USA > Indiana > Decatur County > History of Decatur County's part in the World War, 1914-1918 > Part 16
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"Private Baxter was severely wounded by enemy shell fire at about 11:00 o'clock on the morning of May 28, 1918.
"His platoon, which was a machine gun platoon, was putting down a barrage on the enemy when Private Baxter was hit by a shell splinter on the knee. He was given first aid by Private Blackorby, and was evacuated to Field Hospital, No. 12. He died as a result of wounds at 2:40 p. 111., May 28, 1918.
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"He was buried May 28, 1918.
"Private Baxter was a brave, faithful soldier, always performing his duties in a prompt and cheerful manner. He had the respect of all his comrades.
"He had participated in the following engagements: Soissons, July 18-22, 1917 ; Toul Defensive, January 15 to April 3, 1918; Montdidier, Noyou, April 25 to May 28, 1918 ; Cantigny, May 28, 1918."
We extend to you the deep sympathy of the American Red Cross.
Sincerely yours,
PAUL KAUFMAN, Acting Director.
JOHN H. BARNES
John H. Barnes was born in St. Paul, Indiana, July 29, 1876. His parents were Edgar and Anna Barnes.
He attended the public schools of St. Paul, and was a member of the Christian Sunday School, and belonged to the Eagles Lodge, of Greensburg.
On May 11. 1917, he enlisted at Indianapolis, and was sent to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, and mustered in May 13, 1917, and assigned to the Engineer Corps, Company A, Second regiment.
His regiment sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia, September 6, 1917.
On the night of June 6, 1918, the Engineering Corps followed the marines into the town of Bouresches, France. The Germans were shelling the place terrifically the next day, when a shell burst, striking John H. Barnes. He was taken to a first aid dressing station, where he died in a short time, his death occurring June 7, 1918, near the town of Bouresches, France, and according to a letter received by his parents from his captain, Tucker S. Wyche, he was laid to rest about three hundred yards north of the church in Bouresches.
Memorial services were held in the opera house in St. Paul. Reverend Murr, of the Methodist church of Milroy, delivered the address.
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"Company A, Second Engineers,
American Expeditionary Forces, Germany, December 21, 1918.
"From C. O. Company A, Second Engineers,
"To Edgar Barnes, St. Paul, Indiana.
"Subject : Details of death of Private Barnes.
"Company A, Second Engineers entered the town of Bouresches on the night of June 6, 1918, immediately after the marines, where the company took up positions in the new front line. This was done in the face of heavy fire from artillery and machine guns. In the course of this action a shell of large calibre struck the house where Private Barnes and several of his comrades were shel- tered, seriously wounding him. He was immediately taken to an advanced dress- ing station where he died.
"Private Barnes was buried about 300 yards north of the church in the town of Bouresches, France.
"Private Barnes proved himself to be an able soldier, and though this was his first under-fire, set a fine example of courage and reserve to his comrades in arms.
(Signed) TUCKER S. WYCHE, Captain Commanding Company."
HOMER GIDDINGS
Homer Giddings was the youngest son of Festes and Alice Giddings. He was born in Westport, Indiana, September 4, 1891, and united with the United Brethren church when a mere boy. His father died when Roe, as he was called, was five years old. At the time of entering the service, he was a lineman for the Union Telegraph Company.
On September 22, 1917, he was assigned to Supply Company, One Hundred
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Twentieth Infantry, at Camp Taylor, and soon went overseas. He was gassed September 2, 1918, wounded in the battle of Argonne Woods; received treat- ment at Forty-first Stationary Hospital and died November 4, 1918.
JOHN M. NESBIT
John Martin Nesbit was the son of William H. and Mary A. Nesbit. He was born in Greensburg July 7, 1887. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church, and attended the Parochial school.
He was in the employ of the New York Central Railroad as brakeman, and enlisted at Indianapolis. December 10, 1917. He was sent to Ft. Thomas. Later he was transferred to Washington Barracks, where he was assigned to Company D, Second regiment, Second division, Engineer corps.
He embarked in February, 1918, from Hoboken, and participated in the battle of Chateau Thierry where he was gassed June 17, 1918. He was in the hospital some time. Upon his release, he was assigned to Company A, Five Hun- dred Second Regular Engineers. He died of fractured pelvis on November 10, 1918, and was buried at the American cemetery, at Nevers Neivre, France, with the services of his church.
Benjamin Turner Strain was the son of Samuel M. and Anna Turner Strain. He was born at Newton, Kansas, June 18, 1896.
