Judson W. Dennis; Sergeant, Company L, 119th Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces
March 18, 1892 ~ October 17, 1918
Judson W. Dennis was a 25 year old farm boy when he left Tip Top, Tennessee in Stewart County. He was an unmarried farmer and raised tobacco on land he shared with his brother, Tom. From his letters home, we know that he owned a mare, Old Annie, of which he was very fond. We also know he had many friends and was very fond of his brother Tom and wife Minnie's two little girls, Hazel and Helen.
Judson corresponded with his mother Minnie Dunlap Murphy of Granite City, IL and his brother, Thomas Milton Dennis of Tip Top, TN from the time of his departure from Tennessee in Sept. 1917 for Camp Sevier in Greenville, S.C. until days before his death in France in 1918. Following, in chronicological order are those letters, transcribed by his great-niece, Jan Dennis Philpot. Because of the materials with which he sometimes had to write, as well as creases in the paper, it is sometime difficult to make out all he is saying. In these few cases, a ? appears where this is unclear. Following his letters is a transcription of the telegram informing Tom of his brother's death, as well as a letter from a soldier friend of Jud's who was with him at his death.
Greenville, South Carolina September 1917
Dear Bro. and Family-
How are you all by now? I'm fine and like it here just fine. This is a fine place and we have forty thousand soldiers here now so you can imagine what a place this is. They are carrying on the greatest work here I ever saw. This will be the largest camp in the world when they get it finished. We are no more 2nd Tennessee Infantry, but have been changed to Co. A 1st Training Batallion 55 Depot Brigade. This means we may be called out to go to France now just any day. I don't believe that we will be here until Christmas now. We moved yesterday from where we first went to camp. I like here just fine. We never get lonesome here. Always something to go to. Have fine Y.M.C.A.s all over the camp, moving picture shows, meetings, schools of all kinds. We can take any course we want to take here in any books.
How is Hazel, Helen and Minnie getting along? Tell them hello for me. We have taken our vacination the other day. Made some awfully sick. I am very near well of my vaccination.
They killed a soldier boy here yesterday. I saw him. He was killed because he would not obey orders. Eight soldiers shot him. It seems bad but he would not obey orders and refused to work.
We have never got our money yet. The Major said we would get it Monday. Well tell all hello for me.
Yours Sincerely,
Corp. Judson W. Dennis
Co. A 1st Training Batallion
55 Depot Brigade Camp Sevier
Greenville, S. C.
Sunday, April 28, 1918 6 p.m. Camp Sevier Greenville, S.C.
Dear Mother-
Will write you a word. I'm well and all (?0 St.?) well. We are almost ready to sail for that country unknown to us soldier boys. We went in quarantine at 12:00 last night. I don't know just how many days we will be in quarantine. You know all troops are quarantined before leaving for overseas. We are willing and ready to sail for we feel it is our duty and a debt we owe to our country to be loyal sons and true to our red, white and blue that shall wave forever. We feel that we are going to be cared for and someday return back to our own native land of the free.
The girls of Greenville gave the soldier boys a farewell reception at all the dance halls in Greenville last night. They sure did treat us so nice. We shall never forget them for the ladies and girls of Greenville have certainly treated us good during our stay in camp.
Well we have been busy all day. Stamping and checking up all our things. I wrote Tom today and I sent him a pair of shoes the other day. I didn't say anything in his letter about me sending them. Tell him when he writes to tell me if he got them or not.
How is Albert? Hope he is well by now. Well I will not write much this time. I will write you again soon. I'm going to give you a few letters to use for signs when we are leaving places and etc.
(this will mean) ab=we are leaving camp. ac.=we are leaving (port for overseas)
Your son,
Corp. Judson Dennis
Don't answer until you hear from me again. I will drop you a card when to write. Now I don't want you to be uneasy or worry about me for we are going to make it all right. Your son.
Sunday, April 28, 1918 Camp Sevier Greenville, S.C.
Dear Bro.-
I received your letter a few days past. Was indeed glad to hear from you and to hear Minnie was improving. I do hope she will get in good health. Well, the time has come for us to bid our friends and loved ones goodbye for a while. We will sail in a few days for that country unknown to us soldier boys. We went in quarantine last night at 12:00 so you know what that means. We are ready for the fray. Waiting and longing for the time to come for us to see sunny France. We want to see the front and go over the top and take those barbarious Huns the most cruelest in this world. Oh my God, how can a man stand back and know how those cruel things are treating the poor women and little children.
