John H. Smeltzer

John H. Smeltzer was a Mennonite conscientious objector from Indiana imprisoned during World War I. Court-martialed for refusing military service, he was held at Fort Leavenworth. Sentenced to 5 years in prison. (Documented in the Swarthmore College Peace Collection's World War I Conscientious Objectors database.) Archival note: sent to Camp Zachary Taylor; for refusing to work in the camp, was put in guardhouse, hit in the face, knocked unconscious, kicked in the back, jabbed in the hip by a bayonet, strung up by his thumbs, given the cold and hot water treatment, put to bed with seventeen woolen …