Mexican Border War, 1916

Organization of Company G, Fourth Regiment, M. N. C.

A meeting was held in Bethany, on Thursday, January 29, 1914, both afternoon and night in the K. P. Castle Hall for the purpose of examine recruits for a militia company, to be organized in our city. About eighty had signed the muster roll and a company was assured.

Major D. W. Stepp and Lieutenant Belshe of Trenton, were here at this meeting and the organization of Company G, Missouri National Guard, was perfected with a membership of more than sixty.

The following officers were elected at this time:
Captain, Randall Wilson
First Lieutenant, F. M. Frisby
Second Lieutenant, W. P. Bryant

Muster Roll

Tuesday, March 9, 1915, Company G held an election at their armory for the purpose of electing a first lieutenant, the vacancy being caused by the resignation of Lieutenant F. M. Frisby. Lieutenant W. P. Bryant was nominated and as no other nominations were announced was elected first lieutenant, unanimously. Lieutenant Bryant made good as second lieutenant, and was well deserving of his new office. The office of first lieutenant being filled the second lieutenant's office was open and Sergeant Axline, Sergeant Kavanaugh, Corporal Crouch were nominated. Sergeant Axline being elected by a vote of twenty-two of the members of Company G. The Bethany papers in speaking of the promotion of Axline said: "There was not a better qualified or more deserving member of the company than Sergeant Axline for second lieutenant."

There were several non-commissioned offices vacant at this time and were appointed in the near future best men of company. Then followed a period of weekly drills and a state encampment and on June 8, 1916, Captain Wilson received official communication that men would receive $1.00 per drill and same to go into effect July 1.

In June, 1916, Company G was called to the colors by order of the President and sent to the Mexican border to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the United States from outrages that were being committed by Mexican outlaws.

Company G, National Guard of Missouri, with headquarters in Bethany were ready to move to their point of mobilization, Nevada, Missouri, and all members of the company who were willing to take the oath of loyalty to the United States, were under arms to be sent to the Mexican border. At this time there was no law to compel any member of the National Guard to take the oath and leave his state to engage in warfare.

A banquet and entertainment was given Company G Tuesday, June 20, 1916, under the auspices of Bethany Commercial Club. There were fathers, mothers, wives, brothers, sisters and sweethearts at the entertainment which followed the banquet, and while the occasion was a sad one, all were of the opinion that "our boys" were going forth in defense of the grand old Flag - the Flag of flags.

C. J. Carter acted as master of ceremonies and the following program was carried out:

Company G marched from the dining room to auditorium of hall while the Bethany Orchestra played the Star Spangled Banner. Address by Mayor Roleke. His remarks were well received by all. He read the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:

"Whereas - Company G, National Guard of Missouri, has been called to protect and defend the flag of our country, because of differences arising between our neighbor republic, Mexico and ourselves; be it

"Resolved - We the citizens of Bethany and Harrison County, State of Missouri, most heartily endorse the patriotism and readiness shown by Company G, National Guard of Missouri, to protect the flag, which stands for Freedom, Home and Country. Be it further

"Resolved - While we regret the unfortunate circumstances necessitating this call to arms, which takes from our midst the youth and bloom of our manhood. Having true confidence in their ability, bravery and patriotism, we humbly bow and bid them God-speed."

Remarks by F. M. Frisby.
"America," by audience.
Remarks by Dr. J. Walker.
Remarks by Dr. A. H. Vandivert.
Entertainment by Bethany Minstrels.
Remarks by Captain Randall Wilson.
Remarks by Lieutenant W. P. Bryant.
"Star Spangled Banner," by audience.

Company G left Bethany for Nevada June 23. Harry Webb remained here as a recruiting officer until June 27, when he went to Nevada with eight new recruits. The following was the roster of Company G who went to Nevada. Several did not sign up for service out of the state and returned home before the rest of the company went on to the border.

Captain - Randall Wilson.
First Lieutenant - William P. Bryant.
Second Lieutenant - Arthur A. Axline.
First Sergeant - Leslie R. Porter.
Quarter Master Sergeant - Herman Kavanaugh.
Sergeants - Roy L. Buis, James Hampton, Ben G. Crouch.
Corporals - William J. Diers, George G. Bryant, Harley L. Collins, Watkins A. Broyles, Russell J. Ballard, Herbert Wilkerson.
Cooks - James Taylor, Lemmie Devers.
Musicians - Edwin Wightman, William H. Hampton.
Artificer - Oaka G. Miller.

Privates

At this time Captain Wilson, commanding Company G, had under his command the following officers and men

First Lieutenant - William P. Bryant
Second Lieutenant - Arthur A. Axline
First Sergeant - Leslie Porter
Mess Sergeant - Carlisle R. Wilson
Supply Sergeant - Herman L. Kavanaugh

Privates

A number of "G" boys signed up for service out of the state for duration of their original enlistment only, and as their time expired they returned home and took up their various walks in life, some in stores, in banks, in offices, others back to their Work in school. But in March, 1917, all the boys were home from border service. At this time another great banquet was given by the Commercial Club and many had the opportunity to hear Captain Wilson's interesting speech wherein he gave a brief synopsis of what his company had done. Captain Wilson saying "Not a better company on border."  

 Harrison County| AHGP Missouri

Source: History of Harrison County, Missouri, by Geo. W. Wanamaker, Historical Publishing Company, Topeka, 1921