Author Archives: Kathy

McCoy Family History

Jackson County Historical Society
March 1964

Editors Note: Nearly every other Thursday afternoon for several years, three women, members of the archives committee, have worked together on the archives collection, cataloging and organizing the material, so that it will be easily accessible for research. But, Miss Eleanor Minor, Miss Margaret Woodson and Mrs. Emory Write have more in common than an interest in history. These three women are granddaughters of three brothers who came to Independence in the early days of the town’s existence. We asked each one to write about her grandfather. The family sketches follow.

William McCoy
By Eleanor and Grace Minor

In 1838, two brothers came from Chillicothe, Ohio, to seek their fortunes. They were John and William McCoy. Only by chance did they come to Independence. One brother wanted to settle in St. Joseph, Missouri. The other one favored Independence, so they left it to a toss of a coin. The decision was for Independence. A third brother, Alexander, was persuaded to come to Independence a few years later.

John and William McCoy, with a friend from Kentucky, Carey A. Lee, started a mercantile business on the Square. They had brought a supply of goods from their father’s store in Ohio with that idea in mind. The business prospered. Their customers were those traveling westward along the Santa Fe Trail, as well as townspeople.

In the 1840’s William McCoy was an active partner in the firm of Waldo Hall & Co., which carried on trade with the Indians and with Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Independence, a village with 900 citizens, was incorporated in 1849. William McCoy was it’s first mayor. He served one term only. He was not interested in public office, preferring his business career, but this services and advice were freely given whenever they were sought.

In 1850, he married Miss Eleanor Waddle of Chillicothe, Ohio. During the twelve years since he had left Ohio, he had been trying to persuade the young lady that she could live west of the Mississippi!

He built for her the big brick house which still stands at the corner of Farmer and Spring streets. The surroundings were much different then. The house stood alone on a 14-acre tract in the middle of a large yard of bluegrass. To the west was a large flower garden; beyond that was a large pasture. Ridgeway and Pleasant Streets were not cut through, and the pasture was bordered on the west by McCoy Street, and on the north by College Street. The old “Air Line” was given a right of way through the northeast corner of the property, crossing a trestle over College Street, and on to Kansas City.

William and Eleanor had two children, Nancy and Allen. Allen married Scottie Buchanan, the daughter of another early-day settler, and their two children were Katharine and William. William was also a Mayor of Independence for one term after World War I. Nancy married Charles L. Minor, and we, Eleanor and Grace, are their only children.

During the Civil War, William McCoy, Preston Roberts, a Mr. Stone, and perhaps others, organized a bank, known as McCoy and Stone. This bank was robbed in 1867. The robbers escaped with $20,000 in gold. Our grandfather and Mr. I.N. Rogers, the cashier, were locked in the vault. They were later released by our grandmother, who had a duplicate key. Jesse James and his gang were suspected, but this was never proven.

William McCoy retired some years before his death because of failing eyesight. At that time, he caused the bank to close, pay every depositor in full on demand, and go out of existence. His death was in September 1900, and he is buried with his wife in Woodlawn cemetery.

One closing newspaper paragraph published when he died might give insight to his character. “For many years, Mr. McCoy has been a banker and prominent factor in the financial world. He was among the first pioneers of Jackson County, arriving when the old timers wore Calamander shoes, and a lamp was a luxury. He can remember, with many others, the arrival of a steamboat at Wayne city landing full of clocks…the first for the community. He can recount early adventures without number, and few men are living today to whom the people of Independence owe more than they do to Mr. McCoy. Tall of form, courteous in matter, he was an important factor in the town.

He was the confidential adviser of many, and never betrayed a trust. He was a religious man, a man of strong convictions and earnestness, and this was his success. Mr. McCoy was respected by both sides during the war, and was often called upon to act as a mediator, but the people of Independence never had greater cause to thank him than during the time Jameson was making for the town. Independence was considered the hotbed of outlawry at this time, and many southern sympathizers lived here who did not bear arms against the government. Jameson marched towards the town with the intention of laying it in ashes. It was considered that only the total destruction of the town would be effective in stamping out the guerilla business, which seemed to thrive in and around Independence. There was great fear among the people, and Jameson arrived with the intentions of carrying out his threat. Mr. McCoy pleaded with him until three o’clock in the morning, arguing the matter. At that hour, word came to Jameson that a wagon train had been attacked by Quantrill of Harrisonville, and he ordered his troops in pursuit, holding in abeyance his idea of reducing Independence to ashes.

In politics, Mr. McCoy was conservative. During the war, his influence as a Union man was used to help his neighbor, who never appealed to him in vain when it was in his power to afford them the required assistance. He became greatly loved by southern men as well as northern men. As stated, the history of Jackson County together with the life of William McCoy is as an open book.

John McCoy
By Margaret Woodson

John McCoy was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, on March 21, 1816. He was one of four sons and two daughters born to John and Jane McCracken McCoy.

Shortly after his graduation from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, he was sent by his father to New Orleans to sell hog meat, which had been processed in Chillicothe. On another occasion, his father sent him to western Tennessee to investigate some land, which the former owned but had never seen. Since there were no railroads west of the Allegheny Mountains, these journeys were made largely by means of stagecoaches and boats.

Apparently, young John McCoy had an itching foot, for at the age of 22, he came with his brother, William, (three years his senior) to Independence. Even after settling in Independence, he continued his travels, occasionally visiting eastern cities for business reasons, and making several trips over the Santa Fe Trail with merchandise. After his retirement from active business, shortly before the turn of the century, he spent much time writing of these journeys. His articles were published in various newspapers in Independence, Kansas City and Chillicothe.

In 1853, he married a young kinswoman from Columbus, Ohio, Jane Elizabeth Stewart. This marriage endured over 51 years, ending with John McCoy’s death in 1904. There were four children. The eldest, Robert Stewart, was accidentally killed at the age of 23 when he was away from home on his first job as a civil engineer. He attended military school in Mexico, Missouri, (I think) and was a graduate of Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. Jane, the only daughter, married Samuel Hughes Woodson. They had two daughters, Elizabeth, who died in 1958, and myself.

The third child, John, died in infancy. The fourth, Joseph Addison, was graduated from Westminster College, and subsequently became a lawyer. He married Lucy Chrisman. They had two children. Jane married Julien Harris Harvey of Kansas City, Missouri. Their daughter, now Mrs. Lester Dow Berger, resides with her husband and three sons in Canaan, Connecticut. The son, Joseph Chrisman McCoy, married Amy Dean Davis of Washington, D. C. Their son, named for his father, is now a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy. He married Kathleen Barbeau of Batavia, Ohio. The have two small daughters. (Kathleen McCoy Pfeiffer, the typist, is one of their daughters..not so small now).

