselves for service away from home. They would use the experience of drill and marksmanship not only for themselves, but for the new recruits who filled in the ranks of men who’s enlistments had expired. They would be called upon to train and lead the new recruits for war.
Other Marion citizens were enlisting in the Army Reserve Company in Marion, enlisting in the regular Army, applying for officer’s school, and some trying to find other ways to serve in this time of need. We see a group trying to organize a Motorcycle Corps., citizens enlisting in the Red Cross, and even elementary school children forming military companies! Marion was willing to sacrifice for their country and many would distinguish themselves in combat, and give their life on foreign soil.

The following is just a brief outline of the news that Marion and the nation was making in preparations for entering the Great War. The news was still busy with u-boats sinking ships in the Atlantic, occasional raids still occurring on the Mexican border and the new draft and how it was to be executed.

6 April 1917 – The United States declares war on Germany.

9 April 1917 – Dr. N. F. Tilton is collecting names of those interested in organizing an Ambulance Corps.

11 April 1917 – Marion also appears to have an Army Reserve company. In an article by the Marion Daily Star; a reserve engineer corp. with twenty skilled mechanics and headed by Captain E. H. Cowan, is to begin drill. It says he has been very busy enrolling recruits at the Y. M. C. A. building. A resident of Marion and Spanish War veteran, Major T. E. Andrews, has offered his service. Also resident, Daniel LeMarche, and graduate of the Staunton Military Academy  has offered his service. Both are seeking commissions in the Army.
J. R. Walkins enlisted in D company, as well as Raymond Martin, Yancey Shields, and Paul Knoppenberger. D Company is now at 93 members.

12 April 1917 – Reserve engineer corp to drill for first time. Many of the recruits are trying to persuade their friends to enlist. Captain E. H. Cowan encourages country boys to enlist as they are familiar with simple tools and  physically strong.

There was also interest in starting Motorcycle Corp. from Marion.
From Marion Daily Star April 12, 1917

Motorcycle Corps.
The first steps toward organizing a motorcycle corps from Marion county were taken last evening at a meeting held in the motorcycle repair shop of Ralph C. Mount on Mill street. There were fourteen riders present and all signified their intention to sign up a members of a company.
The actual organization of the corps has been deferred until Sunday afternoon.
There are 160 motorcycle riders in Marion county, and it is the aim of Mr. Mount to secure one-fourth of that number for his corps. This would make an organization of forty motorcyclists who would offer their services to the United States government provided they were needed.
Purpose of Corps.
The purpose of the corps will be both military and civic. If not needed in the service of the government, the corps would affiliate with the home guards to assist in the work of protecting local property.
All motorcycle riders in the county who are interested are requested to be present at the organization meeting which will be held at 2 o’clock at the corner of Mt. Vernon avenue and Elm street. At that time squads will be organized and other important business in connection with the organization transacted.

13 April 1917 – Oak Street School has a military company, O Company, and 30 girls are organizing an auxiliary. The girls are led by Miss Laura Hadsell, teacher of the fourth grade. The boys are led by John W. Caldwell and the following corporals have been selected: Paul Keightley, Kenneth Monnette, Bernard Flannigan, Vert Brashares, Jr., Francis Johnson, Fred Spring, Curtis Brady and Beford Colvin.
Miss Hadsell is experienced in first-aid work and will lead the girls in making bandages, which will go towards making first-aid kits for the school. The boys of the military company drill every, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

A local dentist, Dr. A. F. Linscott, has offered his services, at no charge, to any applicant to the military who has defective teeth. As the United States Army will not accept any applicant with bad teeth. This has barred many men in the past.

4 May 1917 – The regular Army recruiting station in Marion has been busy with applicants reporting to Lieutenant Robert G. Sherrard, for acceptance into the officer training camp. The camp will open at Fort Benjamin Harrison on 14 May.
Men who had met the physical requirements were as follows: Edgar W. Thompson, Ralph F. Ludwig, A. Raymond Brown, Daniel L. LaMarche, J. Malcolm Strelitz, John C. Sargent, Huron Hamilton, Harold Pendergrast, of Marion. Others listed are from Delaware.
Dr. B. B. Hurd, of Caledonia, who served in the Second Ohio ambulance corps., Columbus, under Major H. H. Shiveley, has offered his services to the war department.

