Elliott White Springs (1896 - 1959)

Born 31 Jul 1896 in Lancaster, Lancaster, South Carolina, United States

Ancestors

Died 15 Oct 1959 at age 63 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States

Biography

Elliott was born in 1896. He passed away in 1959.

• Col.Springs was an ACE during WWI and former CEO & President of Springs Industries.
• Springs was born to Col. Leroy Springs and Grace Allison White Springs. His father was a noted South Carolina textiles manufacturer.[citation needed] Springs attended Culver Military Academy, and then Princeton University.[1]
• Springs enlisted in the United States Army in the autumn of 1917. He was sent to England to train with the [Royal Flying Corps], and was selected by the Canadian flying ace Billy Bishop to fly the S.E.5 with 85 Squadron over France. After claiming three destroyed and one 'out of control' with 85 Squadron, Springs was shot down on 27 June 1918 by Lt. Josef Raesch of Jasta 43. After recovering from wounds received, he was reassigned to the U.S. Air Service's 148th Aero Squadron, flying the Sopwith Camel[1]

On 3 August 1918, while escorting Airco DH.9 bombers, Springs shot down three Fokker D.VII scouts in flames. On 22 August 1918 he attacked five Fokker DVIIs, shooting down one into a wood near Velu. He sent another enemy aircraft 'out of control'. On 22 August 1918 he engaged three Fokker DVIIs, and Springs claimed two shot down, with one 'out of control'.[citation needed]

By 24 September 1918 Springs had claimed 10 victories destroyed, 2 shared destroyed and 4 driven down 'out of control'. He had shared three wins with such squadron mates as Lieutenants Henry Clay and Orville Ralston.[1][2] Also about this time Springs rose to command the 148th as it and the 17th Aero Squadron joined the 4th Pursuit Group.[1]

• Springs profligate life changed in 1931 when his father died and he took over running the family textile firm.

Though the firm was heavily mortgaged, Springs saved the company while, among other things, slashing his own salary. Springs even put a loom in his basement to try out new ideas. Because of his actions, the family firm made it through the Great Depression which saw many of his competitors close.

• Springs continued to run Springs Cotton Mills until shortly before his death. He died of pancreatic cancer.[3]

His home, known as the William Elliott White House, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.[4][5]

See also

Sources

• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/44658073/elliott-white-springs : accessed 23 August 2021), memorial page for COL Elliott White Springs (31 Jul 1896–15 Oct 1959), Find a Grave Memorial ID 44658073, citing Unity Cemetery, Fort Mill, York County, South Carolina, USA ; Maintained by DSM (contributor 46945108) .