Vernal Wedsel Ross was born on April 10th, 1901, in Salt Rock, Cabell County, to Stanton and Eliza (McComas) Ross. He lived in Salt Rock and entered service on June 29th, 1917. He trained at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, and was a part of Company H of the 150th Infantry Regiment (part of the West Virginia National Guard). He was assigned as a Private, serial number 1559801, to Company B of the 7th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division, US Army. He was killed in action in France on October 14th, 1918. His remains were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT WHEATON on August 6th, 1921, and arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery, West Hamlin, West Virginia. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Vernal W. Ross - Cabell County of WWI Memorial Boulevard

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In the Service of Their Country by Benjamin Woodard

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Private Vernal W. Ross; Born 10 Apr 1901 – Salt Rock, WV; Died 14 Oct 1918 – France; Co. B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division – US Army

Private Vernal W. Ross

Director

The trees lining Memorial Boulevard were planted in the 1920s to honor the soldiers from Cabell County who died while serving their country during World War I. In addition to the digital entries in Clio that guide you along the Boulevard, there are eight physical signs on the south side of Memorial Boulevard and seven physical signs on the north side of the street with the soldiers' basic information. Users can review these physical signs as they walk, and/or they can use this entry and its contributing entries tour - seen to the right - to guide their path. This trail runs from 7th St. West to 13th St. West along both sides of Memorial Boulevard and is a 1.4-mile loop. The Clio pages are ordered to start at the 7th Street end and follow the south (park) side west and towards Harvey Road. After arriving at 13th St. West, the Clio entries guide the user back and provide information about each tree planted on the north (railroad) side of the street.  Residents of Huntington planted ninety-one trees that lined the north and south sides of Huntington’s Memorial Boulevard between 1920 and 1927. Each tree was dedicated to a soldier from Cabell County who died in World War I. Memorial Boulevard was first opened to the public on Armistice Day (now Veterans Day) 1927, but planning began shortly after the war and before the establishment of the Board of Park Commissioners. According to Col. George S. Wallace in his Cabell County Annals and Families, a major goal of the early park commissions (both the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs had a committee for parks) “was a Memorial Boulevard for the World War soldiers to extend along the north bank of Fourpole Creek from 7th Street West to about 12th Street West,” which was, “to have memorial trees planted on each side and a proper memorial at the entrance to the driveway.”  The first tree was planted in 1920 by Huntington’s mayor, C.W. Campbell, and the Rotary Club president, Thomas F. Bailey. All 91 had been planted by November 1927 and a record of each tree’s dedication was set down in the records of the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District (the names were also recorded on a plaque on the left buttress of the east side of the arch, but it is not known when this was placed). However, there are at least three errors in the dedication (not counting misspellings resulting in incorrect dedication order). The first is that Ora Herbert Watts is honored twice, on trees 88 and 89, under his first and middle names. The second is that Russell Corbett Dillard was included (tree 25), who, though he served in the war, lived through it and died in 1974 (his name was eventually removed from the plaque on the arch). The third is that Letson Boyd Morrison (tree 58) was included a second time as James B. White (tree 90), the pseudonym under which he enlisted. The trees were originally marked by metal crosses (donated by the International Nickel Company), which were placed at each tree by the Boy Scouts and the American Legion on Armistice Day 1927, shortly before the first cars drove across Memorial Boulevard. These were melted down (with permission) for World War II manufacturing. The trees were again marked, this time simply by yellow ribbons, during the Persian Gulf War by Owens-Illinois glass plant employees. For Veterans Day 2016, the trees were marked with ribbons and signs by the Buford Chapter, NSDAR, directed by their Chapter Regent, Pat Daugherty. Now marking the trees, unveiled on Veterans Day 2017, are 15 permanent signs with newly-researched information on the soldiers. This was part of Benjamin Woodard’s (Troop 62, Huntington, WV) Eagle Scout Project. He also created this Clio entry/walking tour, a website, and a book compiling his research.

This boulevard/walking tour begins at a stone that was dedicated by the Colonial Dames to honor the eighty-eight men of Cabell County who perished in World War I. The tour includes all of the trees lining Memorial Boulevard that were planted between 1920 and 1927 in honor of the local soldiers who died in the Great War. The tour can be followed via the contributing entries for each soldier by clicking the "Take The Tour" button (above and to the right). This walking tour is designed to start on the south side of Memorial Boulevard at the 7th Street West end, continue to 13th Street West, and return to the starting position after stops at memorial trees on the opposite side of the street. Please note that the soldiers are not in exact alphabetical order because of errors in the original dedication.

Huntington lawyer George S. Wallace, a veteran of the Spanish American War and World War I, initiated the movement to create a memorial honoring fallen soldiers of World War I from Cabell County shortly after the armistice that ended the war. The Cabell County War Memorial Association was formed in the early 1920s, and dedicated ten years to raising the $40,000 necessary to construct the monument. The first corner stone was laid on November 11, 1924, Armistice Day. It took almost eight years of intermittent construction as funding was available to complete the arch. On November 11, 1929, Armistice Day, city leaders dedicated the arch with a ceremony attended by over a thousand people according to a Huntington Advertiser article from June 09, 1929. Many state and local politicians, veterans, and residents attended the ceremony. In 1981, this memorial was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 2000 a time capsule was buried at the Arch not to be opened until 2050.  West Virginia mustered roughly 58,000 soldiers to fight in World War I, and an estimated 5,000 died in service from either the influenza epidemic or in battle. Many West Virginia soldiers are buried in France, and Arlington National Cemetery. No Medals of Honor were awarded to West Virginia Soldiers; however, several won the French Croix de Guerre. West Virginia has a strong link to war service ranging from World War I &amp; II, Korea, and Vietnam. "World War I memorials may be seen at Welch, Logan, Martinsburg, and at the West Virginia Veterans Memorial in Charleston. The War Memorial in Kimball was the first building in the country erected to honor African-Americans who fought in World War I." (Leatherwood) Of the 58,000 West Virginians that served in World War I, roughly 11,000 African American men fought while African American women served as nurses, telephone operators or clerks. Historian Jenifer Keene notes that “over 96 percent of the 367,710 Blacks who served during the war were conscripted. African Americans formed 13 percent of the wartime army, even though they only represented 10 percent of the civilian population.” Whether or conscripted or volunteered, West Virginians honorably served in World War I.

The 42-foot tall arch was built by the Cabell County War Memorial Association during the 1920s to honor the men of Cabell County who served in World War I. The arch contains a plaque listing the names of each man from the county who gave his life in the war, 91 in total. The first cornerstone was laid on November 11, 1924, and the completed arch was dedicated on November 11, 1929. In addition to this memorial, the county planted 91 trees in honor of the men from Cabell County who lost their lives serving in the armed forces during the war. 

Huntington West Virginia World War I Memorial Arch

(NOTE: Davis is the farthest east tree and soldier on the south side of Memorial Boulevard.)

Born 2 Sep 1887 – Huntington, WV; Died 14 Oct 1918 – France; Machine Gun Co., 165th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Brigade, 42nd Division - US Army

2nd Lieutenant Henry W. Davis

Tolbert Adkins was born on March 8th, 1886, in Bartram, Cabell County, to Cain and Josephine Adkins. He entered national service in May 1917 after having served in the West Virginia National Guard for about 10 years. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 53059, to Company C of the 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Division, US Army, and sailed for France on the SAN JACINTO on June 14th, 1917. He was wounded in action and died of his wounds in France on October 12th, 1918. His remains were shipped home from Cherbourg on the USAT WHEATON on May 1st, 1921, and were buried in Wayne County’s Cedar Cliff Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Tolbert Adkins; Born 8 Mar 1886 – Cabell County, WV; Died 12 Oct 1918 – France; Co. C, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Division - US Army

Private Tolbert Adkins

Herbert W. Arthur was born on December 15th, 1893, in Huntington to Samuel P. and Laura Arthur. He was residing in Huntington when he entered service on May 22nd, 1916. He trained at Camp Sherman, Ohio, and became a Private First Class in Motor Truck Company No. 44 of the Motor Truck Group at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was wounded on the Mexican border but died on August 23rd, 1917, at the Fort Sam Houston Base Hospital of pneumonia. He was buried in Timberlake Cemetery, Cherokee, Oklahoma. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private 1st Class Herbert W. Arthur; Born 15 Dec 1893 – Huntington, WV; Died 23 Aug 1917 – Ft. Sam Houston, TX; Motor Truck Co. No. 44, Motor Truck Group, Ft. Sam Houston - US Army

Private 1st Class Herbert W. Arthur

Raymond Ray Beckett was born on February 8th, 1893, in Salt Rock, Cabell County, to Frank M. and Martha Beckett. He lived in Salt Rock and worked as a C&amp;O Railroad laborer. He entered service on October 5th, 1917, and became a Private, serial number 1559893, in Company H of the 28th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Division, US Army. He was killed in action on July 19th, 1918, in Soissons, France. His remains were shipped home from Antwerp on the USAT SOMME on April 22nd, 1921, and arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, on May 6th, 1921. He was buried in Salt Rock’s Enon Cemetery. He was honored on the First Division Memorial at Buzancy, France. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Raymond R. Beckett; Born 8 Feb 1893 – Salt Rock, WV; Died 19 Jul 1918 – France; Co. H, 28th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Division - US Army

Private Raymond R. Beckett

Due to the passage of 100 years, it is only known that Granville Boswell was from Cabell County.  [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Granville Boswell

John L. Callicoat was born on October 2nd, 1888, in Scottown, Ohio, to H.F. and Barbara Callicoat. He enlisted on February 1st, 1912, and was assigned to Company I of the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division, US Army, by November 1st. He was discharged with the rank of Artificer (mechanical expert) on February 20th, 1915. He married Olga Callicoat, lived in Proctorville, Ohio, and worked as a farm laborer. He entered service again on July 22nd, 1918, and was sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio, for training. He was a Private, serial number 3534735, in the 29th Company of the 8th Training Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade at Camp Sherman until August 19th, 1918, when he was transferred to Company K of the 336th Infantry Regiment, 168th Infantry Brigade, 84th Division, US Army. He sailed for France on September 9th, 1918, and, not long after arrival, contracted pneumonia, dying on October 4th, 1918, (2 days after his 30th birthday) in France. However, it was said at home that he died in the sinking of the SS WARILDA: <blockquote>PROCTORVILLE BOYS KILLED</blockquote><blockquote>NAME OF YOUNG OHIOANS APPEAR IN CASUALTY LIST…</blockquote><blockquote>John Callicoat Lost in Sinking of Warilda</blockquote><blockquote>The names of two Proctorville, O., boys appear in the casualty list today….</blockquote><blockquote>John Callicoat was lost in the sinking of the steamship Warilda. His next of kin is given as Mrs. Olga Callicoat, Proctorville.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 14th, 1918 In fact, this hospital ship was sunk by a submarine on August 3rd, 1918, so this is definitely a mistaken report. His remains were sent home from Bordeaux on the USAT WHEATON on November 29th, 1920, arriving in Hoboken, New Jersey, on December 15th. He was buried in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Proctorville, Ohio. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private John L. Callicoat; Born 2 Oct 1888 – Scottown, OH; Died 4 Oct 1918 – France; Co. K, 336th Infantry Regiment, 168th Infantry Brigade, 84th Division - US Army

Private John L. Callicoat

Mareans (or Marean) Sanford Carter was born on October 4th, 1890, in Cabell County to John D. and Cynthia Carter. He married Virgie M. Hicks on May 5th, 1917, and lived in Milton. He trained at Camp Lee, Virginia, and was assigned as a Corporal, serial number 1851361, to Company F of the 145th Infantry Regiment, 73rd Infantry Brigade, 37th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the LEVIATHAN on June 15th, 1918. According to a comrade: <blockquote>Corp. Mareans S. Carter was killed in action September 26th, 1918, while advancing on the Argonne drive under heavy enemy shell fire. Corp. Carter was killed by a explosive shell about one mile to the left of Montfaucon.</blockquote> He was buried in an isolated grave near where he fell until he was moved to the Argonne American Cemetery. His remains were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT CANTIGNY on July 21st, 1921. They arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, and he was buried in Milton’s Zoar (now Keaton) Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Corporal Mareans S. Carter; Born 4 Oct 1890 – Cabell County, WV; Died 26 Sep 1918 – France; Co. F, 145th Infantry Regiment, 73rd Infantry Brigade, 37th Division - US Army

Corporal Mareans S. Carter

George Lee Church was born on September 12th, 1898, in Huntington to Dorsey Wilburn and Laura Belle Hanshaw Church. He lived in west Huntington and entered service on April 6th, 1916. He saw service on the Mexican border and was stationed at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 1559872, to the Camp Shelby Replacement Draft (April) Infantry before he sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the GREAT NORTHERN on May 2nd, 1918. He was transferred to the Machine Gun Company of the 28th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Division, US Army, and promoted to Private First Class. He died of wounds received in action on October 10th, 1918, in the Argonne Forest, France. <blockquote>GEORGE L. CHURCH DIES OF WOUNDS</blockquote><blockquote>HURTS RECEIVED IN ACTION FATAL TO LOCAL BOY</blockquote><blockquote>Well Known Athlete Added to List of Huntington Men Who Have Made Sacrifice</blockquote><blockquote>Mr. and Mrs. D.W. Church, of 841 Virginia Avenue, have been notified of the death of their son, George L. Church, in France, on October 10. He died of wounds received in action, according to the report. He was twenty years old, and was a well known athlete.</blockquote><blockquote>Young Church is survived by one sister, Miss Helen Church, and two brothers, Claud and Wilburn, besides his parents.</blockquote><blockquote>He was a member of Company I, 15th infantry [incorrect], and was stationed at Camp Shelby before he embarked for France in April.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 8th, 1918 His remains were sent home from Cherbourg on the USAT WHEATON on May 1st, 1921, and he was buried in Huntington’s Woodmere Cemetery.  [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private First Class George L. Church; Born 12 Sep 1898 – Huntington; Died 10 Oct 1918 – France; 21st Machine Gun Co., 28th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Division - US Army

Private 1st Class George L. Church

Laurence Joseph Condon was born on September 4th, 1895, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to John B. Condon. He lived in Huntington and enlisted in the Navy at Parkersburg, West Virginia, on April 2nd, 1917. He became a Commissary Steward on the USS MARTHA WASHINGTON of the Navy Reserve Force. He died on August 6th, 1918, in the Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia, of cerebrospinal fever. <blockquote>LAWRENCE [sic] CONDON DIES IN SERVICE</blockquote><blockquote>DEATH FOLLOWS RETURN FROM TRIP TO FRANCE</blockquote><blockquote>Had Volunteered His Service to Uncle Sam And Was in Transport Work</blockquote><blockquote>Lawrence J. Condon is dead.</blockquote><blockquote>News came over the wire to his father in Williamson Tuesday from the naval base hospital at Portsmouth, Va., but no details were given.</blockquote><blockquote>John B. Condon, the father, received a letter from his son Tuesday. The missive was forwarded from a port in France, and at the time of the writing the young man was apparently in the best of health.</blockquote><blockquote>When his father was manager of the Hotel Frederick here, young Condon was steward of the hostelry and had a host of friends not only among Huntington people but among the traveling men who regularly visited Huntington.</blockquote><blockquote>He made several ineffectual attempts to enlist in the Army following the outbreak of the war but was finally accepted for transport service. His fiancé, Miss Myrtilla Watters of 1743 Fifth avenue, was grief stricken yesterday when she learned of young Condon’s death. She had received a letter but a few days ago from him in which he expressed the hope that on his return trip he might be able to visit Huntington.</blockquote><blockquote>No arrangements have been made for the funeral. Major Condon has gone to Portsmouth to bring the body of his son home.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, August 8th, 1918 He was buried in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Garden View, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, following a touching ceremony and funeral procession: <blockquote>Impressive Tributes Paid To Lawrence [sic] J. Condon</blockquote><blockquote>Former Huntingtonian Buried With Military Honors – Newspapers Unite in Paying Tribute to Huntington Man Who Died in Service</blockquote><blockquote>How Lawrence J. Condon, former Huntingtonian, who died in service was buried with military honors, is told in the following clippings from the Williamsport, Pa., Gazette and Bulletin of August 12:</blockquote><blockquote>LAWRENCE J. CONDON BURIED WITH ALL THE HONORS OF WAR</blockquote><blockquote>Impressive Service Held at Church of Annunciation Large Military Escort</blockquote><blockquote>The funeral of Lawrence J. Condon, son of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Condon, was held yesterday afternoon, with services at 2 o’clock at the Church of the Annunciation. Prior to the funeral, the escort, composed of the Renasz band: Company H, Pennsylvania Reserve Militia; the Spanish War Veterans; Reno post, Grand Army of the Republic; Knights of Columbus, Council 366 and a delegation from Sons of Veterans, all under the direction of Marshal James E. Gibbons, marched from the corner of Fourth and Pine streets to the residence and escorted the body to the church.</blockquote><blockquote>The deceased was a commissary steward in the United States navy and the pallbearers were all from the navy, three being from the local recruiting office and three from the Scranton office who came here for this special purpose. On each side of the hearse an American flag was carried, with a color guard detailed from Company H.</blockquote><blockquote>At the church the body was carried to the altar, were the funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Father Costello, who preached a very impressive sermon.</blockquote><blockquote>Following these services, the escort took the body to Mt. Carmel cemetery, where, after the flag-draped casket had been lowered into the grave, with the usual service, a squad from Company H fired a salute and the bugler played “Taps”.</blockquote><blockquote>Commissary Steward Condon was 22 years old, having been born in Williamsport on September 4, 1895. Last year he enlisted in the navy, had received promotions, and was in line to go still higher. He was well known in this community, and was well liked and highly respected by all who knew him. He died last week at the Portsmouth navy yard after a short illness.</blockquote><blockquote>DAVID’S TRIBUTE TO LAWRENCE J CONDON</blockquote><blockquote>Gives Impression When Casket Passed Under Great Service Flag at the Church</blockquote><blockquote>Yesterday afternoon, in company with one of the most distinguished newspaper writers of Philadelphia, I stood bareheaded along the curb as the military funeral of Lawrence J. Condon passed by. I knew Lawrence personally. I knew his father, but not his mother. He was a son of whom everybody in our city can truthfully say “He honored his father and mother.” When the procession reached the Church of the Annunciation and as the casket was taken from the hearse and carried up the steps, passing under the large service flag over the doorway which contained a star for Lawrence, I thought of the golden star that will soon replace the blue star on this large flag, and as I looked out over the vast throng gathered here, standing bareheaded in respect for him who had given his life that you and I might live in a world of freedom and true Americanism, my soul lifted itself up to God in prayer and I thought I could almost see God and the Great White Throne – and Lawrence receiving his Crown of Gold.</blockquote><blockquote>DAVID.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, August 17th, 1918 [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Commissary Steward Laurence J. Condon; Born 4 Sep 1895 – Williamsport, PA; Died 6 Aug 1918 – Portsmouth Naval Hospital, VA; USS Martha Washington - US Navy

