:mmi. THE WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS THE WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS DURING THE GREAT WAR-1917-1918 Men in the National Service Public Safety Committee Liberty Loan Campaign Committees Topsfield-Boxford Machine-Gun Company Topsfield Canning Club American Fund for French Wounded Special Aid Society for American Preparedness Red Cross Branch Y.M.C.A. and United War Work Drives PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE TOPSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS I9I9 o; •* •'. IN HONOR OF THE YOUNG SOLDIER WHO DIED IN FRANCE, AND OF HIS COMRADES IN THE SERVICE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC; IN HONOR OF THE TWO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE WHO DIED AT HOME, THE ONE GROWN GRAY IN PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE OTHER JUST AT THE BEGINNING OF A CAREER OF USEFULNESS; AND ALSO IN HONOR OF THE MANY EARNEST WORK- ERS WHO FREELY GAVE IN SERVICE AND IN PURSE, THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE DEDICATED IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY IT IS too early to record what Topsfield men have accomplished in the actual warfare and in training for the same; nor is the story completed of unwearied service in hospitals behind the firing line. That must come at a later day. Fifty-nine men and two women "did their bit," of whom thirty- four saw foreign service and one man, John J. Farrell, died in France of pneumonia. Major (now Lieutenant-Colonel) Jenkins, M.C., was already in the State militia when war was declared. Augustus A. Laskey was the first to enlist and was assigned to the battleship Virginia. Even before the United States entered into the World War, two went from Tops- field — Henry Beston Sheahan, who enlisted July 25, 1915, in the American Ambulance Field Service and saw nine months' active service near Pont-a- Mousson and in the defense of Verdun, and Helen P. Jordan, who as a nurse joined the Harvard University Hospital Unit of the British Army and sailed for France in November, 191 6, where she was stationed at Base Hospital No. 5. The following list of those who were in the service from Topsfield is be- lieved to be correct. All additional information, or corrections, should be sent to the Town Clerk in order that Topsfield's record may be made as complete as possible. OFFICERS Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas L. Jenkins, Medical Corps * Major Clarence P. Baxter, Medical Corps * Captain William E. Baxter, Medical Corps * Captain Sargent H. Wellman, General Staff * First Lieutenant Philip H. Smith, Sanitary Corps * Second Lieutenant Joseph N. Smith, Balloon Corps Second Lieutenant Russell C. Smith, Naval Reserve * Second Lieutenant Henry C. Williams, Aviation Corps Ensign Frederick Ayer, Naval Reserve Ensign Roger B. Fiske, Naval Aviation Ensign Stephen Wheatland, Naval Reserve NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS Sergeant Chester C. Andrews * Sergeant Amedeo Giovannacci Corporal Roy E. Ford Corporal Clarence W. Lake * Corporal William A. Perkins Yeoman Clarence H. Kneeland • Served abroad. 8 WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD OTHER BRANCHES OF THE SERVICE Captain Ernest H. Pentecost, British Naval Reserve * Henry Beston Sheahan, American Ambulance Corps; Naval Correspondent on Foreign Service * Rev. Arthur H. Gilmore, Y.M.C.A* Alice L. Lake, nurse {rank of Second Lieutenant), Harvard Unit * Helen P. Jordan, nurse, Harvard Unit, in British Army * Rufus S. Carter * John Hiram Clay- Herbert E. Dexter * Patrick Dolan * James D. Emslie * John J. Farrell * f Amos W. A. Fuller * Allen W. Jacobs Harold Jordan * William McF. Lewis ENLISTED MEN ARMY John Longo Patrick Lyons Joseph W. Mulkhy * Ernest L. Pace * Charles A. Peaslee Russell F. Perkins * Arlo L. Roberts * Benjamin B. Towne Guy E. Watson * Dwight B. Andrews * Augustus A. Laskey * NAVY Fred G. Smith * John R. Walsh * John B. Gamans MARINE CORPS Herbert M. Soper * Frank E. Harrington Peter J. Kilhouley James E. Mercer * Charles A. Sweeney John J. Cass * Chester H. Clerk * NAVAL RESERVE Harold H. Todd Randolph H.Todd* James T. Walsh AVIATION CORPS George Shattuck TRAINING CORPS Leslie S. Ray (Instructor), Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology Keith P. Smerage, Harvard * Served abroad. David P. Wheatland, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Robert I. Woodbury, Brown t Died in a hospital in France. THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE NEARLY a century and a half ago when the rights of our ancestors were threatened by an oppressive Government, the freemen of Tops- field gathered in town-meeting on October ii, 1774, chose Samuel Smith as their delegate to the Provincial Congress and instructed him as follows: That you use your endeavors that all our Constitutional and Charter Rights and Previledges be kept good and invoilable to the Latest Posterity, and that you do everything to the utmost of your power to prevent any of the late oppressive acts of Parliament being Executed. Three generations later when slavery and rebellion threatened the very foundations of our country, the citizens of Topsfield met in town-meeting on May 7, 1861, and adopted the following preamble and resolution pre- sented by Charles H. Holmes: Considering the present condition of our Country, not as waging war against the South, nor a party device, but an essay of the people to sustain their own rights, pre- serve their own institutions, give efficiency to their own laws, invigorate their ex- ecution and perpetuate the inheritance of our fathers unimpaired Resolved, that the