My grandfather Irwin Briggs, a medic, went to the front lines to get the wounded and the dying during the St. Mihiel battle. He would also help at the next major battle, the Meuse-Argonne. This is a photo of some … Continue reading
Mac Austin’s brother Raymond finally was able to enlist. Raymond served in the Panama Canal Zone. (The Austins weren’t the only family to have more than one son in WWI.) Raymond Austin, Camp Gaillard, Panama Canal Zone, to Mort and … Continue reading
McKinley, France, to Jennie Austin, Eldred August 9, 1918 Dear Mother, I hope you will pardon me for not writing sooner. But when I had paper, I did not have time and when I had time, I could not get … Continue reading
The S.S. Tuscania was a luxury liner named after a town in Italy. She was torpedoed February 5, 1918, by the German U-boat, UB-77 while carrying 2,013 American troops to Europe. Over 200 people were lost, mostly American troops. —worldwar1.com … Continue reading
Jewell Hamilton, Vandervoort, Ark., to McKinley Austin January 8, 1918 Kind friend, Saw your address in “Lone Scout,” and thought I would write. Hope this will find you ok. How do you like the army? I have several friends who … Continue reading
Ila White, Duraham, Okla., to McKinley Austin January 7, 1918 Soldier Boy, After seeing your name in the “Lone Scout” which your brother sent in, I thought I would write to you. Many of our brothers and friends are called … Continue reading
The women of our local Red Cross are working most industriously for it as will be seen by the following report of the shipments this week: Box 19, monthly allotment of 25 hot water bottle covers, value $5. Box 20, … Continue reading
Lone Scouting was started in 1915 by William D. Boyce who had started the Boy Scouts of America in 1910. Lone Scouts gave rural boys a chance to participate in Scouting. Lone Scout Magazine Letters Sometime in December 1917, Raymond … Continue reading
McKinley Austin, Chickamauga Park, Ga., to Jennie Austin October 7, 1917 Dear Ma, I am sorry you were worried about me. I might say though that it is best to always believe the best; you’ll hear of the worst. I … Continue reading
War Saving Stamps and Certificates were provided for in the bond act of September 24, 1917, and put in operation December 3, 1918. Thrift stamps cost 25 cents each, but did not accrue interest. Sixteen thrift stamps on a thrift … Continue reading
