World War I News, 1917-1919
from the Denison Review
Articles About People from Crawford County Serving in WWI
November, 1918 - February, 1919
November 1918
Manilla, 11-6-1918
*Mrs. Deter's brother, Mr.Stamper, who has been here visiting for the past week left Saturday evening for Danbury. He is to report in New York November 25th.
Dow City, 11-6-1918
*Mr. and Mrs. Clair Butterworth received a card Saturday informing them of the safe arrival overseas of their son, Nelson. This good news relieved much anxiety on the part of his parents and relatives.
*Norman Riddle arrived the fore part of the past week from Cambridge, Mass., and will assist his brother, Elmer in corn picking. He has been given a furlough of thirty days. This is his first visit home since going into the service about six months ago.
*Mr. and Mrs. Claus Hansen received word in a recent letter from their son, Corp. Carl Hansen, that he has been transferred from Camp Gordon, Ga., to Camp Wheeler in the same state. He says he is enjoying the best of health and is well pleased with his work.
*Dow City friends of Auctioneer E. T. Malone are interested to learn that he has gone to serve Uncle Sam as a tank driver. We understand that he left last Wednesday for Camp Polk, Raleigh, N. C. The best wishes of a host of friends in this vicinity go with him.
*Robert Hunt, Merrill Binnall and Homer and Claude Wiley were in Des Moines one day last week where they enlisted in the ambulance corps. They were all successful in passing and expect to leave next week to begin training at Camp Dodge.
*Ben Houston came up from Fort Omaha Monday for a several days' visit at the home of his father, R. W. Houston.
West Side, 11-6-1918
*Arlo Buck, A. W. Starek and Dewey Voss were at Ames Friday to try and enlist in the students' army training corps but returned home disappointed.
Vail, 11-6-1918
*Howard Parks of Ames, who is stationed at Camp Pike, Ark., spent the last of the week here at the Rev. S. J. Huffman home.
Denison, 11-6-1918
* Pvt. Fred Frieberg, who is visiting at the C. F. Olsen home in this city, left Friday for a short visit with friends at Arthur.
*Word has been received in Denison that Leslie Heiden has been promoted to sergeant. Leslie is now in France and his many friends will be pleased to learn of his promotion.
*Norman Riddle of Dow City visited in the city last Thursday. He is now serving in the navy, but was granted a furlough which he is spending visiting relatives at Dow City
*Clarence Chamberlin writes his parents that he has completed his flying course at West Point, Miss., and has been recommended for overseas service. He expects to receive orders to report at Garden City, N. Y. within a few days.
*Mr. and Mrs. John Lingle are in receipt of a recent letter from their son, Howard, who is in service in Honolulu, telling them of his recent promotion to rank of second lieutenant. Howard has been taking instruction in veterinary surgery and received his commission in that department of the army work.
*Mrs. Peter Boysen and daughter, Miss Hilda, of Schleswig, were in Denison Saturday visiting friends. They had just returned from Camp Dodge where they spent several days visiting Bernard Boysen, who had been confined in the hospital at that place for the past four weeks. They report him much better at present and able to be up and he expects soon to be able to leave the hospital.)
*Friends of Corporal Seth E. Elliott, a former instructor in the high school, have received word of his recent transfer from Camp Gordon, Ga., to Camp Taylor, Ky., where he will enter officers training camp in the artillery department. Corporal Elliott left Denison July 26th and since that time has been stationed at Camp Gordon where he soon was promoted to rank of corporal. His friends here will be pleased to learn of his further advancement.
*Grover Tucker, who is a member of the Rainbow division, writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Tucker that it looks as if the war will be over by Christmas. He says the boys are being urged to enlist for service for six months after the war closes to help clean up the battlefields. They are being offered $120 per month for this service. Grover mailed his parents a German gas mask, which is a most interesting trophy.
Dunlap, 11-6-1918
*The wedding of Miss Marie Daily and Leo Cover took place the last of the week at St. Patrick's church. The young couple will make their home in Cleveland where the groom is stationed during the war.
*Merlyn Rawlings was home from Camp dodge on a short furlough Sunday. He is in the commissary department.
Deloit, 11-13-1918
*Miss Luella Vennick will leave for Camp Zachariah Taylor, Louisville, Ky. To enter the nurses army training school. Miss Vennick is one of our most popular school teachers and she feels called now to a higher duty. May god's choicest blessings be hers and keep her safe. (
Arion, 11-13-1918
*Mrs. Lew Wright and son, Arthur, went to Camp Dodge last week to see her son, Henry, whom she found well and much interested in the training for the army.
Denison Review, 11-13-1918
*Cecil Jones Dead - Influenza Causes Death of Cecil Jones Who Was Stationed in France on October 17th - Dow City - The sad news of the death of Cecil Jones was received here last Friday, which occurred in France on the 17th of October, caused from a case of influenza followed by pneumonia. The deceased attended the schools here for a number of years and is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Jones, who resided in this vicinity until a year and a half ago when they moved to Denver, Colo. Shortly after their removal from here, Cecil enlisted in the service of his country and was in training for some time at Ft. Logan, Colo. Later he was transferred to Camp Kearney, Linda Vista, then to France, where he passed away at the age of 25 years. The deceased has a brother, Harold, in France and being only twenty miles apart they were permitted to frequently visit each other. He also has another brother, Ed, in the service, who is stationed at Camp McArthur, Tex. The hearts of everyone in the community deeply sympathize with the bereaved ones, especially the parents and the brother in France. Mrs. Jones is a niece of C. O. Miller of this place and Mr. Jones is a brother of Mrs. W. N. Schouten, also of Dow City.
*George Hagge Called - Well Known Man Born at Arcadia, Pneumonia Victim in Nebraska - Clerical Department U. S. - West Side - The sad news reached here last Thursday evening that George Hagge had died of pneumonia at Bartlett, Neb. The deceased was born on the 18th of December, 1886, at Arcadia. After finishing the common branches in the schools there he attended a business college at Omaha and secured a position with the Perry company which he held for ten years until he was drafted into the service. At the time of his death he was serving in the clerical department, having physical conditions that made him unfit for overseas duty. He answered his final summons on Oct. 28, 1918, influenza being the cause of his death. The funeral was held last Sunday afternoon with open air services at the Hagge home in Arcadia, Rev. Englert officiating and interment was made in the Arcadia cemetery. Pall bearers were Clarence Maher, Joe Rhekr, Will Jhade, Ed Hannings, John Highstreet and Chris Arps. He leaves to mourn his untimely death his parents, five sisters and four brothers, Mrs. J. H. Babcock of Arcadia; Mrs. Harry Frank of Carroll; Mrs. J. C. Kaschube, of Hyannis, Neb., and Henrietta and Laura, who are still at home; Ferdinand who is in France; Adolph at Camp Shelby, Miss. And Ed and Harry at home. Ferdinand and Adolph were unable to attend the funeral. We extend our sincerest sympathy to the bereaved ones.
Dow City, 11-13-1918
*Mr. and Mrs. William Dwine received a letter last week from their son, Asa, in which he stated that he was confined in a hospital as a result of having been shot in the elbow and has also been suffering with an attack of the grippe. He has been service in France since early in the spring and was wounded on the first day of October.
*Mr. and Mrs. John Rockwell are in receipt of a letter from their son, Guy, who is with the colors in France. He says that he is in a hospital suffering with shrapnel wound in one of his limbs. Several months ago he was compelled to enter a hospital on account of have been shell-shocked. All hope he will soon recover.
*Burton Tillett returned recently from Ferguson where he had been employed for several months. He has offered his services to Uncle Sam and is awaiting his call.
*Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Rigsby received word last week from their son, Chas., stating that he was leaving Ft. Omaha for another camp. He had been at Ft. Omaha for several months.
