The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-07-19
But If Army Does Not Need Him
Now, Wife Does.
Brave Case of "Father to War;
Found in Topeka.
W. HAROLD MAY COME HOME
Effort Made to Procure Dis
charge Papers for Him.
Mother Wouldn't Give Up Until
Clouds Blew Over.

When Walter R. Harold. employed
here by the Dibble Grocery company
a nd a national guardsman, was called
to his company when +he guard was
ordered to the Mexican border. the
circumstances dealt hardly with his
wife and two children. Harold was
forced to leave his family and he had
but little money to give them. They
have received no financial help SINCE
ard because of poor health, Mrs. Har-
rold has been unable to work.
Wher Harold, 3 member of Com
pany D. First infantry, left here, he
and his family had been living in the
house on 1914 East Sixth avenue,
owned by w. p. Montgomery. assist
ant attorney general. Montgomery
stopped there one day to collect rent
ais ard found the woman and her two
children, Helen, 2 years old and
Myron, months old, in all but des-
titute circumstances. They had no
money and Montgomery told them
they need not pay any rent until the
soldier husband returned home. Mont
gomery's help is the only assistance
they have had
Mrs Harold left the furniture in
the house and moved to the home or
her %Arents. Mr.. and Mrs. r. H. Mont
gomery, 91S West Eighth avenue.
There things have been but little bet
ter The woman's father is practically
an invalid with inflammatory rheuma-
tism. as is her mother Mrs. Harold
IS unable to work because of her two
children and poor health. The chill
dren themselves are suffering from
summer complaints.
Harold Is Worried.
On the border Harold is anxious
about his family. This morning Mayor
J.aE. House received the following let
ter from James Naismith, chaplain OF
the First regiment:
MY Dear Mayor House-AS chaplain
of the First Kansas regiment l write
you about one of our boys from your
city who is anxious to know about his
wife and babies His name Is waiter
r. Harold. He was employed by the
Dibble Grocery company. and is nov nov,
wife is living at 91S West Eighth
avenue. Topeka
Sestigated and if the family is in
nee and the young man should be
sent home kindly make an affidavit to
this fact and have one forwarded to
both of US as soon as possible. We
will make an application and have
discharge for the young man as soon
.You will ease the young mans
mind by assuring him that all is we'll
his family. The boys of Kansas are
well and happy and the young married
would enjoy life If they did not need
to worry about their families. Most
JAMES NAISMlTH.'
A Dozen Testify.
Investigation today brought out the
fact that twelve affidavits, one signed
by w. z. Montgomery, assistant attor-
ney general, and the other eleven by
neighbors and friends of Mrs. Harold,
were forwarded to Camp Shafter,
Eagle Pass, where the First regiment
is stationed, yesterday. The papers
were sent in response to the letter to
Mavor House. If necessary the
mayor will make a report on the con-
ditions of the family.
1--WE would not ask that Walter be
discharged if his country needs him,
Mrs Harold said today. IF there
were war and the country wanted him
he would go and ] would want him to
70. And if he comes home now
want him TO come home honorably
Mrs. Harold has no money. The
children have some clothes-that is
all.
"A recent order of the secretary oil
vaar provided for the honorable dis
charge of married men whose fam
lilies need their support.
Mrs Harold said she had received
NO help from the Citizens Cine Thou
sand club or Harrold's employers.