Alan Anderson, Archivist, Sumter Historic Trust, Inc.
A Viquesney Chronology:
A History in Newspaper Clippings
Compiled by Alan Anderson, Sumter Historic Trust, Inc.
A History in Newspaper Clippings
Compiled by Alan Anderson, Sumter Historic Trust, Inc.
Published by permission of Mr. Anderson
The man who knows most about the 16 years or so that Viquesney lived in the Americus, Georgia area is Alan Anderson, Archivist for the Sumter Historic Trust, Inc. Alan has kindly allowed me to publish the following chronology.
Most excerpts are from the Americus Times-Recorder; those entries marked "SGP" are from the South Georgia Progress.
Most excerpts are from the Americus Times-Recorder; those entries marked "SGP" are from the South Georgia Progress.
Oct. 31, 1905: "Mr. E.M. Viquesney of Shelbyville, Ind., an expert sculptor and designer, has come here to reside and will be with Clark's Monument Works."
Oct. 30, 1908: "The new theater is to open in a few days. The 'Majestic' on Lamar St. 'Moving pictures as the prime feature.' William Wood of Savannah is to run the machine, and Mr. Viquesney is the manager. It is in the Holt Building on Lamar."
Aug. 25, 1912: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney have come from Atlanta and will again reside in Americus. They are at home with Mrs. P.H. Williams."
Feb. 26, 1914: "Plans are underway for the erection at Fitzgerald of the only monument in the world jointly commemorating the Blue and the Gray. The design for the great "peace memorial" is the work of E.M. Viquesney, of Americus..." [Due to funding problems, the monument was never built.]
Sept 9, 1914: citizens' petition against repeal of ordinance outlawing free lunches and music at "near beer" establishments: Miss Rachael Scroggs, Mrs. C.F. Giddings, Mrs. W.C. Sullivan, E.M. Viquesney, et. al.
Jan. 6, 1915: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney left Tuesday night for Spencer, Indiana, to the regret of their many friends in Americus."
Jan. 7, 1915: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney, to the regret of their many Americus friends, have gone to Spencer, Indiana, where they will spend some time before perhaps returning to Georgia."
Jan. 16, 1915: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney, who have gone to Indiana to spend some time, are now very pleasantly situated at Spencer..."
Jan. 24, 1916: "The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney, formerly of Americus, will be pleased to know that they will return shortly to reside here again."
Feb. 26, 1916: SGP - "Mr. E.M. Viquesney of Spencer, Ind., arrived last night to accept the position of head of the designing department and sales manager of the Schneider Marble Company of this city. Mr. Viquesney is a man of long experience in this particular line of business and his connection...will undoubtedly have a tendency to increase the already well known efficiency of that concern."
Feb. 28, 1916: SGP - "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney have returned to Americus to reside and are at home with Miss Jo McKay on Church street."
Sept 6, 1916: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney have recently moved to the home formerly occupied by Mrs. Maud Smith on Church street, where they will reside in the future."
July 18, 1917: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney left this morning for Peoria, Ill., where Mr. Viquesney has accepted a position with a large marble concern. Many in Americus will regret their departure, as they have made themselves very popular during their residence here."
Aug. 27, 1917: "Mr. and Mrs. Viquesney have returned to Americus to make it their home again. Mr. Viquesney will be with his former employers, the Schneider Marble Works."
Feb. 20, 1918: "Mr. E.M. Viquesney is now connected with Clark's Monumental Works, as special designer for the above firm, where he will be glad to serve his friends who may be in need of high grade cemetery memorials."
Dec. 16, 1918: Americus voters list: C.A. Schneider, E.E. Schneider, E.M. Viquesney, et. al.
Dec. 14, 1919: E.M. Viquesney invented above ground vault memorial marketed exclusively by Schneider Marble Company.
Jan. 18, 1920: "Word reached Americus Saturday that E.M. Viquesney, who is now visiting with Mrs. Viquesney in Indiana, had received letters of patent upon his monument burial vault...being made by C.A. Schneider and Sons..."
Feb. 4, 1920: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney will return tonight from Spencer, Ind., where they spent several weeks."
June 13, 1920: "E.M. Viquesney left Saturday for Macon, on a business trip."
Oct. 19, 1920: "Mrs. E.M. Viquesney left Americus Saturday night upon receipt of a telegram announcing the serious illness of her mother, at her home in Spencer, Ind. Mrs. Viquesney will remain at her bedside until her condition becomes greatly improved."
