Porter County in World War ICasualties of World War I from Porter County . . . .
Much of the identification information concerning Porter County
residents who died while serving in the military during World War I was obtained from the following sources:
Cannon, Thomas H., H. H. Loring, and Charles J. Robb. 1927.
History of the Lake and Calumet
Region of Indiana, Embracing the
Counties of Lake, Porter, and
LaPorte: An Historical Account of
Its People and Its Progress from the
Earliest Times to the
Present. Volume I. Indianapolis,
Indiana: Historians' Association.
840 p. [p. 362]
Haulsee, William M., Frank G. Howe, and Alfred C. Doyle. 1920.
Soldiers of the Great War, Volumes I-III.
Washington, D.C.:
Soldiers Record Publishing Association.
Indiana Historical Commission. 1921.
Indiana World War Records,
Gold Star Honor Roll: A Record of
Indiana Men and Women Who
Died in the Service of the United
States and the Allied Nations in
the World War. Fort Wayne:
Indiana: Fort Wayne Printing
Company. 750 p.
National Archives and Records
Administration. Records of the Office
of the Quartermaster General,
1774-1989. Card Register of Burials
of Deceased American Soldiers,
1917-1922.
Background Information
World War
I began July 28, 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia; Germany,
France, Great Britain and Russia were quickly drawn into the conflict. In April 1917,
the United States entered the conflict on
the side of the Allies. America's entrance was largely due to the fact that
Germany was continually attacking and sinking American ships with their
submarines.
After war was declared by President Wilson, a demand for a patriotic
demonstration throughout Porter County ensued, and early in May 1917 a mammoth
parade with four thousand persons participating was held in Valparaiso.
Porter County provided more than 2,000 men and women to the military service
branches during the war. Several Porter County citizens serving in the war paid
the ultimate sacrifice, either being killed in action, dying of wounds, or
meeting death as a result of the influenza epidemic of 1918. Below is presented
a list of Porter County citizens that perished while serving in World War I. Please note that
it is highly likely that this casualty list in incomplete.
Porter County World War I Casualties
Babcock, Charlie John
Birth: April 19, 1894, in Porter, Indiana
Death: June 6, 1918, in France
Burial: Initially buried in Grave No. 25 in cemetery at Essomes-sur-Marne,
Aisne, France. Remains were disinterred on June 15, 1921, shipped to the United
States, and reinterred in East Hesperia Cemetery, Hesperia, Newaygo County,
Michigan.
Rank and Service Unit: Private, Company K, 23rd Infantry, United States Army
Cause of Death: Wounds Received in Action
Hometown: Porter
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Biggs, Myron Wilbur
Birth: February 16, 1892, in Columbia City, Indiana
Death: December 28, 1918, in Rolling Prairie, Indiana
Burial: Hebron Cemetery in Hebron, Indiana
Rank and Service Unit: Private, Motor Truck Transport Unit, United States Army
Cause of Death: Influenza
Hometown: Hebron
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of Sanford and Sarah Biggs; born February
16, 1892, Columbia City, Indiana. Living on a farm near Hebron, Porter County,
Ind., when he entered service October 15, 1918, Valparaiso, Ind. Sent to Rolling
Prairie, (Interlaken) Ind.; assigned to Motor Truck Transport Unit. Contracted
influenza, and died December 28, 1918, Rolling Prairie. Buried, Hebron, Porter
County, Ind.
CHESTERTON LOCALS.
Myron Biggs, of Hebron, died at the hospital at Interlaken training camp Monday
of acute peritonitis with complications of influenza. The deceased arrived at
the camp October 16, and passed under medical observation on the 18th. October
23rd he was sent to the hospital, and on Monday of this week, passed away. The
young man is a nephew of James Douglass, of Hebron, and before he entered the
service was employed on the Abe Hermance farm, south of Valparaiso.
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana;
October 31, 1918; Volume 35, Number 33, Page 7, Column 6.
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Frame, Ross Howard
Birth: October 10, 1894, in Valparaiso, Indiana
Death: September 22, 1918, at Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Chicago, Illinois
Burial: Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana
Rank and Service Unit: United States Navy
Cause of Death: Influenza
Hometown: Valparaiso
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of Oscar and Lottis S. Frame; born October
10, 1894, Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana. Moved to Indianapolis in 1902.
Clerk. Enlisted in U.S. Navy, May 29, 1918. Sent to Great Lakes Naval Training
Station, Chicago, Ill. Assigned to Hospital Corps. Died of influenza September
22, 1918, U.S. Navy Hospital, Great Lakes, Chicago, Ill. Buried in Crown Hill
Cemetery, Indianapolis, Ind.
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Friday, Leo W.
Birth: August 22, 1891, in Chesterton, Indiana
Death: October 5, 1918, near Bordeaux, France
Burial: Initially buried on October 7, 1918, in Grave No. 242 in American
Cemetery at Talence, Gironde, France. Remains were disinterred on Setpember 2,
1921, shipped to the United States, and reinterred in the Chesterton Cemetery,
Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana.