Because of his wife’s early and prolonged invalidism, it was necessary for John McCoy to confine his activities more and more to Independence. Many of them were carried on in connection with his brother, William. In the last decade of the nineteenth century, he owned and operated a woolen mill in partnership with a Mr. McAfee. It was located in the general vicinity of the Waggoner-Gates Flour Mill.

John McCoy was a deeply religious man. For fifty-five consecutive years he served as superintendence of the Sunday school of the First Presbyterian Church and he was the senior elder of the church when he died. In 1887, he built a large house on the northeast corner of Main and White Oak Streets, which was occupied by his descendants until 1957.

Alexander Watts McCoy
By Mrs. Emory Wright

William, John, and Alexander McCoy were all born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and all were educated at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

They were not related to John Calvin McCoy, founder of Westport, but were such close friends that the children in the different families addressed the elders as “aunt” and “uncle.”

Alexander Watts McCoy, born in 1812, was a civil engineer by profession and lived most of his life in Chillicothe, Ohio. In 1849, he brought his wife and oldest son to Independence to remain while he joined a party seeking the California gold fields. The party met with trials of all sorts and had to return by ship “around the horn.”

When he rejoined his family, he bought a farm near Atherton, and later moved his family to Independence, where he published “The Occidental Messenger” for a year or so. During the Battle of Independence the building was burned and he and his family left and returned to Chillicothe. He is best remembered in Ohio for having surveyed the original Cincinnati Pike.

In the late 1870’s and early 1880’s, Alexander’s sons came to Independence, and were joined later by their widowed mother and their sister. The sons were Will, a real estate dealer, John, a merchant, Charles, a physician, and Lew, who was Clerk of the Circuit Court for many years. Their sister, Martha Jane, married Daniel Bullard, who was connected with the Waggoner-Gates Mill.

The Charles McCoys lived for years at the edge of town between Main and Noland Streets. The house burned years ago.

Letter from John McCoy to son Robert Stewart McCoy

Independence, MO, May 14, 1877 (the same year that Robert McCoy later died)

My Dear Son,
I have intended to write to you for some time past, but have been kept pretty busy at the factory. This evening I met Mr. John Taylor, who said he was going back to Joplin tomorrow morning. I did not know that he was here. He said he received a letter from home today in which one of them spoke of you getting back from Short Creek, the new mining region and that your prospect for business was better. I am glad to learn that you feel more encouraged about your work and hope you will have enough to do to keep you busily engaged. I am satisfied if you will attend to your legitimate work – that among the different projects opening up, you will find work to do. The great danger is that where there is such excitement and many persons becoming enriched suddenly by finding mineral that you will share the excitement and get into the speculation mood. If a person had money to spend, it might do to risk money – but where one has an employment that he expects to earn a livelihood from, it is best not to suffer himself to be called off from it by any outside operation – if perchance something offers in the way of your operating that promises a certainty, it might not be a risk to invest a little after he has earned the money to operate with, but to go in debt or to borrow money to make the risk, it is a dangerous thing. By all means dread going into debt or borrowing money or becoming security for any one. This last, by all means refuse and if even asked to do so. Tell them plainly that you have nothing to risk in that way. In your servicing, if persons would agree to pay you in town lots, there would not be so much risk in that for it is only your labour. First of all establish a reputation for paying everything you promise, at the time it is due. Another thing I would urge upon you is to avoid all bad company and never touch a card or indulge in any bad habit. First of all give yourself away to God to be his dear child and then when temptation presents itself, which it certainly will, you have the assurance in the Bible that a way of escape will be provided for you. Make it a practice every night and morning to read a portion of the scriptures, for in it are treasures of wisdom for all of us, in every condition of life. The day of trial will come and God the Savior can only help you out of it. Your mother and sister, I suppose keep you pretty well advised about things at home and the news. We had so much rain of late that very little is done in the garden or by the farmer. Your mother, I suppose told you of her father and mother’s golden wedding, it seems they were taken by surprise. The wedding here of Maggie Chrisman and Mr. Swope was quite pleasant and attractive to all interested in it. The church sociables are continued and old and young folks attend them, so that they have become an interesting feature in church life. We have all enjoyed good health thus far and I trust you being blessed in like manner. You must be careful about exposure, especially at night. Mrs. Bess Wallace is fast sinking with consumption and will soon be called away to test the realities of an eternal life. When one is thus laid low, earth and earthly affairs appear very trifling compared with the life beyond – that you and each of us may be prepared for that last change and that we may all reach heaven is my earnest prayer. Write as often as you can and let me know how you are doing.

Affectionately your father.

Secrets On How To Find A Good Husband

15 Replies

How to Find A Good Husband For Women Who Need To Have It Spelled Out

This is the secret formula for finding a good husband that many women instinctively know, but others, like myself, need to have spelled out to them. I had one, short, horrible marriage in my early 20’s, and spent the next 20 years trying to find a good husband. Through excruciating trial and error, I finally figured it out. I married a wonderful man at the age of 43, and helped many of my friends, my daughter, and her friends take a short cut to finding the right man by following my technique. They all said that I should write it down, so here I am. Read, Learn, and Enjoy!

Meeting The Right Man
This is not as hard as it seems. Simply be willing to try dating, keep an open mind, and be patient. Opportunities sometimes come when you least expect them. Do what you would do if you weren’t looking for someone. Focus on your life, but also keep an eye for opportunities. For example, if a friend wants to set you up…go. Be available, but not on the hunt. This is the first step to attracting a man who will respect you.

The First Date
First of all, a date is where a man picks you up, takes you some place nice, and pays for it. Remember that. If someone you are interested in asks for anything less, say, “no thank you.” I used the word “respect” above, and that is the key to the whole process, much less a happy relationship with a man.

Men like to chase…..so let them. They also tend to marry someone they respect…..so make them. This early stage is very important…it sets the tone for the future. I believe you should let the man ask you for a date, don’t even bring up the subject. Be friendly, keep yourself attractive and healthy…that is all. Do not push, if he isn’t interested in dating you enough to ask for a date, let him go, he is not the right one. In the past, I would subtly pursue the men who didn’t seem interested in me at all, and the men who were genuinely smitten with me, were quickly dismissed. Two points to make from that: 1) We like men who are a little distant. Likewise, men prefer women who are a little hard to get. 2) Consider letting yourself be deeply loved by someone you don’t have too work hard to get…start giving those guys a chance.

Even if you have an incredible first date, and feel like you love him already, keep a little distant. Let him initiate all physical affection, do not, under any circumstance, have sex with him that night. Say “goodnight” politely….if you don’t get a kiss….all the better. If he is truly interested in having a serious relationship with you, he will come back for more.

