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Saturday, April 24, 2021

WW1 Honor Roll Call - Part 2

This post series has been inspired by the book "German Pioneers of Texas: A Brief History of Hardships, Struggles and Achievements" by D H Biggers*. The source gives the names of Gillespie County, TX men who died before 1925, due to WW1 combat-related conditions/wounds, the name of ailments, and countries/states where they died, but not much more. No birth dates, no other details on who they were or where and when they served. In two cases only, the death dates are given. Researching and looking for more detailed facts about those men, I noticed that the book content contains some errors regarding the soldiers' names and/or ranks. That has made the research even more difficult.

I am aware that many more individuals suffered and died (also after 1925) due to the injuries received in active combat, years and decades after the war ended. If I get any information about those persons, I will update the post whenever possible. 

Glory to the fallen heroes!


Here are the results of my research. The Gillespie men who

DIED OF HEALTH CONDITIONS RELATED TO

OVERSEAS COMBAT

were  

Private Walter Eckhardt - born 19 January 1896 in Fredericksburg, TX, to parents Louis Eckhardt and Louise Rodenbusch. In 1900, Walter, his parents, and siblings lived in Justice Precinct 1, south part of Fredericksburg, TX. Mr. Louis Eckhardt was a farmer (1). At the time of WW1 registration, Walter lived in Tosca, Blanco County, TX, and he helped his father with farming (2).


 
Walter Eckhardt was inducted into the Army on 3 July 1918 and was assigned to Machine Gun Company 305th Infantry. Private Eckhardt (serial number 1 135 896) went overseas with his unit on 28 August of the same year. During the service in France, the man contracted otitis (ear inflammation) and then, meningitis of which Walter died in a field hospital on 14 December 1918 (3, 4).
 


 
Corporal Emil Gottfried August Beyer - born on 7 July 1887 in Fredericksburg, Gillespie, TX, to Valentin J Beyer and Karolina C Oehler. The man was inducted into the Army in Fredericksburg on 26 June 1918. He was 31 then. At first, Emil served with 75th Company 19th Battalion 165 Department of Brigade (from 26 June to 23 July 1918), next, he was transferred to Company 29 1st Labor Regiment until 15 August of the same year. After that, Private Beyer was 3rd Detachment Labor Foreman (to 31 August). Then, Emil was transferred again and served with the 165th Administrative Labor Company Army Service Corps. They were sent overseas on 8 September 1918. Private E G A Beyer (serial number 3 509 372) was commissioned Corporal on 11 October 1918. At that time, he got sick with pneumonia and died four days later, on 15 October, at the hospital in Beaume, France (5, 6).

 

 
 
Fredericksburg, TX

 
Private 1st Class Harry William Duecker - born in Fredericksburg, TX on 30 August 1900, to Charles Duecker and Helena Weidenfeller (7). In 1900, during that year's census, Harry, his parents, grandmother, and a sister lived at Cave Creek, Justice Precinct 1, Gillespie, TX. His father Charles was a farmer (8). Harry William was enlisted on 19 May 1917, his serial number was 794 457. Private Duecker served with Army Headquarters Troop and Detachment 7th Division and 11th Cavalry until 3 July 1919 (9,10,11). 

 

 

After the war, Harry was a student. He also worked on the family farm. Harry W Duecker died of health complications related to gas poisoning and abdominal wounds received when at the war front. The man passed on 27 March 1922 in Fredericksburg. He was buried at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

 


Corporal David Lewis Farris was born on 24 May 1896 in Harper, Texas, to John Lewis Farris and Minerva Elisabeth Bierschwale. On the day of his WW1 registration (28 May 1917), David worked in Irion County as a well driller and was employed by Mr. Will Hodges (12).
 

 
A few months later, on 20 July in Kerrville, Dave was enlisted into the National Guards. First, the man was part of Company D 1st Infantry Texas National Guards (until 15 October 1917), then David was transferred to Company I 141st Infantry. They were deployed overseas on 26 July 1918. Private David L Farris (serial number 1 488 146) was promoted twice:
  • 27 May 1918, he was commissioned Private 1st Class,
  • 9 November 1918, he was commissioned Corporal.
 