8 May 1917 – A Special Escort consisting of men from D company was to report for duty as escorts for a French Commission that was to visit the Capitol City. Second Lieutenant George E. Crottinger was to lead the men, Curtis Makel, Walter Fulton, Glenn Dellinger, DeWitt Berry, Vernon Hickman, Rollie Seckel, Arthur Culp, Clay Grounds, Vance Carpenter, Shurley Starcher, Mathias Roush, Roy Bailey, Reuben Evans, Carl Rupe, Frank Welch, Henry Plotner, Hal R. Johnson, Walter Smith, William Partlow, and Noah Breese.

18 May 1917 – The Selective Service Act of 1917 (The Draft) calls for men ages 21 years old to 30 years old to register.

12 May 1917 – Men from Marion are en route to Fort Benjamin Harrison for the Officer Training Camp. Daniel L. LeMarche, J. Malcolm Strelitz, ?? K. Warner, George B. Knapp.

14 June 1917 – Marionites at Fort Benjmin Harrison for officer training. Pictured in the Marion Daily Star are; Charles J Sullivan, Edwin C. Hatcher, George B. Knapp, Luray Mouser, Daniel L. LeMarche, John B. Morris, Fred Scott, J. Malcolm Strelitz, Thomas L. McMurray, Roy Gottshall, James Wesley Liewellyn. Others from Marion are not in photo or listed. (??? H. Postel, Herbert F. Law.)

10 July 1917 – The Marion Daily Star reports that President Wilson has called all National Guard units to the Colors on July 15. Draft will not formally apply to them until August 5th.

14 July 1917 – The Marion Daily Star reports that

“..25,000 lay away their implements of peace for tools of war”. Tomorrow the guardsmen, not yet federalized, will take the oath of allegiance to the national government. From that moment the state will hold no power over the militia.

15 July 1917 – The Ohio National Guard units are called into Federal Service. Company D of the 4th Infantry Regiment is mustered in Marion, Ohio. This is only months after being mustered out of Federal Service from its role in the Border Campaign.

20 July 1917 – The Marion Daily Star headline on page one, “America Draws on Flower of Her Youth for Service Under Old Glory on Bloody Battle Fronts of Europe.” Also on the front page an article describing the drawing of numbers for the draft. Secretary of War drawing the first number. Another front page article tells of how residents respond to the call for the first eighty-five names in the draft and the subsequent names for future needs. Warren Gholson of 681 May St. appears to be the first drawn from Marion County.

21 July 1917 – The Marion Daily Star announces that “First Eighty-Five to be Drawn”. These were names of men drafted into the United States Army. Also a long list of young men eligible for future service was included in this article.

28 July 1917 – Some overflow of twenty-three D Company men were assigned to A Company of Cardington, so they could be mustered into Federal Service. D Company was given an Airedale dog to be the company mascot by W. H. Lingo of LaRue, Ohio. The Mascots name is Yankee Oorang.

National Guard Units could only be called up to Federal Service to “execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrection and repel invasions” and not be deployed overseas. So per the Judge Advocate General, each guard member was drafted into Federal Service. This severed the guardsman’s ties with the state militia and allow him to serve abroad.

30 July 1917 – The Marion Daily Star reports that Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Ralston will entertain guest at their home on Feis Ave. This event will be in honor of their son, Earl Ralston. Earl Ralston is a member of Company D.
Also in the July 30 edition “First Call for 170 From List” 170 names men who were to report for examination.

5 August 1917 – The entire National Guard of the Country was drafted into the United States Army.

20 August 1917 – The Ohio 4th Infantry Regiment was reorganized as the 166th Infantry Regiment under the 83rd Infantry Brigade of the 42nd Infantry Division (The Rainbow Division).

Marion’s Memorial day parade of 1917 will long be remembered as the most timely and most significant ever held in the city.