Commissary Steward Laurence J. Condon

William Byron Corn was born on September 2nd, 1889, in Mason County, West Virginia, to Samuel S. and Adelia Corn. He worked as a coal miner in New Cumberland, Hancock County, West Virginia, and entered service on May 18th, 1918. He sailed for France from Newport News, Virginia, on the DUKE D AOSTA at noon on July 26th, 1918, as a Private, serial number 3175194, in the 22nd Provisional Company of the July Infantry Replacement (White). He was transferred to Company B of the 61st Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division, US Army. He caught pneumonia and died on September 27th, 1918, in France. His remains were sent home from Bordeaux on the USAT WHEATON on January 24th, 1921, and they arrived at Hoboken, New Jersey, on February 10th. He was buried in Hancock County’s New Cumberland Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private William B. Corn; Born 2 Sep 1889 – Mason County, WV; Died 27 Sep 1918 – France; Co. E, 61st Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division - US Army

Private William B. Corn

Henry Crabtree lived in Huntington and was a Sergeant First Class at the Cooks &amp; Bakers School of the Quartermaster School at Camp Lee, Virginia. He died at Camp Lee of pneumonia on January 21st, 1918. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Sergeant 1st Class Henry Crabtree; Unknown; Died 21 Jan 1918 – Camp Lee, VA; Cooks & Bakers School, Camp Lee - US Army

Sergeant 1st Class Henry Crabtree

Clifford L. Crawford was born on December 7th, 1892, in Huntington to Robert C. and Lydia Belle Crawford. In 1917, he lived at 839 Findlay Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, worked as a machinist helper at Bickett Machine Company, and had 2 years of service as a Seaman in the Navy. He entered service in the Navy on June 30th, 1917, at the Cincinnati Recruiting Station and was assigned as a Seaman 2nd Class, serial number 105-46-01, to the Receiving Ship at Norfolk, Virginia, until August 24th. He was assigned to the collier (coal carrier) USS Cyclops, which served around the east coast plus took a trip to Nova Scotia, until January 8th 1918, when she left Norfolk with 9,960 tons of coal. She fueled British ships in the South Atlantic, docked at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on January 28th, and left on February 16th, 1918, with 10,800 tons of manganese ore. She docked at Bahia, Brazil, and made an unscheduled loading stop at Barbados, leaving on March 4th, 1918. She was scheduled to arrive in the United States on March 13th. However, after leaving Barbados, she was never heard from again. The families were notified of the crewmembers’ disappearance: <blockquote>HUNTINGTON BOY CYCLOPS VICTIM</blockquote><blockquote>WAS MEMBER OF CREW OF LOST MYSTERY SHIP</blockquote><blockquote>L.W. Self, Uncle of Lost Youth, Receives News That Nephew Was Member of Crew</blockquote><blockquote>L.W. Self, a well known Ohio Valley Electric railway trainman has received information to the effect that his nephew, Clifford Crawford, was among the crew of the ill-fated Cyclops, the collier which disappeared mysteriously late in March, and of whose fate nothing has been heard.</blockquote><blockquote>Young Crawford was born in Huntington, his father being Robert Crawford, a former Huntington employee of the C&amp;O railway, who lost his life in an accident at Covington, Ky.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, June 1st, 1918 The Navy officially declared the ship missing two weeks after this article, on June 14th, 1918.Many theories have been offered to explain the Cyclops’s evidence-less disappearance, which most likely occurred in the famed Bermuda Triangle. It was discovered that the captain, George Worley, was actually Johann Wichmann of Germany, and that there might have been a near-mutiny by the crew. These discoveries led to conclusions of a failed mutiny or even of the ship sailing to Germany. Another ship, the tanker Amolco, reported sighting her on March 9th, the day before some rough weather off of Virginia. However, the reported sighting does not fit with the ship’s speed, and the captain of the Amolco later denied it. U-boats were originally considered, but the Germans never claimed what would have been a grand prize. After the war, no German records mentioned a U-Boat even in the vicinity. Many strange incidents, as well as incompetence or insanity, have been reported about the captain, but the most logical conclusions rest on the fact that the ship reported one unseaworthy engine while in Rio de Janeiro and that the ship’s crew was unexperienced in carrying ore. Manganese ore is much denser than coal, so it seems likely that the ship was overloaded (especially after the refueling stop in Barbados) and improperly “trimmed” (the load was likely to shift). More likely than not, a combination of all of these factors, possibly topped off by one freak wave, caused the ship to suddenly capsize. Crawford is still regarded as Missing in Action. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Seaman 2nd Class Clifford L. Crawford; Born 7 Dec 1892 – Huntington; Died 14 Jun 1918 – USS Cyclops; USS Cyclops - US Navy

Seaman 2nd Class Clifford L. Crawford

Russel Corbett Dillard was born on July 2nd, 1892, in Broadway, Virginia. In 1910 he lived at 1831 Virginia Avenue, Huntington, and worked as a barber. Though he served in World War I, he lived through it, married Wilma (Wilcher) Dillard, and died on March 15th, 1974, at the Huntington VA Hospital. He was accidentally included in the original dedication of the Memorial Trees, though his name was later removed from some records. There is now simply one blank line on the plaque on the Memorial Arch which lists the names of the other soldiers. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Russel C. Dillard; Russel Dillard was a WWI Veteran but actually lived through the war and died in 1974

Russel C. Dillard

Curtis Alexander Dye was born on November 28th, 1890, in Slate, Wirt County, West Virginia, to Sylvester and Affie Dye. He lived at 215 Richmond Avenue, Huntington, and worked as a shipping clerk. He was inducted into service on April 2nd, 1918, and sent to Camp Lee, Virginia, for training. He was a Private, serial number 2472069, in Company B of the 305th Ammunition Train. He sailed for France as a Private First Class in Company B of the 313th Machine Gun Battalion, 159th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Newport News, Virginia, on the MERCURY on May 24th, 1918. His unit trained for several months in France before going to the front in August. They served in multiple actions up to end of the war. On October 4th, 1918, the unit began a large attack around Nantillois, France, which continued for several days. On October 6th, Private Dye and another member of his company, Corporal John Conway, were killed in action and buried near where they fell in a shell hole grave near the Bois de Beuge (“bois” is “wood”). His mother received word of his death a month later: <blockquote>CURTIS A. DYE OF GUYANDOTTE DIES IN BATTLE</blockquote><blockquote>Telegram Received Yesterday by Mother, Mrs. Ed Vogt, of Richmond Street.</blockquote><blockquote>KILLED IN ACTION ON SIXTH OF OCTOBER</blockquote><blockquote>Well Known Young Man Left Here On April 2 For Camp Lee.</blockquote><blockquote>A telegram received yesterday by Mrs. Ed Vogt of Richmond street, Guyandotte, brought news of the death of her son, Curtis A. Dye, who was killed in action in France in October 6.</blockquote><blockquote>This young soldier, whose star has turned to gold, was a well known automobile worker before he left Huntington on April 2 with a contingent of selectives for Camp Lee. He had been overseas for several months and his letters home indicated that he was finding the life of a soldier full of wonderful thrills. They were always cheerful and courageous in tone. It had been many weeks since he had last written.</blockquote><blockquote>He was a private in Company B, 313th Machine Gun Battalion.</blockquote><blockquote>He leaves, besides his mother, Mrs. Vogt, one brother, Herbert H. Dye, a well known young business man of this city and financier of Huntington Lodge No. 21, Ancient Order of United Workman. Private Dye was also a member of this order and of Johnson Memorial M.E. church, south.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 6th, 1918 His mother originally requested that his remains be sent home for burial quickly. However, the chaplain who buried Dye and Conway recorded conflicting coordinates and descriptions for their burial location; he first says that they were buried in separate graves near a road, but gives coordinates well within the wood; he later reports that they were buried in the same grave and gives coordinates well south of the road. Neither soldiers’ grave was found after the war, and an investigation was commenced. Each soldiers’ description was compared to Unknowns in the area and the chaplain was contacted and sent back a map with their grave marked. However, the information still conflicted, so they sent a map back to the chaplain for him to mark. He did not reply, and they were not able to find their grave, so the investigation was closed. Both Dye and Conway were honored on the Tablets of the Missing at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France. Dye’s mother was offered a Gold Star pilgrimage to visit the memorial, but declined with these words: <blockquote>…if I went I don’t feel that it would do me any good not knowing when I got there [if] I would be looking on some one else[‘s] grave instead of my boy Curtis so I feel that as every thing is over I will not go. I gave him up for a good cause…</blockquote> His family placed a stone in his memory in the Dye Cemetery, Mineral Wells, Wood County, West Virginia.Now, 100 years later, the World War One Centennial Commission’s Doughboy MIA project has commenced a new investigation into Conway and Dye’s location. They currently believe (October 2018) that their bodies were actually found in 1929, but in a different location than those provided by the chaplain; however, they are continuing to investigate as this case remains open. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private 1st Class Curtis A. Dye; Born 28 Nov 1890 – Slate, WV; Died 6 Oct 1918 – France; Co. B, 313th Machine Gun Battalion, 159th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division – US Army

Private 1st Class Curtis A. Dye

Pearl Elliott was born on June 5th, 1892, in West Virginia to Richard Winfrey Elliott. He lived in Proctorville, Ohio, and enlisted on June 27th, 1916, in Huntington. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 1558662, to Company B of the 2nd West Virginia Infantry. He was mustered into federal service with this unit on July 1st, 1916, and mustered out on March 27th, 1917. He was recalled into federal service on April 6th, 1917, and assigned to the Camp Shelby Replacement Draft (April) Infantry. He sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the GREAT NORTHERN on May 2nd, 1918. He was transferred to Company M of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade, 2nd Division, US Army, and fought at Chateau Thierry, Aisne-Marne, Marbache, St. Mihiel, Limey, and the Meuse-Argonne. He was gassed on June 14th, 1918. He was fighting in the Champagne sector when, according to a comrade (Sergeant James Bonner of Company M), “Pvt. ELLIOTT was killed instantly on October 3, 1918 by a piece of shrapnel which hit him in the head.” He was originally buried in an isolated grave that was not found until 1925. His father had previously written, “owing to the poor condition in health of my wife and myself I kindly request that the body of my son be left in France. My wife is in such poor health I fear she would be overcome by grief.” He was therefore reburied in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery on April 16th, 1925. His stepmother (who had raised him since he was 6 years old) was given the opportunity to visit his grave via the Gold Star pilgrimages offered to mothers and widows of soldiers buried overseas, but she declined because of her health, writing, “I would love to make the trip if I was able [as] I thought as much of the Boy as I did my one."  [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Pearl Elliott; Born 5 Jun 1892 – WV; Died 3 Oct 1918 – France; Co. M, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade, 2nd Division – US Army

Private Pearl Elliott

Delbert O. Fisher was born on March 17th, 1882, in Goldtown, Jackson County, West Virginia, to James L. and Alice Fisher. He enlisted in the US Army on May 5th, 1904, and was honorably discharged on May 4th, 1907, as a Private in Company G of the 27th Infantry. He enlisted again on December 8th, 1908, and was honorably discharged on April 26th, 1911, as a Private in Company H of the 39th Infantry. He lived at 252 West 6th Avenue, Huntington, and married Mary (Pack) Fisher on September 13th, 1913. He enlisted again on June 18th, 1915, and was assigned as a Second Lieutenant to Company H of the 2nd West Virginia Infantry. He was promoted to First Lieutenant and assigned to Mexican border service on July 2nd, 1916. He was mustered out of the 2nd West Virginia Infantry on March 24th, 1917, and mustered into Company H of the 150th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Brigade, 38th Division, US Army, on April 2nd, 1917. He sailed for France from New York City on the CITY OF EXETER on October 6th, 1918. He caught pneumonia and died in Manchester, England, on October 8th, 1918. The news of his tragic fate arrived just in time to sadden his friends’ and family’s victory celebrations: <blockquote>SOLDIER BOYS DIE OVER THERE FROM PNEUMONIA…</blockquote><blockquote>Lieutenant Delbert Fisher, of 150th, Dies of Pneumonia in Old England</blockquote><blockquote>It was not all joyousness in Huntington on the occasion of the celebration of the ending of the war, foe there were many to sorrow for boys who laid down their lives over there….</blockquote><blockquote>Lieutenant Delbert Fisher</blockquote><blockquote>The gallant 150th infantry was destined never to reach France in time for actual participation in the war with Germany, but one of its officers has laid down his life in England, where he died on October 18 of pneumonia. This was Lieutenant Delbert Fisher, of Company H, for 18 years a resident of Huntington, and well and favorably liked.</blockquote><blockquote>His survived by his widow, residing here, his father, J.L. Fisher, of Nitro, and two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Fisher and Mrs. Ray Jenkins, of Thirteenth street.</blockquote>-Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 12th, 1918 Fisher was buried in Huntington’s Spring Hill Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

1st Lieutenant Delbert O. Fisher; Born 17 Mar 1882 – Goldtown, WV; Died 18 Oct 1918 – England; Co. H, 150th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Brigade, 38th Division – US Army

1st Lieutenant Delbert O. Fisher

Ernest Cecil Fullerton was born on November 5th, 1886, in Wheelersburg, Ohio, to Ezekial P. and Elizabeth Fullerton. As of 1917 he had been a Private for 2 years in the West Virginia National Guard. He lived in Huntington and worked as a check clerk. He entered service in May 1918 and was sent to Camp Meade, Maryland, where he was assigned as a Private, serial number 4013265, to the camp’s Provost Guard Company (military police). He caught influenza and developed pneumonia, dying on October 22nd, 1918, at the Base Hospital. <blockquote>ERNEST C. FULLERTON</blockquote><blockquote>Pneumonia following influenza caused the death yesterday of Ernest P. Fullerton at Camp Meade, Md. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. E.P. Fullerton, 1328 Fourth avenue. He had been in camp since July. Prior to that time he had been employed at the Chesapeake &amp; Ohio depot.</blockquote><blockquote>He is survived by his parents, three brothers, W.P., Earl and Raymon, and three sisters, Misses Sadie and Inez Fullerton, and Mrs. Willard Bailey.</blockquote><blockquote>W.P. Fullerton was with him at the time of his death.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 24th, 1918 He was buried in Huntington’s Spring Hill Cemetery following a funeral in town: <blockquote>FULLERTON BODY ARRIVES</blockquote><blockquote>The body of E.C. Fullerton, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.P. Fullerton, 1328 Fourth avenue, arrived in Huntington from Camp Mead, Friday morning. The funeral service will be held at the residence Saturday morning at ten o’clock with Rev. W.B. King officiating. Burial will be made at Spring Hill.</blockquote> – Huntington Advertiser, October 25th, 1918

Private Ernest C. Fullerton; Born 5 Nov 1886 – Wheelersburg, OH; Died 22 Oct 1918 –Camp Meade, MD; Provost Guard Company, Camp Meade – US Army

