Pershing, John J. (John Joseph), 1860-1948

This edition of “News and Notes” focuses on the restoration and conservation of two Theodore Roosevelt memorials: an equestrian statue of Roosevelt as a Rough Rider located in Portland, Oregon, and a conservation themed memorial in Tenafly, New Jersey. Separate articles provide background for each memorial, detailing their donors, sculptors, and the reasons why they are in need of restoration. The section also highlights the Theodore Roosevelt Association’s (TRA) annual teddy bear drive, a controversy involving a Roosevelt related question on a quiz show, and the TRA’s goal to have 2,000 members in the year 2000. Three photographs supplement the text.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

2000

Alan Toelle chronicles Quentin Roosevelt’s service as an aviator during World War I. Toelle covers Roosevelt’s various assignments and his decision to forgo service with a front line combat unit early in his career despite his and his brothers’ eagerness for him to see combat. Toelle notes Roosevelt’s brief combat career–two missions–the second of which ended in his death. Toelle mentions many of Roosevelt’s fellow aviators, and he concludes his article by quoting at length from a letter written by Warwick Greene who served with Roosevelt.

Three photographs supplement the text, including one of Roosevelt with his squadron mates and one in his airplane named “Doc Yak.” An text box with an advertisement for the League of World War One Aviation Historians, of which Toelle is a member, appears at the conclusion of the essay. 

Gary Ross Mormino explores the relationship between Florida, Cuba, and the Spanish-American War. Mormino describes the enclaves of Cuban immigrants in Florida, and he notes that cities like Key West, Florida, were home to revolutionary movements and figures like Jose Marti. Mormino examines the influx of soldiers into Florida cities such as Tampa, Lakeland, and Miami, and he details the not unexpected difficulties with drink, women, and race relations between white and African American soldiers. Mormino also describes the chaotic mustering and departure of the troops from Florida, and he asserts that while much of Florida may have experienced a temporary economic boost from the war, it had “little long-term impact” on the state.

Eight photographs and five illustrations populate the article.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Quintard Taylor provides a history of the African American servicemen, the Buffalo Soldiers, who served in the American West after the Civil War, and he examines the relationship between Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and two regiments of the Buffalo Soldiers, the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry, that served alongside the Rough Riders in Cuba. Taylor highlights the heroics of individual Buffalo Soldiers, including recipients of the Medal of Honor, and he quotes extensively from Roosevelt’s writings to give Roosevelt’s views on these servicemen. Taylor examines a dispute that arose after the war when Roosevelt questioned the actions of some of the Tenth Cavalry men at the Battle of San Juan Heights. 

A photograph of Taylor, five photographs of various Buffalo Soldiers, and an illustration of Roosevelt with Booker T. Washington appear in the article.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Genna Rollins provides a detailed description of the tour undertaken by a group from the Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) in June 2007 to sites connected with the wartime service of Lieutenant Quentin Roosevelt and Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt. Rollins highlights the military cemeteries and memorials connected to the Roosevelt brothers, and she traces the group’s itinerary through France, highlighting material gained from the group’s tour leader. Rollins emphasizes the service of the Roosevelt brothers, noting Lieutenant Roosevelt’s brief tour as a combat pilot and Brigadier General Roosevelt’s steady leadership on Utah Beach on June 6, 1944. Rollins concludes her article with brief stories of other notable Americans who served in World War I.

Two illustrations and sixteen photographs populate the article, including eight photographs of sites and memorials connected to the Roosevelt brothers, and five depictions of the brothers.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Photograph showing a head-and-shoulders portrait of Theodore Roosevelt, facing front in a mat with a handwritten note “To Brig. Gen’l. J. J. Pershing with the regards of Theodore Roosevelt March 29 1909.”

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1904

Obituary of Archibald “Archie” B. Roosevelt, son of Theodore Roosevelt, written by his cousin P. James Roosevelt. He discusses Archibald’s childhood antics in the White House with his brother Quentin and his education at various schools. He details his service in both world wars and how he earned his military decorations, and he examines Archibald’s career in finance in New York and Florida and discusses his charitable and volunteer work, especially in conservation, most notably with the Boone & Crockett Club. The obituary includes a poem written by Archibald, “Canada Geese.”

Four photographs of Archibald Roosevelt accompany the obituary: one shows him as a young man; another shows him and his brother Quentin training for service in World War I; another shows him and his wife Grace Stackpole Lockwood Roosevelt on horseback; and the last one shows him holding one of his father’s hunting rifles.

A listing of the officers of the Theodore Roosevelt Association and of the members of its executive, finance, and Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace committees is on the second page of the obituary.

The Bismarck Tribune reports on the death of Theodore Roosevelt at his home in Oyster Bay, New York, early on the morning of January 6, 1919. His secretary Josephine M. Stricker, who reported it to the press, received the news from Roosevelt’s wife Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt. It is believed that Roosevelt passed away painlessly, and that his death was due to inflammatory rheumatism. News of Roosevelt’s death quickly drew a large number of telegrams expressing condolence and sympathy, and both houses of Congress adjourned out of respect for Roosevelt. Following this article, The Bismarck Tribune also presents a brief biography of Roosevelt’s life and political achievements. Apart from news of Roosevelt’s death, the paper also has several articles related to North Dakota politics, a brief mention of troop movements occurring in Europe, and a comment on the success of a recent Liberty Loan drive for the Ninth federal reserve district.

