"One God for Whites, another for Colored Folks?"

I ran into Waterloo's Harry Clifton Crockett on a 1943 Des Moines Sunday Register "open forum" page while researching Chariton's Richmond brothers, five young black men who served their country during World War I and World War II, but in racially segregated units.

Like Booker, Thomas and Henry Richmond, Harry Crockett was among Iowa men drafted separately from their white brethren during World War II, then assigned to all-black support units commanded by white officers. Harry completed basic training in California and his unit was assigned there for a time --- then transferred to Camp Gordon, Georgia, where he ran head-on into Jim Crow.

Born Sept. 29, 1913, in Water Valley, Mississippi, Harry was brought north to Waterloo as a child by his mother, Katie, and had graduated from Waterloo's East High School in the early 1930s, then gone on to attend Iowa State University. When drafted, he was engaged in defense-related works at the John Deer Tractor Co. in Waterloo.

Harry shared his experiences in the Army and in the South with his fellow Iowans on The Register's "Open Forum" page of Sunday, Aug. 15, 1943, under the headline, "A Negro Soldier Wonders If There is One God for Whites and Another for Colored Folks," as follows:

To the Open Forum Editor: I was inducted into the Army on Jan. 22, 1943. Prior to induction, I was employed at the John Deere Tractor Co. in Waterloo, Ia. --- building defense tools and using my wages buying War Bonds, contributing to the Community Fund and other meritorious institutions, and paying the many taxes levied as the result of our participation in the war. From the Camp Dodge Reception Center, I was transferred to the desert wastes of California where I received my basic training. There, with the treatment accorded me, I felt proud in being a soldier in the Army of the United States.

A troop movement that terminated in Georgia has changed this feeling of pride to one of bewilderment and disgust. Now, the only reason I know I am a soldier is the fact that I am wearing the government issue uniform.

EATING EXPERIENCE

Incidents experienced en route to my home while on furlough have raised the question: For just what am I fighting? While waiting for the train in Augusta, Ga., I attempted to procure something to eat at the waiting station (which was the only available place to eat at that time of night), and was told that I, because of my color, could not be served in the main eating room.

To get food I had to go around the building, into the back door, and pass through a maze of other entrances. My exodus ended in a poorly-lighted, foul-smelling room with unfinished slabs for tables and benches for seats. Ants and flies dominated the area --- struggling for possession of the crumbs and bits of food particles that littered the table as well as the floor. The menu gave me my choice in sandwiches --- as the waitress would not serve me, a Negro, a meal.

HOW MANY GODS?

Most revolting has been my experience in attempting to worship on Sunday. I was informed that here Negroes and whites were not allowed at Catholic masses together! And there had been no arrangements made for a colored mass, which caused me to wonder if there were not two Gods, one for white and one for colored folk, and one for the North and one for the South.

In this respect I wonder what the fathers of this country who came here for religious freedom would thing of our religious setup. Well, religious suppression is but one phase of the injustice and ingorance that exists in the South.

WHY DOES HE FIGHT?

I wonder for what am I fighting? Physically, I am as healthy as the white soldier; intellectually, I am as intelligent; morally, I am as clean. Yet, because of the color of my skin I am made the object of segregation, discrimination, and religious intolerance.

Am I fighting to preserve the tradition of the South which makes me a social leper?

Am I fighting for the preservation of these unwholesome customs of ignorance?

Am I fighting to pass on this blighted heritage to those of my race who shall follow me? Signs that read, "For White Only," "No Negroes Allowed," have the same significance as Nazi Germany's "Juden Verboten."

MOCKERY OF DEMOCRACY.

White Americans, when you accord only lip service to the tenets of "Four Freedoms," "One World," "The Bill of Rights," etc., you make a mockery of democracy. In not practicing what you preach, not only do you live a lie but render neutral the colored soldier who is an excellent fighting man, who has given the fruits of his labor and is willing to give his life blood of his body for the only country he knows. --- T/5 Harry C. Crockett, Hq. Det., 432nd QM Serv. Bn, Camp Gordon, Ga.

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Not long after his letter was published, Harry and his unit were deployed to the European Theater of operations where he served honorably from Dec. 6, 1943, until Dec. 6, 1945. His honorable discharge was given on Jan. 30, 1946.

After the war, Harry moved from Iowa to Los Angeles where, during 1948, he married Ruth Bullitt --- and prospered mightily.

In 1953, the Crocketts joined Holman Methodist (now United Methodist) Church --- early members of what now is a large and vibrant Los Angeles congregation with a predominately black membership. 

Here's a little information about Harry, taken from the congregation's online history: "...for nearly two decades, he served as the treasurer of the congregation, keeping meticulous records of all the financial transactions. Using his accounting skills, he also served on fundraising campaigns as well as in other capacities that could utilize his business acumen. He also volunteered with the Braille Institute."

Ruth Crockett, "was devoted to being membership secretary for many years, keeping a careful diary of individual family members, recording each marriage and baptism. Mrs. Crockett  also organized Holman's breakfast club at her home between services. Like her husband, Ruth Crockett volunteered at the Braille Institute as well as the Boy Scouts of America."

Harry died in Los Angeles on April 23, 1990; Ruth lived on until 2004.

