My Odd Life & Turbulent Service Record”
Herbert Jolie Winfield’s life story has many twists and turns starting with his birth in 1879. His trouble life continued even through his natural life. Winfield’s life story is really interesting and the events in Herbert’s life are somewhat of a mystery and others that are tragic. Over his military career there were many inaccuracies and a few more in Winfield’s overall civilian history. As time has went on, I managed to gather together some controversial evidence, some known facts and new information about Herbert’s life. What I am asking you to do is interpret what is being present here. After that, I am asking you to draw your own conclusions on what is: “Truly Factual” and what is: “Pure Folklore.”
Family Life (Mackinac Island, Michigan)
on the 25th day of May 1879, on Mackinac Island Michigan, Herbert Jolie Winfield was brought into the world by: “Hellen (Delosia) Winfield-Martin (1860 to 1920).” In 1880, the U.S. Federal Census listed Herbert J. Winfield age as a year old. The head of the Winfield household at that time was listed as: “Herbert S. Winfield (1851 to 1899).” The U.S. Census also listed Herbert’s father’s birthplace as: “Canton, Ohio” and his mother’s Hellen’s birthplace as the: “State of Michigan.” His mother’s occupation during the early years of his life was listed as: “Servant.” In 1880 his father Herbert & his mother were both living in Holmes, Mackinac County Michigan. His father’s occupation was listed as: “Painter.”
Author’s Note:
“I believe Herbert S. Winfield was not working at that time and what popped up during my most recent research effort was Herbert’s father had in enlisted in the U.S. Army and the date of his enlistment is right around the same time Herbert J Winfield came into the world. As dug a little further into his mother life, I found a reference that she was born in: Cana, Michigan”
On the 1st day of December 1899, Herbert’s father “Herbert S. Winfield” passed away in Fort Ontario, Oswego County New York.
Herbert Jolie Winfield
Herbert J. Winfield stood: five feet five inches tall, weight: 130 pounds, eyes: blue, hair: dark brown and his complexion was list as: “Ruby.” According to his medical survey: Herbert had a longitudinal scar on his nose and a tattoo on his right forearm that read: “H.W.” (Herbert Winfield). Herbert completed four years of: “High School.” His United States Military Service Record stated: Herbert Jolie Winfield married: “Irene Lobin” on the 29th day of August 1905. Their marriage took place on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Both of Irene’s parents, Patrick Lobin and Annie (McGulpin) Lobin were in attendance when their daughter got married.
Author’s Note:
“Irene (Lobin) Winfield (Michigan born in 1905) at the time of her marriage to Herbert Winfield was listed as: 18 years old. To get a little perspective on this let’s jump back to Herbert’s mother and father’s marriage. The records show Herbert’s parents were married on 21st day of December 1878. His mother age was 18 years old and his father’s age was listed as 26. The other thing that stands out if Herbert J. birth date to when his parents got married.”
There is one additional name: “Miss Kittie Jerrian.” Her name was consistently written on all his military service records and her name also appeared on some of other vital documents that pertain to Herbert’s life. Was Kittie a very close/good friend, sister or was she his stepsister? In the 1900, U.S. Census, it listed: “Kittie Jerrian” and Herbert Winfield both shared the same father, mother, birthplaces and locations.
Author’s Note:
“This makes me really wonder who Ms. Kittie Jerrian was and what vital role did she play in Herbert’s life? From my most recent research of some archival records still is a little unclear. The only person who has the “Kitty” somewhere in her name is Herbert sister Catherine.”
U.S. Census (1900 to 1940)
The 1900 United States Census, listed Herbert’s age as twenty-one and his occupation as a: “Laborer.” According to that government document, Herbert was living with his sister’s: “Annie & Saline, brother’s James & Alfred Deloria.” The oddity or inaccuracy that stuck out in my mind was Herbert J. Winfield was listed as their: “Nephew.”
Author’s Note:
“Was this just an honest mistake? Probably Not! Was Herbert really their “Nephew? Yes, based on what I know now he was in fact their Nephew!”