Dating
First, I will clarify what this actually means. Dating is the period of time a couple spends getting to know each other. It means you spend time together, and spend time apart. It means you share experiences that give you information to decide if this is someone you want to live the rest of your life with. You are not “trying to get him to marry you” during this time….you are simply learning. I strongly suggest continuing the structure of the first date. If he asks you to “come over,” for example, and watch him work on some project, that is not a date, and diminishes who you are in the relationship….it says your time is not as important as his. Asking a girlfriend to “come over,” is a common request of men, and it doesn’t mean he is not a good man. It simply means, you must continue to set the rules on what you do when you spend time together, do not leave it up to him. If he asks you to “come over,” simply say “no thanks,” and wait for him to ask you out on a real date. No reason to get angry…just, no thanks.

Dating and Emotions
This can be very tricky, and it can often make or break a relationship. Men are different in this area, and it’s very important to remember it. For example, you had a really great date with him….there was intimacy, closeness, sparks…you are thrilled with this relationship…then he calls. He seems distant….doesn’t talk very long, and initiates an abrupt hang-up. You are devastated. Chances are, this is just him being a man. After a man has had a close emotional experience, he needs time away from it….this has nothing to do with you…it’s just what he needs to do to continue the relationship. If you expect this to happen, it will be easier to deal with. It may take every ounce of will-power you have, but do not pursue him at this time….let him go…very important! This is your time to catch up on errands, or do anything you might want to do without him. If he doesn’t call when he normally does….don’t panic. If a man is allowed to pull away emotionally, and come back when he is ready, he will come back with all the passion he had the last time you two shared a close time. Try letting him go, and watch the magic.

The way a man pulls away emotionally can also teach you a lot about him. There should be some consistency in his pattern of movement. If it is too inconsistent, or the times during which he is distant are unreasonably long, he may not be capable of a close, intimate, mature relationship where your needs will be met. Remember, don’t try to make him be someone he is not….just watch and learn. Gather the information so you can make the right decision.

Is He Mr. Right?
Remember, you are looking for someone to live the rest of your life with. Someone you can trust completely, and who makes you happy. It sounds simple, but it is easy for a man to cloud the issue with charm. Decide what are truly the traits most important to you in a man…and stick with them. For example, if you want a non-smoker, don’t date men who smoke. Eventually, the charm wears off, and you are left with just the behaviors, so make sure you can live with them. This doesn’t mean you should only date men who meet your qualifications precisely. Just don’t push unacceptable behavior under the rug. Let him know how you feel. Men have been known to change a bad habit or two when push comes to shove. This, of course, is something you work out during the dating process, not after you are married.

Popping The Question
First of all, if the man asks you to live with him, it is not a proposal. If you want a husband, don’t settle for less. I see it as disrespectful for a man to ask a woman to live with him. She is giving up the dignity of being a wife, to be a girlfriend who acts like a wife. Men typically do not want to jump into marriage. So the subject must be approached carefully.

My rule of thumb for even considering marriage is to date someone at least one full year. If things are going well by this time, you are probably spending a lot of time together…..more time than people who are just dating should. If he doesn’t bring up the subject of marriage….bring it up. Let him know that you expect his intensions to be honorable. Once again, it’s all about respect. Even a very good man may tell you adamantly that he isn’t ready for marriage. That is OK, you have said your piece. Continue dating him, be friendly, but a little distant. Maybe turn down a date, for instance. After all, he may never want to marry you, in which case, the relationship would need to end at some point. All women deserve the respect of a formal commitment.

One of two things will happen next. He will either surprise you with a proposal (they like to do that), or you will have to bring up the subject again. Let him think about it for a while. Sometimes that is all they need. If a considerable amount of time has gone by, let’s say, 9 months, and he hasn’t made any mention of marriage, it’s time to get to the nitty gritty. You most likely will be feeling resentful by now, especially if you are spending more and more time together….like husband and wife. It is time to get engaged or end the relationship. Just tell him how you feel. You are angry, you feel taken advantage of, and you deserve to be married. Again, because the man has resisted marriage doesn’t mean he isn’t a good man. It is just in their nature to resist. If it is meant to be, he will step up to the plate.

The Wedding
This is the first event of your lives that you are planning together. As happy as this occasion is, it can also generate a lot of stress and roller-coaster emotions. I believe your main goal should be to create an event that you will truly enjoy, and something that will reflect the spirit of this precious moment in your lives. My advice…..be honest, completely honest. Don’t worry about pleasing others….this is your day. Don’t be surprised if your husband-to-be doesn’t seem as interested in the wedding as you do…..again, this is normal for a man. I was happy to plan my wedding to suit my liking, and my husband was happy to plan the honeymoon. A simple division of labor kept us both busy, and out of each other’s hair. The wedding should comfortably accommodate the people you plan to invite within a reasonable budget. In other words, make a conscious effort to avoid as much stress as possible, so that you can truly enjoy the occasion. Weddings don’t need to be elaborate to be poignant.

Happily Ever After
So you’re married….yea!! But what happens now. It would seem that the game plan would have to change once you have achieved the goal. Actually, the rules don’t change. He isn’t your father, your brother, your son, your therapist, or your girlfriend…therefore, the game is still on. To keep the sparks alive, he still needs to chase you some times. That’s right…..continue to be independent. Distance and secrets aren’t always bad things. You have a life-time to get to know each other….there is no need to rush it. Surprises keep interest and romance alive.

You will also need to continue to set limits and the house rules that create a respectful atmosphere for yourself. In other words, he is still a man, so he still has some undesirable tendencies. This is not license for you to become a nag, however. Respect goes both ways. Be honest and respectful and enjoy!

High Seas & Havana – Cmdr. Joseph C. McCoy, USN

5 Replies

7,500 words

Joe is in center

I have compiled the following letters of Commander Joseph C. McCoy, Jr., to tell the story of this young Naval officer stationed on the U.S.S. Sarsfield (EDD 837) at the Naval Base at Key West, FL. He is in his 20’s, and has been working at WLW television in Cincinnati, OH, when he is called into service to the Navy Reserves. The letters to his parents describe in detail his adventures, as he enters places like Havana, Cuba, at their peak, doing everything from firing torpedoes on Guantanamo Bay to having lemonade with President Truman. An interesting story develops as he works his way up the ranks and responsibilities on board ship while steering his own course toward the biggest decision of his life. The real-life colorful characters, beautiful women, and glamorous locations he discovers along the way, make his journey one fascinating ride.

