Ernest Powell, WWI Soldier, Writes Home from Camp

 

A niece of Ernest Elmer Powell (1896-1968) was in possession of two letters he wrote home to his parents during World War I. After she passed, the letters were given to one of Ernest's granddaughters and she photographed them to share with the family. Ernest was my great-grandfather.

Ernest Elmer Powell WWI Draft Registration Card page 1 from Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.
Original data:United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls. Imaged from Family History Library microfilm.

Ernest Elmer Powell WWI Draft Regsitration Card page 2 from Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.
Original data:United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls. Imaged from Family History Library microfilm.

I don't have records showing the exact dates of Ernest's service, but estimate it to be about August 1918 to December 1918. Newspaper Articles in the Houston Herald (Houston, Missouri) in June, July and August of 1918 list him among other local boys who went through the draft registration and examinations. In one of the letters you'll see below, dated Nov 24, 1918, he says he will be home by Christmas. We know he did make it home about that time and he married Julia Davis in January 1919.

Ernest Powell (G.P. for Grandpa Powell is penciled above his head) with two other men. Exact date and location unknown, but undoubtedly taken in 1918 since he is in uniform.

This first letter is dated October 19, 1918 and was written in Camp McArthur, Texas. The letter is written in pencil and has faded so severely over time that it's nearly impossible to read. 

I was able to make out some of it.

"...have you heard from Nancy? she was pretty sick with the baby... I got a letter from Ora yesterday Barbra was there with Nancy taking care of her..."

"...site at Camp Funston Kans. ... sickness is there it has been a site here but all of it is cured know[sic] pretty fast..."

Then I just get bits and piece.

"...to leave...next week some time I'm going to send ...thing back. I will send my razor first.....fork. I can't take another across with me. I don't know where I am going across all...I will write another letter tomorrow will close but this time answer soon."

His signature is not legible.

The women he refers to - Nancy, Ora, and Barbara - are his sisters. Sadly, Nancy's baby died just two days after this letter was written. Claude Cleo Pitts was his name and he was almost 11 months old. A newspaper article shows that he died of Bronchitis, but this was all during the time that the Spanish Flu pandemic was sweeping through our country. I can't help but wonder if that was the "sickness" that took Nancy's baby and was running through Army training camps.

Ernest's letter, postmarked Oct 20 1918, was mailed in a souvenir envelope with some prints of scenes from Camp MacArthur, near Waco, Texas. Camp MacArthur was an Army training camp with an officer's training school, infantry training camp, hospital and administrative offices. After the war, the camp was abandoned and the land taken over by the city of Waco.

The next letter was written and sent from Camp Merritt in Jersey City, NJ. Most of this one is legible, though Ernest's spelling is a bit off. I'll transcribe as written.

"Nov 24, 1918

Mr. J.H. Powell

Dear father and mother I will write you a letter today I am fat and sasy I am flesher than I every was before I wish you could see me You out to see me eat to I eat every meal just a like We havent dun anything for over three weeks and I am getting pretty lazy.

I think I will bee at home befor very long I think we was figure on going to Camp Funston, Kans yesterday we will be there to or three days. we are under quaranteed know I think we will get out in a day all to some of the boys has the -?- and the quaranteed us all for awail.

but I know we will get home for Chirstmas you want to have a big pot and a little one to 

say I have seen a hole lots and I dont -?- it eitherI was on the ship for one day and night we was on for oversee and they got new orders not to go oversee.

I can tell you folks a hole lots when I get home Well it is ofal coal hear the ground freze every knight one day hear it froze all day but I have plenty close. I have a big overcat and a Raincat they are shore fine to.

Well I hant going to write much today. I think I will bee at home sunday week if nothing haping no more so will close for this time.

Ernest E Powell

this is my address

Co. 40.-1-1100-R

Camp Merritt Branch

Jersy City, NJ

fia New York"

Envelope addressed to Mr. J. H. Powell, Summersville, Texas, Mo. postmarked Nov. 25 1918 Merritt, NJ.