In the 1910, U.S. Census, Herbert J. Winfield name was: “Missing.” His family members and relatives were also missing from that same record. “So, the question of the day is, what happen to Winfield, his sister’s and Alfred from 1900 to 1910?” Did each of his sisters and Alfred move to other cities/states, did they leave this earth or could they have changed their names after his sisters got married? At this point we may never know. The other puzzling fact that stood out to me was:
Author’s Note:
“Where was Herbert living and again what did he do from 1900 to 1910? From what I have been able to put together during those years is, during 1910, Herbert & Irene were divorced and at the time of their divorce they were both living on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
The 1920, U.S. Census, noted Winfield resided with: “Joush & Hellen Martin.” Herbert was listed as their: “Stepson.” His occupation was listed, but it was so poorly written, but the next record I looked at listed it as a: “Driver.” At that point in time the industry he was working in was listed as: “Own Wagon.” Herbert was now thirty-nine years old, living on Mackinac Island, Michigan. The census listed Winfield as: “Single.”
Author’s Note:
“So far, I believe Herbert Winfield was shipped around from one family member to another. You have to wonder if this was of his own doing or was there something else going on in Herbert’s life? Based on what I just uncovered, Herbert mother passed away on the 21st day of April 1920. Hellen (Delosia) Winfield-Martin age at the time of her death was listed as: “40-year-old.” Hellen’s and her husband Joseph Martin’s place of residence was listed as: Mackinac Island, Michigan”
On the 14th day of April 1930, the United States Census listed Winfield as: “Boarder,” age thirty-six and a: “War Veteran.” His occupation was listed as: “Lighthouse Keeper.” At that time, Herbert was living in: “City of Bayfield, Wisconsin” with B. J. Bracken (59 years old), his spouse Edith (46 years old), and several other boarders: Ed Gagne, Agnes Drinville (20 years old) & Emma Montreal (18 years old). In 1935, Herbert was living somewhere in: “Newbury, Michigan,” unfortunately his address was missing from the records. Here where it gets interesting. In the 1940 the U.S. Census, Herbert Winfield was listed as: “Divorced,” age: sixty-one and living in: “McMillian, Michigan” with Albert I. Brawn who was forty-four years old. Brawn’s occupation was listed as: “Crisp Point Light-Station.”
Crisp Point Light-Station
On the 31st day of August 1904, Herbert J. Winfield was offered a: “Probationary Appointment” that was approved by the U.S. Lighthouse Board because 2nd Assistant, Lloyd H. Robins was about to: “Resigned.”
The United States Naval Captain who also served as the: “Naval Secretary,” for the U.S. Lighthouse Board told Herbert this was just a: “Probationary Appointment” and it could be: “Rescinded” at any time. Winfield’s: “Probationary Appointment” was sent directly to the Department of Commerce-Labor, U.S. Lighthouse Board located in Washington, DC. On the 15th day of September 1904, Winfield passed his: “Civil Service Examination” with an “85% Rating Class Four.” Winfield “Refused” to sign his: “Oath of Office.” Winfield served as 2nd Assistant at Crisp Point for about six months at a very modest pay rate of: $425/Year. While at Crisp Point Light-Station, Herbert’s service record was very interesting and extremely colorful to say the least. I am going to spare you the disciplinary details, let’s just say Herbert had moments of grander from time to time and moments of pure failure. On the 21st day of September 1904, the Lighthouse Board was still trying to figure out what happen to Herbert’s paperwork.
The Eleventh District Inspector was not pleased with Herbert Winfield’s overall performance or his general attitude towards his current assignment. On the 1st day of November 1904, the District Inspector filled his request. I submit Mr. Winfield has been given clear and definitive reasons why he must leave his home and return to: “Crisp Point Light-Station.” Sir, you must submit a doctor’s certification as to your current: “Disability.” On the 4th day of November 1904, Herbert Winfield’s handwritten response was received by the Eleventh District Inspector. Here is Herbert’s response:
Sir,
“I will be leaving for Crisp Point Light-Station in the next two days and to be perfectly honest I do not have a doctor’s certification as per your request. While I was on leave, my aunt had taken care of me while I was at home recuperating from my illness.”
Seven days later, Herbert sent a short letter to the District Inspector. “Sir: I am still feeling really ill. I would like my brother to take my place until I am able to return to my current duties. I assure you, I will return to: “Active Duty” in the spring of 1905.” Winfield now finds himself walking on very thin ice with the District Inspector.