*Relatives and friends received word last week that Mrs. Paul Hagen, of Sutherland, is suffering with a case of the flue and is being cared for in a hospital in Des Moines. Her husband who is in training at Camp Dodge has been suffering with the dread disease and while there visiting him, his wife contracted a case of the disease. Mrs. Hagen will be better remembered as Miss Bertha Tatroe who spent a couple of years on the Howorth ranch with her brother, Carl, and was engaged in teaching near that place while she was here. She resumed her teaching shortly after her husband was called to the colors.
*Robert Fishel, of Virginia Beach, Va., arrived the latter part of the week for a visit with relatives and friends. He has been across the water a number of times and is entitled to a furlough of thirty days. He expects to be here until November 30th. Mr. Fishel joined the navy several months ago.
*Friends of William Hansen will be interested to learn that he has reached Camp Upton, N. Y. and expects to sail soon for overseas.
*C. L. Rudd and wife received a message Wednesday forenoon that their son, Medford, was to be in Omaha for a brief time that day on his way from San Francisco to New York. Mr. and Mrs. Rudd and daughter, Ruth, shortly after received the message started overland for Omaha, where they had the pleasure of visiting with him. He was privileged to be there only one hour but, nevertheless, they were all greatly delighted in getting to see one another. Medford had been training San Francisco since going into the service last winter.
Kiron, 11-13-1918
*Eldon Linman, who has been home on a furlough, left Monday for the Great Lakes, where he is in training for the navy.
Dow City, 11-13-1918
*Mrs. Fred Thompson, accompanied by her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Snowd Thompson, went to Camp Dodge Saturday for an over-Sunday visit with the latter's husband. We are informed that he expects to be transferred to a southern camp soon.
*Friends of Ernest Smith are sorry to learn that he has been wounded on the battlefields of France and has been in a hospital for some time but all are glad to the fact that he is improving nicely from last reports.
Deloit, 11-20-1918
*WAS AT HEAD OF DELOIT SCHOOLS - Francis Webster, Formerly Superintendent of Deloit Schools, one of Last of Iowa Boys Killed - Companion Tells of Death - Was Doing Duty as a Machine Gunner when German Shell Ended His Life - Many Friends Here - The following article concerning the death of Francis Webster appeared in the Des Moines Register of Monday and will be of interest to many of our readers. Mr. Webster was principal of the Deloit schools for the year prior to his enlisting in the army and he made man friends, both at Deloit and Denison, while he lived there. -Central City, Nov. 17 - Memorial services were held at the Baptist church here this morning in honor of Francis Webster of the 168th Infantry, one of the last Iowa boys to be killed in France. The church was draped with flags and decorated with great white chrysanthemums. E. P. Mitchell, of Des Moines, delivered the address. The service was concluded with the sounding of taps. Included in the service was a tribute to Hollis Page, another member of the Rainbow division, the news of whose death was received Saturday. Francis Webster had a large number of friends in Des Moines, where he graduated from Des Moines college and later took up the study of art. For a time he worked with J. N. Darling of the Register, who took keen interest in his progress. Private William Kelso, Jr. has written an account of Corporal Webster's death to the young man's parents. The letter follows:
"Somewhere in France, Oct. 18, 1918 - Dear Mr. and Mrs. Webster: This is the first time I ever undertook to write a letter of this kind. But to make it as simple and as easy for you as I can, it is only to break the sad news that Francis H. Webster, your son, was killed on the field of battle Oct. 14, 1918. I will try and tell you everything. It was on Monday morning that the platoon that Webster and I were in were holding a little hill, we received orders to go into action with our machine guns. We had fired but a short time when the German artillery located us and harassed the hill with their fire. We immediately went out of action and jumped into any little hole for a little protection. Francis was lying in a hole near me when a shell bursted not many feet away and a small piece hit him on the right side of the chest and came out his back. He was given first aid the best we knew how and started for the first aid station, but he died before they could reach it. Francis was the true friend of every fellow in the company and to many outside it. He always did the right thing and always helped every man with a free heart. To me Francis was a true friend and pal. It seems as though I had lost a brother. We used to be buglers together, always bunked together and wherever you saw one of us you usually saw the other. I have his little kit bag he always carried with his cartoons, pictures, etc. and will send them to you as soon as we are relieved here. He always told me if anything ever happened to him to be sure and send his stuff home. So with the greatest sympathy and most sincere regrets of a lost friend, I must close. Yours, William Kelso, Jr."
Mr. and Mrs. Webster have furnished this account of their son's life: Francis was born at Shelton, Wash. July 11, 1896. He died Oct. 22, 1918, 22 years, 3 months and 3 days old. He graduated from the high school at Maquoketa a month before he was 16 and took his B. A. degree from Des Moines college a month before he was 20. The following year he was superintendent of the schools at Deloit, Iowa. May 28, 1917 he enlisted as a bugler in the machine gun company of the 168th infantry and entered the camp at the fair ground in Des Moines July 1st. He left for Camp Mills, September 9th. October 14th just a year before his death, he sailed for France, but in mid-ocean his ship turned back for repairs. A month later he started again overseas. Early in December he arrived in France after a short sojourn in England. On Christmas day he, with seven of his comrades, sang patriotic American hymns in a French cathedral. Trench life began in March. Many of the early days were spent making maps of the various sectors. Then came the more active work when the machine gun company of the 168th became one of the most active companies in the Rainbow division. May 29th, two days after the death of his captain E. O'Fleur, he was caught by the German poison gas. From this he apparently made a full recovery, returning to his company in about one month. He was with his company the last week in July when the Germans took such heavy toll of our men and there again July 29th he was caught by the gas while at the front with his machine gun squad. Six weeks later he was again at the front with his men. His last letter home was written on October 10th. They were all packed up ready to move to a new front. There, four days later, while helping to hold a little hill the Germans got range of his machine guns. William Kelso, Jr. tells the story of the shell splinter that struck him.
Dow City, 11-20-1918
*Bert Tatroe and Rev. G.A. Barker received letters last week from the former's brother, Corp. Carl Tatroe, who is stationed at Camp Gordon, Ga. He states that his company are making preparations to leave soon for overseas duty. He also says that the probabilities are that they will be sent to Siberia.
*Private Herbert Ahart went to Dunlap Wednesday for a farewell visit at the parental, George Ahart, home before reporting for duty at Fort Omaha. He had been spending a thirty-day furlough with relatives and friends.
*Word reaches here the corp. John Bahr has been wounded in France. Word to that effect was received by N. P. Hansen. The extent of his injuries has not yet been learned but all sincerely hope that they are not serious. John is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Bahr, formerly of this vicinity but now of Osmond, Neb.
*Zach Crandall, Jay Ahart and Private Dorris Griffin, who is home from Ft. Omaha on a thirty-day furlough, went to Onawa Thursday on a fishing expedition and were successful in getting 500 pounds of fine fish. They returned Saturday evening by train, being compelled to leave their truck and fish there on account of the muddy roads.
*Harry Bramley is in receipt of a letter from Chris Lingard who has been serving in France for several months. He states that he was quite seriously wounded some time ago by a shrapnel which stuck him in the face and right arm. He writes that he is getting along as well as can be expected now and his friends trust that ere long he will be himself again.
*Private Dorris Griffin came up from Ft. Omaha Wednesday for a several-days' furlough with the home folks.
*Friends of Harold Fienhold will be interested to learn that he has been sent to France from Camp Upton, N. Y., he having left about two weeks ago.
*Mrs. Hugh Butterworth was the recipient of a German helmet last week, it being sent by her cousin, Lloyd Goodrich who is in France. It was brought to the school house Friday and passed around among the pupils and was quite a novelty to all.
West Side, 11-20-1918
*It grieves us to report that Carl Pacholke, who recently left for the training camp at Ames, is very ill with influenza, but is getting along as well as can be expected.
