Jan. 4, 1945:

- Here’s a nice letter received from PFC See MILLICAN, who is wintering in the Netherlands East Indies, Dec. 21. He says: How is everything in the good old town of Kinmundy by now? I am in the best of health and am doing fine in the heat and sunshine of this place. I sure feel sorry for you folks who are probably huddled around the old heater about now. I am sweating just like the proverbial Turk right now while writing this. But seriously, I would just as soon be back there with all the rigors of winter. I hear you lost a good citizen in George BARGH. Sure was sorry to hear of his death. I thought that I better write you and give you my permanent address and APO as I think it will be the same where ever we go. I haven’t received a Kinmundy Express since I have been over here. The reason is that I have had and have been moving around a good deal the past few months. They will eventually catch up with me I guess. The only trouble is the process of being forwarded. It takes about a couple of months for newspapers and packages to reach here. I have received 3 Christmas packages so far. They got here for Thanksgiving though, but I guess it better early than late. This makes 2 years that I have spent Christmas in the field but I shouldn’t kick as a lot of fellows have spent 3 years and Christmases overseas. We are having our Christmas dinner tomorrow. I haven’t seen the menu yet but the rumor is that we are going to have turkey with all the trimmings. As yet I have not been fortunate enough to see any of the boys from home over here although I have 2 letters from Frank BAKER and one from Art STANKEY, a cousin of my wife from East St. Louis. Another one of the fellows from the Omega way was in the very vicinity where I am a while ago but was gone when I arrived. I wish to take this opportunity to wish all my friends of Kinmundy and vicinity a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the dove of peace once again fly over this war harassed world in the year of 1945. We are right in the middle of summer over here down under. The heat and sunshine are terrific, but you soon get used to it. It doesn’t rain here quite as much as it did the last place I was. There the poncho was a very necessary item of clothing. Well, Norris, as you know I can’t tell you many of the things that you and the folks back home would like to know, but it is for our safety so we shouldn’t kick. Tell all the folks hello for me and I hope by this time next year, all their sons, daughters, husbands, fathers and friends will be able to spend next Christmas once again.

- Here’s a V-Mail from Pvt. George MEYER, written on Christmas Day, who is now in England. He says: I suppose you think I have forgotten you, but have not. I am to live in Merry old England as so many of the other boys have been. I can say about as Harold KLEISS did that I am in a building and sleep on a straw tick with some straw in it. It isn’t like an inner spring mattress, but is far better than sleeping on the ground in a pup tent or a fox hole. My November 26 issue of the Express caught up with me sooner than I expected. It came just about as soon as airmail letters. I find the people here on an average, are rather friendly. Thought at first it was going to be hard for me to understand them when they talked. I find it is easier than I though. There are houses and stone walls here such as one might see in the movies. It is interesting to see: country and city alike. It is quite different than good old Illinois. If you would see one of their freight trains go by on the I.C., you would wonder where in the world they found it. An average coal car is about one-fourth as long as ours and they coupled with a sort of chain links. I hope you have had a happy Christmas. Mine has been rather pleasant considering the circumstances. I had a pleasant sociable Christmas Eve and also part of the day, today, with an R.A.F. man and his family. Well, my space is gone so I must close. I thank you for the paper and am glad to get it.

- In a note form Mr. and Mrs. G.M. NIRIDER of Decatur, inclosing their renewal, they state that both their sons are in the service. PFC Fred is in France and has been overseas since last February. S. Sgt. Merle is in the Marines and is at present in school for radar in South Carolina. We are always glad to hear from our former residents.

- A.J. JONES suffered a stroke Tuesday and was taken to Paxton to the home of a daughter.

- S. Sgt. Benjamin N. JOHNSON returned to his camp in Wilmington, N.C., Tuesday, after spending a holiday furlough here with his mother, Mrs. Paulene JOHNSON.

- Mr. and Mrs. O.E. CORRELL were called to Oblong, Ill. Monday for the funeral of his cousin, Mrs. Alice MILAM, 74, who died on Dec. 28 at the Brooks Hospital at Robinson, Ill.

- Mr. and Mrs. Marion HELM received word that their son, Cpl. Howard, is on his way from the South Pacific to the States.

- PFC Lewis SPURLIN has just returned to the states from Guam Island, according to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.T. SPURLIN of Vandalia.

- Mrs. Mattie SMITH TOMLINSON died in the home of her son in Detroit, Mich. on New Year’s Day. She will be remembered as the sister of the late Tom SMITH. Interment will be in Detroit.

- W.W. LOWE wrote a letter from the south.

- S. Sgt. Sterling SULLIVAN Awarded Six Bronze Battle Stars at Fighter Base in Italy: 12th AAF Fighter Base in Italy - S. Sgt. Sterling J. SULLIVAN, 26, Kinmundy, Ill., has been authorized six bronze battle stars according to information received at this advance Thunderbolt group. The stars represent participation in the Egyptian-Libian, Tunisian, Sicilian, Southern and Northern Italian and French campaigns. S. Sgt. SULLIVAN is the son of Mr. and Mrs. A.L. SULLIVAN, Kinmundy. He was a farmer in the Kinmundy sector prior to enlistment in the service, November, 1941. He departed for overseas on Oct. 6, 1942. The Illinois aircraft mechanic also wears the War Dept. Unit Citation ribbon presented to his group for outstanding performance of duty, and the Mediterranean theater ribbon. SULLIVAN’s task as an aircraft mechanic requires technical skill applied in the most adverse weather and living conditions. He was a member of his present fighter-bomber unit throughout the blistering Western Desert campaign in 1942, being one of the few Americans attached to MONTGOMERY’s Eighth Army. He has traveled upward thru 8 foreign countries, participating in 4 major invasions. Among other distinctions, he was among the first Air Corps groundmen to operate from southern France beachhead strips and from the first Rhone valley airdrome captured in the Seventh Army "uppercut" operation in September. During his 20,000 miles of travel overseas he has helped establish dozens of airfields, all part of the job of a Thunderbolt mechanic with a fast moving fighter squadron. His crack Thunderbolt outfit commanded by Col. Gladwin PINKSTON, is one of the oldest and best in the Mediterranean theater. Now in its third year overseas, the group has flown over 27,000 combat sorties in 6 major campaigns. They are now smashing the enemy strong points, communications, and gun positions with the Desert Air Force in support of the Eighth Army Troops in Italy and Allied forces in Yugoslavia. They have figured prominently in the recent innovation of Thunderbolt rocket guns. The group has been commended by Gen. ARNOLD, Gen. MONTGOMERY, Air Marshall CONNINGHAM, Air Marshall TEDDER, Air Marshall BROADHURST and Capt. Eddie RICKENBACKER.

- Miss Mae SCHERMERHORN died in San Francisco, Cal. after a lingering illness on Dec. 28. Mr. and Mrs. SCHERMERHORN and daughter, Lieut. Irene SCHERMERHORN were at her bedside. Services were held Jan.11 from the Alma Methodist Church with interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

- Meadow Branch (from last week): Pvt. Chas. BERRY is here at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer BUTTS on a 15 day furlough to visit his wife and son and relatives.

- Wilson School (from last week): Mr. and Mrs. Eura SHAFFER and family attended a Christmas dinner at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom SHAFFER in honor of their son, Donald, who will leave next week for service in the armed forces.

- East Zion: Lieut. Ancel ARNOLD of Camp Lubbock, Texas, is spending furlough with homefolks. He will return to Denver, Colorado, Jan. 4.

- East Zion: Mr. and Mrs. Hobart ARNOLD and sons, Ancel and Beryle, called at the Chas. ARNOLD home, Tuesday night.

- East Zion: Mr. and Mrs. Hobart ARNOLD and sons, Ancel and Beryl, called at the James BASSETT home Thursday night.

- East Zion: S. Sgt. Marvin BASSETT and wife spent Thursday at the Harold BELCHER home.

- Wilson School: A farewell party was tendered for Mr. and Mrs. Marion SHUFELDT on New Year’s Eve. As they are leaving our community this spring and moving to their home near Bee Branch, which was recently purchased. Music, singing, and games were enjoyed. Refreshments were served near the close of 1944, and the New Year was ushered in for 1945. A list of those attending was included.

- Young School: Mr. and Mrs. Ellis WILKINSON had word from their son, Pvt. Xon, that he was ready to sail for overseas duty.

- Swift School: Last Tuesday neighbors went to the home of Frank GREEN and got his winter supply of wood and sawed it for him. He is still confined to his bed, and not much improved.

- Swift School: Pvt. Paul MONTGOMERY, wife and son spent Wednesday at the Billie MORRIS home.

- Swift School: Laura Jean GREEN of Olney spent the weekend with her father, W.L. GREEN, Burl and Louise.

- Meacham: The Community Birthday Circle and their families held their annual New Year Eve’s party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E.G. DILLON, which was also a joint celebration of the 25th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Rubin CRAIN. A list of those attending was included.

- Meacham: Virgil BURKETT, CF 1 c, who has been in the South Pacific area for 22 months came home Monday to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank BURKETT.

- Meacham: Pvt. Carroll ALLEN, wife and baby spent a few days in Farina with his father and on Thursday left for Ft. Knox, Ky.

- "333" In the Service: Leland B. ALDERSON, Cecil ALDRICH, Xon L. ALEXANDER, Daniel A. ARNOLD, Grace ARNOLD, Mark L. ARNOLD, Donna B. ARNOLD, Raymond ATKINS, Merle BAYLIS, Lloyd BAILEY, Ray Y. BAILEY, Calvin BARBEE, William BARBEE, Lyle E. BARBEE, Everett D. BASS, Oliver M. BASS, Robert L. BASS, James A. BASSETT, James M. BASSETT, Lawrence H. BASSETT, Charles BERRY, Thomas A. BOONE, John T. BORING, Joseph BORING, James R. BOSTON, Marion BOSTON, Norman R. BOWMAN, W. Arthur BOYD, Fred BOYD, Thomas F. BOYD, Cecil BRIM, Charles BRIM, C.M. BROOM, Dale R. BROOM, John A. BROOM Jr., Wilbur A. BROOM, Ernest V. BROOM, Earl BRIMBERRY, Joe A. BRIMBERRY, Dean BRUBAKER, Forrest BURKETT, Virgil BURKETT, Warren BUSWELL, George BUTTS, Harold B. BUTTS, John W. CALDWELL, Ted CALDWELL, Clyde B. CAMERER, Harold CHANCE, Frances CHEATUM, Floyd CHEATUM, Alonzo CHURCH, Eldon D. COLCLASURE, Arvie Lee COX, Ambrose L. CRAIG, Lyle CONANT, James D. CONANT, Albert CORRELL, Carl CRAIN, Fred E. CRAIN, Roy W. DAVIS, W. Ralph DAY, Dwight C. DAY, Ivan DEVORE, Henry E. DeWEESE, Beryl DISS, Charles D. DISS, James DONOHO, A.H. DOOLEN, Charles L. DOOLEN, Bennie DOOLEN, Carl G. DOOLEN, Florence DOOLEN, Roy DOOLEN, Walter J. DOOLEN, Louie F. DOUDERA, Leo E. DONOVAN, Norman Lee DOWNS, James O. EAGAN, Floyd EAGAN, Noah EAGAN, Thomas EDWARDS, D.B. EGELSTON, James ELLIS, Tiny L. ELLIS, Carl T. FIELDS, Harold W. FIELDS, Charles DeFORDE, Kenneth L. FULFER, Andrew W. GAMMON, Rex GAMMON, Fred GAMMON, Harry L. GAMMON, Merle GARDENER, Dwight W. GARNER, Junior GARRETT, Chas. W. GARRETT, James E. GARRETT, Marvin GARRETT, Theodore L. GARRETT, Christy GENTRY, Orville GORDON, Donald R. GRAY, Harry E. GRAY Jr., Robert A. GRAY, Carl K. GREEN, Lyle W. GREEN, James W. GREEN, William H. GREEN Jr., Thomas Leroy GREEN, Edward HALLER, Delbert S. HAMMER, Howard HAMMER, James E. HAMMER, Merle HAMMER, Clifton HAMPSTEN, Louis Ervin HAMPSTEN, Richard D. HAMPSTEN, Virgil HAMPSTEN, James HANKS, H. Dwight HANNA, B.L. HANNA, Robert D. HANNA, Duane HANNA, Eldred J. HANSON, John HANSON, Virgil HARRIS, Charles HAYS, Lewis HAYS, Merle HEADLEY, Carl HEADLEY, Harve L. HEADLEY, Russell HEADLEY, R.C. HEADLEY, Wesley HEADLEY, Orville E. HEICHER, John Howard HELM, William H. HILL, John HINES, Gail W. HINES, Anson A. HINKLEY, Billy Eugene HOCKADAY, Ralph G. HOYT, Francis HICKMAN, Dwight INGRAM, Glenn G. INGRAM, Cecil E. INGRAM, Elwin G. INGRAM, Joseph R. INGRAM, L.C. INGRAM, Ray H. INGRAM, W. Coy INGRAM, Virgil U. JAMISON, Kenneth E. JACKSON, H. Merle JACKSON, Charles E. JASPER, Emmerson JONES, Harold W. JONES, Leon JONES, Ralph JENKINS, Chas. W. JENKINS, James E. JENKINS, John E. JEZEK, Edward JEZEK, Benjamin N. JOHNSON, C.W. JOHNSON, Harvey M. JOHNSTON, D. Floyd JONES, Harold JONES, Cecil F. JONES, Richard JONES, James C. JONES, George KEEN, L.C. (Pete) KEEN, Harold KLEISS, Charles B. KLINE, G.R. KOTTKAMP, Harlas D. KRUTSINGER, M. Hugh LACEY, Kenneth P. LACEY, Luther LACEY, H. Ted LACEY, Harold LAMBIRD, Roosevelt LAMBIRD, Everett LANSFORD, Jack LANSFORD, Glenn LEE, Clifton LEMAY, Zarold LEWIS, Kenneth LEWIS, Nancy LOWE, Rev. Cecil LOWE, Joseph LOVETT, Robert MAHAN, Robert G. MARSHALL, Virgil I. MARSHALL, James M. McCARTY, Rex McCARTY, John W. McCULLEY, Walter McHATTON, Ira G. MERRITT, George W. MEYER, Chas. MEYER, Donald K. MILLER, Ray George MILLER, Harold R. MILLER, See MILLICAN, Ralph MILLICAN, Frederick MISELBROOK, Oliver R. MITCHELL, Charles T. MINER, Harold H. MOELLER, Raymond A. MOELLER, Willard E. MOELLER, Clyde Q. MORGAN, James MORGAN, Richard F. MOTCH, Russell MOUNT, Arthur MUEHLHAUSEN, Arthur MULVANEY, Ralph P. MULVANEY, Edward MULVANEY, Tanner MULVANY, Ernie K. MULVANY, Charley NEAL, Perry L. NEAVILLE, Royal Bruce OLDEN, Leland OLDEN, Raymond OLDEN, H.D. OSBORNE, Warren OSBORNE, Earl W. OUTHOUSE, Tony PERGL, Donald D. PARRISH, Paul PARRISH, Oliver Paul PERRY, Vernon Cleo PERRY, Lewis Chester PERRY, John PHILLIPS, Jr., James W. PIGG, R. Wayne PIGG, Kenneth PIGG, Hartzel L. POWELL, Charles E. PRUETT, Frederick PRUETT, Carl E. PRUETT, Lynn PORTER, Carl E. PURCELL, John D. PURCELL, Dan S. RAINEY Jr., Darrell D. REESE, Flory REPEC, Conrad REPEC, John G. RICHARDSON, Harold W. ROBB, John R. ROBB, Howard L. ROBB, Erwin H. SCHNEIDER, Merle SCHNEIDER, Earl SCHWABE, David SCHOOLEY, Charles R. SEE, Earl SEE, John F. SEE, Frederick SEE, Leroy SEE, John SHAFFER, Russell SHAFFER, Leland F. SHORT, Philip E. SHORT, Edwin SHREFFLER, George I. SHREFFLER, Lyle SHREFFLER, Ralph W. SIMER, Harold SIMMONS, Harold SLANE, Anne SLOVICK, Joe SLOVICK, Francis SMITH, John SMITH, Kenneth D. SMITH, Warren C. SMITH, C.C. SMITH, John H. SMITH, Charles P. SMITH, Louie B. SOUTIER, Maxey M. SPENCER, Arno SPURLIN, Lewis L. SPURLIN, Orval SPURLIN, Clouris M. STIPP, Francis G. SULLENS, Orville V. SULLENS, Rolla SULLENS, Sterling J. SULLIVAN, Burdette SWIFT, Lyle SWIFT, E.A. THOMS, Clyde B. THOMAS, Adolph TOCKSTEIN, Theodore E. TROUT, Mitchell D. UNDERWOOD, Charles V. VALLOW, Joseph G. VALLOW, Annette VALLOW, Junior L. VANSCYOC, Grover C. VETETO, Walter W. WILLIAMS, Duane WALTON, Lloyd T. WANTLAND, Benny WARREN, William WEISS, Pearl WHITE, Willard WILEY, Xon WILKINSON, Kenneth WILKINSON, Woodrow WILKINSON, Chloris WILLIAMS, Dewayne WILLIAMS, Eugene WILLIAMS, Fred WILLIAMS, Henry E. WILLIAMS, Richard WILLIAMS, Walter WILLIAMS, Bill WILSON, Dale R. WRIGHT, Paul L. WRIGHT, Kenneth WRIGHT, Andrew YATES, Victor E. YATES, Charles W. YOUNG.