When Ruth died, she left the couple's home to Holman United Methodist. It was sold for $348,000 and the proceeds established the foundation for the Holman Permanent Endowment Fund. The Crockett Library at Holman also commemorates Harry and Ruth.

Segregated service & respect for the Richmond men

One of my stops in the Chariton Cemetery late Sunday was at a family lot in the far northwest corner to pay respects at the graves of the Richmond men --- John, Henry, Maceo, Thomas and Booker, sons of Romulus R. and Lillie, all buried behind military tombstones, all with flags flying. 

This is the family lot in the cemetery that contains the most veteran graves; two of the Richmond brothers were World War I veterans; three, World War II veterans. All served their country with honor in segregated blacks-only units.

There were no other options at the time; President Truman did not order an end to segregation in the U.S. military until 1948 and even then, remnants of the old ways continued into the Korean War.

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Maceo A. was, by rank, senior here. Born in Chariton on March 14, 1896, he graduated from Chariton High School in 1914 as both an academic and athletic standout, then went on to study and play football at Des Moines College, a small Baptist-affiliated school.

Maceo completed his junior year at DMC, but the United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, and later that spring Maceo enlisted in the U.S. Army and won a place in the 17th Provisional Training Regiment, the first officer candidate class of African-Americans in U.S. military history.

He was among some 1,250 candidates who trained that year at Fort Des Moines and after graduation and commissioning in October was assigned to the 366th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Division, a segregated unit then organizing at Camp Dodge. This was one of the few black U.S. military units commanded by black officers, Maceo among them.

A member of Company H, Maceo set sail with his unit from Hoboken aboard the Vauban on June 14, 1918, and upon reaching France served with valor in the St. Die Sector (Lorraine) during August and September; the Meuse Argonne Campaign in September-October; and in the Marbach Sector (Lorraine) from October until war's end.

The 366th sailed for home from Brest aboard the Aquitania on Feb. 22, 1919, and Maceo was honorably discharged on April 23. There was no future in the U.S. military at the time for a black officer.

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Maceo's older brother, John R., born June 19, 1884, in Wisconsin before the family moved to Chariton, also was educated in Lucas County but was working in Detroit when World War I was declared. He signed up there and was assigned to Co. I, 372nd Infantry, 93rd Division, an all-black unit with white officers organized during January of 1918 at Camp Stuart, Virginia.

The 372nd sailed for France during March of 1918 and was placed under the command of the 157th "Red Hand" Division of the French Army. The French had no interest in the racist practices of the U.S. military and the 372nd became a highly decorated unit of the 157th, fighting on the Western Front in the Champagne region, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and in the Vosges Mountains as the war wound down.

John, gassed and wounded in combat, returned to the United States with the rank of corporal during February of 1919 and was demobilized with his unit on Feb. 28 at Camp Jackson, South Carolina. Service-related injuries would plague him for the remainder of his life.

As a rule, black men who volunteered or were drafted into service during World War I were assigned to support units to perform menial jobs. Maceo and John, as combat veterans, were exceptions.

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By the time World War II was declared, Jim Crow had embedded itself even deeper in the heart of America and while it was agreed that black personnel were needed in support roles, a combination of politics and prejudice kept these men out of combat roles and for the most part in segregated support units. In Iowa, the "negro draft" was a separate operation.

Booker T., the youngest Richmond son (born in Chariton on Oct. 5, 1904), another academic and athletic standout at Chariton High School, was by 1942 a Des Moines attorney, practicing in a community that had relatively few black professional role models.

He was drafted on Sept. 8, 1942, assigned to the 445th Signal Battalion (heavy construction) and deployed to California where he served until March 26, 1945, when he was honorably discharged at Tech 4th grade while assigned to Headquarters, 9th Service Command.

Thomas E. Richmond, born in Chariton on 9 January 1902, was drafted on Oct. 14, 1942, assigned to the 276th Quartermaster Battalion and then to Headquarters Detachment 541st Quartermaster Battalion, and like his brother deployed to California. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant on Nov. 4, 1944.

Henry G. Richmond, born Nov. 21, 1899, was drafted Oct. 16, 1942, A mechanic by trade, he was assigned to the 4382 Quartermaster Truck Brigade, 41st Reinforcement Battalion, and deployed to Europe where he drove truck in highly challenging and dangerous conditions in North Africa, France and Germany.

He was honorably discharged during July of 1945 with the rank of sergeant.

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John was the first of the Richmond men to pass. He returned after the war to live and work in Detroit, then moved to Chicago, but was increasingly plagued by service-connected disability. He died of throat cancer on Sept. 24, 1932, at Chicago's Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Hospital. His remains were brought home to Chariton for burial on the family lot.

Henry Richmond was visiting his brother, Scott, in Aurora, Illinois, just months after his discharge when he was struck by a speeding car while crossing a street on Jan. 18, 1946. The youthful driver told authorities he had been blinded by the lights of an oncoming vehicle, so no charges were filed. Henry sustained serious head injuries as well as two broken legs and died a few hours later. His remains, too, were brought home to Chariton for burial.