Rank and Service Unit: Private, Headquarters Company, 343rd Infantry, United
States Army
Cause of Death: Influenza
Hometown: Chesterton
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of Henry J. and Fredericka Friday; born
August 22, 1891, Chesterton, Porter County, Ind. Electrician. Living in Rock
Island, Ill. Embarked for overseas September 8, 1918; assigned to Headquarters
Company, 343rd Infantry. Stricken with pneumonia he was removed to a hospital
near Bordeaux, where he died October 5, 1918. Buried in American Soldiers'
Cemetery, near Bordeaux.
CHESTERTON LOCALS.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Friday received a message last Friday from the war department
announcing the death of their son, Leo W. Friday, of bronchial pneumonia, in
Europe. The young man entered the service on June 21st and after only two months
of intensive training was sent overseas, arriving in Europe early in September,
and had been across the water only twenty days when taken by death. Deceased was
born in Chesterton on August 22, having attained the age of 27 years, and had
spent his entire life here. The message announcing his death was the first
intimation the family had that all was not well with the young man. He is
survived by his parents, three brothers and one sister.
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana;
November 14, 1918; Volume 35, Number 35, Page 7, Column 5.
------
Paris Forwarding Camp,
Lemans, France,
December 11, 1918.
Mr. H. J. Friday, Chesterton, Ind.
Dear Mr. Friday,
Your letter of November 14th, address to the captain of the Headquarters Company
inquiring as to the death of your son, Leo, has just been received by me.
I will give you all the information that is available at this time.
Soon after arriving in France the regiment was billeted in Southern France in
very comfortable billets, this was September 27th. On the 1st of October Leo
complained of being ill, he was immediately removed to the hospital near
Bordeaux. There he was attended by doctors and nurses but his illness developed
into bronchial pneumonia. He did not suffer and was conscious till the last,
which came at 8:30 a. m., October 5th, 1918. Father Louregren, the regimental
chaplain, was with him at the time of his passing as he was during the entire
time of his death. Leo W. Friday is at rest in the American Soldier’s cemetery
naer [sic] Bordeaux, France. There he rests but the memory of him and his quiet,
and pleasant way is still in the memory of his comrades.
I wish to express at this time to his parents and relatives my sincere sympathy
and also express my high esteem for Leo as a soldier and a gentleman. Leo had a
perfect record as a soldier and was liked by all the men of the company and
admired by the officers.
I understand, Mr. Friday, that you as his father, will mourn the loss of your
son, it is but human nature to do so, it is so with the deaths at other times
then during the time when the young men of our country were making the supreme
sacrifice that we might attain that for which no other nation fought for with
more right. You should be proud to be the father of a son who had contributed to
the victory that has been a blessing to the whole world. His sacrifice was just
as attributive to the victory as those who gave their life on the battle field,
and I am sure no one ever faced death on the battle field more bravely than did
Leo in the hospital. I assure you that everything known to the medical science
was done to combat the fatal illness, the hospital being one of the finest in
France.
Again assuring you of my high esteem and profound sympathy, believe me,
Sincerely yours,
Warren C. Giles.
1st Lieut. U. S. Army,
Commanding Hdqrs. Co.
P. S. -- It is the plan of the war department to have all bodies returned to the
U. S. after peace has concluded.
W. C. Giles.
Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana;
January 9, 1919; Volume 35, Number 43, Page 2, Column 3-4.
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Gable, Martin J.
Birth: July 6, 1890, in Valparaiso, Indiana
Death: July 5, 1918, in France
Burial: Initially buried on July 25, 1918, in Grave No. 49 in French Military
Cemetery at Sery-Magneval, Oise, France. Remains were disinterred on November
20, 1920, shipped to the United States, and reinterred in the Maplewood
Cemetery, Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana. Tombstone simply states "GABLE" (no given name inscribed)
and includes an American Legion memorial plaque.
Rank and Service Unit: Private, Company L, Indiana National Guard; later
assigned to Company A, 151st Infantry, United States Army
Cause of Death: Wounds Received in Action
Hometown: Valparaiso
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gable; born July 6,
1890, Valparaiso, Ind. Plasterer. Entered service September 20, 1917. Sent to
Camp Taylor, Ky.; assigned to Company L, Indiana National Guard. Transferred to
Camp Shelby, Miss. Overseas in June 1918; assigned to Company A, 151st Infantry.
Took part in Champagne Marne Drive, an fought in Lorraine Sector. Died July 5,
1918 from wounds received in action. Body returned to U.S. in March 1921, and
buried in Valparaiso, Ind.
