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Elmira Soldiers Join Troop Train Late Yesterday After-Noon While Elmira
Relatives and friends Wave Fond Farewells With Tear-dimmed Eyes—Local Company
Arrives in Metropolis This Morning and Proceeds at Once to Camp on
Outskirts
--Believe Co. L May embark for France Without Going South
(By Staff Writer in Binghamton)
Company L is off to war!
Elmira’s crack contingent of the 112th Regiment, United States Infantry—Uncle
Sam’s new designation for the gallant old Third—left Binghamton at 6:10
o’clock last night over the Lackawanna for Hoboken, N.J., from where it
will march to camp today at Pelham Bay, just outside of New York city on
Long Island sound. It is the first leg of the long journey, which
eventually will land the solders on the battlefront “somewhere in France.”
About 200 friends and relatives, who went to Binghamton yesterday
morning and afternoon by auto and rail from Elmira, were on hand at the
station to bid the brave soldiers “good-bye and good luck,” as the long
troop train, which also carried Companies I and K of Olean and Hornell,
slowly pulled out.
And it was a send-off which will remain long in the memories
of the khaki clad men who are going to fight for Uncle Sam. Naturally
there was a marked contrast to the memorable demonstrations which the company
has been accorded on previous occasions in Elmira, but it was enthusiastic
and heart-stirring. A large crowd of Binghamton citizens paid tribute
to the soldiers.
ARRIVED THIS MORNING.
The train arrived this morning, between 5 and 6 o’clock, in Hoboken,
according to the schedule, where the Elmira soldiers combined with the
other units of the 112th Regiment. From Hoboken the men were
routed by ferry to Manhattan and subway to the Bronx, from where they will
march to camp at Pellam Bay. Neither Captain James Riffe, Company
L’s commander, nor Major William A. Turnbull, battalion chief, had positive
orders as to their destination, but considered it practically certain that
they would get under canvas at Pellam instead of Van Cortlandt Park, where
other regiments are being mobilized.
According to information direct from the headquarters of the
112th Regiment, the men will be kept near New York for ten days or two
weeks.
MAY GO RIGHT TO FRANCE.
Rumor, apparently backed by well-founded information from official
circles, persisted yesterday, even among the soldiers themselves, that
Company L with the rest of the third Regiment, would embark on transports
direct for France following their brief sojourn in New York. It was
pointed out that the regiment is at full war strength, hardened by more
real experience and training than the majority of the regular army, which
is being sent overseas already, fully equipped and in condition to leave
on short notice. It is urged that all training yet needed will be
given behind the battle lines in Europe.
Of course no official confirmation has been accorded this rumor.
It would not be definitely announced anyway as the embarkations of the
troops abroad are kept continually under cover by the government.
As far as actual official announcement is concerned, the original
plan of sending the former guardsmen to camp Wadsworth at Spartanburg,
S.C., will be adhered to. Even should this scheme be carried out,
it is urged that the training period in the south will be brief and that
the men will embark as soon as ships are available.
EXPECT REAL FIGHTING.
At any rate Company L is destined for battle duty and it is just
a question of time before the boys are engaged in real fighting.
The special troop train, bearing the Elmira soldiers, was made
up yesterday at Bath, leaving there with Company K of Hornell. Company
I of Olean, which for some time has made its headquarters in Elmira, boarded
the train here amid the cheers of a large crowd of Olean citizens, who
had come down early in the morning to give their boys a last send-off.
The battalion staff, including Major W. A. Turnbull, Lieutenant E. R. Mahaffey,
Sergeant Major H.H. Hobbs, and Captain R. A. Trunbull, M. C., also
barded the train here.
ARRIVE IN BINGHAMTON.
The special left the station at 3 o’clock, and arrived in Binghamton
at 5:40 o’clock. It was expected much earlier, and as a result Company
L was aboard its special section of cars for more than an hour prior to
its arrival. The biggest welcome of any of the stops was accorded
the soldiers at parlor City, chiefly because of the large number of Elmirans
present.
Cheer after cheer was given by incoming soldiers and the waiting
friends and relatives as the long train slowed down. Written on the
side of one of Company K’s cars was the inscription in big white letters:
“After the Huns: Good-bye U.S.A.! Hello, France!”
There was many an affectionate and fond farewell by brothers,
sweethearts and other loved ones before the train arrived, but as it came
actual time for it to pull out, and both those going and those left behind
realized that it would be a long time before any of the boys returned—if,
indeed, many of them do at all—more than one tear was shed and mingled
with the enthusiasm was an evident serious strain.