He attended the Catholic church and school at Indianapolis, where his parents moved when he was a small boy. Later he made his home with his sister, Mrs. William Snyder, of Greensburg. He was employed as railroad brakeman.
In June, 1917, he enlisted at St. Louis, Missouri, in the Marines, and was
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assigned to Paris Island, South Carolina. He was promoted from private to corporal, May 30. After spending eight months at Paris Island, he went across.
He was one of the gallant marines that rendered such valiant service at Chateau Thierry. He was killed in battle, June 6, 1918, aged 21 years, 9 months, and 18 days.
A Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism was awarded June 28, 1918, by John J. Pershing, and was sent to his sister, Mrs. William Snyder, of North Broadway, Greensburg.
The following was received by his mother, Mrs. Anna T. Strain :
American Expeditionary Forces, United States Army.
Distinguished Service Cross Citation.
Corporal Benjamin Turner Strain, Forty-fifth Company, Fifth regiment, United States Marine Corps.
Distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States, at Chateau Thierry, France, on June 6, 1918, and in recognition of his gallant conduct, I have awarded him, in the name of the president, the Distinguished Service Cross. Awarded on June 28, 1918.
JOHN J. PERSHING, Commander-in-Chief.
United States Army, In Memory of :
Corporal Benjamin Turner Strain, Company 45, Fifth Marines, who was killed in battle June 6, 1918. He bravely laid down his life for the cause of his friends. His name will ever remain fresh in the hearts of his friends and com- rades.
The record of his honorable service will be preserved in the archives of the American Expeditionary Forces.
JOHN J. PERSHING, Commander-in-Chief.
January 27, 1919.
My dear Mrs. Strain :
I note from official records that you have received the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously awarded to your son, Corporal Benjamin T. Strain, United States Marine.
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In the reports of the commanding general of the American Expeditionary Forces, after the name of your son is written, the following citation which briefly tells an inspiring and beautiful story :
"Benjamin T. Strain, corporal, Forty-fifth Company, Fifth regiment, United States Marine Corps,-killed in action at Chateau Thierry, France, June 6, 1918. He gave the supreme proof of that extraordinary heroism which will serve as an example to hitherto untried troops."
BENJ. T. STRAIN
At this time our beloved Nation is sending back to countless thousands of mothers. the sons whom they so unreservedly offered in the cause of humanity and right. Because God has willed otherwise, the Nation is unable to return the son whom you sent forth that civilization might be saved and that the world might be made a better resting place in which to live.
That this noble purpose might be accomplished, your son heroically gave of his best before laying down life itself. The Distinguished Service Cross is the insignia which a grateful Nation had adopted as a token that such heroic service is fully appreciated. It was not ordained that your son should receive this mani- festation of gratitude in person. I trust, however, that the cross will serve as a constant reminder to those he loved that their sacrifice has not been made in vain.
I take this means of again assuring you that, as commandant of the corps to which your son has added glory, I share with you the sorrow caused by his death and the pride inspired by his achievements in the face of death.
Very sincerely yours, (Signed) GEORGE BARNITT, Major General Commandant.
Mrs. Anna T. Strain, 629 West Main street, Greensburg, Indiana.
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OTIS C. JACKSON
Otis Clarence Jackson was born at Harris City, Decatur county, Indiana, on March 23, 1891, and was killed in action at the great battle of Soissons, Chateau Thierry, on July 20, 1918, aged twenty-seven years.
All of his life was spent near the place of his birth, where he received his education and engaged in the farming industry up until his enlistment, April 25, 1917, just nineteen days after this country entered the World war.
Belonging to Company M. Eighteenth Infantry, Second Machine Gun Bat- talion along with Pershing's men, he arrived in France on June 24, 1917, just fifty-five days after his enlistment.
Owing to his short stay in the States, he did not get to visit his home, being constantly on the move, but kept in close touch with them by correspondence.
Of a large family of children, he being the youngest of four boys, was the only direct one of his immediate family in the World's greatest war. He was the son of Lindsey C. and Mary E. Jackson. His father was a veteran of the Civil war. Otis was the fifth Decatur county boy to pay the supreme price in Europe.
SHERMAN PATTON
Sherman H. Patton was the son of David B. and Ida Patton. He was born in Decatur county, February 20, 1889.
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He was married to Myra Dell Brown.
He entered the army October 6, 1917, being stationed at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, in Company M, Three Hundred Thirty-fifth regiment, Eighty-fourth division. From Camp Taylor he was transferred to Camp Sevier, South Carolina, assigned to Company M, One Hundred Nineteenth Infantry, Thirtieth division. On May 12, 1918, he sailed from Hoboken for France.
Sherman and a soldier boy by the name of Edward I. Aker, of Jeffersonville. Indiana, became great friends, and agreed that if anything happened to one of them, and the other ever reached home, he would go to see the family of the one who was killed.
Their regiment was sent to Belgium. These men had passed safely through one engagement with the enemy. After being in the rest trench for some time, eight or ten of them came out together to go into action again, and Sherman remarked to his friend Aker, "Well, they didn't get us in that battle, but I feel they'll get us in this." Just then a bomb burst overhead. All of them were killed, but Aker. This was in "No Man's Land," Belgium, August 6, 1918.
Sherman Patton lies sleeping in far away Belgium, placed beneath the soil by his faithful friend, who, upon his arrival in this country, visited Greensburg, and told the family, as he had promised.
MICHAEL LANDIS
Michael Herbert Landis, son of James and Adelia Miles Landis, was born in Jennings County, Indiana, February 7, 1894. When a small boy he, with his parents, moved to Westport, Decatur county, where he attended school. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Westport in 1915, during a pro- tracted meeting held by Rev. G. E. Swartz.
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On March 11, 1918, his father, who was a Civil war veteran, answered the last roll call, not long before Michael entered the service of his country. He was mustered in at Camp Sherman, May 29, 1918. He sailed soon after and was assigned to Company K, Twenty-sixth Infantry, First division and was quickly on the field of action.
Michael was in the drive at St. Mihiel and after thirty days on the firing line he "went into the West" at the battle of Argonne Forrest, October 5, 1918. He left $10,000.00 insurance to his mother.
The following is a letter from Major General O. Summerall, president of the Society of the First Division:
From: The Society of the First Division.
To: The nearest relative or friend.
I have the honor to forward herewith the card of membership to the Society of the First Division, for Michael Landis, Company K, Twenty-sixth Infantry, who met his death upon the field of honor of the First division.
The unfaltering sacrifice of such soldiers as the above has been the price of the achievements of the First division, American Expeditionary Forces in this war.
O. SUMMERALL,
Major General, U. S. Army, President.
DANNA C. HARROLD
Dana C. Harrold, the son of D. C. and Eva Crum Harrold, was born at Elwood, Indiana, September 11, 1892, and attended school in that place. After moving, with his mother, to south of Greensburg, (his father being dead) he united with the Union Baptist church.
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Just nineteen days after war was declared, Dana enlisted, April 25, 1917, at Gary, Indiana, and was made corporal of the Sixth Coast Artillery Corps. He trained at Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, and was assigned to duty at Ft. Delaware.
He was treated at the Ft. Delaware and the Walter Reed hospitals, Washing- ton, D. C., for lympho sarcona. He was taken to the home of his brother, Dr. Frank Harrold, of Elwood, where he died May 25, 1917, and was buried at El- wood, with military honors. Funeral conducted by Reverend Sellers.
JOSEPH C. OSBORN
Joseph Clarence Osborn was born January 20, 1891, on a farm two and one- half miles northeast of Clarksburg. Indiana. There he spent his boyhood, sharing the home life with five sisters and four brothers.
When he reached school age he was sent to a one-room country school about one mile from his home. He attended this school faithfully for about eight years.
He spent the next eight years in farm work, mostly on his father's farm. He was a faithful worker and always ready to help any one he could.
From early in 1915, until April, 1917, he was employed in a garage at Clarksburg.
When war was declared between the United States and Germany, and the volunteer company was being organized by men from Greensburg, Joseph was one of the first to volunteer. When it was decided that no volunteer companies would be allowed, he went to Indianapolis and enlisted. He left there April 28, 1917, for Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, where he remained a few days. He was then sent to Fort Douglas, Arizona, where he and other raw recruits were used to fill in an old company, Company F, Eighteenth Infantry.
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He was in training only a short time as he was taken ill with meningitis May 26, and died May 28, 1917.
His body was brought back to Clarksburg, and laid to rest in the cemetery there.
CLARENCE RILEY
Clarence Everett Riley, the son of Samuel and Evelyn Riley, was born seven miles south of Greensburg, July 16, 1894.
After completing his common school education he took a course in business college, of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Several years of his life was spent in the West. He was a member of I. O. O. F., No. 103, Sexton Encampment, and Philio Rebekah lodges.
