Published by The Evansville Courier

Cpl. James Bethel Gresham was said to be the first American killed in World War I when a German battalion attacked Allied troops in muddy, front-line trenches in France.

Gresham was buried in France where he lay until June 1921. The city honored the soldier and his mother in a large memorial service held at the Coliseum one week after his death.

When Gresham's body was returned to Evansville in July 1921, thousands gathered for a funeral and tribute to Gresham and other area men who died during World War I. Gresham was buried in Evansville's Locust Hill Cemetery.

As was true throughout the nation, patriotism ran high in Evansville during World War I. In fact, those who did not share that sentiment were advised to keep quiet.

"Anyone over the age of 16 years who utters, writes, or communicates to another any slurring, vile, profane, or indecent remarks about or regarding the U.S. flag . . . the U.S. Army, Navy, or Militia . . . or anyone who influences another person not to enlist . . . is subject to a maximum fine of $500 and possible six months in jail," The Courier reported in April 1917. The city further guarded against traitors to the United States cause by posting a sentry at Evansville's waterworks plant.

The Courier reported in 1918 on the problem of German residents who were not naturalized citizens. Many of these men had fought for the United States in the Spanish-American War and many had lived in the United States since childhood, but were never naturalized.

These males, age 14 and up, were required to register with the local government and to undergo fingerprinting. Those who did not were "liable to restraint, imprisonment, and detention for the duration of the war."