Western Military Academy, Upper Alton
Newspaper articles regarding WMA Distinguished Graduates
The predecessor of the Western Military Academy, the
Wyman Institute,
was founded in 1879 by Edward Wyman. Professor Wyman was formerly a
St. Louis educator, and in 1879 he purchased a fifty-acre tract from
Shurtleff College, which had previously been the John Bostwick home,
and then the Rural Park Seminary, a school for young women. The
Wyman Institute opened September 10, 1879, and was advertised as a
boarding school for boys, with a high order of excellence in
education. The year began with just three students, but reached
sixteen during the first year. The Wyman Institute continued to
attract more and more students, and earned a reputation for quality
education for boys. Professor Wyman died at the school on April 30,
1888, and was buried in St. Louis.
Colonel Albert Mathews Jackson, associate principal of the Wyman
Institute, took over running the school following the death of
Professor Wyman. Jackson was a graduate of Princeton University in
1884, and had taught at the Blair Academy for two years previous. In
1892, Colonel Willis Brown purchased the school and changed the name
to the Western Military
Academy. It was announced in the Alton Daily Telegraph, April 12,
1892, that the school would continue to be known as the “Wyman
Institute,” accompanied by the name of “Western Military Academy.”
However, eventually “Wyman Institute” was dropped, and the school
was known as Western Military Academy. Colonel Brown appointed
Colonel Albert Jackson as Principal of the Western Military Academy,
with Major George D. Eaton as his assistant. Colonel Brown invested
$25,000 in new buildings, and doubled the enrollment of cadets to
100. Among the early improvements which began on the grounds of the
new Western Military Academy was the addition of a recreation room,
adjoining the gymnasium on the south, with an attached music room.
In 1893, a large brick and stone addition to Wyman Hall were erected
east of the old mansion. In 1894, the first of four barracks was
constructed.
In 1896, Colonel Jackson and Major George D. Eaton purchased the
academy from Colonel Brown (who had retired), and ultimately the
Jackson family took full control. Colonel Jackson was succeeded as
superintendent by Colonel Eaton, and he in turn was succeeded by
Colonel Jackson’s son, Ralph Leroy Jackson. Three generations of the
Jackson family owned and operated the Western Military Academy, with
Ralph B. Jackson taking over in 1952.
The Western Military Academy was not only a place of learning, but
of social events in the community. In November 1899, invitations for
a dance were issued by the cadets of the Western Military Academy to
Alton young ladies. The young ladies, with their chaperones, were
greeted by an escort of young gentlemen in uniform. They were
ushered into the gymnasium, which was decorated with flags and
evergreens, along with guns and swords. An orchestra furnished the
music. The cadets selected partners for a grand march. The young
ladies in attendance were Misses Baker, Pates, Wade, Drummond,
Gregg, Gray, Yager, Phinney, Crowe, Smith, Schweppe, Root, Tuttle,
Flynn, Murphy, Hathaway, Brenholt, Drury, Rue, Mills, Judd, Edwards,
Phillips, Lemen, First, Webster, Templin, Soulard, Turner, and
Pouland.
In August 1900, the Western Military Academy purchased the old Jolly
homestead, and remodeled it for their use. In 1902, the cadets
observed Founder’s Day, in honor of Professor Edward Wyman.
Exercises were held in the assembly room, with entertainment
following.
In January 19, 1903, disaster struck when fire destroyed Barracks A.
In February of that same year, fire destroyed Wyman Hall and
Barracks B. The only buildings left were scattered frame buildings,
unsuited for barracks or school use. A coal oil lamp, with the flame
turned high, was found in a closet filled with clothes. This had
been the fourth, and successful attempt to destroy the school by
fire. The loss weighed heavily on the school and the community.
Upper Alton citizens took in the cadets until they were able to
travel home. There were nearly 100 students at the time. Included in
the destruction was the former Bostwick home, one of the most ornate
and costly mansions in the early days of Upper Alton. The brick
structure was completed in 1836 for John Bostwick, an enterprising
pioneer settler in Upper Alton. Bostwick hired skilled workmen from
Philadelphia to erect the building, at a cost of $30,000. The
Bostwicks occupied the home for about 16 years.
After the fire, plans began to rebuild the academy, which officially
opened once again in September 1903. One hundred and fifteen cadets
were enrolled, and more were expected. Fire did strike at WMA again
in 1956, when the lower field house or gymnasium was destroyed. It
was rebuilt the following year.
Cadets were recruited to the Western Military Academy across the
United States and other countries. In 1906, Alejancho Reyes, a son
of Governor Bernardo Reyes of the province of Nueva Leon Mexico,
arrived at the academy, accompanied by several other Mexican cadets.
Governor Reyes was reportedly hostile to America, but admired the
bearing of other Mexican boys who had attended the academy. The
Mexican cadets were taught to speak English, and a penalty was
imposed at their own request on anyone speaking Spanish.
In April 1918, it was announced that Major Max Moritz Carl Wilhelm
von Binzer, a member of the faculty of WMA for twenty-one years, had
died after a long illness. He had visited the South for his health,
and was on his way home to Upper Alton, when he was obliged to stop
at Birmingham, Alabama, where his death occurred. Von Binzer was
born in Switzerland in 1858, and graduated from the Royal Military
Academy in Berlin in 1878. For ten years he was an officer in the
Prussian Infantry, resigning in 1888, when he came to America. He
became commandant at the Ohio Military Academy, and then in 1891 he
went to Griswold College at Davenport. After leaving Griswold in
1893, he came to the Western Military Academy, where he remained
until 1899. In 1903 he was placed in charge of the Bleese Academy at
Macon, Missouri until 1903, when he returned to the WMA. He held the
position of Quartermaster and Instructor of German and Spanish. Von
Binzer was buried in Davenport, Iowa.
In August 1919, it was announced that Edward Wyman IV of Chicago,
great-grandson of Professor Edward Wyman, founder of the Wyman
Institute, was to attend Western Military Academy in the next term.
In 1919, Captain Charles K. Seely, an instructor at the academy, was
found
deceased, lying near the railroad tracks at Mitchell, Illinois.
There was great speculation and mystery involving the incident. It
was found that he traveled by train to St. Louis, and upon his
return had tried jumping off the train when his coat button caught,
dangling him from the railroad car. When he broke loose, he fell and
struck his head on a rock. Captain Seely was buried in the Upper
Alton Oakwood Cemetery.