The girls and good ladies of Greenville gave the soldier boys a reception at all the dancing halls in Greenville last night for the farewell goodbyes. They certainly have been nice and good to us during our stay here in camp and we shall never, never forget them.
Well, Tom in regard to my things. I don't know yet what to say about my mare. I would like to keep her if I could but I will tell you later what to do with her. And about you borrowing my money, you can get it. You just give me your note and put it on deposit at the bank. I would not ask you to give me your note but just to show you would owe me in case either of us should die. So I will send in this a check for $100 you said you could use now, though if you don't need it now and can wait until I get my money from the company, I will let you have it all. But if you need it just go ahead and get it. I think we will get our pay about next Wednesday. Someone was telling me today my bonds will be due in July. I can get face value on them just as soon as we get them. I have been thinking I will take two more bonds. We will not need any money when we get over there.
Well, I will have to close. I will write you again soon. Tell Hazel and Helen I will write to them. Give my best regards to all.
Your Brother, Corp. Judson W. Dennis
Address Unknown (so don't write until you hear from me again)
Monday May 6, 1918
Dear Mother,
How are you all by now? I'm just fine and all o.k. Well Mother, we leave camp tomorrow (May 7) for New York, N.Y. We will spend a few days there. Our captain told us yesterday that the ship on which we sail will land us safely in France. Now Mother, I don't want you to be uneasy about your soldier boy. We will not be gone long. I think we will go through safely and someday return to our Land of the Free. We will be gone about two years I think. But we are going to win the victory though we are not a mob. Nor are we murderers. We are a band of peace makers and we are going to right the wrong.
How is Minnie and the kids? I wish I could have heard from you all once more before I crossed the waters but I guess the next time I will get to hear from you I will be somewhere in France. We have certainly been having a big time in camp for the past few days. Mothers and sweethearts and friends have been coming to bid their sons and sweethearts and friends their farewell goodbyes. The most saddest sight I never saw in my life as has been here this week. Oh! They should not grieve about their sweethearts or sons so. They ought to be proud that they have a son or sweetheart to uphold Old Glory, the red, white and blue. I will stand and die by her.
Well, Mother, tell all my friends I'm now ready to sail for a foreign country and that we are going to win the victory before we return. Give them my best regards. I will write you as soon as we get to New York. You need not write until we settle in France.
The captain said that we would stay long enough for them to show us the big City of New York and then we will go from there to Hobo, New Jersey where we will embark for France. We have a long, long voyage before us, but I hope we will have a pleasant voyage.
I'm your son-Corp. Dennis
Camp Merritt, New Jersey
Dear Bro. and Family-
We arrived here all o.k. We certainly did have one more nice time on our trip to New York City and the wonderful sights we saw. I could never begin to tell you. Tom, listen: don't spend another year in the south. Come to the Northern States. They are the garden spot of the world. Don't take my word for it, but come and see for yourself. Listen, if you will come through the states I came through, over the route I came to New York City, and you have seen the country and if you don't say you like the North 100%: better than the South then I will pay your expenses to New York City and back. I came though eight different states. I will tell you dome of the beautiful cities I come through. We come through Richmond, Virginia, crossed the Potomac River at Washington D. C., stayed there two hours. Then on to Baltimore, Maryland-Willmington, Del., Philadelphia, Penn., Jersey City, N. J., a city noted for its beauty, crossed the Chesapeake Bay. Also the Hudson Bay. The sights I saw on the two bays, Tom, I would not take a thousand dollars for what I saw. We crossed UNDER the Hudson River twice, went under the river. Come through Brooklyn, New York to Hoboken, New Jersey. Camp Merritt. This is a magnificent camp. A place of pleasure and rest before embarking to go abroad. We do not do a thing while we are here but rest and have a big time. The girls from New York City have a magnificent building, a Y.W.C.A. here where they give us a big reception. They sport the diamonds too, believe me, and just as common as an old shoe. They are the friendliest people I ever met. We have a pass to New York City tonight. We are expecting a grand time. Wish you, Minnie, and the kids could be with me. Tom, tomorrow. May 10, 1918. The day we have been looking forward to.
You may use my money if you need it. Tobacco money and all. I decided I would take what money I have here with me. I will let you know later about my mare.
You need not answer until you hear from me again. You know where we will be.
Give all my best regards. Write to me when I get to France for I will be anxious to hear from folks at home. So you all just pray that we little Sammies have a chance and we will do the rest. You need not worry.