Jan. 11, 1945:

- Here’s a nice letter from PFC Russell SHAFFER written Dec. 12 and at that time, he was in England. Here is what he says: Perhaps a number of my friends from the old hometown have been wondering about my activities since I last wrote you from Sheppard Field, Texas, approximately 18 months ago. You might say my career in the army has been blessed with some good breaks and a few that were not so good. My first 5 months of basic spent in an Armored Infantry Camp in Cal. After considerable red tape, I was able to transfer into the Air Corps for Air Cadet Training. I was sent to Sheppard Field, Texas, for a few weeks and then on to the Univ. of Minn., where, in 5 months training I was to acquire the foundation for the more advanced Air Cadet Training. After 5 months of hard and extensive study, I completed the college course with the prescribed 10 hours flying when the maelstrom of military events that occurred last March changed the Air Cadet Training Program. Several thousand cadets who had previous ground force training and had transferred into the Air Corps were sent back to the ground forces for the convenience of the government. There were a lot of us terribly disappointed because we knew then we would never get the wings we looked forward to and worked so hard for. There are many of us who look with longing and a great deal of envy at those planes that pass overhead. I am certain that most of the men feel as I do, that the government’s decision was vitally essential to the war effort. And all of us, I am sure, are willing to make personal sacrifices to bring about a speedy victory. About 325 aviation students left the University of Minnesota last April and were sent to an infantry camp in Wisconsin. After several months of rigorous training we were sent to a Port of Embarkation and at the present time we are stationed in England. It has taken me nearly a week to adjust myself to land again after that boat ride. The ocean was rough in places and I confess that I was plenty seasick the first 3 days of the voyage. I find that England is not unlike the stories written home by those who have preceded me. The English mannerisms and mode of living is a great deal like our own, but in many respects just the opposite. I always seem to be running into a Britisher on the streets and I find myself in an awkward position many times when we try to pass each other on the same side of the street. I have found the English very courteous and kind in every respect; making our stay here much easier. Since my arrival here I have came to realize the importance of letters from home. I wish to join with the boys over here in saying keep those letters coming our way. Mr. VALLOW, in conclusion I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for the Kinmundy paper. It means a lot to me and I hope to repay you for your kindness in the near future. Best wishes for the holiday season and may happiness by yours through the coming year.

- This one is really not a letter but a little story written by Pvt. Erschel JENKINS, who is now in Holland. He entitles this "My Life in an Ordnance Evacuation". Here it is: A lazy fog was overhead, it was around the middle of the month of July. I, along with many soldiers strained my eyes for our first glimpse of France. The crossing had been calm and very foggy. The watch of our L.S.T. really had a job as at that time many mines were floating in the waters. Every box with an odd shape, we steered around. Soon land was sighted; a sailor who had been there many times volunteered the information that we were looking at the Cherbourg Peninsula. We dropped anchor along with the other ships in the convoy and the next morning around noon we ran our ship into the sandy beach. That afternoon at 2:30 when the tide had gone out sufficiently for us to disembark, the doors or mouth of the L.S.T. swung open and out of it passed vehicles of all types loaded down with men and baggage. I and the vehicle I was driving was among the last as the light vehicles were elevated to the top deck. Off we rolled in the sandy beaches. Here was a knocked out German 88 on one side. Barbed wire entanglements were only a few weeks before; many a man had shed his blood so we, the other thousands of other men, could land in France. Yes, we saw our first battlefield, where the beginning of the end of Germany started. On we rolled inland for a few miles, there we pulled off into a field to rest or eat as we could not go to our area except under darkness. Our vehicles were camouflaged and then about all the boys ate their K rations that were issued in England and if I remember correctly they tasted damn good. It was then some time before midnight we started on our way. It was really a hard blackout trip. I got the headache so I asked my buddy, Bob LANGFORD, to take over. The roads were a mess, as they had torn up things for miles and the roads were dusty and rough. Everyone was a little jittery because all round us was gun flashes and the sound of battle. That night I saw the flashes and heard planes roaring and flares falling. For the first time in my life after near 2 years in the army, the day had come - D-Day. After a nerve racking 7 hours, we reached our area. It wasn’t far, but as I said before, the French roads were not made for vehicles such as we have, especially the roads of Normandy. We set to work and put up our tents and then the shovel I had started to use, of course, a foxhole. A night or so passed then we were awakened by a (Jerry) German plane that came over regular to see what he could see, of course, it was a recon plane, but the AA didn’t bother to shoot as it would give our positions away. Anyway, we called him Bed Check Charlie, for the name we all figured, was best. Anyway my tent was pitched where I could roll right in my foxhole. We were in earnest, our practice was in the past. From day to day we saw the ruins of battle vehicles strewn along the roads and bomb and shell craters everywhere. We went thru the town of Volognes where nothing but shells of buildings were left. It is one of the most destructed towns I’ve seen in that vicinity to date. I couldn’t say that because Aachen has the record and some seem to think St. Lo. We were in the vicinity of the town of Bricquebec which you have known from the news of the past. The conquest of Cherbourg was over. We at this time, weeks ago can’t say when, but will tell you later we controlled the whole peninsula. After a few days of rain our enormous tank movers were sticking all over the orchard. Some of the boys sat in the old orchard on the first Sunday sitting on their helmets with their guns and gas masks by their side. After a few days rain, we moved to another apple orchard. Normandy is nothing but orchards and little fields. The people back there then were not too friendly as they had not fared so badly under the German. They finally warmed up to us and cognac and hard cider was produced by most of them, especially if they thought they might get a few cigarettes. We some times were given fresh eggs by many. Anyway the eggs were darn good compared to the C or K rations that we were getting. From this vicinity I often had runs into Cherbourg and Barneville. Cherbourg is a quaint old city of narrow streets built upon the bluffs over looking the sea. Here we saw the evidence of our Naval bombardments. They had done a good job and deserve much credit for the quick victory of Cherbourg. At Barneville was a large resort area along the sea. A Red Cross club was soon set up and we enjoyed many good baths in the sea. Salt water, as you know, doesn’t clean one too well, but we felt much better. In Bricquebec the public showers of a hotel was turned over to the Americans to use free. Here I had my first hot shower in France for about a month. In a few days after a big break through on July 25 we left Normandy for Brittany and was bivouacked in the vicinity of Fourgeres. Here we had a good area in a large timber. On our way to this area we experienced our first flower tossings and the people lining the roads with bottles of wine and cider waving their hands. We were moving otherwise, I am afraid there would have been some or many tipsy soldiers. Fourgeres was wrecked, the people seemed to not be certain whether the (Boche) Germans or Americans did it. Not many of the homes were left there for the people to come back to. One unforgettable sight was a house completely torn in half as if one had taken a saw to divide it for a show purpose. The bath tub and stool in the bathroom, table and a chair, bed and dresser were in sight along with a portion of the kitchen. Rain had blown in upon it for many days. They were lucky because many couldn’t find a piece of their stuff. We were not far from a little lake that was made into a (W.P.) Water Point. Again we took our baths below it. The first thing we looked for was a place to bathe as the roads were so dusty when dry. Mortain had not fallen then and the Germans were trying to cut us off from Normandy. It was useless as they soon found out. By this time we knew we were here to stay. Before we moved from that area, the people were returned to Foureres on wagons and carts pulled by donkeys or behind bicycles - people had all their worldly possessions. Many times the animal had all he could pull and the family wearily trudged along beside. The next city of any size that we moved close to was Lo Mans. The smaller towns around where we were camped had not felt the arm of war like the larger places. This time we were closed to a river. Here we got to swim a lot. It happed to be quite warm there. Le Mans is a nice city. It is one of the prettiest I have ever seen. They had some of the prettiest flower bed arrangements around the monuments in town of any place that I’ve ever seen. One was a sundial with each section a different color flower. Le Mans was off the limits so I didn’t see too much except going through after rations. Only the area around the rail road yards seemed to be damaged the most. It was through here on the Brest and Paris Railroad many Americans traveled during the last war or I may say World War I. It was not long until we moved again. The tanks we haul must reach where they are need quickly. Many of the crews have delivered tanks in areas under direct enemy fire and we would bring them back for repairs. With a system like ours, we couldn’t hardly loose and I say we are bound to win any war. We moved in the vicinity of Fountainebleau which is on the Seine River only 45 miles from Paris. When I say vicinity I mean it was the closest town of any size. It was here we first met the type of people that France is noted for. They dressed in the best clothes and enjoyed spending their evenings at the famous side walk cafes, which, I have heard so much about. Fountainebleau is a town of much historical interest. Here the castles of many Kings of France stands. It is the second largest in Europe. I spent a part of one afternoon in going through it. It has the harp of Josephine, Napoleon’s wife and his bed only 5 feet long and all the various paintings, etc. Oh yes, the wine the French make I first heard was the best but it didn’t taste too good. The champagne is excellent. It sells for 8 to 10 dollars a quart. It all depends on how much lingo you can talk. Most of us went to Paris for a day; our commanding officer wanted us all to have the memory of Paris to take home with us. Paris is undescribable. It would take a month to see it all. I went up the Eiffel Town, saw Notre Dame, The Arch of Triumph, and many other things that brought great interest. I thought the clothing, I mean hats our women wore were fantastic, but you should see what the women look like here with such odd looking hats. How they dress so well, no I don’t know, but as one English speaking Frenchman said, "they spend their last franc on their clothes." The girls are beautiful but can’t beat the American girls. I guess it is due to several things. If I could understand their words it would be easier to like them, is my opinion. Yes, Paris is the city of cities, it is nice and we Americans got a very warm reception there. It was about a week after it’s liberation. We have left all of that behind and it is just a memory now. Things are much different here in Holland, but I have seen some beautiful places in Luxembourg and Belgium, such as forest trees planted in rows, they however were tall pines. Holland I always thought was one windmill after another, but I’ve only seen one and again this is all in the past. Aachen is nothing but a city that will take many years to be the same. Believe me, if we do them all that way on the road to Berlin, they will surely think twice before the so-called Master Race raises it’s self toward war again. Well, the rest must wait for another day to be told. Perhaps the end is not far off. Naturally, we all want to get home but a lot remains to be finished here and in the Pacific. Let us hope the Japs fall soon after the Jerries.

- Mr. and Mrs. Fred KLEISS, residing south of this city, received a telegram from the War Dept. Monday stating that their son, Sgt. Harold W. KLEISS, had been seriously wounded in Germany on Dec. 18. No further word has reached the family.