With the graduating class of 1971, both the Western Military Academy
and the Monticello College closed their doors. Decreasing enrollment
and increasing costs forced an end to its long history and
traditions. Only 160 cadets were enrolled in its final years. The
property sat empty until 1978, when it was sold to the Faith
Community Church for use as the Mississippi Valley Christian
Academy. During the time the property sat empty, three buildings
were vandalized and destroyed by arson.
During its many years of existence, nearly 4,000 cadets graduated
from Western Military Academy, and over forty graduates are known to
have given their lives in the service of their country. At least ten
general officers came from the ranks, and more than 500 served in
World War I, and 1,000 served in World War II. The exact number
serving in Korea, Vietnam and beyond is unknown.
DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES OF
THE WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY:
Edward Henry “Butch” O’Hare - Class of 1932; earned Congressional
Medal of Honor; first U.S. Navy ace in WWII; Chicago O’Hare Airport
is named after him.
Paul W. Tibbets - Class of 1933, led the first B-17 bombing missions
over German occupied Europe; pilot of B-29 Enola Gay, which dropped
the first atomic bomb to help end WWII.
William S. Paley - Class of 1918; founder of modern CBS.
W. Lee Tracy – Actor.
John Henry Stelle – Illinois State Treasurer, Lt. Governor, and
Governor.
Thomas Hart Benton – Famous Midwest artist.
Blake Edwards – Hollywood director and husband of Julie Andrews of
“sound of Music” fame.
Jerry Mayer – Class of 1949; screenwriter and executive producer.
Lee Tracy – Class of 1918; actor.
Michael Wallis – Class of 1963; journalist and historian.
Robert Jackson Ellison – Class of 1963; Time Magazine photo
journalist killed in Vietnam.
SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY:
Colonel Albert Mathew Jackson, principal of WMA (1892-1896);
Superintendent (1896-1919).
Colonel George D. Easton, assistant principal of WMA (1896-1919);
Superintendent (1920-1922).
Colonel Ralph Leroy Jackson (Superintendent of WMA (1922-1952).
Colonel Ralph Bordon Jackson, Superintendent of WMA (1952-1971).
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES REGARDING THE ACADEMY:
WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 11, 1892
Colonel Willis Brown, the new owner of the Wyman Institute property,
and Manager of the Western Military Academy, which is to include the
old plant and projected additions, has arrived upon the grounds and
will personally superintend the additions and improvements which are
to be made upon this already beautiful property. We are glad to
welcome Colonel Brown to a residence in Upper Alton, and trust that
the pleasantest part of his life may be spent in his new
environments.
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES AT WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 22, 1893
The Western Military Academy threw open its gates Wednesday
afternoon to a throng of visitors from far and near, who gathered to
view the first commencement of this institution since it was
declared a post of the Illinois National Guard. The early morning
trains were full of distinguished visitors, parents, and friends of
the students, who went immediately to the Academy grounds.
Since the school was founded in 1878, it has been a home for the
careful training of boys, and under the able charge of Colonel
Willis Brown, many new features have been added to it. The visitors
spent the morning inspecting the beautiful grounds, gymnasium, club
rooms, reading rooms, and the exhibitions in joining and woodworking
of the manual training department. At the noon hour, an elegant
dinner was served to the guests by Caterer Daniels.
At one o’clock the Standard Band arrived, and the introductory
strains of music caused the guests to flock to the pavilion, where
the opening exercises of the commencement were to take place. The
pavilion was erected on the lawn facing the beautiful grove of shade
trees at the front entrance to the grounds. Seats were arranged in a
semicircle beneath the trees, and the large throng was soon seated.
The program was opened with the invocation by Rev. G. W. Smith.
The prize declarations followed, and were participated in by six
young men as follows: “The Eve Before Waterloo,” Volney H. Chase,
Chicago; “Wiped Out,” Clark Farfield, Des Moines, Iowa; “The Black
Horse and His Rider,” Richard G. Hager, St. Louis.
The declamations were continued: “Extract From an Address on the
World’s Fair,” H. Harold Hewitt, Alton; “The Curse of Regulus,”
Frederick F. Ives, Chicago; “Custer’s Last Charge,” G. Soulard
Turner, St. Louis.
The young men displayed excellent training in oratory, and their
selections made this part of the program very interesting. The
presentation of the diplomas by the Principal, Professor A. M.
Jackson, followed. The graduates who received their diplomas were:
V. H. Chase, Chicago; A. B. Hysinger, St. Louis; C. W. Shoot,
Charleston, Illinois; E. J. Hickox, South Bend, Indiana, from the
Commercial Department; and G. Willis Cummings, Highland Park,
Illinois, in the Latin Scientific Course.
The prizes were then awarded for the declamations. Frederick F. Ives
of Chicago received the first, and Clark Farfield of Des Moines the
second. The judges were Dr. A. A. Kendrick, Rev. G. W. Smith, and
Professor Lowry.
The military exercises on the parade ground were the features of the
afternoon. The cadets appeared dressed in gray coats, white
trousers, and cocked hats, and carrying muskets. They were greatly
admired in their becoming uniforms. At the sound of the bugle, the
cadets quickly found their places, and after a few words of command
from Lieut. George R. Burnett, were ready for action. Lieutenant
Burnett was graduated from West Point in 1880, and his knowledge of
military tactics fits him for the position he holds at the academy.
He has an excellent record as First Lieutenant in the Ninth Cavalry,
U. S. Army, in which capacity he saw seven years active service in
Colorado. He was severely wounded in quelling a Ute Indian uprising
under Chief Coloraw on the Colorado boundary, and was retired from
active service with credentials from Brigadier General George Crook,
Major General Alfred H. Terry, and Major General Schofield.
The cadets and their military accoutrements were inspected by
Captain Brand Whitlock, Inspector of Rifle Practice in the Fifth
U.S. Infantry, and Colonel F. L. Morrell of the Governor’s staff.
The inspection of the grounds, course of instructions in the school
department, took place in the morning. Captain Brand Whitlock
appeared in regular military attire, having come direct from Lemont,
where he is in active service.
Colonel Morrell appeared resplendent in his dress parade attire. The
exercises consisted of guard mounting, battalion drill, and dress
parade. The boys drilled superbly, and their lines were as compact
as those of regulars. They will report to Governor Altgeld. Applause
greeted the cadets frequently during the drills, and Colonel Willis
Brown is to be complimented on the excellent military instructors of
his school. The remainder of the afternoon was spent in strolling
over the beautiful grounds or enjoying the band concert on the
campus.