FOND FAREWELL
“Captain,” pleaded one grey haired mother as she grasped Company
L’s big commander by the hand, “bring my boy back safely.”
Fathers grasped the hands of their sons in uniform and admonished
them to “Stick to it my boy, and do your duty no matter what happens.”
As the switching engine slowly backed Company L’s section out
and attached it to the rear of the train, the crowd fell back, but hovered
again under the windows until the special finally began to creep out on
its journey amid a mass waving of handkerchiefs and hands.
“Oh my boy, my boy!” sobbed one mother as she saw the train going.
“God knows how it wrings my heart to see you go, but my thoughts will be
with you, dear, and I’ll be waiting for your return.”
EAGER TO GET AWAY.
Filled with true American patriotism and enthusiasm, it was a
thrilling sight as the long cars with soldiers peering out of every window
drew away. Although keeping up in the gallant spirits until the last
minute, it was with only partial success that the boys were able to keep
back their feelings.
But, on the whole, the men were glad and eager to be on their
way at last to actual war duty. The guard service they have been
performing throughout the Southern Tier since April 28, was becoming irksome,
and the orders for their departure were welcomed with cheers.
One hundred and forty-four enlisted men and three officers were
on Company L’s section as it left Binghamton. The three men absent
are Buglers Melvin J. Rhodes and W. D. Bissell, on detached service, with
the band at headquarters, and Private L. J. Gould, who still is confined
in this city as the result of any injury to his eye, sustained when his
gun exploded. The musicians joined the company at Hoboken this morning.
Private Gould may go later.
Six other men who had been here for various reasons boarded the
train with Company I and were transferred to Company L’s section at Binghamton.
They are: Corporal Milan, W. Flick and Privates D. W. Chilson, D. C. Reese,
Andrew Mowchan, L. M. Dean and Fred Carlson.
The soldiers carried one day’s rations and full marching equipment
as they entrained. Field camp will be erected at Pelham Bay tonight
until the heavy equipment and the “big tops” arrive. Cooks William
B. Wolfe, F. W. Staples and F. J. Arnold will be hurried to the camping
site immediately upon their arrival to set up the field kitchen.
BINGO CAMP BROKEN UP.
Camp at the Stow Park fair grounds in Binghamton, which was established
last Monday following orders received Saturday night calling the men in
from heir guard posts, was broken yesterday morning. The last meal
was served at noon, travel rations were given the men and at 3 o’clock,
the company marched to the Lackawanna station.
The troop train was expected about 3:30 o’clock, but it was held
up here and did not leave until 3 o’clock, arriving in Binghamton at 5:40.
While waiting, the men were assigned to three day coaches. Sentries
were placed with Corporal I. E. Jensen in charge.
The big truck, which has followed Company L on all its active
service so far, did not accompany the men yesterday. It was shipped
back to this city and stored in the Armory.
The long troop train consisted of 12 day coaches, two gondola
cars carrying army wagons and heavy equipment, two box cars and a caboose.
One of the passenger coaches was turned over to the battalion staff and
other officers.
BOYS WHO DEPARTED
Captain James Riffe, First Lieutenant Jesse I. Varney, Second
Lieutenant Harry B. Bentley, First Sergeant Rex E. Field, Mess Sergeant
Roland L. Edwards, Supply Sergeant Roe M. Dennis.
Sergeants W. A. Mansfield, H.H. Jones, Leroy Weaver, H. M. Karr,
W. L. Simcoe, H. W. Robinson, C. A. Helm, R. B. Hammond.
Corporals C. F. Mowery, C. B. Bosworth, M. W. Flick, F. W. Brooks,
M. F. Dennis, T. G. Barnes, R. L. Fletcher, H. C. Cuthbert, R. M. Crandle,
A. L. Laird, S. A. Terwilliger, I. E. Jensen, W. C. Decker, D. L. Tormey,
R. L. Connelly, F. K. Cook, J. L. Feister.
Cooks W. B. Wolfe, F. W. Staples and F. J. Arnold.
Mechanics F. J. Jones and J. S. Parke.
Buglers M. J. Rhodes and W. D. Bissell.
First Class Privates D. W. Chilson, D. D. Carpenter, C. S. Casterline,
Earl Bradley, H. F. Bienlich, L.M. Dean, C.A. Dittacur, L. J. Gould, F.
B. Glover, M.O. Huyler, F. C. Harrison, E. L. Laird, F. L. Landon, G. F.
L’Amoreaux, A. Mowchan, S. H. Martin. L. H. Pease, F. Rathbun, C. D. Spencer,
B. E. Stage, H.A. Titus, L. H. TenEyck, M.M. Webster, E. C. Whitley, F.
Woodhull, W. H. Youmans, A. E. Zimmer.
