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Letters from Mr. Frank Schaeffer, Hdg. Batt #1 M.F.H.,
Camp Greenleaf Annex, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. to Mr. Joe T. Schaeffer (his
brother) at 217 42nd Street, Newport News, VA and to Mrs. Geo G. Schaeffer,
419 Washington Street, Henderson, KY. One letter is from a Mrs. Lange
to Mr. Joe Schaeffer. To view photos of the actual letters click on
the "postmarked" date.
Postmarked May 4, 1918 2-30P
Chattanooga, Tenn
Three page letter handwritten on YMCA Paper (photo
included):
Fort Olgethorpe, Ga.
May 4 - 1918
Dear Bro-:-
Your letter received a few days ago, would have
answered sooner but am kept very busy now, in the last few days
my mail has numbered up to 8 letters which this is just the
third one I have answered.
Went to town last Wednesday night with Fred Osley, we went to
a K. C. dance but not knowing the crowd didn't enjoy ourselves
like if knowing the girls.
I am sending a picture of our office force so you can see what
it looks like, I don't think it good of us.
I haven't been able to see Clyde yet, but tomorrow I am going
to look him up. We can get a pass from our captain or order
rather for a horse to ride, and I can ride over to see him.
My girl from Etown sent me a box this week with good eats. She
also sent a suvoiner from Indiana, a small beer glass with imitation
beer in it.
I wrote aunt Kate last week but haven't received an answer yet
from them.
I think in a few weeks the company's under this battalion will
go to Texas. They are attached to the seventh division, the
battalion ins't attached to any division but they can send it
if they want to, so I really can't tell how long I may be here.
Chances for staying here are just as bright as leaving.
One of our companys left this week for Camp Merritt or Hoboken,
that beens * oversea duty. Their place was filled with Co L.
which I use to be in.
If you want to drop Fred a few lines just address it in care
of Camp GreenLeaf Annex post office and he will get it.
The days here are hot as hell and the nights or cool enough
for three blankets, overcoat and shelter tent spread over you.
News is scarce here but will try and write more next time.
Frank
PS. Going to write to Edna and Miss Minnie all in one letter
cutting down expenses.
* I would guess this word is supposed to be means,
but it is definitely a "b"eens.
Postmarked May 13, 1918
6-30P Chattanooga, Tenn
One page letter handwritten on YMCA Paper:
Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.
May 13 -18.
Dear Bro:-
I am droping you a few lines to let you know that
by the time you receive this letter I will be on my way to Hoboken
for overseas duty.
They are taking two-hundred medical men out of this battalion
and two-thousand out of this camp. I am going with the intension
of coming back alive.
I am not going to write this news home until the
last minutes. The only reason I hate to go is because I know
how hard mama will take it. But she might know that I would
have to go by being in the army. After arriving will write you
and send my address.
Frank -
Don't write to me until you hear from me.
Postmarked May 15, 1918 10-PM
Chattanooga, Tenn
One page letter typed on plain paper:
Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.
May 14_ 1918
Dear Brother:
I wrote just a little to quick the other day,
they were going to take two_hundred from this battalion and
in order to get the number the office force was put in, later
on an order came asking for only one_hundred fifty_eight so
that let us out.
If you haven't wrote home about it do not say
anything when you write for I had not sent word home yet aboutgoing.
If we don not go when the seventh division goes that will mean
we stay here for the summer, here is hoping we stay.
Mildred sent me Laura Fowlers address the other
day, I wrote her a letter stating that I would be in Chattanooga
next saturday, she wrote and said she would be aufully glad
to see me, so I am going to try her and see if she is putting
anything out besides hot air.
Joe give my address to Anna and tell her to give
it to Clyde so he can try to find me, I have tried several times
to locate him but have not been successful yet.
While in town next saturday I intend to have
my picture taken, they will be about the size of those I made
at home. when they are finished I will send you one by mail.
Your brother,
(signed) Frank Schaeffer
Postmarked May 27, 1918
2-30P Chattanooga, Tenn
Three page letter handwritten on YMCA Paper:
Chickamauga Park, Ga.