Arion
*Mrs. Marie Suhr went to Camp dodge Monday to take care of Albert Hahnneman until his mother can come. A dispatch calling for his mother was received Sunday but she was unable to go to her son on account of the illness and death of his father. Albert has been very ill for six weeks and it is hoped that he may be spared.
*Mrs. Ed Westeman of Sioux City called upon Arion friends Wednesday. Her oldest son, Merrill, is a soldier in France.
Denison Review 11-20-1918
*The Death Toll Continues Heavy - Deaths in Many Denison and Crawford County Homes Cause Sadness Among Relatives and Friends - Leslie Hunt Killed in Action - Leslie Ninus Hunt - Another gold star has been added to Denison's service flag in the death of Ninus Leslie Hunt, son of N. L. Hunt of this city, who died October 19th from wounds received in action. Mr. Hunt received a telegram yesterday from the war department advising him of the death of his son. The news came as a great shock to Mr. Hunt as only last week he received a letter from his son, written October 15th, enclosing a Christmas package coupon. No doubt this letter was written by Leslie while in the front-line trenches and four days later he received wounds from which he died. Ninus Leslie Hunt was born in Denison, May 23, 1895. He received his education in the public schools of Denison and was popular among the school children. For the past four years he resided at Denver, Los Angeles, El Paso and New York. When war was declared he endeavored to enlist in the navy but was rejected. He then tried for the army but again was rejected, but in the draft was accepted and was sent to the Hog Island ship yards, where he was stationed until called for overseas duty. He was a member of Co. F., 350th infantry, 88th division and accompanied a number of Crawford county boys who were members of this division to France. Mr. Hunt received a letter from him written in August from England, in which he stated that he was on his way to Berlin. In the letter written October 15th, Leslie stated that he had written a lengthy letter on Sunday, October 13th, giving full particulars as to what he was doing but this letter has not yet been received by Mr. Hunt. Last week Mr. Hunt dispatched a Christmas box to his son. Leslie's mother departed this life April 21, 1913. He leaves to mourn his death his father, N. L. Hunt, a brother, B. Blain Hunt, residing in the west and one sister, Margaret, living at home. The Review joins with the many friends of the family in extending heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved father, brother and sister.
Denison, 11-20-1918
* Private Valentine Mahoney arrived here this morning from Camp Funston, Kans. and is visiting his mother, Mrs. Marie Mahoney of this city for a few days.
*Former Denison Boy Dead - Ferdinand Ranniger received word Friday that his half-brother, Frank Woock, had died in France, October 20th, following an attack of bronchial pneumonia. Frank spent the early part of his life in Denison with his mother, Mrs. Augusta Woock and he will be remembered by many people here. He was a fine young man, 24 years of age, and was assisting his mother in farming at Norfolk, Neb. prior to being called to service. He sailed for France in August. Besides his mother he leaves to mourn his death three brothers, Herman, In Michigan; August and Emil at Norfolk, Neb.; and one half-brother, Ferdinand Ranniger, of this city. Mr. Ranniger left on Saturday for Norfolk for a brief visit with his mother.
*Roy Gebert, who is stationed at Camp Hancock near Augusta, Ga., arrived in Denison Saturday for a few days' visit with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Gebert. Roy accompanied the remains of a soldier to Iowa City and took occasion to come to Denison for a few days' visit.
Arion-Schleswig, 10-27-1918
*Young Man Victim of Flu - Was Attending a Mechanical School at Ames Preparatory to Entering Military Service - Was Very Popular Young Man - The Remains Were Brought Home for Burial Last Wednesday and Interment Took Place Friday - Dow City friends of Ehrhardt Michaelsen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Michaelsen, who reside in the vicinity of Kenwood, were greatly grieved last Wednesday to learn of his death which occurred the day previous after an illness of only one week with influenza, which developed into pneumonia. His death occurred at Ames, where he was attending a mechanical school, fitting himself for military service. He had been there just a few weeks, having left here the fore part of this month. The deceased was very popular among the young people of this vicinity and will be greatly missed. The remains were brought back to the home Wednesday and Friday were taken to Schleswig where the interment was made. The grief stricken family have the sympathy of all in their sad bereavement.
Dow City, 11-27-1918
*Friends of Corp. John Bahr, who is with the colors in France, will be interested and pleased to learn that he has been promoted from corporal to sergeant, in which rank he was placed the 16th of October.
*Mrs. O. O. Collins received the sad news last week of the death of her brother, Harold Oxley, who was killed in action in France on the 22nd of October. His home is in Dana
*Mrs. George Keairnes and son, Lloyd, were in Denison Wednesday where the latter had been notified to appear for military examination.
*The sad news of the death of Joseph Siemer reached Dow City last Tuesday night. The deceased passed away in France on the 5th of October as a victim of pneumonia. This came as a great shock to his folks and friends. At the time of his death he was nearly 23 years of age, last week Thursday having marked his twenty-third birthday. The deceased is a brother of Mrs. Adoph Ahart and Henry Siemer, of this vicinity. Before joining the colors the fore part of the summer he was employed at the Jim Clark home west of town. He left here in June for Camp Dodge, where he was in training for about two months, after which he was sent to France. The hearts of all deeply sympathize with his mother, Mrs. Joe Losch, of Denison and also with his brothers and sisters who have been thus bereft.
*Private Snowd Thompson came from Camp Dodge Saturday night for a visit with his wife and folks, returning Sunday night.
*Henry Hancox came the first of the week from Camp Dodge and is spending a few days here with his wife who has been at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Williamson for the past few weeks.
*Norman Riddle left Sunday night on his return to Cambridge, Mass. to resume his naval training. He had been spending a thirty-day furlough at the parental, Ed Riddle home.
*We are very glad to state that the report last week in regard to Sgt. John Bahr being wounded in action in France has been found to be a mistake. The report had come here from his folks in Osmond, Neb., who had gotten the word to this effect through some misunderstanding of a card they received.
*Private Homer Johnson was here from Camp Dodge and made an over-Sunday visit at the parental, H. H. Johnson home.
*A family reunion was held at the Fred Thompson home Sunday when all of the children were there with the exception of one son, Bert, who is in Washington, D. C. Those present were Mrs. A. J. Wight and family, Mrs. Asa Ettleman and family, Mrs. Ward McDonald, husband and children, Jay Thompson and family, Mr. and Mrs. Snowd Thompson and Noah Charley and Miss Wave Thompson. This affair took place in honor of Snowd who was here from Camp Dodge. This was his first visit home since going into the service about three months ago and needless to say, the family gathering was very much enjoyed by all.
Buck Grove, 11-27-1918
*Myron Miller of the U. S. marines, is home on a ten-day furlough.
Arion, 11-27-1918
*Memorial services were conducted by Miss Brosius, at the Congregational church in Arion Sunday evening for Erhardt Michaelsen, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Michaelsen, who was on his way home from Camp Dodge and was taken sick at Ames with influenza and died their last week. The train bringing the remains was met by Arion citizens and members of the Red Cross. Friends extend sympathy to the parents and brothers of this splendid young man.
Denison Review, 11-27-1918
*Mr. and Mrs. N. P. Cavett are in receipt of three letters this week, which were written by their son, Percy, on November 3rd. Percy was still in the hospital recovering from wounds received in a recent battle, but he says that he is feeling fine and will soon be able to leave.
*Klinker Prisoner in Germany - Denison Boy Wounded in Prison Camp at Stuttgart, Germany - Parents Received Word Thursday - Mr. and Mrs. John Klinker, former residents of Denison now living on a farm near Deloit, received word last Thursday that their son, John, is wounded in a prison camp at Stuttgart, Germany. A letter was received the first of the week by Mr. and Mrs. Klinker from the war department at Washington stating that they had received information that their son is wounded and at the German prison camp. They report that his condition is such that he cannot be moved at this time but they will keep them informed as to his condition from time to time. John was assisting his fathering farming near Deloit until he was called into service this summer. He was assigned to a replacement battalion and within a few weeks was in France. The casualty list of Monday contained the name of Raleigh D. Winey, of Deloit, stating that he was wounded, degree undetermined. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Winey, of Deloit. In this same list appears the name of Henry P. Brasel of Schleswig, who is reported to have died of wounds received in action.