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Gillespie, Loring
Birth: October 16, 1884, in New York, New York
Death: October 12, 1918, in Charleston, North Carolina
Burial: Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso, Indiana
Rank and Service Unit: Quartermaster 2nd Class
Cause of Death: Influenza
Hometown: Valparaiso
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of Charles E. and Ethel Gillespie; born
October 16, 1884, New York City, N.Y. Served in U. S. Navy, 1906-1910.
Discharged. Living in Valparaiso, Ind., when he re-enlisted November 9, 1917,
Chicago, Ill. Sent to Commonwealth Pier, Boston, Mass.; assigned to duty on
patrol boat Yacona. Stricken with pneumonia; removed to Naval Hospital,
Charleston, S. C., where he died October 12, 1918. Buried, Valparaiso, Ind.
Survived by widow, Pauline Tyler Gillespie, and two sons, Loring Paul, and
Vernon Charles, Valparaiso, Ind.
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Hayes, Lester P.
Birth: September 23, 1896, in Valparaiso, Indiana
Death: January 23, 1918, at Base Hospital in Camp Sevier, South Carolina
Burial: St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Valparaiso, Indiana
Rank and Service Unit: Private, 2nd Engineering Corps, United States Army
Cause of Death: Influenza
Hometown: Valparaiso
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of Grant (deceased) and Minnie M. Hayes;
born September 23, 1896, Valparaiso, Ind. Automobile mechanic. Entered service
December 12, 1917, Valparaiso, Ind.; sent to Camp Sevier, S. C.; assigned to 2nd
Engineering Corps. Stricken with pneumonia he died January 23, 1918, Base
Hospital, Camp Sevier, S. C. Buried in Catholic Cemetery, Valparaiso, Ind.
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Hilkert, Rhen A.
Birth: February 1, 1890, in Porter County, Indiana
Death: August 9, 1918, in Fismes, France
Burial: Initially buried on August 9, 1918, in Grave No. 4 in Fismes, Marne,
France; the grave was isolated, which suggests it was buried where Rhen had
fallen when killed in action. Rhen was disinterred on April 18, 1919, and
reburied in Grave no. 114 Section G, Plot 3 at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery in
Fere-en-Tardenois, Aisne, France. A memorial tombstone for Rhen A. Hilkert is located in Furnessville Cemetery,
Furnessville, Indiana.
Hometown: Porter County and Westville, Indiana
Rank and Service Unit: Private, Company C, 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division,
United States Army
Cause of Death: Killed in Action
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of Isaac and Olive Hilkert; born February 1,
1890, in Porter County, Ind. Moved to Laporte County in 1904, and settled on
farm near Westville. Entered service March 28, 1918, Laporte, Ind. Sent to Camp
Taylor, Ky.; assigned to 10th Company, 3rd Battalion, 159th Depot Brigade.
Embarked for overseas May 7, 1918; assigned to Company C, 112th Infantry, 28th
Division. Killed in action August 9, 1918, Fismes [France]. Buried in American
Cemetery, Fismes, Marne, France.
NEWS OF THE COUNTY
MATTERS OF INTEREST AS GATHERED BY THE TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENTS.
Facts and Tales From All Parts of Porter County Telling Who Is Who and What is
Taking Place.
County Line.
The people of this vicinity who have known Isaac Hilkert for a number of years
extend their sympathy to him and his wife in the loss of their son, Rene
Hilkert. We feel a little proud just to know the father of a hero.
News Item Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County,
Indiana; October 17, 1918; Volume 35, Number 31, Page 3, Column 4.
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Hochbaum, Henry [surname also appears as Hockbaum]
Birth: July 1889 in Indiana
Death: December 2, 1917, at Fort Lewis in DuPont, Pierce County, Washington
Burial: Blachly Cemetery, Union Township, Porter County, Indiana (no tombstone)
Hometown: At time of enlistment, Henry was residing in or near Conrad, Pondera
County, Montana.
Cause of Death: Disease
Biography: Very little is known concerning Henry Hochbaum. Henry was residing
with parents, William and Annie Hochbaum, in Union Township, Jasper County,
Indiana, in 1900. He had at least seven siblings: Lizzie, Huldah, John,
Nicholas, Joseph, Annie, and Ben. The family would move to Porter County. At
some point, it is believed that the family removed from Porter County to
Montana. According to his WWI draft card, completed at Conrad, Pondera County,
Montana, on June 5, 1917, Henry was supporting a brother and a sister. His death
notice, which appears in the December 26, 1917, issue of The Porter County
Vidette, mentions that two of Henry's brothers were already buried in the
Blachly Cemetery, through there is no record of their burial. The parents are
noted in the death notice as residing in Montana and were "unable to come" to
the funeral service. The death notice indicates that two uncles and a sister
reside in Crown Point, Lake County, Indiana, but no names are provided. Henry
was buried on Thursday, December 20, 1917, after services taking place at 1:00
p.m. at the LePell Undertaking Parlors in Valparaiso, with Reverend Thomas F.
Williams of the Metthodist Church in Valparaiso officiating.