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Only a month after D Company returned home to ovations from the grateful citizens of Marion, Ohio, the United States declares war with Germany. The news is daily covering the events in Europe and the u-boats sinking of ships in the Atlantic and also of occasional raids still occurring by Pancho Villa’s raiders on or near the border.
Soon the news will be reporting about the mustering of the National Guard back into Federal service and the drafting of men into the regular Army to be trained and sent overseas to fight in the Great War. Much preparations will need to be made to train and equip the new army. The recent recruitment, training and movement of soldiers to the border will be seen as a dress rehearsal for months to come. And the lessons learned by the officers of the Great War will be invaluable in the war to follow, World War II.
In the mean time we see that Marion, Ohio, is not only proud of the soldiers for their service, but they are more than willing to step up and serve in many ways here and abroad. On Memorial Day of 1917 they come out with great patriotism.

Memorial Day 1917

From the Marion Daily Star dated 31 May 1917

WAR SPIRIT OF
1917 IN PARADE
_____________________
Greatest Memorial Day Procession
Ever Seen Here
_____________________
THOUSANDS OF SCHOOLS
CHILDREN DO THEIR BIT
_____________________
Young Veterans Honor the
Veterans of Yesterday.
_____________________
Civil War Heroes Are Given A
Great Ovation All Along Line
to Cemetery – An Inspiring
Sight to Thousands
___________

Marion’s Memorial day parade yesterday afternoon will long be remembered as the most timely and most significant ever held in the city.
Hearts were stirred as column after column marched by to the patriotic strains of the bands and the drum corps. Not only was the parade the most significant but it was also the largest Memorial day parade ever staged here.
Thousands line the streets along the line of match and ovation was given the marching body.
Twenty-five automobiles carried the veterans who had fought and suffered that the nation might be undivided and for whose comrades the great day has been set aside. Sitting straight with eyes to the front, the veterans displayed that spirit which had stirred them to rally in support of the nation in the crisis of the sixties.
SPIRIT OF 1917.
The evidence that Marion is again ready to stand its share as it did in ’61 and ’98 was shown as the khaki-clad soldiers of D company marched by. A military bearing which only intensive training such as the boys received on the Mexican border was displayed and was a splendid example of the type of soldiers who will and who have already rallied to support the nation at the present time.
But probably the scene which touched more hearts, brought more tears, smiles and applause than any other was that of thousands of school military companies passing in review. This was an example of the spirit of patriotism which the coming generation is imbued.
Marching with heads erect, feet moving like clock work and guns carried proudly on their shoulders, these young patriots made a splendid appearance. A trim company of Boy Scouts also answer for the future and was evidence that Marion will not be found wanting if the call to the colors is sounded in years to come.
Moves on Time.
The mammoth parade was formed on west Center street and passed east on Center street about 1:30 o’clock on scheduled time. It took fully forty-five minutes for the great moving body to pass a given point.
Two mounted aides carrying “Old Glory” on high headed the procession. Following them were a squad of mounted Marion police and a squad of mounted aides. Baker’s band playing a lively air passed in review followed by Cosner’s fife and drum corps. D company, Fourth Ohio infantry, Koscuiko Lodge, No 58, I. O. O. F. Wayside Lodge No. 864, I. O. O. F., Marion Company No. 15, Uniform Rank Knights of Pythias, Lima City Council N. 206, Jr. O. U. A. M., and Sandusky Tribe, No. 99, Order of Red Men, which composed the first division of the parade.
Parade by Division.
The mounted sides in the first division were Major T. E. Andrews, grand marshal; Major James W. McMurray, chief of staff; Captain Dan Evans, chief of First Division; Captain O. S. Rapp, chief of Second division; Captain George T. Geran, chief of Third division; Lieutenant N. F. Tilton, chief of Fourth division; Robert B. Swisher, principal musician.
Aides-de-camp M. L. Dumble, E. J. Knauss, Dr. D. O. Weeks, Philip J. Haberman, J. W. Klinefelter, J. Ray Marchant, Carl Fortney, Major B. L. Wallace, Hector S. Young, James F. Ullom, E. R. Wilson, Thorpe Paddock, L. D. Jones, C. M. Fisher, Dr. F. Young, Major Masters, and John A. Schroeter.
For First Time
Dowler’s band headed the Second division. One of the largest delegates in this division and in the entire parade was Marion Commandery, No. 36, Knights Templar, and Marion Lodge, No. 79, Free and Accepted Masons. This the first time in the history of the Masonic lodge that the members have marched on any occasion other than a lodge affair. After the Masons came delegations from the Woodmen of the World, Loyal Order of Moose, American Insurance Union, Eagles and Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen.
The Third division composed mostly of the school children was the largest division of the procession. Headed by the Erie band followed by troop Nos. 1, 2, and 3 Boys Scouts, the Campfire Girls, the Marion public school children and the St. Mary’s Catholic parochial school-children, the division was reviewed with interest by the spectators. The military companies from the Greenwood, Forest Lawn, Oak street, Lincoln, Olney Avenue, Davids Street, McKinley and Glenwood schools all took part in the parade. Each company marched to music made by the company’s fife-and-drum corps. and each “soldier” was equipped with a wooden gun. Banners bearing the name of each school were carried by each respective school.
Fourth Division.
The Scioto Boys’ band proceeded the Fourth division, which was made up of the flower girls, Women’s Relief Corps, Sons of Veterans, Spanish-American War Veterans, Daughter’s of Veterans, Old Drum corps. of Columbus, members of Cooper Post and veterans soldiers and sailors, speakers of the day and city officials.
The parade moved east on Center street to State street and south on State to the cemetery. Traffic was suspended in the business district and along the line of the parade during the march to the cemetery. Marion responded gallantly to the cause as the homes along the line of review were decked out with “Old Glory” and the crowd which witnessed the parade is estimated as the largest which ever turned out for a Memorial Day celebration.
The parade was managed in excellent manner due to the faithful work of Colonel George B. Christian, president of the day, and his staff of helpers. All the organizations formed in line on scheduled time and at no time was there a hitch in the organization of the marching of the parade.

