The Armistice

Histories of Nemaha County Spring from Common Source

The Courier-Tribune

Seneca, KS

Anniversary Edition

1936

The Armistice

The boys in France were not the only ones who were deceived by the false armistice of early October. There was a premature celebration in Seneca a few days before November 11^th.

News that the hostilities would be suspended at 11 a.m. Nov. 11^th reached Seneca through Fred Porter station agent, who received the wire at 2 a.m. Porter did not give it out until he had confirmation at 5 a.m.

The town was awakened by the steam whistle at the light plant. The church bells began to ring early and kept it up all day. A collection was taken to encourage the bell ringers.

The fire bell did extra duty. The bell was operated by a descending weight. Boys climbed the tower and rode the weight down. The effect of it was to crack the bell and ruin it for the purpose it served. It was later taken to the city cemetery as a memorial to deceased firemen.

An impromptu parade formed on Main Street led by the band and the fire department. Every flag and every piece of bunting in town was purchased and used to decorate vehicles. The Kaiser in effigy was dragged through the streets. Father Wassinger of Fidelity gave an address.

There had been conflicting reports about Earle W. Taylor, top sergeant of Co. F. 137^th infantry. He was seen to fall in the bitter fighting of the Meuse-Argonne, Sept. 28^th. It was not until the following spring that confirmation of his death was certain enough to make it proper to hold a memorial service. Previously, similar services were held for Joe Henry and his cousin, Joe M. Gress, both of whom fell on the field of action.

A few years after the war, it was decided to erect a memorial to all the boys who had been in service and the Red Cross nurses as well. It was placed in the courtyard at Seneca. The names of all service persons are embossed in copper. Those who died in service are designated by a star. The list follows:

Roy Anderson, David W. Armstrong, Hilbert Bell, Robert N. Blair, Robert B. Green, Joseph M. Gress, Arlington a. Heald, Joe Henry.

Harold Horth, Clyde Isaacson, Palmer Jones, Harry Largeant, John W. Levick, Elmer McConnell, Everet McDaniel, Guy F. McDaniel, John G. Meyer.

Clyde C. Miller, Arthur L. Mills, Delbert M. Moyer, Howard Nickodemus, John L. Palmer.

Benedict Rettele, Frank H. Root, Chas. E. Shumaker, Clare F. Sparling, Wm. F. Summers, Earle W. Taylor, Eitel F. Thieme, John B. Wietharn.

Returned from the service, a post of the American Legion was early formed in Seneca. Dr. F. F. Carter, then practicing medicine here, was the first commander.