Collection

Dickinson State University

Creation Date

1919-01-06

As part of an inspection tour of military camps in the Midwest, General John J. Pershing visits Camp Grant in Rockford, Illinois, on January 5, 1920. Opening scene of Pershing standing with General George Bell, commander of the 6th Division’s Provisional Regiment stationed at Camp Grant. A train with members of Bell’s staff unloads in the background. A long shot of Pershing, with an unidentified man to his left, and Robert Rew, mayor of Rockford, posing outside the Hotel Nelson after attending a luncheon in Pershing’s honor. The mayor is carrying a saddle and bridle which were presented to Pershing by the citizens of Rockford. Views of the 6th Division in formation; long shot of Pershing, Bell, and possibly Regiment-Colonel Mathias Crowley walking toward the camera through lines of soldiers. Views of tractors pulling a cannon along the snow covered streets. The last scene is of Pershing and a man who may be Crowley standing in a flag-draped reviewing stand as Pershing delivers a speech.

Collection

Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound

Creation Date

1920-01-05

This film appears to have been photographed in France during WWI. There is a medium close shot of Quentin Roosevelt with a small building in background, followed by a brief shot of French and American officers, including Lieutenant Edward V. Rickenbacker at immediate right, talking. There is a view of a troop train moving through a European town as people line the tracks waving to soldiers. The final sequence is medium close panning shots, from left to right, of: John J. Pershing, commander in chief of American forces; Andre Tardieu, French diplomat; Premier Georges Clemenceau of France; Marshal Ferdinand Foch, commander-in-chief of French forces; an unidentified French officer; General Maxime Weygand, staff officer to Foch; and Major General James W. McAndrews, general chief of staff of American forces, posing as they leave a building.

Collection

Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound

Creation Date

1917-1918

Sheet music for “Andy Gump,” a novelty song from 1923 featuring the cartoon art of Sidney Smith. The song casts Gump as one of the greatest, but often forgotten, men in America. The song lists a number of well-known Americans, including Theodore Roosevelt.

Collection

Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection

Creation Date

1923

John Campbell Greenway sends a list of suggestions for individuals to compose a regiment of cavalry for service in Mexico. Greenway assures Theodore Roosevelt that he can raise “the best volunteer regiment ever put in the field.”

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

1916-07-07

John Campbell Greenway would also like to join the troops and agrees that raising funds for the tank service is a “splendid idea.” Greenway believes he could recruit many “seasoned men and mechanics.”

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

1917-08-20

John Campbell Greenway describes the recent labor disputes in the Arizona copper mines. He was hoping that Theodore Roosevelt could work something out whereby Greenway could go with him to the French or Russian fronts. Greenway encloses a letter from a geologist about conditions in Petrograd and writes briefly about the situation on the Mexican border.

Collection

Arizona Historical Society

Creation Date

1917-07-06

Typed draft with edits of Theodore Roosevelt’s speech at the Columbia County Fair. Roosevelt says that while America is a melting pot of many cultures, it is still a single country. He calls for all citizens to be united under one flag and one language. He condemns Germany’s actions during the war and says anyone that does not fully support the United States is a traitor. Americans have an obligation to be loyal to their country and to demand justice for all men regardless of social class. The country needs to be better prepared for war in the future.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1917-09-05

Typed draft with handwritten edits of Theodore Roosevelt’s speech at the Columbia County Fair. Roosevelt says that while America is a melting pot of many cultures, it is still a single country. He calls for all citizens to be united under one flag and one language. He condemns Germany’s actions during the war and says anyone that does not fully support the United States is a traitor. Americans have an obligation to be loyal to their country and to demand justice for all men regardless of social class. The country needs to be better prepared for war in the future.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1917-09-05

Theodore Roosevelt’s copy of his speech at the semi-centennial celebration of Nebraska’s statehood. Roosevelt recalls America’s two wars up to the present, the Revolutionary and the Civil Wars, and says that they were good for the country because they established liberties for its citizens. He warns that World War I is threatening those liberties due to pacifists and a lack of military preparation by the United States. He calls for loyalty to America from its immigrant population and for voluntary service in the military and aid organizations.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1917-06-14

Typed draft of Theodore Roosevelt’s speech at the semi-centennial celebration of Nebraska’s statehood. Roosevelt recalls America’s two wars up to the present, the Revolutionary and the Civil Wars, and says that they were good for the country because they established liberties for its citizens. He warns that World War I is threatening those liberties due to pacifists and a lack of military preparation by the United States. He calls for loyalty to America from its immigrant population and for voluntary service in the military and aid organizations.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1917-06-14

Handwritten draft of Theodore Roosevelt’s speech given at the semi-centennial celebration of Nebraska’s statehood. Roosevelt recalls America’s two wars up to the present, the Revolutionary and the Civil Wars, and says that they were good for the country because they established liberties for its citizens. He warns that World War I is threatening those liberties due to pacifists and a lack of military preparation by the United States. He calls for loyalty to America from its immigrant population and for voluntary service in the military and aid organizations.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1917-06-14

Theodore Roosevelt appeals to the Republicans of Maine to fight against Germany in the Great War. Roosevelt draws from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to appeal to the people to remain strong and patriotic to their country and in the fight against Germany.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1918-03-28