FIELD DAY AT WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 23, 1893
The annual field day sports at Western Military Academy occurred
Thursday afternoon at the academy grounds, in the presence of quite
an assemblage of interested spectators. The day was ideal, and all
the events were naturally hotly contested, as quite a rivalry
existed among the cadets. The running event particularly was watched
with great interest, as a number of the good runners entered had
been training for some time, and the record of 10 3-5 seconds, which
was made, is one not easily attained. The games were conducted in
two classes, the first of which was open to the Senior and Junior
members, and the second to the remaining cadets. The following are
the winners:
100 yard dash – First Class, Harry A. Brown 10 3-5 seconds; Second
Class, W. A Cheney, 12 seconds.
Throwing baseball – First Class, I. N. Wilson, 385 ft 7 in.; Second
Class, F. W. Shapleigh, 223 ft. 3 in.
Standing hop, step, and jump – First Class, J. A. Young, 26 ft. 5
in.; Second Class, George H. Webster, 21 ft. 9 in.
Running high jump – First class, R. G. Hager, 50 in.; Second Class,
Wilbur B. Price, 46 inches.
Putting 12 pound shot, open – A. L. Castle, 28 ft. 4 in.
Tennis doubles, H. H. Hewitt and F. G. Reaman. The singles were not
completed.
RETIRES FROM COMMAND
Western Military Academy
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 14, 1893
Lieutenant George R. Barnett, U.S.A., has resigned his position as
Commandant at the Western Military Academy. The war department has
been notified of his resignation, and will make an appointment as
soon as possible to fill the place, and take charge of the post.
During the interim, Major Max Von Binger, of the German army, will
have charge of the military department of the school. He is an
experienced officer and a good instructor of tactics, and will be
retained as an assistant to the war department’s appointment.
WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY DANCE
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 24, 1894
Tuesday night, along the Middletown motor line, there were gathered
at each corner a bevy of young ladies, who were on their way to
Western Military Academy. The young people had accepted invitations
from the cadets and Colonel and Mrs. Willie Brown, and were
accompanied by several chaperones from Alton. Upon entering the
beautiful grounds, the cadets were drawn up for dress parade. Under
Lieutenant Hancock and Major Von Binzer, an exhibition drill was
given by the young soldiers, which was highly creditable and shows
the efficiency of the officers in command. “Break ranks” was the
order the cadets were awaiting anxiously, and they lost no time in
escorting the young ladies to the gymnasium, where an orchestra was
in waiting, ready to touch the strings for the grand march.
The cadets had spent a great deal of time in decorating gymnasium
hall. They were supplied with abundant material for the decoration –
cut flowers, plants, flags, and military accoutrement. Stacks of
somber-looking muskets filled the corners, and from the walls hung
sabers and broad swords. The academy initials, “W.M.A.,” in cut
flowers bordered by the brown and yellow school colors, occupied a
prominent place on the wall. At 8 o’clock the dance commenced, and
continued until 11 o’clock, with but one interruption. At 9:30,
refreshments were served, and after a short rest the dancing was
resumed. The young people took leave at 11 o’clock, and it is
unnecessary to say with what pleasure they spent the evening. The
hospitality of Colonel and Mrs. Brown, and the courtesy and
gallantry of the cadets always insures an evening of unalloyed
pleasure.
Among the young ladies present were: Misses Emily Baker, Laura
Baker, Kittie Pates, Annie Pates, Hallie Root, Stella Yager, Alice
Phillips, Mary Drummond, Edith Brenholt, Gertrude Brenholt, Julia
Edwards, Amelia Flynn, Rettie Haight, Hilda Hewitt, Mamie Lemen,
Edith Rue, Nettie Schweppe, Eva Walters, Blanche Walters, Lucille
Rodgers, Grace Rice, Eloise Burnap, Grace Nicnols, Georgia Clapp,
Fannie Clapp, and Lucy Black.
BROTHER OF MRS. ALBERT JACKSON DIES IN UPPER ALTON
DeForest Simmons
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 19, 1894
Mr. DeForest Simmons, brother of Mrs. Jennie B. Simmons Jackson,
wife of Albert M. Jackson of the Western Military Academy in Upper
Alton, died Monday morning at the residence of Professor Jackson,
rather unexpectedly, of hemorrhage of the lungs. Mr. Simons has been
in poor health for some time, but his condition was not considered
serious, as Mr. and Mrs. Jackson left last Wednesday for the East.
DeForest was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was 24 years, 7
months, and 10 days of age. He was a student of Oberlin College,
Oberlin, Ohio. [Burial was in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.]
FOUNDERS DAY AT W.M.A.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 24, 1895
Colonel Willis Brown of the Western Military Academy, today
commemorated the birthday anniversary of the venerable educator,
Edward Wyman, LL. D., who established the institute which bore his
name, and is now the Western Military Academy. The school is in its
seventeenth year of existence, and is making a splendid reputation
as a military school with the advantages of the home institution
established by Mr. Wyman. Dr. Wyman, who was a disciplinarian of
wide reputation, for many years had charge of the St. Louis
University, and while there formed the friendship of Rev. George E.
Martin, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Mr. Martin
today made an eloquent address to the cadets and a number of invited
guests in the Academy Hall. This was followed by a military
observance of the day, and also the planting of a tree, according to
the custom of the institution, with the attendant ceremonies. The
school enjoyed the afternoon as a holiday.
CLOSED BARRACKS AT WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY
Eight Cadets Receive Commissions
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 13, 1895
The Western Military Academy closed its doors last evening, and the
active military aspect which pervaded the school has given place to
closed barracks and stacked arms. A busy hustling of trunks
evidences the fact that the arduous tasks of the soldier life are
thrown aside, and the drum beat and bugle sound are supplanted by
the farewells of friends who ask, “When shall we all meet again?”
Upon the campus and in the exhibit departments, the guests spent the
time until 10 o’clock, when the cadets in command of Major Von
Binzer and Lieut. Hancock took up the march to the First Baptist
Church on College Avenue. The members of the graduating class,
accompanied by Professors A. M. Jackson and George Eaton, took seats
on the platform. The program opened with the invocation by Rev.
George W. Smith, followed by an organ solo, “The Festal March,” by
Prof. W. D. Armstrong.
Prof. A. M. Jackson made the presentation speech, and gave the sheep
skin to the following cadets: Harry X. Cline, Marion, Illinois;
Charles R. Drummond, F. Hackett Humphrey, C. Rogers Pierce, G.
Soulard Turner, of St. Louis; Fred G. Remann, Vandalia, Illinois; R.
Reeves Scruggs, Decatur, Illinois; and Harry H. Wood, San Francisco,
California.
WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY
Change of Ownership
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 16, 1896
Monday evening, Colonel Willis Brown, proprietor of the Western
Military Academy at Upper Alton, announced that at the close of the
present year, the institute would change ownership. The Colonel will
retire, having determined to change his pursuit. Of the new
proprietors, Professor A. M. Jackson, who has been closely
identified with the institution for eight years, has acquired a
controlling interest in the property, and will assume the business
as well as the educational management of the academy. Mr. Henry P.
Wyman of St. Louis, oldest son of the late Edward Wyman, founder of
the institute, has taken an interest, and will materially strengthen
the institution in St. Louis, where the name of Wyman is still a
power in educational matters. Professor George D. Eaton, who has
been connected with the academy for seven years, and first assistant
for five years, will own the remainder of the stock.
The retirement of Colonel Brown is not caused by any lack of
encouragement to the school, but in order that he may accept a
proposition that he is now considering, and which would require all
his time. Since the change is to be made, it is a matter of
congratulations to the citizens of Alton, and especially to the
patrons of the institution that Professor Jackson is to remain with
it, and guide the management and course of instruction. Professor
Jackson has no superior in the country as an instructor, and his
capabilities as a controller of boys rivals, if it does not exceed,
that of the late Professor Wyman, who was the acknowledged leader
among the Principals of America. Professor Jackson’s trained mind
and long and varied experience will be an assurance that the
institution will go forward in the work now so well in hand.
Professor Eaton has won an enviable reputation as a safe and
experienced instructor of youth, and his success at the Western
Military Academy is so well known that he will be a tower of
strength to it.
There will be no change in the character of the institution, as a
thorough military academy. There will be no decrease in the spirit
of enterprise which has brought the institution to its present high
position and prosperity.
Next September, the school will begin its eighteenth year, and will
be practically under one management. Its growth has been along the
lines marked out by its founder, and the variations have been in the
non-essentials. The Telegraph is pleased to congratulate Professor
Jackson on attaining the position of practical owner and Principal
of the Academy. It is a osition for which he is eminently fitted,
and he will, in connection with his co-laborers in the school, push
it to a higher degree of prosperity than ever.
DANCE HELD AT WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 24, 1898
The cadets of the Western Military Academy treated their young lady
friends to a charming dancing party Friday evening. The gymnasium
was beautifully decorated with the colors of the school, and red,
white, and blue. Those attending from Alton were Misses Lucy and
Kate Davis, Georgia and Fern Clapp, Edith and Bessie Brenholt,
Ethelwynne and Violet Chittenden, Parker, Drury, Brown, Hewitt,
Watson, Edith and Francis Walker, Neece, Mr. J. Kerr. Those from
Upper Alton were Misses Rodgers, Grace and Lucy Leonard, Newell and
Templin, Messrs. Abbot Sherwood and Archie Mills. Miss Emma Watson
and Mrs. H. M. Chittenden chapersoned the party, and all enjoyed a
lovely time.
SOCIAL EVENT AT MILITARY ACADEMY
Source: The Alton Telegraph, Saturday, February 11, 1899
The Western Military Academy was the scene of a brilliant social
event Friday evening which eclipses all other social events in the
history of the academy. It was a banquet and reception tendered by
Col. and Mrs. A. M. Jackson to the cadets and graduates of the
institution and their friends. No expense or trouble was spared by
the host and hostess to make the event one altogether worthy of the
institution and in keeping with the prosperity of the school. Some
time ago, Col. Jackson promised the boys a handsome treat when the
enrollment reached 80 cadets, and true to the promise, preparations
for the reception were begun when the goal was reached. There were
present a hundred guests from the Altons and St. Louis, who with the
cadets and officers, made a brilliant company. During the reception
from 8 to 9 o'clock the parlors presented a most attractive
appearance, gaily decorated in the academy colors and thronged with
beautifully dressed girls and cadets in full dress uniform. Promptly
at 9 o'clock, the company was summoned to the dining rooms. Here the
brown and gold had again been used with charming effect. Ropes of
evergreen intertwined with colors were festooned across the rooms,
and dainty yellow shades diffused the light over the well-appointed
tables. The banquet was one of many courses, and elegant in every
detail. For two hours the dining rooms were filled with the merry
hum of voices and laughter. One of the pleasant features was the
music, discoursed throughout the evening, by the St. Louis
Philharmonic Quartette. After the banquet, the young people danced
in the gymnasium, which was prettily draped in the national colors.
Much taste had also been displayed in several handsome military
decorations of guns, swords and sheaths on the walls. The evening
passed and the hour for the home-going came all too quickly. The
guests were loath to end an evening which had furnished such
delightful entertainment, and departed reluctantly, showering Col.
Jackson and his faculty with congratulations on their successful
management of the school, and on the event which had so fittingly
celebrated it. Among those present from abroad were: Mrs. W. F.
Parkerson and daughter, the Misses Carroll, F. W. Shapleigh, R. H.
Green, Mrs. Major Morgan and daughter, Mrs. R. W. Green and
daughter, E. R. Handlan, F. H. Humphrey, R. G. Hager, Miss Brubaker,
Miss Markell, Mrs. Pauline Hill and Miss Hill, Chas. F. Jones, wife
and three daughters, of St. Louis; R. H. Handlan, of Terre Haute.
WESTERN MILITARY CADET LEAVES FOR MANILA
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 27, 1899
Lieutenant Louis F. Aloe, formerly a cadet at the Western Military
Academy, left San Francisco Saturday with a company of 90 recruits
for the U.S. Army, bound for Manila.
Death of Western Military Academy Cadet
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 31, 1899
Cadet Ernst Hurst Kahn, aged 15 years, died at the Western Military
Academy this morning of cerebral hemorrhage. He was taken sick very
suddenly early Wednesday morning with hemorrhage of the brain. It
was evident that his condition was dangerous, and Colonel Jackson
immediately procured the best medical attention, and did everything
in his power to ease the boy’s suffering. Drs. Lippman Epstein and
Henry of St. Louis were called, and held consultation with the home
doctors, afterward remaining constantly at the boy’s bedside until
the end. Thursday evening hope was entertained for his recovery, but
shortly after midnight another hemorrhage occurred, causing death.
Mr. Kahn had been in good health and spirits up to the time of his
sudden illness, and during the three years he was a student at the
academy, had never been sick. His parents were telegraphed of his
condition, and immediately left their home in Dallas, Texas for
Upper Alton, and arrived this morning a few hours after their son’s
death. They leave this evening with the remains for Texas.
WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY GRADUATES
Largest Class in School’s History
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 10, 1899
The commencement exercises of the Western Military Academy will be
held June 7, morning and afternoon. In the morning, the program will
consist entirely of literary work, and military exercises will be in
the afternoon. The class of graduates will be the largest in all the
history of the school. The members of the graduating class are:
George R. Benson, Chicago; Monroe S. Collins, St. Louis; Douglas
Cook, St. Louis; Lloyd P. Crouch, St. Louis; George L. Dearing,
Shelbyville, Illinois; Ralph C. DeMange, Bloomington, Illinois; Fred
A. Gray, Winchester, Indiana; Samuel J. Haight, Mendota, Illinois;
John E. Jones, St. Louis; Earle F. Jones, East St. Louis; Ed F.
Leigh, St. Louis; Andrew M. Lockridge, Greencastle, Indiana; Lee I
Nedringhaus, St. Louis; Robert M. Peabody, St. Louis; Charles E.
Pierson, Terre Haute, Indiana; George H. Sheffield, Greenfield,
Illinois; Carlton W. Sheldon, Beloit, Kansas; and Herbert D. Still,
Hot Springs, Arkansas.
LIEUT. TURNER VISITS ACADEMY
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 16, 1900
Lieut. G. Soulard Turner, U. S. A., is a visitor at Western Military
Academy. The lieutenant is a graduate of W. M. A. Lieut. Turner is
in the United States on furlough leave from Cuba, where his
regiment, the Tenth Infantry, is stationed.
CAPTAIN W. H. C. BOWEN TO MAKE INSPECTIONS
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 02, 1900
Capt. W. H. C. Bowen of the Fifth U. S. Infantry, has been detailed
by the War Department to make the annual inspection of the Western
Military Academy. The academy being under the military regulation of
the army, an annual inspection is made to keep it up to the
standard. Capt. Bowen will probably make the inspection someday next
week.
BATTLE OF SAN JUAN HILL TO BE RE-ENACTED
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 8, 1900
A mimic battle of San Juan Hill will be one of the features of the
commencement at Western Military Academy next Wednesday. The plan of
the battle is being laid out by Dr. H. R. Lemen, who participated in
the battle. Cavalry, infantry and artillery branches of the service
will be brought into the play during the sham battle. The annual
inspection of the Academy by the army officer detailed to make the
inspection will take place in a few days.
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES OF THE WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 14, 1900
The W. M. A. commencement exercises closed with all ceremonies usual
on such occasions. The drills preceding the sham battle were of
unusual interest, and showed a thorough knowledge and interest on
the part of the cadets and their commandant, Major Drury. The sham
battle representing the taking of San Juan Hill was quite realistic.
A block house, upon which the Spanish flag floated, had been erected
on the hill north of the barracks. The American soldiers advanced
with much firing of guns and heavy artillery, and succeeded in
putting the Spaniards to flight and in setting the block house on
fire. Lusty cheers rent the air when the flames broke from the block
house. After this battle came the dress parade. The cadets came out
quite fresh in their duck suits. One of the most interesting
features of the afternoon exercises was as the cadets were lined up,
a letter was read which was received at noon. The letter was signed
A. Buffington, Brigadier General of the U. S. Army, which contained
the information that military stores at the amount of $4,399,86
would be sent immediately to the W. M. A. This magnificent donation
on the part of the U. S. government was received with great delight.
The young men of the graduating class were given their diplomas,
commissions and warrants at the close of the parade. The White
Hussar Band was stationed on the ground and played at intervals
throughout the afternoon. The uniformed cadets and the beautiful
gowns worn by the ladies was an animated scene, and many praises
were spoken of the success of the exercises. Among the visitors
present from a distance were Hon. and Mrs. W. A. Northcott of
Greenville; Mrs. F. H. McGuiggan and daughter of Montreal, Canada;
Mrs. P. D. Scott, Van Buren, Arkansas; Mrs. G. F. Sparks, Ft. Smith,
Arkansas; Mr. H. A. Urban, New Castle, Indiana; Mr. William Jackson,
Kinswick, Missouri; and there was also a large representation of the
alumni.
UPPER ALTON - JOLLY HOMESTEAD
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 25, 1900
The old Jolly homestead has been bought by the W. M. A. [Western
Military Academy]. It is being remodeled for their use. A curious
incident of the work is that the workmen found a board bearing this
inscription in chalk - "B. Green, July 5th, 1838." B. Green built
the house and owned it at one time.
FOUNDERS DAY PROGRAM
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 19, 1902
Western Military Academy will observe Founder’s Day in memory of
Edward Wyman, the founder of the school, Thursday, April 24. The
program will be started at 1:30 p.m., with a band concert by the W.
M. A. band under the direction of A. Don Stocker. Exercises in the
assembly room will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and an excellent
entertainment will be given. Many St. Louis people will be present
and a general invitation is extended to Alton people.
WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY A WRECK –
INCENDIARY MAKES 4TH AND SUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO DESTROY THE SCHOOL
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 6, 1903
The Western Military Academy is a total wreck! Fire consumed Wyman
Hall and Barracks B Thursday night, and on January 19 fire destroyed
Barracks A, leaving nothing now on the ground but scattered frame
buildings unsuited for barracks or school use. Col. A. M. Jackson
unhesitatingly authorized the statement while the fire was going on,
that the school was being pursued by some malignant enemy, and that
the fire was unquestionably due to incendiarism. Three times since
Monday had the building been discovered to be on fire. Monday
someone put an incandescent light bulb in a bed, the current turned
on, and when discovered the bed was afire. Wednesday a coal oil
lamp, the flame turned high, was found in a closet filled with
clothes in Barracks B, and the fire was put out. On account of these
fires, rigid rules were enforced against the cadets, and several
were dismissed from the school for carelessness. Thursday night at
5:45, while the cadets and officers were at supper, Sergeant Major
Dunham Scott of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, discovered fire in a bedroom
closet of Barracks B, on the south side, second floor, near the rear
of the building. The fire call was made after the boys had finished
supper, Major Lowe assembling the cadets on the campus. They were
told to save what they could of their personal belongings, and the
cadets in order and quietly, considering the circumstances, went to
their rooms and
tried to save their clothing, but smoke and flames
soon drove them from the building. The flames worked from the back
of Barracks B forward, and by 8 o'clock had destroyed the barracks
and were eating their way in the roof of Wyman Hall. Col. Jackson
and Captain Eaton made a bold stand on the roof of Wyman Hall,
directing the firemen, in the hope of saving Wyman Hall. The Alton
fire department was sent for, and one company responded. The
firefighters did everything in their power to save Wyman Hall, but
water pressure was insufficient and the distance from fire hydrants
was too far. Steadily the flames crept toward Wyman Hall, the oldest
and biggest building on the grounds, which was connected with
Barracks B. Col. Jackson and Capt. Eaton were driven from the roof
and made their way down a fire escape to the ground. Within ten
minutes thereafter, the whole roof of Wyman Hall was a furnace of
flame and the interior of the building was a seething mass within a
half hour. It was midnight before the fire was out. The best of
order was preserved during the fire. It was impossible to go in the
building to accomplish any salvage because of the dense smoke and
the darkness, the electric wires being out. When the fire call was
given, the cadets were assembled on the campus and the roll was
called. No one was missing, even the sick cadets being carried out
of the building. Then the boys were allowed to save what they could
of their clothing and other possessions, but the salvage is very
light. The families of the officers lost heavily. The cadets and the
family of Maj. W. G. S. Lowe, who occupied Barracks A before the
last fire, are doubly unfortunate, as they had replenished their
wardrobes after the other fire, which had made them homeless. The
building destroyed last night was the home of nearly all the cadets,
as they had been crowded in there after Barracks A burned January
19, entailing a loss of $12,000. All the furnishings destroyed in
Barracks A had been replaced with new furnishings in Barracks B and
Wyman Hall, and the loss is heavier on that account. The reason for
the persistent and finally successful attempts to destroy the school
are not known. Col. Jackson says he can offer no suggestion as to
the identity of the person. When Barracks A was buried it was
supposed that incendiarism might have been responsible, but that
theory was not given much credence until the events of this week
gave confirmation. If the culprit is caught, he will be dealt with
vigorously. Immediately when it became evident that the entire
building was doomed, Upper Alton people offered to take in the
cadets. They were provided with temporary quarters last night, and
this morning Col. Jackson sent the boys away to their homes. The
school had in it nearly one hundred students. It was estimated today
that the loss is about $40,000, with $30,000 insurance. The business
loss to the institution will make $50,000, about the figure of loss
due to the fire.
HISTORY OF WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY BUILDING
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 7, 1903
The Western Military Academy Building, destroyed by fire, had once
been known as the "most elegant residence west of the Alleghenies,"
and had been the most ornate and costly mansion in the early days of
Upper Alton. The brick structure was completed in 1836 for John
Bostwick, well-to-do eastern man, one of the ablest and most
enterprising pioneer settlers in the Alton area. He called skilled
workmen here from Philadelphia to erect the mansion and assembled
materials for it at great expense, such as the Egyptian marble for
the fireplace mantels. The cost was $30,000. The Bostwicks occupied
the fine home for about 16 years. Mrs. Bostwick, still an Upper
Alton resident, had been its mistress, and her children, Mrs. T. P.
Yerkes, Mrs. Spaulding of Decatur, and John Bostwick, were born
there. Eventually the property was acquired by Dr. Edward Wyman, who
founded Wyman Institute, a school for boys that was the predecessor
of Western Military Academy, and in which Colonel A. M. Jackson had
been an instructor. Because of the fire, Col. and Mrs. Jackson and
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Jackson were to temporarily occupy the Jolly
place, opposite the academy grounds. Capt. and Mrs. George D. Eaton
planned a stay in St. Louis, and Major Lowe and family were to go to
Leavenworth, Kansas.
OWNERS OF WESTERN MILITARY MAKE PLANS TO REBUILD
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 20, 1903
The owners of the Western Military Academy are having plans prepared
for the new building to take the place of the old ones destroyed by
fire in the month of January. Col. A. M. Jackson, president of the
institution, said today that plans are being prepared and that when
they are completed estimates will be obtained, and if satisfactory,
work will be started at once. The plan most favored is to divide the
school into four buildings, sufficiently removed from each other to
do away with danger of fire being communicated from one building to
the other, in case of a conflagration. The new structures will be
made fire proof and will be equipped in the most modern manner with
all improvements. The owners of the school have practically decided
to rebuild at Upper Alton, it was officially said today, but the
cost of the new institution is still a question to be settled. All
the insurance has been adjusted and it is expected that the money
will be paid over within sixty days. Friends of the Academy have so
strongly and persistently urged that it remain in Upper Alton, the
owners of the school have been encouraged to stay. The location is
an ideal one for such a school, and Upper Alton could ill afford to
lose it. Under the management of Col. Jackson and Capt. Eaton, the
school has come to be a strong power in educational circles, and its
reputation is first class among military schools. The success that
has attended the efforts of the owners is the best commentary on the
character of the men conducting it, and Alton people will be glad
with Upper Alton that the school will remain.
WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY OPENING
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 23, 1903
The new Western Military Academy opened today for the school year
after being rebuilt. The opening of the new school was a most
promising event and a great many more cadets were on hand at the
opening than the officials of the academy were looking for.
Yesterday the list of cadets that had been enrolled amounted to 115,
and this morning at 9 o'clock the list showed 122 and more are
coming. Col. A. M. Jackson said that this is a larger number of
cadets than the school is capable of accommodating, and that he
intends to send some of the boys home tomorrow. Next year when the
school is opened another barracks building will have been put up and
more students can be taken.
MEXICAN GOVERNOR'S SON ARRIVES AT W. M. A.
STUDENTS PENALIZED FOR SPEAKING SPANISH TONGUE IN SCHOOL
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 24, 1906
Alejancho Reyes, son of Governor Bernardo Reyes, of the province of
Nueva Leon, Mexico, and who was former secretary of war for
President Diaz, arrived today accompanied by several other Mexican
boys, to be enrolled as students at the Western Military Academy.
The boy belongs to a distinguished family, and his father is
governor of the largest province in the country outside of the
capital. He is a man of great prestige and notwithstanding his
reported hostility to America and things American, he is sending his
son to the Western Military Academy because he has admired the
bearing of the other Mexican boys who have been students here and
desires to have his son given the benefit of the mental and
physical, as well as military training of this institution. An
interesting fact is that the Mexican boys will be taught to speak
English at once. To facilitate the learning, the other Mexican boys
will be required to speak only English, and a penalty has been
imposed at their own request on anyone speaking Spanish for the
purposes of social conversation. The number of Mexican boys in the
school is limited, as it is desired to avoid any danger of the boys
resorting to their native tongue and having a social circle of their
own, which might make them slower in learning the language. The
party from Mexico, consisting of Miguel Quiroga and son, Miguel,
Alberta Ostos Jr., Jose Quiroga and Alejandro Reyes, arrived at 10
o'clock and went to the military academy.
