Lyman Kennon

He assumed command of Camp Greene, by order of a telegraph from the War Dept. dated 5/25/1918. He ordered this issue to the soldiers on 6/2/1918.He wrote Mrs. Charles E. Platt, of The Charlotte Woman's Club, on 8/21/1918, about working with her group to beautify Camp Greene. The Women's Club in Charlotte wanted to plant bushes and flowers. He received photographs of colored visitors at Camp Greene from Mrs. Pirnie of the Hostess House at Camp Greene. He in turn wrote Mrs. E. M. Townsend, chairwoman of the National Hostess House Committee advising her that ground would be made available for a colored Hostess House. The lot would be selected after a conference with a representative from her organization. He died suddenly at Hotel Cumberland in New York. His funeral service was at Arlington Cemetery, Washington, D. C., 9/11/1918. Capt. James H. Kidder and Capt. William M. Rutter attended the funeral to represent those at Camp Greene.He had been in the service for over 42 years, serving in the Indian wars and the Spanish and Philippine campaigns. His career was especially noted for the roadbuilding work he did in the Philippine Islands and his writing on military subjects. He was very proficient in engineering, drawing, surveying and Spanish .According to the The Evening News of Newark, NJ, he was responsible for the successful permanent road known as the Benguet Road between Manila and Bagulo. He fixed the problems of former commanders and was finally able to build a road to the summer capital of the government.A memorial service was held at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte on 9/15/1918, and Mrs. Kennon was present.