Maceo was a roamer and a rambler who never managed to settle down. After World War I, he homesteaded in Alaska, worked as a florist in New Jersey and held various jobs in the Chicago area before returning finally to live in Chariton with a sister and brother. His body was found along the Burlington Route railroad tracks in east Chariton on Feb 8, 1954, and a coroner's jury ruled that he had died of natural causes. He was nearly 58.

Thomas Richmond returned to Chariton after World War II to live with his mother and sister and became a member of Carl L. Caviness Post No. 102, American Legion. He died Sept. 3, 1957, at Veterans Hospital in Des Moines, age 55, and was buried near his brothers.

Booker T. returned to his Des Moines law practice after the war. He had just returned home to Des Moines on Sept. 8, 1957, after handling arrangements for his brother, Thomas, when he suffered a fatal heart attack and died at the Des Moines Veterans Hospital on Sept. 9. He was the last of the seven Richmond sons, five of whom had served their country.

The sole survivor of his large family was Florence "Petey" Richmond who continued to live in the family home on South 11th Street until her death at age 85 on Sept. 17, 1979. Hers was the final burial on the Richmond lot and, after her death, a military stone identifying her as "sister" was acquired and installed to mark her grave among those of her brothers.

Memorial Day dedication at Veterans Park

Those giant maples provided enough shade on Monday --- among the hottest Memorial Days on record --- to keep the crowd cool as panels commemorating Lucas County's war dead were dedicated at Veterans Memorial Park.

Entrance to the park this year was through the recently installed gateway, among Johnson Machine Works' contribution to the project. Eventually, organizers of the park hope, the entire area will be fenced with matching panels.

Guest speaker was U.S. Air Force Col. Harold Johnson, 82, of Blakesburg, who retired in 1987 after a long and distinguished career. Johnson, a former prisoner of war, was forced to eject over North Vietnam on April 30, 1967 --- his 93rd combat mission --- and remained a prisoner of the North Vietnamese until Operation Homecoming, March 4, 1973.

Relatives of some of the fallen were invited to assist in unveiling the two memorial panels --- including Jaynane (Braida) Hardie, whose cousin, 2nd Lt. Paul Pastovich, was killed on Feb 17, 1944.

The other panel was unveiled by a brother and nephew of Spc. Matthew K. Anderson, who was killed Sept 25, 1993, at Mogadishu, Somalia. Once the program was complete, they took a rubbing of Anderson's name from the monument.

I was feeling mildly smug going into the program, having devoted several weeks to compiling the lists of war dead --- knowing full well that someone would be overlooked since there were no master lists of fatalities. Then I discovered that I'd failed to include one of my own uncles, James M. Rhea, in the list of Civil War dead. Ouch. Pride, as they say, goeth before the fall. We'll see what can be done about getting him added.

Memorial panels will be dedicated at 2 p.m. today

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I stopped at Veterans Memorial Park late Sunday afternoon and found, as you might expect, Linda and Earl Comstock watering the roses, doing a little painting and otherwise getting ready for the dedicatory program there --- scheduled for 2 p.m. today.

All are invited to the program, which will dedicate two 6-foot by 3-foot black granite panels, in the foreground here at the entrance to the "Circle of Life" flag area, that contain the names of approximately 250 Lucas Countyans who have died while in wartime service to their country commencing with the Civil War and continuing through Somalia.

Remembering and honoring these men and women is what Memorial Day is all about, so the timing for the unveiling of these monuments couldn't be better.

Those of you who follow the park's progress know that this is an ongoing project, so won't be expecting a neatly manicured lawn. But visitors will have an opportunity to view the new front gates recently installed by Johnson Machine Works and the recently completed concrete bunkers in which memorial bricks will be deployed.

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I had a great afternoon at the cemetery shelter house and enjoyed visiting with everyone who stopped by --- especially with Bill Hart and Karen Pierce, en route from Cedar Rapids to spend Memorial Day with Bill's family in Corydon.

We're also sharing front porch space this year with a pair of nesting swallows who do not seem especially distressed by all the human traffic, but do provide considerable entertainment.

My marching orders for the morning include opening the shelter at 9:30 a.m., so it appears that Karen, Dorothy, Sue and Melody have decided to extend hours. I'm not sure who the afternoon attendants will be, but you'll be welcome to stop in until 4:30 p.m. for lemonade, cookies, a restroom break if one is needed --- or just to sit on the front porch and cool off a little.

The centennial of Carl Caviness's death, 20 May 1918

Carl L. Caviness's nephew, Staff Sgt. Patrick Dittmer, portrays his uncle at graveside during the 2013 Chariton Cemetery Heritage Tour.

Memorial Day 1918, a Thursday, dawned in Chariton as many others had since the Civil War ended more than 40 years earlier. Fresh flowers were collected from gardens across town and brought to the courthouse where, at 9:30 a.m., the annual march to the cemetery began.

As always, members of the Grand Army of the Republic, now in their 70s and 80s, led the march --- many, having some difficulty walking by now, traveled by automobile. Horses and buggies were fast becoming a thing of the past. Up on the square during the previous week, City Council had voted to remove the hitching racks that still encircled the courthouse.

At the cemetery, members of the Womens Relief Corps (the G.A.R. auxiliary) took charge of the program, soldier graves were decorated and, just across the road at Spring Lake, flowers strewn upon the water in remembrance of the sailor dead. The year's afternoon program began at 1:30 p.m. --- in the Lincoln Theater on the south side of the square.

