Cecil Humphrey

Notes:

Cecil Humphrey

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June 16, 1995

Dear Miss Irene:

Since I wasn't able to contact you by phone, I'm, writing you this note. First, thanks for your patience with us in regard to completing the interesting and impressive exhibit on your brother and your family.

I'm enclosing a draft of what I have written along with extra photographs I had made for you. We are still in the process of working on the exhibit of WWII, and I think it will be of great importance and interest to the millions of people who view it. I have spent a good bit of money reproducing the old photographs, etc. But, if you do not wish us to proceed, please advise. I can understand your concern, your anxiety, and your frustration perfectly. I, Too, had thought that it would have completed "a long time ago".

I hope your health is good and that you're feeling well. No matter what you decide, I'll always respect you and consider you as a cherished friend.

Sincerely,

John Rice Irwin
Owner-Operator
Museum Of Appalachia

************************* Source: Letter: Museum Of Appalachia, Norris TN ****************************

The Story of Cecil Humphrey, A Young Soldier from nearby Fratersville,
Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice for His Country

Staff Sgt. Cecil Humphrey was one of those American soldiers who survived the famous Normandy invasion of June 6, 1944. But he was killed a few weeks later, on July 11, at the age of 24, during the Americans' gallant invasion into France, just a few days before the Allies broke through the German lines.

The leather billfold displayed in this exhibit was the only item of Cecil Humphrey which was ever returned to his father and mother, Henry and Louisa Weaver Humphrey, who lived in the tiny and ill-fated mining community of Fratersville near Lake City in East Tennessee. The billfold was totally empty, except for a tiny photograph of a young girl. (His sister, Irene Humphrey Bartholomew, thinks she still has the picture.)

Cecil, his brother Carl, and Irene were born in Bricewille, but moved with their parents to Fratersville when they were quite young. Their father, Henry Humphrey, started working in the coal mines when he was 12 years old, after his own father had died. He worked in the Beech Grove mines, located a few miles north of the present town of Lake City.

The government informed Henry and Louisa that their son was buried in the U.S. Military Cemetery in St. Laurent, France, plot N., Row. 7, Grave 125. It is located 20 miles northeast of St. Lo, France. Irene recalled that the government was willing to return Cecil's remains to his parents' home afer the War. But Henry and Louisa refused the offer because of the Biblical passage which admonishes against "disturbing the dead.'

JR 11/18/96

********************* Source: Final Text Of Exhibit: Museum Of Appalachia, Norris TN *******************

In December 1992, Irene called me relative to the two flags, the purple heart, and other memontos. Both her brothers were dead, she was "getting up in years" and she wanted someone to preserve these military mementoes. (Of course, Cecil was killed before he was married and was also childless).

Irene did not remember why her parents were sent two flags - - one with white stars, and the other with the bronze stars. Cecil was awarded the Purple Heart, but Irene doesn't remember when, or under what circumstances he was wounded.

Irene's brother Carl, (also deceased) also served in World War II and the two unwrapped medals (the Good Conduct and The Service (1941-45) were believed to have belonged to him (Carl).)

Irene has some framed documents which she says she will give to me.

(She has called again, Jan 193 & has other items for me - including a a large photo of Cecil W/frame.

************* Source: Deleted Working Text Of Exhibit: Museum Of Appalachia, Norris TN ***************

November 19, 1996

Dear Irene:

As I informed you by phone today, "your" exhibit is completed, and it is located on the second floor of the Hall of Fame Building. I'm enclosing a complimentary pass for you and any friends so that you may come and view it.

If I'm not here, either Alene or Andrea will be able to show you exactly where it's located. I'm enclosing some of the revised writings I've done in this regard. We plan to have some of these writings printed in larger letters at some future date.


Kindest Regards,

John Rice Irwin
Owner-Operator
Museum Of Appalachia

************************* Source: Letter: Museum Of Appalachia, Norris TN ****************************