loyal peoples of the United States, inhabitants of Topsfield, in town-meeting assembled, constitute ourselves a national guard for the preservation of our national integrity. And again in our day when an autocratic European Government sought to conquer or destroy the civilized world, the citizens of Topsfield, stirred by the dramatic events then taking place, adopted the following resolutions presented by James Duncan Phillips, March 5, 191 7, at the annual town- meeting: As the descendants and successors of the men of one of the group of little com- munities surrounding Salem Bay, which, during the Revolutionary War and the early days of the Republic, sent out innumerable armed ships to defend American rights on the high seas, it is hereby Resolved, That we, the citizens of Topsfield, endorse the action of the President of the United States in dismissing the German ambassador. Resolved, That we urge the immediate calling of an extra session of Congress and the use of the full power of the nation in defence of American rights, American lives and American honor on the high seas. Resolved, That we pledge our loyalty and our support to the President for this purpose. Voted, That these resolutions be adopted and that the moderator now appoint a committee of three to transmit them with an appropriate letter to the President, the two senators from Massachusetts, the congressman of this district and to the senator and representatives of this district in the Massachusetts Legislature. In commenting on the action of the towns of Massachusetts at the town- meetings, the Boston Transcript said: Several of the towns adopted resolutions endorsing the action of President Wilson in standing up for American rights against Germany's aggression. Most of lo WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD them followed the Boston Chamber of Commerce's form of a resolve, but some pro- duced original forms for the President's eye. Among the towns which stood by the head of the nation were Concord, Marshfield, Topsfield, and Wenham. Topsfield's resolution was perhaps the most interesting. On the editorial page the same day, there was an article particularly commenting on the stand which the town had taken and highly commending its attitude. This article said in part as follows: When Boston was a town it used to pass resolutions in town meeting on national subjects, particularly in great emergencies, which were heard and regarded in the councils of the nation. As a city it is generally silent in such great crises just as, un- fortunately, it is at this moment. But there are still patriotic towns in Massachusetts which are ready to express themselves on great questions and record the sentiments of their citizens. A considerable number of towns, at their meeting yesterday, adopted stirring resolutions of support and stimulus to the President in his attempt to uphold the nation's rights. Among those towns which have passed such resolu- tions, as already reported, are Concord — Concord, the "star that never sets" — Marshfield, the home of Webster, Wenham and Topsfield. The Topsfield resolu- tions are particularly spirited. They are in words which deserve to be listened to. In accordance with these resolutions, a committee was appointed to send copies with an appropriate letter to the persons enumerated, all of whom duly acknowledged them in the following appropriate letters which have been placed on file in the ofhce of the Town Clerk: THE WHITE HOUSE Washington March 8, 1917 My dear Sir: The President has asked me to thank you for your letter of March 6th, with its enclosure, and to assure you and all concerned that he deeply appreciates this ex- pression of confidence and support. Sincerely yours H. Tumulty Secretary to the President UNITED STATES SENATE COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE LAND CLAIMS March 8, 1917 My dear Mr. Phillips: I was very much gratified to receive the resolutions adopted by the Topsfield Town Meeting and I only regret that I cannot, under existing rulings, present them to the Senate. They are such resolutions as I should expect to receive from an old Massachusetts town and I need hardly say that I am doing all in my power to give the President the powers which he thinks necessary to protect the lives and the rights of American citizens. Very truly yours H. C. Lodge (// zve are later allowed to present petitions and memorials you may he sure that I shall lay the resolutions before the Senate at the first opportunity.) THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE ii UNITED STATES SENATE Washington, D.C. March lO, 191 7 My dear Sir: I am very glad to have your letter of March sixth transmitting resolutions adopted at a mass meeting of the citizens of Topsfield endorsing the President's action in severing diplomatic relations with the Imperial German Government and pledging their loyal support in case of need. I shall take pleasure in calling these resolutions to the attention of the Senate. Very truly yours John W. Weeks COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Washington, D.C. March 9, 191 7 My dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of March 6, 191 7, enclosing a copy of a resolution adopted at the annual town meeting of the Town of Topsfield on March 5, 1917. The action of the citizens of Topsfield is to be commended, and I shall have pleasure in presenting the resolution to the House of Representatives when the next session of Congress is convened. Very truly yours A. P. Gardner THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS SENATE CHAMBER Boston, March 27, '17 My dear Sir: I trust you will pardon the delay in answering