Author’s Note:
“I am reasonably confident in saying the District Inspector was not pleased Winfield’s latest request. On the 14th day of November 1904, under file number: 7852, signed by the Eleventh District Inspector who recommended Winfield’s: “Probationary Appointment” at Crisp Point Light-Station be: “Cancelled” post haste and without: “Prejudice.”
On the 12th day of November 1904, the Eleventh District Inspector wrote a very short handwritten letter. It read something like this:
“On the 14th day of October 1904, Mr. Herbert Winfield reported that he left the station. Winfield stated he fell hurt his shoulder and returned home. Twelve days later, on the 26th day of October Winfield reported that he still was not feeling well enough to go to the light-station, but if he got better, he would report for duty.”
On the 14th day of November 1904, the U.S. Lighthouse Board: “Cancelled” his orders. Their reasoning was stated something like this: “Herbert Winfield did not enter Lighthouse Service according to the terms set forth by the U.S. Department of Commerce and Labor, Lighthouse Board located in Washington, DC.”
On the 30th day of November 1904, Acting Secretary at the Department of Commerce & Labor and the U.S. Naval Secretary approved the: “Cancellation” of Winfield’s position. Herbert now finds himself unemployed and without a steady monthly income from the U.S. Government. What Herbert did to earn a living from the end of November 1904 to just prior to the end of May 1905 is “Unknown!” The only thing I can say with some certainty is; Herbert Winfield went back to Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Appointment to Manitou Light-Station
on the 31st day of May 1905, Herbert “Toots” Winfield was given another chance to serve as a respected member of the U.S. Lighthouse Board. Winfield was again put on a “Probationary Appointment” as 2nd Assistant at Manitou Light-Station, Michigan for a period of six months. Winfield received the same rate at Manitou, as he did while serving at Crisp Point Light-Station. Again, Winfield was forced to take another: “Civil Service Examination” and passed with an: 89% rating in Class Four. This rating was better than the first one he took back in 1904. This time he was not the only candidate under consideration for this Michigan appointment. The Lighthouse Board was also considering Louis Dissett however, Mr. Dissett decided to: “Decline” the appointment. Louis asked the U.S. Lighthouse Board to remove Herbert’s name from this appointment. Mr. Louis Dissett asked that Winfield’s eligibility remain active and on file with the Lighthouse Board for other upcoming appointments. As a result, Herbert Winfield: “Probationary Appointment” at: “Manitou Light-Station” was approved by the U.S. Lighthouse Board.
The only reason why Winfield’s: “Probationary Appointment” was approved by the Lighthouse Board. This appointment came on the heels of George J. Hassett, 2nd Assistant at Manitou Light-Station was about to be: “Transferred” to another Great Lakes Light-Station. On the 1st day of June 1905, 2nd Assistant Winfield reported for active duty at: “Manitou Light-Station.” Herbert continued to serve at the light-station until the 2nd day of July 1905.
Author’s Note:
“Why Herbert Winfield left was not stated in the keeper’s logbook. The only thing that was listed at that time is Herbert went to: “Post Town” in: “Eagle Harbor, Michigan and his rate was listed as: $425/year.”
Herbert’s subsequently returned his: “Probationary Appointment,” personal question sheets and blank oath of office to the District Commander without any type of written explanation. On the 10th day of July 1905, Herbert received those same materials back in the mail. He was instructed to sign all the documents! Again, Herbert Winfield decided not to respond back to Charles E. Fox, Eleventh District Inspector U.S. Navy Commander. Because of his non-compliance, Inspector Charles Fox wrote a quick handwritten note in Winfield’s military service record. The note read something like this:
“Mr. Winfield left Manitou Light-Station without permission. Herbert failed to reply to a letter asking him for an explanation on why he did not sign the: “Oath of Office.” The duties at the light-station may not suffer.”
On the 25th day of July 1905, the Eleventh District Inspector Charles E. Fox, Commander U.S. Navy respectfully recommend Herbert Winfield, 2nd Assistant is hereby: “Removed from Duty.” The date in his personnel file was stated as the 2nd day of July 1905, which corresponds to the day he left: “Manitou Light-Station.” This is the third-time Winfield was: “Dismissed” by the United States Government.