*Crawford Man Died in Service - Erhard John Michaelsen, a Crawford County Young Man, in the Service but a Few Days - Called to Colors November 4 - He Volunteered His Services for Mechanical Training in August and was at Ames When he Died. - Last Tuesday afternoon the sad news was received here that Erhard John Michaelsen, a young man born and reared in this community and well and favorably known here, had passed away at the base hospital at Ames college, where he was a member of the military mechanical training corps and thus had made the supreme sacrifice for his county. Erhard John Michaelsen, second oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Michaelsen, of near Arion, was born on the old Thomas Michaelsen farm three miles south of Schleswig on the 11th day of February, 1894 and grew to young manhood there. In the spring of 1914 his parents moved from the old homestead of a much larger farm in Paradise township and Erhard went with them and continued to work for his father until two years ago, when he began farming for himself on a place located near to the home farm in Paradise township. When our government asked for volunteers for mechanical training in August of this year, Erhard came forth and enlisted. However, he was not called until November 4th, when he left for Ames where two of his brothers had entered service before. On the 13th of November he was taken sick with the flu, which soon was followed by pneumonia. On the 16th his condition grew serious and his parents were called to his bedside. On the following day he seemed slightly improved and was believed to be out of danger. But he soon grew worse again and on Tuesday, November 19th, his strength was exhausted and he fell a victim to grim reaper death. He is survived by his father and mother, by seven brothers, namely; Robert, now at a military mechanical training camp at Interlaken, Ind.; Alvin, at a similar camp at Marfa, Tex.; and Herbert, Victor, Leonard, Walter and Paul at home and two sisters, Zuehla and Hortense at home. The mortal remains were brought to the parental home on Wednesday of last week and were laid to rest in the Morgan cemetery near Schleswig last Friday afternoon. Funeral services, which were largely attended were conducted at the home of the deceased by Rev. W. R. Wetzeler, of Schleswig, who also officiated at the grave.
Denison Review, 12-4-1918
*Francis Carlson Killed in Action - the many friends of Albert C. Carlson, a former resident of this vicinity and who has made his home in Canada for the past year or more, will be greatly grieved to learn of the death of his eldest son, Francis, which occurred while he was serving his country in France. Francis was called to the colors with a contingent from this country and came from his hone is Canada and left here July 26th for Camp Gordon. He sailed for France in August and the last word received from him by his father was dated September 30th. He stated then that he was well but was drilling very hard and he also said that he would not be able to write again very soon, which indicated that he was going into the trenches. No further word was received until his father was informed by the official government message that he was killed in action October 30th. ... (missing rest of article)
Buck Grove, 12-4-1918
*No word has been received from Sidney Bonney for over a month. As he is very good about writing home this seems a long time to wait, especially now that the war is ended. His parents would feel much relieved of anxiety if they could get a letter dated November 12th as some of the lucky parents around Buck Grove have.
*John Kepford received the sad news last week that his nephew, Earl Kepford had been killed in France. (NOTE: This should have read Carl Kepford )
Charter Oak, 12-4-1918
*Corporals E. Davis, H. Seader and Asa Brown of Camp dodge were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Brown Thanksgiving day.
Denison, 12-4-1918
*Lieut. George Allen visited friends here at the first of the week, enroute to his home at Grand Junction, having received his discharge from service at Camp Gordon, Ga. Lieutenant Allen was employed at one time at the Nicholson Produce company and has many friends here who were pleased to meet him again.
*Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Voss received word from their son, Loyal, that he had completed his course in ground work at the Dunwoody naval aviation school at Minneapolis and, as he desires to continue this line of training, would soon be transferred to a southern school for more extensive instruction. On completing the course at the ground school the men were given the choice of being discharged from service or continuing the training and out of a unit of twenty-five men ten desired to continue, Loyal being one of these. He will be sent either to Miami or Pensacola, Fla., or San Diego, Calif., for further training. Carl Frederick Kuehnle, who has been taking the same course of instruction, has also completed the work of the ground school and is now stationed at San Diego where he is receiving instruction in flying.
Dow City, 12-4-1918
*Relatives and friends here received the sad news the latter part of the week, of the death of Dean Collins, who died in a training camp after a siege of pneumonia. Mrs. Collins will be remembered as Miss Minnie Brake, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Brake, former Dow City residents, but who now live in Missouri Valley. Mr. Collins had been in the service since August. We are told that his body will be taken to South Dakota for burial. Dow City friends wish to be numbered among those in extending sympathy to the bereaved wife and relatives.
*Mr. and Mrs. Claus Hanson have received a card informing them of the safe arrival of their son, William, overseas.
*R. H. Fishel started Tuesday of the past week on his return to Virginia Beach, Va., to resume his naval duties after a thirty-days' furlough.
*Henry Hancox left Friday evening for Camp Dodge after a furlough of a week or so. His wife, who had been here at the parental, John Williamson home for the past few weeks, accompanied him back.
*Medford Rudd arrived Thursday morning from New York, where he had been in a training camp for several weeks. His company were all ready to start for France when the good news came that the armistice had been signed. This is Medford's first visit home since going into the service over a year ago and his many friends are greatly pleased to see him looking so well. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Rudd, were not aware of his coming thus they were very pleasantly surprised. He was given a four-day furlough with the home folks and left on Sunday evening for Camp Grant, Ill.
*Word reaches here that Carl Kepford, son of Joe Kepford, had made the supreme sacrifice in France, he having died of wounds in a hospital there in October. Word to this effect came through a letter received from Miss Pearl Gary, of Denison, who stated that she assisted in caring for him. As yet no official report has been received in regard to the sad news. Carl attended school here several years ago and has many friends who are grieved to learn of this.
* Arthur Davison of Camp Dodge, was calling on friends in town Thursday. He has been in the army for some time and is now enjoying a furlough. His parental home is in Arion.
West Side, 12-11-1918
*Mr. and Mrs. Henry Eiffert received a letter from his brother, Herman, in St. Cloud, Minn. stating that their son, Howard, had been wounded severely on the battlefield in France on November 4th. Their many friends hope his wounds will not prove fatal and that he will soon return home.
*Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pruter, Sr. received a message Thursday morning stating that their son, Frank, Jr., has been severely wounded. Mr. and Mrs. Pruter have already given two sons to their country and both have been wounded.
*Private Henry Boldt from near Carroll, who is home on a sixty-day furlough, spent several days the past week at the Herman Peters and Henry Brockman homes.
*Harry Strathman is home from Camp Taylor, Ky., on a furlough. His parents and friends were surprised but nevertheless were glad to see him.
Dow City, 12-11-1918
*Private Schwaab was a caller here Monday afternoon. He is enjoying a furlough with his people in Dunlap.
*Cyril Saunders of Camp dodge, was calling on friends in town Sunday. His parental home is in Manilla.
*Friends of Corp. Carl Hanson, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Hanson of this place, will be interested to learn of his marriage to Miss Hattie Noxell, of Denison. The groom has been in the service since July, going from here to Camp Gordon and later being transferred to Wheeler in the same state, at which place he is stationed at present. He is an exemplary young man and was employed as telegraph operator at the I &C tower in Denison before being called to the service. The bride is a stranger to us but is well spoken of. At present she is making her home there with his people until her husband's return which is expected soon. All join in extending congratulations and best wishes to this worthy young couple.
*E. T. Malone was over from Charter Oak Saturday. He enlisted as a tank driver several weeks ago and has been given a furlough, which expires the first of January. He has been training at Camp Polk, Raleigh, N. C.
*Mr. and Mrs. Chris Brink have received word that their son, George, has been seriously wounded in France. All sincerely hope that he will recover soon.