your letter of Mar. 6th enclosing resolutions adopted at your town meeting March 5th. I want to assure you I am fully in accord with the resolutions and have by voice and vote sustained action of this kind when presented. We are as American citizens irrespective of party ties supporting our President and upholding him in every act and deed. I thank you sincerely for the opportunity of presenting my attitude in this our Nation's crisis. I have been travelling with my Committee or should have answered before. Sincerely Chas. D. Brown THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Boston, March 30th, 191 7 Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of March 6th containing Resolutions as adopted at your Town Meeting of March 5th, would say that I heartily endorse the same. Similar resolutions passed the House sometime ago. Will you kindly excuse my late reply. Very truly yours George D. Morse Rep. loth Essex Dist. 12 WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD Encouraged by the cordial reception of these resolutions, the following call was sent out March 24, 191 7, signed by most of the prominent citizens of the town : In as much as the Massachusetts Committee of Public Safety has indicated that it is desirable for every city and town in the Commonwealth to organize a local Committee of Public Safety, we, the undersigned, invite the men and women, boys and girls, of Topsfield who love their Country to meet with us in the Town Hall in Topsfield on Saturday, March 31st, 1917, at eight o'clock in the evening and there organize such a special Committee to provide for the common defence and general welfare to be run along the lines laid down by the Central State Committee. A most crowded and enthusiastic meeting was called to order by Baxter P. Pike, moderator of the town-meeting. James Duncan Phillips was chosen permanent chairman and Rev. George L. Gleason offered prayer. Roland W. Boyden, of the Massachusetts Committee of Public Safety, spoke outlining the duties of the Committee, and Sergeant (now Lieutenant-Colo- nel) Donaldson of Hamilton, a former Topsfield boy, spoke of the military work to be done. On motion offered by Arthur H. Wellman, the chairman appointed the following committee to serve with the chairman: Baxter P. Pike Andy F. Jackman Thomas L. Jenkins, M.D. Benjamin B. Towne who should choose a large committee to carry on the v/ork for the citizens during the period of the war. The town hall was decorated with flags, an orchestra furnished music for the singing of the national anthem and "My Country, 'tis of Thee." Four days later the following Executive Committee was announced in accordance with the action of this meeting: TOPSFIELD COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY James Duncan Phillips, Chairman George Francis Dow, Vice-Chairman Benjamin B. Towne, Secretary William B. Poor, Treasurer Executive Committee John J. Cass Edward J. Prest Fred Dingle T. E. Proctor George A. Gerry (deceased) George M. Tilton Andy F. Jackman Arthur H. Wellman Thomas L. Jenkins, M.D. Richard Wheatland Baxter P. Pike (deceased) I. M. Woodbury and the officers, ex-officio THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 13 I . Town Protection and Home-Guards Edward J. Prest, Chairman Patrick Collins Eugene M. Dow George A. Gerry- Wilfred Hay T. W. Peirce Charles H. Potter T. E. Proctor Russell C. Smith 3. Horses, Motor Vehicles, Indus- trial Survey Baxter P. Pike, Chairman John J. Cass Fred Dingle John L. Fiske Charles J. Peabody Andrew L. Peirce H. B. Williams Recruiting George A. Gerry, Chairman Alexander B. Carter Manuel F. Castle Eugene M. Dow T. E. Elliot Rev. Arthur H. Gilmore Fred A. Greenwood Mark Hodges H. B. Williams and the Veterans of the Civil War 6. Emergency and Transportation Andy F. Jackman, Chairman Clarence L. Brown E. P. Ferguson T. Jesse Fuller Charles R. Wait Hazen R. Wildes Camps, Military Equipment and Supplies Thomas L. Jenkins, M.D. Chairman William B. Poor, Vice-Chair- man F. C. Burnhara Fred Dingle Leroy W. Gleason T. W. Peirce Charles R. Wait Coordination with other Societies J. D. Phillips, Chairman Mrs. Pearl Colby Elbridge H. Gilford Leroy W. Gleason Charles J. Peabody Mrs. T. W. Peirce William B. Poor Benjamin B. Towne Miss Katharine F. Wellman 7. Food Production George M. Tilton, Chairman Fred W. Deering John S. Lawrence Rev. Arthur H. Gilmore James Marlborough George Grinnell Mrs. J. D. Phillips Mrs. Thomas L. Jenkins Forrest W. Rust Sargent H. Wellman The forenamed sub-committees were authorized by the Executive Com- mittee which also advised the appointment of a Finance Committee, com- posed of Thomas E. Proctor, William E. Poor, and Fred Dingle. On April 12 the Committee on Home Guards reported that a drill had 14 WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD been held on April ii and that much interest had been shown in the organ- ization of a company. The Food Committee reported that a survey had been made of the town with a view to increasing its food production. Two weeks later it was voted to organize a company of the State Guard, Topsfield to provide forty-five men if Boxford would provide the remain- ing twenty-five, and this was the first definite move toward the organization of what has since become the Machine-Gun Company. The Food Production Committee at the same time reported that the organization of a Canning Club was advised which, on May 3, was ap- pointed, composed of Mrs. J. D. Phillips, Chairman; Mrs. Frank Smith, Mrs. T. W. Peirce, Mrs. John S. Lawrence, and Mrs. Wilfred Hay. Two weeks later the Canning Club was authorized to accept an underwriting of $500, kindly offered by a good friend, to