Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 287, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 November 1919 — SMILING IRISHMAN IS VISITING OLD FRIENDS. [ARTICLE]

SMILING IRISHMAN IS VISITING OLD FRIENDS.

Emmett O’Brien, a member of Co. M of this city during the late world war, came down from Gary Friday night for a short visit with members of his old company. He is now employed by the E., J. & E. at Gary. “Shorty,” as he was better known to his army bunkies, was discharged from the service last ruary after having served two years in various cantonments in this country. He was denied the privilege of making the overseas journey with his mates, who left Camp Shelby in July, of 1918, due to the fact that he had just undergone an operation for a nasal trouble. Upon his recovery he was transferred to Camp Raritan and then to Camp Dix. From the latter camp he was finally transferred to Camp Sherman for discharge. Mr. O’Brien is a typical son of Old Erin and his genial spirit and quick wit were greatly missed by the members of Company M upon their departure for overseas, as he had been the life of Camp Shelby during the long weary months that his company was stationed there. Failure to get into active service on the other side was a great blow to the smiling Irishman, and it is said that the only time that he was low ins. spirit during his time in the army was when orders were issued compelling him to remain on this 31 is related that shortly after his arrival at the Mississippi cantonment that “Shorty” was drafted by an officer to act a as hostler for his mount. It was the Irishman’s dirty to exercise the steed and keep its hide glossy, which drew forth the following remark from Mr. O’Brien: “Hully Gee! fifty thousand men in this camp, me forty-five years of age and here they are trying to make a jockey out of men. Can you beat that? Huh!”