*Private Dorris Griffin, who is here from Ft. Omaha on a thirty-day furlough, went to Denison Saturday evening for an over-Sunday visit at the home of his sister, Mrs. Aug. Mesenbrink and family.
*Robert Leythum received a message Sunday that his son, Walter, who has been in the navy for some time, had been honorably discharged. He arrived Monday from the Great Lakes naval training camp near Chicago and, needless to say, the home folks are greatly delighted over his return.
Denison, 12-11-1918
*William Giss - Another gold star has been added to Denison's service flag. Private William A. Giss, a native son of Crawford county, was killed in action in France on Sunday, November 10th, according to a telegram received by relatives of the young man, from the war department on Friday evening. William A. Giss was born on a farm in Washington township, Crawford county, June 6, 1892, and when about two years of age moved with his parents to Denison. He received his education in the public schools of this city and after leaving school worked in and around Denison until he was called to the colors, July 26, 1918. He left here for Camp Gordon, where he remained but a short time when he was transferred to Camp Merritt, N. J. and about September 1st sailed for France. He was a member of Co. K 163rd Infantry. The deceased is survived by two brothers, Fred and John, and four sisters, Reka, Mary, Emma and Minnie. William was an upright and industrious young man and had a large circle of friends in this community. The Review joins with the many friends in extending heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved brothers and sisters.
*Henry J. Minter - A shadow of gloom was cast over the community and another home saddened when the word was received on last Friday that Private Henry J. Minter, had died in France. According to the telegram received by the heart-broken mother, Henry died of pneumonia on October 5th. Henry was an ideal young man. He was born in Crawford county and received his education in the rural schools. After this he assisted his father with farming the home farm, one mile east of Vail. On Nov. 19, 1917, the husband and father died and that spring Henry and his mother moved to Denison. While in Denison he was engaged in carpenter work with Peter Andresen. On July 26th he went to Camp Forrest, Ga. With the contingent of 215 men. In September he was sent overseas where he died October 5th. Though not very well known in Denison, he numbered his friends by his acquaintances. Everyone who knew him spoke highly of him. Besides his heart-broken mother, Henry leaves one brother, August, of Vail. Thus another service star has turned to gold and another soldier has made the supreme sacrifice. The sorrowing relatives have the sympathy of the community in their hour of sorrow.
Boyer, 12-11-1918
*George Abbott was seen on our streets Monday. He has been honorably discharged from the service. He was stationed at a camp Near St. Louis.
*Private Carl A. E. Anderson, who had been reported missing in action October 16th, has been heard from by relatives. He had been wounded but is now out of the hospital and feeling fine.
*Boyer has a gold star on its service flag. The sad news has been received by relatives of the death of August Frahm on November 20th of diphtheria in France. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved ones.
Deloit, 12-11-1918
*Ray Streeter has received his discharge and is at home.
Vail, 12-11-1918
*Tony Greenhan returned home last Wednesday from Camp Gordon, Ga., where he had been in training. He is looking fine and liked army life fine.
*Willie Hill and Archie White were expected home lat week from Camp Shelby, Miss., where they have been in training but they had to go to Des Moines for their discharge and were quarantined.
*A telegram was received by Mr. and Mrs. John O'Boyle that their son, Leo, was dead in France, the cause being pneumonia. We are pleased to report that it is not so as a letter was received from him the other day in which he said he had been wounded but was now in the hospital receiving the best of care and feeling fine.
Dow City, 12-18-1918
*Loren Butler of Arion was a guest of his friend, Claude Wiley, Sunday. He has received his honorable discharge from the service and arrived home last week from Camp McArthur, Texas.
Arion, 12-18-1918
*A letter from Fred Suhr tells of the joy of the soldiers when the news of the armistice reached them concludes with the words, "Mother, I am honored by being one of our army that opened the eyes of the world."
*Letters from Burton Thompson, George Stilson, Ira Lee, Fred and Julius Suhr have relieved much anxiety on the part of relatives and friends. News from others is looked for daily.
*George Lindsay has had a report of the death of his brother, Marshall Lindsay, in the battle of the Argonne. Marshall was a good boy and will be remembered by many friends that he made during his stay here.
Denison Review, 12-11-1918
*August Johann Frahm - Born April 20, 1893 - Died Nov. 20, 1918
Dow City, 12-25-1918
*Mrs. Ella Hain received a message Monday that her son, Nathan, had been honorably discharged from the navy and is expecting him home from Minneapolis. Nathan enlisted in this branch of the service a little over a year ago and went from here to the great lakes, near Chicago.
*Friends of George Brink, who was reported last week as having been seriously wounded in France, are very sorry to learn from later reports that he has had one limb amputated. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Brink and has been in the service only a few months.
*Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Thomas have received word that their son, Merton, has been mustered out of the army and are now expecting him home. Frank Binnall and wife are also expecting their son, Bryce, home at an early date.
Boyer, 12-25-1918
* ? Peterson received a very suspicious looking package the other day and upon opening it found a German gas mask sent by a soldier, Hugo Hanson, who had picked it up on the battlefields of France. It is now on display at Peterson's store.
Buck Grove, 12-25-1918
*Last week Bert Kingdon was a town visitor enroute to his home in Omaha. He is attached to the U. S. S. Matawaska and has made two trips across the pond. He is just out of the hospital where he was nursing an attack of pneumonia and has a 20-day leave.
Schleswig, 12-25-1918
*John C. Gleason, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gleason, died of wounds received in action, November 1st in France. He left Ida Grove on July 25th for Camp Gordon and was later transferred to Camp Merritt and then to France. He was only 22 years old and a bright, honorable young man.
*Johnnie Ehler is home on a furlough from Camp Dodge.
*Willie Evers and Bernhardt Frederickson received their honorable discharge from the army and returned home Thursday night. They had been stationed in Mississippi but were transferred to Camp Dodge to be discharged.
*Rudolph Reinke returned home on Saturday from Hampstead, N. Y. where he received his discharge from the aviation branch of the service.
Dow City, 12-25-1918
*Eddie Schroeder and Dick Backhaus arrived home Saturday from Valparaiso, Ind. Where they received their honorable discharge from the auto training department. Eddie accepted a position at the P. C. Hollander clothing store and Dick is wrestling with the flu at present.
*Hobart Coleman was in town the last of the week visiting at the home of his brother, T. K. Coleman, also at the home of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Fred Coleman and children. He has been in the army for some time and just recently received his discharge.
Arion, 12-25-1918
*The report of the death of Carl Kepford has been officially confirmed. Everyone who knew Carl, grieves with the family over this brave young life taken by the war.
Goodrich, 12-25-1918
*Carl Winey is rejoicing over news from his son Raleigh, who was at the front when the last gun was fired and who may now be on his way home.
Dunlap, 12-25-1918
*Leslie Hein arrived from Ames last week, having been honorably discharged from the army.
*Messers Ray Davis, Noonen, Hein, Wettengel, Olson, Geo. Wetengel, F. P. McCann, and John Reed are among the soldiers who have arrived home after being mustered out of the service.
*Two sons of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Tinker are home from the training school, Harold from Iowa City and Donald from Ames. They still have one son, Frank, who is overseas.
*Geo. Gleason, of the navy, is home on a furlough. He has not been home in four years and has made a number of trips across the pond.
*Frank Dally is expected home from a Texas camp Tuesday, having been mustered out of the service.
January 1919
Dow City, 1-1-1919
*J. J. Johnson was calling on friends in town the latter part of the week. He has received his honorable discharge from the service and had just returned from San Francisco. Mrs. Johnson was superintendent of our school last year and has many friends who are very glad to see him back. He and Henry Vollersen enlisted together and left last June for Fort Logan, Colo., they being transferred to San Francisco. Henry has also been discharged and returned home last week.
