Paxton High School - Reflector Yearbook (Paxton, IL)

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26 Paxton High School Reflector pecied that the classes of 1916 and 1917 would be represented in the U. S. Army—they at least could not be as a result of the selective draft. Never- theless. two of the twelve boys who graduated in 1916 enlsted. and three of the lifteen boys of 1917 have followed their example. Howard Wylie, ’16. The first of the 1916 boys to decide to enlist was Howard Wylie. On the morning of Thanksgiving day. he filled out the application blanks for en- listment in the Naval Aviation Corps; but before they were mailed, there oc- curred the fatal accident on the same day at Loda, and concerning which and bis subsequent death on Dec. 2nd, an account is elsewhere given. Though his enlistment was thus never consummated, except as to his own decision and patriotic purpose, which was indeed complete, his name must ever be given an honored place among the Paxton High School graduates whose heart and purpose have thrilled to heroic action in response to their country's call. And though his name is not enrolled among the young soldier manhood of the na- tion. yet we gladly, and with loving hands, place for him a star of purest blue upon the central field of white in the Service Flag of Honor for our school. Perle Swanson, ’16. Perle Swanson enlisted early in December in the Aviation branch of the U. S. Army service. He was first assigned to Camp Kelley, San Antonio, Texas. Very recently he has been transferred to the 27th Aero Squadron at the aviation camp, Waco, Texas. Carl Chrisman, ’17. Carl Chrisman made the great decision on November 30, 1917, enlisting on that date in the aviation department as a truck driver. He is now at Waco, Texas, or at least was some weeks ago. A letter from Wm. Over- street, three or four weeks ago, imPcates the probability that both Carl and Perle, from whom he has been separated, may be about to sail, or are on their way to France. Later. Feb. 15th.—Word has been received by Carl's parents that he i3 now at Camp Hazelhurst, Mineola, Long Island, N. Y. It is easy to antici- pate the next move. William Overstreet, '17. William Overstreet enlisted at the same time and in the same depart- ment of the service as did the two boys above named,—that is in the Aviation Branch of the Signal Corps. For the past month he has been in quarantine on account of measles and mumps, and the latest information is to the efTect that ior this reason he has not yet been assigned to any particular squadron. He expects definite assignment and transfer as soon as he is out of quaran- tine. Later—William is n6w a member of the 39th Balloon Co., Camp Wise, San Antonio, Tex.

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Paxton High School Reflector 25 THE CLASS OF 1915. Although the class of 1915 was the largest one graduated in the history of the school, it had one of the smallest number of male graduates on record. Out of the thirty-three members, but six were boys. However, they have a good service record and their percentage ranks among the best. Two young men, LaVerne Archer and Chester Wesslund enlisted last summer and fall respectively, while two more, Clyde Darter and Clarence Danielson, will be with our great National Army before this number of the Reflector is publish- ed. Neither of the two above mentioned boys who volunteered their servi- ces, are of age and deserve special mention for this. Both are also non-com- missioned officers. Corporal LaVerne Archer, ’15. Corp. LaVerne Archer joined the First Illinois National Guard, now the One Hundred Thirty-first U. S. Infantry, shortly after war was declared, and !s now stationed at Camp Logan. Houston. Texas, anxiously awaiting the word to go across. I aVerne has the distinction and honor of being one of the two P. H. S. boys to receive an appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, during the past twenty years. He attended that school a year and his many friends expected him to return last spring, but he chose rather, the shorter way of getting to France, namely the U. S. regulars. His ability and experience were soon recognized by military officers, and shortly after his en- ristment was made a corporal. He is a member of the thirty-third (Prairie) Division, and according to the statement of Secretary Baker, that bod is soon to be with General Pershing. Corporal Chester Wesslund, ’15. Corp. Chester Wesslund tried to enlist in the Navy about five months azo, but finding no suitable opening, he joined the first Illinois N. G., later made the one hundred thirty-first U. S. Infantry, and is now at Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, with his class-mate Corporal Archer. Chester recently passed the examination for the rank of corporal, and was one of the five out of sixty who were successful. As he is with the Prairie Division it will be but a short time before we hear the news that “Chet” is on the firing line. Clarence Danielson, ’15. Since the foregoing service record of the class of 1915 was in tjpe, word has been received that Clarence Danielson, another of the six male graduates of that class, enlisted at Chanute Field in some branch of the Signal Corps service. No further information is at hand, but the two who are already in. and the two who are expecting, to follow soon, will rejoice at the nearer approach to the 100% record in prospect for this class if the war holds out long enough. CLASSES OF 1916 AND 1917. When it is remembered that most high school students who graduate receive their diplomas when they are 18 years of age. it would hardly be ex-

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Paxton High School Reflector 27 N. Benton Funk, ’17. N. Benton Punk, of Ludlow, 111., is the third member of the class of i: 17 to enlist. “Ben,” as he is familiarly known in school circles, made one or more vigorous efforts to get into the service before the close of the school year. On account of his youth and the restraining influence of his parents, as ne was then under 18 years of age. the matter was deferred until after his graduation, and until December 13, when he enlisted at Champaign, 111., as a mechanic ir. the aviation corps. He is now at Camp Grant undergoing preliminary training before being sent to some special aviation school. He writes friends that he is becoming anxious to get into the special work for which he enlisted. Nevertheless, he is enjoying himself immensely, because, as all his friends know. “Ben’ is so constituted that he will have a good time wherever he is and in whatever he 1? doing. WILLIAM S. WALLACE. CLASS OF 1885, AND REV. AYRIE T. WALLACE, CLASS OF 1898, NOW IN FRANCE DOING Y. M. C. A. WAR WORK. We did not look to find any one whose connection with the Paxton High School dates so far back as the year 1885 to be actively engaged in any department of war work or service. However, reliable information was recent. |v received to the effect that William S. Wallace, of the Class of 1885. and his younger brother Ayrie T. Wallace, of the Class of 18S8, are now in France near the battle line doing active field and camp work with the V M. CL A. It will be remembered by older students that Mr. William S. W allace, after graduating from the Paxton high school, and the completion of a UnL versitv course, engaged in the profession of teaching. For a number of years hp was superintendent of the City Schools at Savanah. 111. Some years ago he icsigned his position at Savanah to engage in banking. In this it is re- ported that he was also highly successful. At the breaking out of the war, his son. who was of military age, enlisted in the regular army and was among the first to be sent to France. The father to be with his son and e- tiring to contribute his part in the great war work of the Nation, immed y disposed of his banking business and enlisted for Y. M C. A. Army Mork in France and thus accompanied his son across the sea. Whether at the same time or not your reporter has not learned, but rename information is at hand that Rev. Ayrie T. Wallace, the ancle of the yonn? soldier from Savanah. resigned his pastorate In Osh Park, and is now mlso in France engaged in Y. M. C. A. War ork. Two of the stars in our service flag have been placed there in honor of (these two graduates of other years: and we have been tempted to add an- other for the gallant young son who so heroically has led the way, though he never attended the Paxton high school.