He enlisted in the Indiana National Guards at Rushville, May 30, 1917, about six weeks after war was declared, and was sworn in, June 4. 1917.
Upon his arrival at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, he was assigned to Battery A, One Hundred Thirty-ninth Field Artillery.
He was loud in his praise of the Y. M. C. A. work in camp, and was glad he was able to take his part in the great World war.
He died December 9, 1917, at Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, of measles, which developed into bronchial pneumonia. Age 23 years, 4 months, and 31 days.
The funeral was held in the Christian church in Greensburg, December 17, 1917, under the direction of Rev. F. Z. Burkette. Burial in South Park cemetery, Greensburg.
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EDWARD W. FORKERT
Edward William Forkert was the son of Charles and Lottie Forkert, and was born east of Greensburg February 27, 1896.
He attended the school in his neighborhood, and was an active member of the United Lutheran church, southeast of Greensburg.
He entered the service of his country, April 26, 1918, and was sent to Camp Taylor, and assigned to Company I, First Training Battalion, One Hundred Fifty- ninth Depot Brigade.
He was taken sick during his first week in camp and was sick about three weeks, passing into the Great Beyond May 28. The funeral was held at the United Lutheran church, May 30, Decoration Day, and he was laid to rest in that cemetery. The services were conducted by Rev. William Schimer, his pastor.
JOSEPH H. KINKER
Joseph Henry Kinker was the son of August and Theresia Kinker. He was born at New Point, Indiana, August 1, 1893.
He was a member of the Catholic church at Enochsburg.
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On May 27, 1918, he was assigned to Battery B, One Hundred Forty-second Field Artillery, Thirty-ninth division of the regular army. He was trained at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, and Camp Beauregard, Louisiana.
His division sailed from Hoboken on the "Leviathan" the first part of Sep- tember, 1918, landing at Brest, France, September 12, 1918.
Joseph was taken ill September 15, of pneumonia, and died the fourth day of his illness, September 19, 1918.
He was laid to rest in Keefautias cemetery, France, with a military service, conducted by Chaplain Yates.
WM. B. THEISING
William B. Theising was born in Fugit township on a farm near St. Maurice, on May 23 1897. He received his education and later farmed on his father's farm near St. Maurice, until he was called for service for his country on Septem- ber 4, 1918.
He was sent to Camp Taylor and assigned to Thirteenth Company, Fourth Training Battalion, One Hundred Fifty-ninth Depot Brigade. He was there about three weeks, when he was taken sick and died October 2, 1918, at the age of 21 years, 4 months, and 10 days.
His remains arrived at Greensburg October 4, just one month after he left, and on October 7, he was buried with full military honors at St. Maurice ceme- tery, St. Maurice, Indiana.
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CHAS. W. STEWART
Charles Warren Stewart was the son of John W. and Kate Stewart. He was born five miles from Vevay, Indiana, August 5, 1896. He attended a dis- trict school in Craig township, Switzerland county, and became a member of Center Square Baptist church when a mere boy. He was always in his place in church and Sunday school.
In March, 1914, he moved with his parents to Greensburg, Decatur county, Indiana. He became a member of Modern Woodmen soon after locating in his new home.
Warren was a good and industrious boy, and was fond of his home life.
He enlisted in the engineer branch of the regular army, at Indianapolis, May 31, 1918, and was sent to Humphreys, Virginia, and assigned to Company F, Fifth Engineer Corps.
He was taken ill of Spanish influenza followed by bronchial pneumonia, was sick only four days. He died October 3, 1918, age 22 years, 1 month and twenty- eight days. The father, upon hearing of his illness, started at once for the bed- side of his boy, but reached there the next morning after Warren had passed away.
The funeral was held at the home, conducted by Rev. C. B. Jones, of the Baptist church of Greensburg. Burial at Vevay, Indiana.
Jesse Arnold Jenkins was born near Scipio, Jennings county, Indiana, April 6, 1896.
His father died when he was a small boy. When sixteen years old, he learned the blacksmith trade, and at the time of enlistment into the service he owned and operated a shop in Forrest Hill, and made his home with his mother, Mrs. Anna Jenkins, who after Arnold's entering the army, moved to Columbus, Indiana.