D Company Arrives Home Over Hocking Valley Sunday at 7:30 A.M. MARTIAL MUSIC AROUSES ENTHUSIASM OF CROWD Mothers and Sweethearts Are There To Greet Heroes. Great Parade to Court-House

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From the Marion Daily Star dated 5 March 1917
Page Eleven

D COMPANY GETS GREAT OVATION

Arrives Home Over Hocking Valley
Sunday at 7:30 A.M.

MARTIAL MUSIC AROUSES
ENTHUSIASM OF CROWD

Mothers and Sweethearts Are
There To Greet Heroes.

Great Parade to Court-House,
Where Mayor Sautter Welcomes
Them and the Schools Children Sing.

Sunday morning about 7:30 o’clock, D company arrived over the Hocking Valley railway from Ft. Wayne, Michigan, where the guardsmen were mustered out after months of service on the Texas border.
Marion did not fail to give the guardsmen a royal homecoming. Whistles shrieked the coming of the boys almost before daylight and long before the long troop train pulled into the station, all of the choice locations near the station were taken.
The vast crowd whipped by a biting wind struck grimly to its task of welcoming the guardsmen. The spirit of patriotism which filled every heart was equal to the occasion, causing all other thoughts to be cast in direct contrast to the winds. The weather was in direct contrast to the sweltering heat which the weather man handed out the day D company left, July 2.
Streets were jammed with automobiles and all traffic from Olney avenue to the station was a standstill.
MARTIAL AIRS.
Before the long-looked-for-train pulled in the spirits of the crowd were kept up by martial airs played by Dowler’s and the Scioto Boys’ bands, who had offered their services for the occasion.
When the train arrived and the first khaki-clad youth stepped off the train there was a mad rush toward the train.
Mothers, with tears streaming down their faces, elbowed their way through the cheering crowd to clasp their sons in their arms.
Even those gray-headed veterans of ’61 stood with tears in their eyes watching the reunion of mothers and sons, wives and husbands, sister and brothers and sweethearts, They were not tears of sorrow, but of joy and pride.
LUMPS IN THROAT
Many of the soldier lads greeted their friends with a lump in their throats. That sea of familiar faces looked mighty good to them and they were just beginning to realize that they were home and among those whom they loved.
After the long train, carrying her companies to Columbus, from where they will be sent to their homes, D company, headed by Captain George T. Geran, joined the big parade which had been formed.
How those tanned and rugged lads were cheered as they marched through the crowds which lined west Center street.
EVAN PENRY, NOT THERE
A few familiar faces were missing. One sturdy young fellow, Evan Penry, of Prospect, who marched with the company last summer when the men left Camp Willis, was not to be seen in the ranks. He died of pneumonia at the hospital at Ft. Bliss, Texas. He was the only D company member to lose his life on the border service.
Privates Cloy Hartshon and Roy Terry did not return with the company, as they are in the hospital at Ft. Bliss and will return later. Paul Wiland is in a hospital at Hot Springs, Arkansas, while Privates Grover Tippet, William Smith, Ray Hickman and Elmer Molihan, are at the hospital at Ft. Wayne.
WAVE FLAGS.
