article, newspaper
Catalog Number
2015.33.192Description
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.Soon after World War I broke out (in 1914), Cornelius traveled with a friend to England. While there, Cornelius was made aware of the horrors of the war as wounded British soldiers made their way home.
It was then that he enlisted in the 6th Scottish Rifles at Glasgow, a regiment of 1,000 men. The 6th Scottish Rifles fought in France. Casualties soon reduced the regiment to 180 men.
Soon after joining the 6th Scottish Rifles, it was suggested that Cornelius change his name. "Van Putten" sounded too German to his comrades. So, they named him Patrick Terrence McCoy, or "Kiltie" McCoy for short.
Kiltie then 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.
After the war Kiltie wrote a book titled "Kiltie McCoy: An American Boy With An Irish Name Fighting In France As A Scotch Soldier". He 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 passed away in Los Angeles, CA on 1-13-1943.;Read More