run the Club one year. On June 4 Rev. Emery L. Bradford, Isaac H. Sawyer, and Harry L. Cole, all of Boxford, were added to the Home Guard Committee with the idea of securing a group of men from Boxford for the Company. At this same meeting the Finance Committee was made into a Liberty Loan Com- mittee and requested to give attention to the solicitation of subscriptions for the First Liberty Loan. This was the beginning of the Liberty Loan organizations, a special report of which is attached. On June 16, as it seemed likely that the train service to Topsfield would be reduced to such an extent that there would be no noon train, Mr. Well- man was asked to appear before the Railroad Commissioners and ask that the twelve o'clock train be retained. The support of various men in Georgetown, Boxford, and Danvers was secured, and representatives of the Public Safety Committee appeared with them at the meeting in Boston and made such a vigorous protest that the noon train which had already been removed was restored. All the war activities of the town having been well started, meetings were discontinued until the time when the question of keeping track of our soldiers and bidding a proper farewell to the men who had gone into the Army was brought up. At that time a committee was appointed to organize a meeting for such a farewell, and an enthusiastic meeting was held on November 3, at which Hon. George R. Jones of Melrose, formerly President of the Massachusetts State Senate, made an address and honor flags were presented to the families of all men who had gone into service. On December 11, the news of the Halifax disaster having been received in the town, a hurried subscription netted a contribution of $275.90 which was more than the town's allotment. On July 9, 1918, at the request of many members of the Red Cross, the Public Safety Committee called a meeting of the members of the Red Cross with a view to the organization of a Chapter in Topsfield. Howard Corning, of the New England Division, and Mr. Carter, of the Essex County Com- mittee, spoke, and a Chapter was formed to cooperate with the New Eng- land Division. Early in September a meeting was held to organize the Liberty Loan Committee which did such efficient work for the last Liberty Loan and for the Victory Loan. THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 15 The question of erecting a temporary service board or memorial for the men in active service was considered carefully, and an interesting design, modelled on an English market cross, was presented by Charles R. Wait. The design was very highly commended, but it was finally decided that it was inadvisable to erect such a temporary memorial at the present time. This report should not be closed without mention of the losses to the Committee itself. Two of the sixteen original members of the Public Safety Committee have died. Baxter P. Pike, a most useful and energetic member of the Committee, to whose encouragement and loyal help much of the success was due, died in December, 191 8. Mr. Pike had held almost every town office and at once threw his influence behind a movement to enlist the town for the cause of patriotism. George A. Gerry, also one of the energetic useful spirits of the Committee, died just as it was finishing its work. Interested in everything which meant action, he was a tower of strength in the organization of the Company and in the campaigns for funds. It would be difficult to choose from the town two men more valuable. The one had grown gray in the public service, the other was just in the midst of a career of great usefulness. THE LIBERTY LOANS FOR THE first two Liberty Loans the New England Committee did not realize what an important place Topsfield was, so they merged it with Danvers, and the Central Committee has no record of the amount of money subscribed by the town. Unquestionably a considerable amount subscribed by our citizens was not credited to the town and this same un- certainty extended over the Third Loan when we were better organized for the drive. Andrew L. Peirce kindly took charge of this drive and made the first real campaign in the town for the Liberty Loans. The town was credited with $79,300, and unquestionably much more was subscribed that was not credited. For the Fourth Liberty Loan still more elaborate preparations were made. The Essex County Chairman visited the town and helped in planning the work. This drive lasted for three weeks — from September 28 to Oct- ober 19, 1918. Topsfield was assigned a quota of $199,000. The following officers constituted the Executive Committee in charge: Bertram C. Gould, Chairman Raymond S. Roberts, Vice-Chairman Miss Katharine F. Wellman, Vice-Chairman Miss Elizabeth D. Peabody, Secretary William C. Long, Treasurer COMMITTEE ON PUBLICITY Charles R. Wait, Chairman Mrs. James Duncan Phillips Miss Miriam Gould Willard Emery John L. Fiske For the purpose of making a house-to-house canvass, the town was divided into eight districts, in charge of committees with the following captains: District No. I District No. 2 Miss Helen Poor, Captain Mrs. William H. Herrick, Captain District No. 3 District No. 4 Miss Annie P. Gleason, Captain Mrs. Harry W. Poor, Captain District No. 5 District No. 6 Andy F. Jackman, Captain Mrs. Russell C. Smith, Captain District No. 7 Special District Thomas E. Elliot, Captain Arthur H. Wellman, Captain Topsfield reached its quota on October 19, the last day of the drive, and futher returns continued to come in during the next three weeks. Officially THE LIBERTY LOANS 17 Topsfield's total, subscribed by 327 people, amounted to $246,550, but there were additional subscriptions of $3500 in Boston to be credited to Topsfield, which failed to be reported officially, so that the total amount subscribed was really $250,050. At least thirty per cent of our population participated in the loan and the per capita subscription amounted to $210. Substantially the same committee worked for the Victory Loan in May, 1919. The quota charged to the town was $149,250 and this was well over- subscribed before the drive was finished. The total subscription was over $155,000, contributed by about 135 persons, making a per capita subscrip- tion for the town of about $140. =^ THE TOPSFIELD-BOXFORD COMPANY MACHINE-GUN COMPANY, FIFTEENTH REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS STATE GUARD IN ACCORDANCE with the action of the Public Safety Committee in April, 191 7, a Company of the Massachusetts State Guard was organ- ized with headquarters in Topsfield when the town voted the use of the Town Hall as an armory and drill hall. Sergeants Donaldson, Lane, and Hammond of the old 8th Regiment, M.V.M., volunteered their services to drill the recruits. Many men turned out to drill and a long list of names petitioned for the forming of the Company. Some seventy men signed the enlistment cards, were physically examined and sworn in in July as Com- pany H of the 15th Regiment of the M.S.G. Major-General Butler Ames came down to inspect the Company and described the sort of service which might be required of the men. The following men were elected officers: Edward J. Prest, Captain James Duncan Phillips, First Lieutenant Alfred K. Nason, Second Lieutenant From early in April drills were held every week and a school of non- commissioned officers required that all the officers should give up two evenings a week. This was cheerfully done and the men from Boxford showed the utmost energy in attending the drills, even coming from a long distance in bad weather. Two battalion parades were held in the autumn of 191 7 — one at Beverly and one at Salem — in which the Company played a creditable part. During the winter the Company narrowly missed being called out to guard the docks in Boston when the German activities in explosions were feared. A part of the 15th Regiment did have to do this work, but the United States Guards were detailed just before Company H was reached. In the early spring of 191 8 the Company was honored by being made the Machine-Gun Company of the 15th Regiment. George L. Gerry was chosen a Second Lieutenant and additional Sergeants were appointed. Four machine guns were supplied by a friend of the town. The Company later paid for these in part by a series of most excellent entertainments prepared and given by the members. These included a very dramatic little play, "Pa's New Housekeeper," presented by Sergeants Elliot and Stanwood and Corporal Gilmore, with the able assistance of some young ladies, and a wonderful minstrel show including everybody who could sing, which filled the Town Hall to its utmost capacity. These shows were re- peated in Boxford and proved of very considerable financial assistance. The Company took part in the great Liberty Loan parade in Boston, April 19, 1918, and was complimented on its excellent appearance. A few days later it also took part in the Liberty Loan parade in Salem. On THE TOPSFIELD-BOXFORD COMPANY 19 May 30 it assisted in the Memorial Day Exercises, both in Topsfield and in West Boxford. On July 14 the entire Company left for Framingham by motor. After a lunch en route it arrived in camp about 2.30 and at once prepared to erect the tents. The work in camp was hard and the discipline severe, but all things considered the camp was a great success. Captain Prest was called away on business the second day of camp and the command de- volved on Lieutenant Phillips, who continued the drill and brought the Company back to Topsfield. It was noted that on the day of departure the Company was the first to be inspected by the Colonel and was compli- mented on the condition of its quarters. During the autumn of 191 8 Lieutenant Gerry and Sergeant Stanwood did most useful service in assisting Captain Hathaway of the Ipswich Company at Camp Klason, during the influenza epidemic in Ip»wich. In December Captain Prest, to the regret of all, felt obliged to resign. The following former members of the Company went into the active service of the United States: Rufus S. Carter Amos W. A. Fuller Arthur H. Gilmore Frank E. Harrington George H. Nason William A. Perkins Leslie S. Ray Russell C. Smith Randolph H. Todd Benjamin B. Towne Sargent H. Wellman THE TOPSFIELD-BOXFORD MACHINE-GUN COMPANY OF THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS STATE GUARD Resigned Dec. i, 191 8 1st Lieutenant, appointed Captain Dec. 19, 1918 zd Lieutenant, appointed 1st Lieut. Dec. 19, 1918 appointed 2d Lieut. Feb. 1918. Died Feb. 24, 19 19 Appoinud 2d Lieut. March, 1919 NAME RANK Edward J. Prest Captain Topsfield James Duncan Phillips Captain Topsfield Alfred K. Nason 1st Lieut. West Boxford George A. Gerry 2d Lieut. Topsfield Thomas E. Elliot 2d Lieut. Topsfield Walter L. Archer Private Boxford Charles F. Austin Mess Sergt. West Boxford Horton D. Bradstreet Private Topsfield Clarence D. Brown Private Boxford Robert J. Brown Private Boxford Alexander B. Carter Corporal Topsfield Rufus S. Carter Private Topsfield Thomas E. Cass Mechanic Topsfield Joseph Cassese Private Topsfield Clarence J. Castle Private Topsfield Manuel F. Castle Corporal Topsfield John G. Chandler Private West Boxford George E. Clarke Private Topsfield Thomas H. Clay Private Topsfield Harry L. Cole Sergeant West Boxford Patrick F. Collins Private Topsfield Discharged Oct. 31, 1917 Discharged Oct. 3 1, 