This week, we will continue the third part of a series of articles on Suwannee County’s mobilization and service in World War I.
By the middle of September 1917, orders had been received for the local company to move to Macon, Ga.:
“Fifteen hundred Florida soldiers, comprising the First Florida Infantry, commanded by Co. S. C. Harrison Jr. will entrain for Camp Wheeler at Macon some time Friday. The entrainment will include Co. E, Live Oak.”
Before the men left, however, the “citizens of the City of Live Oak and the members of Co. E enjoyed an afternoon picnic Tuesday afternoon at 4 o’clock at the fair grounds. The company marched out to the grounds in formation, where they were greeted by a number of prominent citizens. There was no set program, but the hour was spent very pleasantly, and a lunch consisting of ham sandwiches, pickles, salads, iced tea, and cake was served.”
After the Suwannee Rifles left for service, remaining citizens realized the need to organize further protection. In late September, the Suwannee Democrat noted:
“A meeting of the citizens of Suwannee County has been held to organize a company of county guards. The meeting was called by W. H. Lyle, who stated the purpose of the meeting and on motion made and carried Mr. Lyle was elected chairman of the meeting and R. P. Hopkins, secretary.
“Lyle explained that the Board of County Commissioners had approved the organization of the group and the election of officers was held.
“These were: W. H. Lyle, captain; Yandall Brown, 1st Lieutenant; Harry A. Grant, 2nd Lieutenant; W. A. Hughes, 3rd Lieutenant; and there being no further business the meeting adjourned.” By December of 1917 the First Florida Infantry had been broken up and distributed to other units. Suwannee County also lost its first soldiers to non-combat causes the same month while in training: Private Joseph Lastinger of Dowling Park (age 22) and Silas Harrell (listed as “Harrold” in the newspaper; age 24) of Wellborn died at Camp Wheeler, the latter from pneumonia, as was reported in a local newspaper article that month.
Join me next week for more!
Eric Musgrove can be reached at ericm@suwgov.org or (386) 362-0564.