Camp Merritt was a camp for transient troops under command of the New York Port of Embarkation. Ernest would have been sent here in preparation to travel overseas. In reading about Camp Merritt, I learned that there was a heavy outbreak there of the Spanish Flu in late 1918. Ernest mentions that they are under quarantine because some of the boys were sick. It was likely that the boys were sick with influenza. 

Ernest is the man at top right (see arrow) on this postcard photograph saved by one of his daughters. 

As I mentioned, I don't have Ernest's military records to know an exact release date, but he was home in time to stand up be married less than two months later. It seems there may not have been anything else happening and this young man was one of the lucky ones who didn't have to serve overseas. Instead he would have been sent to Camp Funston, Kansas and released from there as he mentioned in his letter. He mentioned Camp Funston in the first letter, too, and the sickness there which we know now was the Spanish Flu. In March of 1918 some of the first cases in the United States were reported at Camp Funston, located on Fort Riley southwest of Manhattan, Kansas.

Not only did Ernest barely dodge serving overseas, it seems he also managed to avoid getting sick during a pandemic in Army training camps. He really was a lucky man, and his descendants are so thankful that he survived and went on to marry and have many children.

It's Family Reunion time again!

When I was a child my mother had family, on the sides of both of her parents, living in fairly close proximity in the Kansas City, Missouri area and regular gatherings were common. In the summertime especially, picnics or Sunday dinners brought the family together. My grandparents, most of their generation, my mom, and many of her cousins are no longer with us. The remaining family members have spread out across the country and few are still in the Kansas City area, but we continue to work hard to keep the tradition of a regular family gathering alive. As is common with family reunions, our numbers get a bit smaller each time. People pass away or become unable to travel due to aging, and the youngest family members haven't formed the close bonds that the older generations did growing up with cousins nearby. But, for now, those of us that go have a really great time and we'll do this as long as we can.

Every other year for the last 15 or so years we have met lakeside on Truman Lake in Central Missouri. Traveling from all over Missouri and as far away as Washington, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Louisiana, and Arizona, we all descend on the friendly resort in the heat of late July for a three-day party. Everyone always says they wish it could be an annual thing, but every other year comes around pretty quick. This schedule also allows families a chance to plan a different vacation on the off years and still get to every reunion.

The Reunion Schedule

We do a three-day reunion (Friday-Sunday) and have found a resort with a hotel and a kitchen/clubhouse that we reserve. I use the term "resort" loosely because it's more like a fishing camp, but it meets our needs and the price makes it more affordable for everyone to attend. Each person attending contributes $20 to help pay for the clubhouse and the food and we all pay for our own accommodations. We have a group of about 40-60 with the biggest turnout on Saturday. A few early birds arrive Thursday night and the rest trickle in on Friday and Saturday. Some just come on Saturday if they live nearby, but for those traveling far, it's nice to have three days to visit. On Sunday afternoon we start saying our goodbyes and everyone has headed home by Monday morning.

Our routine is the same every time.

Day One:

On Friday morning a crew does the grocery shopping at the local Wal-Mart while another group is setting up tables and decorating. We plan a light lunch on Friday so as people arrive they can grab a bite if hungry. Then on Friday night, we have a buffet dinner. This is always a late night of visiting and catching up.

A recruited helper (my Uncle) making paper chains for the Christmas in July theme.

The sun setting on the lake.

Day Two:

Saturday begins by opening up the clubhouse early and getting the coffee on. Breakfast items that can be kept warm and cold cereal make it easy for people to eat whenever they wake up. Once breakfast is cleaned up most of us play BINGO. All ages love the game. Everyone brings some prizes and it goes on for hours. The hotel has a pool which is always a huge hit with the kids and other options for activities are outdoor games, fishing, and boating.
A light lunch is offered, but the main attraction is the Saturday main reunion meal. Served in mid to late afternoon, this is always huge with lots of dishes and lots of desserts. After the meal, we draw for the raffle prize or prizes. These are always something handmade. We have had a crocheted afghan, quilts, and family history books. This year I'm making a quilt and so is another cousin. Quilts are always popular raffle items. Raffling items helps to bring in funds to keep the reunion going even as our numbers are dwindling. Group photos, if we remember, are done after we clean up.
Saturday nights are for story-telling, sing-alongs, laughter, and reminiscing. It's always another late night.