March 30, 1951,
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Saw the parade Wed., and Wed. night saw Truman and his cabinet come out of the Carleton after the State Dinner. Thursday morning my plane was one hour late getting into Washington. From Washington to Jacksonville, it was foggy and very rough. Three-fourths of the people were sick. Strangely enough, I wasn’t. Had a good lunch on the plane, beef stew. From Jacksonville to Miami the weather was perfect. We were ½ hour late into Miami so I missed my plane and had to take the bus. It was air conditioned and not so bad. I got to Key West at 9:30 and went aboard the Sarsfield. It is a beautiful ship and spotless. I share a small room with a Lieut. J.G. It has a washbasin, easy chair and closet. The wardroom and all the officers seem very nice. I had a talk with the executive officer today. It looks like I’ll be CIC officer for our ship, but not for sure, that sort of scares me. Today we went out and fired torpedoes. The Sarsfield is permanently stationed at Key West. Goes out in the morning and is in in the evenings and weekends. We go to Norfolk in May for repairs and again in Sept., but always back to Key West. We are an experimental destroyer, which just means we try out new methods of fighting subs, etc. They say Key West is nice, but not many girls. I’m going swimming all weekend. It’s very hot here, especially on the ship. I have a sun burn already. We get a new commanding officer tomorrow, a Commander. The address I gave you was wrong, but I’ll get the letters eventually. Please ship as soon as possible by air express: new tan gabardine suit, blue gabardine pants, brown seersucker suit, blue seersucker pants only, pair of brown shoes in closet, hole in one sole. Send them in a good box as I will send winter clothes back to you. I’m writing to Rita in Miami. Miami looked interesting going through. I sure wish I had my car here; I’m going to bring it down as soon as I can. Key West looks very picturesque. I got paid today. I’m glad Julia and Helen are getting a Ford. I did my correspondence course at Bob’s. Bob and Elsie were very nice and I had a good time. Would it be too much trouble for you to write to Time, Life, and Esquire changing my address? You send the old tape from the magazine with the old address to them. Had an elaborate dinner tonight. The captain’s wife and some of his friends were on board. Had cold turkey with hot dressing. I think I’ll like a destroyer very much. We have 15 officers and 300 men. It’s not such a small ship. The wardroom has deep red drapes and a dark green felt table cover, also radio and couch. Going into Key West tonight. Have to get up at 5 a.m. tomorrow for inspection. Hope Daddy’s well by now.
Love, Joe

May 1951 Key West, FL
Dear Mother & Daddy,
This is a hard letter to write because I have so much to tell. Friday morning I got a new job. I am now 1st Lieutenant of the Sarsfield. Our other one was transferred. I am in charge of the whole deck force, about 80 men. It’s a much bigger job than CIC officer. I have to have the ship in shape. All painting, repairs to the deck, crews and officers quarters, etc., boats, lifelines, etc. I am also Air Defense Officer and Torpedo Officer. It’s really some job. I hope I can do it. Of course, I don’t have the other jobs anymore. One thing, I’ll be outside on deck most of the time now. I’ll write more about the job. The Captain selected me for it. I’m now in the Gunnery Dept. We have had a beautiful trip down to Havana, and I got in about 5:00. We tied up at the pier. I had the duty Friday night and I had to stay aboard. I did a watch from 4 to 8 a.m. at the gangway and watched the Cubans come aboard. I left the ship Sat. morning at 11. Two other officers and I, we had on civilian clothes. We went to Sloppy Joes for a drink and then did some shopping on the Prado, Havana’s 5th Ave. You have to argue with the taxi drivers, you say Cuanto how much, they say about twice what you end up paying them. We shopped at a place called Hermans. They have a bar and free drinks right in the store and very pretty salesgirls. After Hermans, we went to the Hotel National, very ritzy, $25.00 a person per day or night. It’s beautiful. One of the guys met some Canadian girls there the night before. We had a few drinks with them and then went back downtown. Then we went to a rum factory. You sample one shot of everything they make free. That almost finished us. We then went back to Hermans. Practically all the Sarsfield officers were there and some showgirls from the Sans Souci nightclub. We had a big party. Back on the ship for dinner. We started again about 8. We went to the Tropicana nightclub. It’s indescribable. It makes Beverly Hills look like a roadhouse. You enter into lush tropical grounds up to a modern marble entrance, lush carpets and colored lights. You go down a fabulous hall with huge gambling rooms on each side with dark red walls. The main dining room is outdoors. Very large with stone floor and huge tall palm tree and hanging tropical ferns. Colored lights over everything. An elaborate bandstand with 2 large orchestras, one Cuban music, one American. The most distinguished and beautiful women I ever saw. A huge floorshow with about a 30-piece orchestra. A bar completely surrounded by ferns. The waiters had beautiful uniforms on. I can’t believe places like it existed. The Tropicana is about 20 miles from Havana. After that, back downtown to a series of bars. We all ended up at Johnny’s Bar. What a place. I got back to the ship at 7:00 a.m. after having been up since 3:30 the morning before. Went to bed and got up at 4:00 p.m. Had dinner on ship and the funniest thing happened. One of the officers came in the wardroom at dinner and said that an Ensign was bringing a showgirl with a French poodle on board. This Ensign was always sort of bashful before Sat. night. So in came the beautiful blonde showgirl and the poodle, right into the wardroom and had dinner. The Captain and all of us about laughed to death. The Ensign was smoking a cigar and real authoritative instead of meek. One of the crew tried to bring a white rat on board a little before this. I went downtown again about 8. Strolled along the Prado, etc. I finally ended up with a few of the other officers in the Senille bar, drinking daiquiris with the poodle and the blonde. Got back to the ship about 12:30. We left Havana at 7 this morning and as soon as we got to sea, all the officers except the Captain went to bed. We were really sad looking. Operated today with a sub that was in Havana with us. Luckily we both survived today. Got into Key West at 6:30 p.m. I got mother a necklace, daddy, cigars, and Grandma a pair of earrings. Don’t know when I’ll get to send them.
Love, Joe

June 2, 1951
Dear Mother & Daddy,
We just arrived at Key West. It sure is good to be back, everything is so clean and bright down here. We got in at 9:30 a.m. We left Norfolk Monday morning at 8:00 and sailed by Chesapeake Bay to Bloodsworth Island. We fired at it Monday afternoon and at night and Tuesday morning. All I was concerned with was Monday night. I was Illumination Officer. We fire shells that light up a whole area so that we can see to fire other shells at. I had to keep it lit up. I told our forward gunman where to fire. I had a stopwatch, etc. If it went dark for a second, it was counted against me. Luckily, everything went OK. Tuesday evening we passed Virginia Beach and I could see the Cavalier. We had a very smooth trip down. I only had one night watch, so I got a lot of sleep. We had some good movies. Bob Hope, etc. Last night we were right off the Florida coast during the night and you could see trains, etc. on the land. I go take a my physical Tuesday, and will probably be sworn in as Lieutenant on Wednesday. That will be nice. Ensign isn’t so hot a rank. We haven’t got our mail yet. Guess I’ll be go swimming this afternoon. Just got back to the ship. I called you from the Trade Winds. That’s fine that Eric can drive my car down. I sure hope he comes soon. I’ll pay you for fixing up the car the middle of this month. I think it’s best my keeping my car instead of getting a new one.
Love, Joe

