BREWER, HARVEY, Cpt. Co. 4, 306 Supply Train, 81st Div. Quartermaster Corps. Inducted 20 Nov 1917, Waynesboro, TN. Promoted to Corporal 1 July 1918. Was in the Meuse Argonne Offensive 9 –
11 Nov 1918, and at St. Die Sector, 20 Sep – 23 Oct 1918. Discharged 30 June 1919. Soldier was born at Cyclone, Wayne Co., TN on 27 January 1894 and died 28 Nov. 1970. He was the son of Wiley Valentine BREWER and Sarah Frances SMITH. He married Myrtle McGEE on 25 Dec 1913.and had son Lucas Earl BREWER and one grandson, Michael Earl BREWER. Harvey lived all his adult life in the Collinwood, McGlamery area.

Harvey departed Wayne County by train from Allens Creek and returned to Collinwood by train. While in the US he was stationed in South Carolina (Ft. Jackson) (Campt Greenville) in the area of Spartenburg, Greenville and Columbia.

He boarded ship in New York City and sailed to Cherbourg, France. While in France he was at Chatillon-sur-Seine & Chaumont on the battle front. He departed France from LeHarve. He served as a truck driver and transported supplies and food to the front lines.

His siblings wee James P. BREWER, William Henry BREWER, Wiley Franklin BREWER, Joe Millard BREWER, Charlie BREWER, Samuel S. BREWER, Daniel Proctor BREWER, Sophrona Bell BREWER STRICKLIN, Flora Ethel BREWER STRICKLIN, Permelia Frances BREWER ARNETT WISDOM, Carrie Lettie V. BREWER WALL.

His grandparents were Henry G. and Permelia RISNER BREWER and Rev. Sameul T. and Frances DAVIS SMITH.

The following letter was written by Harvey BREWER while he was stationed at Camp Sevier, SC and was published in the Wayne County Pilot, published at Collinwood, 8 Aug 1918

LETTER FROM A COLLINWOOD

SOLDIER BOY

Come Along Boys And Help To Bring to the World Peace with honor.

Camp Sevier, S.C., July 19, 1918

Eight months ago, this morning, I left home for camp, bidding father, mother, wife, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends goodbye, leaving other broken hearts as well as my own. I made the start; the last sight of the home was of the homefolks in the front yard waving goodbye. Not having any idea what camp and military life was, I was fearing the arrival in camp, but thank God, it was a happy surprise when I got there. Everyone seemed to be enjoying himseld. Now I have been in the army eight months and each day I like it better. On the start, when everyone named France, I would almost sink right there, but that’s got familiar now. Expecting, myself, to be over there in thirty days, I don’t worry in the least. Just think what our boys are doing now! The morning paper says taht they are advancing so fast they had to put in the cavalry to keep up with them. Who is it that doesn’t want to go and see the world’s greatest victory won? It’s going to be won soon and who will win it? The boys of the U.S.A. We have not got started yet, but I think the Kaiser thinks we have. Wait until we got two or three million men over there (If the Germans last that long) then we will slash out a home run, planting “Old Glory” in Berlin, and taking the Kaiser’s scalp for a souvenir. Of course it’s going to cost lots of lives; but how many Germans have died without any hopes of victory? Still I feel assured of coming back and enjoying the next Fourth of July at dear old Collinwood, the most dealy loved place in the world for me.

The song of all the boys is “What a Time We’ll Have Wehn We Get Back Home.” The boys are all gone to the rifle range today but me, I am laid up with a sore arm caused from vaccination, so I had to stay in. I have never an army rifle. My organization, (the supply train) does not require much drill of that kind, while it’s the most important branch of the service. You know the boys at the front have got to have supplies daily if they keep up their good work, So the different branches have different work, and it all put together makes the complete outfit. So come along bous, when you are called and help to bring to the world the rights of Jesus Christ. Let your name be among those in the world’s greatest history. Think of the boys that are already gone! Do you think yourself any better to go than they were? I left an aged father and mother – a mother who has been unable to care for herself for three and a half years – and first and last, my wife, the sunshine of my life – I am leaving her.

Now boys if you are physically disabled, or have dependents that will exempt you, buy Liberty Bonds and War Savings Stamps for the sake of your beloved country. In that way you can help your friend or brother who is fighting for you. Will you do this, or will you stand back and say, “I’ve nothing or say in it? May God help you to open you eyes and heart!CORP. HARVEY BREWER, Division Supply Train 306, Truck Co. 4, Camp Sevier, S.C.