So goodbye to you all. Kiss the little kids for me for I love them as well as I do my own life.
Your Brother, Corp. J. Dennis
Sunday, June 2, 1918 Somewhere in France
My dear Mother-
The ship on which we sailed landed us safely over the sea and we had a very pleasant voyage. We are getting along just fine. I don't want you to be uneasy about me. I want you write me every week for I will want to hear from you so bad. Tell me how everyone is getting along. Give them my best regards. Hope Minnie is well by now. Mother we have seen wonderful sights since we left camp. I can tell you all lots of things when I come back.
How is Tom? I will write to him soon. Do not ask me anything about the war for I can't tell you anything about it. My address will be: Co. L 119th Inf. (via New York); American Expeditionary Forces; France
Mother, give my friends my address and tell them to write to me. I will be so glad to hear from them. Well, as I haven't very much to write, will write you again soon. Tell Orban to write me. Answer soon.
Your son,
Corp. Dennis J. W.
Mother, send me all the mail that has come for me since I left. Be sure and send it to me.
June 21, 1918 Somewhere in France
Dear Mother:
How are you all by now? I'm getting along fine and having a good time. I'm anxious to hear from you. Write me all the news when you write.
How is Minnie, Tom and the kids getting along? Mother, tell me all the boys who have had to go to the army since I left from around home. Has Leslie and Joe M. had to go yet? Well, Mother, I can't write much this time. Write to me every week. And tell the others to write. Give them my address: Co. L 119th Inf.; American Expeditionary Forces; Forcis, France
How is my mare getting along? I think I will have Tom to sell her for me this summer. Well write me at once.
Your son,
J.W.D.
July 15, 1918 Somewhere in France
Dear Mother,
I rec'd your letter yesterday that was mailed June 17, 1918. Was the first time I have heard from you since we arrived in France. I have written you all several times. I can't see why you can't hear from me. I'm getting along just fine and I don't want you to be uneasy about me when you can't hear from me. I was in the hospital nearly a month.
How is Minnie and Tom getting along? And the kids? I wish I could see them. How is Albert, Shep and Mae getting along? Tell Ab I have seen the highest part of this old world. Mother, I have been through several different countries since I saw you all last but I wish I could just tell you where all I have been and what all I have seen, but you know I'm not allowed to tell now.
I want you to write me just as soon as you get this and tell me all the news and tell the rest to write me. I have written to several different onecs since I have been here and haven't read but two letters. I hope you have got my letters by now.
Give all my address and tell them I said please write to me. Tell Orban (?) to write me. I have written him two times since I have been here. My address- Co. L 119th Inf.; American Expeditionary Forces; France. Give all my best and tell them to write me.
Your son,
Corp. J.W.D.
August 14, 1918 Somewhere in France
My dear brother and family,
How are you all by now? I rec'd your letter a few days ago. I was on the front when I got your letter. I'm now back in rest camp. I'm getting along just fine and enjoying life all o.k. How is Minnie getting along now? How she is in good health now. The last letter I had from Mama she said that Minnie was sick then. How is my little Hazel and little Helen? I would give anything I have if only I could see them. I sure want you to have their pictures made and send me one just as soon as you get them. I have written you one since I have been over here. Don't guess you ever got it for I have written several letters and haven't had any answers from them for our mail sending and getting mail was bad when we first got here.
I wish I could here from you all for you have no idea how lonesome we get when we can't hear from the folks at home. I will write you all ever chance I have and I want you all to write to me often.
Tom, have you got my tobacco sold yet? Write me what it brought when you write, and listen Tom- how is old Annie looking now or have you sold her yet? Listen I don't know how long it will be before I come back (may never) and I want you to take my business for me. You sell old Annie for me- take the money and use it. Also my tobacco money. But listen, you may get more for Annie by selling her on time, though you do as you think best. You know what I mean. Do as though they were yours- and it will be all right with me. I don't know exactly how much money I have in the bank, but you can use all I have there. My bonds are payed up now and I want you to see if they have been sent in yet or not. I think I had them sent to Mama. Deposit them in the Bank for me and see just how much I have on deposit there and I will mail you a check for the amount.
