Find

article, newspaper

Catalog Number
2015.33.191
Description
Newspaper article about Cornelius V. Van Putten (aka Kiltie McCoy).
History
Cornelius V. Van Putten was born on 12-15-1887 in Holland, MI to Jacob Van Putten (1855-1932) and Jennie Vorst (1860-1940). The family lived at 339 River Ave in Holland, MI (1900 US Census, 1910, 1921, and 1924 city directories). Cornelius was the brother-in-law of Franklin "Cappy" Cappon.

When World War I broke out in 1914 Cornelius in New Orleans. With a friend, he went to England for a job. While there Cornelius was made aware of the horrors of the war as wounded British soldiers made their way home. It was then that Cornelius enlisted in the 6th Scottish Rifles at Glasgow. This regiment of 1,000 men would see battle in France, reducing their number to 180.
Cornelius soon joined the 16th Royal Scots. The 16th fought in the Battle of Arras (also known as the Second Battle of Arras), a British offensive on the Western Front in April and May of 1917. Cornelius was wounded in this battle.
Soon after joining the Scottish military it was suggested that Cornelius change his name. Van Putten sounded too German to his comrades. They named him Patrick Terrence McCoy, or "Kiltie" McCoy for short.

After the war "Kiltie" wrote a book titled Kiltie McCoy: An American Boy With An Irish Name Fighting In France As A Scotch Soldier. Kiltie also toured the country giving lectures on the "ladies from Hell". "Ladies from Hell" was a nickname the Scots earned from the Germans for the kilts they wore and fierce fighting style. He even had a manager at one point, a Wm. J.A. Bailey out of New York City.

Records show that Cornelius married twice and had five children. Cornelius "Kiltie" passed away in Los Angeles, CA on 1-13-1943.
Gift of
Van Putten, David M.