- In the Priest’s Parlor of the Holy Family Catholic Church in St. Louis on Jan. 2 occurred the wedding of Miss Jean VALLOW to PFC Lavern KEEN. Attendants were Miss Patsy SNOW of East St. Louis, a cousin to the bride, and Cpl. James W. PIGG, a close friend to both the bride and groom. The bride’s father was present as well as 10 intimate friends. A reception was held at the Casino Club afterwards. The bride is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.B. VALLOW of this city, and is a graduate of the local high school with the class of ‘43. For the past year and a half, she has been employed in the offices of the Missouri-Pacific Railroad Co. in St. Louis as file clerk. The groom is grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene KEEN of this city. For the past 2 years he has served in the armed forces of the United States. At the present time he is attached to the Airborne Infantry. Prior to his induction into the army he was employed as a machinist in the Rock Island Arsnel. The bride will resume her work in St. Louis and the groom will proceed to Ft. Meade, Md. where he will be stationed a short time.

- Andrew JONES died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Chas. PLOWMAN, in Mattoon on Friday after suffering a stroke on Tuesday previous at his home in this city. Services were held in Mattoon with interment in Paxton Ill. cemetery. He was 77 years old and had made his home in Kinmundy for the past 5 years. He leaves a wife, Mrs. Dora JONES of Mattoon; 4 daughters, Mrs. Osie PLOWMAN of Mattoon; Mrs. Faye ROBIN of Oak Lawn; Mrs. Zetta SNYDER of Detroit, Mich.; Mrs. Ida MANN of Oak Lawn; 2 sons, Errett of Los Angeles, Cal., and Paul of Detroit, Mich.; 4 grandchildren; 1 sister, Mrs. Abbie WILKINSON of Kankakee and 1 brother, Charles, of Centralia.

- Tec 5 and Mrs. Guin VALLOW returned to Battle Creek, Mich. yesterday.

- In Memoriam of our dear husband and father, Noah THOMAS, who died Jan. 12, 1942. Mrs. Allie THOMAS and children.

- The remains of Miss Mae SCHERMERHORN, who died in San Francisco, Cal., Dec. 28, arrived here last night on the I.C. Train and was taken to the home of her sister, Mrs. John A. BROOM near Alma. Services will be held from the Alma Methodist Church with interment in Evergreen Cemetery in this city. - Meacham: Virgil BURKETT S1 c returned to San Francisco, Cal. Wednesday for reassignment after spending his furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank BURKETT.

- Pleasant Grove: Several neighbors and friends called at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Guy SHAFFER on New Year’s night to spend a few hours with Lt. and Mrs. John SHAFFER as they were leaving the next morning to go back to army duties. The time was pleasantly spent in viewing pictures which John showed of different places, parks, views he had taken in natural colors. The time passed all too soon to bid them good-bye.

- Meadow Branch: Pvt. Chas. BERRY returned to his camp in Oklahoma Monday after a 15 day furlough with relatives.

- Green Ridge: Pvt. Merle HEADLEY, who has served 32 months overseas, has a 30 day furlough here with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edd HEADLEY. There will be a chili supper and wiener roast for him at the home of her sister, Mrs. Jessie DOUDERA, on Jan. 18th. Everyone is invited.

- Lt. and Mrs. Ralph DAY of Florida visited his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dwight DAY near Alma.

- T. Sgt. Francis G. SULLENS, who is home on furlough, after spending 15 months in the Southwest Pacific and parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.E. SULLENS of Alma, were dinner guests of the C.W. WARREN’s Wednesday.

- Mrs. Elizabeth ATKINS has returned home after spending several weeks in Hartford, Ill. with her daughter, Mrs. J.H. BACKENSTO and family.

- Cpl. Donald PARRISH arrived home Tuesday for furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.S. PARRISH.

- Cadet Annette VALLOW of St. Louis spent Sunday with homefolks.

Jan. 18, 1945:

- Sgt. Harold W. KLEISS, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred KLEISS, Died in Belgium December 19th: Again the horrors of war has descended upon our community and taken from us another young man whom we had hoped would again take his place in civilian life after this affair was over. Last week we announced that Sgt. Harold W. KLEISS had been seriously wounded in Germany on Dec. 18th. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred KLEISS, received that word from the War Dept. on Monday of last week. Since that time, they had built up hope that they would receive some word direct from him telling him of his wounds and for them not to worry that everything was going to be alright. But that letter never came. On Monday evening of this week, the parents received another message from the War Dept. stating that Sgt. Harold died in Belgium from wounds on Dec. 19th. This was a mighty hard blow to this good family as well as to the whole community. The father has been in ill heath the past fall and winter having suffered an attack of undulant fever. He has sold off most of his livestock but tried to hold on to just enough so his son would have enough to start farming with when he returned. Big plans had been made for his return just the same as any parents make for their boys. But when word like this is received, all plans are null and void and one does not know which way to turn. We think we know just how these good people feel and everyone in the community are extending their deepest sympathy. Harold William, son of Fred W. and Dora STOCK KLEISS, was born Aug. 17, 1917, on the present homestead south of Kinmundy. He attended grade school at Wilson School and was graduated from High School with the class of ‘35. During his high school career and after finishing high school, he engaged in farming and was pronounced one our leading young farmers. He was inducted into the armed services on July 7, 1942, sailed overseas on Oct. 14, 1944, was a member of the Field Artillery, Field Survey Section. When he sailed overseas, he held the rank of Corp., but soon afterwards was advanced to Sergeant. Besides his parents, he leaves a twin sister, Helen, and older sister, Mildred, both at home and an aged grandmother, Mrs. Frank KLEISS, of Pesotum. An older brother, Merle, a twin to Mildred, died in infancy. Harold was certainly a good boy and a likeable lad He made friends wherever he went. He was a very devout boy, being raised in the Catholic faith, from which he never swerved. He was a member of St. Philomena’s Catholic Church of this city. Being such a good Christian lad, makes the grief much easier to bear. (A picture accompanied this article.)

- Memorial services will be held Jan. 22 in St. Philomena’s Catholic Church for Sgt. Harold W. KLEISS who died from wounds received in Germany. Kinmundy Post No. 519 will sound taps. The family requests no flowers, please. All places of business are asked to close at 9:30 and remain closed until after the services.

- Elno and Harvey BROWN were called to Danville, Wednesday, on account of the serious illness of their brother, Arthur, who underwent an operation for ulcers of the stomach.

- Mr. and Mrs. F.A. MOTCH left Tuesday for the state of Washington to visit several days with their son, Richard, who is expecting to go overseas soon. Richard is with the Navy.

- Lois NELMS ROBB, eldest daughter of John H. and Jessie HEATON NELMS, was born in Kinmundy, Sept. 11, 1893, and died in St. Anthony’s Hospital, Effingham, Jan. 9, 1945. She grew to womanhood in Kinmundy and was graduated of the local high school with the class of ‘15, the second member of this class to pass away. On June 26, 1915, she married John ROBB, and they had 2 sons: Major John ROBB, now somewhere in China, and PFC Howard ROBB, now somewhere in the South Pacific. This couple farmed until 1933, when Mr. ROBB received the appointment of Highway Patrolman under the late Gov. HORNER. This position he held until his death on Oct. 7, 1936. She grieved the loss of her husband very much, which attributed considerably to her failing health She was also preceded in death by her mother and brother, Howard. She was a member of the Christian Church of this city, Kinmundy chapter of O.E.S., and Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Danville, Ill. Besides her 2 sons, she leaves: a daughter-in-law, Mrs. John ROBB, Highland Park, Ill.; 2 grandchildren; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. NELMS of Kinmundy; a brother, Charles E. NELMS of Peoria; a sister, Mrs. Martha CRAIG of Danville; 2 step-sisters, Mrs. Hallie COMBS of Springfield, and Mrs. Hazel SIEMER of Kinmundy; and a step-brother, Harry F. DENNIS of Louisville, Ill. Services were held from the Christian Church with interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

- Virgil BURKETT left Saturday for California to resume his duties on a destroyer.

- Mr. and Mrs. H.J. CLINEBELL and family of Springfield, and Mr. and Mrs. H.W. WHITTENBURG and family of Madisonville, Ky., recently visited with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. WHITTENBURG, and helped their father celebrate his 85th birthday.

- Frances SULLENS and Sonny SULLENS are enjoying a furlough with their families in Alma, after serving 19 months in the Southwest Pacific with the Marines.

- Martha SWIFT GORDON was born March 11, 1870, 3 miles west of Kinmundy. The early part of her left was spent around Kinmundy. For the past 20 years, she has lived in Decatur. She was a member of the U.B. Church there. She had 8 children, 3 dying in infancy. Those surviving are 4 daughters and a son: Mrs. Clella WAINSCOTT of this city; Mrs. Nellie ADAMS of Decatur; Mrs. Pearl RUDELL of Salem; Mrs. Imogene PEER of Decatur; and Harry MANION of Lansing, Mich.; 3 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clella WAINSCOTT in Kinmundy on Jan. 12, 1945. Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home with interment in Sandy Branch Cemetery.

- Barbara Ann, daughter of Milton and Zeva ORCUTT of 107 E. Bradley in Champaign, was born June 6, 1944, and died Jan. 8, 1945. She leaves, besides her parents,; 1 brother, Milton Jr., aged 4; 1 sisters, Bonnie Jean, age 2; her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. G.F. ORCUTT of Champaign, formerly of Kinmundy; and A.P. ELLIOTT of Spickard, Mo.; and 1 great-grandfather, W.H. ORCUTT of Champaign, also formerly of Kinmundy. Services were held at the MacMillan funeral parlor in Champaign. Barbara Ann died of pneumonia after 2 weeks illness.

- Lt. and Mrs. John MARTIN have a daughter, Judith Leet, born in West Frankfort Hospital Jan. 6. The baby’s mother is formerly Virginia WILKINSON, granddaughter of Mrs. Prudence WILKINSON. Lt. MARTIN is now overseas.

- The 115th General Hospital, England: Wounded while organizing his platoon for an assault on a small town near Metz, France, Technical Sergeant Ralph W. SIMER, 34 of East St. Louis, Ill., is recovering at this United States Army general hospital in England. "Sgt. SIMER, who is under treatment for a compound fracture of the left clavicle bone, is making satisfactory progress, and probably be sent back to the United States for further treatment" said the Ward Surgeon. He has received the purple heart. The action in which Sgt. SIMER was wounded took place near a small town between Metz and Thionville. "After 40 hours of continuous fighting to overcome Nazi fortified positions," said Sgt. SIMER, "our company was preparing for the assault on a small town. As platoon sergeant, I was moving my group into position. The enemy opened fire on us and in moving from squad to squad to organize the unit for attack, a German sniper shot me. I believe our men finally got him. Sgt. SIMER said that German mortar fire was so heavy, he had to seek cover about 200 yards away after he was wounded. After treatment at other hospitals in France, he was evacuated to England by plane. Sgt. SIMER, in the army since July 6, 1942, came overseas with a Division. His unit was in the push thru the Maginot Line, in the Moselle River crossing and in the fighting for Metz. His wife, Mrs. Armethia SIMER, resides at the Columbia place address and is a supervisor at the Christian Welfare Hospital in E. St. Louis. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.M. SIPES, reside southeast of Kinmundy. A brother, Pvt. James SIPES, is with the Air Force at Sioux Falls, Iowa. Before entering the army, Sgt. SIMER was employed as a yardman for the Cassidy Southwest Commission Co, National Stock Yards, Illinois. He is a graduate of Salem High School, Salem, Ill.

- Here’s a nice letter from Thomas Leroy GREEN, S1 c, who is stationed in Pearl Harbor. Here is what he says: I think it about time I was writing you and telling you thanks a million for sending al the boys from good old Kinmundy the paper, while we are away and don’t know all that’s going on around there, so thanks a lot for the good work and keep it up. I know all the others that get the paper appreciate it as much as I do even though the news is old when we get it. I just hope we can get back and thank you in person instead of trying to write letters. Letters are O.K. until the censors get in the mood to do a little clipping out of them, then that is tough. I can’t say very much but will tell you what I can. Even though I am supposed to be in the Navy, I’m what you would call a good dry land sailor. I’m assigned to a unit that works on the good solid terra firma. A medical unit in fact. We haven’t seen any action yet, but our time is coming. It may confuse you just like it does me but we are wearing Marine uniforms and attached to the Marines. So I really don’t know whether to call myself a sailor or Marine. We are having the best weather for winter I ever saw. It’s weather just about like July in Illinois and every thing is green and the flowers, well a lot of the women around there would give a lot to have to have a few of them in their front yard. Also some nice big insects you call mosquitoes, but to us they are dive bombers. We go swimming all the time out here in the Pacific to keep cool. I can’t think of any more to say even though I haven’t said much of anything, so will close for this time hoping to be back and see all of you some day. Good luck to all of you and thanks again for the paper. Will be glad to hear from any one who wants to write me a few lines. Oh yes, one more thing before I close. I read a letter John JEZEK wrote that he hadn’t seen anyone from home so I will tell you just how lucky I am. I haven’t been stationed any where yet that I haven’t run across some one I knew from home. Saw Kenny JACKSON in Texas; my cousin, L.E. GREEN in Cal.; and now out here I ran across Emmit GARRETT. So I guess I am just a lucky fellow. All for now, will see you before many months.

- Swift School: Pearle GARRETT spent Tuesday with her aunt, Emma ARNOLD.

- Swift School: Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth ROBB and daughter spent Sunday in Kinmundy at the Bert GARRETT home.

- Swift School: Pvt. Harold CHANCE returned to camp last Friday and his brother, James, also left the same day to be inducted into the army.

- Swift School: Frank JONES and wife received word this week that theirs son, Cecil, had left overseas duty.

- Swift School: Mrs. Mildred WELSH and Leta ATKINS visited Sunday with Mrs. Harold ROBB and daughter.

- Swift School: Mr. and Mrs. Elsworth CHANDLER and 2 daughters of Weston visited from Thursday until Sunday here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT.

- Pleasant Grove: Pvt. Roy MILLER has returned to Texas, where he took his basic training.

- Meacham: Mr. and Mrs. E.G. DILLON and Mr. and Mrs. E.W. SOLDNER and Charles attended the funeral held in Alma Thursday for Miss Mae SCHERMERHORN.

