TRANSCRIBED FROM THE ROGERS DEMOCRAT SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 P. 5
Camp Z. Taylor, Ky.
Dear Ones in Arkansas:
I have been intending to write you for the last week and now have the time so will write at once.
This is a large camp with a bunch of from 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers. We are having a good time with lots of hard drilling and study thrown in. As I wrote you sometime ago I am in an Officers Training school and should get out about the first of January. I am progressing as well as could be expected and like it fine.
Think the war will be over about the time I get across which should be about early spring. I want to get into the game for it is a great experience. I am officer in charge of barracks today and don't have to drill but just look after the two orderlies and helpers. We each take turn in the officers Training school at such work, for the captain on down so as to get the needed drill and experience.
Secretary McAdoo was at camp yesterday with some French officers and part of the camp formed for a big parade. Aeroplanes came over from Illinois and took part also, and taking it altogether, there was quite a celebration.
I have met two men who went to college with me and they are now in camp so it is so bad for being alone.
Haven't been homesick at all for I have been so busy that I haven't had time to think about home. We are not off until 8:30 p.m. and have to get out at 5:15 so you see we are kept pretty busy.
Will quit and get back to the barracks for I have to be on duty until 9:15. Write often, as we have more time to read than write.
Your nephew, NEIL R. BAKER
1st Obs. Bty., F.A.C.T.S.
NOTES: This letter was written by Neil Raymond Baker who spent much of his youth in Rogers, Arkansas. He enlisted in the military while living in Crete, Nebraska. He was the nephew of Mrs. Ollie Dean who lived at Cloverdale, east of Rogers. He was born on February 7, 1897 in Ohiowa, Nebraska and died on July 24, 1969 in Santa Barbara, California. He is buried in the Ft. McPherson Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. His military headstone identifies him as a 2nd Lieut. serving in the US Army during World War 1.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Camp Z. Taylor, Ky.
Dear Ones in Arkansas:
I have been intending to write you for the last week and now have the time so will write at once.
This is a large camp with a bunch of from 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers. We are having a good time with lots of hard drilling and study thrown in. As I wrote you sometime ago I am in an Officers Training school and should get out about the first of January. I am progressing as well as could be expected and like it fine.
Think the war will be over about the time I get across which should be about early spring. I want to get into the game for it is a great experience. I am officer in charge of barracks today and don't have to drill but just look after the two orderlies and helpers. We each take turn in the officers Training school at such work, for the captain on down so as to get the needed drill and experience.
Secretary McAdoo was at camp yesterday with some French officers and part of the camp formed for a big parade. Aeroplanes came over from Illinois and took part also, and taking it altogether, there was quite a celebration.
I have met two men who went to college with me and they are now in camp so it is so bad for being alone.
Haven't been homesick at all for I have been so busy that I haven't had time to think about home. We are not off until 8:30 p.m. and have to get out at 5:15 so you see we are kept pretty busy.
Will quit and get back to the barracks for I have to be on duty until 9:15. Write often, as we have more time to read than write.
Your nephew, NEIL R. BAKER
1st Obs. Bty., F.A.C.T.S.
NOTES: This letter was written by Neil Raymond Baker who spent much of his youth in Rogers, Arkansas. He enlisted in the military while living in Crete, Nebraska. He was the nephew of Mrs. Ollie Dean who lived at Cloverdale, east of Rogers. He was born on February 7, 1897 in Ohiowa, Nebraska and died on July 24, 1969 in Santa Barbara, California. He is buried in the Ft. McPherson Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. His military headstone identifies him as a 2nd Lieut. serving in the US Army during World War 1.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD