University of Tennessee Knoxville - Volunteer Yearbook (Knoxville, TN)

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LIEUT. HENRY LEFTVVICH MCCORKLE.

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K N Z? x ; if? ' Q Q T! r 1 , ' 1 Q : B ARD 3139110251 , , ,1 1;, f4 1Jz --: 1; i? 3 3 ,, , 1 ' 1 , EDWIN WILEY, : A 11 l1 . . . . Editor-in-Clxief 1 , ' TULLY R. CORNICK. JR., . . Business Manager , ,1 ' 3 a? X. amgamc ung- ' KATHARINE MCDONOUCH. 199 1, ADAMS COLHOUN, 799 J. W. COOPER, Law, 199 CHARLES G. Scmcxx, 1900 RALPH L. ROGERS. 19110 W. E. MCDONALD, 1901 CHARLES S. MAYFIJQIJx 11102 ALEX. C. LANIER, Chi-Delta H. M. EDMONDS, Philomathesian 11 W. H. GAMMON, McKinney Club LYDIA M. WILSON, Barbara Blount 3 3 ? Representatives from Fraternities W. H. HUNTER, Pi Kappa Alpha T. W. GARRETT, JR., Sigma Alpha Epsilon D. K. YOUNG, Kappa Sigma R. E. PRITCHARD, Kappa Alpha H. M. EDMONDS, Phi Gamma Delta 3 3'? Hrtists CATHERINE WILEY MARY COMFORT ELEANOR WILEY CATHERINE TAYLOR FREDERICK AULT A. B. WEGENER WESLEY CANTR ELL 7

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Life of Henry lieftwitch chorkle gt? g5 1t? 3 g S IEUT. HENRY LEFTWICH MCCORKLE, of the Twenty-fifth Infantry, U. S., was born I on his fatheris farm near Mooresburg, Hawkins County, Tenm, on the 20th of April, 1867. He was killed in the battle of El Caney near Santiago, Cuba, on the lst of July, 1898. He was of good, old Scotch-lrish stock, and came of a family distinguished for its worth. It is a remarkable fact that each generation has contained a number of brave soldiers and has lost one or more killed in battle. Henry Leftwich McCorkle received his early education in the public schools of Kawkins county, one of which was taught by Andrew Galbraith, an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, and at the Academy of Rogersville, of which W. L. McSpadden was principal. He entered the Freshman class of the University of Tennessee in September, 1885. He took the Scientific course, and was graduated with the degree of B. S., with excellent standing in Tune, 1889. Mr. McCorkle was an attentive and faithful student; respectful to all of the professors and officers of the institution; and manly and honorable in his dealings with his fellow students. He was fond of athletic sports and of military drill, and early took a prominent position in the cadet battalion. He was a second sergeant in his Freshman year, and first lieutenant in his Sophomore and Junior years. During his Senior year he was captain of a company, and did most excellent work. When Henry McCorkle first graduated from college, he thought he would become a teacher or professional man, and to this end he took a school in his native county. He was, however, of too active a disposition. to be contented with such a quiet, secluded life. Therefore, after a year, he came to Knoxville and entered business. But this did not suit him any better. His nature demanded a larger field and one in which he could find more vent for his active, joyous spirit. He had formed a taste for military work while a cadet at the University, and had developed a marked talent for organizing and commanding men. He loved to have to do with boys and men, and his personal magnetism and in- fluence were so strong that from the beginning he showed himself a natural commander of men. During his residence in Knoxville in the winter of 91, a recruiting officer of the United States army opened a station in this city. McCorkIe became acquainted with this gentleman, and the officer became very much interested in him. The officer explained to him that he was not here to recuit officers but to enlist men for the army, and that a young man of his parts should apply to the Secretary of War for permission to take the examination for a second lieutenancy. After consulting with his friends, Mc- Corkle did this, and through the assistance of Senator Isham G. Harris obtained permission to take such an examination. He stood a lengthy series of examinations with a class of some forty applicants, and was one of a half dozen to pass. In due time he was appointed on August Ist, 1891, as second lieuten- ant, and after a period of special instruction at the army school at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, he was assigned to the Twenty-fifth Infantry, with which he continued until his death. He was very fond of hunting, and enjoyed all of the sports that the country afforded during his residsnce at army posts on the plains. While at Fort Missoula, Mont, McCorkle married Mildred, daughter of Capt. Henry P. Ritzius of the Twenty-fifth Infantry. His wife survives him and one child, a fine boy of five years old, will, it is hoped, perpetuate his fatheris honorable name. Soon after the opening of the war, McCorkleis regiment was ordered to Tampa, Fla. While he was waiting there, on the 26th of April, he was recommend by the President for promotion to a first lieutenancy. Owing to the absence of his superior officers, he was assigned to Company G, and con- tinued to command it until he was killed.