Jan. 21, 1921: "$150,000 RYLANDER THEATRE OPENS TONIGHT – "All of the marble work, inside and outside, was designed by E.M. Viquesney, Americus architect and was furnished by the Tate, Ga., marble quarries … "
Jan. 30, 1921: "'THE SPIRIT OF THE AMERICAN DOUGHBOY' - AMERICUS MAN DESIGNS MODEL FOR STATUE - Work Of Viquesney Would Immortalize U.S. Fighters - One of the most notable war statues recently designed has just been completed by E.M. Viquesney..."
Mar. 12, 1921: "BIG DOUGHBOY STATUE SHOWN - Work of E.M. Viquesney Wins Admiration At Home - An object of great interest to local citizens during the last week has been the statue, "The Spirit of the American Doughboy," designed by E.M. Viquesney, of Americus, which has occupied a conspicuous place in the lobby of the Rylander theater since last Tuesday. The statue, which is of bronze and slightly larger than life size, is such a remarkable piece of art, and so true a portrayal of the American soldier in the late war, that it has met with general admiration, as well as praise for its designer. Men who served in France are unanimous in declaring it to be a perfect representation of the soldier in every respect, including equipment. The statue was designed to surmount a memorial monument to the soldiers of Berrien county, to be erected at Nashville, Ga., by the Schneider Marble Company, of Americus. The base, of marble, is now being finished at the marble works here and will shortly be shipped to Nashville for placing. The entire piece of work will represent the expenditure of $5,000 by the people of Berrien county."
Apr. 28, 1921: "Another high honor has come to an Americus man and through him to Americus. The man is E.M. Viquesney. He has just received word that his statue, The Spirit of the American Doughboy, has been accepted in a competition as the official American Legion memorial design for erection as a national memorial at Centralia, Wash....The contest which resulted in its selection was entered by some 300 or 400 designs. The selection was made by the National Memorial committee of the American Legion, its choice being recommended to the Legion National Executive committee for official adoption as the national Legion memorial design. Notification came to Mr. Viquesney in a letter from Attorney T. Semmes Walmsley, of New Orleans, chairman of the National Memorial committee..."
June 15, 1921: "YORK MODEST IN TALE OF EXPLOIT - [At a presentation of remarks by Alvin C. York, hero of WWI, at the Rylander Theatre, one of the introductory speakers was a Mr. Mathis, who] "paid a high tribute to the "Spirit of the American Doughboy," the statue of E.M. Viquesney, which occupied a place in the center of the stage in the rear, surrounded by Americans flags … The audience was far too small for the occasion."
Aug. 20, 1921: "2 DOUGHBOYS GO TO HARDING AND PERSHING – Marketing the beginning of shipments of "The Spirit of the American Doughboy," designed by E.M. Viquesney, of Americus, the first statuette to be sent out of Americus was started Friday afternoon [Aug. 19] for Washington, D.C., addressed to President Warren G. Harding, with the compliments of Mr. Viquesney and Walter Rylander, who is associated with him in its manufacture and marketing. A second was sent to General John J. Pershing, commander of the American forces in the great war … The very first of these miniatures to be distributed anywhere was offered by the makers as the attendance prize at Friday’s luncheon of the Kiwanis club through Evan Mathis, and it was drawn by Jack Holst, who was a lieutenant in the world war … "
Aug. 26, 1921: "SUMTER REMEMBERS - TO ERECT BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL TO HER HEROES OF GREAT WAR - MEMORIAL TO BE 17 FT.; DESIGNER RELATES DETAILS - The design for the Sumter County memorial to its sons who served in the Great War was drawn by E.M. Viquesney, Americus designer of the famous Doughboy statue...which has been accepted as the American Legion's national memorial design, were prepared by Mr. Viquesney..."