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Johnson, Arthur Theodore
Birth: March 31, 1896, in Porter, Indiana
Death: September 12, 1918, Battle of St. Mihiel, France
Burial: Initially buried in Grave No. 17 in American Cemetery at
Flirey,Meurthe-et-Moselle, Lorraine, France. Remains were disinterred on May
14, 1919, and reburied in Grave No. 174 in the St. Mihiel American Cemetery
at Thiaucourt,
Meurthe-et-
Rank and Service Unit: Captain (First Lieutenant), U.S. Signal Corps attached to
the 135th Aero Squadron, United State Army
Cause of Death: Killed in Action
Hometown: Porter
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of John Alfred (deceased) and Hulda Johnson;
born March 31, 1896, Porter, Porter County, Ind. Graduated from Augustana
College, Ill., in 1917, and entered Aviation Service April 20, 1917,
Springfield, Ill. Sent to Fort Still, Okla.; transferred to Hempstead, N.J.
Commissioned First Lieutenant in U.S. Signal Corps. Overseas in December, 1917.
Killed in action September 12, 1918, Battle of St. Mihiel. Buried in American
Cemetery No. 1233, Sec. 6, Plot 4, Grave 174.
TOILERS AMONG DRIFTING SAND
WIDOWED MOTHER GIVES HER HOPE AND PRIDE TO GOD AND COUNTRY.
Westchester Boy, Farmer Student, Soldier, of Fine Character and Education, Has
Short But Eventful Life.
Four miles southeast of Mount Tom, the highest point in the lake dune, lies the
little rural settlement Willis, with stopping place of same name for locals on
the South Shore interurban. The houses hug the sandy slope of a former shore
line. They face the old Chicago trail, undoubtedly the oldest and most
remarkable highway in the state.
A short distance to the east lies Tamarack, once a tavern on the trail. A barn
is still standing. Three miles to the west, now Tremont, stood another tavern.
This place was known as City West. No remains. In the woods along the trail can
be seen the embankment of the now almost forgotten Buffalo and Mississippi
railway, better known as the Old Plug road. Between the trail and the lake
hills, White’s range, lies a wild, primitive stretch of lowland, a mile and a
half wife. Nature has been sparing in her gifts to man in this locality.
Drifting sand on, and marshy bogs between, the hills. The local record of this
land begins in 1836, when it was ceded by the United States to Joseph
Chamberlain. In 1843, on January 25, at public auction at the court house door
in Valparaiso, this land was sold for 7 cents an acre to Wilson Malone, that
being the highest and best price for the land.
Here among those sand-burred hills settled, seventeen years ago, a family,
Alfred Johnson, with two children; Arthur, five years old, and Leonard, two
years old. Arthur was born on the beautiful Howe homestead. After one year in
their new home the father died. An awful struggle now began for the mother. The
sand yielded thistle more abundantly that grain. Very early Arthur had to begin
to help with the work. But school was not neglected. For eight long years his
implements and his toys were the plow and the book. Eight miles to confirmation
school; six miles, for four years, to High school. Then off to college. He was
then only sixteen. I was with him to Rock Island and arranged his course of
study.
Gradually his home place among the sand hills had been made very beautiful. The
water of a small creek plays a hide-and-seek through the garden between lilac,
syringa and large rose buses. Threes and shrubbery everywhere. Bedding of straw
on sandy approach. Clean yard. Well kept fences. As pretty a country home as
could be found. And his love for his home knew no bound.
It was in the spring of 1917. His college course completed. On April 20 he
receives his college degrees A. B., and enlists in the army, the first from this
congregation. Within a year he is lieutenant. For a year and a half his
twice-weekly message of cheer and comfort for his mother never failed. “Dear
mother,” he writes in one letter, “do not worry about me. There is no real
danger even in the front lines. Remember I told you that if you prayed, as I
known you do, nothing can happen to me.” And to his brother: “Dear Brother;
______ we have such a wonderful mother and our efforts must all be towards
making her happy. We can never do enough to repay her.”
The summer of 1918 is drawing to its close. Forest and field remain sober and
green as long as genial fog tucks her gossamer grown round flower and tree. But
while leafy nature sang her vesper son, titillating frost came and pressed her
lethal kiss on petal and leaf. Their cheeks blush. The sober green of woodland
and meadow is turned into a riotous coloring of deepest ruby to palest pearl.
What a glorious farewell before they wing their flight to be no more. And as
leafy nature, so runs the course of a true and noble life. In each subsequent
message from her boy the praying mother divined in their deeper colorings his
constantly increasing usefulness in the service of his country. “I am doing what
I have been training for a year,” he writes in his last letter, Sept. 8, “and
trying to do my share. We know that we are the better party. We also know that
we are fighting for the right and there is no doubt as to the final verdict.”
But soon his golden bowl was to break and his silver cord to be loosed. On
September 12, Lieutenant Arthur Theodore Johnson, twenty-two years old, was
killed in aerial combat. Rest in peace until God calls you from your
burial-chamber, ‘neath the sod of the fair fields of France!