Privates L. C. Allen, E. C. Appleton, F. J. Bastella, F. R. Baker,
H. R. Bosenbark, R. E. Bentley, Nilo Ballardini, T. G. Brooks, C. E. Buckholtz,
W. L. Burgage, C. W. Bullard, F. E. Brant, R. H. Champlain, E. P. Cass,
L. R. Crispin, Fred Carlson, J. W. Clements, R. T. Comfort, William DeGroat,
C. R. Devine, J. H. Dunn, G. D. Dingman, C. J. Doyle, H. F. Egan, R. C.
French, J. French, L. A. Fisk, J. S. Gladke, J. Golden, F. Golden, Gelbert
L. Gustin, R. N. Green, Earl Havens, H. G. Heller, F. E. Heller, E. C.
Holmes, D. Hoskins, J. Hunsinger, C. H. Helsing, N. E. Harding, B. W. Hutchinson,
J. J. Hoefer, R. I. Haynes, O. D. Jacque, H. K. Johnson, Curtiss June,
G. A. Kinner, W. A. Kellogg, L. A. Knapp, F. N. Leary, F. LaCoste, W. S.
Lynch, W. L. Mahaffey, E. F. Morris, F. W. Martin, Floyd Miller, Guy Moyer,
T. A. Porter, E. L. Platt, L. A. Pruyne, L. W. Patterson, A. M. Randall,
S. J. Randall, C. L. Ritchie, D. C. Reese, R. J. Reynolds, H. F. Selley,
Chas. Schiefien, J. W. Selfridge, F. Snyder, Lewis Smith, Charles Stanton,
E. A. Strong, G. W. Shope, W. J. Swartwood, F. L. Scott, R. W. Thompson,
F. E. Terwilliger, J. S. turner, C. E. Ware, F. J. Ward, S. L. Wagner,
C. L. Westervelt, Lee Wood, L. R. Wheeler.
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ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR ARE MUSTERED INTO U.S. SERVICE
Married Men in Company L Receive Discharges – Have Received No Further
Orders Concerning Movement.
At 9:30 o’clock yesterday morning the 104 members of Company L, exclusive of the commissioned officers, took the oath mustering them into United States service. Among those mustered in were five who had been slated for dismissal on account of having dependents, but at the eleventh hour had arranged their affairs to the satisfaction of the officers. They are William Wolfe, cook; Fred J. Jones, artificer; Harry W. Robinson, clerk; and H. H Jones and R. L. Edwards, mess sergeants. These men, with the exception of Robinson, are married men.
The married men of the company were discharged yesterday. The total number of members dropped from the company on account of physical disability and of the dependent family order numbers 44, of this number five were corporals, three duty sergeants, one supply sergeant, one bugler, one cook and 33 privates.
No orders to entrain have yet been received.
During yesterday afternoon a squad of Company L men went to Woodlawn Cemetery to fire a salute over the grave of the son of Eugene E. Curry, of this city, who died of pneumonia at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station a few days ago.
Appended is a complete roster of the make-up of Company L, as mustered into the Federal service yesterday:
First Lieutenant James Riffe.
Second Lieutenant Harry B. Bentley.
First Sergeant J. I. Varney.
Mess Sergeant Roland L. Edwards.
Sergeant Harland S. Seeley.
Corporals William A. Mansfield, Leroy Weaver,
Wilbur I. Simcoe, Roe M. Dennis, Harold C. Hobbs, Harry W.
Robinson, Charles J. Doyle.
Cook William B. Wolfe.
Mechanic Frederick J. Jones.
Bugler Melvin J. Rhoades.
First Class Privates, Clarence B. Bosworth,
Frank W. Brooks, Milan W. Flick, Carl A. Heim, Harold H. Jones, Carl F.
Mowrey, Edward R. Mahaffey, John S. Park, Samuel A. Terwilliger.
Privates.