This was the last year the old guard would be in charge on Decoration Day, however, although surviving Civil War veterans would be honored for many years to come.

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The Chariton newspapers of May 30, in addition to containing last-minute reminders of the Memorial Day program, also contained the news of Lucas County's first combat loss since the Civil War --- a young man named Carl L. Caviness, killed in France.

Although a few young men from the county had died of disease in the months following declaration of war and were lovingly remembered, this was the county's first combat loss. Here's how The Herald-Patriot reported Carl's death, under the headline "Died Fighting for His Country" ---

"Relatives in Chariton were apprised Friday of the death of Carl Caviness, killed in action while fighting for freedom in France. The news came as a shock, of course, but our people must steel themselves to receive such sad news just so long as the war with Germany continues. Letters received fairly regularly reported the soldier boy as being in good health and spirits and as yet there are no details of his death, although it was probably instant and painless.

"Carl Caviness served on the Mexican border with the troops from Charles City, though in enlisting he gave his home as Chariton, having resided here with his sister, Mrs. John Frazier, for eight years previous to enlistment. At Charles City, he was married just before leaving for France and his young widow, his mother, Mrs. Miranda Caviness, now living at Caldwell, Idaho, and another sister, Mrs. Carl Waugh, of this city, are left to mourn his loss. He enlisted at Des Moines in the First Iowa, but was later transferred to Co. E, Third Iowa, and it was while a member of this organization that death overtook him. He was a young man of excellent habits and character, loved by his family and friends. He was twenty-two years of age May 6th and left here March 29th, 1917, to join his regiment.

"The death of this young man brings closer to every home in Chariton the horrors of the conflict brought upon the world by the selfish ambition of the German ruler; it will also harden the determination to forever put a stop to the power of one man or group of men to plunge the world into war in order that their own ambitions may be gratified. The family will have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community in the loss of the son, husband and brother."

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It was learned later that Carl --- a battalion scout --- was investigating front-line German trenches with fellow scouts when hit by a German sniper's bullet on May 20, 1918.

In the months following the end of World War I, members of Chariton's newly formed American Legion post chose to honor Carl by designating themselves Carl L. Caviness Post No. 102.

And on the evening of June 3, 1921, Carl's remains --- as well as those of Pvt. Henry R. Johnson --- arrived in Chariton from France. Funeral services for both were held the following day and both were buried in the Chariton Cemetery.

A morning at the museum with 100 sixth-graders

Approximately 100 Chariton Community School sixth-graders closed the school year on Friday with a visit to the Lucas County Historical Society's museum campus. Everyone made it through with flying colors and this was a great group of kids, although some of the adults were a little worn down after back-to-back presentations for eight groups at nine stations between 9 a.m. and noon.

The students and their chaperones packed Otterbein Church to kick off the morning, then moved from station to station on the campus.

Bob Ulrich was stationed in the Blacksmith Shop to explain how a vintage drill-press, the forge and other equipment worked.

Loren Burkhalter, headquartered in the barn, introduced the students to horse-drawn farm equipment while Rex Johnson continued that story in the Swanson Gallery across the patio, where more farm and other farm-related equipment is on display.

Karoline Dittmer prepares here to lead a tour through the coal mine in the Mine Gallery under the watchful glare of John L. Lewis.

Upstairs, Kathleen Dittmer shows off the late Judge Bill Stuart's vintage Chariton High School football helmet. Elsewhere, in the Perkins Room, several student musicians proved that the old square grand piano, although somewhat out of tune, still worked.

LaNelle Herron introduced the students to some of the intricacies of early 20th century life in the Stephens House dining room while, upstairs, Kay Brown explained the mysteries of an old-fashioned cord bed.

Mary Sandy again was in charge of operations at Puckerbrush School while just around the corner, Kylie Dittmer introduced the students to some of the realities of pioneer life in the log cabin.

The museum is open daily now Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. and, as always, admission is free. We're looking forward to "Peanut Day" on the 28th of June, an event that will include a concert on the patio by the community band and free fresh-roasted peanuts from the Piper's roaster as well as hotdogs and chips for all comers.

Stop at the Shelter if you visit Chariton Cemetery

Just a reminder, as the Memorial Day weekend approaches, that the Chariton Cemetery shelter house will be open and attended from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturday through Monday, thanks to the Chariton Historic Preservation Commission and friends.

This little building, probably designed by Chariton architect William Lee Perkins, was added to the cemetery grounds in 1929 and is for the most part unchanged. Even the original furniture, donated by the Chariton Women's Club, remains in place.

We'll be serving lemonade and cookies and the front porch is great place to just sit and visit for a while. Karen Patterson, Dorothy Allen and Sue Terrell will be there from 11 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. every day and late afternoon attendants will vary. I'm scheduled to spend Sunday afternoon there.

We'll also do our best to help visitors locate graves --- but that's not always possible, especially with newer burials. If the person you're looking for was buried prior to 1981, chances are we'll be able to help.

Keep in mind, too, as you visit the cemetery that it is a National Historic District, recognized as such in its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Among the contributing factors is the cemetery's park-like design, the assemblage of local luminaries buried there and their monuments, the shelter house, the Baby Heart immediately south of the shelter and the fieldstone gateway, added as a WPA product during 1937.