U.S. Army & His Lost History
On the 28th day of April 1917, the Herbert Winfield (Serial No: 738,936) was either: “Drafted” or: “Enlisted” in the: “United States Army.” Update: Herbert: “Enlisted” and his mother’s name: “Mrs. Ellen Martin” was on his enlistment papers. Herbert served as a member of the Army Command D, 51st Infantry until the 14th day of June 1919. I am not quite sure, if he fought in the war and what is known Herbert’s military rank was listed as: “Private First Class.” There are three questions that remain unanswered:
o In 1919, what did Herbert J. Winfield do after he left the United States Army? Update: Departure Date 5th day of June 1919 to Brest, France aboard the ship called the: “Leviathan.” Arrived on the 12th day of June 1919 in Hoboken, New Jersey.
o In 1922, where was his next probationary appointment with the United States Lighthouse Service? (These facts are still unknown) Update: Raspberry Island Lighthouse
o Where was Herbert living before his next government appointment? Update: Mackinac Island, Michigan.
In my mind, Herbert J. Winfield may have gone back home. If he did go home, can we safely say he was working on Mackinac Island, Michigan? Now, I have not come across any hard documentation from 1919 to the 7th day of September 1922. I am wondering where Herbert Winfield was for the last three plus years (1919 to 1922).
Raspberry Island Lighthouse
On the 7th day of September 1922, Winfield received his next: “Probationary Appointment.” Herbert was assigned to: “Raspberry Island Lighthouse” is located on the southern part of Raspberry Island. It marks the west channel of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior and is near the City of Bayfield, Wisconsin. Hebert received a rate of: $600/year as part of his appointment as 2nd Assistant. On the 13th day of September 1922, he reported for “Active Duty.” On the 4th day of August 1922, Winfield “Probationary Appointment” came on the heels of 2nd Assistant John T. Murphy who decided to: “Resigned” from “Active Service.” Winfield’s rating on the Civil Service Examination was listed as: 92%, Class Four. His overall examine rating was slightly higher than the last time he took it. Secretary, Seventh Civil Service District and Superintendent of Lighthouses signed Winfield’s “Probationary Appointment.” There were three other eligible candidates that were also noted on Winfield’s: “Probationary Appointment.” They were:
o Thomas P. Brander “C”
o Thure E. Goss “C”
o Leslie E. Charters “C”
Again, there were several heated debates on both sides of his: “Probationary Appointment.” In the end, Herbert J. Winfield decided it would be in his best interest to sign all his paperwork and take the: “Oath of Office” as prescribed under: “Section 1757”, Revised Statutes. On the 28th day of September 1922, Herbert Winfield took his: “Oath of Office” and signed his final set of military orders. His assignment to: “Raspberry Island Lighthouse” must have been a good fit for Winfield, because on the 16th day of May 1923, Herbert received a: “First Promotion” and “Rate Increase” that was approved by the Superintendent of Lighthouses. Herbert Winfield was promoted from 2nd Assistant to 1st Assistant. His promotion was a result of hard work and the resignation of 1st Assistant Archie Harmony that was scheduled to take place on 21st day of May 1923. Herbert Winfield rate went from $600 to $660/year. His increase was approved by a: “Notice of Change in Salary” and was approved/signed off by Clifford Hasting, Chief of the Appointment Division. On the 15th day of September 1923, there was a letter placed in Winfield’s personnel file by the Department of Commerce, Appointment Division. Here is a very small segment of that letter:
“Mr. Herbert Winfield, you are hereby receiving this notification under file No. 464/16/D No. 1, position listed as Keeper and your salary will change as of the date stated earlier in this letter. Your annual rate will go from: $1,020 to $1,260 with a: Grade 4 Recommendation”
Herbert “Toots” Winfield continued his duties as 1st Assistant at: “Raspberry Island Lighthouse.” On the 1st day of July 1924, under File No.: 1095/21, Herbert was awarded another rate increase. His rate was changed from: $660/year to: $900/year. Winfield received two additional rate increases in 1925. On the 31st day of January, his next increase pushed his rate to: $1,140/year and again on the 25th day of July his rate was changed to: $1,200/year. Both increases were approved/signed off by Clifford Hasting. On the 11th day of July 1927, Winfield salary was upgraded once again to: $1,260/year. On the 1st day of July 1928, Herbert Winfield received a letter from the Department of Commerce, Appointment Division located in Washington DC. The letter came from Edward J. Gardner Chief of that division. It read something like this:
“Mr. Herbert Winfield, through the Chief, Bureau of Lighthouse, Sir, you are advised that under the “Welch Act” your compensation has been changed as indicated below, effective the 1st day of July 1928. By directive of the Secretary, your compensation change as of this date is: $1,320/year.”