Nov. 10, 1921 :"LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE - ...There has come to the notice of the writer that there is a report existing, probably being passed about by those who are ignorant of such fact, that the Doughboy statue now being placed on the pedestal at the corner of Lamar and Lee streets, is a small size of the one shown here previously. I want to state frankly and freely that this is a misrepresentation on the face of it, caused probably by the ignorance of the parties who are passing it around, of the fact that a statue erected on a pedestal any height loses rapidly in size, especially in height. This is a matter discussed at length with the Monument committee before the pedestal was planned, and the Monument committee will bear me out, I am sure in my statement that I argued against a pedestal too high, for the reason that it would dwarf the statue. This statue is exactly the same size and height in every way of the one shown at the Rylander theater lobby, and also in the lobby of the Windsor hotel some time ago. These statues are all made in the same moulds, these moulds are of steel and very expensive, so that there could not be any variation in height or size. This statement is made merely that it may stop any wrong existing ideas that any attempt was made to lessen the size of the statue, for if this had been planned it would have been a great deal more expensive to have made a smaller one than it would have for the original size, for the reason that it would have called for smaller moulds, dies, etc., in fact the statue would have cost more than double, if we had changed the size either larger or smaller. For this reason, I would be glad if you would make a statement of this in your paper so this may be put to rest now before it goes further. Thank you. Yours very truly, THE AMERICAN DOUGHBOY, E.M. Viquesney. Nov. 10,1921."
Nov. 11, 1921: "SUMTER REMEMBERS – MONUMENT TO COUNTY HEROES OF WAR UNVEILED IMPRESSIVELY – Thousands Pay Homage To Men Who Offered Or Gave Lives For Freedom – 7 GOLD STAR MOTHERS ON SPEAKER’S PLATFORM – Judge Covart, of Columbus, In Pleasing Address, Says Universal Peace Is Dream – Sumter County today paid a debt of love and gratitude to her lads who served and some who died, in the great World War. Grouped about an imposing statue, a symbol of "The Spirit of the American Doughboy," thousands of Sumter citizens, both white and colored, paid homage to their heroes simultaneously with the ceremonies at Washington honoring America’s Unknown Dead. The occasion was the unveiling and dedication of the monument, a beautiful memorial designed by an Americus man, and paid for by contributions from Sumter county people … The master of ceremonies was Major James Fort, of Americus, state commander of the American Legion. He delivered the speech of presentation of the monument on behalf of its donors to Col. W.T. Lane, who accepted it in an eloquent brief address on behalf of the people of Sumter county. At the conclusion of Col. Lane’s speech the clock in the courthouse tower chimed 11 and the great assemblage, at the sound of the bugle bowed in two minutes of silent prayer in common with the remainder of the nation at that hour. Major Fort then introduced Judge A.W. Cozart … who delivered the principal oration … women occupied seats together on the front row nearest the monument erected in a large measure to the memory of their boys. They were: Mrs. F.D. Law, mother of Nottingham Law; Mrs. W.M. Ratley, mother of Roy Ratley; Mrs. R.H. Bridges, mother of Jesse Bridges; Mrs. Sam Williamson, mother of Wyatt Chapman; Mrs. E.T. Mathis, mother of John D. Mathis; Mrs. L.B. Lott, mother of Wade Lott, and Mrs. Ida C. Statham, mother of Gordon Statham, all of whom gave their lives in the great war … The only persons observed in uniforms were the soldier and sailor who drew the cords that loosed the folds of the American flag … These men were W.C. Brophy, of Rhine, Ga., now a student at the Third District Agricultural school [GSWU], who was a soldier in the 157th Infantry, 40th division, and H.D. Stevens, of Americus, son of Dan Stevens, who wore the sailor’s uniform in the naval transport service, and wears two years’ service stripes on his sleeve … children from the various Americus schools and from a number of county schools marched up Lamar street from Jackson … colored school children, who participated in the songs, occupied a place on East Lamar street to the rear of the statue … The monument is a rough granite pedestal surmounted by a bronze statue, "The Spirit of the American Doughboy," designed by E.M. Viquesney and manufactured in large size and miniature by Mr. Viquesney and Walter Rylander. Mr. Rylander had a place on the speakers’ platform as an ex-service man, but Mr. Viquesney hid himself in the crowd … "
Nov. 12, 1921: "VIQUESNEY NOT 'HIDING OUT' AT UNVEILING - E.M. Viquesney, designer of the Doughboy statue unveiled asks The Times-Recorder to state for the information of the public that he did not 'hide out' in the crowd, as was stated in the report of the ceremonies, but did not occupy a seat on the speakers' stand solely because he was not invited. Mr. Viquesney was noticed by the reporter to be mixing with the crowd and it was accepted as a bit of modest preference on his part. The correction is cheerfully made."