How is Mama and the rest getting along? Tell here I will write her in a few days. Also tell Pearl I'm going to write him. I have so many to write to. It takes me a long time to get to all. I feel so sorry for Pearl and Uncle Bud. God's will, not ours, be done. They have my sympathy. Well, I will have to go. Write me as soon as you get this and tell me all the news. You can write as much as you wish for your mail is not censored. Give my love to all. Give my best regards to Jumbo and family. Tell him I'm going to write him one of these days.
Ans. at once. I'm your Bro. Cpl. J.W.D.
Well Tom, I have been through several different countries since I was there and hope to go through ever country in this old world before ever I return back home- I have seen some wonderful sights through Ireland, England, Canada, France, Belgium, and Italy. I can tell you some wonderful things when I return.
August 17, 1918 France
My dear Mother-
How are you all by now? I'm well and getting along just fine. I have been on the front and just come back to the rest camp for rest. I haven't heard from you all in nearly three weeks. I'm real anxious to hear from you all- when you don't hear from me when you think you ought to don't be uneasy about me. I will write you ever chance I have. I would like to hear from you all ever week- I got twelve letters while I was at the front. You can't have any idea how glad we chaps are when we get a letter from the land of the free.
Have you all ever sold my tobacco yet? How does old Annie look now or has Tom sold her yet? And have you ever rec'd my bonds yet? If you haven't I guess you will get them in a short time. I wrote Tom to deposit them in the bank when they came. I want him to get my business together for me and get it in to money for me and I told him he may use it if he needs it, and just keep the amount together for I will need it if I ever return, and if I never return, you and him will get it, and listen. My next pay day I think I will send $100 home and you can add it to my account.
Well I will not have time to write much this time. I will write you again soon. I have some more letters to write. Listen, when you write you may write what you wish to and as much as you want to. Some seem to think you all could not write but so much, but that is a mistake. Your mail is not censored. Our mail is censored. So tell me all the news when you write, and tell the folks around to think of me once and awhile by writing me a few lines. Just a word or two from them will be highly appreciated. Tell them we little chaps get awful lonesome "over here" and a good word or two would cheer us so much. Of course the little French girls are very pretty and show us a real nice time, but we can't forget the girls at home.
How is little Hazel and Helen? How I wish I could see them. Tom said he was going to have their pictures made and send me one. Don't let him forget it.
How is Minnie? I hope she is in good health by now. Tell my friends I have many souveneirs collected to bring back home and I will bring them some too.
Give my best regards to all.
Your son,
Cpl. J.W.D.
September 6, 1918
My dearest Mother-
How are you and the family getting along? I was surprised to hear of you living in Granite City. But I hope you are enjoying it. I have just gotten back from the front and am getting along all o.k. I hope you all are getting along all right by now. Mother, I guess I have received all your letters. I have rec'd a goot many. I will not have time to write much this time as we are moving. I will write you again next week so don't be uneasy about me. Give my love to all. Tell Ethel and George to write me. Kiss the kids for me.
I'm your son.
Sgt. Judson W. Dennis Co. L
Mother, I have been promoted to a sergeant.
October 4, 1918 France
Dear Brother-
I have written you several times and can't hear from you. I have rec'd only one letter from you since I have been in France and that has been two months ago. Why don't you write me? You do not know how anxious I am to hear from you, Minnie and the kids. I would very near give my life could I only see the dear little Hazel and Helen.
Well I guess you are reading now about the great drive just made on the Western Front. It will prove the greatest historical event ever pulled off in this world's wide war. It will mark the turning point of the war- we remember we were the first little American lads to ever plant our feet in the great Hindenburg Line that I'm sure you have read so much about. It is the strongest line on the front. We went over the top and fought like tigers and put those Huns on the run and captured them by thousands. I don't think it will be long now until we Sammies will be coming home with a victory won. How is every thing at home now? I wish you would write me a long letter and tell me all the news. I'm sending you a souveneir in this letter that I took from a German I captured myself. It is some kind of their money. Show it to the friends and tell them where you got it.
Tom, have you ever disposed of my tobacco yet and how is Old Annie? Or have you sold her yet or not?
Write and tell me all. Well, I will have to go, so write me at once and tell me all the news. Give my best regards to all my friends and tell them I'm doing my bit in this great war. Listen- give J. H. Smith my kindest regards and tell him I will write him sometime and tell him all about this European country and how a soldier kid lives in France. I like France much better than I do the country Belgium.
Ans. soon. Your loving brother, Sgt. Judson W. Dennis
Following is a letter written by Minnie Murphy to her son Judson Dennis, fighting in France. She is aware the war is in its last days, but is unaware Jud has already been killed, and believes he will be coming home.
