Compiled by W. E. Welch, J. S. Aldridge, and L.
V. Aldridge
Published by the Oklahoma Historical Society in 1920
BRYAN COUNTY
CALVIN R. BRYANT Sergeant. Foster son of Mr. and Mrs. A. C Risner, Durant, Okla., R. 1, Box 120, was born Nov. 9, 1892, in Oklahoma, finishing his education in Southeast Normal School at Durant. He entered the Army Oct. 10, 1917, and was sent to Camp Travis, where he was attached to Co. F, 358th Infantry, 9oth Division. He sailed with them for France, in June, 1918, going by way of England, where they spent the 4th of July and marched in the London parade on that day. After training behind the lines, they were sent to the front to take their part in the great battles that were taking place, first in the St. Mihiel and then immediately in the Meuse-Argonne. They fought heroically day after day, steadily progressing under conditions which, according to previous standards, would have been impossible, and Sergeant Bryant again and again just barely escaped being hit by the Boche, as he grimly and skillfully displayed his ability as a sharpshooter. He was gassed on November 8, and sent to a hospital from which he wrote his last letter home, saying that he was gassed but expected to go back to the lines right away, which he did. On the 11th, three days later, in the morning about 10 o'clock, he was wounded, dying two hours later in a hospital. Sergeant Bryant was buried in the Meuse-American Cemetery.
CECIL MONROE BARNETT Private. Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Barnett, of Durant, Okla., was born in Cook County, Texas, August 22, 1897, and received his education in Durant high school and Southeast State Normal, Durant, graduating with Class of :17. On June 21, 1918, he volunteered for service in the Army and was sent to Paris Island, South Carolina, where he trained with Co. L, 13th Regiment, U. S. Marines. Private Barnett was transferred from Co. L to Co. F for Air Service, and was sent to France to take training. He took flu just two days after leaving the U. S., and was taken directly to Base Hospital No. 1, when they arrived at Brest, Sept. 26, living only two days after landing. His body was buried at Brest, but later sent home to Durant, June 3. 1919, and buried in Hyland Cemetery. Of Mr. Barnett's immediate family he was survived only by his father and mother, who gave their all for the great cause of humanity, and who, though mourning greatly the loss of their loved boy, may cherish the memory of a soldier who died in the service of his country. Private Barnett was accepted in the Officers' Training Corps just before he sailed for France.
MARION D. RUSHING, Corporal, son Of Dr. and Mrs. G. M. Rushing, Durant, Okla., was born in Texas, October 20, 1895, and received his education in the Durant high school. Southeast Normal at Durant, and Austin, Texas, College. He enlisted for service in May, 1918, and was sent to Jackson, S. C, with 5th Artillery Corps at Art. Park. He sailed for France in July and fought in the St. Mihiel, Champagne and Meuse-Argonne drives. Was promoted to Corporal. Discharged from Camp Pike, July 19, 1919.
DOUGLAS D. JOHNSON, Private, First Class, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Johnson, Akron, Ohio, was born in England, July 2, 1895; received his education in the Oklahoma public schools and the Southeast State Normal. He entered the service August 20, 1917, and underwent an intensive military training at Ft. Logan and Ft. Riley, Evacuation Hospital No. 2. He embarked overseas August 14, 1918, landing in England and France; participated in the engagements at St Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne; uninjured; spent six months with the Army of Occupation in Germany; received his discharge at Camp Sherman in July, 1919.
GEORGE DARWIN BROWN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dave F. Brown, was born Oct. 2, 1896. He and Raymond Butler were raised by their uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Hall, as brothers. Both boys attended the Southeastern Normal at Durant. On August 14, 1918, George Brown enlisted in the Army, being sent to Adrian, Mich., and later to Camp Crane, Pa., and assigned to Ambulance Corps, 64th Evacuation. Overseas Nov. 11, 1918. Promoted to Wagoner. Discharged May 14, 1919, at Camp Custer, Mich.
LEON BLAIR PERKINS, Private, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Perkins, Durant, Okla., was born in Texas, March 25, 1899, and finished his education in the Durant high school, Southeastern Normal at Durant and Texas A. & M. College. He volunteered for service in June, 1918, and trained at Ellington Field with the Aviation Training Corps under Capt. Taylor. Was discharged December, 1918.
RAYMOND P. BUTLER, Petty Officer, son of late Mr. and Mrs. Cheatam Butler, raised by Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Hall, Durant, Okla., was born in Tennessee, Dec. 22, 1899, and finished his education at Southeastern State Normal and at Stanton, Va. In November, 1918, Mr. Butler entered the Navy for 4 years. He is now in Italy and expects to go around the world before returning to the U. S.
FREDERICK E. KEATLEY, Corporal, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Keatley, Durant, Okla., was born in Illinois, April 4, 1893, and educated in the Oklahoma schools. He entered service Oct. 3, 1917, training at Camp Travis with Co. A, 344th Machine Battalion, 90th Division. Sailed in June, 1918. Fought in St Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne. Discharged April. 1918.
HAROLD MOORE, Sailor, son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Moore, Durant, Okla., was born in Arkansas, Nov. 15, 1897, and educated in the Oklahoma schools. On August 8 1918, he entered the U. S. Navy, and was sent to San Pedro, Cal, where he trained until just before he was discharged at New Orleans, Feb. 17, 1919.
HUGH R. HICKMAN, First Class Private, son of late L. A. Hickman, Durant, Okla., was born in Pocola, Okla., Nov. 18, 1897, and educated in the Oklahoma schools. On Jan. 19, 1918, he entered service, training at Camp Bowie with Co. D, 142nd Inf., 36th Div. Sailed overseas in July and fought in Meuse-Argonne and Champagne. Discharged at Camp Bowie. June 16, 1919.
LOUIS G. TIMKEN, Private, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Timken, Gueda Springs, Kan., was born in Oklahoma, Feb. 16, 1896; educated in the schools of Oklahoma, He entered the service June 25, 1918, and underwent an intensive military training at Camp Cody, New Mexico. While on duty at the camp he contracted the influenza which resulted in his death Sept. 19, 1918. A few days before he entered the war, June 5, he was married to Agnes McMullen, daughter of George McMullen, Verden, Okla.
SPURRIER JACK BOYD, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Boyd, 516 W. Main St., Durant, Okla., was born in Kentucky, Jan. 1, 1893, and educated in Durant. Entered service in May, 1918, and trained at Ft Riley at the Base Hospital No. 70. Was sent to France in September, 1918, with the Hospital Corps. After faithfully serving his country many months he answered death’s call Feb. 8, 1919.