World War One had far-reaching impacts on American society and its citizens. Union County, Tennessee, was not excluded from these impacts. As we celebrate Veterans Day, we should all take time to remember those brave men who fought to "make the world safe for democracy," but also remember the citizens who suffered, worried and rationed to support the war effort.

There are many examples of such sacrifice. But, there are also examples of the joy these citizens felt when loved ones returned from the far-off battlefields of Europe.

"From Hearth And Hoe" details many of these stories. For example, "Dolly Sexton recalled that when her brother entered the service 'it was like a funeral at our home the day he left, but my father was not resentful toward the federal government because he had to serve.' " Stories like this one present tales of patriotism and the sacrifices of supporting the war effort.

Union Countians supported the war effort in other ways too. For example, J.W. Kyker, Union County Agricultural Extension Agent, wrote "the war in Europe is in full swing and many of the community's young men are being drafted into service. This agency is competing with other agencies mobilizing the county's economic and industrial systems of war." Obie Longmire added, regarding farm production, " Everyone worked and worked hard putting their best effort forward." Victory Gardens went a long way in helping to win the war, and Union County played an important role in that effort. Often if older sons were drafted or volunteered, their younger brothers would take their places on the farm.

Since many citizens were concerned about the well-being of soldiers and European citizens affected by the war, a Junior Red Cross Chapter was established in July of 1916, at Maynardville Baptist Church. Edna Monroe recalled, "Women and young girls sewed jackets, knitted shawls and socks for children in Belgium. They also prepared dressings and bandages for the wounded." Quoting further, "The organization was popular and seldom short-handed. Grace Ousley noted that 'mother and I signed up with the Red Cross but there were enough volunteers and we were never called.' Churches played an important role in sustaining morale, and prayer services were held for soldiers who were fighting."

Industry was needed for the war effort, too. Those not fighting filled jobs necessary for a continued national infrastructure: "Edgar Seals, employed by the railroad at Luttrell Station during the war, was exempt from service as a result of his job, which was considered vital. He recalled passenger trains carrying servicemen off to war. Large crowds filled the railway lot as people came to meet the trains. He served also as the Western Union telegraph operator, and it was part of his job to notify families of soldiers killed, wounded, or missing in action in the war. On occasion people would drop by the office to learn of war news. Business at the station increased during the war. There were always complaints of shortages of railroad cars. Seals worked seven days a week, usually twelve hours a day. If additional help was needed at the station, local people were hired."

The young men from Union County shared all of the same concern and effect that war has had since the beginning of time. Almost 200 men from Union County served in the conflict. Lawrence Stooksbury was a 22-year-old farmer who was inducted in 1917, at Maynardville, and served from August 8, 1917 to June 11, 1919. In a letter to his sister, he wrote "I am going to take out a $10,000 policy, and if I get killed, you will get it. It will cost me $16 a year."

Occasionally, two sons from the same family were inducted: "John Gilbert furnished two sons for the service, Tom and Elmer, who were separated in training. Their father traveled to their boot camp and asked their commander if the two boys could be reunited in the same unit. The commander complied, and later, Tom and Elmer were sent to France, where they fought together on the battlefield. Part of their training required that when comrades fell in combat, no one was to look back. Both Elmer and Tom thought many times that the other had been killed. As many as three days passed before they saw each other."

The men from Union County who served in World War One did their part for the defense of democracy: "A total of 2,074 men were registered at the courthouse, which was used by Dr. Carr to examine young men in the county for induction." There was only one man that complained about the physical, "he was underweight, which normally would have disqualified him, but the doctor told him he 'would fill out'...Of the numbers registered, 7.9% were inducted. Compared to the other 94 Tennessee counties, Union ranked number one in having no disqualified men of no account and only 15 classified as fit for limited service. A number of men volunteered for service in surrounding counties, and a few who were out of state were inducted. Regardless of where they enlisted, sending off fathers, husbands and sons was a traumatic experience."

We celebrate Veteran's Day as a result of the armistice that ended this conflict. When word reached Union County of the armistice, citizens were relieved that this "war to end all wars" was over. "News of the armistice spread quickly over the county. Emma Dunn remembered, 'My father received the news early in the morning by telephone from George Taylor, who had two sons in the war. He awakened the whole family to relate the news and immediately the church bells in Maynardville began ringing in celebration.' Mrs. Walsie Coppock, who grew up in the Lead Mine Bend area, said, 'We were gathering corn on Stiner's Ridge the day of the armistice. We heard the church bells ringing in Powell Valley and guns going off all over the county. When we went to the house at lunchtime, we learned the reason for the celebration.' "

As the war ended, Union County Doughboys began their return home to great celebration: "Neil Kirkpatrick sailed to New York, where his battalion paraded 85 blocks through the streets. Before leaving New York, a retired businessman treated the battalion to a meal that consisted of 'everything followed by a big cigar.' The unit proceeded to Washington D.C. where it paraded down Pennsylvania Avenue, pausing to have pictures taken on the White House steps. A community celebration was planned for the returning soldiers in Union County. Hundreds walked, rode horseback or hack and wagon to attend. A resident recalled: 'A company of veterans was organized at the Maynardville Baptist Church and marched through the town. Two brass bands, one from Maynardville and the other from Luttrell, played patriotic music. Many who attended brought their lunch, while others bought drinks and snacks at one of the two general stores."

To honor World War One veterans, a fund drive was launched in Maynardville in 1921 to erect a monument . Sol Beeler, a stonemason from Luttrell, was engaged to carve the tribute. The names of 175 soldiers were inscribed in marble located on what later became the site of Horace Maynard High School. Of the names listed on the monument, two are recorded as having lost their lives in the fighting in France- T. M. Phipps and Monroe Stiner. Other Union Countians who were drafted or enlisted out of the county and were killed are not known. The monument was dedicated in 1922 and reads, "They Raised Their Hands in Defense of Liberty".