- Meacham: Mrs. Carroll ALLEN went to Camp Knox, Ky. to visit a few days last week with her husband, who is stationed there.

- Prairie Grove: Dr. WALKER was called Wednesday to see Mrs. Minnie COURSON. She is suffering with appendicitis, and is reported improving.

- Shriver School: Edd ATTERBURY has received word that their son, Sam, is missing in action. He was with Gen. PATTON’s Army.

- Swift School (from last week): Pvt. Harold CHANCE of Kansas is spending his furlough with his parents, C.S. CHANCE and family and other relatives.

- Swift School (from last week): Pvt. Paul MONTGOMERY left for a camp in California Tuesday. His wife accompanied him as far as St. Louis and returned home Wednesday.

- East Meadow Branch: Mr. and Mrs. Dale HAMMER, Janet and Donn of Sumner, called on her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wes ROBB, Saturday afternoon.

- East Meadow Branch: Mrs. Esta ROBB spent Tuesday with Mrs. Velma ROBB and Sharon Fay at the O.M. CONANT home.

- Buddy ROBNETT, James HALL, and James CHANCE left Friday night for Chicago where they were inducted into the army.

- Mrs. Effie ROBB returned home last Wednesday from Hammond, Ind. where she had spent 3 weeks with her son, Forrest DOOLEN and family.

Jan. 25, 1945:

- Here’s a nice letter from Pvt. Ralph JENKINS, dated Dec. 27, and written somewhere in Belgium. Here is what he says: Well, here I am once more and this time from Belgium. Just got caught up with all my correspondence and so thought I would drop my editor a few lines to let you know a little about the country of Belgium. The first thing I want to tell you is this spot where we are located is very beautiful. It looks as though it was a summer resort of some kind and there is a monastery here and it is operated like people running some kind of a large establishment and the people who run it are monks. They are supposed to be very religious people. This place is real old; lots of it is over a thousand years old. It has real old antique monuments of the kings and queens of different countries. It is very nice to visit and we wouldn’t have had a chance, but we moved close to it so they gave us permission to go and see it. Well, Norris, how is everything around the old hometown. Suppose it practically the same. Suppose you around home are getting over the holidays by now. Well, we had turkey Christmas Eve and also had it again for chow tonight. We got 300 lbs. of turkey and we had 2 delicious meals. One thing about this company we have some swell cooks and that’s something most companies can’t say. Well, Norris, I haven’t got a paper for quite some time. I guess it has been around 2 months. I guess our mail must be held up some place because our letters are not coming thru the way they should Of course they have difficulties at times over here, which, I expect you know without me telling you. Here is hoping I get some good old papers soon. Makes no difference if they are a month old, they will be something to read and to tell you the truth, I would give anything to have some news from home. Got a V-Mail tonite from a friend back home and it was the first in almost a week. Most of us have received our Christmas packages but, of course, we have more coming but they are held up some place, I guess. Well, how does the news sound like back home? Do most people think the war will end soon or not? We listen to the news now and then and to tell you the truth from what I’ve seen, I don’t see how the Jerries can hold out much longer and here’s hoping they don’t as I am ready for the good old U.S.A. I have often wondered how it is going to seem to step off the gang-plank in New York or somewhere. Well, Norris, don’t know much more, so will close for to night and go to bed. So here’s hoping to receive some good old Kinmundy papers before long.

- Here’s a nice letter, dated Jan. 6, from Sgt. John D. PURCELL, who is now in Philippines. He doesn’t say just what he is doing but we can imagine. Here is what he says: This must be a great surprise to you to receive a letter from this G.I. Well, I have enjoyed your paper for a long time, especially the Boys letters and your Zatso column, and I haven’t contributed a bit to it. I started getting the paper again about Christmas time; the issues ranged from Sept. to Nov. 23, which, I received yesterday. Especially after no news for so long a time, I’m reading every line. I take this opportunity to thank you for the splendid job you are doing in sending the paper to all of we boys. Well, I know of no other way to attempt a letter of interest than to briefly review the past 2 years of my army life. I entered the service in Oct. ‘42, and to a great extent against my desire, but I had received my greetings. I soon found myself on the west coast and as time went by the army didn’t seem to be such a bad place; and now I’m in such rut, I hardly know any better. The first year and a half was spent up and down the west coast from Seattle to San Diego, getting training which, we thought at the time, very impractical. During this time I got my share of the furloughs for which I’m thankful now. We began to think our part in the war was going to be slight and we weren’t exactly complaining either. But when things began to happen, we weren’t slow. We left the states in July and spent some time in Hawaii, we went to Honolulu quite often, but were somewhat disappointed. It didn’t seem to be the beautiful place that I had pictured. Even Waikiki Beach didn’t equal some in the states. Although I must admit it would be a great change with the innumerable G.I.’s off the streets, and one vacationing there with more charming company. But we didn’t stay there long because October found us in the Philippines. After seeing some of the headlines of papers at about that time, I believe you can tell me a lot about what happened here. Ha! Ha! But now the roar of guns has ceased and we are taking things a little quieter and easier. The rains here have been terrific. It only rained a few inches yesterday. But this morning I am basking in the sunshine, while dreaming of thoughts of home. I am glad to see the Overseas Rotation Plan beginning to bring some results. I was very happy to learn that my good friend, Dale BROOM, was home on leave. "Red" HAMMER is another that deserves move liberty than he received and I have seen where others that I am not personally acquainted with got home after long years overseas. I have been much concerned about the German front recently, especially because my brother, Carl, is back on that front again. Here is hoping that our final victories may come soon with the cost of lives light, and that we may return to our homes and loved ones in ‘45. Well, I must not take too much of your time. If all of you will keep the home front going just a little longer we will soon be there to relieve you. So long for now and keep your chin up.

- Miss Clarabelle HUGGINS, daughter of Mrs. E.C. HUGGINS of Cerro Gordo, and George W. MORTLAND, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.M. MORTLAND of Farmer City, were married Sunday at the home of Mrs. Francis STEVENS HUGGINS of Bloomington. Mrs. HUGGINS is sister-in-law of the bride. Attendants were Miss Jean HOFFMAN of Mansfield, and Richard CRUMBAUGH of Leroy. The bride graduated from LeRoy H.S., and Illinois State Univ. with the class of ‘41. Since graduation, she has been an instructor of English in the Cerro Gordo Twp. H.S. She will finish the present school term before joining her husband. Mr. MORTLAND is a graduate of LeRoy H.S. and for the last 5 years has been stationed in the Hawaiian Islands doing radio work for the Civil Aeronautics administration of the Dept. of Commerce. At the present time he is located in Cal. at the San Francisco Municipal Airport.

- Relatives have received word here stating the Pvt. Charles DISS was permitted to spend a 3 day pass the last 3 days in the old year, with his aunt, Lt. Grace ARNOLD, who is stationed in a Base Hospital in Belgium.

- Arthur E. BROWN, the son of Harvey and Arminda HOWELL BROWN, was born in Marion Co., Kinmundy, Ill., Jan. 13, 1892, where he resided until he was the age of 19. He married Jessie MERCER after which they made their home near Cartter, Ill. They had 6 children, 3 sons and 3 daughters: Arthur J. Mercer, Harvey, Nellie, Martha, and Margaret. Some time after the death of his wife, Jessie MERCER BROWN, he was united in marriage to Jessie FINN. To this union was born 1 child, a daughter, who preceded her father in death. Some time after the death of his daughter, Jessie Alice, this marriage expired, after which he made his home in Danville, Ill. He married to Dencie REED in 1938, and they resided in Danville, Ill. Other than his wife and children, he leaves his mother, Mrs. Arminda BROWN, 3 brothers, Harvey, Elnoe and Willard, and 2 sisters, Rochelle and Harriett. He was 53 years and 6 days of age. He was a member of the First Church of Christ. His 3 sons are all in the service of the United States Army overseas. Services were held in Danville, with short services also held at Linton Funeral Home in Kinmundy. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery in Kinmundy.

- Miss Mae SCHERMERHORN, daughter of A.V. and Belle SCHERMERHORN, formerly of Kinmundy, was born in St. Louis, Mo. on April 14, 1883. She moved to a farm near Kinmundy with her parents in 1886, where she resided until 1904. During this time she spent 1 year at the Univ. of Ill. After 1 year of employment in Aurora, Ill., she went to Seattle, Wash. in 1905. While there she resided with her brother, Frank. She was employed by the dept. stores of that city, being employed by one for 16 years. She later accepted a better position in Los Angeles, remaining there for a year. Then she moved to San Francisco, where she resided until her death. Previous to her employment there, she was a buyer of goods for her dept. In spite of failing health in the past few years, she has worked harder and longer than ever before. When the Air Raid Warning Service started in San Francisco, she immediately volunteered and gave over 100 hours of her time to that service. This was aside from her duties in the Fur Dept. of the Emporium, where she was employed. She was very devoted to her mother and made frequent trips back to Illinois to visit her. She died Dec. 28, 1944 at the Stanford-Lane Hospital in San Francisco. Services were held at Halsted Funeral Home. The body was brought back to Illinois by her brother, Earnest and wife, who had been at her bedside. Services were held at Alma Methodist Church with interment in Evergreen Cemetery in Kinmundy. She is survived by her mother; 2 brothers, Frank of Seattle, Wash.; and Ernest of Ridgefarm, Ill.; 2 sisters, Mrs. J.A. BROOM of Alma; and Mrs. J.C. BROOM of Linton, Ind.; also 20 nephews and nieces.

- Sgt. John Howard HELM arrived here Sunday morning wearing 5 gold bars on the left sleeve of his blouse, each bar representing 6 months service overseas. Sgt. HELM has spent these 30 months in the Southwest Pacific with the Field-Artillery. He can tell you lots about Hawaii, Gaudacanal, New Britain, New Guinea, as well as several of the small islands in the Theater of War. He is now making the best of his 21 days delay enroute. As he stepped from the train Sunday morning, he was greeted by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Marion HELM, as well as several friends, who needless to say, are very happy over his arrival home. And of course Howard is happy about the whole affair also. He looks a little fatigued, and carries a nice coat of tan. He says the weather here is much different to what he has been accustomed to. Sgt. HELM is enroute to Miami Beach, Fla., where he will be reassigned. (A picture accompanied this article.)

- Mr. and Mrs. Earl MORRIS, of Marshall, Ill., but formerly of this city, received a card Friday bearing the name of Edgar MORRIS, Mus 2 c, with the following: "Dear Folks: Am quite well. Health good. In happy spirits. Please don’t worry. Am thinking of you always. Inform friends. Love, Edgar." The parents stated that it was not Edgar’s handwriting but they believed it to be authentic because as well as some Japanese writing, it also bore the number of an U.S. censor. There was no date on the card. It will be remembered that Edgar was reported missing about 3 years ago with the sinking of the U.S.S. Houston. Since receiving this card, his parents believe him to be a prisoner of the Japs.

- Memorial services were held Monday in St. Philomena’s Church in this city, in honor of Sgt. Harold W. KLEISS, who died of wounds in Belgium on Dec. 19. A list of those participating in the services, as well as those attending from a distance was included.

- In the Zatso column, Mr. VALLOW talks about the death of Sgt. Harold W. KLEISS, and how close he was to their family.

- Pleasant Grove: A pie supper will be held at the town house in Brubaker Feb. 1. Proceeds are to be used to purchase a piano for the Town House as the organ is in very bad condition. The public is invited.

- Meacham: Mr. and Mrs. F.S. HARRIS called on Mr. and Mrs. Edwin HARRELL Sunday evening.

- Omega: Lawrence VANDEVEER of the U.S. Air Corps, was here last week visited his brother, Sherrill and family.

- Swift School: Mr. and Mrs. R.H. GREEN were called to Salem Tuesday to see Mrs. GREEN’s mother, Mrs. Gertrude WADE at Salem Hospital. She was badly burned when a coal oil range caught fire at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Glen ROBB.

- Swift School: Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY and son, Darrell Gene, Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT and daughter, Donna Mae, and Helen and Evelyn BASSETT spent Sunday in Kinmundy at the Bert GARRETT home.

- Swift School: Guy ARNOLD and R.H. GREEN attended the funeral of Arthur BROWN at Linton’s Funeral Home, Monday.

- Mrs. Gertrude WADE, who is making her home in Salem with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Glen ROBB, was painfully burned Tuesday while lighting a kerosene stove. She was burned about the face and arms and was taken to the hospital immediately, where it will be necessary for her to remain a few weeks. The burns are not pronounced serious, but are very painful.

- Ensign Orval SPURLIN has been promoted to Lieutenant junior grade in the Navy in the New Guinea area, where he has been serving on an LCT craft. He is now awaiting a new assignment. He is son of Mr. and Mrs. W.T. SPURLIN of Vandalia.

- Mr. and Mrs. George FORD are the proud parents of a baby girl born in the Greer Hospital last week.

- Mr. and Mrs. O.E. CORRELL have received word that their son, PFC Albert, has been promoted to the rank of Corporal. He is stationed in Boise, Idaho.

- S. Sgt. and Mrs. Dwight HANNA and daughter, Jynetha Jane, after a 2 weeks furlough with their parents, Dr. and Mrs. H.L. HANNA are leaving today for a couple of days visit with S. Sgt. HANNA’s sister, Mr. and Mrs. Roy KNABE of Mt. Vernon, enroute to their home in El Paso, Texas. On Sunday morning, several of the HANNA family attended worship service at the Methodist Church and also witnessed the christening of S. Sgt. and Mrs. Dwight HANNA’s baby daughter, and Sgt. and Mrs. Robert HANNA’s son, Billie. (Sgt. Robert HANNA is stationed somewhere in the Netherlands East Indies). Also Audrey HULTS, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace HULTS, was baptized. The 3 children being grandchildren of Dr. H.L. HANNA.