As the parade passed east on Center street which had been gaily decorated with flags for the occasion, people from windows and doors waved flags and cheered the militiamen. The parade headed by the local police force followed by Dowler’s band, Cooper Post, No. 117, G. A. R., D company, the Sons of Veterans, Cosner’s fife and drum corps, Boy Scouts, Knights of Pythias, Uniform Rank, Scioto Boys’ band, Marion Lodge, No 32, B. F. O. Elks and Lime, City Council, No. 206, Jr. O. U. A. M., marched to the south steps of the court-house.
Here as D company stood at attention facing the steps, Rev. C. B. Runnalls, pastor of St. Paul’s Episcopal church, gave the invocation.
He said:
“Welcome, O Lord, these our soldiers with Thy most gracious favor and further them with Thy continual help, that in all their work, begun,, continued and ended in Thee, they my glorify Thy holy name and finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.”
Major S. N. Titus took charge of the affair at this point. After a song, “America,” by a number of the school children under the direction of Ernst C. Carl, Mayor A. J. Sautter made the address of welcome.
He said in part;
Mayor’s Welcome.
“On this memorable and joyous occasion of this your return to dear old Marion, officers and members of company D, I want to express to you on the behalf of all the people of Marion and Marion County a most sincere and hearty welcome.
“We are proud beyond expression that we have in company D such a splendid representation of American manhood, who, after eight months of service on the border, have returned with honor, not, perhaps, from having been actually engaged in battle, but rather from having been ready to defend and protect our country with their lives.
“You have returned, not only glad of your return, but also happy and glad that you offered your services to your country, and I am sure that if duty called again, you would be as willing to go as you were before.
Critical Period.
“At this critical period in the history of our country when we are facing so many diplomatic problems and serious situations it is most gratifying that we have represented in you such a splendid example of patriotism which I feel would be a great inspiration to many more of our young men should our country call.
“And now again let me extend to you a most hearty welcome. We want you to know that every man and woman, every boy and girl, rejoices today over your home coming, and that the people of this city and county will always remember you with kindness and pride and will always honor you.
“And now to you, ladies and gentlemen, I would suggest that in order to further express and verify our sentiments which I have tried to extend to these, our honored sons, we all unite in giving them three rousing cheers.”
Rousing Cheers.
At the conclusion of Mayor Sautter’s address, Major Titus stepped forward and with that old-time spirit of patriotism, called for three rousing cheers for D company. Hundreds of lusty voices joined together and warmly greeted the boys of the company.
Captain Geran was then called upon for a talk. He stepped forward amid loud cheering and said that about all he had to say was that they were glad to get back and that they heartily appreciated all that the Marion people had done for them.
Captain Geran then suggested that the boys of the company sing a Marion song which was sung a great deal at the camp at El Paso. Sergeant Edwin P. Adams started the song, which goes like this:
“I’m strong for old Marion,
M-a-r-i-o-n,
Where the girls are the fairest,
And the boys are the squarest
Of any old place that I’ve been,
I’m strong for old Marion,
M-a-r-i-o-n,
The place where no breezes blow,
In all kinds of weather,
We’ll all stick together in Marion”

