Dedicate Monument at Fort Sheridan Over Grave of Major E. J. Vattman, Chaplain

On Sunday, June 13, at 2 o'clock, a monument will be dedicated at the grave of the Right Rev. Major E. J. Vattman [sic] at the military cemetery at Fort Sheridan. It is expected that Governor Lowden, Colonel Theodore roosevelt, and other prominent friends of the late prelate will be in attendance The Wilmette Post of the Amerian Legion will attend in a body, the Knights of Columbus, Xaverian Club, and other local organizations will send delegations, and a large attendance of friends and admirers is expected to swell the party which will proceed by automobile from the village hall, leaving promptly at 1:30 o'clock.

Long Resident of Wilmette
Upon his retirement from the army with the rank of major, the late chaplain made his home on Lake avenue near ridge avenue. when the war broke out in 1917 he was transferred to the active list at his own earnest petition, though over seventy-five years of age, and again made chaplain at Fort Sheridan. Shortly before he had celebrated his golden jubilee in the priesthood upon which occasion he was raised to the dignity of Monsignor by the Pope.
Major Vattman was a close friend of the late President McKinley and succeeding presidents found use for his services in various capacities in addition to his work as army chaplain. He was especially intimate with the late Theodore Roosevelt, who often visited his aged friend in Wilmette when in this vicinity.

Supported American Legion
The problems of the day interested him to the last and especially those relating to the demobilization and re=absorption into civil life of the great armies returning from the war. He expressed confidence in the ideals and ability of the American Legion and one of his last acts was to arrange a meeting at his home between the officers of the local post and Col. Roosevelt, Col. Foreman, and other workers in the organization.

Prominent on North Shore
In addition to his activities as an army chaplain Major Vattman was a leader in north shore church, educational and civic affairs. He was for many years an active member of the Board of Education of New Trier Township High School and member of the Wilmette Park Board. In consideration of his excellent work with the Park board the former West Side park now bears his name. He was continuously in demand as a public speaker at patriotic gatherings and one of the leaders in the Chicago Diocese of the Catholic Church. Prior to his first retirement from the army he was in charge of religious education in the Philippines by express appointment by President Theodore Roosevelt.
As a member of the Wilmette Park Board Major Vattman came into close touch with the children of the village. His great love for children was expressed in constant effort on his part to provide for them adequate playgrounds and recreation centers.
The ceremony will consist of an address and eulogy, and the unveiling of the monument which will then be officially accepted on behalf of the United States by the Commandant of the fort. It is expected that the party which will leave here at 1:30 o'clock will be back at 3 o'clock.
The list of donors to the Vattman monument, which is to be dedicated on Sunday, includes the names of several illustrious friends of the famous army chaplain and public spirited citizens. The list follows:
The Roosevelt family, William Howard Taft, Governor Frank O. Lowden, J. Ogden Armour, Samuel Insull, Samuel Dingee, Col. G. A. Ryan, New Trier Township High School, Rev. Father Netstraeter, Rev. Father G. B. Deville, Rev. Father N. Kramer, Sisters of the Divine Providence; Mount Emmanuel, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Miss Frances Sweeney, Miss M. Hartnett, Mrs. Mary J. Driscoll; Miss Anna Schindler, Vattmanville, Texas; Owen Garrity, Highland Park, Illinois; M. Maller.