This is such an inspiring edition of Owensboro Living magazine, as its pages recognize the many unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes efforts contribute to the success of local businesses and make our community such a wonderful place to live and work.
What a wonderful reminder to all of us to take time to recognize, celebrate, and honor those who make a difference in our own lives.
In searching the pages of local newspapers of a century ago, there are several references to local heroes … but nearly all of those names have faded into the shadows of the past.
One name that may still be familiar is that of Thomas Moseley (1767-1841), a veteran of the Revolutionary War. The May 25, 1926, edition of the Messenger-Inquirer noted that the Gen. Evan Shelby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution — a chapter still active today — planned to unveil a marker dedicated to this local hero in the little cemetery now known as Moseley Square. You’ve seen that cemetery; it’s on the hill behind Bowen Tire, marked by a tall pole flying the “Betsy Ross” flag.
Speaking of military heroes, the Bleich Theater advertised a movie sponsored by the American Legion Post No. 9. “The Lost Battalion” was advertised as “the world’s most astounding picture,” celebrating “A Glorious Band of Heroes! Re-enacting with Vivid Realism, the Undying Story of Their Heroic Stand in the Argonne ‘Pocket.’” Among those to be depicted in this film were “Go-to-Hell” Whittlesey and, in case there was any doubt: “Cher Ami, the Historic Carrier Pigeon that carried relief message from the ‘pocket’ positively appears in picture.”
Not all heroes are people. Some have wings.
Also worthy of reflection are the many local individuals who were touted in newsprint a century ago for their heroic efforts in fighting fires and capturing criminals. Others upon whom the title of “hero” was bestowed included those touted for their athletic prowess and grit on the football gridiron or the baseball diamond.
Little Irene Milam, age 5, was honored as a hero for attempting to save the life of her sister Eva Elizabeth, age 3, who had wandered too close to an open grate and caught her clothing on fire. Irene threw a bucket of water on her sister and “fought the remaining flames with her hands, burning them painfully before extinguishing the last of them.” Alas, those heroic efforts were futile: “No hope was held for (Eva Elizabeth’s) recovery and six hours after the tragedy, the child died.”
Owensboro native Emmett Ray died in Louisville at the age of 28 when he “gave his life … to save that of his sweetheart, Miss Sarah Burrows, 17. He and Miss Burrows were crossing a street car track when the car swooped down upon them out of a fog. Ray threw the girl off the track but was hit before he could jump aside, being fatally injured. The two were walking home from church when the accident occurred.”
An anonymous contributor to the March 11, 1926, edition of the Messenger-Inquirer mused upon the definition of “hero” as part of an article announcing a nationwide essay contest in which children were encouraged to name “the World’s greatest heroes.” This writer proposed that most children would mention military heroes such as Alexander the Great, Napoleon, George Washington, and General Grant … but “not one child in ten thousand … would mention Pasteur who gave his life to science, Galileo, who went to prison and risked torture for the truth, or any of the other real heroes.”
Who are your heroes?
Maybe they haven’t saved your life, engaged in warfare, made a contribution to science or even won a ballgame, but if someone has made your life better, in some small but meaningful way, be a hero to them today and tell them so. OL