*Miss Berenice Judd, who has been holding a government position since last April, arrived home Friday morning from Washington, D. C., her department of the work having been closed. She is now visiting at the parental, O. J. Judd home and has not yet decided as to what line of work she will take up in the future.
*Private Arthur Davison of Camp Dodge was calling on friends in town last week.
*Carl Hansen, who recently received his discharge from Camp Wheeler, Ga., went to Ft. Dodge Friday to take telegrapher's examination and expects to resume his position in the I. C. tower at Denison, where he worked before being called to the colors.
*Mrs. L.E. Barger returned last week from Chicago where she had spent several weeks with her husband who is in training at the Great Lakes.
Denison Review, 1-1-1919
*Charlie Rink left Thursday for Grinnell where he will attend college. About a week ago he received his discharge from the S. A. T. C. at that place and has decided to return and take up the regular college course. He had been spending a few days here at the home of his parents, Rev. and Mrs. W. T. Rink.
*Clarence Fisher was up from Omaha last week and made a short visit with his relatives, the O. J. Judd family. He has just recently returned from Ft. Sill, Okla., having been discharged from the service.
Vail, 1-1-1919
*Joe Garrett and brother of Denison were in our town Sunday calling on friends. Joe has been in the army training camp at Camp Dodge and has received his discharge.
*John Hickey was here the first of last week on a furlough from the Great Lakes Naval Training station.
*John Kenney received his discharge from the army and arrived home last week from Camp Devens, Mass.
*Willie Jensen returned home Saturday from Vancouver, Wash., where he has been stationed in the pine and spruce service of the army. Bill is looking fine after 13 months of service.
Arion, 1-1-1919
*Carl Joseph Kepford - Arion, Iowa - Although there had been several reports of Carl Kepford being wounded some time in October, no official notice was received of his death until November 19th, informing the parents that he had died of wounds somewhere in France on November 4th. Carl was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kepford, born August 24, 1895, being at the time of his death, 23 years, 2 months and 17 days old. He was educated in Arion and Dow City schools until his last year, when he went to Des Moines to finish from an accredited high school graduating the following June in 1915 with high honors from West High. The following year he went to Omaha to fit himself for a business man and was taking a two-year business course at Boyles college when he was called to the colors, April 30, 1918. His only regret when leaving was that he should have gone before, but he went bravely to serve for his God and country, for, he said, if he asked for exemption to help with the farm work (as he was badly needed at home) it meant someone else must go in his place. Carl was at Camp Dodge two weeks and was then transferred to camp Travis, where he stayed but two weeks, arriving in France in July. He was in the fighting lines at the front three times, went over the top once, and it was in the last great battle he was wounded in the abdomen and lived about a week. His letters home were always full of cheer and written as if he were perfectly contented and ready to give his life for his country if need be. Carl was always loved in this community for his bright and witty ways, always having a smile for everyone and was a general favorite among the boys. As to his moral habits, they were above reproach. He was a loving son and brother and always preferred home above any other place. He leaves to mourn his loss his parents and three brothers, Leon, of Denison, Foster of Arion and Harold at home, also a large circle of relatives and friends. Thus another life has been taken to the Great Beyond to rest with his God and the Angels and he has gone to prepare a home for his parents where, in a short time, they will be united to be happy forever. His name will go down in history in the hall of fame, for giving his life for one of the greatest causes that was ever known, both for God and man and for the freedom of democracy and the rights of mankind. There is no classic that describes more beautifully than in the "Tale of Two Cities" by Dickens, in the character of Sydney Carton, who gave his life for a friend. The same may be applied to the many thousands of soldier boys who gave their lives so bravely. No greater love hath he who giveth his life for a friend or for his country. Carl, may you rest in peace and wait for the summons when we will all be called home and will be together once again.
Dow City, 1-8-1919
*Wilbur Thomas returned home last week from a training camp in California, having been honorably discharged. His brother, Merton, came home several weeks ago from Camp Jackson, N. C. Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Thomas also have another son, Horace, who is in the navy.
*Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rule received a message Thursday from their son, Robert, saying that he had arrived in Newport News, W. Va., from overseas. He will probably be mustered out of service soon.
*Merton Thomas, who recently received his discharge from the service, left the first of the week for Chicago, near which place he will be employed as overseer on a stock farm. His brother, Wilbur, who also received his discharge, left Sunday for Grinnell where he will resume his college course.
*J. J. Johnson, who just recently returned from a training camp near San Francisco, Calif., went to Waterloo the last part of the week for a visit with the home folks, after having spent several days in Dow City.
*Medford Rudd has been discharged from the service and returned home last Wednesday. On Thanksgiving Day he arrived home from New York where his company were all ready to start for France when the armistice was signed. After spending a few days here at the parental, C. L. Rudd home, he left for Camp Grant, Ill. and several weeks later was sent to Camp Dodge from which place he was mustered out. He enlisted in the service about a year ago.
*Morris McHenry, Jr. arrived home last week from Waco, Tex., having received his honorable discharge from the army. Francis Potter, the son of Dr. and Mrs. J. F. Potter, has also been discharged from the service and arrived home Monday from Florida.
*Dow City friends of Guy Whaley, of San Diego, Cali., were very much grieved upon learning of the death of his wife which occurred recently. Word to this effect reached here through a message received by Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Thomas from their son, Wilbur, who was in a training camp near there. He stated that he had been mustered out of service and was remaining there to attend Mrs. Whaley's funeral after which he will return here.
*Fred Colby and wife arrived home Friday from Newark, N. J. where he has been employed in the government ship yards for several months. He has been in the service over a year and has now been discharged. His wife joined him at Camp Greene, N. C. last winter and has been with him since that time. At present they are staying at the parental, Thos. Ahart home.
*Hans Birkhofer, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Birkhofer, who has been in military training at Camp Wheeler, Ga., for several months, received his discharge and returned home Wednesday. He came here from Camp Dodge where he was mustered out.
*Mrs. L. E. Barger went to Chicago last week to meet her husband who has been discharged from the navy. They are spending a few days here at the parental Art. S. Randel home, after which they will go to Waterstown, S. D. to take up their residence. Before going into the service Mr. Barger was employed in a bank and we understand that he will resume this line of business.
*Ben Houston returned to Ft. Omaha Friday after a ten days' sojourn at his home here. He is just recuperating from an attack of the flue which he contracted while visiting here.
*Private Snowd Thompson was here from Camp Dodge the past week enjoying a five-day furlough with the home folks.
*Arthur W. Davison and Miss Alvina Peterson were united in marriage last week. Mr. Davison just received his discharge a short time ago from Camp Dodge where he had been for some time. We have not learned what their future plans are. The parental homes of both young people are in Arion. For the past year or more the bride has been in Dow City and vicinity and for several weeks past had been staying at the home of Dr. F. N. Rowe and family. Her friends here join in extending the best wishes to herself and husband.
Arion, 1-8-1919
*Ernest Shaler, who has been discharged from the army, has been visiting his father and sister here and will soon leave for Des Moines where he has a position.
Vail, 1-8-1919
*Ben White returned Sunday to the Great Lakes naval training station after a ten-day furlough.
Denison Review, 1-15-19
*Lieut. Cyril Saunders, who has been given his honorable discharge, went to Iowa City to resume his work.
Dow City, 1-15-19
*Alfred Hanson was up from Fort Omaha on a several days' furlough the past week. He also visited at the home of his brother, Carl, in Denison.
*Marion Hattleld has recently received his discharge from the army. Mrs. Hattleld has been teaching while he was away and she and her husband will remain at the parental D. F. Bryan home until she finishes her term of school, after which they will begin housekeeping.
*Ernest Nathan returned home last week from Camp Dodge, having been honorably discharged from the service.
*Alex Reuben left Thursday on his return to Des Moines after a several days' furlough spent here at the home of his sister, Mrs. Herman Lazerus and family.
*Byrl Holiday was down from Arion one day the latter part of the week calling on friends. He has just been discharged from the army and returned from a camp in California. He had been in the service for eight months.