officers
HEADS ARE BARED.
Heads were bared as the band struck up “The Star Spangled Banner,” and the large gathering joined in and sang the good old patriotic song.
The parade then began to move east on Center street to State street, south on State street to Church street and west on Church street to the armory.
After some detail work here the guardsmen were permitted to go to their homes.
D company made a notable record while on the border. Not only was the company chosen as the star company of the Fourth regiment, but it was also picked as one of the best companies on the border both as to tactics and conduct.
Those Who Left.
The men who left Marion, July 2 with D company were Edwin P. Adams, Glen Adney, George W. Artis, Noah A. Breese, Harry P. Baker, Claude M. Boxwell, DeWight Berry, Roy Bailey, Hugh H. Bishop, Frank L. Brown, Rolland Briggs, William C. Barnes, Burl D. Brady, Thomas W. Cove, Grover M. Collum, Arthur Culp, Andrew Coffey, Arthur Craven, Vance Carpenter, Forest Cole, Kenneth Cole, Edmund Calvert, Merril H. Chase, Alvin Collier, Robert Campbell, Andy Crowl, John Cinker.
Glen O. Dillinger, Elza E. Davidson, Chester A. Danner, Frank E. Dye, Thomas Dutton, Eugene C. Elkins, Harry Evens, Malcolm Essex, Walter S. Fulton, William R Fleming, Albert Gosnell, Raymond Gilmore, Otto M. Grace, Clay Grounds, Henry Grady, Gen A. Hoffhines, Cloy D. Hartshorn, Jacob R. Hickman, Talmon P. Hockingberg, Willard Hoskins, George E. Hudson, Cheater C. Holt, William Hoover, John Held, Marion Huff, Vernon D. Hickman.
Ervin Isenbarger, Owen M. Ingle, Joseph B. Jenkins, Leonard Johnson, Hal R. Johnson, Homer C. Jenkins, Isaac R. Justice, Parks L. Kennedy, Homer Kennedy, George Kelly, Taylor Keller, David H. Knickle, Gilbert Kennedy, Frank E. Taylor, Charles L. Landon, William Layman, Daniel W. Lewis, Harry A. Lenney, Hugh A. Lewis.
Curtis Markel, Elmer Moore, Douglas Montague, Elmer Mollhan, Pearl Morris, Alonzo Alfred Millisor, William H. Millisor, Victor G. Mapes, John Miller, Otto C. McHenry, Frank McCracken, Raymond McClain, Clifford Mollihan, Joseph McQuaid, Ernest Nece, Roy Northrup.
William Noggle, Paul Wiland, Homer Willis, Paul Wynn, Paul A. Williams, Watt Wyatt, Charles Wills, Henry Plotner, Clayton Parr, Evan Penry, Christian D. Phiffer, James E. Phemmer, Jesse J. Partlow, Andrew Postell, William D. Partlow, Carl Rupe, James E. Russel, Harry Reynolds, Charles M. Reagan, George W. Roberts, Matthias D. Roush, Alexander Rodosky.
Walter A. Smith, Reuben L. Severns, Dale Smith, Everett Schwamback, Floyd N. Snair, Rollie Seckel, Shirely Starcher, Alonzo Snyder, Fred G. Senften, Clifford E. Swartz, John F. Simmons, J. Frank Shaffer, Jacob Smith, Charles Stafford, Floyd Swinehart, Robert B. Swisher.
Frank Thomas, Glen M. Sherer, William F. Spiegel, Floyd E. Shirk, William Smith, Steve Smith, Hubert Taylor, Roy Thomas, Grover Tippet, Roy V. Terry, Sheldon S. Virden, Harley C. Viers, Frank Welch, John Wyer, Iven E. Wittibsloger, Sanford H. Whitlach.
OVER 300 FED.
Not only were the Marion boys given a warm welcome, but thanks to the Marion chamber of commerce, over 300 guardsmen from other places in the Buckeye state who were on the train with the Marion boys, also left with a warm spot in their hearts for the “old town”. Sandwiches, apples, doughnuts, coffee and cigars were passed through the cars. When the train left the 300 soldiers all were of one opinion that Marion is “the best place on the map.”
The chamber of commerce also passed cards out to the guardsmen welcoming them to Marion and stating if they needed employment, Marion could use them.
D company’s homecoming celebration was a great success. This was due to the efforts of C. B. Huntress, secretary of the chamber commerce and committee from the chamber composed of Major T. E. Andrews, chairman: Colonel George B. Christian, Major S. N. Titus, George B. Knapp, George Whysall, Dr. James W. McMurray, F. J. Schoenlaub, Hoke W. Donithen, H. A. Hartman, Major A. J. Sautter, F. A. Huber and Charles W. Fairbanks.
BANQUET WEDNESDAY.
Wednesday evening at 6:30 o’clock at the Elks’ Hall, the chamber of commerce will banquet the D company boys. Each man will be given two tickets which will enable him to bring his wife, mother, sister or sweetheart.
Colonel George B. Christian will preside at the affair and Green’s orchestra has offered to play at the celebration, One hundred tickets have been withheld for sale to the citizens. Some reservations have already been made and the chamber urges all wishing tickets to communicate with the chamber before Tuesday night, when the reservations will be closed.