In this letter we learn how the country reacted to the ending days of World War I as well as hearing news of a Riggins from Stewart Co. who has died in the war. We hear how a "false alarm" had the country believing the war was over before it was. We hear of the flu epidemic of 1918, of what good wages were in 1918, and most of all we hear the thoughts of a mother...not so different in 1918 as now.Granite City, Illinois
Sgt. Judson W. Dennis
Somewhere in FranceMy dear sweet soldier boy. How are you by now? Well I do hope . ? a letter from you dated October 4 and your coupon also. I will start a ? box to my dear soldier boy across the sea in a few days. Tommie wrote me that he received a letter from you too. He was going to have your letter published in the Dover paper. I cannot understand why you fail to get Tomie's (NOTE: this is my grandfather, Thomas M. Dennis, Jud's brother) letters. He writes to you often. We ? at this time. Albert will have ? on tonight train for Dover. He will have to be there tomorrow to be examined. He was in the first class but I think that the Victory you all are winning now, the Good will soon be reached and the boys won't have to go to camp. Yes, we read about the great drive you all made and yesterday we got word that Germany had surrendered and all the works shut down in all these ditys and you never heard of or witnessed such celebrating in all your life. Every whistle blew and all music was going on and thousands in the street parades both old and young joined in the great celebrations. Everything shut down and all business houses was closed and this lasted all day and way up in the night. But the great struggle is still going on yet, but the newspapers says peace will come in a few days. Oh I pray that God will spare your sweet life. I am proud of my brave boy and I feel that my Savior will keep a vigil watch over you and will bring you safely back to your native land to the loved ones that is offering up prayers daily for your safe return in his care. Oh there is nothing to compare with his love and mercy. And I will ever trust him as long as life lasts.
Well ? ? Tomie wrote me that Mr. Porter Riggins (NOTE: this is Milborn Porter Riggins, 1868-1930) had received a telagram from France that Howard (NOTE: this is his son, Herbert Howard RIGGINS, 1896-1918, who died enroute to France) was dead. He died with pneumonia. I feel so sorry for them. Oh the many dear boys that have given their lives for their county in this cruel war. Yes, I do hope that you will be with us when the flowers bloom again. I do hope that our boys will get to see the flowers in dear old Ameriac again. I know there is a many one gone to there ? home but I pray that the ones are living now will get to return to their native land. Oh God speed the time to come quick for peace to be all over the wold. Oh what joy and shouts will be heard throughout old America when the good tidings is flashed over the wires. Everyone now is anxiously wating almost breathlessly every hour to hear the good tiding as we are expecting it every moment they say now when peace is delievered they intend to celebrate three days and nights.
Saturday Evening Nov. 9
Well Jud, Albert (NOTE: this is Jud's half brother, Albert Murphy) has gone home to be examined. I am sure he will have to go. ? oh I will miss him so much. He has always been so good to me and have been so much help to me. He has been giving me everything he made just kept enough to buy his clothes and has been making good wages too just us three is all that is in the home now, Alex (NOTE: this is Jud's stepfather, William A. Murphy), May (NOTE: this is Jud's half sister, Lola May Murphy Eads) and myself. He said he was willing to go, said he might as be in the great struggle as you. He has missed you and grieved about you. He is one good boy and like you he is a boy that makes friends where ever he goes
The influenzie is raging all over the U.S. and killing so many. Ethel (NOTE: this is Jud's half sister Ethel Rutland Goodin) cried when I read your letter to her, she says tell you she was going to have the children's picture made and send you as soon as her baby gets well, it has been sick for three weeks. The dr says it has the influenzie. Alex is very well now and works every day. He makes $5.00 per day.
Well I will write to you again next week when I hear from Albert. There is 35 that has to leave Stewart Co. right away. So you write soon as you can. I almost know that Albert will have to go. So write soon. All sends love to you. I will start your ? box to you in a few days.
From your loving mother. May God bless and keep you from all harm is mother's prayers for you. So by by for this time.
Lovingly, Mother
Minnie
WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM
Received at 55-NQX--32 GOVT. WASHINGTON DC 556-PM NOV 19TH 1918 MR THOMAS M DENNIS MODEL ROUTE DOVER TENNESSEE DEEPLY REGRET TO INFORM YOU THAT SERGEANT JUDSON W DENNIS INFANTRY IS OFFICIALLY REPORTED AS KILLED IN ACTION OCTOBER SEVENTEENTH
HARRIS THE ADJT. GENERAL 623PM
(A letter written by T. M. Dennis (Jud's brother) to his mother (Minnie Murphy) immediately after receiving the news.)