1917, /o join the National Army Discharged March 18, 1918 Discharged Oct. 31, 1917 20 WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD NAME RANK John K. Curtis Cook Boxford Antonio Deluco Private Topsfield Edward D. Disbrow Private West Boxford Charles S. Duckworth . Private Topsfield Harold W. Foster Private West Boxford Amos W. A. Fuller Private Topsfield Ralph H. Fuller Private Topsfield T. Jesse Fuller Private Topsfield Arthur H. Gilmore Corporal Topsfield William J. Goodwin Act'g Corp. Topsfield Allen P. Gould Sergeant Topsfield John R. Gould Horse-shoer Topsfield Fred A. Greenwood Supply Sergt. Topsfield S. Arthur Gurley Private Boxford Frank E. Harrington Corporal Topsfield Edward J. Hopping Private West Boxford Clinton J. Ingraham Private Topsfield H. Gilbert Jordan Private Topsfield William Keith Private Topsfield DanaF. Killam^ Bugler Boxford William LaBonte Private Topsfield John K. Lewis Private Boxford Lewis R. Little Private Topsfield Norman E. Little Bugler Topsfield Aubrey Lyon Private West Boxford Avard P. Lyon Private West Boxford Harry F. Moore Private Boxford C. Wallace Morissey Bugler Topsfield J. Fred Morissy Corporal Topsfield Ernest W. Mortimer Private Boxford George H. Nason Private West Boxford Fred Paglia Private Topsfield George B. Parkhurst Corporal Boxford Horace F. Patton Private Topsfield Simeon S. Pearl Corporal West Boxford Thomas W. Peirce 1st Sergt. Topsfield Henry C. Perkins Private Topsfield William A. Perkins Private Topsfield Frederick E. Pingree Private Topsfield Benjamin P. Poor Private Boxford Leslie S. Ray Corporal Topsfield Charles H. Reid Private Topsfield Roland M. Roberts Private Topsfield Eugene F. Russell Private Boxford Harold H. Russell Private Boxford Karl G. Smerage Private Topsfield Russell C. Smith Sergeant Topsfield George A. Stanwood Sergeant Topsfield George R. Sweeney, Jr . Private Topsfield Charles W. Taintor Stable Sergt. Topsfield Thomas H. Tansey Private Boxford Frank Titus, Jr. Cook Boxford Henry N. Titus Private Topsfield Randolph H. Todd Private Topsfield Benjamin B. Towne Supply Sergt. Topsfield Discharged March l8, 1918 Discharged April 12, 19 18 Discharged April 12, 1918. Joined the National Army Discharged April 12, 19 18 Discharged July 12, 191 8, to join Y.M.C.A. in France Discharged June 28, 19 18, to join Naval Aviation Corps Discharged June 13, 191 8 Discharged Oct. 31, 191 7 Discharged Oct. 31, 1917, to join the National Army Discharged March 18, 19 18 Discharged April 30, 1918 Transferred May 21, 191 8, to Co. B, iSth Regt. Discharged Oct. 31, 1917, to join the National Army Discharged March 18, 1918 Discharged Oct. 31, 1917, to the Avia- tion School Discharged July 20, 1918 Discharged March 18, 1918 Discharged Oct. 31, 1917, to join the Merchant Marine Discharged Oct. 31, 1917 Discharged Oct. 31, 1917 Discharged Nov. 15, 1918, to join the Naval Reserve Discharged Nov. 15, 1918, to join the National Army THE TOPSFIELD-BOXFORD COMPANY 21 NAME RANK Herbert A. Towne Private Topsfield Charles D. Tutty Sergeant Boxford George E. Watson Private Boxford Charles A. Welch Private Topsfield Sargent H. Wellman Private Topsfield John G. Whittier Private Boxford J. William Wildes Private Topsfield Harry J. Wilson Private Topsfield Transferred March 25, 1918, to Co. E, 15th Regt. M.S.G. Discharged Dec. 15, 1917, to go to Plattsburg Training Camp. Com- missioned 1st Lieut. Five (5) officers commissioned. Eighty (80) men enlisted since organization. Eleven (11) men discharged to join the National Service. Two (2) men transferred to other State Guard Regiments. Fourteen (14) men honorably discharged. Since organization the Company has raised a very considerable amount of money: COMPANY FUND Raised in 1917 Raised in 1918 Spent for Company purposes On hand Jan. i, 1918 Original guaranty, less returns Subscriptions for guns Proceeds of entertainments Subscriptions for carts and express Guns Carts, etc. Expressage, etc. Balance on hand $124.15 346.19 ^470.34 271.51 $198.83 FUND $1800 540 437-71 310.00 $2600 360 23 -93 $3087.71 2983.93 $103.78 TOPSFIELD CANNING CLUB THROUGH the efforts of the Public Safety Committee in May, 191 7, a committee to organize a Community Canning Centre was ap- pointed consisting of Mrs. James Duncan Phillips, Chairman; Mrs. John S. Lawrence, Secretary; Mrs. Thomas W. Peirce, Treasurer; Mrs. Frederic Ayer, Jr., Mrs. Wilfred Hay, and Mrs. Frank Smith. Mr. Lawrence gen- erously lent his bungalow for the work and Mrs. F. Percy Smerage, of Topsfield, was engaged as regular supervisor, having two paid helpers. The Club opened in June with a tea and business meeting at Mrs. Lawrence's, at which operating plans were discussed and approved. By the rules, a member could, upon payment of fifty cents fee. First — Order and buy from the Club any finished product at four per cent discount from the regular retail price. Second — Send her vegetables, with or without jars, to the Club to be put up at actual cost of labor, plus twenty per cent for overhead. Third — She could do her own work at the Club and profit by Mrs. Smerage's advice, at a charge of two cents per jar, for the use of the con- tainer. Members were entitled to buy jars and rubbers for their canning from the Club, and if they desired, could pay for such supplies by their finished product, provided it was put up under Club supervision. The Club was open for four days a week from June 20 until October 20. Of its 106 members, two or three volunteers helped the regular workers each day and it is realized that without the assistance of these volunteers such splendid results could not have been obtained. Once a month a dem- onstration was held, always largely attended