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JESSIE A. JENKINS
He went from Greensburg to Fort Benjamin Harrison June 5, 1918, and was placed in Company I, F. A. R. D., Engineer Corps. On August 12, 1918, he left Fort Benjamin Harrison for Europe. When the transport landed at Liverpool, England, Arnold was sick with pneumonia, and was taken at once to the Sherlock Military Hospital, Liverpool, England, where he died October 10, 1918. He was buried October 14, in Everton cemetery, Liverpool, England, with full mili- tary honors. The chaplain, Rev. Joseph F. Corwell, conducting the services. His grave is number 90, section F, United States division of the cemetery.
HERMAN A. VOGEL
Herman Vogel was born in Greensburg, Indiana, November 10, 1893, and died at Camp Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky, October 12, 1918, of Spanish influ- enza and pneumonia at the age of 24 years, 11 months and 2 days.
He was the oldest son of Frank and Mary Vogel, 1027 North Broadway. Herman was always obedient and industrious. He attended St. Mary's Parochial school, two years in the public schools and took a course in the business college of
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Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was an honored member of the Knights of Colum- bus. In 1916, he went to Iowa and engaged in farming.
He answered the call to the colors July 22, 1918, and was stationed at Prim- gard, Iowa. After his transfer to Camp Taylor, he was assigned to Battery B, Third battalion. He was greatly disappointed because of being sick when the boys were sent across, October I, and never recovered from that illness.
In a letter of sympathy, his commanding officer. Lieutenant Eugene E. Cray expressed :
"The death of Private Herman Vogel is an irreparable loss to the service and is most keenly felt by the officers and men who were associated with him during his period of training.
"He was always a model soldier, and though he was denied the chance to give his life for his country on the field of battle, you may feel justly proud that he gave up his life for the Flag that he loved so well.
"In his last hours, he displayed the greatest courage and never made a com- plaint. The good, clean life. I am sure he lived at home, was continued in the service, and undoubtedly earned the reward of peace and comfort hereafter."
A letter was also received from Reverend Father Donoran stating that he had given Herman the last rights of the church and prepared him for death.
The funeral was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church October 15, 1918. con- ducted by Reverend Father Schneider. Burial in the Catholic cemetery.
LEWIS E. FORD
Lewis E. Ford was born near Tipton, Indiana, October 31, 1890. When a small boy, he moved, with his parents, Reuben and Lydia McGuire Ford, to near
.
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Westport. He united with the Fredonia United Brethren Church in January, 1905, under the pastorate of Reverend W. W. Moore.
On July 12, 1912, he was married to Alma Heavern. Their son, Ralph LeRoy, who was five years old when his father died, makes his home with his mother's parents.
Lewis entered the service of his country August 29, 1918, and was assigned to Company F, One Hundredth regiment, at Camp Custer, Michigan, where he was stricken with influenza, followed by pneumonia and passed into the Great Beyond October 13, 1918. He was sent home and buried in the Westport ceme- tery, October 19, 1918.
HAROLD A. RISK
Harold Addison Risk was born September 21, 1896, in Rush county, Indiana.
He attended school at Milroy, and later at the Deem school. He graduated from common school at the age of seventeen. Harold was a boy loved by all his class-mates. He was always a sickly boy, never able to indulge in the sports of his class-mates.
Harold was inducted into the service September 4, 1918, at Greensburg, and was taken seriously ill shortly afterwards and died of influenza-pneumonia at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, October 13, 1918. The death of Harold Addison Risk was surely one of the tragedies of the great World war.
He was the only child of William and Ida Risk. He was buried at Milroy, Rush county, Indiana.
Walter Roy Morgan was the son of Jolin and Louise Morgan, and was born at Osgood, Indiana, August 23, 1895.
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He, with his parents, moved to Decatur county where Walter attended school at Middlebranch. Later he was employed on a farm near Spring Hill, and became a member of the Presbyterian church and Sunday school of that place.
WALTER R. MORGAN
Walter entered the army at Greensburg August 31, 1918, and was sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio, where he was assigned to Twenty-ninth Company, Eighth Training Battalion, One Hundred Fifty-eighth Depot Brigade.
He was taken ill with influenza October 4, and after being in the hospital ten days, he answered the last roll call, October 14, 1918.
The funeral was conducted by Rev. Walter H. Reynolds of the Presbyterian church of Greensburg, at the Rankin undertaking establishment, with burial at the German Methodist cemetery southeast of Greensburg.
HARRY B. CARMEN
Harry Tomson Carman was born near Burney May 22, 1900, where his parents, Ed and Martha Mabel Tomson Carman, lived until the fall of 1919, moving at that time to north of Indianapolis. He was graduated from Burney
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High School in the spring of 1918, at the age of seventeen years, having attended both the common and high schools there.
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