Feb. 1, 1945:

- Lt. Kenneth S. LACEY, son of Mr. and Mrs. Milton LACEY, and husband of Mrs. Betty Jane LACEY of Vandalia, recently passed a milestone in his flying career from an Eighth Air Force bomber station in England. Serving as pilot of the B-17 Flying Fortress "Lady Satan", Lt. LACEY, 23, recently completed 240 combat hours. Traversing approximately 35,000 miles, he has flown his bomber thru severe enemy opposition to drop more than 175,000 pounds of high explosives on Nazi industrial and military installations deep in Germany. Lt. LACEY entered the service in he AAF in May 1942 after graduating from Farina H.S. His father is assistant superintendent of the state penal farm in Vandalia, and his wife, Betty, lives in Vandalia. An official army communication direct to the "Vandalia Union" from England states: Lt. LACEY, who holds the Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters for "meritorious achievement" is a member of the 452nd bomb group, a unit of the Third Air Division, the division that received a Presidential citation for its now historic England-Africa shuttle bombing of Messerchmitt aircrafts plants at Regensburg, Germany. As allied ground forces moved into Germany, the Eighth Air Force stepped up the intensity of its attacks on the Reich. The Illinois airman flew on many of these bombing assaults against the communication centers synthetic oil refineries and factories producing heavy tanks and trucks. Lt. LACEY considers an attack against synthetic oil refineries at Merseburg, Germany, to be his toughest mission. "Flak over the target knocked out 2 of our engines and we were forced to drop out of formation, throwing out all equipment not necessary to keep us airborne," he said "The other groups were beginning to pass us and soon we were trailing behind the whole armada of Fortress. Luckily for us a P 51 Mustang on the lookout for stragglers saw our predicament and escorted us home. Our ‘little friend’ left us at the English coast and when we landed, there was just enough gasoline left in our tank to fill a cigarette lighter."

- PFC and Mrs. Orval GORDON have a son born at Vandalia Hospital on Jan. 27, named Donald Arthur. Both mother and baby are doing fine. PFC GORDON arrived Monday from Texas, to be with his wife and son.

- Miss Helen ROHRBOUGH entertained at dinner Sunday at her home in Salem honoring the 82nd birthday of her father, L.C. ROHRBOUGH. Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. C.B. ROHRBOUGH and daughter, Ruth, of Kinmundy; E.H. BARENFANGER, Mr. and Mrs. E.B. KING of Champaign; and Mrs. Sue BOWMAN and Mrs. Gladys JONES of Salem.

- Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe OLDEN received a telegram yesterday evening from the War Dept. announcing that their son, PFC Bruce OLDEN, had been slightly wounded in action in Belgium. The last letter received from PFC Bruce was dated Jan. 5th, and he had just arrived in Belgium. He was a member of the 272nd Inf. Regt.

- Miss Verma Del MERCER, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.R. MERCER of Salem, and Sgt. John Howard HELM of Kinmundy were married Jan. 30 at the First Christian Church in Salem. Miss Tresa Jane McCARTY sang "Always", and Mrs. Helen Marie HAMMOND played the organ. Attendants were Miss Dorothy MERCER, sister of the bride, and Mr. M.E. HELM, father of the groom. A reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents following the ceremony. Both Sgt. and Mrs. HELM are graduates of the Kinmundy H.S. Mrs. HELM has been a beautician for the past 3½ years. Sgt. HELM has been in the service of his country for the past 4 years. Preceding his induction he was employed by Montgomery Ward and Co. of Chicago, and attended night school at North Western University.

- Practically every egg in 210 cases bound from Farina to Tennessee spilled out on the highway at the sharp curve north of Salem yesterday. State highway dept. snowplow was called to scoop up the eggs to make further travel around the bend possible. Clarence WOOLBRIGHT, deputy sheriff, said the egg truck overturned when it started to skid at the turn. A cattle truck bound from Iola to St. Louis, also skidded and overturned behind the egg truck, crowding off the pavement a car driven by Andrew WINKS of Alma. The cattle truck overturned on top of WINKS’s car. No one was injured and the trucks were not damaged. WINKS’ car, however, was badly smashed. Cinders were spread over the pavement to improve navigation.

- After spending 28 years locked in the bank tellers cage, 10 of which was spent with the old State Bank of Kinmundy and 18 spent in the First National Bank of Kinmundy, Frank E. JONES is now free to roam the country side. He tendered his resignation to the directors of First National Bank sometime ago, with the request that it take effect on Dec. 1, last. But the directors persuaded him to stay with them until Jan. 1st and he consented. But business was so flourishing, they again asked him to remain another month, and he consented. Yesterday was his last day of service. On Dec. 1 Miss Donna MAULDING and Mrs. Norma SHREFFLER were employed as bookkeepers in the bank. For the past 2 months, these girls have been working under the supervision of Mr. JONES, and are now fully qualified to handle the books. Now that Mr. JONES is not tied down any longer, he says that he is going to do some real vacationing, right around Kinmundy.

- Mrs. Helen HOUSE was guest of honor at a stork shower given by Mrs. Frances KLINE at the home of A.H. MILLER on Jan. 20. Those attending were Norma SHREFFLER, Donna MAULDING, Jeanne BROOM, Marilyn MILLER, Florence CONANT, Marie KLINE, Virginia BROWN, Irene GAMMON, Norma MILLER, Gladys MERCER, Frances KLINE, Mrs. Chester KLINE, and Mrs. A.H. MILLER.

- A daughter was born to PFC and Mrs. B.L. HANNA, Jan. 20, in Salem Hospital named Lavern Lynn.

- Mr. and Mrs. R.W. WAINSCOTT celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary quietly at their home in Champaign with a family dinner and with relatives and friends in the afternoon. They were married in Champaign on Jan. 22, 1895, and came to Kinmundy and started farming north of town. They later moved south of town and bought a farm there. Later they built a home in town where they lived until 1923. They moved to Champaign where they have since resided. They have 7 children: Austa, Clyde, Stella, Gladys, Chester, Earl and Ellis. They have 8 grandchildren: Floyd, Leland, and Janice, children of Clyde WAINSCOTT; Ray, Martha Lee, and Rita, children of Austa WAINSCOTT; Jimmy, son of Stella LANE; Gene, son of Earl WAINSCOTT. They have 1 great-grandchild, Patricia, son of Ray WAINSCOTT. All members of the family could not be present because of the war, a son, T. Sgt. Ellis WAINSCOTT, has been overseas 15 months and has made 64 missions over Germany, having been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Grandchildren in the service who could not be present were: Floyd, Ensign, U.S. Navy; Leland, aircraft carrier service; Jimmie, Great Lakes, U.S.N.; and Martha Lee, Supervisor of Naval Inspectors, Cincinnati, Ohio. A program of many old favorite songs were sung with piano accompaniment. Instrumental selections were played by Betty Lou, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. WAINSCOTT, and Gene, son of Earl WAINSCOTT. A photographer came and took pictures of the couple. A list of guests from out-of-town was included.

- Meadow Branch (from last week): Mr. and Mrs. Ira MARSHALL received word last week that their daughter, Mrs. Ruth PIERSTORFF, was appointed director of the social services dept. at the Neurological Institute, Jan. 1 in New York City.

- East Zion (from last week): Mr. and Mrs. Eli GREEN and son, Larry, and Mr. and Mrs. Chas. ARNOLD spent Sunday in Patoka with Mr. and Mrs. John BLAKENSHIP and Mrs. Mae SIMCOX and helped Mrs. Chas. ARNOLD and Mrs. SIMCOX celebrate their birthdays.

- East Zion (from last week): Mrs. Ruth WILLIAMS spent last week in Kinmundy with her sister-in-law, Mrs. Lura ROBNETT and children.

- Shriver School (from last week): A birthday dinner party was given for Robert SMITH Saturday night with many friends and neighbors present. Games were enjoyed by the children. A list of those attending was included.

- Green Ridge: PFC Merle HEADLEY left Friday for Ft. Sheridan.

- East Zion: Word was received here of the birth of a daughter on Jan. 24 to Mr. and Mrs. Ennos DAVISON of Chicago, formerly of this community, named Joyce June.

- East Zion: Mr. James OSBORNE spent the day with his daughter, Mrs. James BASSETT.

- Meacham: Sunday being the birthday of Martin HASSEBROCK, the Community Birthday Circle went to their home with well filled baskets and gave them a surprise. 35 were present.

- Comm. Lewis J. CONANT, U.S.N. spent last night here at the J. Lem BALLANCE home enroute from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.

- Bennie DOOLEN, AM1 c, and wife left last Friday for their home in Seattle, Wash., after spending 3 weeks with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. DOOLEN, and Mr. and Mrs. Dwight PURCELL, near Alma.

- East Meadow Branch: Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. W.F. ROBB.

- East Meadow Branch: Mrs. Esta ROBB spent Thursday afternoon with Mrs. Mamie BASSETT.

- East Meadow Branch: Mrs. Esta ROBB spent Friday with Mrs. Velma ROBB and Sharon.

Feb. 8, 1945:

- Here’s a nice letter from Sgt. Dale BROOM, who is now stationed in Utah after serving several months overseas. He says: I am stationed here at Kearns, Utah now, about 15 miles from Salt Lake City. This is an Army Air Force, Overseas Replacement Depot. We boys who have come back from overseas duty are taking the place of the boys who haven’t been overseas. We are permanent party here. We take care of the boys passing through to go overseas. I don’t like this camp any too well, but it is in the United States and that means a lot to me. These mountains around here are sure pretty. There is a lot of skiing done around here on the mountains. Salt Lake City is a nice town. It has wide streets and there are several historical places to see here. The Mormon Temple and Salt Lake City Tabernacle are sure nice buildings. Only about half the people in Salt Lake City are Mormons. All the people in town are really friendly. It is pretty cold here and lots of snow. I guess you have had plenty of cold weather over there in Illinois too. I was sure sorry to hear about Harold KLEISS being killed in action. It must have been a shock to the whole community. It will sure be great when the war is over and all the boys come home again. There will be some who won’t be home again, but let us hope those who have died during this war will not have died in vain. The war looks pretty good now, don’t it? The Germans and Japs are sure getting a taste of their own medicine, now, aren’t they? In closing I want to say hello to the home town boys who are scattered all over the world. I will close for now.

- Here’s a nice letter from Sgt. James ELLIS, who is with a Bomber Squadron in England. Here’s what he says: Just finished the article written by Johnny BROOM. Was amused at "four years", but believe me, we’ll both be home before our beards turn gray. I, myself, have nearly that much time with a slight interlude. I was thinking about Mr. BROOM’s peach orchard one summer nearly an eternity ago when Johnny, Charles, Howard DOWNEY and I were worming Mr. BROOM’s peach tree and all the fun we had. Now it seems that it didn’t happen in our time. A reflection of my army service seems a lifetime. When I was first drafted, I wound up at Camp Roberts, Cal. in the infantry. However, the army decided I was too old so I wound at my old desk in the theater at Chicago. Pearl Harbor made a young man of me and I was quickly recalled. My outfit had already landed in Australia, so I was sent to the Chicago Recruiting and Induction Service and was placed in DEML. I spent many happy days there. The army again ended that by sending all general service men to line outfits when limited service and WACs became popular for desk jobs. I took another train ride and woke up one morning in the Tank Destroyers. I liked this very much so took an OCS test and was passed by the board and moved up 28 on the waiting list. Shortly after this my hips started to give me trouble caused by all those long hikes. I had sat in that easy chair for 10 long years, so was toughened up in the wrong places. The big boys flew over us a lot so I decided to give up my chance to be an officer. Being a lazy man, I thought I would rather ride than walk. The "Heanies" got me and I like it very much. As you all know, I am in England. I came over ahead of my crew on a boat nearly a year ago I had to wait for them. Before the rest arrived I obtained a pass and went to Coventry. When I got off the train, the first boy I saw was standing in front of me, ragged, dirty-faced, about five and was smiling. He said, "Do you fly the Heanies," I said, "Yes." That was a mistake because he would not leave me so we became friends. He got all my candy and gum. He called me "chum" as that is their favorite expression. Nothing would do but that I see his grandmother. When I started up the street hardly anything was left. Everything had been severally bombed and burned out. Even now bodies are being found and the rubbish is still being cleaned. This boy’s whole family was killed, all he had left was his grandmother, who was nearly blind and lived in a small part of a house. When the little boy told her that I was an airman, her face lit up and with a very stern bitterness, she said, "Son, give them one for us, and do it good." What little she had to eat she wanted to give me, but I just couldn’t. Already I was thinking, "what if this was my little boy and I was coming home." A lump and a bad taste came into my mouth. Later she told me that an American officer wanted to take him to the States and adopt him for he certainly was a nice shaver. I came to this base ahead of my crew, who finally caught up with me. I flew one mission before they came. One engine went out so we trailed behind over the target and back. I was wet for there was a report of bandits in the air and I really did sweat that one out. When they came we had a reunion, a few drinks, and a lot of talk. A week later we were introduced to our plane "Miss B Haven." It carried the picture of a Navajo girl back to us, one leg up, head to us smiling, for she was in the process of removing her unmentionables. She took us for many a ride. Twice our oxygen went out and we had to carry bottles in our laps. A few times we exercised our guns and flak rolled us around often. One day she was grounded and we flew a ship, "Rosie’s Sweat Box." Master Sergeants were on the flak guns that day and we came back with 28 holes, some pretty big. We all felt bad when another crew flew our ship and had to crash land it in Belgium. That was old Miss B Haven’s 65th trip. Our new ship carries the picture of my red-headed cousin in Chicago, Miss Joan KOHL and the name of it is "Strictly Kopasectic." We wanted everything O.K. always, so started on the right foot. One trip six ME-109's were on our tail. Four cued up to attack us and the other two were amusing us. Just as the four started in, a P-51 came in behind and got all four before I fired a shot. He flew by, dipped his wings and I waved back and said "Thank you" Little Friend". (They call us big friends.) When I came back and in the briefing room the flight surgeon gave me 2 shots of spirits for I was shaky but this braced me and I thought of that little boy and carried on. We were well on our way to a Happy Christmas and even obtained liquid refreshments. Jerry had hit the First Army. My brother Edward is in that outfit and had already received a Purple Heart for excellent work in the Hurtgen Forest where he twas wounded. Turkey or nothing else mattered except to help the boys. There is nothing we would rather do than help our ground boys for we can see immediate results. We were very nervous and agitated because fog was thick as pea soup and we couldn’t get up. Finally it cleared and we were going every day. We got tired as "Hell" but the next morning when the C.O. said you have another chance to help the boys, we were eager. I’m ready, always, because my brother is in there, I can still see that little English lad and his grandmother. I keep thinking of my little boy at home and I know it must be done. These Jerries are not fooling and are not playing and if we give them another chance later you can bet your bottom dollar you will see your home as I saw this English boy’s home. Regards to all you service men, wherever you are.