Respectfully EDW J. Gardner
As 1st Assistant, Winfield’s “Service Record” was spotless while he was at: “Raspberry Island Lighthouse.” The U.S. Government approved Winfield’s next pay increase. Unfortunately, this would be the very last rate increase Winfield would receive from the U.S. Lighthouse Service. Herbert continued his duties as 1st Assistant without incident. Over the next ten days, Herbert’s perfect service record was about to take a: “Few Serious Hits.”
Chas A. Park (Lighthouse Bureau)
The first two serious hits came on the 11th and 12th day of July. Herbert “Toots” Winfield over stayed his; “Shore Leave” allegedly due to: “Intoxication.” Pending charges that were about to be levied against him and the disposition of his case with the Lighthouse Bureau, Winfield was: “Suspended” from his duties on: “Raspberry Island Lighthouse.” On the 12th day of July, the Lighthouse Bureau levied a thirty-day suspension pending the outcome of his case before the U.S. Lighthouse Board. On the 24th day of July 1930, the allegations against Winfield and the actual transcript of what really happened that day were all recorded and signed off by Chas A. Park, Lighthouse Superintendent. Below is just a small part of the actual transcript:
“Winfield went to Bayfield, Wisconsin and failed to return to the Raspberry Island Lighthouse, due to intoxication. When Herbert Winfield was found by sheriff of Bayfield, Wisconsin in this state of intoxication, Winfield openly denied the allegation that he had been drinking. According to the station logbook, Winfield was supposed to pick-up provisions and proceeds from shore by sailboat back to Raspberry Island. Due to his intoxicated state, Mr. Winfield could not return to Raspberry Island. The provisions he was supposed to bring back to Raspberry Island spoiled and were deem worthless by the Keeper-in-Charge Louis Wilks (1929 to 1933).”
The record of this incident was completely transcribed into the station logbook and so were all the letters from the U.S. Lighthouse Service. A few days later, Herbert “Toots” Winfield returned to: “Active Duty” at: “Raspberry Island Lighthouse.” On the 24th day of July 1930, 1st Assistant Herbert Winfield and the current lighthouse crew were visited by: “Chas A. Park, Lighthouse Superintendent.” Chas. A. Park, was there to advise Herbert Winfield of the pending charges against him. During his visit, Park gave Herbert an opportunity to explain what happened in: “Bayfield, Wisconsin.” Winfield took a few minutes to discuss with Superintendent Chas. A. Park that during the day in question, his intention was to return to: “Raspberry Island Lighthouse” on the 10th day of July, however due to: “Unfavorable Weather Conditions” returning to the Raspberry Island was not possible. Superintendent Park asked Winfield, why he did not return on the 11th or 12th of July. Winfield was not able to give the Lighthouse Superintendent a valid reason why he did not return that day or the following day. Herbert openly denied he was: “Intoxicated” over those two days. What made this more evident was, Herbert Winfield’s overall domineer and attitude as he spoke to Superintendent Chas. A. Park. Based on this discussion it confirmed the pending charges against him were valid. While Winfield and Chas. A. Park were discussing this matter, Louis Wilks, Keeper-in-Charge of “Raspberry Island Lighthouse” brought in two letters from the: “Bayfield Chief of Police” and the: “Grocer.” Both men stated, 1st Assistant Herbert J. Winfield was: “Intoxicated” and in uniform on July 11th and July 12th. Now the Bayfield Chief of Police and Bayfield Grocer were both involved in filing charges that were pending against Winfield. Both men per the government’s request sent letters to Chas A. Park Superintendent of Lighthouses, who at that time was in Detroit, Michigan. Both the Bayfield Chief of Police and Bayfield Grocer confirmed Winfield’s actions while he was in: “Bayfield, Wisconsin”.