MAJOR MAX VON BINZER DIES IN SOUTH
Well Known Instructor at Western Military Academy Dies
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 18, 1918
Maj. Max Von Binzer, for twenty-one years a member of the faculty of
the Western Military Academy and for six years military commandant
of that institution, died at Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, from
bronchial troubles, after a long illness. He had been in poor health
for a few years and continued to look after his duties up to last
Christmas, when he found it necessary to go South. He spent the
winter in the South and was so far improved that he was on his way
home, expecting to resume his duties at the Western Military Academy
May 1. He was taken worse on the train and was obliged to stop at
Birmingham, Ala., where his death occurred. Major Max Von Binzer was
born in Switzerland in 1858, and was graduated from the Royal
Military Academy in Berlin in 1878. For ten years he was an officer
in the Prussian Infantry, resigning there in 1888, when he came to
America to make his home. After coming to this country, he became
commandant at the Ohio Military Academy, leaving there in 1891 to go
to Griswold College at Davenport, where he remained until 1893.
After leaving Griswold he came to Western Military Academy where he
remained until 1899, holding the post as commandant. When the Bleese
Academy at Macon, Mo. was opened, Major Von Binzer was placed in
full charge, remaining there until 1903, when he returned to Western
where he held the position of Quartermaster and Instructor of German
and Spanish. In speaking of Major Von Binzer, Major George D. Eaton
of the Western Military Academy said that the school feels keenly
the loss of such a faithful and loyal employee. His death will be
learned with regret throughout the country by the old boys of the
school, who knew and loved the well-known and popular instructor.
Western Military Academy this morning had received no word as to
funeral arrangements, but it is understood that Mrs. Von Binzer is
on her way to Davenport, Iowa, with the body, where services and
interment will take place. Major Von Binzer is survived by his wife
and one son, Werner Von Binzer of Cornell.
CAPTAIN LYLE GIFT INJURED IN FRANCE
(World War One)
Former Western Military Academy Officer
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 20, 1918
Captain Lyle Gift, a graduate and a former officer at Western
Military Academy, is in an American base hospital in France,
suffering from the loss of his right leg above the knee. A shell
struck the leg, cutting it off. The young officer is improving at
the base hospital, and when the letter was written no base result
was anticipated. The news of the wound was received by friends in
Alton through letters written by Gift while he was in the hospital.
The many friends of the young officer knew that he was in the midst
of the fighting at the front, but were shocked to learn that he had
lost a leg.
While at Western Military Academy, Gift made a record for himself as
a student, and later was a member of the faculty, being a tactical
officer. He was commissioned at Camp Sherman, and shortly after was
sent overseas. He has been in France about a year. His home is in
Peoria, Illinois. A letter published in a Peoria paper, written by
Captain Gift, tells that he was wounded at 6:30 a.m. on July 19. The
bullet went through the calf of his left leg, then entered his right
leg below the knee. He reached a hospital at 4 o'clock the next
morning. Efforts to re-establish circulation in the right leg
failed, and the surgeons had to amputate the leg, but Captain Gift
cheerfully says he can get another leg, and a good one, and he will
be all right. He had been in France since June 20, 1917. He was a
graduate of Western, and was engaged there as senior captain and
instructor when he went to the officers' training camp.
NOTES:
Lyle Henry Gift Sr. was born in Peoria, Illinois on May 03, 1895. He
was the son of Frank H. Gift (1865-1924) and Myrtle A. Tripp Gift
(1868-1936). Lyle married in 1924 to Ruth E. Seltzer (1902-1992),
and they had the following children: John William Gift (1925-1997);
Elizabeth G. Gift Claycombe (1926-2020); and Lyle Henry Gift Jr.
(1930-1999).
Lyle Gift graduated from the Western Military Academy in Upper
Alton, and served as Senior Captain and instructor at the academy.
He then attended officer’s training camp. During World War One,
Captain Lyle Gift served in the U.S. Army, First Division, and went
overseas with General Pershing. He received the French Legion of
Honor medal, and the Purple Heart.
After the war, Captain Gift established an insurance agency in
Peoria, Illinois, and served as president of the local Insurance
Agents Association. He died in Peoria on October 18, 1969, at the
age of 74 years. He was buried in the Springdale Cemetery and
Mausoleum in Peoria.
WESTERN MILITARY OFFICER KILLED
No Satisfactory Explanation Given
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 17, 1919
Captain Charles K. Seely, instructor at the Western Military
Academy, was found dead on the Wabash railroad tracks at Mitchell,
Sunday morning, both legs severed by a passing train and a hole in
his head above his right ear, resembling a bullet hole. How he
happened to be at Mitchell was a mystery that was not explained
Sunday. His body was identified by some receipts of Franklin Lodge,
A. F. & A. M., in which he was senior warden. Capt. Seely had been
at the Western Military Academy for three years. He had been
prominent socially in Upper Alton, had been interested in the work
of the Upper Alton Presbyterian church, and was engaged to marry
Miss Rose Smith, organist at that church, the marriage being set for
next June. Saturday he was on duty at the Western Military Academy,
and late in the afternoon decided to make a trip to St. Louis, after
going off duty at 6 p.m. He cashed a check at 6:45 p.m., and he
bought a ticket to St. Louis, from which two rides had been taken.
In his pocket at the time he was found was a program of the Orpheum
theater in St. Louis, indicating he had attended the evening
performance there. All this but adds to the mystery of the death of
Capt. Seely. How he could have come to be at Mitchell was not
explained by inquiry among crews of cars on which he might have
traveled. None of them recalled his being aboard their cars. He
might have caught a local car out of St. Louis, which would have put
him in Alton about midnight, or he might have caught the limited
leaving St. Louis at midnight. One theory was that he became
carsick, as he sometimes did while riding, and went to the back of
the car while it was crossing the viaduct at Mitchell, and fell out
of the car to the tracks below and was stunned, later being hit by a
passing train. Another theory was that he might have gotten off a
car at Mitchell, while a stop was made there for the car crews to
register and the car came on without him, leaving him to walk home,
and in so doing he was killed. A third theory which seemed to be
supported by the round hole in his skull, is that he may have caught
an Edwardsville car for home, got off at Mitchell and while waiting
there for another car to Alton, was shot and killed and his body put
on the railroad tracks. Probing in his skull failed to reveal the
bullet, if any was there, Sunday. The body of the young teacher was
found about 125 feet away from the viaduct. He had not been robbed,
as his watch was still in his pocket. It was supposed by some that
when the train hit him he was hurled about 125 feet, the distance
the body lay away from the viaduct. That any bandit would drag the
body as far as it was from the Mitchell station after killing him
seemed incredible. At the Western Military Academy Capt. Seely was
not missed until the time for the Sunday morning chapel exercises,
at which he usually led the singing. The service was proceeded with
and just as it closed the Western Military Academy telephone bell
was ringing and word awaited that Capt. Seely's body had been found
at Mitchell with both legs cut off. The identification of the body
was made by the father, Charles L. Seely, and by some friends of the
young man who went to Granite City, where the body had been taken.