Oct. 24, 1951
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Sunday night we stopped at the Lookout House for a while and then to the airport. My plane got in on time, and Barbara was aboard. We were 10 minutes late getting into Atlanta, as it was all fogged in. Barbara and I drank martinis between Atlanta and Jacksonville. It was a little rough out of Jacksonville. Got into Miami at 8:15, so the last part of the flight was in daylight. Had breakfast on the way over to the girl’s house, and went to sleep. We left at 1:00 p.m. for Key West. Barbara and Beth (Rita couldn’t go) were in one car, and Joyce Teetor was with me. Joyce drove most of the way down and I slept. We stopped at a few places on the way down. Got to Sarsfield at 5:00. Picked up the boys and we went to the Sun & Sand for a drink, and then back to the ship. Had the girls aboard for dinner. Got them two rooms at a hotel. After dinner, we all went out to the Captain’s for a drink. He was very nice. Then went to the same old places, Bamboo Room, etc. Joyce and I walked up to the wooden pier that goes from the Sun & Sand out into the Gulf of Mexico. It goes out pretty far, and is the southernmost spot in the United States. It was real late and there was a full moon on the water and a warm breeze, music from the Club and drinks. Didn’t get in until real late so I’m pretty tired today. Girls left early this morning. We were out at sea today. Enjoyed my leave at home very much. It seemed like a long time since I had been there, and thanks for everything.
Love, Joe

Joe taking it easy..

March 27, 1952
Key West, FL
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Well I’ve really had a busy few days. Had the duty last Saturday. Sunday John Chapman and I drove up to Miami. Had a party there and drove back Sunday night. Three girls came back down with us. Vic Rotering was already up in Miami. Dick Cox was there too. We stopped in a few places down the Keys. The girls were Rita and 2 other Delta girls. Mine was from Cincinnati and named Billie Kessler. We got in Key West at 5 a.m. Monday morning. The girls stayed at the Rose Crest Motel next to the Sun & Sand, where we always have the girls stay. Mon. & Tues. we were in port so we spent all the time off the ship that we could. Monday had breakfast at the Sun & Sand at 10:30 with the girls; it’s beautiful here in the morning on the ocean. Mon. afternoon we went swimming and I met Truman. Monday night we had the girls aboard ship for dinner and then went dancing at Aeropolis. Ended up at the Sun & Sand very late. Yesterday met the girls for lunch. Last night we went for dinner to a very good seafood restaurant, then to Fort Taylor, Aeropolis, Sun & Sand, etc. John’s girl went back Tues. morning so last night there was just Vic and I and our girls. Billie is a real cute girl, dark hair, brown eyes. I have a date with her this Saturday in Miami. Went out to sea this morning. Rita and Billie flew back to Miami this morning. Got a letter from Bob. I’ve been meaning to write Grandma Davis a card to tell her I was so sorry she was sick and glad she’s OK now. Hope she’ll overlook the delay. Dick’s wedding is a week from Sunday and that is really going to be a party. I’m an usher, his brother is best man, and we’re wearing whites. With going to Miami the next two weekends, I’m really going to be broke. I’m getting along quite well as Operations Officer. We have a new Ensign who had taken over most of my routine duties as Communications Officer. Had to take the ship out this morning. I did pretty well considering extreme lack of sleep. We leave for the yard April 25th. I hope to drive up to Philly starting then. I may still go to school at Newport, RI, starting April 27th, but don’t think so.

Truman
Monday morning I got a call from the Little White House from a Navy Commander saying Admiral Dennison (the President’s Naval aide) wanted to see me at the Little White House at 3:45 p.m. and to wear the uniform of the day (wash khakis, no coat). I showed up promptly and the Secret Service had my name and let me right in. Admiral Dennison met me and took me into the living room. It was beautiful, in very good taste. The house is white wood with tropical shutters. The walls of the living room are light blue. Picture of Margaret on the mantel. Admiral Dennison and I sat down on a couch and a steward brought us lemonade. It was a hot day. We talked for about 20 minutes, mostly about the Navy. During this time, Admiral Lehy came in and Dennison introduced me, and Lehy said he was very glad to meet me. Then Joseph Short, the President’s Press Secretary, came in and said how glad he was to meet me. Later the famous General Harry Vaughn came in and said the same. I’ve never seen a friendlier bunch of people. Just like a big family. Then the President came down from upstairs and Admiral Dennison took me over to meet him. He introduced us and we shook hands and then the Admiral said I was on the Sarsfield and my family came from Independence, and the President said he knew my family well, and I mentioned Grandmother McCoy, and he said he knew her and Sarah Woodson and Margaret and Elizabeth. He said they were very nice old maids and friends of the boss (Mrs. Truman). He also mentioned some other of my relatives I can’t remember. He said one great grandmother or something of mine played the organ in his Sunday school class. He said he was glad he got to meet me and to tell the folks at home about meeting him. He looked old, but well. He surely was very friendly, a nice man. Thanks for writing the letter.
Love, Joe

Ship’s crew taking a break…

April 2, 1952
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Have had quite a good time lately. Spent the latter part of last week resting. Saturday morning we had a big communications drill. Left Key West at 12 noon with John Chapman. Got to Miami at 3:30. I had to go out to Miami Beach and pick up Billie who was out there. Then back to Miami Springs. Had a few drinks and then John, his girl Windy, Billie and I went out to dinner at a seafood place called The Chesapeake. Then went to a place called the Old Mexico on the outskirts of Miami. It has an inside bar and outside patio with water fountain and very cute enclosed booths and an orchestra, dancing, etc. Very fine place. After that, went to a few more places, then home. Sunday had breakfast at a Howard Johnsons, and then took Windy to catch her plane. Sunday afternoon Billie and I went swimming at Hollywood, Florida, about 17 miles north of Miami. There’s a terrific beach there, completely deserted. It’s a beautiful beach and no houses or people for a couple miles. The waves were real high and the sky, sun, and temperature were perfect. Really terrific to lie on the beach there and watch the ocean. Were there all afternoon, then drove back home, got dressed and went out to a restaurant called The Bahama, where they have delicious steaks. We were really hungry after the swim. Then went to a party at Rick’s girl’s house. Left Miami at 1 a.m. and got the Key West at 4:30 a.m. I didn’t drive all the way, we switched. Monday morning I had to back the ship out. Did the best job I have ever done. Captain didn’t say a word until I was all done and then said “good job.” I’m definitely not going to Newport. Still hope to drive my car to Philadelphia, leaving 25 April. Plan to leave for Miami next Saturday at noon. Dick’s wedding is Sunday at 4 p.m. Getting my white uniform all fixed up. Wedding rehearsal is Sat. night. Hate to say it, but this last week I have actually been enjoying the Navy.
Love, Joe

P.S. I was so sleepy last night, I went to sleep at 7 p.m. with my clothes on, phonograph going and reading a magazine. Didn’t wake up till 6 this morning. Also, do what you want to about putting an article about Truman and me in the paper.