Rev. E. H. Carlson.
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana;
October 24, 1918; Volume 35, Number 32, Page 3, Columns 3-4.
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Klein, Harry J.
Birth: March 4, 1891, in Valparaiso, Indiana
Death: December 27, 1917, in Camp Shelby, Mississippi
Burial: Maplewood Cemetery in Valparaiso, Indiana
Rank and Service Unit: Private, Company F, 3rd Infantry, Indiana National Guard;
reassigned to Battery F, 137th Field Artillery, United States Army
Cause of Death: Influenza
Hometown: Valparaiso
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of Frank H. and Lena Klein; born March 4,
1891, Valparaiso, Ind. Factory foreman. Enlisted in Company F, 3rd Infantry,
Indiana National Guard (Battery F, 137th Field Artillery) May 28, 1917, South
Bend, Ind. Sent to Camp Shelby, Miss. for training. Contracted pneumonia, and
died December 27, 1917, Camp Shelby. Buried in Maplewood Cemetery, Valparaiso,
Ind.
NEWS FROM AND OF SOLDIERS
DOINGS OF THE BOYS IN THE SERVICE OF UNCLE SAM HERE AND IN CAMP.
Harry J. Kline, a son of Frank Kline, of Valparaiso, is the first Porter
county victim of the war. The young man died at the training camp at
Hattiesburg Thursday evening of pneumonia. Deceased was born in Valparaiso
and at the time of his enlistment, August 1, last was employed in a rubber
plant in South Bend. He enlisted in Co. F from that city. He was 26 years
old, and leaves besides his parents, two brothers, George and Joseph, and
three sisters, Mrs. Frank Lingt, Beulah and Mrs. George Rafferty of South
Bend. The remains were brought to Valparaiso and laid to rest today. The
funeral was a large one. They sympathy of the people of the entire county go
out to the bereaved family.
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County,
Indiana; January 3, 1918; Volume 34, Number 42, Page 1, Column 5.
------
Buried With Military Honors.
Valparaiso, Jan. 4 -- The body of Harry Kline, aged 20, the first victim from
Valparaiso and Porter county in the war with the Teutonic allies, was buried
here today. Kline enlisted in the infantry company of South Bend, where he had
been in the rubber business. He accompanied the unit to Camp Shelby at
Hattiesburg, Miss., and there died of pneumonia on Christmas day. Military
honors were paid him at the funeral services here. His parents, two brothers and
two sisters survive.
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County,
Indiana; January 10, 1918; Volume 34, Number 43, Page 1, Column 4.
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Krysiak, John A.
Birth: June 15, 1892, in Chesterton, Indiana
Death: October 18, 1918, in Aberdeen, Maryland
Burial: St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Chesterton, Indiana
Cause of Death: Influenza
Rank and Service Unit: Private, Company G, Ordnance Department, Camp Meade
Hometown: Chesterton
Five Dead At Aberdeen.
Five soldiers at the Aberdeen Proving Ground Hospital died yesterday, bringing
the toll from the disease to 59 so far. The situation is regarded as better as
only one influenza patient was admitted to the hospital today and 20 were
discharged.
Those who died were Privates Charles Herstein, Brooklyn, N. Y.; John A. Krysiak,
Chestertown, Ind.; Donald A. Stratton, Burlington, Vt.; Harry A. Steinburg,
Cementon, N. Y., and Corp. Jeremiah Mahoney, Hartford, Conn.
Death Notice Source: The Sun, Baltimore, Maryland; October 19, 1918;
Voume 163, Number 134, Page 9, Column 4.
------
Local, Personal, Social
John Kryshiak died last Friday in the hospital at the Aberdeen proving grounds,
Maryland. He was the son of Stephen Kryshiak, of this place, and a tester in the
ordnance department. While working with one of the big guns he contracted
influenza, which developed pneumonia. Deceased was 24 years old and went with
the old Company L to the Mexican border. He was in the recent draft, but was
rejected because of physical disability. He then enlisted and placed in the
ordnance department. He was given a furlough home which expired October 6, and
he left here October 5 for camp. While here he was the picture of health, and
the very last man one would think at all liable to succumb to disease. The
remains were shipped here for burial, arriving Monday. The funeral was held
Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock. Short services were held at the door of St.
Patrick's church. Valparaiso Military Training Camp sent a detachment of
soldiers to attend the funeral, and the pallbearers were members of this
company. The soldiers marched to St. Patrick's cemetery, and after the priest in
charge of the services had concluded, the coffin, wrapped in an American flag,
was lowered to its last resting place as the bugle blew taps, and the squad fell
in and departed.
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County,
Indiana; October 24, 1918; Volume 35, Number 32, Page 5, Column 3.