Private Ernest C. Fullerton

Vickers Hall was born on September 14th, 1894, in Huntington to Levi and Lizzie Hall. He lived in Huntington and volunteered for service in April 1917. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 562332, to Company A of the 12th Machine Gun Battalion, 8th Infantry Brigade, 4th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from New York City on the AQUITANIA. He died of wounds received in action on August 8th, 1918, in France, and his remains were first buried in an American Cemetery. They were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT CANTIGNY on June 20th, 1922, and arrived in Brooklyn, New York, on June 30th, 1922. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Vickers Hall; Born 14 Sep 1894 – Huntington, WV; Died 8 Aug 1918 – France; Co. A, 12th Machine Gun Battalion, 8th Infantry Brigade, 4th Division – US Army

Private Vickers Hall

Roy Clarence Harless was born on April 24th, 1897, in Griffithsville, West Virginia, to Joseph W. and Zena C. Harless. He lived at 1003 8th Street, Huntington, and was married to Rhoda Harless. He enlisted in the US Navy on July 17th, 1918, at Louisville, Kentucky. He was a Landsman, or trainee, for the Yeoman rank and was assigned to Company P of the 13th Regiment at Camp Paul Jones of the Navy Reserve Force. He contracted influenza on September 19th and news was sent to his family: <blockquote>SAILOR DYING OF PNEUMONIA</blockquote><blockquote>ROY C. HARLESS IN TRAINING STATION HOSPITAL.</blockquote><blockquote>Sick Wife Is Being Prepared for News of Her Husband’s Death.</blockquote><blockquote>Roy Harless, who is stationed at the Great Lakes naval training station, is critically ill with grip-pneumonia He is not expected to live, according to telegrams received by his father, Roy Harless, 1019 Eleventh street. News of the worst is constantly expected.</blockquote><blockquote>The wife of the young sailor is being gradually prepared for the shock of his death. She herself is ill, having given birth to a son Friday afternoon. The boy, a red-headed youngster much resembling his father, has not been named, it having been the original intention of leaving the naming privilege to the absent parent.</blockquote><blockquote>The last telegram received during the day yesterday stated that the condition of Harless was critical.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, September 23rd, 1918 He died on September 24th, 1918, in the Naval Hospital at Great Lakes, Illinois. He was buried in Huntington’s Spring Hill Cemetery after a funeral in Huntington: <blockquote>HARLESS FUNERAL</blockquote><blockquote>Body of Young Sailor Is Interred Soon After Arrival – Wife Seriously Ill.</blockquote><blockquote>The funeral of Roy Harless, who died at Great Lakes training station of pneumonia, was held yesterday morning immediately after arrival of the body here. Interment was made in Spring Hill Cemetery. The funeral and interment were held immediately upon arrival of the body because of the illness of his wife, who is in a serious condition. Mr. Harless had many warm friends here, and his passing is a source of great regret. Hopes are entertained for the speedy recovery of Mrs. Harless.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, September 28th, 1918 His family was grateful for the comfort given by the community: <blockquote>CARD OF THANKS</blockquote><blockquote>We extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation to the many friends who by their sympathy and kindly acts have assisted us in bearing the loss of our beloved Roy C. Harless.</blockquote><blockquote>J.W. HARLESS AND FAMILY.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, September 28th, 1918 His son, fittingly named Roy C. Harless, Jr., after his father he never met, went on to serve as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army Air Forces in World War II. Roy Jr.’s son, Wayne Alan Harless, died in a motorcycle accident while serving as an Airman Third Class in the 1st Fighter Wing, Air Defense Command, US Air Force.  [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Landsman Roy C. Harless; Born 24 Apr 1897 – Griffithsville, WV; Died 24 Sep 1918 – Naval Hospital, Great Lakes, IL; Co. P, 13th Regiment, Camp Paul Jones – US Navy

Landsman Roy C. Harless

Chester Arthur Holley was born on January 5th, 1899, in Myra, West Virginia, to Charles and Tave Holley. He lived in Guyandotte and entered service in Company H of the 150th Infantry Regiment (the West Virginia National Guard) on May 15th, 1917. He was sent to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, for training and was assigned as a Private, serial number 1559757, to Company No. 6 of the Camp Shelby June Automatic Replacement Draft. He sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the ANCHISES on June 12th, 1918. He was transferred to Company B of the 7th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division, US Army. He was killed in action on October 14th, 1918, in France, and was buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. The report of his death was sent to his family in a very indirect manner: <blockquote>CHESTER HOLLEY DEAD IN FRANCE</blockquote><blockquote>NEWS REACHES MOTHER IN LETTER OF COMRADE.</blockquote><blockquote>Bob Shaffins, Who Tells of Bunkie’s Death, Is Also Wounded and in Hospital.</blockquote><blockquote>The letter of a comrade has brought to the city the news of the death of Chester Holley, 19, son of Mrs. Tave Holley of Guyan street, Guyandotte. The letter came from Bob Shaffins of Twenty-first street, who told his wife that he had been wounded and that Chester Holley, his Bunkie and friend, had died October 15. Mrs. Shaffins took the letter to Holley’s mother.</blockquote><blockquote>The case has been referred to the home services section of the Red Cross and an investigation is being made. Mrs. Holley has received no official notification of her son’s death.</blockquote><blockquote>He enlisted in the 150th when he was but 18 years of age, leaving home In September, 1917, when his mother saw him for the last time.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, December 4th, 1918 [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Chester A. Holley; Born 5 Jan 1899 – Myra, WV; Died 14 Oct 1918 – France; Co. B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division – US Army

Private Chester A. Holley

Azell Monroe Jenkins was born on March 11th, 1895, in Milton to Mounteville M. and Elizabeth Jenkins. He lived in Milton and worked as a farmer. He entered service on April 2nd, 1918, and trained at Camp Lee, Virginia. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 2471844, to Company F of the 317th Infantry Regiment, 159th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Norfolk, Virginia, on the MAGNOLIA on May 26th, 1918. He fought in several battles and was killed in action in France on August 14th, 1918. He was buried in Milton Cemetery.  [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Azell M. Jenkins; Born 11 Mar 1895 – Milton, WV; Died 14 Aug 1918 – France; Co. F, 317th Infantry Regiment, 159th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division – US Army

Private Azell M. Jenkins

John H. Kale was born on April 29th, 1897, in Petersburg, Ohio, to Pressly and Lulu Kale. He lived at 15 E. Dry Street, Salem, Ohio, and worked at Mackintosh Livery. He entered service on September 4th, 1918, at Salem and was assigned as a Private, serial number 3856674, to the 9th Company of the 3rd Training Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade at Camp Sherman, Ohio. He developed pneumonia and died on October 25th, 1918, at the Camp Sherman Base Hospital. He was buried on October 29th in Bunker Hill Cemetery, Beloit, Ohio. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private John H. Kale; Born 29 Apr 1897 – Petersburg, OH; Died 25 Oct 1918 – Camp Sherman, OH; 9th Co., 3rd Training Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade, Camp Sherman – US Army

Private John H. Kale

Walter Keyser was born on October 8th, 1893, in Huntington to Albert and Maggie Keyser. He lived in Huntington and moved to Ainsworth, Iowa, where he worked as a farm laborer. He entered service in Iowa on May 27th, 1918. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 3226821, to Battery D of the 339th Field Artillery Regiment, 163rd Field Artillery Brigade, 88th Division, US Army. This unit operated 155mm artillery pieces. He sailed for France from New York City on the EMPRESS OF BRITAIN on August 24th, 1918. He died of pneumonia in France on October 29th, 1918, and was buried the next day in an American Cemetery. His family received the following telegram by November 25th: <blockquote>Deeply regret to inform you that it is officially reported that Private Keyser field artillery died of broncho pneumonia Oct twenty-ninth.</blockquote><blockquote>Harris the Adjutant General</blockquote> His remains were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT CANTIGNY on November 26th, 1921, and arrived in New York City. He was buried in Huntington’s Woodmere Cemetery.  [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Walter Keyser; Born 8 Oct 1893 – Huntington, WV; Died 29 Oct 1918 – France; Battery D, 339th Field Artillery, 163rd Field Artillery Brigade, 88th Division – US Army

Private Walter Keyser

Isaac Lewis Landis was born on October 2nd, 1900, to Rebecca Landis. He lived in Cressmont, Clay County, West Virginia, and entered service on June 17th, 1917. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 1559769, to the 6th Company of the Camp Shelby June Automatic Replacement Draft and sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the ANCHISES on June 12th, 1918. He died on July 2nd, 1918, in France because of a railroad accident. He was first buried the same day in an American Cemetery. His remains were sent home from St. Nazaire on the USAT SHERMAN on August 31st, 1920, and they arrived at Hoboken on September 11th. He was buried in Asbury Cemetery, Enoch, Clay County. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Isaac L. Landis; Born 2 Oct 1900 - Unknown; Died 2 Jul 1918 – France; 6th Co., Camp Shelby June Automatic Replacement Draft – US Army

Private Isaac L. Landis

Due to the passage of 100 years, it is only known that Robert C. Little was from Cabell County. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Robert C. Little

Fred Carlton McKeny was born on February 14th, 1901, at St. Albans, West Virginia, to Matthew Francis and Sarah Ellen Fisher McKeny. He lived in Milton and entered service on April 22nd, 1917. He was promoted from Private to Corporal, serial number 2338260, on September 12th, 1917. He was assigned to Company C of the 4th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Newport News, Virginia, on the MADAWASKA on April 15th, 1918. According to one of his comrades, Sergeant Veedi O. Eckel of Company C: “McKeny killed by a high explosive shell instantly near La Chamelle on July 15, 1918. Buried on field.” In fact, McKeny was killed on July 25th, 1918; however, it took two months for the news to reach his family: <blockquote>MILTON YOUTH KILLED</blockquote><blockquote>Corporal Fred Carlton McKinny [sic], son of Mr. and Mrs. M.F. McKinny, Milton, was killed in action in France July 26, according to word received in this city by C.M. Brown, a relative. Corporal McKinny was 16 when he enlisted, April 1, 1917, and went to France with the American Expeditionary forces the following April.</blockquote> – Herald Advertiser, September 26th, 1918 At age 17 ½, he was the youngest soldier from Cabell County to die in the war. (Vernal W. Ross was born later but died at a slightly older age.) He was eventually buried in Milton Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Corporal Fred C. McKeny; Born 14 Feb 1901 – St. Albans, WV; Died 25 Jul 1918 – France; Co. C, 4th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division – US Army

Corporal Fred C. McKeny

Claude Vivian Mankin was born on June 25th, 1890, at Cedar Grove, West Virginia, to John and Bette Mankin. He lived at Mount Hope, West Virginia, worked in insurance, and was married to Carrie (Hiliday) Mankin. He entered service at Fort Thomas, Kentucky, on December 14th, 1917, and was assigned as a Private, serial number 1269914, to the 1337th Company of the Casual Detachment, Signal Corps at Camp Hancock, Georgia. He was transferred on February 25th, 1918, to Casual Company No. 3 of the Motor Mechanic, Signal Corps, and then on April 18th, 1918, to the 20th Company of the 3rd Regiment of Motor Mechanics, Signal Corps – Aviation Section, US Army. He was promoted to Sergeant First Class on April 25th, 1918, and sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the ORIZABA on July 9th, 1918. He died of wounds received in action on July 28th, 1918, in France. <blockquote>CLAUDE MAKNIN [sic] DIES ON FIELD</blockquote><blockquote>WELL KNOWN BOY JOINS THE HONOR LIST</blockquote><blockquote>Joined Aviation Section Early in War and Dies of Wounds Received in Action.</blockquote><blockquote>Word has just reached friends here of the death of Sergeant Claud [sic] V. Mankin in France on July 28th. Mr. Mankin enlisted in the aviation corps of the U.S. Army in the latter part of 1917 and received his training at Camp Hancock, Augusta, Ga. He sailed for France on July 5th. Mankin died of wounds received in action.</blockquote><blockquote>The young soldier was formerly connected with the Prudential Insurance Co. in this city and was held in high esteem by his employers, receiving quick promotion for his efficiency in the work. He was a man of strong principles and his ideals ranked as high as the great cause for which he sacrificed all.</blockquote><blockquote>Shortly after he enlisted he married Miss Carrie Hilliday of Beckley, W.Va. Besides her he leaves parents, two sisters and four brothers, one of whom is now in training at Camp Lee, Petersburg, Va.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, August 28th, 1918 He was first buried in an American Cemetery but his remains were sent home from St. Nazaire on the POCAHANTAS on October 1st, 1920. They arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, on October 18th and he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. As he was an Elk, he was honored at their memorial service: <blockquote>ELKS MEMORIAL THIS YEAR HAS DOUBLE MEANING</blockquote><blockquote>It Will Honor Ninety-seven Members In Service In Addition to Eighty-One Deceased.</blockquote><blockquote>FOUR GOLD STARS ON SERVICE FLAG</blockquote><blockquote>Program Completed for Exercises to be Held In Lodge Room Sunday Afternoon at 2:30</blockquote><blockquote>While the annual memorial service of Huntington Lodge, No. 313, B.P.O. Elks, will be more simply conducted this year than formerly, the occasion will bring its greatest significance to the members of this order. The day is to have a double meaning; in addition to being a memorial to the “absent brothers,” it will take account of those others who went out from the fraternity to answer the call of their country.</blockquote><blockquote>Four gold stars will shine on the service flag of the lodge for Earl Shank, Fred Duncan, C.V. Mankin and O.D. Jackson. This flag contains ninety-three blue stars….</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 28th, 1918 [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Sergeant 1st Class Claude V. Mankin; Born 25 Jun 1890 – Cedar Grove, WV; Died 28 Jul 1918 – France; 20th Co., 3rd Regiment of Motor Mechanics, Signal Corps (Air Section) – US Army

Sergeant 1st Class Claude V. Mankin

Kenneth M. Meadows was born on January 21st, 1891, in Upper Green Bottom, Cabell County, to F.M. and Cora B. Meadows. He lived at 806 Adams Avenue, Huntington, worked in the real estate business, and was married to Blanche C. Meadows. He was inducted into service on June 14th, 1918, as part of Draft Call No. 594 and was sent to the mechanical training camp at Morgantown, where he trained to be an automobile mechanic. Out of the whole class, he was certified as the fastest driver. Upon completion of his training, he was sent to Camp Hancock, Georgia, then Camp Mills, New York. He was assigned as a Corporal, serial number 3439316, to a provisional ordnance unit. He sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the SIBONEY on October 5th, 1918. He developed pneumonia on the ship on October 10th and was transferred to Base Hospital No. 65 after the ship arrived. He died in the hospital on October 16th, 1918. <blockquote>MEADOWS DIES IN OLD FRANCE</blockquote><blockquote>HUNTINGTON SOLDIERVICTIM OF PNEUMONIA</blockquote><blockquote>Kenneth M. Meadows, Brother of Well Known Real Estate Man, Left June 15.</blockquote><blockquote>Azel Meadows, a local real estate man, just received official notice from Adjutant General Harris at Washington notifying him that his brother, Corporal Kenneth M. Meadows, with the ordnance department, died on October 16, of bronchial pneumonia, and was buried at Brest, France. Mr. Meadows enlisted in the service on June 15, last, [incorrect] and was sent to Morgantown to training school as an expert automobile mechanic. After two months training at Morgantown he made an excellent mechanic and carried away with him a card showing that he was the fastest automobile driver in the school of 75 mechanics. From Morgantown he was sent to Camp Hancock, Ga., leaving there for Camp Mills, and sailed from New York on the Night of October 3, taking sick five days out at sea, and upon landing he was transferred to the base hospital, at which time it was thought that he had contracted pneumonia. His parents, one brother and sister live at upper Greenbottom. For the past three years before his entering the service he was connected with his brother in the real estate business here in the city.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 28th, 1918 He was first buried in an American Cemetery but his remains were sent home from Brest on the USAT MERCURY on June 6th, 1920. They arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, on June 29th and he was buried in Huntington’s Woodmere Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Corporal Kenneth M. Meadows; Born 21 Jan 1891 – Upper Greenbottom, WV; Died 16 Oct 1918 – France; 28th Co., Provisional Ordnance Depot, 1st Provisional Ordnance Regiment, Ordnance Department – US Army

Corporal Kenneth M. Meadows

Jack Albert Morrissey was born on December 26th, 1886, in Parker Landing, Pennsylvania, to Jack W. and Mary E. Morrissey. He lived in Sistersville, Tyler County, West Virginia, and worked as an oil driller. He entered service in March 1918 and was assigned as a Private, serial number 2472163, to the Machine Gun Company of the 319th Infantry Regiment, 160th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Newport News, Virginia, on the MADAWASKA on May 17th, 1918. He was killed in action while operating a machine gun on September 27th, 1918, in France. He was eventually buried in Sistersville’s Oakwood Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Jack A. Morrissey; Born 26 Dec 1886 – Parker Landing, PA; Died 27 Sep 1918 – France; Machine Gun Co., 319th Infantry Regiment, 160th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division – US Army