and most successful. In addition to local and cooperative work, a great number of outside orders were filled. From all the customers only one complaint was received. The total output during the summer amounted approximately to 3CXX) jars of fruits and vegetables, 1800 glasses of jelly, and 500 pounds of jam. The record output for one day, six people working, was 184 jars and 45 pounds of jam (8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.). Fifteen members came to the Club to do their own canning under super- vision, only two leaving payment in finished products. Fourteen members sent produce from their gardens to be canned and 42 members bought jars and rubbers. The Treasurer's report at the end of the season showed a surplus of $584.30, after having paid the loan advanced through the Public Safety Committee, as well as all debts incurred. During the winter 1917-18 the activities of the Club were confined more to home economics. Monthly meetings were held, the Grange very kindly furnishing room and fuel. After a basket lunch, lectures on dietetics or home economics were given, and at all of these meetings food problems were freely discussed, receipts and experiences exchanged, and papers read upon the topics in question. Such subjects as wheat and fat substitutes, TOPSFIELD CANNING CLUB 23 demonstrations on drying, canning, and jelly-making, were given, and at the end of the summer an exhibition of canned products was held, at which prizes were awarded for the best display of canned goods and jellies. In June, 191 8, a Junior membership was added and Mrs. Smerage con- ducted classes during the summer for the fifteen Junior members, instruct- ing them in canning fruits and vegetables. At the November meeting the Juniors exhibited with the Seniors and were also awarded prizes by the Club. At the same time their exhibits were judged for the County and State prizes. During the summer a Book Club was organized under Miss Annie P. Gleason as Chairman of the Committee. The town was divided into dis- tricts and books on food problems and home economics were distributed for circulation among the members. In October "Soldiers' Week" was observed. Almost every member of the Club assisted in making jam, marmalade, and fruit butters for the Base Hospital at Camp Devens. One hundred and twenty-three gallons of jam were produced and taken to Ayer by motor, where it was most grate- fully received and heartily appreciated by those in charge of the Hospital. Thus the Canning Club, through its various branches, justified its ex- istence. The economic value of canning and its possibilities were demon- strated and advertised. Encouragement and help were given to those who had not canned before, and the veterans were spurred on to greater effort. And so, in its own way, it helped to win the War. The following officers were elected at the annual meeting in June, 191 8, for the ensuing year: Mrs. J. D. Phillips, President Mrs. John S. Lawrence, Vice-President Mrs. Charles W.Taintor, Vice-President Mrs. Charles Grinnell, Committee Mrs. Frederick Ayer, Jr. Mrs. W. Chester Long Mrs. Harris E. Perkins TOPSFIELD BRANCH OF THE AMERICAN FUND FOR FRENCH WOUNDED THE Topsfield Branch of the American Fund for French Wounded was organized in the fall of 191 5, and was supported by subscription and kept its workroom open all winter with an attendance of about twenty regular workers. In summer, the attendance was larger. It shipped surgical dressings, knitted articles and garments to the Boston Headquarters and also sent comfort bags at Christmas time. In April, 1917, when the Special Aid Branch was organized, the two branches were carried on in harmony, using the same workroom. In October, 1917, it was voted to merge the French Wounded Branch with that of the Special Aid, turning over to one Treasurer the united funds, and continuing to ship to the French Wounded Branch as the Executive Committee of the Special Aid decided. The total output of the workroom for A.F.F.W. from start to November I, 1917, when it merged with the Special Aid, was: 11,427 packages surgical dressings 1183 hospital supplies, including draw pads, binders, wash cloths, towels, mos- quito nets, stork sheeting, blankets, and old linen 1349 pillows 337 hospital garments (shirts, vests, and pajamas) 850 knitted articles 160 Christmas bags 15,306 total articles TOPSFIELD BRANCH OF THE SPECIAL AID SOCIETY FOR AMERICAN PREPAREDNESS THE Topsfield Branch of the Special Aid Society for American Pre- paredness was organized March 28, 1917, at a public meeting held in the Grange Hall. In April there were 92 members and in December, after a house-to-house canvass made by the Membership Committee under Mrs. Richard Wheatland as Chairman, the membership was increased to 117. The Society, from its organization, collected $3706 and had the support and cooperation of the Ladies' Organizations of Topsfield. In order to give the women more time for Relief Work, these organizations gave up their meetings and also helped financially. Meetings were held three times a week with an average attendance of twenty-five. In October, 191 7, in order to coordinate the work in Topsfield and make it more effective, the Topsfield Branch of the American Fund for French Wounded became a sub-committee of the S.A.S.A.P. and merged its funds. From April, 191 7, to November, 191 7, the Special Aid worked for the Surgical Dressings Committee and the Navy League, and answered vari- ous special calls. Six Regimental Ambulance boxes were filled for the loist Field Artillery, 26th Division, and delivered through Major Jenkins for overseas service. About 150 Christmas bags were sent to France to