- Here’s a short note from PFC W.H. GREENE, Jr., who is stationed in the Hawaiian Islands. He says: I’ve intended to write and thank you for a long time. But I just never did get around to it. Thanks a lot for the paper, it sure helps to keep a fellow up with what is going on in the old neighborhood. I’m on Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands. It is nice and warm here. They raise a lot of sugar cane and pineapples here. The cane is about ready to cut now. Well, Mr. VALLOW, there is not much to write about, so will close and thanks again for the paper.

- In Memoriam of our son and brother, Billy DODSON, who died Feb. 11, 1940. Mr. and Mrs. Chas. DODSON and daughters.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ben JENKINS celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary in Lansing, Mich. with her brothers, Carl and Bryan, nephews and friends, last week.

- Mrs. J.H. NELMS received a telephone call from her daughter, Mrs. Eugene CRAIG, of Danville, Sunday, stating that Mr. CRAIG’s eldest sister, Mrs. Anna GILMORE, had died suddenly Saturday at her home in Glendale, Ariz. Mr. and Mrs. CRAIG left Monday morning to be in attendance at the funeral, which will be held there.

- Capt. Clyde B. CAMERER, U.S.N. Medical Corps, and Mrs. CAMERER arrived here Friday and visited until Sunday morning with Mrs. CAMERER’s sister, Mrs. W.S. PRUETT. They were enroute to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station to the west coast where the Captain will be assigned to overseas duty. Mrs. CAMERER will maker her home temporarily with her sister, Mrs. Minnie LOCKHART in Dunsmuir, Cal.

- Mr. and Mrs. R.C. GARNER received a telegram from their son, Dwight GARNER, WT1 c, of the U.S.N. stating that he had arrived in San Francisco and would be sent out of there to some hospital. It will be remembered that Dwight was severely burned by steam while on his ship and for the past several months has been in a naval hospital in Honolulu.

- Mr. and Mrs. Cecil BAILEY received a telephone call from their son, PFC Lloyd BAILEY from somewhere in Massachusetts, Sunday, stating that he had arrived safely on this side and was being sent to an Army General Hospital and as soon as he was located, they would hear from him. PFC Lloyd suffered wounds in action in France and has been in England.

- William BARBEE, Cox arrived here last week to spend a 20 day leave with his mother, Mrs. Maude BARBEE. Coxswain BARBEE has been stationed in the Aleutians Islands for the past 18 months and can tell some mighty interesting experiences while there. He landed back in the States on Jan. 5th, and he was mighty glad to set foot on American soil once more. He is enjoying his leave here with his mother and other relatives but says he misses a great many of his old chums. He will leave here next week for Jacksonville, Fla., where he will be stationed for awhile.

- Several friends and relatives gathered with well filled baskets at the home of Mr. and Mrs. O.E. CORRELL, Sunday to help celebrate the birthday of Mrs. CORRELL. After enjoying the noontime meal, the afternoon was spent in visiting; also, some good instrumental was enjoyed. A list of those attending was included.

- Mrs. W.B. VALLOW has received a letter from her son, PFC Charles V. VALLOW, that he arrived safely overseas and is now in France.

- Sgt. PURCELL, Alma Lad, and PFC Darin JONES, Patoka Lad, Reported Missing in Action: Mr. and Mrs. Dwight PURCELL of Alma received word from the War Dept. Tuesday announcing that their son, Carl PURCELL, was reported missing in action on Jan. 18th in Belgium. It will be remembered that some time ago and it has not been very long since he was released from the hospital and returned to the front lines. This good family has the sympathy of the entire community and every one is hoping and praying that Carl will turn up O.K. in the near future. Mr. and Mrs. Roy JONES of Patoka received word last Thursday evening from the War Dept. stating that their only son, PFC Darvin JONES, was missing in action in Germany since Jan. 5th. We certainly hope that they will soon receive word that he has turned up safe.

- Joe BORING, P.R. 1 c, son of Mr. and Mrs. John BORING, of Salem, formerly of this city, was given a medical discharge from the U.S. Navy, Jan. 5, 1945, and arrived home with his wife and baby in Kingsville, Texas, where they will make their home. Joe served on a carrier for 11 months as a parachute rigger and was in the battles of Guam and Saipan where he had a few narrow escapes. He was sent to a hospital in San Diego in September of 1944 where he remained until discharged, having served 3 years in the Navy, entering the service on Jan. 6, 1942. Joe is going to start work in the Postal Service.

- According to an official release received by this paper, Flight Officer Frederick A. PRUETT, formerly of this city, reported for duty with the 7th Ferrying Group, Ferrying Division, Air Transport Command, Great Falls, Montana on Jan. 22, 1945. He is the son of Mrs. Estella PRUETT.

- Mr. and Mrs. A.E. FIELDS of Forrest, Ill. but formerly of Omega neighborhood, have received word that their son, Carl T., was promoted to the rank of Sergeant last December. He is serving with the Marines in the Southwest Pacific.

- Wilson School: Mrs. Chris MEYER and daughter, Veda, went to Bloomington Friday to attend the funeral of Mrs. MEYER’s brother, Fred MULVANEY.

- Meacham: Mr. and Mrs. Herman SOLDNER were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin HARRELL.

- Omega: Paul SEE has received word from his son, Leroy, of the U.S. Army, that he expects to be home on furlough next week.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ray SCHOOLEY received word that their son, Glenn, was somewhere in England.

- Swift School: Mrs. Edwin SHREFFLER of Kinmundy spent the weekend with Mrs. Harold ROBB and daughter.

- Swift School: Evelyn BASSETT spent Saturday night and Sunday with Wiona HANNA.

- Swift School: Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT and daughter, Donna Mae, spent Sunday afternoon in Patoka with Mr. and Mrs. Roy JONES.

- Pleasant Grove: Mrs. Harriett MILLER and daughter, Mary Jane, were burned on the arm Tuesday, when a can of meat she had taken out of the oven, bursted. Mary Jane also received a cut on the arm. Her brother, Ray VANDEVEER, took them to the doctor for medical aid. Mary Jane was out of school for a few days, but is back again to her studies.

- Shriver School: Mr. and Mrs. Robert SMITH and family, Carroll SIMMONS and daughter, Naomi, Nadeen CHARLTON attended the birthday party for Billy SOLDNER Sunday.

- Young School: Pvt. and Mrs. Clifford DOUTHITT and family, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil SEE and son, and Mr. and Mrs. Ellis WILKINSON visited Monday at the Lyman JONES home.

- Mrs. Chas. ROBB of Decatur, is here caring for her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth ATKINS, who is ill.

Feb. 15, 1945:

- Here’s a nice letter from Kenneth LEWIS, B2 c, who is sailing the seven seas on the U.S.S. Rigel. The letter was dated Feb. 5th. Here is what he says: I feel as though I must write you and thank you for the paper. Yesterday I received my Nov. 23rd issue. They are not always that old but are always appreciated regardless of age. We are governed by censors as to what we can write. I can say that I have about the best duty over here (if there is a best.) Now I am making a broad statement in saying that but I’ve seen the conditions in the Army and Seebee’s camps and am positive this duty is healthier, cleaner, and easier. As for comparison to other ships the repair ship does not get the headlines for their heroic deed, but they can claim the honor of being the doctor ship to whom the wounded ship relies upon to be mended, whether it’s a boiler renewed or replacement of a smaller item aboard the ship, they all depend on the repair ships. Of course, we are all proud of our ships, but most of us would rather be civilians. From our news here, the hope of becoming a civilian this year is much brighter than a few months ago. The Russians are really doing the good work, but the Yanks and Tommies have been hard pushed on the Western front. Well, Mr. VALLOW, thanks again for the paper, and one other boy who lived near Kinmundy (Bob DEXTER) wishes to thank you also, as he reads my copies. Several of the boys, read Zatso, and all say it is well written.

- Here’s a short note from Cpl. Ray BAILEY, who is now in Belgium with a Railway Operations Battalion. The letter was dated Jan. 7th and was mainly to let us know that his address had changed a little. Here is what he says: I only have time to write a few lines to thank you for the paper I have been receiving regularly since I have been overseas. It is raining today on a foot of snow, it makes it very difficult. There are several of the home town boys in the same sector as I, but it is very hard to get together as we are always busy. I am looking forward to the day when we can all be home and thank you personally for your thoughtfulness.

- Mr. Virgil LIVESAY resigned his position as a driver of one of the local school buses Tuesday, to take effect immediately. The bus is now being driven by Hugo WAGONER.

- Mrs. Norma SHREFFLER and Miss Frances BAILEY spent the weekend in Kankakee with Miss Juanita BAILEY and in Chicago with Junior GARRETT, who is stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Station.

- Mrs. J.H. BACKENSTO came Friday evening to help care for her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth ATKINS, who is reported able to be up and around again. Mrs. Chas. ROBB, who has been caring for her, returned to her home in Decatur, Sunday.

- PFC Bruce OLDEN, who was wounded in action in Belgium on Jan. 13, is now a patient in a hospital in England, nursing a wound in the hip, according to a word received direct from him this week by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe OLDEN.

- Pvt. Leroy SEE, son of Paul SEE, residing southeast of this city, left Tuesday for Fort Meade, Md., after spending a week here with relatives. He received a delay enroute from Camp Wheeler, Ga. to Ft. Meade.

- Mrs. J.H. NELMS received a message Monday announcing the death of her sister, Mrs. Minnie PORTER HAMILTON, which occurred at her home in Wheeling, W. Va. Monday after an illness of several months duration. A Gold Star Mother’s Service was held at the home. Services were held from the Methodist Church in Wheeling, with interment made in the family lot beside her husband, the late Frank HAMILTON, in Frazeysburg, Ohio.

- Frank W. YEAGER, only son of Stephen W. and Julia GETTINGS YEAGER, was born on Jan. 8, 1876 at Disco, Ill., and died at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. on Feb. 6, 1945. The YEAGER home consisted of Father and Mother YEAGER, Frank, and 5 sisters, Florance, Bertha, Kate, Mabel, and Beulah, all of whom have preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Caroline ROSS YEAGER, to whom he was married March 6, 1922 at Springfield, Ill.; 2 brothers-in-law, D.J. REINERT of Denver, Colo.; Frank SMITH of Joliet, ill.; 2 nephews, Richard of Joliet and John W. SMITH, signalman of the U.S. Navy; 1 niece, Rhoda CROSSETT WILSON, wife of Lieut. Marion E. WILSON, U.S. Navy; and his aunt, Bertha R. LITTEN, who has resided in the Memphis home for many years. After marriage, they first resided at Clinton, Ill. from where they moved to Memphis, Tenn., which has since been the family home. Frank spent 40 years of his life in the Signal Dept. of the Illinois Central R.R. The last 25 of which he has been chief Signal Inspector of all Illinois Central signal installations south of the Ohio River, which position he held until his retirement in Feb. 1942. Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home in this city with interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

- Mrs. Eliza BARBEE has received word that her grandson, Pvt. Lester BARBEE, was wounded in action in Germany on Jan. 18th. Pvt. BARBEE is the son of Floyd BARBEE of Centralia.

- Word has been received by his wife, Mrs. Jean GRAY, that her husband, Pvt. Harry GRAY, Jr. had left the hospital in England Jan. 12. He was wounded in action in France on Sept. 27 of last year while serving the infantry with General PATTON’s Third Army. At present he is in England with the Army Air Force and writes how much easier job but don’t know how long it will last. He received the Purple Heart for his wounds.

- William H. HOUSE, Y1 c and Mrs. HOUSE have a daughter born Friday in Mark Greer Hospital in Vandalia, named Carolyn Ann.

- A.S. PARRISH underwent an operation in the Mark Greer Hospital in Vandalia on Tuesday of last week.

- Chas. FOX went to Salem Saturday to attend a dinner party at the home of Ward HOLT, which was given in honor of his sister, Lt. Charlotte HOLT of the Womens’ Marine Corps, who is home on a short leave from her duties at Cherry Point, S.C.

- A list was printed of weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. I.D. INGRAM celebrating her birthday.

- Dale HAMMER and family of Sumner, spent Sunday here with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. L.J. HAMMER and Mr. and Mrs. W.F. ROBB.

- A telegram was received Tuesday by his wife stating that PFC Beauford L. HANNA was seriously wounded on Jan. 1 in action in France and details would follow. Mrs. HANNA, with her 2 children, have been making their home in Kinmundy the past several months. PFC HANNA is the son of Dr. H.L. HANNA and was inducted into the service on Nov. 17, 1943. He sailed across on June 30, 1944, landing in England. He has been stationed in France for the past month. The last letter received by his wife was dated Jan. 19 in France. He was a member of the Mechanized Infantry. We certainly hope this good family will receive good news as to the outcome of this wound.

- Shriver School: Mr. and Mrs. Carroll SIMMONS and family attended the funeral for his brother, Oscar SIMMONS, Monday at Donoho Prairie. He was injured while working in a defense plant in Aurora on Jan. 31, and died Feb. 8.

- Pleasant Grove: Paul SHAFFER called on his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy SHAFFER Thursday. He received a medical discharge for the army.

- East Zion: Mr. James BASSETT lost a nice heifer Sunday.

- Young School: Mr. and Mrs. Ellis WILKINSON have received word from their son, Pvt. Xon WILKINSON that he has arrived safely in the Philippines.

- Brown: A farewell and birthday dinner was given Sunday in the L.L. BAKER home. It being Ula May’s 13th birthday and farewell as BAKERs are moving near Brownstown in the near future. A list of those attending was included.