Private Jack A. Morrissey

Raymond Ellsworth Neal was born on May 15th 1897, in Milton to James and Nettie Neal. He lived in Milton and enlisted on May 27th, 1918. He was an assistant at the Camp Devens, Massachusetts, Base Hospital, as a Private, serial number 3546678. He died of influenza and pneumonia at the camp on September 25th, 1918. He was buried in Milton Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Raymond E. Neal; Born 15 May 1897 – Milton, WV; Died 25 Sep 1918 – Camp Devens, MA; Base Hospital Assistant, Camp Devens – US Army

Private Raymond E. Neal

Fariss P. Nixon was born on December 3rd, 1878, in Nannie, Georgia, to William C. and Emma Pinson Nixon. He first enlisted around 1899 or 1889 and was assigned to Company B of the 2nd Georgia Infantry. This unit served in Cuba as part of the occupation force just after the Spanish-American War ended. He enlisted for his second enlistment on October 3rd, 1900, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Company A of the CAS 13th Infantry Regiment. His service expired on October 2nd, 1904, at Fort McDowell, while he was in Company F of the 43rd Regiment, and he reenlisted the next day. He came to Huntington from Angel Island, San Francisco, California, in 1906. His service expired again on October 2nd, 1907, in Huntington, while he was in Company A of the 13th Infantry Regiment, and he reenlisted in Huntington the next day. He married Martha Ernestine (Hughes) Nixon on February 22nd, 1908, in Lawrence County, Ohio. His son, Robert William Nixon, was born the next month. Fariss Nixon’s service expired again on October 2nd, 1910, in Huntington, while he was a Sergeant in the G.R.S (most likely “General Recruiting Service”), and he reenlisted the next day in Huntington. His service expired again on October 2nd, 1913, in Huntington, while he was a Sergeant in the G.R.S., and he reenlisted the next day in Huntington. Though the exact nature of these units is uncertain, he served in the Huntington recruiting office and, more likely than not, signed up some of the other soldiers in this book. He was in the Huntington G.S.I. until he was discharged as a Sergeant on July 6th, 1917, to accept an officer’s commission. He was appointed to the US Military Academy the next day, but he was still officially “unassigned” when he died of acute nephritis on August 1st, 1917, in Huntington. He was buried in the Kinnebrew Family Cemetery, Rome, Floyd County, Georgia. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

2nd Lieutenant Fariss P. Nixon; Born 3 Dec 1878 – GA; Died 1 Aug 1917 – Huntington, WV; Unassigned - US Army

2nd Lieutenant Fariss P. Nixon

Halsey Gordon Notter was born on August 17th, 1900, in Huntington, to Oscar and Effia Notter. He graduated from Huntington High School in June 1918 and, on September 12th, 1918, lived at 2227 9th Avenue, Huntington, and worked as a car repair helper for C&amp;O Railroad. He entered service in the Students’ Army Training Corps at Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, on October 2nd, 1918. This program trained college students to be soldiers. He was a Private, serial number 5252432, and was not yet assigned to any department when he died of peritonitis on October 21st, 1918, at Western Reserve. <blockquote>HALSEY NOTTER IS INFLUENZA VICTIM</blockquote><blockquote>Young Soldier Dies at Training Camp in Cleveland Monday</blockquote><blockquote>Halsey Gordon Notter, 18, died of Spanish influenza Monday at a soldier’s training camp in Cleveland. The father, Oscar Notter, was with the son when the end came, having gone in response to a message received a week ago last Friday. He had been in camp six weeks. Mr. Notter graduated last June from Huntington high school, where he received high scholastic honors. His personality was such that made him many friends who greatly admired him. For a short time he worked at the Red Cross drug store.</blockquote><blockquote>Besides his parents, he leaves two brothers, Joe and Alten, both students in high school, and five sisters, Misses Elizabeth, Frances, Elsie, Allie, and Mary Gertrude Notter.</blockquote><blockquote>Oscar Notter will arrive in the city with his son’s body Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. The remains will be taken to his late home, 2229 Ninth avenue.</blockquote> – Huntington Advertiser, October 22nd, 1918 He was buried in Huntington’s Spring Hill Cemetery. As an alumnus, he was honored at Huntington High School’s memorial service: <blockquote>Proud Offering to Humanity By Huntington High School</blockquote><blockquote>SERVICE EMBLEM WITH 245 STARS GIVES EVIDENCE</blockquote><blockquote>Memorial Friday Afternoon One of Most Impressive of its Kind Ever Held in City</blockquote><blockquote>REV. MAUZZE MADE SPLENDID ADDRESS</blockquote><blockquote>Placing of Gold Stars on Flag Was the Feature That Gripped Hearts the Tightest</blockquote><blockquote>THREE GOLD STARS SHINE IN FIELD OF LOYAL BLUE</blockquote><blockquote>(At the dedication of the high school service flag yesterday afternoon, three stars of gold were placed among over two hundred of blue in memory of David Noble, class of ’14, who died in France; Thedford Davis, ’16, who died at the mechanical training school at Morgantown, and Halsey Notter, ’18, whose death occurred at the Cleveland training school.)…</blockquote><blockquote>…The feature of the memorial that gripped the heart the tightest was the placing of the three gold stars over the blue emblems that stood for the three boys who made the supreme sacrifice. This service was performed by members of the respective classes to which these boys belonged. Helen Hutchinson Dickinson affixed the star for David Noble, ’14; Loles Prose for Thedford Davis, ’16, and Mae Yoho for Halsey Notter, ’18….</blockquote><blockquote>…Miss Mae Yoho said the class of ’18 was proud beyond expression of Halsey Notter, one of the glorious company that had given up their lives for humanity. Notter has answered the final roll call, but his sacrifice in freedom’s cause has caused his star of blue to be changed to gold.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 23rd, 1918 He was also honored in their 1919 yearbook: <blockquote>“You remember him, only last year, a pleasant companionable fellow?” We can rest assured it was just the same when the call came to pass over. His classmates wrote of him last year “he is a No. 1” and so he was a No. 1. Halsey was a member of the S.A.T.C. at Case University in Cleveland when he succumbed to influenza.</blockquote><blockquote>Halsey was one of the kind of boys that makes you feel better after talking to him. Ever kind, thoughtful and generous he was a favorite with everyone.         </blockquote><blockquote>He fell for the cause of mankind just as truly as anyone of the millions who have passed over. Halsey, Huntington High is proud of you.</blockquote> [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Halsey G. Notter; Born 17 Aug 1900 – Huntington, WV; Died 21 Oct 1918 – Western Reserve Camp, OH; Students’ Army Training Corps – Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (not yet assigned to any department), US Army

Private Halsey G. Notter

Mark M. Payton was born on March 23rd, 1897, in Cabell County to Solomon F. and Eliza Payton. He lived near Barboursville and worked for C&amp;O Railroad. He enlisted on August 23rd, 1918, and was assigned as a Private, serial number 4089896, to the 19th Company of the 5th Training Battalion, 155th Depot Brigade at Camp Lee, Virginia. He died of influenza and pneumonia on October 19th, 1918. He was buried in Cabell County’s Mud River Baptist Church Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Mark M. Payton; Born 23 Mar 1897 – Cabell County, WV; Died 19 Oct 1918 – Camp Lee, VA; 19th Co., 5th Training Battalion, 155th Depot Brigade, Camp Lee – US Army

Private Mark M. Payton

Ezra Porter was born on September 10th, 1896, in Logan County, West Virginia. He lived in Farley, Summers County, West Virginia. He was assigned as a Private First Class, serial number 1559707, to Company No. 6 of the Camp Shelby June Automatic Replacement Draft and sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the ANCHISES on June 12th, 1918. He was transferred to Company B of the 7th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division, US Army. He died of wounds received in action on July 21st, 1918, in France. He was buried in the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private 1st Class Ezra Porter; Born 10 Sep 1896 – Logan County, WV; Died 21 Jul 1918 – France; Co. B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division, US Army

Private 1st Class Ezra Porter

Alva Claude Reynolds was born on September 21st, 1886, in Addison, Ohio, to William H. and Ida V. (Tuning) Reynolds. He lived in Addison and worked as Assistant General Timekeeper for C&amp;O Railroad. He entered service on August 5th, 1918, at Gallipolis, Ohio. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 43077678, to the 58th Company of the 13th Battalion at Camp Syracuse, New York. On September 3rd, he was transferred to the 1st Company of the Casual Battalion at Camp Syracuse. He caught influenza, developed pneumonia, and died at 7:15 PM on September 26th, 1918, at the Camp Syracuse Base Hospital. <blockquote>ALVIN [sic] REYNOLDS DIES</blockquote><blockquote>Former Timekeeper at Chesapeake &amp; Ohio Shops Dies In Camp From Influenza</blockquote><blockquote>Alvin Claude Reynolds, aged about 30, timekeeper at the C&amp;O shops until he entered military service about three months ago, died Thursday evening at the U.S. General hospital at Oswego, N.Y. Spanish influenza developing into pneumonia caused his death.</blockquote><blockquote>Reynolds was a young man of exemplary character and had made many good friends here. He was born and reared at Addison, eight miles above Gallipolis, and was the only son of W.H. Reynolds, who survives him. The funeral will be held at Addison at 2:30 Sunday afternoon.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, September 28th, 1918 He was buried in Addison Reynolds Cemetery, Addison, Ohio, after a touching funeral service: <blockquote>ALVA CLAUDE REYNOLDS</blockquote><blockquote>Son of W.H. Reynolds, of Addison, died at Oswego, N.Y., September 26, 1918. He had been stationed at Camp Syracuse, N.Y., for two months being one of the clerical force in the personnel office at that camp. He was stricken with Influenza and pneumonia developed and he was removed to the Base Hospital at Oswego on Friday, September 20, living until the following Thursday. His twin sister, Miss Maude, teacher in the Huntington schools, received a message from the Lt. Col. on September 24, telling of his serious illness. She – accompanied by her cousin, Miss Mary McFarland, of Dallas, Texas, left that night for his bedside reaching there Thursday morning, while he was yet conscious and recognized them. His condition was then regarded hopeless.</blockquote><blockquote>The remains were brought to Addison, Saturday evening accompanied by them.</blockquote><blockquote>Funeral services were held at the M.E. church, Sunday at 2:30 p.m., by Rev. Orr, pastor of Presbyterian church of Middleport, o., assisted by Rev. Lockwood, of M.E. church. The many and beautiful floral tributes spoke of the high esteem and regard in which he was held. He was laid to rest in the Addison cemetery overlooking his boyhood home with all military honors, an escort of soldiers from Company B coming from Point Pleasant.</blockquote><blockquote>A large number of relatives and friends coming from Huntington, also a delegation from the C&amp;O Ry., acting as honorary pallbearers</blockquote><blockquote>We wish to express our sincere thanks to our many friends who have so kindly and thoughtfully assisted us in our sad bereavement of our dear son and brother. Also for the many beautiful floral tributes.</blockquote><blockquote>W.H. Reynolds and daughter.</blockquote><blockquote>THE FOLLOWING TRIBUTE WAS READ AT THE SERVICES.</blockquote><blockquote>On September 26, 1918, at 7:15, Oswego, N.Y., just as the sun was sinking to rest in the golden west, the spirit of Alva Claude Reynolds took its flight to the God who gave it.</blockquote><blockquote>His sun has indeed gone down but after a brilliant sunset a beautiful twilight lingers. Likewise the life of one so pure, so noble in thought and deed will linger and memory will ever recall him as he was in life. His sterling qualities and bright, sunny manner won the hearts of all who knew or associated with his. It can truly be said of him, “None knew him but to love; none named him but to praise.”</blockquote><blockquote>He was a true, faithful Christian character, a member of the Presbyterian church at Middleport, and of the K. of P. at Athens, O. A graduate of the law university, Valparaiso, Ind., being a member of the class of 1910, and admitted to the bar in several different states; also an attendant and normal school, Rio Grande College. Finding law not to his liking he took up a business course and for some three years was one of the clerks at C&amp;O Ry., Huntington, W.Va.</blockquote><blockquote>His mother dying in his infancy, he was lovingly and tenderly cared for by his Grandmother Tuning and aunt, Miss Helen Tuning.</blockquote><blockquote>Claude was inducted into limited military service on August 5, 1918, and was a soldier but eight weeks. He was loyal and patriotic and so anxious to serve his country, regretting his inability to go over the sea, but passed away in the service of his country. He has received his honorable discharge from the Great Captain above and the blue star in the service flag has changed to gold.</blockquote><blockquote> </blockquote><blockquote>“God gave my son in trust to me,</blockquote><blockquote>Christ died for him and he should be</blockquote><blockquote>A man for Christ; He is his own,</blockquote><blockquote>And God’s and man, not mine alone,</blockquote><blockquote>He was not mine to give; he gave</blockquote><blockquote>Himself that he might help to save</blockquote><blockquote>All that a Christian should revere,</blockquote><blockquote>All that enlightened men hold dear.”</blockquote><blockquote> </blockquote><blockquote>His friends were legion; his home life all peace, love and devotion.</blockquote><blockquote>“How fruitless and weak are words which attempt to beguile the loved ones from the grief of loss and we pray our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of their bereavement and leave only the cherished memory of the love and lost, and the solemn pride that is theirs to have laid so costly a sacrifice on the altar of freedom.”</blockquote><blockquote>Let us look forward to the time when we will meet again and think it is only:</blockquote><blockquote> </blockquote><blockquote>Stepping out of earth’s shadows</blockquote><blockquote>Into a purer light;</blockquote><blockquote>Stepping behind a curtain</blockquote><blockquote>Getting a clearer sight.</blockquote><blockquote> </blockquote><blockquote>Laying aside a burden,</blockquote><blockquote>This weary mortal coil;</blockquote><blockquote>Done with this earthly vexations,</blockquote><blockquote>Done with its tears and toils.</blockquote><blockquote> </blockquote><blockquote>Passing out of earth’s shadows</blockquote><blockquote>Into infinite day;</blockquote><blockquote>Why do we call it dying,</blockquote><blockquote>This beautiful passing away?</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 5th, 1918 [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Alva C. Reynolds; Born 21 Sep 1886 – Addison, OH; Died 26 Sep 1918 – Camp Syracuse, NY; 1st Co., Casual Battalion, Camp Syracuse – US Army

Private Alva C. Reynolds

Due to the passage of 100 years, it is only known that Lawrence F. Romano was from Cabell County. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Lawrence F. Romano

Robert Lee Royse was born on December 22nd, 1894, in Morehead, Kentucky. He lived in Morehead and worked as a farm laborer. He was inducted into service on August 30th, 1918, and sent to Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky. He was assigned as a Private to the 11th Company of the 3rd Training Battalion, 159th Depot Brigade at Camp Taylor. He died of pneumonia on October 4th, 1918, at Camp Taylor. He was buried in Morehead’s Baldridge Cemetery #2. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Robert L. Royse; Born 22 Dec 1894 – Morehead, KY; Died 4 Oct 1918 – Camp Taylor, KY; 11th Co., 3rd Training Battalion, 159th Depot Brigade, Camp Taylor – US Army

Private Robert L. Royse

Due to the passage of 100 years, it is only known that William A. Schafer was from Cabell County. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

William A. Schafer

Earl Wesley Shank was born on November 20th, 1887, in Dayton, Ohio, to Frances and Fannie Shank. He lived at 6450 5th Avenue, Huntington, and worked as Head Paper Ruler for Standard Printing &amp; Publishing Company. He entered service on June 14th, 1918, as part of Draft Call No. 594 and was sent to the mechanical training camp at Morgantown, where he was assigned to the Training Detachment, University of West Virginia. He trained to be an automobile mechanic. Upon completion of his training, he was sent to Camp Hancock, Georgia, then Camp Upton, New York. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 3439390, to a provisional ordnance unit on September 10th, 1918, and he was promoted to Private First Class on September 16th. He caught influenza and developed pneumonia, dying at 6 AM on October 7th, 1918, at the Camp Upton Base Hospital. <blockquote>EARL SHANK DIES AT TRAINING CAMP</blockquote><blockquote>The many friends of Earl W. Shank were grieved to learn of his death which occurred at Camp Upton, Monday morning at six o’clock. He left Huntington July 14, with the boys who went to the mechanical training school at Morgantown, and had recently been sent to Camp Upton. It is supposed he was a victim of the Spanish influenza, although the message received here did not state the cause of his death. He was employed for over two years at the Standard Printing and Publishing company, and was a well known young man. He was a member of the Huntington lodge of Masons and Elks. Before coming to Huntington his home was in Dayton, O.</blockquote> – Huntington Advertiser, October 8th, 1918 He was buried in Dayton’s Lower Miami Cemetery after a funeral in town: <blockquote>SHANK’S MOTHER IS 72 YEARS OLD</blockquote><blockquote>REARS UP BRAVELY UNDER HER SON’S DEATH.</blockquote><blockquote>Huntington Elks Return from Dayton Where Funeral of Brother Was Held Last Friday.</blockquote><blockquote>Secretary A.R. Hunt and W.W. McCue, of Huntington lodge, No. 313, B.P.O. Elks, have returned from Dayton, O., where on Friday they attended the funeral of Earl Shank, a member of the lodge, who died at Camp Upton, N.Y., of pneumonia, brought on by the Spanish influenza.</blockquote><blockquote>The Dayton Elks offered kindly service to their visiting brothers, leaving nothing undone to make their stay comfortable and to soften the grief of the bereaved family.</blockquote><blockquote>The dead soldier is survived by his mother, 72 years of age, two brothers and three sisters. The young man was employed during several years’ residence in Huntington by the Standard Printing &amp; Publishing Co., and everyone that knew him was his friend.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 14th, 1918 As he was an Elk, he was honored at their memorial service: <blockquote>ELKS MEMORIAL THIS YEAR HAS DOUBLE MEANING</blockquote><blockquote>It Will Honor Ninety-seven Members In Service In Addition to Eighty-One Deceased.</blockquote><blockquote>FOUR GOLD STARS ON SERVICE FLAG</blockquote><blockquote>Program Completed for Exercises to be Held In Lodge Room Sunday Afternoon at 2:30</blockquote><blockquote>While the annual memorial service of Huntington Lodge, No. 313, B.P.O. Elks, will be more simply conducted this year than formerly, the occasion will bring its greatest significance to the members of this order. The day is to have a double meaning; in addition to being a memorial to the “absent brothers,” it will take account of those others who went out from the fraternity to answer the call of their country.</blockquote><blockquote>Four gold stars will shine on the service flag of the lodge for Earl Shank, Fred Duncan, C.V. Mankin and O.D. Jackson. This flag contains ninety-three blue stars….</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 28th, 1918 [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private 1st Class Earl W. Shank; Born 20 Nov 1887 – Dayton, OH; Died 7 Oct 1918 – Camp Upton, NY; 7th Co., Ordnance Replacement Battalion, 3rd Regiment – US Army

