SWENSRUD, Elmer 1889-1918

SWENSRUD

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/2/2024 at 15:44:20

Elmer Swensrud
(December 27, 1889 – October 3, 1918)

Last Sad Rites in Memory of Soldier Hero
Hundreds Turn Out to Funeral of Elmer Swensrud, Who Died in France
Killed in Action Battle Blanc Mont Ridge, France
Funeral Conducted With Military Honors Under Auspices of Wm. T. Smith Post
Funeral obsequies were held last Sunday afternoon at Shell Rock Church over the remains of Elmer Swensrud, who was killed in action in France on October 3, 1918, at the battle of Blanc Mont Ridge. The services were beautiful and very impressive, being under the auspices of William T. Smith Post American Legion, of Northwood, and directed by Commander Paul G. Thonn. At 1:30 p.m. the members of the American Legion, G.A.R., Ladies’ Auxiliary, W. R. C. and Girl Scouts assembled at the court house, from which place they motored out to the little church about three miles from town, and of which church deceased was a member. There was a very large turnout, hundreds being unable to gain admission to the church. The service was conducted by Rev. A. J. Torgerson, pastor of the Shell Rock church. Music was furnished by the Shell Rock church choir and the male chorus of Northwood followed by the funeral sermon by Rev. Mr. Togerson. The casket, draped in an American flag, was then borne across the road by members of the Legion to the grave. After a brief service by the pastor the firing squad fired the salute of three volleys, followed by the sounding of taps. As the casket was borne from the hearse to the church and again as it was carried to the cemetery, the Northwood band played most beautiful dirges, which lent impressive solemnity to the occasion. The day was perfect and the entire program was carried out without a hitch, being both beautiful and impressive.
Elmer Swensrud, youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Swensrud, was born on December 27, 1889, at the old homestead 1 ½ miles south of Gordonsville. He was baptized and confirmed by the late Rev. O. T. Lee. Practically all his life was spent on the farm with his parents and since the death of his father, October 3, 1908, he had been a comfort and help to his aged mother. It is an impressive coincidence that Elmer was killed just 10 years to the day after his father’s death. Details of the exact manner in which Elmer was killed will probably never be known, and the nearest that has been ascertained is information gained through letters of several of his comrades who saw him just before he met his death. The substance of those letters – and they all agree in their reports – is that he had assisted in capturing about 10 German prisoners. All these prisoners had been turned over to Elmer with orders that he take them to the rear, where they were to be received by the military police. He was seen to start out with the prisoners, but that is the last ever seen of him alive. His body was later found not far from that point. One comrade says the road which Elmer took was being heavily shelled, while another said it led through a heavy barrage, either or both of which may have been correct. The general supposition is that he was hit by a shell. That the body was perfectly identified has proven a source of much satisfaction to the mother and other relatives. On Saturday Dr. Rice took his record chart of several teeth which he had filled for Elmer and in the presence of some of the relatives compared the record with the teeth, showing in every instance that there was no possible chance of a mistake. This went a long way toward satisfying the relatives and general public that the identification was complete. His comrades all speak very highly of Elmer, and several say he had a presentiment that he was to lose his life. They also say he read his Bible a great deal and said that he was prepared to die. Naught but the best is reported of him in every respect. Capt. F. D. Grantham, in command of his company, wrote Mrs. J. J. Page, sister of the deceased, as follows: “While your brother, Elmer, was only with the company a short time, everyone speaks in the highest terms of him. His conduct and character in face of the enemy, under fire, or behind the lines among his friends and comrades appears to have been regarded as of the highest type. He fought well and died bravely by the side of his comrades. His mother can be justly proud of him, as he paid the supreme sacrifice through devotion to duty as he did at home and love and patriotism for his country.” The engagement in which Elmer lost his life was one of several which freed Blanc Mont Ridge from German hands, and of this General Lejeune said in certain orders issued: “France, Oct. 11, 1918 – Officers and men of the Second Division: It is beyond my power of expression to describe fitly my admiration for your heroism. You attacked magnificently and you seized Blanc Mont Ridge, the keystone of the arch constituting the enemy’s position. You advanced beyond the ridge, breaking the enemy’s lines, and you held the ground gained with a tenacity which is unsurpassed in the annals of war. As a direct result of the victory, the German armies east and west of Rheims are in full retreat, and by drawing on yourselves several German divisions from other parts of the front you greatly assisted the victorious advance of the allied armies between Cambria and St. Quentin. Your heroism and the heroism of your comrades who died on the battlefield will live in history forever, and will be emulated by the young men of our country for generations to come. To be able to say when this was is finished, I belong to the Second Division: I fought with it at the battle of Blanc Mont Ridge, will be the highest honor which can come to any man” John A. Lejuene, Major General U.S., Marine Corps Commanding. Source - Worth County Index, Northwood, Iowa, Thurs., Aug 25, 1921 p.2