- Meadow Branch: Edward McINTOSH went to Springfield last Monday to enter the Navy.

- Richard MOTCH, AMM2 c, of Whidbey Island, Wash. arrived here Saturday to spend an unexpected short leave with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.A. MOTCH and son, John.

- Meacham: Word has been received by relatives that Pvt. Junior MERRITT has arrived safely overseas. He is in England.

Feb. 22, 1945:

- Here’s a nice letter from Capt. Gail HINES, who is stationed in France. The letter was dated 22 January and says: I have been receiving your paper for several months at intervals. I know you send it out quite regularly, but the mail situation over here is not all it could wished, and often I go for 2 or 3 months with no paper, and then I get a whole bundle of them at once. Then I take time to read up on what is going on in the old hometown, and for awhile try to imagine I am back that way and enjoying life there. We have been in France since shortly after D Day, and have been kept quite busy. There have been times when I have had as many as 20 or 25 companies to serve, and I have, for the last 2 months now, held a Service every night in the week except one, and should have held services then had I felt I could hold up under it. I hold anywhere from 3 to 8 or 10 on Sunday. One Sunday I had 11. So you can see I am keeping busy whether I keep out of mischief or not. Not always have I kept out of mischief, either. There have been some times when I have tangled up with Jerry, and we have some rather "hot" times. While I am seldom in the front lines, I have been at some times, and have been bombed, shelled, sniped at, pinned down with small arms and machine gun fire, and have been tossed out of my Jeep into mine fields, so you can see that it is not all a bed of roses, even to be a Chaplain. So far I have not been scratched, but have had the wounded fall on top of me, and have seen the dead piled all around. God has spared me, so far. During the Christmas season, and even yet, I have been receiving greetings from friends at Kinmundy. I cannot write all of them, and wish to thank them through this means for their remembrances. I note that they, and you, too, still address me as 1st Lt. May I inform you that I have had my Captaincy now for almost a year? I guess I did not tell you about it, though. My work takes me out on the road a great deal, and I have my own Jeep in which to travel. Since I have been in France, I have put about 3000 miles on it each month. I have an assistant assigned to me, and he is supposed to do the driving, and he does when the roads are good. Just now they are solid ice, and he doesn’t handle the Jeep too well, so I am driving. The first day we had ice, he started driving, and had 2 accidents before we reached the first place. I took over then, and have been doing most of the driving since that time. At present I am billeted in a nice French home, and have a good room and a good bed. During the latter part of December, however, we were out in tents. We were there at Christmas, and cannot say we had a pleasant Christmas either. I held 2 services that night, and during the last one Jerry came over and gave us a little strafing party, but did not hit any one. I was preaching at the time, and as there was no place we could dive into, we just went on with the service. The men were pretty jittery, though, and I guess I was too. Again, let me thank you for your paper. I appreciate it a lot, and am always glad to see it arriving.

- Here’s one from PFC Charles DISS, who is stationed in Germany at the present time. His letter was dated 3 February and says: Hello there and how is every one in the old home town? Just fine I suppose and I am O.K. I just got some of the papers this evening and was sure glad to get them. Some were about 3 months old but there was still plenty of news, especially the letters from the boys. They are really interesting. By the way, Norris, I sent you a little souvenir the other day that I got when I was in Holland, but I suppose it will take quite some time for it to get there as packages seem to travel awfully slow, anyhow, it is on the way. I suppose you have plenty of snow there. We sure did have a big one here but it is slowly leaving and I hope we don’t have anymore. It used to be fun to play in, but over here there is no fun to it. But it will sure be bad, when it does thaw out. I sure hope this is all over with before too long, and the news seems to be good, but I suppose you folks get as much news as we do. We get our daily paper in the "Stars and Stripes". It is something to look forward to from day to day to help pass the evenings which, are sometimes rather long. We received our PX rations this evening and much to our surprise each man was given a bottle of Coca-Cola. That is something very unusual over here. I did, however, have some when I was on pass in Leige with my Aunt. We certainly had a nice visit and I hope we can get together again real soon. But she has moved and it is rumored that we may, so I hope we can soon meet again in the good old U.S.A. Well, I guess this is about all for tonight, so bye for now.

- What a coincidence that we should receive a letter the same week from 2 brothers. This one is from Sgt. Beryl DISS, who is stationed in France. His letter was dated 31 January and says: I wish to take this opportunity to thank you and everyone else for the paper. I should have written to you before now, but just haven’t. I certainly enjoy it very much, also several of the boys in my Section like to read it. I’ve got a swell bunch of boys in my section. We are all about the same age. Several of them are from Illinois; one being from Salem. How’s everything back in the old town? I imagine things are pretty quiet. I’ll certainly be glad when we can all get back there. I have traveled a lot of miles, although not quite as many as some of the boys. I’ve seen Fred GAMMON twice since I’ve been over here. He is just fine and looks just like he always did. He is cooking and I ate dinner with him the first day I was there. He is really a good cook, so his wife won’t have to worry about cooking when he gets home. He has been moved but I know the name of the town he is in, so I’m looking forward to seeing him again, as well as several other boys from home that are not too far from here. I have also seen Burdette SWIFT and Glenn INGRAM. They are both just fine and getting along swell. It really does a person good to see some one from home. I would like very much to get up where my brother and aunt are but don’t know if I will or not. Well, I must close for now, but again, I want to thank you for the paper. You are certainly doing your part and also doing a grand job of it. Good luck and here’s hoping we can soon personally come in and thank you.

- Sgt. Howard HAMMER Arrives Home: Sgt. Howard HAMMER arrived here on Tuesday of last week to spend a much earned furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Myron HAMMER and family. After saying hello to several of his relatives and friends, he accompanied his sister, Mrs. Ernest JONES to her home near Longview, Sunday, returning here on Tuesday. This is Sgt. Howard’s first furlough here since he entered the army in Nov. 1940. So you may know he is plenty glad to see home folks again. In Sept. 1941, Sgt. Howard went aboard ship and sailed for Iceland. Here he was stationed until November 1941 when he was shipped to England and the following month to France. When he left France, he sailed for the good old U.S.A. and was mighty glad when he set foot on American soil again. Sgt. Howard is attached to the M.P.’s and is a cook. His furlough is really not termed a furlough, but a "Rest Period", and we would say that it was a well earned rest for him. Yes Sgt. Howard, we are all mighty glad to see you home again, even if it is only for a short stay. Sgt. Howard has 2 brothers in the service, Sgt. Delbert HAMMER now in California, and James HAMMER, SOM2 c, now stationed at a Naval Repair Base in California. (A picture accompanied this article.)

- Arthur S. PARRISH died Monday morning in the Mark Greer Hospital in Vandalia from a heart attack. He had undergone an operation for hernia 2 weeks previous and was getting along in good shape. He was able to be up in a wheelchair, when the attack struck him. He was 62 years of age and a retired mail carrier.

- Junior VANSCYOC, S2 c of the U.S. Navy, arrived home last Friday to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lester VANSCYOC.

- Junior GARRETT, S2 c, arrived here yesterday evening to spend a 9 day leave with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. B.O. GARRETT and family. Junior has just completed his boot training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station.

- The kin of Erwin H. BRANDER Serial No. 333977799 can receive some good news from this soldier by calling at the Kinmundy Post Office. Fred O. GRISSOM, Postmaster.

- Mrs. Cecil CURRY of Chicago received word a few days ago that her brother, PFC Charles PERGL, was reported missing in action on Dec. 20, in Luxembourg.

- According to a release direct to us from the 12th Armored Division of the 7th Army in France, Staff Sergeant Ervin F. CHEATUM of this city, has been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. This badge is awarded for satisfactory performance of duty in ground combat against the enemy, and entitles the soldier to $10 per month additional pay. The badge is worn on the left breast, above the service ribbons. The local soldier is a member of the 12th Armored Division commanded by Major Gen. Roderick R. ALLEN, and has been overseas 3 months. His unit is one of the newest on the front of Gen. Alexander M. Patch’s Seventh Army.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ed BRASEL celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary Sunday with a dinner at the home of their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Cliff OLDEN. This was a surprise to Mr. and Mrs. BRASEL planned by their children, who were all present: Mr. and Mrs. OLDEN and son, Garry, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis JOHNSON and daughters, Betty and Doris; Mr. and Mrs. Vernon STOCKER and Miss Mary BRASEL. Their gift was a dozen American Beauty Roses.

- Family Notified PFC Beauford L. HANNA Died of Wounds in France 3 February: Again our community was saddened Sunday morning when a telegram was delivered to Mrs. Irene HANNA, stating that her husband, PFC Beauford L. HANNA, had died on Feb. 3 in a hospital in France. It will be remembered that she received a telegram last week stating that he had been seriously wounded in France on Jan. 31. Our hearts are all saddened at the loss of this good boy and the sympathy from the entire community goes out to this good family. Beauford Laverne, son of Dr. Homer L. and Martha J. GRAY HANNA, was born July 18, 1920 in Kinmundy and here he grew to manhood acquiring his education in the local schools, graduating from Kinmundy H.S. with the class of ‘38. After finishing school, Beauford farmed for a while. In the spring of ‘41, he went to Chicago, where he found work. It was here that he met Miss Irene SLONINA, and on Aug. 9, 1941, they were married in St. Louis. He continued at his work in Chicago until he was inducted into the army on Nov. 17, 1942. He was stationed at various camps in the U.S.A. and finally sailed overseas June 30, 1944, landing in Italy. From there he went to France. His companion was permitted to be near him at the various camps in the United States. But when he sailed overseas, she, with their small son, came to Kinmundy to make their home. Besides his faithful companion, he leaves his 2 years old son, Darrell Patrick and 4 weeks old daughter, Lavrenne Lynn. Another son died in infancy. He also leaves his father, a step-mother, who was dear to his heart, and the following sisters and brothers: Bertha DAVIS, Leona REICK and Ada SMITH of Chicago; Marv HANKS of Alma; Ruth KNABE of Mt. Vernon; Gail HULTS, Clyde and Paul HANNA of this city; S. Sgt. Dwight HANNA of El Paso, Texas; and Sgt. Robert HANNA now stationed in the Netherlands, East Indies. Memorial services will be held in the near future. We would like to remember this good boy who have his all for his country, as a quiet unassuming lad who had a broad smile for everyone he met. (A picture accompanied this article.)

- East Meadow Branch: Mrs. Esta ROBB was called to Sumner Wednesday to help care for her grandson, Don HAMMER.

- Wilson School: Mrs. Lester VANSCYOC and son, Junior, S2c, USN, Miss Lilah OLSEN of Seattle, Wash., and Leo STOCK visited Sunday afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. Fred KLEISS and daughters.

- Young School: Pvt. Leroy SEE ate supper with his brother, Virgil SEE and family on Tuesday night of last week.

- Funeral services were held in Webster City, Iowa for Arthur HOWELL, 49, who died in Veteran’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. John Arthur HOWELL, son of Jack and Maggie HOWELL, was born March 31, 1895 at Tonti, Ill. He received his education here and grew to manhood here. At the age of 20 he went to Iowa to a farm near Blairsburg. On Jan. 15, 1921 he married May SCOTT at Webster City, Iowa. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 sister and 1 brother. Surviving are: his wife; 1 son, Melvin, at home; 2 brothers and sisters, Harry of Farina, Ill., William of Griswald, Iowa; Mrs. William JOERDING and Mrs. Ernest STORCK of Farina. He was a WWI veteran. He also leaves a nephew, William EAGAN, of Kinmundy.

- Mr. and Mrs. Bert GARRETT and Mr. and Mrs. Clyde GARRETT were business visitors in Centralia Thursday.

March 1, 1945:

- Sgt. Carl E. PURCELL, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight PURCELL, of Alma, Killed in Action: Again our community as well as our neighboring community of Alma received quite a blow hen a message was received from the War Dept. Monday morning by Mr. and Mrs. Dwight PURCELL, residing south of Alma, stating "Sgt. Carl E. PURCELL, who was previously reported missing in action, reports now received states he was killed in action 18 January in Belgium. It will be remembered that the parents received a telegram on Feb. 6 stating that Sgt. Carl was missing in action on Jan. 18. Naturally the family, as well as his friends, had hoped and prayed that he would turn up safe and sound in the near future. But now all these hopes have faded and this good family is grieving the loss of their son and brother. And to these relatives we extend our heartfelt sympathy. Sgt. Carl Edwin PURCELL, known to his most intimate friends as ‘Percy’, was the oldest son of Dwight C. and Carrie BROOM PURCELL. He was born on a farm just south of Alma, April 28, 1915. He attended the grade school in Alma and graduated from Alma H.S. in 1930, being valedictorian of his class. Then he attended the Salem H.S., graduating with the class of ‘32. After completing his high school education, he attended Southern Illinois Normal Univ. at Carbondale a few terms. He gave up his studies here to come back home and assist his father with the farming and fruit growing. He was appointed extra mail carrier from the Alma office and served in this capacity during the winter months. A short while before his induction into the armed forces, he was employed by the Texas Pipe Line Co, of Salem. He entered the army on June 17, 1941, and was trained at various camps in this country. He sailed overseas on Sept. 3, 1943, landing in England where he remained until crossing over into France. On Aug. 1, 1944, while in France, he was wounded in the right forearm, which necessitated him being sent back to England where he spent 3 months in the hospital. For this wound, he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for Gallantry in Action. After 3 months, he was sent back into action as a member of the 3rd Armored Division, Reconnaissance Battalion and was killed in action Jan. 18, 1945. Sgt. Carl was a faithful member of the Alma Methodist Church. He was a good lad and was liked by everyone. We are sure that his spirit now rests in peace in that better land. Besides the grief stricken parents, Carl leaves 1 brother, Sgt. John D. PURCELL, now in the Philippines; 4 sisters, Rhea GREGG of Alma; Pauline DOOLEN of Seattle, Wash.; Maxine and Marilyn, at home; and his 2 grandmothers, Mrs. Belle BROOM and Mrs. Mattie PURCELL, both of Alma. It is possible that memorial services will be held a little later, but not now, due to illness in the immediate family. ( A picture accompanied this article.)