Private 1st Class Earl W. Shank

Harry Thomas Simpson was born on September 1st, 1893, in Scottown, Lawrence County, Ohio, to John L. and Sarah C. Simpson. He lived at 1925 Buffington Avenue, Huntington, and was married to Minnie Simpson. He entered service on June 28th, 1918, and was sent to Camp Lee, Virginia, for training, where he was assigned to Company No. 57 of the 15th Provisional Training Battalion, 155th Depot Brigade at Camp Lee. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 3635657, in France to Company A of the II Corps School Detachment Battalion. He was mentioned in a newspaper article about his brother’s death: <blockquote>HUNTINGTON YANK DIES OF INFLUENZA</blockquote><blockquote>Dolphus [sic] Simpson Dead in Training Cantonment at Camp Meade, Md.</blockquote><blockquote>Another Huntington soldier boy who has fallen a victim of the Spanish influenza is Dolphus Simpson, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Simpson, 520 Twentieth street. A message was received by the parents and young wife Saturday night from Camp Meade informing them to his serious illness. Later another message was received stating he was dead.</blockquote><blockquote>The body is expected to arrive here for burial, but it is not known just when it will reach the city. The wife, Mrs. Margaret Simpson, lives at 244 West Fifth avenue. The remains will be taken to her home where the funeral will be held. The dead soldier was twenty-seven, and had been at Camp Meade but three months.</blockquote><blockquote>The Simpsons have another son in the service, Harry Simpson, who landed in France September 8. As yet they have not received any letters from him since he landed. The family denies they had received a message stating that this boy had been gassed, as such rumor was being circulated.</blockquote><blockquote>However, two of their younger children, Berkley and Mildred, are ill with the epidemic that caused the death of the older brother. The third son, Frank, who was reported to be ill in a camp also, has not yet been called to service. He was discharged from the national guard after having served on the Mexican border on account of losing the sight of one eye. However, he was placed in the limited service, and is expecting to be called. Mrs. Simpson’s nephew Edgar Callicoat was a recent victim of the disease at Camp Sherman.</blockquote> – Huntington Advertiser, October 8th, 1918 Harry died of pneumonia in France on October 6th, 1918, and was buried in AEF Cemetery No. 454. <blockquote>SECOND SON DIES IN ARMY HOSPITAL</blockquote><blockquote>Harry Simpson Dies of Pneumonia in France – Adolphus Died Recently at Camp Lee</blockquote><blockquote>One Huntington woman has sacrificed two sons on the altar of her country. This is Mrs. Minnie Simpson, 520 Twentieth street, who has just received news of the death of her son, Harry Simpson, 26, who succumbed to pneumonia in France. The other son, Adolphus Simpson, died of pneumonia at Camp Lee about two months ago….</blockquote><blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, December 5th, 1918</blockquote> His remains were later reburied in St. Mihiel American Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Harry T. Simpson; Born 1 Sep 1893 – Scottown, OH; Died 6 Oct 1918 – France; Co. A, II Corps School Detachment Battalion - US Army

Private Harry T. Simpson

Obadiah (or Obediah) B. Smith, Jr., was born on September 12th, 1895, in Huntington to Obadiah (or Obediah) B. and Nannie B. Smith. He lived at 1652 8th Avenue, Huntington, and entered service on July 16th, 1918. He was sent to Camp Dix, New Jersey, and was assigned as a Sergeant, serial number 3685520, to the 52nd Company of the 13th Training Battalion, 153rd Depot Brigade at Camp Dix. He caught influenza and developed pneumonia: <blockquote>COLORED SOLDIER STRICKEN WITH PNEUMONIA NEAR DEATH</blockquote><blockquote>Obie Smith, colored, 1652 Eighth avenue, now in military service and stationed at Camp Dix, New Jersey, is dangerously ill with double pneumonia. His mother is with him. She wired yesterday morning and her message indicated that there was little if no hope that the boy would recover. The father and other relatives and anxiously awaiting further message and hope for more favorable news.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 4th, 1918 He died at Camp Dix on October 5th, 1918. <blockquote>HUNTINGTON COLORED MAN DIES IN CAMP OF “FLU”</blockquote><blockquote>Obediah Smith, Jr., colored, died at Camp Dix, N.J., Friday night of double pneumonia, following Spanish influenza. The message announcing his death was received by his father, Obediah Smith, 1652 Eighth avenue, yesterday from the boy’s mother, who went to Camp Dix early last week, after hearing of his illness. She wired several days ago that hope for his recovery had been abandoned by the physicians.</blockquote><blockquote>Funeral arrangements will not be made until further advices from Mrs. Smith are received.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 6th, 1918 His remains were sent to Huntington: <blockquote>FUNERAL SERVICES FOR OBIE SMITH MAY BE HELD TODAY</blockquote><blockquote>The body of Obie Smith, colored, arrived here from Camp Dix, N.J., at 8:40 last night, and was taken to the Johnson undertaking rooms, where friends may view it this morning. The funeral services will probably be held late this afternoon. The body was shipped in a beautiful chestnut casket covered with a large and beautiful flag.</blockquote><blockquote>The soldier boy was 22 years old and a son of Obadiah B. Smith, 1652 Eighth avenue. Prior to his induction into military service he worked in the baggage room of the Chesapeake &amp; Ohio station and had quite an extensive acquaintance in the city.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 9th, 1918 He was buried in Huntington’s Spring Hill Cemetery: <blockquote>SMITH FUNERAL TODAY.</blockquote><blockquote>Services over the body of Obie Smith, colored soldier, will be held at the grave. The cortege will leave the home of Obadiah Smith, 1652 Eighth avenue, for Spring Hill cemetery at 11 o’clock this forenoon. Burial by the Johnson Undertaking Company.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 10th, 1918 [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Sergeant Obadiah B. Smith Jr.; Born 12 Sep 1895 – Huntington, WV; Died 5 Oct 1918 – Camp Dix, NJ; 52nd Co., 13th Training Battalion, 153rd Depot Brigade, Camp Dix, NJ – US Army

Sergeant Obadiah B. Smith, Jr.

Charles A. Stewart was born on December 12th, 1890, in Lincoln County, West Virginia, to John and Sarah Stewart. He lived in Milton, was married to Jennie (Worden) Stewart, and worked as a farmer. He entered service on April 2nd, 1918, and was sent to Camp Lee, Virginia, for training. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 2471887, to Company M of the 317th Infantry Regiment, 159th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Norfolk, Virginia, on the MONGOLIA on May 26th, 1918. He was wounded in France as he was bringing food supplies to soldiers in the trenches. He died of his wounds in France on August 18th, 1918. <blockquote>CHAS. A. STEWART DIES OF WOUNDS</blockquote><blockquote>Huntington Soldier Succumbs to Wounds Received on August Eighteenth</blockquote><blockquote>Charles A. Stewart, who left here last spring with a draft contingent to train at Camp Lee, has died of wounds received in battle in France, according to word from the war department Tuesday morning.</blockquote><blockquote>His wife, Mrs. Jennie Stewart, 918 Twenty-sixth street, is seriously ill with influenza and the news of her husband’s fate is being withheld by relatives until she is better able to stand the shock. The wife, before her marriage, was Miss Jennie Worden.</blockquote><blockquote>The husband was born and reared in Cabell county.</blockquote><blockquote>The announcement of his death by the war department stated that Huntington Yank received his fatal wounds in fighting of August 18.</blockquote> – Huntington Advertiser, October 22nd, 1918 His wife survived her illness and lived over 40 more years but never remarried. His remains were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT CAMBRAI on March 21st, 1921, and they arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, on April 3rd.  [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Charles A. Stewart; Born 12 Dec 1890 – Lincoln County, WV; Died 18 Aug 1918 – France; Co. M, 317th Infantry Regiment, 159th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division – US Army

Private Charles A. Stewart

Dr. Bronson Ewing Summers was born on January 2nd, 1890, in Milton to Thomas B. and Annie Summers. He attended the Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University, also known as the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College, and graduated in 1912. He was granted a Virginia medical license the same year. He lived at 408 West Grace Street, Richmond, Virginia, and was a physician for the Richmond public schools. He entered service in the US Navy on August 15th, 1917, and was assigned as a Lieutenant, Junior Grade, to be an Assistant Surgeon at the US Marine Corps Barracks, Camp Quantico, Virginia. He died of influenza and pneumonia at the Sick Quarters, Marine Barracks, Camp Quantico, on September 28th, 1918. <blockquote>B.E. SUMMERS DIES OF ‘FLU’ AT PONTICO [sic]</blockquote><blockquote>Captain of Naval Medical Services Dies After Brief Illness From Dread Disease</blockquote><blockquote>FATHER RESIDENT OF TOWN OF MILTON</blockquote><blockquote>Brother Is Surgeon on Transport – Body Expected To Reach Huntington Today</blockquote><blockquote>Word was received here yesterday of the death at Camp Pontico of Captain Bronson E. Summers, U.S.N., medical corps, a son of Professor T.B. Summers, of Milton. Captain Summers died at the Pontico hospital after a brief illness from Spanish influenza. His father was enroute to Camp Pontico when the end came, having left in response to a message received Friday.</blockquote><blockquote>The remains of Captain Summers will reach Huntington some time today, probably at 1:25 o’clock. The funeral will be at Milton, but definite arrangements will be deferred until the arrival of Professor Summers with his son’s body.</blockquote><blockquote>The decedent was one of two brothers who left successful civil practices in Richmond at the beginning of America’s participation in the war to enlist in the naval medical service.</blockquote><blockquote>Dr. Toson Summers, his brother, is chief surgeon on one of the American transports. An effort is now being made to communicate with him.</blockquote><blockquote>Dr. Bronson Summers was a graduate of the University of Richmond. He was 28 years old. For three years he was a city physician in Richmond.</blockquote><blockquote>He was well known in Huntington where he had numerous relatives and many friends to whom the news of his death will bring much regret.</blockquote><blockquote>Besides his father and brother he leaves one sister, Miss Irene Summers, who is attending school in Richmond.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, September 30th, 1918 He was buried in Milton Cemetery after a funeral in town: <blockquote>SUMMERS RITES AT HOME THURSDAY</blockquote><blockquote>FUNERAL OF YOUNG ARMY SURGEON AT MILTON.</blockquote><blockquote>Brilliant Young Practitioner Laid Down His Life While in the Service of His Country.</blockquote><blockquote>The funeral of Capt. Bronson E. Summers, Medical Corps, U.S. Navy will take place at Milton Thursday afternoon at 2:15 o’clock.</blockquote><blockquote>A message to this effect was received yesterday evening from T.B. Summers of Milton, father of the brilliant young surgeon who laid down his life while in the service of his country. Dr. Summers, a Richmond practitioner, was on duty in a naval hospital at Pontico [sic], where he was stricken with Spanish influenza, from which he died after a brief illness.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 2nd, 1918 <blockquote>SUMMERS FUNERAL TO BE HELD TODAY</blockquote><blockquote>ARMY CAPTAIN DIES OF SPANISH INFLUENZA.</blockquote><blockquote>Arrangements are Made for Local People Who Wish to Attend Services at Milton.</blockquote><blockquote>Funeral services for Captain B.E. Summers, who died in a military camp at Richmond last week of Spanish influenza, will be held at his former residence in Milton at 2 o’clock this afternoon. Captain Summers was attached to the medical corps of the camp and was well known throughout the tristate section.</blockquote><blockquote>Final arrangements for the service were not made until yesterday after his brother, Captain Allen Summers, a medical officer in the transport service, had arrived home.</blockquote><blockquote>Arrangements have been made to have the one o’clock Chesapeake &amp; Ohio train stop at Milton to accommodate Huntington friends who want to attend the services. The burial will be made in the Milton cemetery.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 3rd, 1918 [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Lieutenant, Junior Grade Dr. Bronson E. Summers; Born 2 Jan 1890 – Milton, WV; Died 28 Sep 1918 – Camp Quantico, VA; Assistant Surgeon, Marine Barracks, Camp Quantico – US Marine Corps

Lieutenant, Junior Grade Dr. Bronson E. Summers

Ora Herbert Watts was born on February 4th, 1890, in Crown City, Gallia County, Ohio, to Charles F. “Frank” and Jennie Watts. He lived at 1015 ½ 3rd Avenue, Huntington, and entered service on May 25th, 1918. He trained at Camp Lee, Virginia, and was assigned as a First Sergeant to the Cooks and Bakers School at Camp Lee. He died of influenza and pneumonia at the Base Hospital on October 1st, 1918. <blockquote>HUNTINGTON BOY DIES OF PLAGUE</blockquote><blockquote>WAS FIRST SERGEANT AT CAMP LEE</blockquote><blockquote>Father and Mother and Five Brothers and Sisters Survive Herbert Watts</blockquote><blockquote>Word was received yesterday by S.H. [sic] Watts, 1015 Third avenue, of the death of his son, First Sergeant Ora Herbert Watts, at Camp Lee, Petersburg, Virginia. The young man had suffered but a short time from Spanish Influenza which developed into pneumonia.</blockquote><blockquote>The notice of his death came as a severe shock to his parents, relatives and wide circle of friends in the city. Sergeant Watts was 2 years old and was in a divisional training school at Camp Lee. He left this city May 25 for camp.</blockquote><blockquote>No funeral arrangements have been made. The body is expected to arrive home this morning. Surviving Sergeant Watts are his father and mother; two brothers, Homer and Ivan, of this city; and three sisters, Lula, Lora and Lena. It is not expected that a public funeral will be held because of the highly contagious nature of the plague.</blockquote><blockquote>Sergeant Watts is the fourth victim of the plague from Huntington who has died away from home; three being fighting men and a girl student at Lewisburg.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 2nd, 1918 His story exemplifies the speed with which the dreaded influenza and pneumonia could debilitate and kill an otherwise healthy soldier: <blockquote>HERBERT WATTS VICTIM OF “FLU”</blockquote><blockquote>Huntington Boy Dies at Camp Lee on Eve of His Furlough</blockquote><blockquote>Herbert Watts, 26, 1015½ Third avenue, died Wednesday of Spanish influenza at Camp Lee. His father Charles F. Watts received a letter from him Tuesday stating he was in the best of health. He had received a furlough and was to have left camp for Huntington on the day he died.</blockquote><blockquote>The body is scheduled to arrive in Huntington Thursday with a military escort.</blockquote><blockquote>The dead man is survived by his parents and a sister, Mrs. Laura Norden, 2138 Third avenue.</blockquote> – Huntington Advertiser, October 3rd, 1918 <blockquote>INFLUENZA FATAL TO LOCAL SOLDIER</blockquote><blockquote>SERGEANT ORA WATTS DIES AT CAMP LEE</blockquote><blockquote>Funeral Arrangements Will Not Be Made Until Body is Received From Camp</blockquote><blockquote>The body of Sergeant Ora Herbert Watts, who died at Camp Lee Tuesday morning of pneumonia following Spanish influenza, is expected to arrive here on Chesapeake &amp; Ohio train No. 3, this afternoon. Funeral arrangements will not be completed until after its arrival. Burial will be in Spring Hill cemetery.</blockquote><blockquote>Young Watts went to Camp Lee from here May 25. He was twice promoted and was a first sergeant at the time of his death. Tuesday noon a telegram stating that he had pneumonia was received, and later it was learned he had died on Tuesday morning. The local Red Cross was advised that the body had been shipped home yesterday afternoon.</blockquote><blockquote>Sergeant Watts was a favorite in his home and among his acquaintances. He was a cook, as is his father, Charles F. Watts, who is employed at Stanley’s restaurant on Third avenue. Sergeant Watts was a rugged, good-natured, jovial young man of 28 years. He was born at Crown City, but lived here the last 18 years. He is survived by his parents, who live at 1015 ½ Third avenue, two younger brothers, Homer and Ivan, and three sisters, Mrs. Lulu Profit, Philadelphia; Mrs. Laura Worden, 2138 Third avenue, and Miss Lena, at home. Mrs. Profit arrived here yesterday afternoon.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 4th, 1918 He was buried in Huntington’s Spring Hill Cemetery after a funeral in town: <blockquote>FUNERAL TODAY</blockquote><blockquote>Remains of Sergeant Ora Herbert Watts Arrive In This City This Morning.</blockquote><blockquote>The remains of Sergeant Ora Herbert Watts, who died at Camp Lee as a result of an attack of influenza will arrive in this city at an early hour this morning. The funeral of the young soldier will occur this afternoon at the home of his sister, at 2138 Third avenue. Sergeant Watts was showing excellent proficiency as a soldier, and had been twice promoted since he entered camp.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 5th, 1918 <blockquote>FUNERAL DELAYED</blockquote><blockquote>Date of Obsequies for Sergeant Watts Postponed Because of Delay of Remains Reaching City</blockquote><blockquote>The funeral of Sergeant Ora Herbert Watts, who died at Camp Lee of Spanish influenza, was postponed until 2 o’clock this afternoon on account of the delay in the arrival of the body. The remains did not reach Huntington until 1:15 o’clock yesterday afternoon. The services will be held from the home of his sister, at 2138 Third avenue. Interment will be made in Spring Hill cemetery.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 6th, 1918 His father received a letter, most likely from the soldier who escorted Ora’s body: <blockquote>CONSOLATION LETTER TO SOLDIER’S FATHER</blockquote><blockquote>Charles F. Watts, whose son died at Camp Lee a few days ago, has received the following letter of consolation:</blockquote><blockquote>Camp Lee, Va., Oct. 8, 1918.</blockquote><blockquote>Mr. Charles F. Watts,</blockquote><blockquote>Huntington, W.Va.</blockquote><blockquote>My Dear Mr. Watts:</blockquote><blockquote>Kindly accept my thanks for the hospitality extended to me on my sad visit to your home. As much as I regretted my duties, it gave me pleasure to help you have one more look on the face of your most dutiful and brave son, who gave his all that this world might be safe for all to live in.</blockquote><blockquote>I have reported the missing articles and no doubt you will hear from them through military channels.</blockquote><blockquote>Trusting your grief may be of short duration and assuring you of my deepest sympathy to you and yours.</blockquote><blockquote>I am very sincerely yours,</blockquote><blockquote>ROBERT W. HUFFMAN</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 14th, 1918 [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