------
Local, Personal, Social
The business houses of Chesterton were closed between the hours of 9 and 10
o'clock Tuesday out of respect for John Krysiak, the soldier boy whose funeral
was held at that time. His death places the first gold star in the service flag
of St. Patrick's congregation.
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County,
Indiana; October 24, 1918; Volume 35, Number 32, Page 5, Column 4.
------
CHESTERTON LOCALS.
John A. Krysiak was born June 15, 1892, in Chesterton and was the son of Mr. and
Mrs. Stephen Krysiak, of this place. He enlisted in service of the United States
June 24, 1917, and was honorably discharged August 30, 1917. He re-enlisted
March 7, 1918, and was stationed at Savannah, Ga. From there he was transferred
to the ordnance department, Co. G, Ordnance detatchment, Camp Mead. He was home
on furlough which ended October6, and he left here for camp on October 5 in
apparent good health. Private Ralph L. Towner, of Co. G, attachment, Aberdeen,
Md., accompanied his remains to Chesterton, and remained until the funeral was
over. A detachment of sixty soldiers from Valparaiso university traning camp
also attended the funeral. The business houses of Chesterton closed during the
funeral out of respect of the dead. But for the fact that public funerals were
prohibited by the board of health this would have been attended by many hundreds
of people.
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County,
Indiana; October 24, 1918; Volume 35, Number 32, Page 7, Column 4.
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Lundberg, Axel William
Birth: December 17, 1896, in Chicago, Illinois
Death: October 5, 1918, at Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio
Burial: Chesterton Cemetery in Chesterton, Indiana
Rank and Service Unit: Private, 23rd Company, 6th Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade,
United States Army
Cause of Death: Influenza
Hometown: Valparaiso
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of William and Elida Lundberg; born December
17, 1896, Chicago, Ill. Moved to Porter County, Ind., in 1908, and settled on a
farm near Valparaiso. Entered service August 26, 1918, Valparaiso, Ind. Sent to
Camp Sherman, Ohio; assigned to 23rd Company, 6th Battalion, 157th Depot
Brigade. Stricken with pneumonia, he died October 5, 1918, Camp Sherman. Buried,
Chesterton, Porter County, Ind.
The remains of Axel Lundberg were brought to Chesterton from Camp Sherman,
Chillicothe, Ohio, Monday morning, in charge of Corporal Ritter and turned
over to Undertaker Flynn. He died Friday night of influenza followed by
pneumonia after a short illness. The funeral will be held Wednesday at 1
o’clock, from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Lundberg, in the
Danielson settlement, and the remains buried in the Chesterton cemetery. The
young man was 21 years old and had gone into the service just six weeks ago.
A soldier escort will be sent from Valparaiso University Training camp to
pay military honors. Owing to the ban on gatherings there will be no
services other than those conducted at the grave.
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County,
Indiana; October 10, 1918; Volume 35, Number 30, Page 4, Column 2.
------
Porter Swedish Lutheran Church Notes.
Funeral services of Private Axel William Lundberg, who died Saturday,
October 5, at Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio, aged 21 years, 9 months, 18
days, were held from his parents' home on R. R. 8, Valparaiso, to Chesterton
cemetery, last Thursday afternoon, October 10. He was born in Chicago, Ill.,
December 17, 1896. Was called to the colors August 26 this year. Nearest
mourners are: Parents, two sisters, Olga (Mrs. Arthur Danielson), and Ruth,
one brother, Adolph, and many other relatives. The military escort from
Valparaiso at the funeral was officered by Lieut. Wlkns [sic?].
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County,
Indiana; October 17, 1918; Volume 35, Number 31, Page 3, Column 1.
------
Card of Thanks.
Mr. and Mrs. William Lundberg and family desire to thank their friends for
the kindness shown them in their sorrow at the loss of their son, Axel. They
especially want to thank the Military Escort and Officers from Valparaiso
Training Camp for their service and the business men of Chesterton for
closing their places of business during the funeral.
Card of Thanks Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County,
Indiana; October 17, 1918; Volume 35, Number 31, Page 3, Column 1.
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Manion, John Conrad
Birth: July 18, 1889, in Covington, Iowa
Death: October 18, 1918 (probably at Camp Mills in Long Island, New York)
Burial: St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Valparaiso, Indiana
Rank and Service Unit: Private
Cause of Death: Influenza
Hometown: Valparaiso
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of Henry and Louise Horn Manion; born July
18, 1889, Covington, Iowa. Reared from infancy by his grandmother, Mrs.
Magdalene Horn, of Valparaiso, Ind. Student. Entered army work as Knights of
Columbus Secretary, in October, 1917. Selected for military service August 18,
1918. Sent to Camp Mills, L. I.; assigned to Limited Service Duty. Stricken with
influenza, he died October 18, 1918. Buried in cemetery of St. Paul's Catholic
Church, Valparaiso, Ind.