*Corp. Carl Tatroe arrived Thursday night, having received an honorable discharge from the service. He had been in the army since July, having trained at Camp Gordon. He was discharged at Camp Dodge.
*Will Turner, who has been on the Mexican border, arrived Saturday, having been honorably discharged. He had been gone about a year.
*Bryce Binnall has gone to Pierson where he will resume his practice as a veterinarian. He was located there before going into the military service last fall. His brother, Merrill, accompanied him and expects to secure employment at that place. Their brother, Ralph, went to Excelsior Springs with Mr. and Mrs. Binnall last week.
*Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rule are expecting their son, Robert, home from Camp Dodge. He returned several weeks ago from overseas duty and arrived at Camp dodge last week from Newport News, W. Va.
*Private Snowd Thompson and wife are the happy parents of a baby daughter born to them on Saturday, January 11th. We congratulate.
Ricketts, 1-15-1919
*Ricketts friends were pleased to see John Jacobs, who arrived home from Maryland on New Years day, having been in training there.
Denison, 1-15-1919
*Sgt. Bryan Weberg has received his honorable discharge and returned home recently from Camp Shelby, Miss.
*Word was received from Archie Silletto that he had arrived in Camp Dodge Saturday and expected to receive his discharge during the week. He also stated that the 126th field artillery of which Harold Silletto is a member was due to arrive there on Tuesday of this week
*Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Strahan are in receipt of a letter from their son, Lieut. Oscar Strahan, under date of December 17th, in which he says that he was suffering an attack of the influenza. He was taken ill while enroute to Luxbourg, Germany, and was taken to a German hospital which is in the hands of the Americans. No further word has been received and it is hoped that he has sufficiently recovered as to be able to join his company in their march through Germany.
*Carl Sibbert spent last week in Denison visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Sibbert. Carl was discharged from the service at Camp Dodge last Tuesday, being transferred there from Camp Merritt. Carl left Denison on Monday for Los Angeles where he will spend several months recuperating from the pneumonia. He expects to continue with his music and will study under Mrs. Millie Ryan who is spending the winter at Los Angeles.
*Sgt. Clarence Schwartzenbach arrived home Saturday from Camp dodge where he received his honorable discharge from the service. Clarence was one of the first volunteers from Denison and served almost two years in the army, being stationed first at Camp Cody and later at Camp Hancock, Ga., where he was promoted to rank of major sergeant. Guy Schwarzenbach is at Camp Dodge at present and is expected home within the next few days.
*G. W. Tucker received another war trophy yesterday from his son, Grover, who is serving with the Rainbow division, now stationed in Germany. Grover sent his father a German trench knife which, to says the least, is a most vicious looking instrument. The blade is of heavy steel about 5 inches in length, sharpened on both sides for a distance of three inches from the point. The knives were used to good effect in night raids and when fighting was at close quarters. Grover has sent his father a number of trophies which he prizes very highly.
*E.T. Malone is expected home this week from Camp Polk, N. C. having now received his final discharge from service. He will resume his work as auctioneer assisting his brother.
*Phil Schlumberger received a letter the first of the week from his son, James, who is stationed at Camp Gordon, that he expects to be discharged from the service this week. James will go directly to Chicago to confer with a wholesale drug concern who have offered him a position on the road. He is expected in Denison the first of the week for a visit.
*Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Lister arrived in Denison Saturday for a brief visit with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Lister. Clifford enlisted in the navy shortly after the outbreak of the war and only recently returned to this country from Brest, France, where he was stationed. He and his wife departed yesterday for Sioux City where they will make their future home, Clifford having secured his old run on the Milwaukee road.
Arion, 1-15-1919
*A letter has come from Dr. Verne Talcott after several months. He writes that he has been in the advanced areas with many to care for and a scarcity of physicians and nurses which has made much hard work for the few doctors.
*Mr. and Mrs. Foster Baker have moved back to Arion where Mr. Baker will reopen the garage that he closed to become an aviator.
Charter Oak, 1-15-1919
*John Longhenry came on a furlough to visit his sister, Mrs. C. Oklund and his mother.
*Frank Yeager arrived Thursday morning from Camp Dodge. He has been discharged and expects to remain in the Oak this winter as his father's feeble condition renders it impracticable for him to return to Montana before spring.
Deloit, 1-22-1919
*Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wilkinson and son, Verne, came up Sunday and took dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Ben Beaman. They report their son, Morris, back from France and their son, Don, at Camp Dodge also. Their many friends will rejoice in the news and join in extending congratulations to them on the boys' safe return.
Arion, 1-22-1919
*Bert Holliday, who has been at San Francisco in the heavy artillery branch of the service is now home and is working in the new barbershop.
West Side. 1-22-1919
*Carl Peters has received his discharge and returned to his wife and little daughter at West Side.
*Earl Moeller has arrived in the United States and expected to be at Camp Dodge last Sunday.
Dow City, 1-22-1919
*Herbert Ahart of Ft. Omaha, was visiting relatives and friends here the first of the week.
Schleswig, 1-29-1919
*John Jepsen has secured a furlough and is visiting relatives here. He is stationed at Camp Wheeler, Ga. And was doing guard duty. He expects his discharge before long.
*Mr. and Mrs. Hans Miller received their first letter from their son, Robert, since the signing of the armistice. He states that he is stationed at Luxemberg with the other troops and he was well. ... (missing rest of article)
Dow City, 1-29-1919
*Mrs. J. R. Griffin went down to Ft. Omaha Saturday morning upon having received word that Dorris Griffin, who is in training there, was not feeling well. Dorris accompanied her back home that evening to remain while recuperating.
*Private Snowd Thompson came home last week from Camp dodge, having received his honorable discharge.
*Mr. and Mrs. Clair Butterworth were overjoyed Wednesday morning when word came to them that their son, Nelson, had landed in New York the previous day on the transport George Washington, this vessel having sailed from Brest, France. He expects to receive his discharge from Camp dodge. Nelson has been in the service nearly a year and a half, being among the first of our boys to enlist. He has been in France only a few months, having spent most of the time at Camp Cody, N. M.
*Dow City friends of Henry Vollersen, of Denison, will be very much interested to learn that he has accepted a position as deputy treasurer and will begin his duties March 1st. After graduating from the Dow City high school, Henry accepted a position of assistant cashier in the Farmers State bank here where he was employed at the time he enlisted in the service last June. Only a few weeks ago he was honorably discharged.
*Private Hans Hargens is the first overseas soldier to return to Dow City, he having arrived Wednesday from Camp Dodge where he was mustered out of the service. While he enjoyed his experience of military life, he expresses himself as very glad to be back in God's country again.
*Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Allen, enjoyed a visit the past week from the latter's brother, Elmer Templeman, of Miller, S. D. He just recently received his discharge from a training camp in Kentucky.
*Horace Thomas has received his discharge from the naval service, having left New York for the Great Lakes near Chicago. He is to be mustered out from there and his folks are expecting him soon. We understand he is to resume his college work at Ames.
Dunlap, 1-29-1919
*Laura Chaucy was home from Ames for the weekend to visit her brother, Max, who has returned from overseas.
Aspinwall, 1-29-1919
*Mr. and Mrs. John Woest received word from Otto Smeilou that he had arrived at Camp dodge from overseas and expected to be mustered out soon.
*Mr. and Mrs. John Ehrichs received word from their son, August, stating that he was in Masburg, Germany.
Vail,1-29-1919
*George Moore returned home last Wednesday from Camp Dodge, having been honorably discharged.
*J. R. Murphy and wife went to Wall Lake Friday and returned Saturday. They had been there to see their grandson, Walter Duffy, who was wounded in France and just recently returned.
Arion, 1-29-1919
*Private Sam Ellison drew a good house for the second number of the lecture course. The returned soldiers are always sure of an appreciative audience. We know how much we owe to them. Private Ellison was entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. N. F. Stilson.