May 26 - 18
Dear Brother:-
Your letter received a few days ago and have
been busy with rosters for the two-hundred men that is going
out, is the reason for not answering.
I am sending you one of my pictures
which I had made last week. They cost me eight dollars a dozen,
just about like the ones had made at home for four and half.
It is hard to say what I will do after going
over, we may be put on the outgoing list tomorrow and we may
stay here the duration of the war.
Was out to see Laura Fowler one Saturday night,
but didn't try anything. After I get paid off I intend to go
in one night through the week to see her. I have almost went
broke this month, my pictures put a crip in my pocket book.
We were transferred to the Motor Sanitary Units,
but still doing the same work and in the same place. All of
the battalions are assigned to the Motor Sanitary Units.
Believe me it certainly does get hot here in
this camp, but the nights are cool and fine sleeping. There
is a cold water shower house in front of our tents and we go
under it every before going to bed.
Mildred wrote and told me that Marion Duncan had died. There
will be some more money for old Dr. Graham to spend for booze.
I suppose you get to see a lot of soldiers and
sailors in Newport News. A private hasn't much chance in Chattanooga
because this is an officers training camp and they keep that
place warm. As you know the girls fall for officers before they
will privates.
All of the boy's here in the office are going
to be made privates first class, which will mean three more
dollars a month.
Well this is about all for this time will try
and be more prompt next time.
I remain the same.
Frank.
Postmarked June 6, 1918
2-30P Chattanooga, Tenn
Three page letter handwritten on YMCA Paper:
Chickamauga Park, Ga.
June 6 - 1918
Dear Bro:-
Yours at hand and the box of candy arrived all OK, certainly
did enjoy it. Don't forget me the next time your luck is running
good.
Well there isn't anything much new in this camp, only a big
bunch of men were sent here from Camp Taylor, we have some in
our company's but do not know any of them. Several are from
Evansville.
Mildred wrote a letter to me on May the 12th. I just received
it a couple of days ago and in it was telling about her quiting
the office, but nothing was said about her getting married.
There is going to be a big dance in Chattanooga Saturday for
the soldiers. If we get paid before then I intend to go, this
is the first time I have been broke for a long time. I wouldn't
have went broke this month but the pictures put a crimp in my
pocket-book.
The folks wrote to me and* said Louis Klee died , also May Powell,
she married Carroll Dickerson had died.
Three boys to a absent without leave what we call an A.W.O.L
from this battalion. They have all three now under arrest and
they will be tried by a court martial which will probley give
them a few years in the pen. If I can't get a furlough I would
never leave on an A.W.O.L.
Well I am feeling fine, having better health now than I ever
did.
I am a private first class now, it took effect June the 1st.
This will be all for the present only we had a good shower after
supper which cooled things off.
Frank
Postmarked June 17, 1918 2-30P
Chattanooga, Tenn
Three page letter handwritten on YMCA Paper:
Chickamauga Park, Ga.
June 16 - 1918
Dear Brother:-
I am on duty this morning until noon, so I will drop you a few
lines to let you know I am well and enjoying the best of health.
The way you spoke a while ago I thought you had sent that money
to Mamma, I received a letter this week and she said she must
have some money by the first of July, so if you can spare the
rest of that money send it to her, she has used up the money
I left with her.
Mildred and Sam have rented Mrs. Jesse Dades house on north
main St.
You spoke about dancing, well last night a week ago I went to
a dance in Chattanooga give at the court house, well I certainly
did have some time every body seemed to have a good time.
I think I will go to town this afternoon to call on a young
lady who I met at the dance.
The last letter from said you thought you would be taken out
of the yards and put in the army, I don't think there is anything
to that as we haven't heard anything to that effect here.
I didn't know you were Recording Secetary of the union, although
as you say it is lots of trouble and still no more money for
you.
I have had all of my equipment and winter clothing taken away,
so that looks like I am to stay here for awhile yet.
I am about to get use to the weather here now, in the day time
it hot as hell, but the nights are cool to sleep.
Well this all for this time so I will close and if you can spare
more money send it to mamma,
Frank
Postmarked July 22, 1918 2-30P
Chattanooga, Tenn
Four page letter handwritten on YMCA Paper:
Chickamauga Park, Ga.