1st Sergeant Ora H. Watts; Born 4 Feb 1890 – Crown City, OH; Died 1 Oct 1918 – Camp Lee, VA; Cooks & Bakers School, Camp Lee, VA - US Army

1st Sergeant Ora H. Watts

Harold Vernon Weathers was born on July 24th, 1891, in Divide, Colorado, to Frank M. and Jennie (Hunter) Weathers. He lived in Omar, Logan County, West Virginia, worked as a bookkeeper, and was married to Anna Elizabeth Weathers. He entered service on December 12th, 1917, and trained at Waco, Texas, and Wilbur Wright Field. He was assigned as a Private to the US Army Air Service but was given a discharge on account of his health around August 1918. He died of meningitis and Stokes-Adams disease at the Sheltering Arms Hospital, Hansford, Kanawha County, West Virginia, on October 28th, 1918. <blockquote>HAROLD WEATHERS DIED AT HANDLEY</blockquote><blockquote>REMAINS WILL BE BROUGHT HERE TODAY</blockquote><blockquote>Deceased Was Recently Honorably Discharged From Service Because of Ill Health.</blockquote><blockquote>Mrs. John Davin, of 525 Fifth street, received word last night of the death of her brother, Harold Vernon Weathers, at the Sheltering Arms hospital, Handley. The remains will be brought to Huntington on No. 33 today and the funeral probably held Wednesday afternoon from the Davin home.</blockquote><blockquote>The deceased was 26 years old and is survived by his wife. He was one of the Huntington draftees and about two months ago was honorably discharged from the service because of ill health. His condition since then gradually grew worse.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 29th, 1918 He was buried in Huntington’s Spring Hill Cemetery.  [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Harold V. Weathers; Born 24 Jul 1891 – Divide, CO; Died 28 Oct 1918 – Hansford, WV; Signal Corps (Air Service) - US Army

Private Harold V. Weathers

Herbert Joseph Witzgall was born on September 9th, 1888, in Huntington to Chris and Elizabeth Witzgall. As of June 5th, 1917, he had 1 year of service in the West Virginia National Guard, lived in Big Island, Bedford County, Virginia, and worked as a farmer. He entered service on September 1st, 1917, and was sent to Camp Lee, Virginia, for training. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 1821490, to Company F of the 318th Infantry Regiment, 159th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the LEVIATHAN on May 22nd, 1918. He was on the front line for 5 months before he was killed in action on October 4th, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne offensive in France. <blockquote>COMRADE WRITES OF HEROIC DEATH OF HERB WITZGALL</blockquote><blockquote>Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Witzgall of Walnut Hills Makes Supreme Sacrifice</blockquote><blockquote>MASS FOR SOUL WILL BE SAID THIS MORNING</blockquote><blockquote>Public Mass Will be Said as Soon as Official Notification of Death Is Received</blockquote><blockquote>Word was received here yesterday of the death in France of Corporal Herbert J. Witzgall, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Witzgall of Walnut Hills. He was killed in battle. His parents have received a communication from a comrade who was with him in his last days.</blockquote><blockquote>Corporal Witzgall was born and raised in Huntington. He was 30 years old. For several years before he went to the army he worked in the Virginia Barber Shop at Lynchburg, Va.</blockquote><blockquote>He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Elks at Lynchburg.</blockquote><blockquote>He leaves his parents, a brother, Louis J. Witzgall, of this city, and one sister, Mrs. L.P. Bowen, of Covington, Ky.</blockquote><blockquote>Mass will be said for him by Rev. Father Henry B. Altmeyer of St. Joseph’s Catholic church this morning at 8 o’clock.</blockquote><blockquote>Public mass for the repose of his soul will be said by Father Altmeyer as soon as official notification is received from the war department.</blockquote><blockquote>The comrade’s letter follows:</blockquote><blockquote>“Your daughter wrote to Herbert before we left camp and suggested that before we left we exchange addresses so that in case of an accident we would notify the family. So it has fallen my lot to write the said news of your son’s death on October 4, 1918. I guess you will be officially notified before you get this, but, nevertheless, it is my duty to write. He was one of my best friends and his death is a terrible loss to me.</blockquote><blockquote>“Mrs. Witzgall I know there is nothing that I can write that will comfort you to a great extent, but you should be proud of Herbert because he died the death of a true American soldier. I only wish I could express my sympathy to you and your family in this great hour of trouble. But words are very weak in trying to express my love for him and his dear mother. We were always like brothers and I will always like him every day of my life. We had planned such a good time when the war was over and we were both back home. Herbert was a good soldier and did his duty until the end. He gave his life for a noble cause, for his country and loved ones at home. The glorious part of it was, he was glad to give up his life for the great cause that we are fighting for and hope to win. I will never forget you and your family, and can imagine what a happy family you were around the fireside at home, and what a terrible blow the vacant chair will be, but the Lord knows best. I will have to stop to get this in the mail today. I hope this will find you all well and try to find solace in the thought that you will meet him in a better world.</blockquote><blockquote>“With best of love to you all, I am your devoted friend,</blockquote><blockquote>“CORP. EDWARD L. WHITE,</blockquote><blockquote>“Co. F, 318th Infantry, A.E.F.”</blockquote><blockquote>Lynchburg, W.Va.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 16th, 1918 His remains were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT WHEATON on August 6th, 1921, and they arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was buried in Huntington’s Spring Hill Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

(NOTE: Witzgall is the farthest west soldier and tree on the south side of Memorial Boulevard.)

Corporal Herbert J. Witzgall; Born 9 Sep 1888 – Huntington, WV; Died 4 Oct 1918 – France; Co. F, 318th Infantry Regiment, 159th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division – US Army

Corporal Herbert J. Witzgall

Harold Arthur Trevillian was born on July 17th, 1896, in Acme, West Virginia, to A.J. and Rebecca E. Trevillian. He lived at 1504 9th Avenue, Huntington, and worked for C&amp;O Railroad. He entered service on September 4th, 1918, and was sent to Camp Lee, Virginia, for training. He was moved to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, where he was assigned as a Private to Overseas Detachment No. 2. He died of pneumonia and pulmonary edema at the Post Hospital on December 24th, 1918. He was buried in Huntington’s Spring Hill Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

(NOTE: Trevillian is the farthest west soldier on the north side of Memorial Boulevard. However, his tree is the third from the end on this side - the two trees prior to his were, for reasons explained in the comprehensive entry, accidentally dedicated to two soldiers who are also honored elsewhere on the boulevard.)

Private Harold A. Trevillian; Born 17 Jul 1896 – Acme, WV; Died 24 Dec 1918 – Ft. Harrison, IN; Overseas Detachment No. 2 – US Army

Private Harold A. Trevillian

Moss French Stone was born on August 20th, 1893, in Logan County, West Virginia, to Ed and Minnie Stone. He lived in Logan, West Virginia, was married to Constance (Cowherd) Stone, and worked as a pressman for Logan Printing Company. He entered service on October 5th, 1917, and he trained at Camp Lee, Virginia. He was assigned as a Corporal, serial number 1836535, to Battery D of the 315th Field Artillery Regiment, 155th Field Artillery Brigade, 80th Division, US Army. This unit operated 155mm artillery pieces. He died of nephritis at the Camp Lee Base Hospital on March 11th, 1918. <blockquote>STONE FUNERAL TO BE HELD THURSDAY</blockquote><blockquote>HUNTINGTON BOY DIES AT CAMP LEE.</blockquote><blockquote>Body Will Arrive This Afternoon on No. 1 – Went Into Service Last October.</blockquote><blockquote>The funeral of Corporal Moss Stone, aged 24 years, who died at Camp Lee Monday, will probably be held on Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. The services will be held at the Central Christian church, of which Mr. Stone was a member. The body will arrive this afternoon on C.&amp;O. train No. 1.</blockquote><blockquote>Corporal Stone is well known in Huntington. He was a printer by occupation and had received recognition here as a singer.</blockquote><blockquote>He is survived by his widow, who was Miss Constance Cowherd before her marriage; his mother, Mrs. Cunningham, of West Seventh street, and three brothers, Paul, Andrew and Holly Hall Stone.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, March 13th, 1918 He was buried in Huntington’s Spring Hill Cemetery after a funeral in town: <blockquote>WILL ATTEND FUNERAL</blockquote><blockquote>Miss Sadie Chapman has issued a call for the members of the Women’s Relief Corps to attend the funeral of Corporal Moss Stone, the first Huntington soldier to meet death. The funeral will take place at two thirty at Central Christian church this afternoon.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, March 14th, 1918 <blockquote>Military Funeral For Moss Stone Suggested By Patriotic Friends</blockquote><blockquote>As First Huntington Soldier to Die for Cause of Humanity, Fitting Honors to His Memory and Service Have Been Proposed</blockquote><blockquote>Patriotic men and women suggested last night that military honors be done the remains of Moss Stone, the popular young Huntington soldier, who died of disease in cantonment. Under the existing conditions, however, the difficulties of bringing about this greatly desired end were fully recognized. There is at present no military unit in Huntington, and no soldiers here except for those attached to the recruiting office and the few who may chance to be in the city on furlough.</blockquote><blockquote>It is probable that the matter will be placed before Major Stuart, head of the recruiting service in West Virginia, with headquarters here, to see whether he cannot solve the problem as desired.</blockquote><blockquote>Feeling that a military escort for the remains and a military burial be provided if at all practicable, seemed to be unanimous among those who discussed the matter last night. The remains have been delayed in arrival for more than twenty-four hours, and will probably not reach Huntington until late today.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, March 15th, 1918 <blockquote>ONE GOLD STAR ON THIS SERVICE FLAG</blockquote><blockquote>AFFECTING SERVICE OVER REMAINS OF LATE MOSS STONE.</blockquote><blockquote>Central Christian Church Was Filled Yesterday Afternoon With Friends of Deceased</blockquote><blockquote>The funeral of Corporal Moss Stone, who died Monday at Camp Lee, Va., was largely attended yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the Central Christian church, Dr. M.L. Wood, of the Fifth Avenue Baptist church, officiating. The deceased was a member of the Central Christian church and his widow was associated with the Fifth Avenue church, and on account of the illness of Dr. Sheffer, the service was conducted by Dr. Wood. Both Corporal Moss and his wife belonged to the choirs in their respective churches.</blockquote><blockquote>It was a touching service in every way. The young soldier had a host of friends in Huntington and the church was filled to its capacity with those who knew him well and loved him well. Dr. Wood’s sermon dwelt largely on the sacrificial spirit exemplified by this young man, this soldier of Christ, who had left his home and loved ones to fight for his country’s ideals.</blockquote><blockquote>The most striking feature of the obsequies was the one gold star on the service flag of the church, signifying as it did that Corporal Moss is the first of the twenty-one soldiers of the church to make the sublime sacrifice.</blockquote><blockquote>The pallbearers were twelve young friends of the young man, six of them bearing the casket and the other six carrying the flowers, a bountiful and beautiful offering of the richest flowers.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, March 17th, 1918 [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Corporal Moss F. Stone; Born 20 Aug 1893 – Logan County, WV; Died 11 Mar 1918 – Camp Lee, VA; Battery D, 315th Field Artillery Regiment, 155th Field Artillery Brigade, 80th Division – US Army

Corporal Moss F. Stone

Roy Staton was born on June 6th, 1900, in Barboursville to Nathan and Elizabeth Staton. He lived in Barboursville and entered service on July 1st, 1917. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 1559442, to Company No. 9 of the Camp Shelby June Replacement Draft. He sailed for France from New York City on the GRAMPIAN on June 11th, 1918. He was transferred to Company L of the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade, 1st Division, US Army. On July 18th, 1918, he was assigned to a Machine Gun Detachment. The next day, July 19th, he was killed in action in France. His remains were never recovered and he is honored on the Tablets of the Missing at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Roy Staton; Born 6 Jun 1900 – Barboursville, WV; Died 19 Jul 1918 – France; Co. L, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade, 1st Division – US Army

Private Roy Staton

Layton Fink Slater was born on April 25th, 1897, in Williamson, West Virginia, to Rush Floyd and Fannie Luatha (Sloan) Slater. He lived in Huntington and entered service on June 16th, 1916. He trained at Camp Houston, Texas, and was assigned to Companies F and G of the 2nd West Virginia Infantry. He served on the Mexican border and advanced to the rank of Sergeant. He left the military and filed for a pension on January 26th, 1918, for tuberculosis incurred during military service. He died of this illness in Williamson on May 26th, 1918. He was buried in Williamson’s Fairview Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Sergeant Layton F. Slater; Born 25 Apr 1897 – Williamson, WV; Died 26 May 1918 – Williamson, WV; Co. F, 150th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Brigade, 38th Division – US Army