- Dwight GARNER, Water Tender First Class, arrived here Saturday to spend his 30 day leave with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.C. GARNER and daughter, Coralee. Needless to say that he was glad to get home as well as the parents were glad for him to get home. Dwight is bedecked with badges denoting his foreign service, and representing the following: 4 years Good Conduct; Philippine Campaign, American Theater, National Defense with 1 star representing Pearl Harbor, and 1 Asiatic-Pacific ribbon with 3 stars representing the battles of Midway, Coral Sea, and the Philippines. Dwight joined the United States Navy on July 8, 1940 and after completing his boot training at Great Lakes, he was assigned to the USS Dorsey. About a year ago, he was sent to an engineering school in Philadelphia. After completing his course there, he was assigned to the USS Pricket. On Sept. 29, 1944, while on this ship, he was accidently scalded with steam from a safety valve, severally burning both lower legs and his left hand. On Sept. 30, he was transferred to the USS Lexington, where he was hospitalized until Nov. 8, when he was placed in a hospital in Honolulu. He landed in San Francisco on Feb. 5 and sent on to the hospital at Farragut, Idaho, where he remained 4 days before being sent on his leave. Dwight will report back to Farragut as soon as his leave is up. There he will either be assigned to shore duty, or will be given a medical discharge as the burns have left him in such a shape that he is unfit for sea-duty. We are mighty glad to see you back, Dwight, and sincerely hope that you will enjoy every minute of your stay with us. (A picture accompanied this article.)

- Arthur Spray PARRISH was born Nov. 5, 1881 near Kinmundy, and died Feb. 19, 1945 in the Mark Greer Hospital, Vandalia. He was raised on a farm 5 miles south east of Kinmundy, where he resided until manhood. He married Eva May ZIMMER on March 31, 1905, and moved to Kinmundy that fall where he resided until his death. He received an appointment as postal carrier Sept. 1905, and continued in that capacity until retirement, Dec. 1942. He was well liked by all his patrons as he always had a friendly word and pleasant smile for everyone he met. He leaves his wife, 2 sons, and 1 daughter: Hugh of Wisconsin; Donald in the U.S. service, and Ena OSTERHOLTZ; 1 infant son preceded him in death; 3 grandchildren, Jean PARRISH, Charles Walter and Robert Arthur OSTERHOLTZ; 2 brothers and 1 sister, Robert PARRISH of Kinmundy, Edward PARRISH of North Dakota; and Mrs. Junia CAMPBELL of Brazil, Ind. Services were held from the Methodist Church in Kinmundy with interment in Evergreen Cemetery. (A picture accompanied this article.)

- Mr. and Mrs. Ellis WILKINSON have received word from their sons, Kenneth and Xon, stating that they had met in the Philippines and had had a nice visit with each other. They are stationed very close together and hope to spend their idle time together.

- We were saddened very much last Saturday morning when the news came that John H. NELMS had just passed away in the Effingham Hospital where he had been a patient since Christmas Day, suffering from a heart ailment. He had entered business in Kinmundy Jan. 10, 1898 when he opened a second hand furniture store. Prior to this he had clerked in the stores of S.C. SMITH, Thomas BAGOTT, J.W. WILSON, and Myron DIEWERT. He was ambitious and wanted to start a business of his own. So he started this furniture store. Little by little, he added new furniture and it wasn’t long until he had a store of new Furniture and Floor Coverings. On July 1, 1903, he opened an undertaking department in his store. During his career of 37 years in this business he conducted more than 1000 funerals in this community. He was a good businessman and was held in high esteem by everyone. After giving 42 years of his life to the business world of Kinmundy, Mr. NELMS retired in 1940 due to ill health. He served for 9 years as a member of the Board of Education of our local school and helped to guide the destinies of the building of our present school building in 1910. In 1931, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the First National Bank. He held this until a month ago when he asked to be relieved, due to his serious illness. He was a member of Kinmundy Lodge No. 398, A.F. & A.M. and Kinmundy Chapter O.E.S. John H. NELMS, son of the late John and Emma NELMS, was born near Effingham, Ill. on June 3, 1868, and died in St. Anthony’s Hospital, Effingham, Feb. 24, 1945. When a boy of 9 years of age, he came to Kinmundy with his parents where he spent his entire life. ‘Johnny’ as he was always called, was 1 of 8 children, all of whom have preceded him in death, except 1 half-brother, Myron M. DEIWERT of Everett, Wash., and a sister, Mrs. Ellis WOLFE, of Centralia. He was married to Jessie M. HEATON on Aug. 19, 1888, and they had 5 children: Howard, Eugene, Lois, Emmett, and Martha. The 3 oldest have passed away, also, the mother. On July 17, 1911, he married Allie DENNIS. Survivors are: his wife; Emmett of Peoria; Martha of Danville; 2 grandsons, Major John R. ROBB and PFC Howard L. ROBB, both overseas; and 3 granddaughters, Norma CRAIG SHAFFER, Lois and Louise, of Danville. Services were held from the Methodist Church with interment in Evergreen Cemetery. A list of out-of-town relatives was included. (A picture was also included.)

- Junior Lester VANSCYOC arrived here on Feb. 16 to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lester VANSCYOC, who now reside east of Farina, but formerly of this community. He left yesterday for San Francisco to report back to duty. Junior joined the navy on Oct. 21, 1943, and after completing boot training at Farragut, Idaho, was assigned to the USS Killen. He went aboard his ship May 4, 1944, and since that time has seen some action. He wears the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with one star, representing a battle near the Philippines. Junior was accompanied here by Miss Lela OLSEN of Renton, Wash. And on last Friday, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Virl SEE in this city, this couple was married by Rev. C.L. HILL of Farina. They were attended by the groom’s parents. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence OLSEN of Margie, Minn., and is employed in the Boeing Aircraft Factory in Benton, Wash. The bride will accompany the groom to San Francisco and after he returns to his ship, she will resume her work in Renton. (A picture of Junior accompanied this article.)

- Here’s a nice letter from Pvt. Charles MEYER, dated 17 February, somewhere in France. He says: As I am doing nothing but sitting around on my bunk, I’ll try to drop you a line or 2 to let you know that I haven’t forgotten the old gang. These lines find me well and happy. I also hope that it finds everyone around the old town as well as ever. I sure haven’t been here long but I have been here long enough to get a taste of the country of France I keep wanting to write but just couldn’t seem to get around to it. But today I finally got up the nerve to write I suppose the old town has had quite a few changes since I was there last. I haven’t got any of the papers for quite some time but I know that they must be following me. Tell everyone around home that I said hello and to keep up the good work. I have visited a few of the towns around here and the people seem to be pretty good to a G.I. Although only a few of them speak a little English. I have learned a few words of French so you see we make out O.K. It seems like it must rain all the time, just like old Mississippi. A couple of us are on 48 hour quarters because of cold and bad feet. I sure don’t like it one bit. I get to read the news pretty regular though. The Army puts out a paper for us and they call it the Stars and Stripes. That way we keep up with the news pretty good. Say, does my brother, Emil, still get the paper? If so, I wish you would either tell him to write me or send me his address. I believe they have moved and I sure don’t know what their new address is. I am hoping that I will soon get your paper so that I can read up on the news. Well, I have run short of time so I guess I’ll close with good luck to all.

- Here’s a letter from Pvt. Harry GRAY, Jr., who has just left a Hospital in England after being wounded and is now working in the Air Force in England. His letter was dated 30 January and says: Been a long time since I have written to you, but was thinking about it a lot of times. Have been pretty busy. I got wounded on the German and French border. It sure was hell too. I was upon the front a little over 2 months and in them 2 months, I never did go thru as much hell as I did then. We were fighting day and night and when we got time to catch a little sleep, the Jerrys would open up on us again and we sure couldn’t sleep thru that. Sometimes I don’t see how I lived thru it. Street fighting for me is the worst there is. I’ve seen all the different kind of fighting I care to see. I could tell you about a lot of different things I have been thru, but I don’t care to talk about it. They take good care of a man when he’s in the hospital. I was in the hospital a little over 3 months. The first month I was in bed, that bed sure did feel good. But now I am out of the hospital and in a Repl. camp. I was put in a non-combat outfit in the Army Air Force. I am getting along alright now. It’s been a long time since I have seen a home town paper. I don’t think I’d know what one would look like. I sure hope that my mail catches up with me soon. It takes longer for papers to come through than it would take a letter. I sincerely thank all the people in the community for all the lovely Christmas cards they sent me and hope by next year, I’ll be home. With the help of God, and the prayers of the people back home, let’s hope the war will come to an end soon. Then all the boys can come home again to their loved ones.

- Here’s a nice letter from Sgt. Paul PERRY, somewhere in Italy, and dated 13 February. He says. Just a few lines to thank you for the paper. I sure appreciate getting the old home town paper. I sure love to read the letters from the boys in the Armed Forces. The paper keeps us fellows posted on what goes on in good old Kinmundy. I have traveled many miles since I left home and I have never found any place that can compare with the good old home country. Tell everybody that I said hello and that I hope to be back with the old gang again soon. I am sending you my address again as it has changed some. Thanks again, Norris, for the paper as I sure appreciate it.

- And here’s a Japanese post card from Sgt. John D. PURCELL, who is now in the Philippines. It was dated 12 February. One side of the card carries a picture of Japanese children marching along carrying flags. They have very sad looking faces, which we imagine, is very true to life. Here is what John D. wrote on the card: Greetings Mr. VALLOW. Just finished reading your paper of Nov. 9th and decided to write a line. Some papers are late but sure glad to get every one of them. Since there weren’t any Japs left here to use these cards, thought I might as well send you one. Ha! Ha! So sorry Jap Rat. You note the differences between their children and ours. To bad they don’t know how to enjoy life. They’re in a rut. I’m feeling fine. Hope everyone around Kinmundy is O.K.

- 1st Lt. and Mrs. Walter B. PRUETT and 2 children arrived here Friday to visit the Lt.’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.S. PRUETT. He is a chaplain in the army and stationed in Texas. He left Monday to return to his station, preparing to ship overseas. Mrs. PRUETT and children will take up their residence here.

- Mr. and Mrs. Maurice WILLIAMS of Chicago have a son, David Larry, born Feb. 17. This is their third son.

- Mrs. Mabel MARTIN and aunt left a few weeks ago to take up residence in Indianapolis.

- W.R. WILLIAMS received word last week that his namesake, Mr. and Mrs. William Riley VALLOW of Chicago, are parents of twin boys born Feb. 17.

- Cheryl Jean was born to Cpl. and Mrs. Gene WILLIAMS in Salem Hospital Feb. 21. Both mother and babe are doing fine while Daddy is overseas helping to tame the Germans.

- George B. MAHON, 82, of Green Mountain Falls, Colo., died Monday. He was born in Kinmundy on Jan. 2, 1862. He went to Kansas in 1887 and settled near Silver Lake, where he lived until 1917, when he moved to Green Mountain Falls last November. He is survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. Clara MITCHELL of Delia; and Miss Hazel MAHON of Mankato; a step-daughter, Mrs. Jessie DOW of Denver; 2 sons, George B. MAHON of Silver Lake and Lloyd L. MAHON of Burlingame; a step-son, Harry FULLER of California; and 6 grandchildren.

- L.C. INGRAM ate dinner here with parents, Mr. and Mrs. I.D. INGRAM, Thursday while enroute from Decatur to Alma, where he held a funeral for the infant of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis WILSON of Decatur.

- Brown: Mrs. Andrew NEAL and daughters came last week to make their home with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. JAMISON. Mr. NEAL leaves soon for the armed forces.

- Junior GARRETT, S2c, and Calvin BARBEE, S2c, of Great Lakes, and Lyle SWIFT, EM 3c of Washington, D.C., are here visiting with home folks.

- Mr. and Mrs. Forrest WILLIAMS and daughters, Mrs. Helen HICKS of Alma, and Mrs. Pauline DOUDERA of Salem; Mr. and Mrs. Loren WILLIAMS, Mrs. Kathryn PARKERSON and Mr. and Mrs. Ham STIPP of Alma, and Mr. and Mrs. W.S. GEORGE of Kinmundy, and Mr. and Mrs. William COLE and son of Woodlawn spent Sunday with Mrs. J. Fletcher COLE helping Mrs. COLE celebrate her ? birthday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Carl DUNLAP and daughter, spent the weekend here with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.C. DUNLAP, and Mrs. Icy GARRETT, and other relatives.

March 8, 1945:

- Mrs. Ray OLDEN received a telegram from the War Dept. yesterday stating that her husband, Pvt. Roscoe Ray OLDEN, had been seriously wounded 23 February in action in Germany. This was indeed a shock to the immediate family as well as the community. And we are all hoping and praying that things will turn out for the best. Pvt. OLDEN entered the service June 14, 1944 and was assigned to the Air Corps, but was later transferred into the Infantry. He sailed overseas in January. Ray is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe OLDEN of this city.

- Jennie UNDERWOOD received a telegram from Kenneth E. PIGG, stating that he will arrive in Kinmundy March 11.

- Mr. and Mrs. Burdette SHAFFER are rejoicing over the arrival of a baby daughter born Feb. 27 named Sandra Sue.

- Pvt. Wilbur BROOM, husband of Mrs. Jessie BROOM, of Gary, Ind. has been missing in action in Luxembourg since Dec. 20, 1944, according to a war dept. telegram received last week. A member of the 110th Infantry which was one of the hardest hit units during the German drive into Belgium. He entered the service in Oct. 1943 and was originally placed in a railroad battalion transferring later to the infantry unit.

- Here’s a letter from Pvt. Everett D. BASS, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe BASS, of Rock Falls, Ill., but formerly of this city. The letter was dated 15 February, somewhere in France, and says: Thought I would drop you a few lines to let you know that I have not forgotten my friends from my hometown. I was wondering why I was not getting the paper, but it is coming O.K. now. I was noticing the last paper I received which had the list of all the boys from Kinmundy; my youngest brother, Pearl E. BASS, was missing from the list. He has been in the service since Sept. 1943. He is now in M