Dover, Tenn.
Nov. 24, 1918Mrs. Minnie Murphy
Granite City, IllinoisMy Dear Mother,
Will write to you a few lines this gloomy and sad day. In answer to your letters I rec. Friday news. Can't tell how I felt when the sad news hurled? over the wire. It seems like it is more than I can stand to think that dear old Jud will never come back. But one thought comes when it seems so dark. That he wrote to Pearl that he was ready to die (note: this would be his cousin Pearl Parker Miles). God's words says in Adam all die but in Christ Jesus all be made alive. Old Jobe says man is born of woman is few days and full of trouble come forth like a flower and is cut down. It seems that way in this case. He said he hoped to be with us when the flowers bloom again. He has just withered to bloom in God's eternal glory.
It could be a mistake as I have noticed some reported killed and afterward turned out to be wounded. But if it is not true some of us ought to be getting a letter. It looks like it was intended for him and other good boys to go that way. We don't know what we are raising our children for. We don't know what those women and children and our soldier boys have had to go through with in this horrible war. This is nothing but low ground of sin and sorrow but after while God will say it's enough to come up higher as he had said to a many of the dear boys in the trenches. To think our blood was shed in the farthest battle field for justice that we might live and enjoy freedom, as we always have,
Tell Uncle Sheck to be living for God in these last days of sorrow for it won't be long according to nature before he will have to meet God and loved ones that have gone on before. Jud was so cheerful all the time, telling us not to worry about him but I have had him on my mind all this fall. I am sending you a clipping of the paper. You will see about John Allen being killed. Bryan Waggoner is missing in action. The clipping I was aiming to send you in my other letter has the boys was coming home soon and it made me glad and I wanted you to see it. I never have been to Dover to see about Jud's business have been shocked so bad. Will go this week if we all stay well.
I am coming out there in two weeks if it is God's will. I want to see you all and want to see you on special business. We have got all the beans and peas picked and all shelled but a few beans have sold 2 bu x 10 lbs of beans got $16.25 and have got that many more to sell. I will send your things this week. I want to bail my hay and gather my corn this week so I will close for this time.
Write soon.
As ever your son,
T.M. Dennis
January 19, 1919 Beaumont, France
Dear Mr. Dennis;
I received you letter lately and will try to give you the information you're wanting.
Judson was killed October 17 while we were driving the Germans for all we could. He was struck by two machine gun bullets and they scarcely left a mark. He lived but a very few minutes and just passed away with a sigh. He was taken up by our army chaplain and carried back and buried. He now lies on a grassy slope overlooking the (?Selz?, Seone?) River, and Mr. Dennis you ask me about taking him home. I think it would be impossible to do this and it would cost you an enormous sum of money for he is over 200 miles from the coast and if it was me I would never attempt it. About what money he had will be with his final statement and his liberty bonds are paid up and are in the Federal Reserve Bank in New York and are all o.k.
Mr. Dennis I'm sorry that we have lost so many of our brave boys and you have my greatest sympathy. I know you must be grieved but you should be proud of the reputation your brother made for he was as brave and true as any man that has faced a German and was leading his men who loved him as a father when he met his death. And he leaves a reputation behind him that will always be remembered by his comrades. I hope to pay him a glorious tribute when I reach Stewart County. Perhaps you don't remember me, but I remember you and your two sweet little girls. I wish I had time to write you a long letter but hope to see you all when I get back and that is not long I think. Give my love to all of Stewart Countians.
Yours Truely,
Sgt. ? P. Andrews? (paper worn through from repeated foldings, believed by family to be H.P. Andrews)
In the ten to twenty years following Jud's death, Tom wrote many letters pleading for the return of his brother's body. It was not to be and eventually the efforts ceased. In 1994, the above correspondence surfaced once again. Due to the concern of Judson's great-great-neice, Heather Grubb, her mother and Jud's great niece, Jan Dennis Philpot began the process of trying to have a memorial marker in Jud's name placed in the National Cemetery at Dover, TN. Through the help of Judy Bagsby, a federal employee, paperwork was completed successfully, and in 1995, almost exactly seventy-seven years to the day of Jud's death, a white marble marker was erected bearing his name.