July 20 - 1918
Dear Mother,
Just received your letter and while we are not doing anything
I have plenty of time to write again from this camp.
By the time you receive this letter I will be on my way, we
are expected to go in the morning.
It certainly is a lots of trouble to get a company ready for
shipment. They took all of our summer clothes except underwear
away from us and gave winter clothing in the place. Our bag
of equipment went to the train this afternoon, so that is a
good sign the time is close.
I am in perfect health now and have been every since here, hoping
this letter finds all well and to stay well.
If the Allies keep on pushing the Germans like they have in
the last few days they will get close to Berlin and then the
German's will give up, so don't worry it won't be long before
it will all be over.
About my insurance, it takes time to send them, just like the
allotments, but if you don't get those papers before long just
write to Washington D.C., here is my number to send them if
you write "808,528M.D.N.A" some number isn't it, some
of the boy's here that came from Louisville camp have numbers
as high as two-million, so you see how many have come into the
army since I have.
Some of those boy's have only been in the service about five
weeks and going over.
There was six of us in the headquarters that I was in and five
of us are going over with the seventh-division, the other fellow
had to go to the hospital for an operation or he would have
went to. He certainly sore because he couldn't go with us.
Well I haven't much more to say this time, only that I don't
feel dissatisfied of going, because this is a fine company and
all of the men in it think a lots of me. One fellow is from
Booneville Ind. And he is just like a brother to me.
Yours-
Frank-
PS. Your next letter just send with the same address as the
last and they will send it to me, that way I will hear again
from you before going over, ans in the next few days.
Postmarked Aug 2, 1918
6 PM Jersey City, N.J. Merritt Branch
Three page letter handwritten on YMCA Paper:
Camp Merritt, N.J.
August 2 - 1918
Dear Mother:-
Received the letter yesterday that Mildred wrote for you, was
glad to hear that Ollie is better, although I didn't know she
had been sick.
Got to spend about 18 hours in New York, believe me it is some
place but I wouldn't want to live there. In order to get around
and see everything one would have to spend about a week there
and be on the go all the time.
Three of us got one dollar tickets for a show, which only cost
one cent each.
I was on the go most all night, got in bed at three o'clock,
up at seven still on the go seeing all I could for I had to
be back in camp at twelve o'clock at noon Aug. 1st.
The trips and every thing I have seen since in the army certainly
would have cost something it made on my own expense. The trip
to New York was fine, everybody seems to be in a hurry and street
cars flying by every second.
The woolworths building which is about seven-hundred feet high
is wonderful to see.
At the soldier's and sailor's community club you are treated
royal, we got our supper there which was dirt cheap and it was
good.
We are expecting to most anytime from this camp, they take them
away between the hours of 12 and five. Last night large bunch
left for the ship.
If you have any trouble with my allotments and you write to
Washington don't forget to put this number with my name, 808
528M.D.N.A
Yours-
Frank-
Tell Mrs. Berrer hello for me.
Postmarked Aug 9, 1918
12 M I Jersey City, N.J. Merritt Branch
Two page letter handwritten on Merritt Hall paper:
Camp Merritt, N.J.
August 8 - 1918
Dear Mother:-
Received a letter today from Mildred stating Ollie wasn't much
better, I hope she will get along alright by the time you receive
this letter.
I found a Henderson boy in this camp today, his name is Bohn.
They live close to the cemetary. I certainly was glad to see,
he just came in this morning from Louisiana.
He has been telling me about all of the boy's they have called
from H-
Certainly is bad about Annie Wize about to die, but sometimes
it can't be helped.
We don't know exactly yet when we will leave, it has been two
weeks last night here in this camp, usely ten day's is the limit
for troops to stay here.
I haven't heard from Joe for about a week, but I guess he has
a letter on the way for me which I will receive in a day or
so.
I haven't much to say only I am feeling fine with the exception
of a cold. I swear it is hotter up here than it was in Georgia,
yesterday was one of the hottest day's I ever spent, just couldn't
keep cool, the sweat would pour off just as if some one had
turned a hose on you.