special people — Miss Davison, Miss Lake, and Miss Jordan. Miss Helen Jordan went over in November, 1916, with the Harvard Unit, Field Hospital 22, under Dr. Cabot, and Miss Alice Lake went in May, 191 7, with the Harvard Unit under the Red Cross, Base Hospital 5, Dr. Cushing. Through these two patriotic Topsfield women, the Society kept in close touch with the hospital work abroad and all articles sent to them were duly received. The total output of the workroom after merging with the A.F.F.W., November i, 1917, to January i, 1919, was as follows: 4027 packages surgical dressings 545 hospital supplies, including draw pads, binders, wash cloths, bandages, old linen, bed linen and towels, blankets, property bags and comfort kits 30 dozen handkerchiefs 274 pillows 6 afghans and 7 quilts 707 garments 750 gun wipes 350 trench candles 240 Christmas bags 1843 knitted articles 8772 total articles These articles were shipped to the A.F.F.W., the Italian Relief, Com- mittee for Devastated France, Red Cross, Surgical Dressings Committee, 26 WAR ACTIVITIES OF TOPSFIELD Special Aid, and Navy League. Special shipments of bags to Miss Jordan, Miss Lake, Miss Davison, and Dr. Lines also were made. During the influenza epidemic, the workroom sent a great many neces- sary hospital garments to Camp Mason, the Ipswich Emergency Hospital, on a hurry call and supplied sweaters for the nurses. Present Officers Miss Katharine F. Wellman, Chairman Mrs. William H. Herrick, Vice-Chairman Miss Elizabeth Peabody, Secretary Mrs. T. L. Jenkins, Treasurer Mrs. Thomas W. Peirce, Chairman Surgical Dressings Committee Miss Florence Janes, Chairman Sezuing Committee Mrs. J. D. Phillips, Chairman Wool Committee Mrs. Harry W. Poor, Junior Work THE RED CROSS BRANCH THE Red Cross activities in Topsfield started with a membership drive December, 1917, of which Manuel F. Castle was Chairman, which enrolled 297 members, an excellent showing. The second Red Cross War Fund Drive took place during the month of May, 191 8, under the leadership of Mrs. William B. Poor, and a total of $3830 was contributed by the people of Topsfield as the result of a vigorous effort. A parade and a public meeting addressed by Hon. Alden P. White, of Salem, were held to arouse interest. In July, 191 8, a Topsfield Branch of the Essex County Chapter was organized at a public meeting called by the Public Safety Committee at which the following officers were elected : Thomas W. Peirce, Chairman Mrs. William H. Herrick and Mrs. Thomas L. Jenkins, Vice-Chairmen Bertram C. Gould, Secretary-Treasurer Benjamin B. Towne, Chairman Home Service Manuel F. Castle, Chairman Membership Miss Katharine F. Wellman, Head of Workroom Mrs. James Duncan Phillips, Head of Knitting Mrs. Thomas W. Peirce, Head of Surgical Dressings Mrs. Harry W. Poor, Chairman Junior Work The workroom was run in harmony with that of the Special Aid, the department heads being the same in both organizations. The quotas re- ceived from Chapter Headquarters were promptly finished and shipped. To December 31, 1918, 244 garments and knitted articles were produced. During the influenza epidemic, help was given to Camp Mason, the Ipswich Emergency Hospital, and, in response to instructions from Chapter Headquarters, a canvass of nurses was taken. The Christmas Roll-Call Drive of the Red Cross was in charge of Mr. Castle, assisted by the organization of Team Captains who had worked for the Liberty Loan Committee. There were enrolled 432 annual members, 8 magazine members, 2 contributing members, and 4 life members, and the total sum of $658 was contributed. Y.M.C.A. AND UNITED WAR WORK CAMPAIGN IN NOVEMBER, 1917, a successful campaign in behalf of the Y.M.C.A. was conducted under the charge of Raymond S. Roberts. The total amount collected was $2750. The United War Work Campaign lasted from November 1 1 to November 18, 1 91 8, inclusive, and Topsfield's assigned quota was $5000. The follow- ing committee was in charge : Bertram C. Gould, Chairman Raymond S. Roberts, Vice-Chairman and Secretary John L. Fiske, Treasurer Committee on Publicity Charles R. Wait, Chairman Albert S. Lane Elbridge H. Gilford Thomas E. Elliot The total amount of the subscriptions was $5564, participated in by 420 people, the quota being exceeded by $564. TOPSFIELD ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS IN THE spring of 1917 Topsfield contained about iioo persons all told. Of these 276 were registered male voters and 300 paid a poll-tax; 286 persons were assessed on property taxes and the total valuation of all property within the limits of the town was $2,088,172. The town contains about 7500 acres of land and there are about 300 dwelling-houses. STATISTICS OF THE WAR MEN Men sent into the Service 59 Nurses — served abroad 2 Men enrolled in the Massachusetts State Guard 55 MONEY First Liberty Loan No record Second Liberty Loan No record Third Liberty Loan $ 79,300.00 Fourth Liberty Loan 250,050 . 00 Victory Loan 155,000.00 Machine-Gun Company 3>557-05 Red Cross drive and membership 5,232.00 Y.M.C.A. Drive 2,750.00 United War Work Campaign 5,564.00 Halifax Relief 275.90 Canning Club, paid all expenses and earned 584-30 The American Fund for French Wounded (?) Special Aid Society for American Preparedness 3,706.00 $506,019.25 MATERIALS Special Aid Society (partial report only from November, 1917) American Fund for French Wounded Red Cross Branch Canning Club (summer of 1917) (October, 191 8) 8772 articles 15,306 articles 244 garments 3000 jars of fruits and vegetables 1000 glasses of jelly 500 pounds of jam 123 gallons of jam sent to Camp Devens :m i«ft^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 020 934 401 4 9