Oct. 11, 1952
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Got your telegram when we returned to port about 6 p.m. today. I’m glad everything is O.K. and that the operation is over. I called last night from Dick Cox’s. Jim Bocktold and I were spending the evening with them drinking and listening to records. We sail at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning. I have the duty tonight. We’ll operate as usual tomorrow and leave our operating area for Cuba tomorrow afternoon. Should get to GTMO Sunday evening. Stored my car tonight. I rented a garage at the Casa Marina Hotel, the big old expensive hotel here for $10.00. I have a private stall, the car is locked, and Barbara Cox has the keys. I was lucky to find it. Voted today for Eisenhower. I think mail service will be slow to GTMO. There is a mail plane twice a week. GTMO, I think will be pretty bad, I’ll be glad when it’s over. This last week we’re done training exercises. Had the ready duty and anchored out the night.
Love, Joe

Oct. 21, 1952
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Had a nice uneventful trip down. We go down the northern coast of Cuba and around the southern tip. Got in GTMO yesterday at 4 p.m., went over to the Officer’s Club for an hour or so last night. We anchor out in the bay here and go ashore in the motorboat. We had a big administrative inspection by the fleet training group people this morning. Records, organization and equipment. We had a lot wrong, every ship does, but the Captain has restricted all the officers to the ship until the discrepancies are corrected. So we can’t go ashore for a while, which doesn’t matter much here. We’re in port tomorrow. Wed. we start going to sea for training exercises. People from Fleet Training will ride us every day and observe and correct us. It’s going to be pretty bad. I think we’re going to Kingston, Jamaica, the 6th & 7th of Nov. It’s pretty hot here now. Worse than Key West. I got your telegram last Thurs. night. Glad everything was all right. Guess you’ll be home soon. My car is safely at the Casa Marina Hotel garage. They have a Navy radio station here with good music. Guess we won’t hear much about the election. You’ll see it all on TV I guess.
Love, Joe

Joe is on the top right

Oct. 31, 1952
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Another week over now, and just 4 more to go. This week was pretty bad. I was either on the bridge or in CIC from 7 a.m to 6 p.m. We had a lot of time this week attacking submarines with another destroyer. Also did simulated shore bombardment, controlled fighter airplanes, and fired guns. Later on we’ll fire our guns on Culebra Island down here like we did at Bloodsworth in Chesapeake Bay. Been going to the Officer’s Club about every night. Had dinner there last night. The Captain’s in a little better mood. Next weekend we leave for Kingston, Jamaica. Probably leave Fri. afternoon or Sat. morning, it’s not too far. The weather here isn’t too bad now. Cool at night. Haven’t had the hurricanes come near here. The mail here seems pretty slow. I got your letter mailed on the 25th, the 29th. You were going home from the hospital the next day. Hope everything is O.K. now. Too bad there was that other trouble after the operation. Guess cousins Margaret and Elizabeth were visiting you last weekend. What did they say about the White House? One of the record albums I got last week is very good. Songs from “Roberta.” I put in for 5 days leave starting December 23. Hope I get it. We can get Miami newspapers here about 4 days late. That was funny about that doctor’s home at the hospital.

Sat.
Got 3 letters from you this morning. Glad you’re back home and feel better. That was some visit at the White House.
Love, Joe

1952
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Just time for a note. The mail leaves for the U.S. in ½ hour. The last till next week. We leave for Kingston, Jamaica, tomorrow afternoon and get back here Mon. morning. Since last Sat. I had been working night and day with just enough time off for 6 hours sleep at night. Haven’t gone ashore once. The week has been the worst and it should get better now. We had our mid-term battle problem and our ASW operational readiness inspections this week. Got your letter written election eve. Certainly was glad Eisenhower won. I was really mad at the democrats after the things Truman said. Just heard a little news on the radio. No newspapers and I was too tired to listen to the radio election eve. My orders come today. I’ll be released so as to be completely out by Feb. 26. Glad you’re feeling better. I’ll send a card from Jamaica.
Love, Joe

Naval Base
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Nov. 11, 1952
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Last week really was terrible. Worked night and day for the whole week. We got an excellent on our ASW operational readiness inspection. To make the week complete, we had tactical maneuvers on Friday. Left for Kingston, Jamaica, Friday afternoon, and arrived there at 8:00 a.m., Sat. morning. Went ashore about 10:00 and went to Myrtle Banks Hotel, the best there. Very good hotel and very English. Had drinks there in the morning on a terrace. At noontime we had lunch there, outside. They had a smorgasbord. A rhumba orchestra was playing also. Really some time after GTMO. Saturday afternoon, Dick Cox, Jim Bochtold and I went around downtown to all the stores, etc. All their goods are English, and very good quality. All the cars are English and they drive on the left hand side of the road. The policemen are dressed up very fancily. Later in the afternoon, we rented a 1928 Lincoln with driver. Frank Snodgrass was with us by then. We drove around town and saw the Botanical gardens, which were worth seeing. Sat. night there was a big dance at the Myrtle Bank for the Sarsfield and other destroyers that came down with us. It was for all the enlisted men and officers. They had a lot of local belles there. We were all dressed in whites. Frank, Dick, Jim, and I stayed there till 11:00, then left with 4 girls we had met. We drove off in our Lincoln to the Glass Bucket Night Club. It’s on the outskirts of town, and the best in town. It’s all outside. They really had a terrific orchestra. They played mostly rhumba and calypso music. We danced till 4:30 a.m. I’ve never danced so much, especially to latin music. The captain showed up with the other destroyer’s skipper. He was really well along by this time. They had some girls with them too. He bought us drinks and danced with our girls. We really had a roaring time. There was a very cosmopolitan society there. English army officers in field dress, Chinese, Jamaicans, English colonials, etc. My girl was quite pretty and very refined. They all have a funny accent in Jamaica. Sounds a little like French. Left the Glass Bucket about 5:00, and finally got back to the Sarsfield. Sunday, I had duty, but didn’t mind as we left Kingston at 4:00 p.m. Got back to GTMO Monday morning. Monday was an average day. Yesterday was a holiday. Went swimming at the club and had dinner and a movie there last night. We’re in port Friday for 2 or 3 days next week. Shouldn’t be too bad from now on except for our last battle problem and firing at Culobra Island. Should be back in Key West the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Haven’t had any letters for a while, but the mail is pretty irregular. Hope everything is O.K.
Love, Joe