Jan. 2, 1922: "The Times-Recorder is in receipt of a copy of a handsome and exhaustive booklet on Camp Benning just issued by the Central of Georgia railroad. The cover...which is in colors, bears a splendid reproduction of the Spirit of the American Doughboy, designed by E.M. Viquesney, of Americus, and contains a brief notice of this piece of work and its designer..."
Jan. 4, 1922: "RYLANDER NOW SOLE OWNER OF THE DOUGHBOY – Acquires Interest of E.M. Viquesney, And Will Reorganize Business - Announcement was made today of the acquisition by Walter Rylander of the entire interest of E.M. Viquesney in the rights, manufacturing plant and distribution of Mr. Viquesney's soldier memorial statue...The change is effective at once. The transfer includes the right of manufacture and sale of both the large Doughboy statues...and the small statuette, which is being manufactured on a large scale in the concern's own plant here and other plants in Chicago, New York and New Brunswick, N.J. ...Mr. Viquesney...stated today that his plans for the future were rather indefinite as yet...He indicated that it was likely he would remove from Americus probably to his old home state of Indiana, by the end of this month..."
Jan. 16, 1922: "Schneider Marble Co. bought E.M. Viquesney's patent on his vault monument."
May 2, 1928: "E.M. Viquesney, creator of the "Spirit of the American Doughboy" statue in Rees Park, to build $45,000 theater in Spencer, Ind."
May 27, 1932: “E.M. VIQUESNEY WANTS THE T.-R. – Statue Sculptor Wants “Home” News – E.M. Viquesney, noted sculptor of the doughboy monument … has written to The Times-Recorder, entering his subscription for the same. Mr. Viquesney originated the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” while residing in Americus. He is now president of the World War Memorial Association, sponsor of the famous doughboy statue, with headquarters in Spencer, Indiana … Mr. Viquesney writes: 'Once in a while when the spring opens, wanderers from the Cracker State who resided as long as we did in Americus, get hungry for news from our old home town, so we are writing you to please put us on your mailing list for the daily Times-Recorder and let us have it until advised to cancel. Please begin mailings at once and oblige'.”
Oct. 7, 1933: "Mrs. Cora B. Viquesney, wife of Ernest M. Viquesney, sculptor who designed the Doughboy monument in Americus...died at her home in Spencer, Ind., Tuesday morning, October 3, according to word received today from Mr. Viquesney..."
Oct. 10, 1946: "Former Sculptor of Americus Takes Own Life -- E.M. Viquesney, 70, former resident of Americus and the sculptor who designed the Doughboy monument now standing at the corner of Lee and Lamar Streets, took his own life at his home in Spencer, Indiana, Oct. 4..."
Oct. 30, 1908: "The new theater is to open in a few days. The 'Majestic' on Lamar St. 'Moving pictures as the prime feature.' William Wood of Savannah is to run the machine, and Mr. Viquesney is the manager. It is in the Holt Building on Lamar."
Aug. 25, 1912: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney have come from Atlanta and will again reside in Americus. They are at home with Mrs. P.H. Williams."
Feb. 26, 1914: "Plans are underway for the erection at Fitzgerald of the only monument in the world jointly commemorating the Blue and the Gray. The design for the great "peace memorial" is the work of E.M. Viquesney, of Americus..." [Due to funding problems, the monument was never built.]
Sept 9, 1914: citizens' petition against repeal of ordinance outlawing free lunches and music at "near beer" establishments: Miss Rachael Scroggs, Mrs. C.F. Giddings, Mrs. W.C. Sullivan, E.M. Viquesney, et. al.
Jan. 6, 1915: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney left Tuesday night for Spencer, Indiana, to the regret of their many friends in Americus."
Jan. 7, 1915: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney, to the regret of their many Americus friends, have gone to Spencer, Indiana, where they will spend some time before perhaps returning to Georgia."
Jan. 16, 1915: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney, who have gone to Indiana to spend some time, are now very pleasantly situated at Spencer..."
Jan. 24, 1916: "The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney, formerly of Americus, will be pleased to know that they will return shortly to reside here again."
Feb. 26, 1916: SGP - "Mr. E.M. Viquesney of Spencer, Ind., arrived last night to accept the position of head of the designing department and sales manager of the Schneider Marble Company of this city. Mr. Viquesney is a man of long experience in this particular line of business and his connection...will undoubtedly have a tendency to increase the already well known efficiency of that concern."