*A letter from Julius Suhr, now in France, tells that a soldier can get socks, sweaters and cigarettes at the Red Cross and that the organization is doing wonderful work.
*Ernest Neethan and John Volquartsen are home from service on the Mexican border and in France.
*Henry Wright came home from Camp Dodge Saturday night, having received his honorable discharge. He is now working with the bridge gang.
February 1919
Arion, 2-5-1919
*A letter from Ira Lee, who hopes to soon get home, describes several narrow escapes when going "over the top." One time the telephone he was carrying was blown out of his arms, but he was saved from harm.
*Robert Rule is home from the army.
Kenwood, 2-5-1919
*Private Jim Graham arrived in Kenwood Sunday for a visit at the Spray Malone home.
Dow City, 2-5-1919
*Verne Henning came Saturday on a five-day furlough from Ft. Des Moines and is visiting at the home of his sister, Mrs. R. W. Tech and family. His wife and baby of Norfolk, Neb. joined him here Sunday. Mr. Henning just recently returned from service abroad. He had the misfortune to be seriously wounded in his left hand, for which he is receiving medical care in the hospital at Ft. Des Moines.
*The John Weber family have been enjoying a visit from Mrs. Weber's brother, George Hansen, who stopped here on his way from Camp Shelby, Miss., to his home in Soldier. He has been honorably discharged from the service.
*Dr. W. L. Reichelt has recently returned from the army and will resume the practice of dentistry at his old location just opposite the post office at Dunlap, February 5th. A hearty invitation is extended to all old patrons as well as new ones.
*Private Dorris Griffin has returned to Ft. Omaha after a several days visit with the home folks. He has been suffering with an infection of his hand and was given a few days' furlough.
*Robert Rule, one of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rule, arrived home on Wednesday from Camp Dodge, where he had been for a few weeks past since his return from several months of service in France. He is the second Dow City boy thus far to return from abroad.
Kiron, 2-5-1919
*Mrs. L. J. Lundberg went to Omaha Saturday to meet her son, Paul, who expected to pass through with the marine corps on their way from California to the east. After she had started a message was received here that a different route had been taken and that he would not pass through Omaha, which would be quite a disappointment to Mrs. Lundberg.
Kenwood, 2-12-1919
*Private Edward James Graham, of Co. H. 168th Infantry of the Rainbow division, has returned from overseas to his home at Spray Malone's at Kenwood, after spending eighteen months in service overseas. Private Graham was in the front line trenches and has many interesting stories to tell about the war. A large number of friends gathered at the Malone home Monday evening where an oyster supper was served in honor of his homecoming and the evening was spent in listening to his experiences of the war. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Mike Mahoney, Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Bahnsen and son, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schlee, Mr. and Mrs. F. Bensen, Mr. and Mrs. A. Hollister, Miss A. Potter, Miss Mae Killion, M. Detlefsen and children, Miss Ruth Davis, Chase and L. Johnson. Everybody had a good time.
Charter Oak, 2-12-1919
*L. N. Roose has completed arrangements to return and reopen his clothing store. A year ago he sacrificed his stock to enlist and Charter Oak is glad indeed to welcome him back. He expects to be ready for business by the first of March.
Dow City, 2-12-1919
*Verne Henning returned the latter part of the week to Fort Des Moines after a several days' furlough spent at the home of his sister, Mrs. R. W. Tech and with friends in Denison.
*On Thursday of the past week, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Honz and daughter, Golda, received two fine war relics from their son and brother, Frank, who is in France. These relics are in the form of vases and are made from the French 75 shells, the shell that was used most successfully during the war.
*Alwin Michaelsen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Michaelsen, arrived home last week, having been honorably discharged from the army. He served for a time on the border. His friends are very much pleased to see him back again.
*Mrs. Christiansen and two sons, were passengers from Denison Saturday for an over-Sunday visit at the home of their daughter and sister, Mrs. Charlie Bybee and family. One of the sons, Charlie Christiansen, has just recently returned from service abroad.
*Mrs. R. E. Lusk received a message Wednesday from her husband, stating that he had arrived in Camp Merritt, N. J. from France, where he had spent several months in the service. After his return here he will resume his former position of local telephone manager.
*Don Young came Thursday from Camp Dodge for a visit with the Pett families. He has received his final discharge and left here for his home in Aberdeen, S. Dak. He is a nephew of the Petts.
*Nelson Butterworth came home Saturday from Camp Dodge, where he arrived several weeks ago from New York. He has been in France for three months and thus has many interesting things to relate to the home folks. His wife came down from Denison and made an over-Sunday visit.
*Hugh Schryner, a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Acker, arrived last week from New York where he had been in training camp. He has now received his discharge and will remain indefinitely at the Acker home.
*John Jensen arrived home from a training camp last week, having received his discharge.
*Elmer Templeman left Monday for his home in Miller, S. D. after a several weeks' visit at the home of his sister, Mrs. T. E. Allen. He had stopped here on his return from a training camp in Kentucky.
Denison, 2-19-19
*Mr. and Mrs. Leslie E. Gulick arrived in Denison Thursday evening from New York City where Leslie received his discharge from the army. Leslie enlisted in the aviation service soon after the outbreak of the war and was sent first to Kelly Field in Texas, later being transferred to New York where he was assigned to an aeroplane factory. While stationed at New York he became acquainted with the young lady to whom he was married last fall. The many Denison friends of Leslie were pleased to meet his bride whom they found to be most charming.
Dow City, 2-19-19
*Frank Hunt was up from Woodbine Sunday visiting at the John Coon home. He just recently returned from overseas service.
*Mr. and Mrs. Ed Riddle received word the forepart of the week that their son, Norman, had received his discharge from the navy and was on his way home from Massachusetts where he had been for several months. He arrived here Thursday morning.
*Mr. and Mrs. J. Rudd are the recipients of a box of souvenirs of Germany sent from their son, Guild. They consist of rings, German coins, beads and other articles of interest.
*Henry Hancox and wife arrived on Tuesday of the past week from Des Moines. Mr. Hancox has now been mustered out of the service, having been stationed at Camp Dodge since being called into the service nearly a year ago. Mrs. Hancox, better known as Vera Williamson, has been making her home in Des for several months.
*R. E. Lusk arrived last Tuesday evening from Camp Dodge, where he was mustered out of the service. He has been abroad for several months and his friends are greatly delighted over his return. He will resume his former position of local telephone manager.
*George Hansen, who stopped here on his return from Camp Shelby, Miss. For a visit at the home of his sister, Mrs. John Weber and family, has gone to his home at Soldier.
*Leonard Williamson of Bonesteel, S. D. has been here the past week at the home of his sister, Mrs. E. R. Butterworth. He has been discharged from the service having recently been returned from England.
Arion, 2-19-1919
*Dr. Verne Talcott is now at his home in Omaha from overseas where he spent several months in the advanced area.
*Dr. Verne Talcott was in Arion for a short visit with relatives Tuesday. For a time being the only doctor with a hospital train containing three hundred wounded and dying men, with supplies and rations held up, Verne has surely been through trying experiences in France.
Manilla, 2-26-1919
*Mr. and Mrs. L. Huber received word that their son, John, who has been in France for several months was on his way home.
*Donald Dougal left Monday of last week for Des Moines where he enlisted in the navy. His mother received word that he passed the examination and left for the Great Lakes training station.
*Private Vernon Patton, who has been in the motor truck service, has been given his honorable discharge and returned home.
*A surprise party was given last Friday evening in honor of Private Martin Deter. A number of friends were present. Games were played, a dainty luncheon was served and all present had a very delightful evening.
*Word was received here last week that Capt. W. K. Draper had been given his honorable discharge from the medical department and that he and his wife are now visiting in Florida. Their many friends will indeed be pleased to see them.
Transcribed by Melba McDowell