Nov. 17, 1952
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Just 2 weeks to go now. Two weeks from today we should be in Key West. Last week was pretty easy. We operated Wed. & Thurs., but Friday we were in port for up-keep. Sat. afternoon went to some Navy exchanges (like any P.X.’s) then went swimming. Sat. night Frank Snodgrass, Jim Bocktold and I had dinner at the club and stayed there all evening. Sunday I had the duty. We are in port Mon., Tues., Wed. of this week. I am attending a three-day air controllers school here. It teaches you how to control fighter planes by radar and intercept enemy planes with them. The school is situated on a mountain peak overlooking the harbor and you get a beautiful view. I come back to the ship at night but it’s good to get away for the day. I’m pretty certain of getting Christmas leave. I’ll probably be home 22 December by Delta Air Lines. I’m sending a deposit to the bank today and having the receipt sent to me at Batavia. Will you please hold it till I’m back in Key West and then forward it to me there? Read a couple of good books lately, “Moulin Rouge,” and “Submarine.” Everyone is amassing quite a liquor collection to take back to the states. I’m collecting Bacardi Rum and Canadian Club. Enclosed is a post card of GTMO and a copy of this week’s operating schedule. I got your letter mailed the 13th today. Four days is pretty good.
Love, Joe

After part of ship

1953
Dear Mother & Daddy,
I forgot to say in my last letter how nice it was to be home for Christmas and thanks for all the wonderful presents. This last week has been something. Tuesday night Frank, Jim, and I went out to the Sun & Sand and met up with Viola Veidt, the daughter of the movie actor Conrad Veidt, and a real Key West character. She had a friend of her’s there, a German girl, blonde and very attractive, named Regina. Somehow I ended up with Regina and we stayed up practically all night in the Trade Winds, etc. Wed. & Thurs. I had the duty. Sure was a dismal New Year’s Eve. We just sat in the wardroom. Sat. morning Jim & I left for Miami. Got there about 3. A friend of ours named Clint Roach from another destroyer was also at 664. Remember my telling you about the real cute stewardess I met flying home for Christmas that got off at Atlanta? Anyhow, I remembered her name was Bobby. Windy and I found her. She just lives a few blocks away. She remembered me and we went out Sat. afternoon. Sat. night we all went out, Clint, Windy, Jim, Betty, Bobby, and I. We went to a nightclub called the Bowery and the Old Mexico, a real sharp place half outside. Bobby is a real doll. Little, blonde, beautiful eyes. We really hit it off. She likes music, etc., as much as I do. I fell for her the first time I saw her on the airplane, never dreaming I’d go out with her. I spent the night at 664. Sunday morning, Bobby and I went to church and then she cooked breakfast. She lives in a beautiful house with 2 other stewardesses. She has a car and a TV set. Her parents live in Ft. Lauderdale, names are Zipf (Swedish). Sunday afternoon Bobby and I took a drive over to Miami Beach and then up the coast on the coastal road. Stopped for a while at a place on the ocean. It was quite cold in Miami Sunday. Sunday night Jim, Windy, and Bobby and I went out to dinner at the Bahama restaurant and then came home and drank before the electric heater. Left Miami at 1:00 a.m., and got back here at 4:00 a.m. We go to sea twice this week, tomorrow and Thursday. Sunday we have the ready duty. Bobby and Windy are going to come down to Key West the weekend of the 17th if Bobby can switch a flight. Anyhow, I’m going to see her again no matter what. You might know I’d meet someone like her just before I leave. Nothing will probably come of it, but I like her better than any girl I have ever gone with. She’s the kind I’ve been looking for! She has a real sweet disposition, etc. Now I really am fouled up, I don’t know what to do or where to go. I think I’ll call the Navy Dept. Wed. and go up to Miami and see her and Cox and look around next week. Dick Cox is thinking of settling in Miami too.
Love, Joe

Jan. 19, 1953
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Sorry to be late in writing this week. Last week we went to sea 2 days and fired torpedoes. The rest of the week stayed in port. We’ve been going out quite a bit. Jim, Frank Snodgrass and I really run into some characters down here. One night last week we were out with a guy that writes the Lone Ranger radio program, a Hungarian authoress, a helicopter pilot, Viola Viedt, Regina the German girl and Frank, Jim, and I. Jim and I had dinner at Dick Cox’s Thurs. night. We all left the ship at 3 in the afternoon for a haircut and didn’t get back until 3 a.m. Saturday went to the pool. Sunday we had the ready duty and had to anchor out all day. This week we go to sea Tues., Thurs., and Fri, and shoot torpedoes. I’ve had to work pretty hard the days we go to sea. The girls from Miami won’t come down this weekend, which is rather disappointing, because of flights. I have a date with Bobby for the weekend of the 24th in Miami. I’m going up to Miami very soon possibly Friday to see Mr. Cox and others about a job. Jim and I went to the Captain’s Monday night. I think he would me to stay in the Navy. That was really an experience that poor Sonny had.
Love, Joe

Jan. 22, 1953
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Still haven’t quite decided what I want to do. Guess I better hurry, there’s not much time. Last Friday I got off and went up to Miami. Went to see James M. Cox, Sr., but he was in New York. However, the people there were very nice and I talked to the manager and sales managers of WIOD. Their application for a TV manager hasn’t been approved yet. I think if it had, I could have gotten a job. Also talked to some other people in Miami. Miami doesn’t have much industry. I think I could get a job in Miami, but it would probably be in public relations or something. Also called the Navy dept. They said I could probably stay in if I wanted to, and could probably get a PC (Patrol Craft) if I wanted it. The weather down here has been really perfect lately. We had a Captain’s inspection Saturday morning. Sat. night the executives had a cocktail party. I didn’t have too good a time though. Sunday I had the duty. This week we work long hours with a submarine. Next Sat. I’m going to Miami, have a date with Bobby. Right now I’ll either stay in the Navy or come home and maybe go to California. Saw the movie “My Cousin Rachel,” it was very good. That Kroger job didn’t sound too bad.
Love, Joe