Feb. 28, 1916: SGP - "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney have returned to Americus to reside and are at home with Miss Jo McKay on Church street."
Sept 6, 1916: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney have recently moved to the home formerly occupied by Mrs. Maud Smith on Church street, where they will reside in the future."
July 18, 1917: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney left this morning for Peoria, Ill., where Mr. Viquesney has accepted a position with a large marble concern. Many in Americus will regret their departure, as they have made themselves very popular during their residence here."
Aug. 27, 1917: "Mr. and Mrs. Viquesney have returned to Americus to make it their home again. Mr. Viquesney will be with his former employers, the Schneider Marble Works."
Feb. 20, 1918: "Mr. E.M. Viquesney is now connected with Clark's Monumental Works, as special designer for the above firm, where he will be glad to serve his friends who may be in need of high grade cemetery memorials."
Dec. 16, 1918: Americus voters list: C.A. Schneider, E.E. Schneider, E.M. Viquesney, et. al.
Dec. 14, 1919: E.M. Viquesney invented above ground vault memorial marketed exclusively by Schneider Marble Company.
Jan. 18, 1920: "Word reached Americus Saturday that E.M. Viquesney, who is now visiting with Mrs. Viquesney in Indiana, had received letters of patent upon his monument burial vault...being made by C.A. Schneider and Sons..."
Feb. 4, 1920: "Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Viquesney will return tonight from Spencer, Ind., where they spent several weeks."
June 13, 1920: "E.M. Viquesney left Saturday for Macon, on a business trip."
Oct. 19, 1920: "Mrs. E.M. Viquesney left Americus Saturday night upon receipt of a telegram announcing the serious illness of her mother, at her home in Spencer, Ind. Mrs. Viquesney will remain at her bedside until her condition becomes greatly improved."
Jan. 21, 1921: "$150,000 RYLANDER THEATRE OPENS TONIGHT – "All of the marble work, inside and outside, was designed by E.M. Viquesney, Americus architect and was furnished by the Tate, Ga., marble quarries … "
Jan. 30, 1921: "'THE SPIRIT OF THE AMERICAN DOUGHBOY' - AMERICUS MAN DESIGNS MODEL FOR STATUE - Work Of Viquesney Would Immortalize U.S. Fighters - One of the most notable war statues recently designed has just been completed by E.M. Viquesney..."
Mar. 12, 1921: "BIG DOUGHBOY STATUE SHOWN - Work of E.M. Viquesney Wins Admiration At Home - An object of great interest to local citizens during the last week has been the statue, "The Spirit of the American Doughboy," designed by E.M. Viquesney, of Americus, which has occupied a conspicuous place in the lobby of the Rylander theater since last Tuesday. The statue, which is of bronze and slightly larger than life size, is such a remarkable piece of art, and so true a portrayal of the American soldier in the late war, that it has met with general admiration, as well as praise for its designer. Men who served in France are unanimous in declaring it to be a perfect representation of the soldier in every respect, including equipment. The statue was designed to surmount a memorial monument to the soldiers of Berrien county, to be erected at Nashville, Ga., by the Schneider Marble Company, of Americus. The base, of marble, is now being finished at the marble works here and will shortly be shipped to Nashville for placing. The entire piece of work will represent the expenditure of $5,000 by the people of Berrien county."
Apr. 28, 1921: "Another high honor has come to an Americus man and through him to Americus. The man is E.M. Viquesney. He has just received word that his statue, The Spirit of the American Doughboy, has been accepted in a competition as the official American Legion memorial design for erection as a national memorial at Centralia, Wash....The contest which resulted in its selection was entered by some 300 or 400 designs. The selection was made by the National Memorial committee of the American Legion, its choice being recommended to the Legion National Executive committee for official adoption as the national Legion memorial design. Notification came to Mr. Viquesney in a letter from Attorney T. Semmes Walmsley, of New Orleans, chairman of the National Memorial committee..."
June 15, 1921: "YORK MODEST IN TALE OF EXPLOIT - [At a presentation of remarks by Alvin C. York, hero of WWI, at the Rylander Theatre, one of the introductory speakers was a Mr. Mathis, who] "paid a high tribute to the "Spirit of the American Doughboy," the statue of E.M. Viquesney, which occupied a place in the center of the stage in the rear, surrounded by Americans flags … The audience was far too small for the occasion."
