Thirteen Trees - A Tribute to the Fallen of World War I

Minooka paid a high price in the war to end all wars. In 1918, the population of Minooka was approximately 3,000. This tiny village cheered as more than 80 men marched off to war. Thirteen of them never returned: James Francis Connolly, John Francis Connolly, Joseph A. Devers, John Fitzhenry, Michael Flynn, Michael Flaherty, John Joseph Hefferon, Martin Lacey, Charles Lydon, William F. Murphy, Paul P. Sienkewich, J. F. Timoney, and John Walsh.  Nine of the 13 are buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Charles Lydon, (died August 3, 1918, 28^th Infantry Division) is buried at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Belleau, France.* Paul Sienkewich (died September 18, 1918, 28^th Infantry Division) is buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France. John F. Timoney (died October 17, 1918, 5^th Infantry Division) is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France.

There were two more victims. James McDonough died in January 1926 as a result of gas wounds received on the Western Front. After his return to the U.S., McDonough spent time in government hospitals in North Carolina and Philadelphia. He was survived by his wife, Mary Langan, and three children, John, James, Jr., and Joseph, and his sister, Mrs. Harold Boughton. That same year, Bernard King died of tuberculosis, his lungs weakened from a gas attack in France.

The boys who made it home were honored with a parade, banquet and dance. "Minooka was dressed in holiday attire for the big event. Birney Avenue was illuminated with incandescent lights. Every home from the lower end of Greenwood to O’Hara Street in South Scranton was dressed with national colors and electrical bulbs." The U.S. government recognized Minooka’s sacrifice and service and named a steel ship, a harbor tug, after the town. According to the Scranton Times,  Minooka had furnished more service men to the war effort than any other town of its size in the country.

The body of James Connolly, son of Festus Connolly and Mary Connolly, was returned to the U.S. for burial in St. Joseph's in February 1921. James had been killed at Verdun on September 26, 1918.

Martin Lacey, the adopted son of Owen and Mary Holleran Lacey and who lived on Cemetery Avenue, was interred in August 1921 and Michael Flaherty of Cedar Avenue in October 1921.

Joseph Devers, who was killed in action, was the son of Martin Devers, 3003 Birney Avenue. He was a member of Company C, 16th Infantry. His body was interred in St. Joseph's in September 1921.

John F. Connolly, the first casualty of the war and son of P. C. Connolly, was buried in May 1921. "Full military honors will be accorded him at the funeral to be held from the home in Minooka." (Scranton Republican - May 19, 1921)

The funeral of Pvt. William Murphy was held from the home of his sister, Mrs. William Vaughan, 2708 Colliery Avenue on June 13, 1921. Pvt. John Hefferon was buried from the home of his parents, 2914 Pittston Avenue, in September 3, 1921. He was survived by siblings, Michael, Ella, Delia, Mary O'Malley, and Mrs. J. Brennan.

Pvt. John F. Connolly, Pvt. William F. Murphy, Michael Flynn, and possibly John Fitzhenry USN died of influenza or "disease." Pvt. John Hefferon, Pvt. Charles Lydon, and Pvt. John Walsh died of wounds. Sgt. James F. Connolly, Pvt. Miles Shincavitz, Joseph Devers, and Pvt. John F. Timoney were killed in action.

To honor the memory of those men who made the “supreme sacrifice,” thirteen trees were planted around Minooka High School on the first anniversary of the signing of the armistice as a living monument to those who died. There was a public planting of trees at the Minooka school Friday afternoon in honor of the brave lads from the town, who participated in the exercises, including an inspiring talk by.Daniel Donovan, member of the school board.

"Pupils of the school acquitted themselves in fine style, their singing of patriotic numbers being especially good. There were recitations by Mary Shea, James Lowry, Joseph and Lillian Diskin, Veterans of the war who attended included: Joseph King, William Martin, John Donovan, Peter Healey, Benjamin Peterson, James McDonnell, John Rilinski, Thomas Coyne, Jeremiah Shea, James Gallagher, William Mahady.

Father Loughney's address dealt principally with the formidable responsibility of the veterans' representatives, who are now deliberating at the peace conference in France. He insisted that no permanent and enduring peace can emanate without reliance and guidance of Almighty God, the Prince of Peace and the ruler of the world. This address was especially impressive and edifying."

At the dedication ceremony, Minooka High School principal, Professor T. P. Joyce, read a poem of his own composition, “The Thirteen Trees.”

To honor our soldier boys, we assemble here today.

To give them fitting tribute for their brave deeds far away.

To give them fitting tribute for the gallant lives they’ve led,

To welcome home the living and commemorate the dead.

To keep their cherished memories forever fresh and green,

We’ve raised these verdant monuments on the spot they have often seen.

And choose as worthy builders the fittest to be found.

Brave comrades of their toil and strife now invited to this ground.

And may this dedication erected in their name

Continue to grow and flourish co-equal with their fame.

So that the boys and girls of the future years to be

May gather inspiration by looking at these trees.

And adopt as worthy models for their conduct and their rule

The patriotic heroes, once pupils of this school.

John Connolly we shall call the first in honor of brave deeds

In the forefront of all battles to defend his country’s needs.

The truest test of a patriot, the sacrifice of life

He freely gave for Uncle Sam in the world’s most bloody strife.

In all our country’s honor roll no braver can be found

Than our beloved Minooka boys now lying in foreign ground.

*Charles Lydon was the son of Charles Lydon, Sr. and Catherine "Katie" Hefferon, first cousin to Dr. Joe "Sharkey" Lydon. Charlie's father died before Charlie was born. A few years later, Katie married Patrick O'Malley. Charles Lydon, Jr. is buried in Plot B, Row 2 Grave 37, Aisne-Marne Cemetery.

John Hefferon

Contributed by Mary Lydon Simonsen,