Firefighters carry Memorial Day tradition forward

Memorial Day traditions have come and gone in Chariton as the years passed. The practice of strewing flowers on the surface of Spring Lake to commemorate those lost at sea, for example, disappeared when Spring Lake did --- its waters drained into the Chariton River by a breech in the dam.

Patriotic and other organizations no longer gather for their own memorial services in area churches --- even a city-wide Memorial Day program is a thing of the past.

But the Chariton Volunteer Fire Department carries on, donning dress uniforms on the Sunday morning before what now is Memorial Day Monday for a march to the cemetery and a brief program at the firefighter memorial, above, dedicated in 1963.

And departmental flags bearing the image of Old Betsy, the department's 1883 Silsby Steamer, still are placed in custom-made flag holders not only in the Chariton Cemetery but also in nearby rural cemeteries where veterans of the department are buried. 

This is the tombstone of Elias Wren and his wife, Elida. Elias was an English-born coal miner who located in Lucas when the mines opened there in 1879, then eventually settled in Chariton --- where he joined the fire department. He died of heart failure on April 7, 1900, at the age of 56. Although his descendants have moved on, he still is remembered annually by descendants of his fellow firefighters.

Back in 1908, a crowd estimated by The Chariton Patriot at 2,000 gathered in the Chariton Cemetery on the Sunday afternoon following Memorial Day to witness the annual firefighter memorial --- crowds are somewhat smaller these days. Keep in mind that a crowd of similar size had gathered at the courthouse, cemetery and Methodist Church the previous day for community Memorial Day services led by the Grand Army of the Republic.

Chariton's 35 firefighters began their 1908 Sunday observance at 10:30 in the morning --- meeting in dress uniform at the engine house and then marching to the Swedish Lutheran Church behind the Lucas Martial Band, which had taken an early train into town from the west to participate.

At the church, "a splendid memorial sermon was preached by the Rev. O.A. Elmquist. Beautiful music was rendered by the choir and a solo sung by Miss Minnie Lindquist." Pastor Elmquist had chosen for his subject, "Death Brings Glory" based on the text John 12:23-24.

In the afternoon, the firefighters reassembled at the engine house at 1:30 p.m. for the march to the cemetery, led again by the Lucas Band with the crowd following on foot or in buggies.

Not far inside the cemetery gate, the procession stopped at the grave of Ed Penick where a brief program was held featuring numbers by the band, two selections by a male quartet and another memorial address by the Rev. Mr. Elmquist, who had been made an honorary firefighter for the occasion.

Then the following graves of fallen brethren were decorated: Ed Penick, M.A. Hatcher, James Ogelsby, Robt. Coles, Calvin Bradrick, Ed. Q. Douglass, Charles Johnson, Mill Manning, George Storie, S.B. Tinkham, Wm. Lane, George Sydebotham, Henry Helms, John E. Bently, Wm. Culbertson, Henry Hervey, Stant Howard, Ely Wren, Robert Larson, Frank McMains, Ellis Lyman and Dan Mickle.

Memorial flags were placed at these same graves --- and many more --- when firefighters gathered at the cemetery on Monday evening, this week.

After the 1908 program at the cemetery, the crowd dispersed but the firefighters and the band regrouped and marched to the home of Ephraim Badger in southeast Chariton to pay their respects. Ephraim, a charter member of the department, had been ill and was unable to leave his home. He died later on that year, on Sept. 22, 1908, at the age of 71. and his grave was among those decorated by his comrades a year later --- and every year since.

Wars, remembrance & the Black brothers

I took a short walk last evening in the Chariton Cemetery, a busy place these days as Memorial Day 2018 approaches --- firefighters planting departmental flags in holders marking the graves of fellow volunteers, hikers and bikers and, here and there, a few bearing flowers. The flags on veteran graves will come later in the week.

Looking back 120 years to 1898, I stopped at these tombstones on the southeast hilltop marking the graves of the Black brothers, Sgt. William T. "Tom" Black and his younger brother, Walter, a drummer, both of whom died that year --- two of Lucas County's Spanish American War losses.

And I thought about this front page --- of The Chariton Herald of June 2, 1898 --- featuring side-by-side reports. One focused on the past, looking back 30 or more years as Civil War sacrifices were acknowledged and aging veterans of that great conflict honored. The other, a dispatch from Tom Black --- written just two months before he was cut down by typhoid fever, focusing on the uncertainties generated by the war fever that had engulfed America in the days after the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor on Feb. 15, 1898.

Here's the dispatch from the Memorial Day observance:

MEMORIAL DAY

Chariton Does Honor to Her Soldier Dead

Col. Moore's Address

A Beautiful Day, an Interesting Address, A Large Crowd Characterize the Exercises Here

The day dawned bright and clear, one of the most beautiful of days to decorate the graves and do homage to those who laid down their lives for home and country. The town was gay with floating flags and bunting, and the number of people that thronged our streets attested their show of appreciation and loyalty to their beloved country and friends.

