Victory Shaft

Side A: The Ohio War Savings Committee presented the Victory Shaft to the people of Morrow County for winning a special statewide campaign held during the summer of 1919. The contest involved buying war savings stamps, issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, that helped to finance America’s participation in World War I. The stamps allowed citizens, regardless of wealth or age, to contribute directly to the war effort and encouraged the importance of savings and thrift. Sold as a good return on investment, the tax-free stamps could be accumulated while earning four percent interest compounded quarterly. An estimated 10,000 people attended the Victory Shaft dedication on December 4, 1919. Keynote speakers at the event included Morrow County natives, Ambassador William Graves Sharp and Senator Warren G. Harding. (Continued on other side) Side B: (Continued from other side) Symbolizing patriotism, sacrifice, thrift, and unity, the thirty-foot granite obelisk honors all Morrow County men and women who served during 1917-1918. The Honor Roll of the twenty-nine Morrow County men who died during that war is inscribed on the west side of the monument. They are: Vernon Aldrich, Edward J. Axthelm, Leonard Boham, Clarence Booher, Albert P. Bowe, Myron W. Caris, Lester G. Carter, Fred B. Corwin, Ralph B. Cyphers, William McK. Daily, Frank George, Arthur V. Harris, Ray D. Helt, Emmett C. Hinderlong, George D. Hutton, Rex D. Jenkins, Thomas P. Johnston, Edwin J. Kreis, Ralph W. Mellott, Harker Miller, Herman H. Morrison, John B. Murphy, Lawrence W. Philbrook, William S. Scarbrough, Leslie D. Somerlot, Hartley Schofield, Harry V. Williams, Earl C. Wright, and Cloyd O. Yeager.