Privates Frank J. Arnold, Fred R. Baker, Theodore
G. Barnes, Francis J. Bastilla, Harry F. Beinlich, Will D. Bissell, Harry
R. Bosenbark, Fred Carlson, Elmer D. Carpenter, Charles S. Casterline,
Ralph Champlain, Decatur W. Chilson, Joseph W. Clements, Ralph L. Conneely,
Ray M. Crandic, Edward P. Cass, Lynn R. Craspin, Harold C. Cuthbert, Lewis
M. Dean, Ward C. Decker, William DeGroat, Max F. Dennis, Claude R. Devine,
Carleton A. Dittiacur, John H. Dunn, Henry E. Egan, Richard L. Fletcher,
Frank W. Fonda, Jacob S. Gladke, Frederick B. Glover, John Golden, Laverne
J. Gould, Gilbert L. Gustin, Raymond B. Hammond, Williom [William] E. Harter,
Earl D. Havens, Harry C. Heller, Charles T. Helsing, David Hoskins, Earl
G. Holmes, Jay Hunsinger, Merle O. Huyler, Oliver D. Jacque, Irving E.
Jensen, Howard M. Karr, Wier A. Kellogg, Gordon A. Kinner, Albert L. Laird,
jr., Earl L. Laird, George F. L’Amoreaux, Fred L. Landon, William S. Lynch,
John H. McGrath, Walter L. Mahaffey, Fred W. Martin, Floyd H Miller, Earl
F. Morse, Andrew Mowcher, Liston H. Pease, Earl Platt, Gene L. Ritchie,
Charles H. Schieffen, John H Selfidge, Louis Smith, Fred H. Snyder, Burt
E. Stage, Charles Stanton, jr., Fred W. Staples, Charles D. Spencer, Lee
H. TenEyck, Freank E. Terwilliger, Harold A. Titus, D. Leo Tormey, Francis
J. Ward, Clarence E. Ware, Milan M. Webster, Ellsworth G. Whitley, Fred
Woodhull, jr., Ward H. Youmans, Arthur E. [D.] Zimmer.
The Elmira Advertiser
Wednesday Morning
April 18, 1917
Page 11
FREE TO EVERY COMPANY L MAN
Milan Bedrosian, the Electric Photo Studio
Man, of 221 West Water street, is showing his generosity by offering to
give to every Company L man in uniform a photo of himself in a beautiful
case. Mr. Bedrosian’s studio is equipped to take pictures instantly.
He also carries a full line of Kodaks, Cameras and Photo Supplies.
Open day and evening. Pictures taken any time.
The Elmira Advertiser
Thursday Morning,
April 19, 1917
Page 2
LIEUT. RIFFE SELECTS CO. L MEN FOR OFFICERS
Armory Is Being Placed in Readiness for Departure and Inspection Will
Be Held Today – New Sergeants and Corporals.
These are busy days at the Armory. All members of Company L are busily engaged in putting their name in readiness to vacate at a moment's notice. The government property was carefully gone over yesterday and checked up and this morning will start the task of an inspection of each man’s personal equipment. This is done to see that each member of the company has his proper amount of everything to perform the duty which will be expected of him when the call to active duty is received.
Major William A. Turnbull, commanding the Third Battalion of the Third Regiment and his brother, Captain Raymond A. Turnbull, M. C., yesterday left for Rochester to be mustered into the Federal service at the headquarters of the regiment by Colonel Edgar S. Jennings.
Lieutenant Riffe has announced that Private Frank J. Arnold will succeed F. J. Hebbe as cook. William B. Wolfe is the other cook.
Lieutenant Riffe has also announced his choices
for the vacancies in the non-commissioned officers’ ranks, created by the
dependent family order. The nominations of six sergeants and nine
corporals have been sent to the headquarters of the Third Regiment at Rochester,
but have not yet been confirmed. In all probability they will be
approved at once. The men who have been promoted, together with their
new rank, follow:
Sergeant Harold H. Jones, formerly a private.
Sergeant Roe M. Dennis, from corporal.
Sergeant Edward R. Mahaffey, from private.
Sergeant Howard M. Karr, from private.
Sergeant Leroy Weaver, from corporal.
Sergeant William A. Mansfield, from corporal.
Corporal Carl A. Helm.
Corporal Raymond B. Hammond.
Corporal Harry W. Robinson.
Corporal Charles J. Doyle.
Corporal Clarence B. Bosworth.
Corporal Carl F. Mowrey.
Corporal Max Dennis.
Corporal Frank H. Brooks.
Corporal Milan W. Flick.
At peace strength the company is allowed seven
sergeants and eleven corporals. Corporals Wilbur L. Simcoe and Harold
C. Hobbs and Sergeants Harland G. Seeley and Roland L. Edwards are the
“non-coms” who retained their places and complete the roll with the new
men above. Sergeant Seeley is destined to take First Sergeant Jesse
L. Varney’s place, when the latter gets his formal commission as first
lieutenant.
The Elmira Advertiser
Saturday Morning
April 21, 1917
Page 2
CO. L ORDERED TO READY FOR GUARD DUTY
Captain Riffe and First Lieutenant Varney Receive Their Commissions
– Major Turnbull to Command Second Battalion.