Joe on the bridge of the Sarsfield

Jan. 27, 1953
Dear Mother & Daddy,
I’ve had a rather fabulous week. Last week we went to sea every day except Friday and shot torpedoes. About every night I was out with Regina, the German girl. We spent a lot of time at Viola Veidt’s house with some real Key West characters. Viola has a Great Dane that Sonny ought to meet. Regina is a very interesting girl. She was telling me about the time she was trapped in a Berlin air raid shelter and had to be dug out. When she drinks, she drinks it straight, no mix or chaser. We spent some time at the Trade Winds, Viola sings there. Sat. noon I drove to Miami to see Bobby. Windy had to fly, so Jim Bochtold didn’t go up, I went alone. Bobby was real glad to see me, and cute as ever. We went to the Pilot House across from the airport, and had a few beers. About 8 we went out to dinner. We went to the Hickory House in Miami Beach, sort of a theatrical restaurant. Certainly is a beautiful drive over Biscayne Bay at night. Bobby really looked darling. She had on a black dress and she’s a blonde (real). We had martinis and duck. We hadn’t eaten for a long time and it was a big martini and I wanted to say, “to hell with the duck,” and have more martinis, but she wouldn’t let me. Really was a nice dinner. After that we went to the 21 Room of the Sea Gull Hotel. Then went to Old Mexico in North Miami where we were the last time I saw her. It was real cozy there and they had good music. Then went home and had a few drinks. I stayed at the Airways Hotel. The stewardesses stand in reserve on certain days and have to fly if something happens to the regular girls. Bobby was on reserve on Sunday and they called before we went to dinner Sat. night and said a girl had the flu so Bobby had to fly Sunday noon. We both felt terrible about it. Bobby went to Cincinnati and came back Monday. I wanted to go with her (would have surprised you) and would have if I had the money spare! We had breakfast at the airport Sunday morning. I put her on the plane and got on myself. We all had a cup of coffee, Bobby, myself, pilot, co-pilot, and other stewardesses on the plane before the passengers arrived. It was the same flight 432 I met Bobby on. Stayed to see the plane leave, then went over to Windy’s house, and drove back to Key West early. This week we stay in Monday and are to sea the other days. We have the ready duty and anchor out Tues. night. Have a communications drill Sat. morning. I have a date with Bobby Saturday afternoon in Miami. I still like her as much as ever. Wish you could meet her. She really is a nice girl in every way. Just are about 20 more days in the Navy. I think now I’ll get out and go up to Miami and see if I can get anything I like there, if not, come back to Batavia and maybe go to California later. Maybe I ought to stay in the Navy, but if I did I would get transferred and the Navy isn’t all like Key West, and I might just end up wasting a year some place.
Love, Joe
Hope Grandma Davis is feeling much better.

Jan. 30, 1953
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Had a wonderful flight to Miami. The DC-6 really is beautiful, lounge, real leather, etc. We were up pretty high, 16,000 feet and it was very smooth. Had veal culet for lunch. Got to Miami at 1:45. It was warm and bright in Miami. Went over to the stewardesses’ house, 664 Sesoto Drive. Windy and Rosemary were there. Windy and I drank all afternoon and night. We really had a terrific time, Windy is so funny. I didn’t leave for Key West until 5 a.m. Monday morning. Saw dawn on the Keys, it was very pretty. Got to the Sarsfield at 8:15. There was a note from Bob for me. He and Elsie were at the Conda Hotel. Cleaned up and went to see Bob. Had breakfast with him. Got off for lunch and took Elsie and Bob to lunch at the Sun & Sand. They had been here since Saturday and had to leave Monday afternoon. They loved Key West and saw a lot of it. Bob got well acquainted with George, who owns the Sun & Sand. Showed Bob over the Sarsfield after lunch. Too bad I wasn’t here when they arrived. Things are still pretty relaxed this week. Every afternoon off. Went swimming at the Sun & Sand beach this afternoon, it was quite warm. Have the duty tomorrow, New Years Eve. Think we all may go up to Miami next weekend. Jim and I, Dick and Barbara. I’m very worried about what to do next month. I don’t like Cincinnati, but hate to go to a new city with no friends or job, and don’t especially want to stay in the Navy.
Love, Joe

Shipboard ceremony

Feb. 4, 1953
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Got your telegram about Aunt Dean Sat. morning. Certainly was sorry to hear about it. I liked Aunt Dean very much and really appreciate all she did for me. Guess you’ve been pretty busy. Didn’t do much in Key West last week. We went to sea every day and fired torpedoes. Sat. Jim Bochtold and I went up to Miami. Dick and Barbara Cox came up too. We went to quite a few places Sat. night. Jim had a date with a friend of Bobby’s. Sun. afternoon had a little party at 664. Rita was there. Went out to dinner at the Bahama, had a few drinks and then drove back. Got back to Key West at 2:30 a.m. I didn’t have as good a time as previous weekend, too frantic. Think I’m going up to see Bobby this weekend. Frank Snodgrass is having a cocktail party Fri. night. Our new captain is aboard and will relieve Capt. Barn this Friday. If I don’t make a last minute decision to stay in the Navy, I’ll leave the ship next Tues. to be discharged. I’ll be discharged right here in Key West, probably be out by Friday and might be home the next week. Will write more later.
Love, Joe

Feb. 11, 1953
Dear Mother & Daddy,
Got your letter about Aunt Dean’s funeral, etc. Certainly was nice of her to leave us the money she did. We were in port all week last week. Captain Barn was relieved Fri. by Captain Johnson. The ceremonies were on the fantail and each captain made a little speech. Afterwards everyone went up to the wardroom for cold turkey and ham. Barn was crying and kissed us all goodbye. Captain Barn certainly gave me a good fitness report when he left. Everything was about as high as possible! Friday night Frank Snodgrass gave a Sarsfield party, partly for me. He had a rum punch and it really turned out to be one of the best parties I have been to in Key West. We invited Regina and Viola Veidt. The Commodore came and we got Regina to play up to him. Everyone really got loaded. Capt. Barn was there. Sat. I drove up to Miami to see Bobbie. We stayed around her house that afternoon. A Delta co-pilot was there with Bobbie’s roommate and we all ate supper there. Bobbie and Barbara Lund cooked it. Later the 4 of us went to Tee Town & Country in North Miami Beach where they had a wonderful piano player named Jose Melio. Later went to Old Mexico. Sunday we went swimming all afternoon at a beautiful new pool at the Travelers Hotel in Miami Springs. Sunday night went out to dinner and watched TV. Left for Key West at 11. I leave the Sarsfield tomorrow night and go to the Naval base to be discharged. I’ll stay at the BOQ there. Should be all through by Friday. Have a date with Bobbie Fri., and probably will stay in Miami for a few days seeing her and looking over jobs. Probably drive to Batavia sometime next week. I’ll call you Sat. so you’ll know where to reach me.
Love, Joe

And this is where the letters end. For reasons we may never know, Joe decided to stay in the Navy and did not settle in Miami or create a life with Bobby. In the next several years, his father passed away from a sudden heart attack, and he married a local beauty from Batavia. He had a distinguished career in the Navy, raising to the rank of Commander, and serving tours of duty in the Mediterranean Sea, in Viet Nam and as Naval Attaché in Brussels, Belgium. He retired from the Navy early, settled in Batavia and was employed as the business manager in a prestigious law firm in downtown Cincinnati. Unfortunately, he died tragically young from cancer at the age of 53.

Although Joe did not live long, it’s clear that he lived a full life; especially during the years he spent stationed aboard the U.S.S. Sarsfield in Key West, FL. It was there that he found himself at the crossroad of every young man’s life, deciding which direction to take. Joe, it seems, choose to continue with the adventure at hand.

Kathleen A. Pfeiffer

Do What Brings You Peace

Author Archives: Kathy

McCoy Family History

Secrets On How To Find A Good Husband

How to Find A Good Husband For Women Who Need To Have It Spelled Out

High Seas & Havana – Cmdr. Joseph C. McCoy, USN