Local, Personal, Social
John Manion died Friday at Camp Mills, N. Y., of Spanish influenza. He was born
in Valparaiso, July 9, 1889, and was a nephew of P. J. and Louis Horn, of that
city. He left Valparaiso August 12 last for Syracuse, N. Y., as a liimted [sic]
service man. From there he was transferred to Camp Mills, N. Y. Prior to this he
had spent ten months as divisional secretary of the Knights of Columbus in army
camps in the south. The remains weer [sic] shipped to Valparaiso and buried
there. He is survived by his father, Attorney Henry Manion, of Milwaukee, Wis.,
besides Valparaiso relatives.
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County,
Indiana; October 24, 1918; Volume 35, Number 32, Page 5, Column 3.
------
Local, Personal, Social
The funeral services for John Manion were held Friday morning in the Valparaiso
Catholic church. Solemn high mass was celebrated by Rev. Mungovan, assisted by
Rev. Eberle, of Chesterton, deacon of the mass; Mr. Hammer, of Wanatah,
sub-deacon, and Fr. Reder, of Gary, Master of Ceremonies. The sermon was
delivered by Rev. Mungovan, during which the blue star in the service flag was
replaced by a gold one. A military escort from the Valparaiso training camp
accomp[a]nied the remains to the church and to the cemetery.
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County,
Indiana; October 31, 1918; Volume 35, Number 33, Page 5, Column 3.
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Nicholson, Adolph Adrian
Birth: December 9, 1890, in Crisman, Indiana
Death: November 11, 1918, Limoges, Haute Vienne, France
Burial: Initially buried on November 12, 1918, in Grave No. 156, at American Cemetery
in Limoges, Haute Vienne, France. Remains disinterred on October 8, 1920,
shipped to the United States, and reinterred in Grave No. 1278, Arlington
National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia.
Rank and Service Unit: Cook, Company F, 1st Gas Regiment, United States Army
Cause of Death: Influenza
Hometown: Crisman
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of Peter and Hannah Nicholson; born December
9, 1890, Crisman, Porter County, Ind. Farmer. Enlisted in U.S. Regular Army
December 23, 1917. Sent to Fort Thomas, Ky.; assigned to Company F, 30th
Engineers. Embarked for overseas June 30, 1918; assigned to 1st Gas Regiment,
Participated in battles of St. Mihiel and Argonne Meuse. Stricken with
pneumonia, he died November 11, 1918, in Hospital, Limoges, France. Buried in
City Cemetery, Limoges, France.
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O'Boyle, David Kerr
Birth: July 1894, in Renfrewshire, Scotland
Death: September 29, 1918, Meuse Argonne Drive
Burial: Initially buried on in Grave No. 5 (isolated grave) at Commune of
Gesnes, Mayenne, France; burial most likely took place where O'Boyle was
killed in action. Remains disinterred on June 4, 1919, and reburied in
GraveNo. 134, Section 98, Plot 3 at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in
Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, Meuse, France.
Rank and Service Unit: Private First Class, 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st
Infantry Division, United States Army
Cause of Death: Killed in Action
Hometown: Valparaiso
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography:
Born in July 1894, Renfrewshire, Scotland.
(Names of parents unknown.) Came to U.S. (exact date unknown.) Attended
Valparaiso University in 1917-1918. Entered service April 26, 1918 in Cascade
County, Mont. Sent to Camp Lewis, Wash.; assigned to 21st Company, 1st
Battalion, 166th Depot Brigade. Embarked for overseas July 6, 1918; assigned to
Company B, 362nd Infantry. Killed in action September 29, 1918, Meuse Argonne
Drive. (Burial place unknown.)
[Note: Burial location later identified, per information provided above and
card information shown below.]
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O'Brien, Robert James
Birth: January 11, 1896, in Chicago, Illinois
Death: February 26, 1919, in Hachita, New Mexico
Burial: Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso, Indiana
Rank and Service Unit: Sergeant, Troop L, 12th United States Calvary
Cause of Death: Influenza
Hometown: Valparaiso
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of
Michael P. and Hattie B. O'Brien; born January 11, 1896, Chicago, Ill. Spent
most of his life in Porter County, Ind. Employee of Lake Erie and Western
Railroad. Enlisted in U.S. Regular Army April 18, 1917, Chicago, Ill. Sent to
Hachita, N. M.; assigned to Troop L., 12th U.S. Cavalry. Stricken with
pneumonia, he died February 26, 1919, Hachita, N. M. Buried in Valparaiso, Ind.
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Pratt, Charles A.
Birth: March 23, 1877, in Jackson Township, Porter County, Indiana
Death: November 3, 1918, in France
Burial: Initially buried on November 8, 1918, in Grave No. 11 at Bois de Dames
American Cemetery at Nouart, Ardennes, France. Disinterred June 24, 1919,
and reburied in Grave No. 45, Section 116, Plot 1 at Argonne American
Cemetry in Romagne-sous-Mountfaucon, Keuse, France.