Once Charles “Chas” Park read all the incriminating documents to Winfield, he was promptly suspended for thirty days pending formal charges by Chas A. Park Superintendent of Lighthouses and H. B. Bowerman, Acting Commissioner of Lighthouse. The Commissioner of Lighthouses took a very different view on Winfield’s suspension. On the 26th day of August 1930, H. B. Bowerman, Acting Commissioner of Lighthouses changed Winfield’s thirty-day suspension to a ninety-day suspension. As a result of his suspension letters between Herbert Winfield and the United States Lighthouse Board went back and forth over the next four days. Winfield sent out the first letter to the U. S. Lighthouse Service. Herbert stated for the past two shipping seasons, Louis Wilks, Keeper-in-Charge of: “Raspberry Island Lighthouse” was trying to have him removed from: “Active Service.” The other charges pending against Herbert were never proven, but Winfield was still on suspension. The final out coming of their investigation against 1st Assistant Herbert “Toots” Winfield never really came into view. Hebert was severely reprimanded for not returning to: “Raspberry Island Lighthouse” on time. His rate was reduced to: $10/month for the next six months and Herbert was demoted to: “2nd Assistant.”
Author’s Notes:
“One other colorful noted in Herbert “Toots” Winfield file read something like this:
“Herbert “Toots” Winfield should be transferred at the first possible opportunity, for the good of the U.S. Lighthouse Service.”
Crisp Point Light-Station (Round 2)
on the 29th day of August 1930, H. B. Bowerman Acting Commissioner of Lighthouses had Herbert “Toots” Winfield transfer to: “Crisp Point Light-Station.” On the 20th day of September 1930, Winfield’s transfer from: “Raspberry Island” was finally approved by the: “U.S. Lighthouse Board.” Herbert replaced, Harry Leroy Sowry who had also requested a transferred from “Crisp Point Light-Station.” The government approved Harry’s request five days after Winfield arrived at Crisp Point. Winfield’s annual rate remained the same until the 29th day of September 1930. His original rate of: $1,320/year was reinstated. A few months later and several incidents later, Herbert was demoted to 2nd Assistant and his rate was reduced to $1,200/year. The Superintendent of Lighthouses issued a complete work description of duties to the present keeper while Winfield was at:“Crisp Point Light-Station”
o Stand Watch
o Operation of Light-Station
o Climbing
o Painting
o Maintenance of Light Station
o Mechanical Equipment
o Building
o Grounds
One day prior to his rate changed Winfield received a letter from: “F. A. DeLong, Chief of Appointment Division.” F. A. DeLong wrote:
Mr. Herbert Winfield,
Through the Commissioner of Lighthouse
“Sir,
You are advised that your compensation has been changed as indicated below, effective upon entrance on duty, and to continue for a period not to exceed six months (Change Stations and Duties). No new appointments will be issued to you because of this change, and an Oath of Office is not required.”
On the 1st day of October 1930, Winfield was told the U.S. Lighthouse Board finally approved his rate reduction. On the 4th day of October 1930, the actual decrease went into effect. It was signed off by Chas A. Park, Superintendent of Lighthouses. Herbert “Toots” Winfield reported to: “Crisp Point Light-Station” that same day even though his annual salary had been reduced. Winfield was under close observation by the Lighthouse Board and Joseph Singleton, Keeper-in-Charge of: “Crisp Point Light-Station.” In one of Herbert’s progress reports the Eleventh District Superintendent noted:
“2nd Assistant, Herbert J. Winfield has served this station satisfactorily since his transfer and there have been no signs of intoxication since his last incident. It is my noted opinion that Winfield’s grade should be fully reinstated to: $1,320/year. His rate change should be in place on the 4th day of April 1931. It was signed by EDW J. Gardner, Chief of Appointment Division.”