Marion Daily Star Article 3-5-1917

Major General Frederick (Fighting Fred) Funston Dies Suddenly

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On February 20, 1917, the Marion Daily Star reported that Funston Dies Suddenly.
While in command at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Major General Frederick (Fighting Fred) Funston suffered a sudden collapse at the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. He was dining with friends when he suffered a severe attack of indigestion. After dinner, while enjoying the hotel orchestra, he collapsed and was dead of a heart attack at the age of 51.
The Alamo was opened by the people of Texas so he could lie in state until his body could be moved to San Francisco for burial. This was the first time anyone has been honored in this way at the Alamo. It is said that 10,000 people paid their respects to Major General Funston in the three hours the public was able to visit.
Frederick Funston was born in New Carlisle, Ohio, on November 9, 1865. At the age of four his family moved to Kansas. It is here that here tried to gain acceptance into West Point, but his admission test scores and his school grades would not allow him acceptance. Due to running out of finances Funston was unable to complete college. Funston went on to work many jobs with success. He was part of an expedition to the Dakota Badlands, he served as a botanist on an expedition to Death Valley, California, where he helped a team discover nearly 150 new species of plant life. After working to open a new trail to Yosemite Valley, he went to Alaska to study the flora. He spent the winter along the Klondike River then built a boat and paddled 1,500 miles down the Yukon river into the open sea, where he boarded a ship and was taken to California. He worked at a newspaper, as a train porter and a bouncer.
While in college and only weighing 100lbs. he is said to have bested a man of twice his size for threatening him with a razor. And while a conductor/bouncer on a train it was said among the greasers and cowboys of New Mexico, Colorado and western Kansas, that the Sante Fe once put a human marmot on it’s trains which concealed death in its right hand and lingering illness in its left.
While in New York in 1896 he heard a speech by Civil War General Daniel E. Sickles, during a Cuban Revolutionist rally. Cuba was then trying to gain their independence from Spain. Funston joined the revolutionist army. When Funston joined the Cuban Army he was a 5 foot 4 inch, 120-pound redhead. During his time in Cuba, Funston had fought in 22 individual battles, and had 17 horses shot out from under him. He rose in rank to lieutenant-colonel and was shot through both lungs and an arm, and finally, during a cavalry charge, had large shards of wood thrust into his hip from the roots of an upturned tree when his horse rolled over. Twenty-three months later, he weighed only 80 pounds and was coughing up blood. Extremely ill, he was forced home in 1898 with a near fatal case of malaria.
In 1898 Funston was made a colonel of the 20th Kansas Regiment, a Kansas National Guard unit. This unit was sent to the Philippines to put down an insurrection against the United States. He also performed the heroic acts that earned him the Medal of Honor while serving in the Philippines. And here he became brigadier general of volunteers.