The kids love hanging out by the pool.

A crocheted afghan was raffled the first year we started doing a raffle.

Quilts are always a popular raffle item.

Lake fun!

Playing music and singing on Saturday night :)

Tip: if you can plan a time for everyone to gather for a photo, do it! We've found that this is something you have to be flexible with as there'll always be someone napping, at the pool, or on the lake and you'll likely never get a photo with everyone in it.

The one and only year (so far!) that we remembered to get a big group photo.

Day Three:

Sunday morning goes about the same as Saturday though we may switch up the breakfast items. Many of the folks check out of their rooms and head home Sunday afternoon, so the goodbyes begin after breakfast. Those of us that stay through Monday morning all help with clean-up and polish off as much of the leftover food as we can. If we're a small group, we sometimes head out to a local restaurant for a casual dinner.

My mom (in the blue blouse) passed away 7 years ago.
Here she is pictured with her brothers and sister at one of the reunions.
These four are the reason I started planning this reunion.

Our reunion spot sits on this quiet cove.

Planning the Reunion

Family reunions take a little bit of planning. Years ago when we first started, invitations were sent in the mail and RSVPs collected to get a head count. Now we have a facebook group and I just create an event with all the details after the reservations have been locked in. Those without a facebook account are contacted by phone or just hear about it from someone else. We collaborate and plan a menu in advance, then buy enough food and disposable tableware for our average group size and don't worry about an exact count anymore. For BINGO, we use a deck of BINGO cards, a pad of paper cards and plastic markers purchased online years ago that transport easily. If we run out of markers, Cheerios work well!

BINGO!

Bingo playing is a highlight of the reunions.

The table of BINGO prizes one year.

The kitchen work goes smoothly with a simple menu. Even for easy dishes, print out the recipes so anyone can help. Delegate the work. Setting up the buffet, taking out the garbage, food prep and clean up can all be delegated. Even though it's work, it's fun to do with others. We often have a group in the kitchen visiting and laughing as we prepare a meal and those are some of my favorite reunion memories. At the last reunion, we ordered the main dish on Saturday from a local restaurant and that reduced the workload a lot and was still within budget. We may do that again this year.

The clubhouse kitchen boasts a huge prep table that we put to use.

Having fun with reunion food.

I always choose a simple theme for the decorations. One thing that's been popular is to incorporate old family photos into the theme. They are great prompts for some terrific story-telling! Some of our past themes were "fiesta", "family tree", and "Hillbilly Hoedown" (our Ozarks hillbilly roots!). One year we did "Christmas in July" and everyone wrapped the BINGO prizes they brought. That was a lot of fun. This year it's "Flower Power" so we'll be getting our retro groove on. I just have fun with it and keep it simple.

The theme was "family tree".
The leaves and acorns hanging down from this tree all had a copy of an old family photo attached.
Leaves and acorns with photos were also scattered on the tables.

BINGO prizes wrapped as gifts for the Christmas in July theme.

Hillbilly hoedown was a fun theme.
One of my Aunts made the mason jar centerpieces.

The main thing is to just relax, keep it simple, and focus on enjoying the time with your cousins, aunts, and uncles. If you don't already have family reunions, consider starting the tradition. It's worth the effort, believe me.

My Great Aunt Betty

This week the prompt for the #52ancestors project is "nurture". Of course, we all think of our mothers and grandmothers, or a nurse in the family but nothing I came up with felt quite right. Then I thought of my great Aunt Betty. She was one of those people that makes everyone feel at ease. As a kid, I never felt like I was bothering her. As wonderful as my mom and grandma were, I know I sometimes got on their last nerve! But not Aunt Betty. She just loved all the children.

Betty Louise Kinser was born on September 14, 1929, to Doc Lonzo Kinser and Sadie Marcella (Myers) Kinser in Kansas City, Missouri. She was their only child and was doted on by her mother.