In 1935, Herbert was living in Newberry, Luce County Michigan. The Bureau of Lighthouse, Department of Commerce and under the consolidation of the U.S. Coast Guard terms of: “Plan II of Reorganization Act of 1939” was looming across the Great Lakes. On the 3rd day of April 1939, the reorganization act received: “Congressional Approval.” Under the “Reorganization Act of 1939” guidelines, Winfield last personnel recommendation did not receive the approvals needed until the 26th day of January 1940.
The recommendation and approval was listed as:
o Position: Keeper
o Grade: Field (Range $1,320 to $1,680)
o Salary: $1,320.00 P.A. plus $180.00 P.A. Quarters.
o Bureau: United States Coast Guard
o District Office: Cleveland, Ohio
o Unit: Vermillion Coast Guard Station
o Vice: Albert F. Brown
o Effective Date: 1st day of February 1940
o Approved by: C. H. Jones, Captain, United States Coast Guard, Chief Personnel Officer Lighthouse Act 6-20-18
Failing Health
Overtime Hebert “Toots” Winfield’s health continued on a downward spiral. It seems his medical condition and worsening symptoms continued to plague him over the past three years were becoming steadily worse. On the 3rd day of May 1940, Winfield was ordered to submit to a complete: “Medical Survey.” After Herbert’s examination was completed, the U.S. Coast Guard Medical Team reported their official diagnoses as: “Shortness of breath caused by exertion which is gradually getting worse.”
Author’s Note:
“On the 1st day of April 1940 at the age of sixty, Winfield’s was living in McMillian, Luce County Michigan. His marital status was listed as: Divorced.”
Winfield next step was to submit his: “Certificate of Medical Examination Disability Retirement Forms” that were due to the U.S. Coast Guard Medical Section located in Washington D.C. On the 8th day of May 1940, Herbert “Toots” Winfield: “Retirement” request from: “Active Duty” was approved in Washington D.C. under the: “Disability, Lighthouse Act of the 4th day of March 1925.” Herbert now had to submit his approved: “Disability Retirement Forms” to U.S. Treasury Department, located in Washington D.C. Winfield’s request was submitted under a personnel recommendation, stated on: “Page No. 26406 of the: Disability, Lighthouse Act of the 4th day of March 1925.” On the 15th day of May 1940, his paperwork was reviewed by Lieutenant, N.R. Stiles, United States Coast Guard, Assistant and Personnel Officer.
Retirement Looming (Health Issues)
Herbert J. Winfield’s actual reason for retirement was listed as: “Veterans Preference.” On the 15th day of May 1940, the United States Government put together Winfield’s retirement & compensation package that was based on his nineteen years, six months and fifteen days of: “Active Government Service.” Winfield received: $664.87/year from the United States Treasury Department as per, “Page No. 26406” and his annual rate that was state in his military records took effect on the 30th day of April 1940. A day later (May 16th), N. R. Stiles, Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Coast Guard, Assistant & Personnel Officer sign the final copy of “Toots” retirement forms. Herbert J. Winfield retired, from “Crisp Point Light-Station” as 1st Assistant and served under Keeper-in-Charge: “Joseph Noah Singleton.”
Records show after Winfield retired, he went back to Mackinac Island, Michigan. Once at home, “Toots” Winfield kept to himself. Unfortunately, his health continued to spiral downward at a very aggressive rate. Herbert J. Winfield passed away a few months after his retirement from the United States Coast Guard. Winfield passed away at the age of sixty-one, on the 23rd day of May 1940 at 6:45 p.m. The coroner listed the cause of Infield’s death as: “Sudden Death.”
“Author’s Final Thoughts”
After researching Herbert “Toots” Winfield’s fascinating life story over the past ten plus years, there are something about his life that makes sense and there are other events in his life that leaving me wondering what really happen to him? During those ten years, I have gone from knowing only bits and pieces to what I now know about the man and his life. Is Winfield larger than life or was his life a real tragedy that started with his father’s early passing? Could it be, he spent most of his life moving from one family member to the next or could it be he was just a product of the environment he was living under? At this point, I firmly believe that these factors played into who Herbert J. Winfield ultimately became. I also believe that’s why his fate mimics some parts of his mother life? But then again, I could be totally wrong? My research continues!
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