In the party were the father of Capt. Seely's fiancé, also Harry
Halton and Charles G. Smith. Capt. Seeley was a young man of
exemplary habits and high character. He had a very large number of
friends in Alton, and especially was he highly esteemed in Franklin
Masonic lodge where he took a prominent part in the work of the
lodge and held the second highest office. Harry Halton said, on his
return, that the cap of Capt. Seeley was on one side of the viaduct,
and the body was found about _20 feet the other side of the viaduct.
There was nothing missing from the personal effects of Capt. Seeley
such as might have been taken by a robber. There is every indication
that the tragedy occurred at the viaduct, from the relative position
of the cap and the body. A post mortem was held in Granite City to
explore for a bullet, but none was found. The condition of the face
and hands indicated the body had been rolled a long distance in the
gravel. The skull was horribly injured. The ten-ride _________
ticket which Capt. Seeley had bought was numbered, and a watch for
the return of the coupons correspondingly numbered was requested by
the coroner at the office of the Alton, Granite & St. Louis Traction
Co. It was believed that in that manner, the identity of the car on
which he rode would be established. The inquest will be held tonight
at Mitchell. The body of Capt. Seeley was brought back in Alton by
Undertaken ____________ [rest unreadable].
MYSTERY OF CAPTAIN SEELEY'S DEATH SOLVED
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 18, 1919
A man has been located who says he saw Capt. Charles K. Seely fall
from the midnight Wabash passenger train at Mitchell Saturday night.
The man is Sampson Seibert of 459 Hoelm street, Edwardsville.
Seibert is a switchman for the Chicago and Eastern Illinois
Railroad, and works in the yards at Mitchell at night. Deputy
Coroner Krill of Granite City has subpoenaed Seibert to appear at
the inquest which will be held at 6 o'clock this evening at
Mitchell. He will be placed on the witness stand and questioned as
to his knowledge of the affair. Since Seibert first reported that he
had witnessed the affair, he has talked but little of the matter.
According to his statements at first made, Seibert is reported to
have said that he was working in the yards and saw Captain Seely
fall from the Wabash train as it went through Mitchell. He also is
said to have stated that he went to the body and assisted in picking
it up. Who assisted him in the matter he is not reported to have
stated so far. Seibert further reported to have stated that he had a
button that came off of Captain Seely's coat. When Seibert reached
the body, according to the same information, Captain Seely was dead.
Seibert was not relieved from duty in the yards at Mitchell until 8
o'clock Sunday morning, having gone on duty at 11 o'clock Saturday
night. After quitting work Seibert is said to have returned to
Edwardsville where he reported to friends having witnessed the
affair. Seibert is married and has a wife and five children. The
body of Captain Seely was discovered by a crew of a Chicago and
Eastern Illinois freight train at 8:30 Sunday morning. It was picked
up by the crew and taken to Granite City where Deputy Coroner Krill
took charge of it. Harry Halton, Master of Franklin Lodge, who made
an investigation of the case, has come to the conclusion that Capt.
Seely did not board an interurban car Saturday night. According to a
young lady who had been in his company during the evening, he left
her home at 11:40 p.m., and at that hour did not have time to get
down to the McKinley station to catch the last car. Just a short
distance from her home was a Wabash station, where he could board a
train and he doubtless did board the train there and planned to get
off as the train would slow up near Mitchell. Inspection of the
ground revealed where the young man had landed when he leaped off
the train. The indications are that his coat caught as he jumped and
that he was held suspended to the moving car. The ground indicates
he was dragged along a distance, then his feet were cut off as he
hung. Finally, it appears, he broke loose from the train and fell,
striking his head. A stone that is very bloody was found, and the
size of the stone corresponded to the hole in his temple. After that
there was very convincing proof that Capt. Seely lay still and bled
to death. Mr. Halton is convinced that this is the way the tragedy
happened, and the explanation given does away with the mystery of
how he could have fallen from an interurban car without his presence
on the car being noticed, and without anyone knowing of the
accident, when there were many passengers aboard the car. Funeral
services will be held at 2:30 o'clock. On account of the small
seating capacity of the Upper Alton Presbyterian Church, the
officers of the College Avenue Baptist Church offered the use of
their auditorium this morning, which was accepted. Captain Seely's
pastor, Rev. William Thompson Hanzsche, will conduct a Scriptural
service at the church. The Masonic quartet of which Captain Seely
was a member will sing several selections. The pallbearers will be
officers from the Western Military Academy who are also Masons. The
Masons will have charge of the services at Oakwood Cemetery where
the body will be laid to rest. The cadet corps of the Western
Military Academy will lead the military feature of the burial.
Captain Charles K. Seely was the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Seely,
who recently removed from Colorado to Upper Alton to be near their
son. He was a native of La Junta, Colorado, and was born March 21,
1891. He is also survived by a sister, Miss Cornelia Seely of
Denver, and two brothers, David B. of Denver and Frank L. of
Colorado Springs. Captain Seely came to Upper Alton three years ago
when he became an instructor at the Western Military Academy. He
joined the Upper Alton Presbyterian Church by letter, and has been
active in the work of the Young People's Society of Christian
Endeavor as well as the choir. He was also a troop leader of the Boy
Scouts. In his Masonic relationship, Captain Seely was the senior
warden of Franklin Lodge, No. 25, of Upper Alton. He was a member of
the Consistory, the Commandery and the Shrine. Burial will be in the
Oakwood Cemetery.
WILKINSON/JOLLY HOUSE TO BE REMOVED
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 5, 1928
The two-story frame house at the corner of Bostwick and Seminary
streets known many years ago as the Jolly homestead, is to be
removed from the site. The property in late years has been owned by
the Western Military Academy, and has been occupied as a residence
by Major R. E. Wilkinson, principal of the academy, ever since he
came to Alton. With the completion of the new home for the Wilkinson
family, which they have been building on a lot west of the old
house, the old place will be taken away from this valuable corner.
It was said today at the academy office that Major and Mrs.
Wilkinson expect to eat Christmas dinner in their new home.
SOURCES:
Scott, Robert.
History of the Western Military Academy, Alton, Illinois,
1879-1971. 2007. (Available for purchase on Amazon.)
Various articles in the
Alton Telegraph.