At 1:30 the procession formed at the court house, being called there by the Myers & Best martial band. The G.A.R. first formed in line and were followed by the W.R.C. Then came the Chariton High school chorus club followed by the school children. A beautifully decorated wagon then followed bearing those soldiers who were unable to walk. After this came the citizens in carriages and on foot, making in all one of the largest processions ever headed for the cemetery on Decoration day.

After reaching the cemetery the graves were decorated by the school children and G.A.R., and a Decoration day hymn was sung by the club, after which they returned to the opera house, where Col. S.B. Moore addressed the people.

After the song "Our Banner" by the club, the audience were led in prayer by Rev. W.V. Whitten. Col. W.S. Dungan then introduced the speaker as "the silver-tongued orator of Iowa," and he is well worthy of the praise given him. His address was brilliant, touching and entertaining, and every one was sorry when he concluded. His closing remarks were to the G.A.R. in particular, and were of such a nature that they carried a lasting impression to all those who were present. He revived the war of 1861 with all its past horrors and cruelties, and spoke comforting words to those who were left and whom we honor and revere.

America was then sung and the audience dispersed.

One feature of the day's exercises which we think deserves special mention is the faithfulness and patriotism shown by the members of the martial band. They never fail in their efforts to please and their promptness to act on any occasion their services are required. All praise and honor is due them, and may they live long to head many more processions as they led Monday is our sincere wish.

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On Memorial Day in previous years, the men of Chariton's Iowa National Guard unit, Company H, 50th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, would have been there to march in the annual Decoration Day procession. This year, however, the men had been activated and just a couple of weeks earlier deployed to Florida to await an uncertain future.

Quartermaster Sgt. Tom Black, 25, who had worked as a newspaper editor in Chariton before  his unit was called up, had taken it upon himself to send regular dispatches home. The dispatch published on June 2 covers Company H's journey by train from Cincinnati --- first destination after leaving Camp McKinley in Des Moines --- through the South to Jacksonville, Florida:

DOWN IN DIXIE

The Fiftieth Iowa at Jacksonville, Florida

SNAKES IN ABUNDANCE

Sergeant Black's Regular Interesting Letter. Patriotism High in the South. A Pleasant Journey.

Special to the Herald: Headquarters, Fiftieth Iowa Vol. Inf., Camp Springfield, Jacksonville, Fla., May 26.

Your correspondent is situated something like a thousand miles from where the last communication was mailed to your paper.

We arrived at Cincinnati Sunday evening and the train stopped for about three hours. The boys were allowed to leave the train in charge of non-commissioned officers. They took in the town in great shape. The Kentucky vernacular is the prevailing dialect in that city --- on every side, "Where be yous goin'?" and "When be yous all goin' away?"

We started from Cincinnati at 10 p.m., and all night we rolled through the state of Kentucky, and the rising sun found only a few more miles of that state to traverse.

Passing into Tennessee the scenery became mountainous. The "Queen and Crescent" road runs along the valley of the Tennessee river and on either side of the tracks are large bluffs and mountains; for several miles the track is just above the river. At Chattanooga we took dinner on Monday and stopped for three hours, which gave the men an opportunity to see the town and other interesting historic sights, among which was Lookout mountain, which lies just west of the town.

At almost every village and farm house the stars and stripes are displayed, and at Rome, Georgia, where we took supper, an immense crowd had gathered at the depot to see us. The primitive ways of the south are very noticeable to us who are accustomed to the northern progressiveness. Most of the farm and village houses are made of logs, or planks nailed up and down, with stick or stone fireplaces in one end. The largest fields of corn, cotton, tobacco or peanuts you can see along the Southern railroad do not contain over ten or twelve acres, and are cultivated by double-shovel ploows drawn by one horse.

The timber land of Tennessee, Georgia and Florida is full of "razorback" hogs that don't look like they belonge to anyone. In Georgia I saw one with a yoke on it. Oxen and mules are used almost exclusively and two-wheeled carts almost take the place of the four-wheeled wagon.

At Everett, the major of our battalion received orders to go into camp at Jacksonville instead of Tampa. This change of orders was quite welcome to the men, as we have heard so much about the heat and scarcity of water at Tampa that we didn't much want to go there. We arrived at Camp Springfield at about 2 p.m. on Tuesday and at 2:30 our tents were up and the whole battalion was as much at home as if they had been there a week. A regular army officer remarked, "There is nothing slow about those fellows."

We are camped in a pine forest about a mile from Jacksonville, and have an abundance of water, as the city water works have been extended to the camp. The water is warm though, as it comes from a well 900 feet deep. The soil in the camp is only about an inch deep and is covered with coarse grass and bushes four or five inches high. Beneath the sod formed by this growth all is sand and it is so loose it can be scooped with a spoon like sugar.

There are five regiments encamped here, one from each of the following states: Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and North Carolina. The Fiftieth Iowa is conceded by all to be the crack regiment in camp, and, in truth they can't be excelled in equipment, stature and behavior.

This morning I witnessed the guard mounts of the Wisconsin and North Carolina regiments. The Wisconsins did fairly well but the Carolinians have no idea of military movements whatever. Almost any private in Co. H has ideas superior to those of the officers of that regiment.

It is thought by the officers that we will remain here until October. It would be difficult to find a more pleasant place in the south in which to spend the summer. The thermometer stands at a little above 90 in the shade in the day time, and the nights are always cool, and one can sleep quite comfortably with their blanket wrapped around them.

