:Frank M. Hume

Frank Merton Hume was born on January 7, 1867, to Bedford and Mary Kidder Hume. He had an older sister, Helen Hester (1864–?), and a younger brother, Charles Guy (1872–?).{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |page=3}} Although he was born in Bridgewater, Maine, he spent most of his life in Houlton, Maine.{{cite book |last=Zack |first=Charles Sumner |date=1919 |title=Holyoke in the Great War |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6ccLAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA421 |location=Massachusetts |publisher=Transcript Publishing Company |page=421 |oclc=3443959}} From a young age, Hume had the instincts of a soldier, and enjoyed banding his friends together to create their own "army." He spent most of his time studying history and battles.

At some point, Hume contracted scarlet fever. He recovered, but was left with poor eyesight. Because of this, he was unable to gain admission to West Point, to which he applied after the death of his father.{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |page=4 |oclc=3443959}} This setback did not stop him however. Hume attended Riverview Military Academy in Poughkeepsie, New York, and completed his education at Harvard University.{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |page=5 |oclc=3443959}}

From November 19, 1897, to June 20, 1914, he worked as a postmaster.{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |page=24 |oclc=3443959}}

Hume served in the National Guard, and was commissioned in the 2nd Maine Infantry on April 2, 1894.{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |pages=45–46 |oclc=3443959}}

After he finished school, Hume returned to Bridgewater and formed his own army.{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |page=6 |oclc=3443959}} He was able to secure recognition from the state of Maine. The outfit was designated Company L, National Guard of the State of Maine.{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |page=10 |oclc=3443959}} He continued to gradually earn promotions throughout his service with the Maine militia. He was commissioned major on June 7, 1894. On July 14, 1903, Hume was commissioned lieutenant colonel. Seven years later on July 16, he was commissioned colonel. As colonel, Hume commanded the 2nd Maine Infantry during its service on the Mexican Border from June 19 to October 25, 1916.{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |pages=46 |oclc=3443959}}

Hume enlisted in the 2nd Maine Infantry for the Spanish–American War. During the war, Hume was Captain of Battery B, 1st Battalion, Heavy Artillery Maine Volunteers from June 20 to March 31, 1899.

During World War I, Colonel Hume commanded the 103rd Infantry, which was formed by joining the 2nd Maine Infantry and the old 1st New Hampshire Infantry. He served from September 25, 1917, to April 7, 1919. During the Chemin des Dames engagement, Hume suffered from "shell concussion" and lost hearing in one ear.

Colonel Hume participated in the following engagements:

• Chemin des Dames: February 5 – March 20, 1918
• Toul Sector: April 1 – June 27, 1918
• Second Battle of the Marne: July 4–26, 1918
• St. Mihel Drive: September 12 – October 12, 1918
• Meuse-Argonne Offensive: October 24 – November 6, 1918

On June 16, 1918, he was awarded the Croix de Guerre after the Battle of Seicheprey.{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |page=45}} He also earned the Distinguished Service Medal for "exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services while in command of the 103rd Infantry, during the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne operations."{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |page=46 |oclc=3443959}}

Three days before the armistice, Colonel Hume and Colonel Edward L. Logan were removed from their positions. They were charged with fraternizing with the Germans, but these charges were proved to be "groundless." In actuality, it was their men who were accused, but as commanding officers, they were held responsible.{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |page=89 |oclc=3443959}}{{cite book |last=Sibley |first=Frank Palmer |date=1919 |title=With the Yankee Division in France |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HlYDAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA326 |publisher=Little Brown |page=326}} He was later reinstated on February 4, 1919.{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |page=91 |oclc=3443959}} It was speculated that the Regular Army officers were trying to get rid of any National Guard officers so that the "regulars may get the glory and lead the boys back home".

Hume was known for his thoughtful and considerate nature as a leader. In his biography, "The Old Man" of the 103rd, a soldier who served with him emphasized that Colonel Hume always checked on the boys to ensure they were healthy and comfortable. In one instance, while stationed in Cuba, Hume gave a speech to his troops and warned them to steer away from "whiskey and women".{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |pages=17, 21 |oclc=3443959}}

In November 1920, Hume was appointed treasurer of Aroostook county. He remained in this position till January 1927. On March 1, 1927, he was sworn in as the new collector of customs. On February 5, 1931, Hume was reappointed to the office of Collector of Customs and remained in the position till June 1933.{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |pages=120–121 |oclc=3443959}}

In 1923, Hume became a candidate for the Republican nomination for United States Senator, but later withdrew from the race.

In August 1937, Hume was placed on the retired list of the Maine National Guard with the rank of brigadier general.{{cite book |last=McIntyre |first=Colby |date=1940 |title="The Old Man" of the 103rd |location=Houlton, Maine |publisher=The Aroostook Print Shop |pages=121 |oclc=3443959}}

Hume married Harriette L. Ebbett on November 15, 1893. They had one child.

Frank M. Hume died on June 6, 1939. He was buried on June 8, 1939, in Evergreen Cemetery located in Houlton, Maine.{{cite web |url=http://www.clan-home.org/tree/2/50317.htm |title=Hume, Fran Merton, Col. |author= |website=clan-home |access-date=15 December 2015}}

{{reflist|30em}}

• [http://www2.cary.lib.me.us/GenDB/resources/Pioneer/1957-8-15-Centennial_Edition/K_Page04.pdf Newspaper article on Frank M. Hume]
• [https://worldwar1letters.wordpress.com/the-adventure-unfolds/watchful-waiting-1917/26th-yankee-division/the-commanders/ Soldiers' Mail, Letters from a Yankee Doughboy 1916–1919: The Commanders]
• The Aroostook County Historical & Art Museum [https://www.houltonmuseum.org/frank-hume Houltonmuseum.org]

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Category:1867 births

Category:1939 deaths

Category:Politicians from Houlton, Maine

Category:County officials in Maine

Category:Recipients of the Croix de Guerre (France)

Category:Harvard University alumni

Category:Maine postmasters

Category:United States Army colonels

Category:National Guard (United States) generals

Category:United States Army personnel of World War I