I will write again in a day or so, but will try and write more.
Lovingly
Frank-
Postmarked Aug 27, 1918
12 PM Evansville, IND.
Two page letter handwritten on plain paper from Mr.
& Mrs. H Granger to Mr. Joe Schaeffer:
Evansville 8/26/18
Mr. Joe Schaeffer
Dear Friend
Anna was buried
this morning It was certainly a sad affair and all took it very
hard. Anna sure suffered during her illness and after developments
in her sickness it was a blessing she died as she surely would
have been an invalid the balance of her life. She surely thought
a good deal of you as she spoke of you so much. While she was
so very sick one of your letters came and the folks did not
take it to her. Then she began to wondering why you did not
write, so the folks told her about the letter and read it to
her. She then asked for paper and pencil to answer it right
away. She tried to write but gave it up saying she was too tired
and would write you the next day. She sure had lots of friends.
Yesterday was a very rainy day but the people just swarmed into
the house all day and up to a late hour last night. Then she
got so many beautiful flowers. With the money you sent I got
a broken heart and it was a gourges piece and every one admired
it. When they came to the house and Mrs. Vize saw it she broke
down completely. She seems to think so much of you. I am enclosing
a rose which
I took from the broken heart thinking you might want it. Neither
Bob Clyde or Abel got to come home to the funeral. Mrs. Vize
received a letter in answer to her telegram to Bob stating he
was leaving that day (Aug 24) for France or some other place
to join our forces. Jerome leaves next Sunday for camp, he having
enlisted. Well Joe I hope this little letter finds you in good
health. Now don't forget us write when you can. All consider
you a dear friend and when you come to Evansville don't fail
to come and see us all.
Your Friends
Mr and Mrs H Lange*
321 Grant St
*Handwriting is hard to decipher. The rose and
newspaper clipping about Anna's death are still with the letter.
August 28th, 1918
No envelope
Letter handwritten on YMCA paper:
August 28 - 1019
Field Hospital #36
American Ex. Forces, France
Dear Mother:-
Arrived safely and feel fine, didn't get sea sick at all, believe
me you certainly get tired of seeing nothing but water. We had
no trouble what ever with submarines.
All the way over each company would take turn in doing guard
duty and lookout watch, that is watch for anything in the water.
The French people are glad to see the American boy's and they
are very sociable, some of them speak a little English. I am
beginning to pick up some French already, certainly wish I understood
their language thoroughly.
The weather is considerable cooler here than it is at home,
it also rains more often here than in America.
I have strained my eyes eversince here looking for a frame house,
but as wood is so scarce they use stone to build with. They
build good looking homes with the stone.
In the last letter Mildred wrote for you she said Ollie's case
had developed into typhoid fever, I hope she is well and all
felling fine when this letter is received. That was the last
letter I received from home.
Tell Mildred she will receive a letter from me in a few day's,
as this letter she will read and feel as if she had received
it. Also tell Aunt Kate to look forward for a letter. Give my
regards to Mrs. Berrer.
We are allowed to drink common beer and white wine, but only
certain times during the day.
Well mother I will go back and tell more about the trip over,
we landed last Sunday night at eight o'clock. Didn't unload
until Monday morning and I certainly was glad to put my feet
on dirt again.
The sea was wild only one day, so I think that is the reason
we didn't get seasick.
I alway's heard of flying fish but couldn't believe it to be
true, but while on the water I saw quiet a number flying close
to the water.
Well mother I am going to close for this time, but you can expect
to hear from me real often.
Your son-
Frank V. Schaeffer
It is marked at the bottom "OK.
Robert Stakh
Capt +H36"
Name is very hard to read
Postcard to Joe.
No postmark.
Port of Embarkation, N.J.
The ship on which I sailed arrived safely.
Frank V. Schaeffer
Motor Field Hops. #36
Sanitary Main, 7th Div.
American Expeditionary Forces
The letters end here. There is a
card dated after August 28th that says:
PVT. FRANK V. SCHAEFFER
Died Oct. 12, 1918
While Serving
As an Infantryman with
American Expeditionary Forces
his draft card
and a folded card
that shows his cross in the cemetery.
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