The rations have been extremely short, today's dinner consisting of bad beef, coffee and beans, but no bread. At supper we had more of the same beef which had grown worse, one slice of bread and coffee. For breakfast we will have more of the beef and coffee, but no bread, potatoes or beans.

The timber in this country is composed chiefly of pine, cypress and palm, and looks quite tropical.

The population of Jacksonville is composed of whites and colored people in about equal proportions, with the colored people slightly in the lead.

Co. H bought a new mess tent last Wednesday. They found it to be a necessity in the burning sun, which shines directly overhead at noon.

There are black snakes, cottonmouths and rattle snakes in the brush and along the river. One was killed with twenty-six rattles on its tail. Lizards creep into the tents and gambol over the boys and crawl into the blankets and sleep with them, but such campaigners as we don't care for a lizard two feet long.

The health of the boys is splendid here.

Sergeant W.T. Black,

Co. H, Fiftieth Reg. Iowa Vol. Inf.

+++

The Spanish American War turned out to be rather short, ending with the Treaty of Paris later that year, and the boys of Company H saw no action.

Instead, their talents were turned to building Camp Cuba Libre --- a poorly sited extension of Camp Springfield where the unit first was deployed.

During July of 1898, Sgt. Tom fell ill with typhoid fever and died on July 19 at Camp Libre. The photo here, taken in Jacksonville, is his funeral cortege, formed as his remains were being taken to the railroad depot for shipment home to Chariton on July 20.

Tom's younger brother, Walter, just 17, accompanied his brother's remains home, then returned to Florida where he fell ill with typhoid fever, too. The men of Company H were ordered home to Chariton on Sept. 12 and Walter accompanied them in a hospital car. He died on Sept. 28 at home in Chariton and was buried beside his brother in the Chariton Cemetery.

And so when Memorial Day 1899 dawned a year later and a procession once again made its way to the Chariton Cemetery, the graves of the Black brothers were among those decorated in remembrance.

Hail and farewell, Ray Wetherell ....

More days than not, what I write here before dawn relates to Lucas County and/or Iowa history. When that's the case, the practice for a couple of years has been to share a link on the page of a Facebook group, The Forgotten Iowa Historical Society.

When I joined the group, there were a few thousand members. Now, I see, there are more than 51,000.

The page was dreamed up by a man named Daniel Ray Wetherell, of the small O'Brien County town of Sutherland, northwest Iowa, population six-hundred and something, skyline dominated by the soaring concrete silos of a grain elevator.

Mr. Wetherell wore a number of hats, including that of director of Sutherland's Gen. N.B. Baker Public Library.

Motivated by a deep love of history and devotion to the state all 51,000-plus of us call home in one way or another, he recruited a team of talented co-administrators to help his page navigate the sometimes stormy seas of the social media.

They are extremely good at keeping "The Forgotten ..." on course without inflicting more than the occasional disjointed nose. Conversations are kept on topic, related to the purpose of the page. No aspect of history is off-limits, but discussion when it strays is steered into constructive channels. Those who meander into content areas better suited to other sites are nudged that way as gently as possible.

These are not simple tasks in these incendiary times. Someone posted a reference the other day to the time Richard M. Nixon was stationed at the Ottumwa air station. Kaboom! Calm was soon restored, however.

Mr. Wetherell set the tone for all of this and kept it on track. Only 41, he died early Sunday morning as the result of a one-vehicle accident in his hometown. Thank you, sir, for a life well lived --- and godspeed.

Congratulations to the Class of --- 1924

Chariton High School seniors received their diplomas Sunday afternoon and none, most likely, thought for even a second about the fact that the Class of 2018 was the 94th to graduate from the current high school building, completed during 1923 and still in use.

Class sizes were similar --- the Class of 1924 was made up of 83 students; the class of 2018, of 81.

The location of commencement exercises has shifted slightly over the years, however. Today, they're held in the gymnasium, a later addition to the building. Back in 1923, they were held in the auditorium, a space in the 1923 building that for the most part vanished as it was divided and allocated to other uses, then replaced by Johnson Auditorium.

Anyhow, here's a report on graduation 1924 --- the first in a venerable building that's held up well --- from The Herald-Patriot of May 29. 

Eighty-three Graduate in Class of '24

Commencement Exercises Held at High School Auditorium Last Friday

Krenmyre the speaker

Agency Man Gave Inspirational Address on "The Challenge"; Interesting School Statistics Given, Too

Eighty-three young men and women graduated from the Chariton high school and received their diplomas at the commencement exercises at the high school auditorium last Friday evening, May 23. Of the eighty-three, a large number will doubtless continue studies elsewhere while others will likely enter into the activities of life directly.

Last Friday morning was held the class day exercise at the high school building. This proved to be a splendid program which opened with a violin solo by Miss Dorothy Curtis, followed by a reading by Virgil Coughell. Then came the class song and some orchestra numbers by a musical organization composed entirely of seniors. Leo Grate gave the class prophecy, and Bill Swim read the last will and testament of the class of 1924. Each number on the program was a pleasant one. It was during these exercises that the names of the winners in the track meet who were entitled to "C's" were read. They were: Bill Swim, Virgil Coughell, William Langford, James Santon, Charles Soderstrom, Virgil Johnson, Clinton Moon and James McAloon.