A Buffalo report yesterday carries the prediction that the Third Infantry, including Company L, will be placed on guard and patrol duty throughout the state to relieve the 74th Infantry. It is understood that the 74th Infantry will be withdrawn to Buffalo to guard the grain elevators and waterfront of that city.
Orders to prepare Company L for guard duty were received a the Armory yesterday by Captain James Riffe, from Colonel Jennings of the Third Infantry and the instructing of the men in guard duty loading and firing was started. This will be continued until the Company is ordered to entrain.
The receipt of the official commissions from Governor Whitman, making First Lieutenant James Riffe captain, and First Sergeant Jesse I. [middle initial I or L – this article has I another one has L?] Varney, First Lieutenant of Company L was announced.
The list of nominations for non-comcommissioned officers sent to Rochester on Wednesday has been approved at Regimental Headquarters. They are:
Sergeant Harold M. [H in another article] Jones,
formerly a private.
Sergeant Roe M. Dennis, from corporal.
Sergeant Edward R. Mahaffey, from private.
Sergeant Howard M. Karr, from private.
Sergeant Leroy Weaver, from corporal.
Sergeant William A. Mansfield, from corporal.
Corporal Carl A. Helm [Heim?].
Corporal Raymond B. Hammond.
Corporal Harry W. Robbinson [Robinson in another
article].
Corporal Charles J. Doyle.
Corporal Clarence B. Bosworth.
Corporal Carl F. Mowrey.
Corporal Max Dennis.
Corporal Frank H. Brooks.
Corporal Milan W. Flick.
Sergeant Harlan Seeley, one of the old officers remaining in the company after the recent weeding out, is destined to become First Sergeant.
News of the advancement of the above men, and
of Major William Turnbull to the command of the Secend Battalion of the
Third Regiment was received at the Armory yesterday. Edward Mahaffey
has been appointed to adjutant on the staff of aMjor [Major] Turnbull.
The Elmira Advertiser
Saturday Morning
April 21, 1917
Page 6
SUB-COMMITTEES ARE NAMED TO CARE FOR MANY DETAILS OF GREAT HOME DEFENSE
EFFORT
Special Chamber of Commerce Committee of Fifteen Will Co-Operate –
Every Citizen Is Delegated a Committee of One to Ace in Emergency.
The special committee of fifteen of the Chamber of Commerce, named to co-operate with the Home Defense Committee appointed under the direction of Governor Whitman, met yesterday at the same hour as did the latter committee, and reported to the latter organization that a complete organization had been effected, and that the special Chamber of Commerce committee is ready to put its services at the disposal of the Home Defense Committee.
Plans for increasing the food production, for recruiting all sorts of service, not only military, but civil, commercial, industrial and agricultural, were discussed fully. This Chamber of Commerce department is to be known as the National Service Committee.
The following sub-committees were named yesterday by the Home Defense Committee:
For supervision of gardens and garden work in city and vicinity – Mayor Hoffman, chairman; Robert York, Rufus Stanley, Earl G. Cook, Merle D [no last name listed].
Committee to furnish labor – Edward J. Dunn, chairman; J. E. Morrow, Daniel J. Kennedy, Allan Mason, Ray Niver, A. M. Bovler, R. T. Lewis and James D. McCann.
Transportation – As regards steam railroads, H. A. Jaggard, chairman; trolley lines, F. H. Hill; automobiles and trucks, F. C. Ogden.
Recruiting and manufacturing – J. S. Fassett, chairman; A. P. Morow, H. C. Mandeville, J. M. Connelly, Dr. A. W. Booth, James B. Rathbone, C. B. Romer, Thomas F. Fennell, George L. Curtis, B. S. Chamberlin, L. S. Whittier, A. F. Wedenberg, Samuel Cotton and J. E. Bally, secretary.
These men will hold frequent meetings, commencing at once, and will endeavor to get such matters as are necessary to be done under way immediately.
At their meeting yesterday afternoon the Home Defense committee urged upon every Elmiran and resident of the county to forthwith act as an individual committee of one to see that food is raised this summer. Every person who plants even half a dozen hills of potatoes will confer a direct benefit to his fellow men.
Every bit of garden space in the city should
be utilized, and doubtless will be, although Seymour Lowman stated last
evening that thus far the offers of available gardening space for the use
o [of] the committee have been coming in very slowly. Over this weekend,
trips about the city and the suburbs are to be made by the members, and
a checked-up list of available space will be forthcoming next week.
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