Ernie Hammer is a long time Kiowa County Press contributor. This story is written by Ernie’s Aunt Liz, Elizabeth Katherine (Hammer) Smith Benatti, based on her memories and family research. The story begins in Germany with Oswald Hammer and Margarethe Marie von Barsewisch, Liz’s parents. Liz passed away at the age of 104. She was living at the Kohart Home in Kit Carson at the time of her death. Part 22 can be read here.

As the Word Turns (cont.)

Elizabeth had her Life Certificate tucked away in her private papers and was gratefully employed in a one room school 60 miles east of Greeley in an all-Russian settlement, where dry land farmers raised a few cattle, some horses, sheep, and plowed ground for pinto beans.  They had their rabbit drives.  It was an annual affair for the county sheriff to supervise and deliver the meat and skins to Greeley welfare warehouse to be distributed to the poor.

Oscar was the only graduate that year from Drennan High School.  He got a part-ride scholarship from the First National Bank of Colorado Springs to Colorado College.  He worked his way through like Elizabeth had, however his choices and odd jobs tended him well.  He worked in the lab for Dr. Gilmore.  He drove Ma’s German friends to shop on Saturday and to church on Sunday.  Sometimes they also took drives in the mountains.  He graduated Magna Cum Laude with his teacher certificate placed safely in his best suit coat inner pocket.

The clouds were gathering for WWI, the war that was to end all wars.  Woodrow Wilson, in his campaign speeches and chats, repeated and reiterated that, “Our American boys will never serve on foreign soil.”  Margarethe, knowing that if we get into the war her boys would serve, voted for Woodrow Wilson because the boys were promised they would not serve in Europe.  It was hard to have her sons fight Germany.  Her thoughts about the President lying made her never again vote. 

The children were walking the three and a half miles to Franceville School for yet another term, as the WWI effort was getting started.  The children were taught to knit for the Red Cross projects.  Boys were given men’s work to do on the farms.  Then came the day, Martin first and a year later Paul, were in boot camps.  However, Paul was on the west coast while Martin had been sent to New Jersey to board the troop ship for overseas duty.  But then the Influenza hit the camp in New Jersey, killing many soldiers prepared to serve their country in Europe.  Martin was shipped overseas when they found out he was immune to the flu bacteria.  Paul never got over doing the office work or digging up records.  Ted was to report to the draft board.  

About the time Paul and Martin were finishing boot camp, the daily newspapers were filled with hate tabloids about the immigrants, especially the Germans.  The government was concerned about their loyalty so when the neighbors got together, they discussed the Hammer situation.  This brought up the name calling…krauts.  My poor poverty stricken large Hammer family.  This nice day the Hammers were tending their own operations.  Ma was gathering eggs, the children in the field fixing fences and cleaning out barns, stables and chicken sheds.  

“We came as friends to ask you about your feelings about the war with Germany against the Allies.” One of the neighbors spoke up.

“I fail to see what it is you are asking?” Ma Hammer answered with her own question, noting their serious stance a little huddled, with their caps held over their hearts.

“Well, you go the Kaiser’s picture on the wall of your living room, and we hear how you were against Wilson as president,” Moberly said.

“I voted for Wilson, when he said, ‘out boys will not serve on foreign soil’ and now I have my two oldest boys in uniform.

After no one said a word and the silence was noticeable as the men glanced up at Mrs. Hammer and then at each other, Willard broke the silence.  “But you see, we are born Americans.”

“So are my boys, as children of two certified citizens of the United States.  Goodbye, neighbors”, she said with the bitterness that smoked at their ears.

Years later with the war over and the boys home, all was forgotten, though the friendship had been severed.  

Next week – Changing Times

The Kiowa County Press invites those who live in or have ties to Colorado - especially the southeast, however all contributions are welcome - to share their story with our readers. Family history, current life, unique sites and adventures, and other aspects of living in Colorado are welcome. Contact us at editor@KiowaCountyPress.net.