Sergeant Layton F. Slater

Adolphus Simpson was born on August 4th, 1891, in Mason, Lawrence County, Ohio, to John L. and Sarah Simpson. He lived in Huntington and was married to Margaret Simpson. He entered service on July 25th, 1918, and trained at Camp Meade, Maryland. He was assigned as a Private to the 2nd Truck Company of the 11th Ammunition Train, 11th Division, US Army. He died of influenza and pneumonia at Camp Meade on October 5th, 1918.               <blockquote>HUNTINGTON SOLDIER IS DEAD OF PNEUMONIA</blockquote><blockquote>Delphos [sic] Simpson, a Huntington soldier stationed at Camp Meade, died Sunday of pneumonia. He was married and before entering military service lived on Jefferson avenue near First. No message has been received indicating when the body will arrive here.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 8th, 1918 <blockquote>HUNTINGTON YANK DIES OF INFLUENZA</blockquote><blockquote>Dolphus [sic] Simpson Dead in Training Cantonment at Camp Meade, Md.</blockquote><blockquote>Another Huntington soldier boy who has fallen a victim of the Spanish influenza is Dolphus Simpson, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Simpson, 520 Twentieth street. A message was received by the parents and young wife Saturday night from Camp Meade informing them to his serious illness. Later another message was received stating he was dead.</blockquote><blockquote>The body is expected to arrive here for burial, but it is not known just when it will reach the city. The wife, Mrs. Margaret Simpson, lives at 244 West Fifth avenue. The remains will be taken to her home where the funeral will be held. The dead soldier was twenty-seven, and had been at Camp Meade but three months.</blockquote><blockquote>The Simpsons have another son in the service, Harry Simpson, who landed in France September 8. As yet they have not received any letters from him since he landed. The family denies they had received a message stating that this boy had been gassed, as such rumor was being circulated.</blockquote><blockquote>However, two of their younger children, Berkley and Mildred, are ill with the epidemic that caused the death of the older brother. The third son, Frank, who was reported to be ill in a camp also, has not yet been called to service. He was discharged from the national guard after having served on the Mexican border on account of losing the sight of one eye. However, he was placed in the limited service, and is expecting to be called. Mrs. Simpson’s nephew Edgar Callicoat was a recent victim of the disease at Camp Sherman.</blockquote> – Huntington Advertiser, October 8th, 1918 Adolphus was buried in Huntington’s Woodmere Cemetery after a funeral in town (the newspaper confused him with his other brother, Frank): <blockquote>YANK BURIED WITH MILITARY HONORS</blockquote><blockquote>Frank Simpson’s Body Accompanied to Grave by Militia Reserves</blockquote><blockquote>The body of Frank Simpson, Huntington boy, who died a victim of Spanish influenza at Camp Meade several days ago, arrived in the city Thursday morning. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon, 2:30 o’clock at the residence 244 West Fifth avenue, with Dr. M.L. Wood, pastor of the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, officiating. Burial was at Woodmere.</blockquote><blockquote>The dead soldier was buried with military honors, members of the Huntington Militia Reseves acting as honorary pall bearers.</blockquote> – Huntington Advertiser, October 10th, 1918 In fact, he was one of the first burials in the then-new cemetery: <blockquote>FUNERAL SERVICES FOR SIMPSON ARE CONDUCTED</blockquote><blockquote>The funeral services for Dolphos [sic] Simpson were held at the residence on Fifth street at 2:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon, Rev. W.W. Smith officiating. Burial at Woodmere cemetery by the Johnson Undertaking company. Acting as pall bearers and an escort were ten members of the Huntington Militia Reserves. This was the first soldier to be buried in the new Woodmere cemetery. There are but few graves there. The first one was for Sarah Maxwell, whose death occurred July 18.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 11th, 1918 His brother, Harry, died in France the day after Adolphus’s death but the news took several months to reach their family: <blockquote>SECOND SON DIES IN ARMY HOSPITAL</blockquote><blockquote>Harry Simpson Dies of Pneumonia in France – Adolphus Died Recently at Camp Lee</blockquote><blockquote>One Huntington woman has sacrificed two sons on the altar of her country. This is Mrs. Minnie Simpson, 520 Twentieth street, who has just received news of the death of her son, Harry Simpson, 26, who succumbed to pneumonia in France. The other son, Adolphus Simpson, died of pneumonia at Camp Lee about two months ago….</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, December 5th, 1918 [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Adolphus Simpson; Born 4 Aug 1891 – Mason, OH; Died 5 Oct 1918 – Camp Meade, MD; Company B, 11th Ammunition Train, 11th Division – US Army

Private Adolphus Simpson

Samuel Shachtmaister was born on December 25th, 1893, in Russia. He was a sailor and immigrated to the United States, leaving Liverpool, England, on March 12th, 1914, and arriving in New York City on March 21st on the KERMANIA. World War I began a few months after he left Europe. He lived in Huntington on March 27th, 1918, and entered service on April 28th. He was sent to Camp Meade, Maryland, and assigned as a Private, serial number 2715975, to Company E of the 314th Infantry Regiment, 157th Infantry Brigade, 79th Division, US Army. He petitioned for US citizenship there on May 29th, 1918, and he was naturalized on June 4th, 1918. He sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the LEVIATHAN on July 8th, 1918. He was killed in action in France on September 28th, 1918, dying for his adopted country. His remains were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT ST. MIHIEL on December 4th, 1921, and they arrived in New York City on December 16th.  [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Samuel Shachtmaister; Born 25 Dec 1893 – Russia; Died 28 Sep 1918 – France; Co. E, 314th Infantry Regiment, 157th Infantry Brigade, 79th Division – US Army

Private Sam Shachtmaister

William Scarberry was born on August 22nd, 1891, in Gallia County, Ohio, to Thomas and Ella Scarberry. He lived in Glenwood, Cabell County, worked as a laborer, and was married to Verna Scarberry. He entered service on September 21st, 1917, and was sent to Camp Lee, Virginia, for training. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 1836846, to Company I of the 318th Infantry Regiment, 159th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the LEVIATHAN on May 22nd, 1918. He died of pneumonia 3 days after the war ended, on November 14th, 1918, at Hospital No. 114 in France. He was buried the same day in an American Cemetery but his remains were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT WHEATON on September 20th, 1921. They arrived at Hoboken, New Jersey, and he was buried in Cabell County’s Union Ridge Cemetery.  [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private William Scarberry; Born 22 Aug 1891 – Gallia County, OH; Died 14 Nov 1918 – Unknown; Co. I, 318th Infantry Regiment, 159th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division – US Army

Private William Scarberry

Vernal Wedsel Ross was born on April 10th, 1901, in Salt Rock, Cabell County, to Stanton and Eliza (McComas) Ross. He lived in Salt Rock and entered service on June 29th, 1917. He trained at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, and was a part of Company H of the 150th Infantry Regiment (part of the West Virginia National Guard). He was assigned as a Private, serial number 1559801, to Company B of the 7th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division, US Army. He was killed in action in France on October 14th, 1918. His remains were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT WHEATON on August 6th, 1921, and arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery, West Hamlin, West Virginia.  [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

John W. Rigney was born on April 27th, 1890, in Scottown, Ohio, to Charles and Rhoda Rigney. He lived in Scottown, was a Huntington public worker, and was married to Nellie Belville Bowman Rigney. He entered service on September 22nd, 1917, at Ironton, Ohio, and was assigned as a Private, serial number 1941179, to Company G of the 330th Infantry Regiment. He trained at Camp Sherman, Ohio, and was promoted to Private First Class on December 6th, 1917. He was transferred to Company B of the 323rd Machine Gun Battalion on March 6th, 1918, and he sailed for France from New York City on the CARMANIA on June 12th. On August 5th, he was transferred to Company B of the 308th Machine Gun Battalion, 155th Infantry Brigade, 78th Division, US Army. He was killed in action on September 27th, 1918, in France. His remains were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT CAMBRAI on March 19th, 1922, and arrived in Brooklyn, New York, on March 29th. He was buried in Good Hope Cemetery, Good Hope, Ohio. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private 1st Class John W. Rigney; Born 27 Apr 1890 – Scottown, OH; Died 27 Sep 1918 – France; Co. B, 308th Machine Gun Battalion, 155th Infantry Brigade, 78th Division – US Army

Private 1st Class John W. Rigney

Alva Francis Pummell was born on February 19th, 1888, in Manchester, Ohio, to Frank and Lilly Pummell. As of June 5th, 1917, he lived in Manchester, worked as a granite cutter, and had 2 years of service as a Private in the Ohio National Guard. He enlisted on January 23rd, 1918, and was assigned as a Private, serial number 3545454, to the 23rd Company of the 6th Training Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade at Camp Sherman, Ohio. He died of pneumonia in Ross County, Ohio, on October 7th, 1918. His commander and comrades expressed sorrow over his death: <blockquote>COMMANDER WRITES</blockquote><blockquote>Extends Sympathy to Family of Alva Plummer [sic], Who Died of Influenza at Camp Sherman</blockquote><blockquote>That the death of Alva Plummer, from influenza, is regretted by all with whom he came in contact at Camp Sherman, is stated in a letter to Mrs. Plummer from Captain E.A. Powell, commander of the Twenty-third company, of which Private Plummer was a member. The letter of condolence follows:</blockquote><blockquote>Twenty-third Co., 6th Tr. Bat.,</blockquote><blockquote>158th Depot Brigade</blockquote><blockquote>Camp Sherman, O.</blockquote><blockquote>My Dear Mrs. Plummer: – I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to you in this hour of trouble and sorrow.</blockquote><blockquote>I have been Alva’s company commander for some time, and it will no doubt be pleasure for you to know that he has always been a good soldier and a willing worker, always ready to do his part, no matter how hard the task to which he was assigned.</blockquote><blockquote>His death is keenly felt and deeply regretted by both officers and men of the company and all join in your sorrow. Very sincerely yours,</blockquote><blockquote>E.L. POWELL,</blockquote><blockquote>Capt. Inf. U.S.A.,</blockquote><blockquote>Com’d’g 23d Co.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 31st, 1918 [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Alva F. Pummell; Born 19 Feb 1888 – Manchester, OH; Died 7 Oct 1918 – Ross County, OH; 23rd Co., 6th Training Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade, Camp Sherman, OH – US Army

Private Alva F. Pummell

Justice I. Pine was born on December 28th, 1894, in Lawrence County, Ohio, to Mary F. Pine. He lived at 2831 8th Avenue, Huntington, and worked as a car repairer for C&amp;O Railroad. He entered service on April 2nd, 1918, and trained at Camp Lee, Virginia. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 2472073, to Company F of the 319th Infantry Regiment, 160th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Norfolk, Virginia, on the ZEELANDIA on May 18th, 1918. He was in several battles and was seriously wounded by a shell (the same one that wounded fellow Cabell casualty Clayton M. Newman) while patrolling in the Bois de Ogons, a heavily defended wood, on October 5th or 6th, 1918. According to Private Frank J. Higham of his company: <blockquote>About 7:30 PM on October 5th, 1918 in the Bois des Ogons I was with Pvt. Pine on a patrol. A shell burst near by and a piece of shrapnel struck him. First aid was tendered and he was carried to the rear, but died a day or so later.</blockquote> In fact, he died of this wound on October 10th, 1918, in Mobile Hospital No. 5. He was first buried in an American Cemetery but his remains were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT WHEATON on June 19th, 1921. They arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, on July 2nd and he was buried in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Proctorville, Ohio. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Justice I. Pine; Born 28 Dec 1894 – Lawrence County, OH; Died 10 Oct 1918 – Unknown; Co. F, 319th Infantry Regiment, 160th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division – US Army

Private Justice I. Pine

Harry B. Osborne lived in Cabell County. He was assigned as a Supply Sergeant, serial number 1045665, to Battery D of the 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 5th Field Artillery Brigade, 5th Division, US Army. This unit operated 155mm artillery pieces. According to Sergeant Walter L. Lynch of the same unit: <blockquote>Took sick March 20, 1919 with pneumonia, next day went to Field Hospital #30 at Mondorf, Lux[embourg]. Where he died 11:45 AM March 26, 1919. Was buried in the cemetery at ELLANGE, LUX [the next day]. Thought to have relatives in Virginia, but no information or addresses known.</blockquote> His remains were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT POCAHANTAS on September 25th, 1920, and they arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, on October 19th. They were sent to Huntington for burial. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Harry B. Osborne; Unknown; Died 26 Mar 1919 – Luxembourg; Battery D, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 5th Field Artillery Brigade, 5th Division – US Army

Supply Sergeant Harry B. Osborne

David Sharpley Noble was born on April 23rd, 1896, in Martinsburg, West Virginia. His parents died when he was young and he was raised by his uncle, Wilson M. Foulk, in Huntington, West Virginia. Interestingly, Foulk served as the State Historian during the war. Noble graduated with high honors from Huntington High School in 1914 and attended Washington &amp; Lee University, where he was an assistant instructor in the History Department. As of June 5th, 1917, he had taken 6 weeks of training at Camp Ashville, North Carolina, was a Private in the US Army, and lived at 1517 3rd Avenue, Huntington, while attending Washington &amp; Lee. He married Naomi (Carpenter) Noble in Charleston on April 25th, 1918, the day before he left Huntington for Camp Meade, Maryland. He was assigned to Company C of the 314th Infantry Regiment, 157th Infantry Brigade, 79th Division, US Army. He was given leave from Camp Meade to attend the commencement exercises at Washington &amp; Lee University in June 1918, from which he graduated as one of the top 6 students with highest honors, as well as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the LEVIATHAN on July 2nd, 1918. He ended up as a Private First Class, serial number 2711139, in the Headquarters Company of the 314th. He died of pneumonia in eastern France on October 7th, 1918. <blockquote>DAVID S. NOBLE</blockquote><blockquote>DIES IN FRANCE OF PNEUMONIA</blockquote><blockquote>Graduated from Washington &amp; Lee Last June, Married Before Entering Army</blockquote><blockquote>David S. Noble, a former Huntington boy, has died in France, according to word received by his uncle, Wilson M. Foulk, state historian and archivist, in Charleston Friday. Death was due to bronchopneumonia. Young Noble was twenty-two. He entrained for Camp Meade last April 26, the day following his marriage to Miss Naomi Carpenter, in Charleston. He was sent to France in July. He was attached to a unit which included a large number of Huntington boys. Young Noble spent the greater portion of his life in Huntington, having been reared here by Mr. Foulk, who was then superintendent of schools. His father and mother died when he was nine years old at his old home in Martinsburg. He graduated from Washington &amp; Lee University last June, having been furloughed from Camp Meade that he might return to the school and take part in the commencement exercises. Along with his Bachelor of Arts degree, he was admitted to the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity, a scholarship organization. He was one of six to graduate with highest honors. The telegram from the war department informed his relatives that he died October 6, 1918.</blockquote> – Huntington Advertiser, November 1st, 1918 (This article is courtesy of the KYOWVA Genealogical and Historical Society, from page 17 of their Summer 2015 newsletter) <blockquote>DAVID S. NOBLE DIES IN FRANCE</blockquote><blockquote>FORMER HUNTINGTON BOY IS PNEUMONIA VICTIM</blockquote><blockquote>Was Brought Up Here In The Home of His Uncle, Wilson M. Foulk – High School Graduate</blockquote><blockquote>As an added shock to mourning Huntington came the news yesterday of the death in France of David S. Noble, American Expeditionary force, who succumbed to bronchial pneumonia at the age of twenty-five. The word was received from his uncle Wilson M. Foulk, state archivist and historian, at Charleston. Death occurred on October 9.</blockquote><blockquote>The young soldier had been his uncle’s ward and was brought up in the Foulk home here. He graduated from the Huntington high school in 1914, and from Washington &amp; Lee last June. He was a brilliant student and won high honrs in his university. At the time of his graduation he was admitted to Phi Betta [sic] Kappa.</blockquote><blockquote>On the eve of his departure to Camp Meade, April 26, he was married to Miss Naomi Carpenter in Charleston.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 2nd, 1918 His memorial service was held the day before the Armistice was signed: <blockquote>GOLD STARS TO REPLACE THE BLUE</blockquote><blockquote>MEMORY OF PRIVATE DAVID S. NOBLE WILL BE HONORED</blockquote><blockquote>Dr. J. Layton Mauze Will Preach on the Subject, “Our Boys Over There.”</blockquote><blockquote>A tribute to the memory of Private David S. Noble, who laud down his life on the altar of his country, dying in France of influenza, will be paid at the service at the First Presbyterian church this evening. With appropriate observances the blue star which has represented him in the service flag of the church will be changed to golden.</blockquote><blockquote>Dr. J. Layton Muaze, the pastor, will make this the occasion for a special sermon on “Our Boys Over There,” in the course of which he will lay emphasis on the necessity of supporting the united war council drive.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 10th, 1918 Even after his death he helped contribute to the cause of freedom, as $2,006.75 in war fund subscriptions, also known as the Liberty Loan, were taken at his service (NOTE: microfilmed article was damaged): <blockquote>New Pastor of First Church Makes Very Successful Start</blockquote><blockquote>GOLDEN STAR COMMEMORATES DAVID S. NOBLE</blockquote><blockquote>Impressive Services Conducted at First Presbyterian Church Last Night</blockquote><blockquote>ADAMS PAYS TRIBUTE TO PUPIL AND FRIEND</blockquote><blockquote>More Than Two Thousand Dollars Subscribed Following Address by Dr. Mauze</blockquote><blockquote>Private David S. Noble</blockquote><blockquote>Entrained at Huntington April 26 for Camp Meade.</blockquote><blockquote>Reached France early in July.</blockquote><blockquote>Died in eastern France October 7, 1918, of bronchial pneumonia.</blockquote><blockquote>Nephew and ward of Wilson M. Foulk, State Historian, in whose home he was brought up after the death of his parents in the early years of his life.</blockquote><blockquote>Graduate of the Huntington High School and Washington and Lee University.</blockquote><blockquote>For two years an instructor…history department under…Franklin Riley.</blockquote><blockquote>Editor of Calyx (college paper) in his senior year.</blockquote><blockquote>Received degree of A.D….took Phi Betta [sic] Kappa honor…June.</blockquote><blockquote>Was married to Miss Naomi Carpenter of Charleston on May 25, 1918, the day before his i…tion into the service.</blockquote><blockquote>———</blockquote><blockquote>A touching tribute to the first of their number to lay down his life in the Great War for freedom comes with the sounding of the appeal for the support of the United War Council drive and the subscription of $2…marked the services held by the pastor and people of the First Presbyterian Church on Sunday night.</blockquote><blockquote>The service was marked n…by moving eloquence but well…and well rendered music.</blockquote><blockquote>The service opened with a…”The Fight is On.” This was followed by the reading of the First…by Dr. Mauze after which ch…congregation again joined in…”The Son of God Goes Forth…</blockquote><blockquote>Dr. Mauze then announced…next Sunday morning he would…on the subject “As Goes Am…Goes the World.” On that…there will be a pantomimic…expressive of the words fro…Service, on which Dr. Mauze will deliver an address. On the last Sunday night of the present month Dr. Mauze will preach the first of a series of four sermons on the theme “Has Christianity Failed?” The fourth sermon will assert the vindication of Christianity by the world war.</blockquote><blockquote>Battle Hymn of the Republic.</blockquote><blockquote>The singing of the Battle Hymn of the Republic by the choir and congregation was one of the most stirring features of the evening.</blockquote><blockquote>Dr. Mauze then directed attention to the service flag with its 107 stars and declared that it should be a matter for profound thanksgiving that out of these 107 only one thus far had been taken.</blockquote><blockquote>“The one who has been taken,” he said, “has been called from the service here to the service above.”</blockquote><blockquote>He then called upon Robert F. Adams, friend and Sunday School teacher of David S. Noble, to speak regarding the dead soldier. Mr. Adams spoke in simple but eloquent terms of his pupil – told of his bright, lovable and unselfish boyhood and his earnest and well spent young manhood. He spoke of his faith in Christ and like Dr. Mauze expressed the firm belief of his translation to a better sphere.</blockquote><blockquote>Then, after a brief but touching prayer, Dr. Mauze placed a gold star where a blue one…[huge chunk gone]…did soldiery to the tradition of American motherhood.</blockquote><blockquote>Speaking of their general fitness, he asked –</blockquote><blockquote>“Are they coming back as they were? as strong, as pure, as good?”</blockquote><blockquote>Speaking of the religious aspect of the case, he declared that the war had afforded an unparalleled opportunity for the preaching of the gospel to men, and added that he did not believe that the Church of God could make a better investment than to raise this money.</blockquote><blockquote>“Let us,” he said in his conclusion, “say to every boy on the other side, ‘remember that we love you and will stand by you until you come home.’”</blockquote><blockquote>At the conclusion of the service cards were distributed and subscriptions taken for the war fund to the sum of $2,006.75.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 11th, 1918 As an alumnus, he was honored at Huntington High School’s remembrance service: <blockquote>Proud Offering to Humanity By Huntington High School</blockquote><blockquote>SERVICE EMBLEM WITH 245 STARS GIVES EVIDENCE</blockquote><blockquote>Memorial Friday Afternoon One of Most Impressive of its Kind Ever Held in City</blockquote><blockquote>REV. MAUZZE MADE SPLENDID ADDRESS</blockquote><blockquote>Placing of Gold Stars on Flag Was the Feature That Gripped Hearts the Tightest</blockquote><blockquote>THREE GOLD STARS SHINE IN FIELD OF LOYAL BLUE</blockquote><blockquote>(At the dedication of the high school service flag yesterday afternoon, three stars of gold were placed among over two hundred of blue in memory of David Noble, class of ’14, who died in France; Thedford Davis, ’16, who died at the mechanical training school at Morgantown, and Halsey Notter, ’18, whose death occurred at the Cleveland training school.)…</blockquote><blockquote>…The feature of the memorial that gripped the heart the tightest was the placing of the three gold stars over the blue emblems that stood for the three boys who made the supreme sacrifice. This service was performed by members of the respective classes to which these boys belonged. Helen Hutchinson Dickinson affixed the star for David Noble, ’14; Loles Prose for Thedford Davis, ’16, and Mae Yoho for Halsey Notter, ’18….</blockquote><blockquote>…Mrs. Dickinson, speaking of the class of ’14, very touchingly referred to the esteem in which David Noble was held by his classmates. Practically every member of the class had entered the service, “fulfilling all our hopes and expectations. All will come back but one, David Noble, the most talented and popular member of the class, who contracted pneumonia and in France and died. He was a typical American boy, the embodiment of the best in the spirit of America.”…</blockquote> - Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 23rd, 1918 He was also honored in their 1919 yearbook: <blockquote>Another heroic soul “passed on”. David was a member of the class of ’15 but he left H.H.S. after completing his Junior year. After being in the army for two months he received a furlough to allow him to return to Washington &amp; Lee University to received his diploma and the much prized Phi Beta Kappa Key. He was soon sent overseas and in a few weeks was in the front line trenches facing the Hun. It was at this post of honor that he was stricken with pneumonia and died October 10th, at the base hospital. David Noble was ever ready to help others and it is men such as he that the world will miss.</blockquote> His remains were sent home from Bordeaux on the POCAHANTAS on October 5th, 1920, and they arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, on October 18th. He was buried in Charleston’s Spring Hill Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private 1st Class David S. Noble; Born 23 Apr 1896 – Martinsburg, WV; Died 7 Oct 1918 – France; HQ Co., 314th Infantry Regiment, 157th Infantry Brigade, 79th Division – US Army