Medal-of-Honor-Main

 

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Philippine Insurrection

While serving with the 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry

Date of Issue: February 14, 1900

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Colonel (Infantry) Frederick Funston, Sr., United States Army, for most distinguished gallantry on 27 April 1899, while serving with 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry, in action at Calumpit, Luzon, Philippine Islands. Colonel Funston crossed the river on a raft and by his skill and daring enabled the general commanding to carry the enemy’s entrenched position on the north bank of the river and to drive him with great loss from the important strategic position of Calumpit.

Funston came up with the plan to capture Emilio Aguinaldo, the resistance leader in the Philippines. For his part in the capture Funston was commissioned a brigadier-general in the regular army.
Funston was the ranking officer at the Presidio when the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 occurred. He ordered and commanded the troops and had them assist in putting out fires, controlling looting, and provided food and shelter to the displaced.
Frederick Funston eventually earned the rank of major-general in 1916, making him the highest-ranking US Army officer.
Then he was put in command of U.S. Forces during the Mexican Border Campaign. Here he had command of Pershing and the Punitive Expedition as well as command of the troops the Mexican border from the Gulf of Mexico to the California line.
In addition to General John J. Pershing, Funston’s subordinates during this time included West Point graduates and future generals, then Captain Douglas MacArthur, Lieutenant George S. Patton, Jr., and Lieutenant Dwight D. Eisenhower.

 

D COMPANY TO ARRIVE HOME SUNDAY AT 7 A.M.

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From the Marion Daily Star dated March 3, 1917

D COMPANY TO ARRIVE
HOME SUNDAY AT 7 A.M.

Marion will welcome home her soldier boys tomorrow.
A telegram was received from Captain George T. Geran by Major T. E. Andrews at 11 o’clock today announcing that D company is scheduled to arrive here at 7 o’clock Sunday morning.
The guardsmen will come over the Hocking Valley railway from Fort Wayne, Michigan, where they went to be mustered out after leaving the Texas border.
Notwithstanding the early arrival of the guardsmen it is anticipated that there will be a large turnout of citizens including friends, relatives and sweethearts.
Whistles will be blown an hour before the train arrives, it was announced today.
It is desired to give the members of the company a fitting welcome and plans have been formulated with that end in view.
C. B. Huntress, secretary of the chamber of commerce, asks that the local stores decorate and that a patriotic display be made. The chamber was in communication with Colonel B. L. Barger, this morning, and made arrangements for the second section of the regiment, comprising about 500 men, to be breakfasted here.
A parade will meet the guardsmen at the station, marching east on Center street, following the arrival. The paraders will halt at the south side of the courthouse, where a program will be given.
The formation of the parade will include the city police, Dowler’s band, Cooper Post escort, D company drum corps, Spanish War veterans, Boy Scouts, Scioto Boys’ band and Elks. All other organizations reporting will be assigned place in line. The organizations will form on west Center street, right resting on Park boulevard, facing south and will form in column of twos.
Following the program at the courthouse the parade will move east on Center street to State street, south on State street to Church street and west on Church to the armory. The organizations will be in line at 7 o’clock.
Schools To Take Part.
Superintendent of Schools Henry A. Hartman, desires all school pupils that possibly can to assemble on the High school campus tomorrow morning at 7 o’clock. The children are required to bring an American flag.
The following program will be given at the court-house:
“America,” by the Community chorus.
Invocation, Rev. C. B. Runnalis.
Music, by the Community chorus.
Address of Welcome, Mayor A. J. Sautter
Response by officers of D Company
“The Star Spangled Banner,” by the band.
Major T. E. Andrews is chairman of the committee making arrangements for the return of D Company. Major S. N. Titus will be chairman at the meeting at the court-house.