WORLD WAR I MEMORIAL
TO SUPREME SACRIFICES
In front of the high school building, east of the flag pole and near the side walk on Capps street, stands an impressive granite monument, commemorating young former students of Marlin's schools who paid the Supreme Sacrifice in World War I. Date of its installation cannot be found. Mrs. C. F. Tankersley of Marlin, leader in its purchase and dedication, said it was dedicated in the spring of 1921. She accredited young men and citizens of Marlin with providing funds for its purchase and erection. Unveiling ceremonies were held in the school auditorium, because it rained on the day set for the ceremony.
The monument was a compliment of citizens, requiring about a year for gathering funds for its establishment. Mrs. Tankersley recalled that Raymond Barnett, Luther E. Barrow, Cecil R. Glass, Nathan Levy, C. G. (Pete) McCoy, Robert Peterson, J. A. Phipps, Jr., Duke Segrest and others whose name she could not recall, worked persistently to raise funds. The cost was about $700 and would have been much higher, if Marlin Marble and Granite Company, G. E. Pauling, manager, had not given a special price on it and John W. Pauling and other workers at the plant had not contributed their labor.
Albert Pringle, secretary of the Marlin Chamber of Commerce, was master of ceremonies at the unveiling. Mrs. Tankersley, on the program, said in part, "This memorial - small tribute 0 to memories and characters we honor. All attended school here - noble young men, just and upright - this school, this city and this nation - all glad to do them honor.
Names of the young men, two to a line, and insignia of the Armed Forces in which they served, respectively, appear on the monument. On the opposite side is a comfortable seat for mediation and rest.
The names on the monument are:
1st LIEUT. IRBY R. CURRY
Born at Marlin, Tex., Aug 4, 1894
Killed near Chateau-Thierry, France, Aug. 10, 1918
2nd LIEUT. HAWTHORNE
Born at Marlin, Tex., Jan. 18, 1893
Died at Camp Travis, Tex., Oct 18, 1918
1st LIEUT James F.
Born at Pleasant Grove, Tex. Oct. 17, 1890
Died at Denver, Colo., April 21, 1921
Pvt. KEITH CHAMBERS
Born at Thornton, Tex., May 27, 1895
Died at Camp Travis, Tex., Jan. 9, 1918
Sgt. E. JAY BRYAN
Born at Riesel, Tex, May 28, 1896
Died at Angers, France, Jan. 9, 1918
Electrician 1st Cl.
EDWIN D. HORNE
Born at Marlin, Tex., Mar. 22, 1893
Died at Chelsea, Mass., Sept. 23, 1918
Over the back of the seat are these words:
M. H. S.
WORLD WAR HEROES
Source: Marlin's Public Schools; From the 1840s to 1960; Published By Marlin Ex-Students Association, Marlin, Texas