Rank and Service Unit: First Sergeant, Company A, 9th Infantry, 2nd Division,
United States Army
Cause of Death: Killed in Action
Hometown: Chesterton
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of
Moses J. and Martha Pratt; born March 23, 1877, Jackson Township, Porter County,
Ind. Carpenter. Served on Mexican Border in 1916. Enlisted in U.S. Regular Army
March 26, 1917, Ft. Thomas, Ky. Overseas in September 1917; assigned to Company
A, 9th Infantry. Killed in action November 3, 1918. Buried, Meuart Ardennes,
France. Awarded Croix de Guerre with two silver stars. The American Legion Post,
Valparaiso, Ind., named in his honor. Survived by two children, Jesse, and Earl
Pratt, Valparaiso, Ind.
CHARLEY PRATT IS KILLED IN ACTION
Former Chesterton Boy Made the Supreme Sacrifice on November 3
Mrs. Margaret Pratt received a message from Adjutant General Harris Sunday
evening informing her of the death of her son, Sergeant Charles A. Pratt. He was
killed in action on November 3, eight days before the armistice was signed.
Sergeant Pratt was born in Jackson Center on January 23, 1877, to Guy and
Margaret Pratt, and moved to Chesterton with his parents when a young lad. He
grew to manhood in Chesterton and learned the printing trade in the Tribune
office. After serving his time at his trade he moved to Valparaiso and has since
worked in the several printing offices of the county seat.
He was a member of Co. L of Valparaiso, and went to the border with that
organization at the time of the Mexican trouble several years ago. On Mexican
trouble several years ago [sic]. He secured his discharge from the organization
and enlisted in the regular army, being assigned to Co. A, 9th infantry. In
July, 1917, he went to France, and after a short period of training his company
was with the first infantry unit that entered into the active fighting.
Last July a rumor was in circulation that he had been killed in action, but this
was untrue, he having been seriously wounded. He recovered from these wounds and
was again returned to the front, not, however, before he had advised his folks
and friends of his recovery.
About a month ago his mother received a letter from him and enclosed several
photos of himself, and this was the last heard from him until Sunday evening's
message from the war department.
He has two sons in the service and both young men have been in France for over a
year, they, however, were in different fighting organizations and it is not
known if they ever came into contact with their father.
Death Notice Source: The Chesterton Tribune, Chesterton, Porter County,
Indiana; December 19, 1918; Volume 35, Number 40, Page 5, Column 6.
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Wilson, Irvin
Birth: March 8, 1898, in Hebron, Porter County, Indiana
Death: October 7, 1918, in Exermont, Ardennes, France
Burial: Initially buried in Grave No. 3 among isolated graves in Commune of Exermont, Ardennes, France;
Irvin was most likely buried where he was killed in action. Remains were
disinterred on June 7, 1919, and reburied in Argonne American Cemetry in
Romagne-sous-Mountfaucon, Keuse, France. Irvin's remains were once again
disinterred on July 28, 1921, shipped to the United States, and buried in
the Hebron Cemetery at Hebron, Porter County, Indiana.
Rank and Service Unit: Private, Company F, 151st Infantry, United States Army
Cause of Death: Killed in Action
Hometown: Hebron
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of
James and Lauretta Wilson; born March 8, 1898, Hebron, Porter County, Ind.
Farmer. Enlisted in Company F, 1st Infantry, Indiana National Guard (Company F,
151st Infantry) April 25, 1917, Gary, Ind. Sent to Camp Shelby, Miss. Overseas
in June 1918; assigned to Company K, 26th Infantry. Killed in action October 7,
1918, while helping wounded comrade. Buried in Commune of Exermont, Ardennes,
France. The American Legion Post, Hebron, Ind., named in his honor.
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Wiseman, Charles Frederick
Birth: December 5, 1892, in Furnessville, Indiana
Death: January 6, 1919, in Meuse, France
Burial: Initially buried in Grave No. 48 at French Military Cemetery in
Commercy, Meuse, France. Remains were disinterred on April 8, 1921, shipped
to the United States, and reburied in Augsburg Lutheran Church Cemetery at
Porter, Porter County, Indiana.
Rank and Service Unit: Cook, Company B, 140th Infantry, 35th Division, United
States Army
Cause of Death: Influenza
Hometown: Furnessville
Gold Star Honor Roll Biography: Son of
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wiseman; born December 5, 1892, Furnessville, Porter County,
Ind. Entered service June 27, 1918, Valparaiso, Ind. Sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio;
assigned to 17th Company, 5th Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade. Embarked for
overseas September 1, 1918; assigned to Company B, 140th Infantry, 35th
Division. Died of pneumonia January 6, 1919. "Somewhere in France."
[Note: Remains were disinterred from France on April 8, 1921, and shipped to
the United States where they were reinterred in Augsburg Lutheran Church
Cemetery at Porter, Porter County, Indiana.]
Information abstracted by Steven R. Shook