Betty and John Powell

On October 11, 1947, just after turning 18, Betty married Omern "John" Powell in Kansas City. They were very much in love and longed to start a family. Sadly, they were unable to have children. Betty traveled with John to his military posts while he was in the Navy, and waited as patiently as she could while he served at sea during the Korean War. When his service ended, they made their home in Independence, Missouri.

Betty and John are the couple on the left with their arms wrapped around one another.
Also in the picture are many of John's siblings and their children.

John was one of eight children, so there were many nieces and nephews for Aunt Betty to love on back in Missouri. She really, truly, loved them all. And when the nieces and nephews grew older and started having children, those babies were loved on by Aunt Betty and Uncle John, too.  Every one of us lucky enough to have spent any time with them has special memories.

Betty and John Powell, seated, with three great-nieces soaking up their attention.

Betty loved to entertain and hosted family whenever she could. Because they were a professional couple without the expenses that children bring, they had all the nicest things. For example, Aunt Betty collected decorative eggs and had them displayed in cases. It was always fun to look at them, though our parents cautioned us, "Don't touch!" She also enjoyed buying a little gift for each child when we came to visit, making us feel special and welcome.

Betty passed away in 2011, followed by John in 2014. When their home was being cleaned out by the family, several items were discovered with notes attached saying who the item should go to. Betty had done this before she died. What wonderful surprises those things were, coming after she was gone. By saying who the items should go to, she made it so personal and special. One last gift from sweet Aunt Betty.

Cars (and trucks) in Family Photos

I have a bunch of old family photos that feature a car. Some of them are just the car, but most of them have some people posed in front of the vehicle. People have always been proud of the vehicles they buy, so some of the pictures are probably to show off that car. Some of them were taken on arrival or just before leaving after having traveled somewhere for a visit. Others might just have been a coincidence. I went through all the pictures I have and chose some of my favorites to share, along with the captions written on the back, if there was one.

Bobbys 59 Buick

This one makes me laugh. It's a fantastic photo of my mom with her siblings, probably taken in 1959. Their Uncle Bobby's car would have been brand new. What's funny about it is what's written on the back of the picture. Not a date, not the names or ages of the kids, not what they were doing, but "Bobbys 59 Buick". That was what we needed to remember about this picture, haha.

May 25, 1947

This photo, taken in the Spring of 1947, is of my Grandma Cobb (far right) when she was about 7 months pregnant with my mom. The other two women are unknown. The only thing written on the back was the date.

Bob & Roy

My Grandpa Cobb and his brother in about 1946. I'm not sure if it's when Grandpa was released from service or if he was just home on leave.

Bobby, Louise & Jeanie Cobb

 My mom, on the right, with her little sister and their Uncle Bob.

Jack

This is my mom's cousin's husband. I love the flip in his hair and how he's standing with his face in profile - looks kinda "Hollywood" to me.

My Grandpa Cavanaugh is in the middle with his brother Melvin (Deacon) on the left and an unknown man on the right.

These are my Dad's parents, probably about the time they were married.

This is the German jalopy I had (It fell apart!)

This is Oliver Timson, husband of my great aunt Evelyn, when he was overseas in WWII.

 Great Aunt Evelyn with her daughter, Carla.

My great-grandpa Cavanaugh, his son Melvin and dog Skippy getting ready to move some apples.

My Grandpa Cavanaugh looking very debonair in what looks like a racing car.

Dec. 29, 1951

My Grandma Cobb on her parent's farm for a visit in 1951.

Aug 1958

My great-grandma Powell, on the right, with her sister Maxine. 

My Aunt and her new husband in 1957.

This was my Dad's 1966 Ford Fairlane 500.

I don't know whose Maverick this was, but I love this picture not only because someone was super proud of this car, but because that's my grandparent's house in the background and there are so many great memories there.

Aug 19, 1951

And this one is just adorable. It wasn't only the grown-ups that were proud of their cars. My mom is in the driver's seat and her little sister is posing on the hood.