At eight o'clock the same evening the commencement exercises proper were held at the auditorium, which had been prettily decorated for the occasion. Huge baskets of bridal wreath and purple flowers had been placed on the stage and the class colors, lavender and gray, were draped from the ceiling to the sides of the platform. The high school orchestra played a pleasing number, and as the processional was played on the piano the graduates took their places on the stage. The girls glee club then sang "Nightingale and Rose" in a very pleasing manner, following which the invocation was pronounced by Rev. J. A. Riggs, pastor of the Baptist church of Chariton. A charming vocal duet number, "In Springtime," was rendered by the Misses Darlene Calbreath and Pauline Smith. Then followed the address to the class by Rev. J.H. Krenmyre, of Agency, who spoke on the subject of "The Challenge."

He handled the subject in a masterful manner. He spoke of the needs of preparation --- in this scientific age more than ever before in order to make equal the battle. And here began the challenge. Strive for attainments, and as progress was made the stronger it became. No effort should be relaxed because again the voice was heard --- the laggard was admonished. And with it all there must be design. Everything was created to a plan. Character as well as achievement was in the test. Honesty of purpose and franklness in procedure. The world was challening. The youth who was dishonest in his sports would be tricky in business. Success in life did not mean that great accomplishments should result but that the modest attainments of life with due regards to the rights of others. Should abilities and opportunities lead one higher, the challenge should be to get into position --- impossible without the vantage point. And with it all courage and backbone counted.

The address of Rev. Krenmyre was followed by another selection by the Girls' Glee Club, "In the Time of Roses." Prof. F.A. Lunan, principal of the Chariton high school, then gave some interesting class statistics Of the eighty-three members of the graduating class 35 were boys and 48 girls. Of these, 44 were resident students and 39 (16 boys and 23 girls) were non-resident pupils. Twenty-five had taken the nomal training course; eighteen, the college preparatory; 20, the business course; and 20 general. A graduate from any course is eligible to enter college.

The hightest ten percent from the entire class with average standing for the complete course was as follows: Helen Bonnett, 93.52%; Jane Burkholder, 93.34%; Geraldine Roberts, 92.09%; Joseph Kardonsky, 91.83%; Kathryn Blanchard, 91.47%; Geveva Norman, 91.34%; Evelyn McKinley, 90.97%; Judith Koch, 90.62%.

In a brief but well worded address, Superintendent J.R. Cougill grew eloquent in presenting the class. They had labored together for four years and he had had ample opportunity to observe and judge of the quality and was glad to state that they measured up to the standard of good studentship and would go out into the world equipped to grapple with life's problems and take their places in affairs and citizenship.

In an equally eloquent manner, president J.H. Darrah, of the school board, accepted the high trust, and spoke a future hope for these splended young men and women, handing to them their diplomas as one by one they appeared upon the stage in front of the audience and possed in review. they were awed with a tranquil relief from the happy studious years, and those who looked forward saw visions of the splendid class separating into the various places to which they through circumstances were to be assigned.

The seniors united in singing their class song and the benediction by Rev. C.A. Johnson of the First Lutheran church closed the program. The recessional was rendered and the seniors of 1924 filed out and bade farewell to their Chariton high school life.

The class motto was "Honor before Honors." The class flower was the white rose and the class colors were lavender and grey. The following is a list of the graduates:

Clarice Ambelang, Earnest Ansley, Dorothy Badger, Walter Baldridge, Merrill Baxter, Ted Best, Elsie Blake, Kathryn Blanchard, Helen Bonnett, Lela Boothe, Helen Brownlee, Avancila Bryan, Jane Burkholder, Claude Byrum, Opal Callahan, Maude Carpenter, Virgil Coughell, Mary Clark, Marlene Cloe, Nina Connor, Jennie Coons, Bernice Cornford, Evelyn Cougill, Pauline Cowles, Dorothy Curtis, Ruth Danchenbach, Ulin Davis, William Engebretsen, Howard Frogge, Ada Gookin, Leo Grate, Loretta Griffis, Leota Hall, Lucy Heston, Luther Johnson, Joseph Kardonsky, Maude Keller, Jessie Kenney, Pauline Kestler, Judith Koch, Leorne Krutsinger, William Langford, Audire Laurie, Glenn Lewis, Edna Lugar, Don Maloney, Kenneth McCullough, Evelyn McKinley, Nellie McNulty, Cleta Miller, Loleta Mitchell, Clinton Moon, Albert Munday, Elmer Munson, Geneva Norman, John Norman, Nellie Norman, Dorothy Oden, Charlotte Primmer, Ralph Pim, Howard Piper, Steward Powell, Harold Powers, Marie Prevo, John Richard, Milton Risbeck, Geraldine Roberts, Lowell Scales, Lavelle Shelton, Burdette Smith, Edward Spencer, Mayme Spencer, Anne Stack, James Stanton, Louise Storie, Bill Swimm, Lloyd Waynick, Ted Wentz, Lysle Wirene, LaVar Wolfe, Pauline Yengel and Maude Byrum.