Private 1st Class David S. Noble

Clayton Marse Newman was born on April 9th, 1894, in Huntington to Henry Clint and Ora Newman. He lived at 217 West 7th Street, Huntington, and worked as a laborer. He entered service on April 2nd, 1918, and trained at Camp Lee, Virginia. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 2472139, to Company F of the 319th Infantry Regiment, 160th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Norfolk, Virginia, on the ZEELANDIA on May 18th, 1918. He was in several battles and was seriously wounded by a shell (the same one that wounded fellow Cabell casualty Justice I. Pine) while patrolling in the Bois de Ogons, a heavily defended wood, on October 5th or 6th, 1918. He was sent to the rear but died of pneumonia, not his wound, on October 21st, 1918. His family received unofficial word that he was dead and contacted the American Red Cross for confirmation. They contacted the Army in late January 1919 and received an official record in late February. Newman was first buried in an American Cemetery but his remains were sent home from St. Nazaire on the USAT WHEATON on November 22nd, 1920. They arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, on December 15th and were shipped to Huntington.   [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Clayton M. Newman; Born 9 Apr 1894 – Huntington; Died 21 Oct 1918 – Unknown; Co. F, 319th Infantry Regiment, 160th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division – US Army

Private Clayton M. Newman

Letson Boyd Morrison was born on February 28th, 1895, in Salt Rock, Cabell County, to Napoleon Bonaparte and Viola May Edens Morrison. He lived in Salt Rock and entered service on June 30th, 1913, apparently under the pseudonym James B. White. He served on the Mexican border and was in Galveston, Texas, during a flood. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 1033478, to Company E of the 64th Infantry Regiment, 14th Infantry Brigade, 7th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the MOUNT VERNON on August 26th, 1918. He was killed in action in France on November 10th, 1918. His remains were sent home from Antwerp on the USAT CANTIGNY on June 20th, 1922, and arrived at Brooklyn, New York, on June 30th. He was buried in Salt Rock’s Napoleon Bonaparte Morrison Cemetery.  [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Letson B. Morrison; Born 28 Feb 1895 – Salt Rock, WV; Died 10 Nov 1918 – France; Co. E, 64th Infantry Regiment, 14th Infantry Brigade, 7th Division – US Army

Private Letson B. Morrison

Oscar Earl Mefford was born on August 11th, 1892, in Ripley, Ohio, to Ellsworth D. and Etta Belle (Conn) Mefford. He lived at 2863 3rd Avenue, Huntington, and worked as a salesman. He entered service on April 2nd, 1918, and was assigned as a Private, serial number 2472070, to Company E of the 319th Infantry Regiment, 160th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Newport News, Virginia, on the ZEELANDIA on May 18th, 1918. He was killed in action in France on November 1st, 1918. <blockquote>EARL MEFFORD KILLED NOV 1ST ON WEST FRONT</blockquote><blockquote>Sad Message Received Here Yesterday by Parents of Popular Young Man</blockquote><blockquote>LEFT HERE WITH SELECTS ON APRIL 2</blockquote><blockquote>Prior to Induction Was Employed by H.E. Spilman Tobacco Company – Was 26 years Old</blockquote><blockquote>A telegram received yesterday afternoon by Mr. and Mrs. E.D. Medford [sic], 2858 Third avenue, advised them officially of the death of their son, Oscar Earl Medford [sic], who was killed in action in France on November 1. He was one of the contingent of selects that left here on April 2, and was with the 318th infantry, Eighteenth division. One of his letters home was published in the Herald-Dispatch only a few weeks ago.</blockquote><blockquote>He was born in Ripley, O., 26 years ago last August, and came to this city with his parents several years ago. Like his father, he was an employe of the H.E. Spilman Tobacco company.</blockquote><blockquote>He was a highly popular young man and the news of his death will occasion sorrow in a wide circle as well as a city-wide sympathy for the bereaved parents.</blockquote><blockquote>Besides his parents, Mr. Mefford leaves a sister, Miss Sarah Mefford, at home, and one brother, Harry Mefford, also with the armies in France.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, December 3rd, 1918 He was buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Oscar E. Mefford; Born 11 Aug 1892 – Ripley, OH; Died 1 Nov 1918 – France; Co. E, 319th Infantry Regiment, 160th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division – US Army

Private Oscar E. Mefford

Esom Monroe Meadows was born on May 22nd, 1890, in Huntington to Esom and Edna Meadows. He lived in Huntington and worked as a photographer. He enlisted on May 28th, 1918, at Springfield, Ohio, and trained at Camp Lee, Virginia. He was assigned as a Private, serial number 3097715, to the 33rd Company of the 9th Training Battalion, 159th Depot Brigade at Camp Taylor, Kentucky. He was transferred on June 18th, 1918, to Instruction Company I of the Medical Corps, US Army, and then on July 1st, 1918, to Hospital Train No. 42, Base No. 30, Medical Corps, US Army. He sailed for France from Newport News, Virginia, on the PASTORES at 11 AM on August 22nd, 1918. He caught pneumonia and died in France on October 16th, 1918. <blockquote>DIES IN FRANCE</blockquote><blockquote>Eson [sic] Monroe Meadows, Huntington Man, is Victim of Bronchial Pneumonia</blockquote><blockquote>Bronchial pneumonia was the cause of the death of Eson Monroe Meadows in France on October 16, according to word received by his mother, Mrs. Edna Taylor, of Twenty-eighth street, from Washington yesterday. The young man, who was 30 years old, was a member of the medical corps, and had been in France two months. He received his training at Camp Lee before embarking overseas. He was a photographer here before entering the service.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 8th, 1918 His remains were sent home from Cherbourg on the USAT WHEATON on May 1st, 1921, and they arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was buried in Huntington’s Spring Hill Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Esom M. Meadows; Born 22 May 1890 – Huntington, WV; Died 16 Oct 1918 – France; Hospital Train No. 42, Base 30, Medical Corps – US Army

Private Esom M. Meadows

Lyle Franklin Mahan was born on September 23rd, 1891, in Huntington to Robert and Nannie Mahan. He lived at 643 Washington Avenue, Huntington, and worked for Chaffe Grocery Company. He was inducted into service on June 14th, 1918, as part of Draft Call No. 594 and was sent to the mechanical training camp at Morgantown, where he trained to be an automobile mechanic. Upon completion of his training, he was sent to Camp Hancock, Georgia. He was sent to New York City and assigned as a Private, serial number 3439375, to a provisional ordnance unit. He sailed for France from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the SIBONEY on October 5th, 1918. His sister, coming to visit him, just missed the boat, and, on her way home, developed influenza. In a strange twist of fate, Mahan himself contracted the disease on the ship and developed pneumonia, dying on board at 3:20 PM on October 15th, 1918. His sister, at home, died 4 days later. The double grief experienced by his mother was the subject of great empathy in the community: <blockquote>BROTHER, SISTER VICTIMS OF “FLU”</blockquote><blockquote>Lyle Franklin Mahan, Young Soldier, Died at Sea on October 15</blockquote><blockquote>The death of Lyle Franklin Mahan, 26, and his sister, Mrs. Jess Bagby occurred within four days of each other. Mrs. Bagby had just returned from New York, where she went to bid her brother farewell, prior to his sailing for France. She arrived in the city just too late to meet her brother, for his ship had sailed. Returning home she became ill with the influenza and died October 19. Monday evening a telegram was received from Washington by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mahan, 645 Washington avenue, informing them of the death of the son at sea October 25, due to influenza. According to the message the body will be returned to Huntington for burial.</blockquote><blockquote>The young soldier was a well liked young man, and before entering the army was an employee of the Chaffee Grocery company. He enlisted with the mechanical draft and left for Morgantown, June 15, from there he was sent to Camp Hancock, Ga., and was on his way across to France when he fell a victim of the influenza. The mother, Mrs. Robert Mahan, is prostrate with grief over the death of her two children.</blockquote> – Huntington Advertiser, October 29th, 1918 <blockquote>MOTHER SORROWS FOR HER ONLY SON</blockquote><blockquote>HE DIED WHILE ON THE WAY TO WAR</blockquote><blockquote>Sacrifice and Honor as Great as If Death Had Come on a Battlefield of France</blockquote><blockquote>There is much sympathy in the community for Mrs. Robert Mahan, of 673 Washington avenue, who recently lost her two children, a married daughter and a son. The boy was taken sick and died while on the ship that was to carry him to France to fight for humanity.</blockquote><blockquote>The bereaved mother feels the loss of her son more because he was not given the opportunity he so greatly desired to get into active service. She may feel, and rightly so, that his death on the way to service was as much an offering on the altar of his country as if the end had come on the battlefield.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, October 30th, 1918  His body was brought back and buried in Huntington’s Spring Hill Cemetery: <blockquote>Military Honors for Dead Soldier</blockquote><blockquote>Militia Reserves Escort For the Body of Lyle Franklin Mahan</blockquote><blockquote>The Huntington militia reserve marched into Spring Hill, Huntington’s city of the dead, Friday, paying their last tribute to all that was mortal of Lyle Franklin Mahan, twenty-six, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mann, 643 Washington avenue, who died at sea, Oct. 15, while en route to France. Taps were sounded and salute to the dead was fired over the grave. Brief religious services were held at the grave with Rev. C.A. Slaughter, of the Johnson Memorial church, in charge. The body was accompanied by First Class Private John Daugherty of Philadelphis, stationed at Camp Mills, N.Y., and arrived in Huntington Friday morning at six o’clock. Young Mahan was one of the first to enlist in the mechanical training school at Morgantown last June 14, and was transferred from there to Camp Hancock, Ga. The death of the son makes the grief of the bereaved parents doubly hard to bear because of the death of the only daughter, Mrs. Jess Bagby, a few days ago. Both succumbed to influenza.</blockquote> – Huntington Advertiser, November 1st, 1918 (This article is courtesy of the KYOWVA Genealogical and Historical Society, from page 17 of their Summer 2015 newsletter) [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private Lyle F. Mahan; Born 23 Sep 1891 – Huntington, WV; Died 15 Oct 1918 – USS Siboney; 27th Co., Provisional Ordnance Detachment, Ordnance Department - US Army

Private Lyle F. Mahan

Maryland McCloud was born on May 13th, 1896, in Huntington to Elize and Halia McCloud. He lived in Huntington and was a glass worker. He entered service on April 2nd, 1918, and was assigned as a Private First Class, serial number 2472130, to Company C of the 319th Infantry Regiment, 160th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division, US Army. He sailed for France from Newport News, Virginia, on the MADAWASKA on May 17th, 1918. He was in combat for 21 days when he was killed in action on October 10th, 1918, in France. <blockquote>MERLIN [sic] M’CLOUD KILLED IN ACTION</blockquote><blockquote>WAS SON OF WEST HUNTINGTON RESIDENT</blockquote><blockquote>News Says He Was Killed In Battle In France on Tenth of October</blockquote><blockquote>The official casualty list has carried the name of Merlin McCloud, son of Elijah [sic] McCloud, Van Buren avenue and West Twenty-First street, West Huntington. He was killed in action October 10. He was one of the first draftees to leave Huntington. Before entering the service he was employed by W.W. Payne, West Huntington feed dealer.</blockquote> – Huntington Herald-Dispatch, November 28th, 1918 His remains were sent home from Antwerp on the SOMME on June 23rd, 1921, and arrived at Hoboken, New Jersey, on July 7th. He was buried in Cabell County’s Johnson Cemetery. [From In the Service of Their Country - used with permission of the author]

Private 1st Class Maryland McCloud; Born 13 May 1896 – Huntington, WV; Died 10 Oct 1918 – France; Co. C, 319th Infantry Regiment, 160th Infantry Brigade, 80th Division – US Army

Cabell County World War I Memorial Boulevard and Walking Tour

Private Vernal W. Ross

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources

Additional Information