Aug. 20, 1921: "2 DOUGHBOYS GO TO HARDING AND PERSHING – Marketing the beginning of shipments of "The Spirit of the American Doughboy," designed by E.M. Viquesney, of Americus, the first statuette to be sent out of Americus was started Friday afternoon [Aug. 19] for Washington, D.C., addressed to President Warren G. Harding, with the compliments of Mr. Viquesney and Walter Rylander, who is associated with him in its manufacture and marketing. A second was sent to General John J. Pershing, commander of the American forces in the great war … The very first of these miniatures to be distributed anywhere was offered by the makers as the attendance prize at Friday’s luncheon of the Kiwanis club through Evan Mathis, and it was drawn by Jack Holst, who was a lieutenant in the world war … "
Aug. 26, 1921: "SUMTER REMEMBERS - TO ERECT BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL TO HER HEROES OF GREAT WAR - MEMORIAL TO BE 17 FT.; DESIGNER RELATES DETAILS - The design for the Sumter County memorial to its sons who served in the Great War was drawn by E.M. Viquesney, Americus designer of the famous Doughboy statue...which has been accepted as the American Legion's national memorial design, were prepared by Mr. Viquesney..."
Nov. 10, 1921 :"LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE - ...There has come to the notice of the writer that there is a report existing, probably being passed about by those who are ignorant of such fact, that the Doughboy statue now being placed on the pedestal at the corner of Lamar and Lee streets, is a small size of the one shown here previously. I want to state frankly and freely that this is a misrepresentation on the face of it, caused probably by the ignorance of the parties who are passing it around, of the fact that a statue erected on a pedestal any height loses rapidly in size, especially in height. This is a matter discussed at length with the Monument committee before the pedestal was planned, and the Monument committee will bear me out, I am sure in my statement that I argued against a pedestal too high, for the reason that it would dwarf the statue. This statue is exactly the same size and height in every way of the one shown at the Rylander theater lobby, and also in the lobby of the Windsor hotel some time ago. These statues are all made in the same moulds, these moulds are of steel and very expensive, so that there could not be any variation in height or size. This statement is made merely that it may stop any wrong existing ideas that any attempt was made to lessen the size of the statue, for if this had been planned it would have been a great deal more expensive to have made a smaller one than it would have for the original size, for the reason that it would have called for smaller moulds, dies, etc., in fact the statue would have cost more than double, if we had changed the size either larger or smaller. For this reason, I would be glad if you would make a statement of this in your paper so this may be put to rest now before it goes further. Thank you. Yours very truly, THE AMERICAN DOUGHBOY, E.M. Viquesney. Nov. 10,1921."
Nov. 11, 1921: "SUMTER REMEMBERS – MONUMENT TO COUNTY HEROES OF WAR UNVEILED IMPRESSIVELY – Thousands Pay Homage To Men Who Offered Or Gave Lives For Freedom – 7 GOLD STAR MOTHERS ON SPEAKER’S PLATFORM – Judge Covart, of Columbus, In Pleasing Address, Says Universal Peace Is Dream – Sumter County today paid a debt of love and gratitude to her lads who served and some who died, in the great World War. Grouped about an imposing statue, a symbol of "The Spirit of the American Doughboy," thousands of Sumter citizens, both white and colored, paid homage to their heroes simultaneously with the ceremonies at Washington honoring America’s Unknown Dead. The occasion was the unveiling and dedication of the monument, a beautiful memorial designed by an Americus man, and paid for by contributions from Sumter county people … The master of ceremonies was Major James Fort, of Americus, state commander of the American Legion. He delivered the speech of presentation of the monument on behalf of its donors to Col. W.T. Lane, who accepted it in an eloquent brief address on behalf of the people of Sumter county. At the conclusion of Col. Lane’s speech the clock in the courthouse tower chimed 11 and the great assemblage, at the sound of the bugle bowed in two minutes of silent prayer in common with the remainder of the nation at that hour. Major Fort then introduced Judge A.W. Cozart … who delivered the principal oration … women occupied seats together on the front row nearest the monument erected in a large measure to the memory of their boys. They were: Mrs. F.D. Law, mother of Nottingham Law; Mrs. W.M. Ratley, mother of Roy Ratley; Mrs. R.H. Bridges, mother of Jesse Bridges; Mrs. Sam Williamson, mother of Wyatt Chapman; Mrs. E.T. Mathis, mother of John D. Mathis; Mrs. L.B. Lott, mother of Wade Lott, and Mrs. Ida C. Statham, mother of Gordon Statham, all of whom gave their lives in the great war … The only persons observed in uniforms were the soldier and sailor who drew the cords that loosed the folds of the American flag … These men were W.C. Brophy, of Rhine, Ga., now a student at the Third District Agricultural school [GSWU], who was a soldier in the 157th Infantry, 40th division, and H.D. Stevens, of Americus, son of Dan Stevens, who wore the sailor’s uniform in the naval transport service, and wears two years’ service stripes on his sleeve … children from the various Americus schools and from a number of county schools marched up Lamar street from Jackson … colored school children, who participated in the songs, occupied a place on East Lamar street to the rear of the statue … The monument is a rough granite pedestal surmounted by a bronze statue, "The Spirit of the American Doughboy," designed by E.M. Viquesney and manufactured in large size and miniature by Mr. Viquesney and Walter Rylander. Mr. Rylander had a place on the speakers’ platform as an ex-service man, but Mr. Viquesney hid himself in the crowd … "
Nov. 12, 1921: "VIQUESNEY NOT 'HIDING OUT' AT UNVEILING - E.M. Viquesney, designer of the Doughboy statue unveiled asks The Times-Recorder to state for the information of the public that he did not 'hide out' in the crowd, as was stated in the report of the ceremonies, but did not occupy a seat on the speakers' stand solely because he was not invited. Mr. Viquesney was noticed by the reporter to be mixing with the crowd and it was accepted as a bit of modest preference on his part. The correction is cheerfully made."
Jan. 2, 1922: "The Times-Recorder is in receipt of a copy of a handsome and exhaustive booklet on Camp Benning just issued by the Central of Georgia railroad. The cover...which is in colors, bears a splendid reproduction of the Spirit of the American Doughboy, designed by E.M. Viquesney, of Americus, and contains a brief notice of this piece of work and its designer..."
Jan. 4, 1922: "RYLANDER NOW SOLE OWNER OF THE DOUGHBOY – Acquires Interest of E.M. Viquesney, And Will Reorganize Business - Announcement was made today of the acquisition by Walter Rylander of the entire interest of E.M. Viquesney in the rights, manufacturing plant and distribution of Mr. Viquesney's soldier memorial statue...The change is effective at once. The transfer includes the right of manufacture and sale of both the large Doughboy statues...and the small statuette, which is being manufactured on a large scale in the concern's own plant here and other plants in Chicago, New York and New Brunswick, N.J. ...Mr. Viquesney...stated today that his plans for the future were rather indefinite as yet...He indicated that it was likely he would remove from Americus probably to his old home state of Indiana, by the end of this month..."
Jan. 16, 1922: "Schneider Marble Co. bought E.M. Viquesney's patent on his vault monument."
May 2, 1928: "E.M. Viquesney, creator of the "Spirit of the American Doughboy" statue in Rees Park, to build $45,000 theater in Spencer, Ind."
May 27, 1932: “E.M. VIQUESNEY WANTS THE T.-R. – Statue Sculptor Wants “Home” News – E.M. Viquesney, noted sculptor of the doughboy monument … has written to The Times-Recorder, entering his subscription for the same. Mr. Viquesney originated the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” while residing in Americus. He is now president of the World War Memorial Association, sponsor of the famous doughboy statue, with headquarters in Spencer, Indiana … Mr. Viquesney writes: 'Once in a while when the spring opens, wanderers from the Cracker State who resided as long as we did in Americus, get hungry for news from our old home town, so we are writing you to please put us on your mailing list for the daily Times-Recorder and let us have it until advised to cancel. Please begin mailings at once and oblige'.”
Oct. 7, 1933: "Mrs. Cora B. Viquesney, wife of Ernest M. Viquesney, sculptor who designed the Doughboy monument in Americus...died at her home in Spencer, Ind., Tuesday morning, October 3, according to word received today from Mr. Viquesney..."
Oct. 10, 1946: "Former Sculptor of Americus Takes Own Life -- E.M. Viquesney, 70, former resident of Americus and the sculptor who designed the Doughboy monument now standing at the corner of Lee and Lamar Streets, took his own life at his home in Spencer, Indiana, Oct. 4..."