The day of honorable discharge came to Corporal Harris on 4 July 1919 (13, 14).
 

 
After the war, Dave lived with his parents and brother Burman at Justice Precinct No. 4 Kerr County, TX. 23-year-old David, a war veteran, worked as a laborer on his father's farm (15). His health was poor and was deteriorating. The war front gas experience had put a lethal mark on his lungs. About two years after the day of Corporal Farris' honorable discharge, the man died on 23 November 1921 (16).

 

Clipping source: Perry, H. Grady. The Junction Eagle (Junction, Tex.), Vol. 38, No. 32, Ed. 1 Friday, December 2, 1921, newspaper, December 2, 1921; Junction, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth801146/: accessed April 19, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; . 
 


The book "German Pioneers of Texas..."* mentions also Private Carlos Alexander who died on one of the Hawaiian Islands due to prior war front exposure to mustard gas in France. As in other cases, no other details regarding the man are given. My research shows that Carlos appeared to be James Colis Alexander, however, the records regarding the man's year of birth are confusing.
According to the information included in his death certificate
 
James Colis Alexander was born in Texas on 20 September 1890, to James Brice Alexander and Ida Florence Smith (17). Other records regarding Colis' year of birth though seem to be confusing.

Census 1910
18/19 April - Colis Alexander was registered in Commissioner's Precinct 3, Justice Precinct #2, Blanco County, TX. He lived with Mr. Joshua A Hanley's family and was a hired hand. According to that record, Colis was then 21 years old, born in 1889. The places of his father's and mother's birth match the details (Mississippi and Texas) given in other records including James B Alexander's death certificate (18,19, 20).

5 May - 18-year-old James C Alexander (born in 1892) was registered in Palestine City Ward 1, Anderson County. The man was an accountant at Rail Road's Office. In this case, the places of birth of James C's parents do not match, though. In the document it is stated that his father was born in Texas, not in Mississippi, the mother was born in Tennessee (21).
 
The only copy of a military service record which I have found is included below. It gives the data regarding Private James C Alexander who lived in Belton, Bell County, TX. The man enlisted into the National Guards at Fort Sam Houston, TX on 7 August 1917. He was born in Stockdale, TX, however, his date of birth is not given precisely. We can only see that on the day of enlistment James C was 26 years 10 months and 12 days. The man was assigned to Company D 2nd Infantry Texas National Guards. After 15 October 1917, he was transferred to Company G 141st Infantry. Then, on 26 July 1918, Private Alexander (serial number 1 484 105) and his Company were sent overseas. About a month later, on 23 August, another transfer made Jams C part of Company C 168th Infantry. The last day of their overseas service was 25 April 1919. Private Alexander was honorably discharged on 17 May 1919 (22).
 
 
 
After the war, in 1920, Colis lived in Justice Precinct 2, ED 21, Burnet, Texas at the place of Jack M Berry's. Colis was a hired hand again (23).
 
Possibly, later, Colis Alexander joined the Army again (?). At least, that would explain why he got to be treated at the hospital in Honolulu. Also, his occupation given in the death certificate was a soldier. He passed on 22 October 1921, due to tuberculosis. He was buried in Fredericksburg, TX (24).
 
Another soldier listed by H D Briggs in his book is Private Henry Green. If the author is correct, regarding the soldier's name and Gillespie County as his place of birth, I did not find any records on Henry Green who died before 1925. There was Private Harry Green, though. However, he was born in Burleson County, not Gillespie.

 


Private Harry Barnett Green - was born on 4 February 1894 in Caldwell, Burleson County, to parents William Nathaniel Green and Martha N Barham (25, 26). In 1910, young Harry lived with his widowed mother and siblings in Justice Precinct 2, Burleson, TX (27). His father had died quite early, in 1901.
The man's registration took place on 5 June 1917. He was involved in farming and supported his widowed mother then (28). 


 
Not long after the initial registration, on 21 September 1917, Harry was inducted into the Army in Caldwell, TX. He was assigned to Field Artillery Brigade C 344. They were sent overseas on 30 June 1918 and served abroad for almost a year until 15 June 1919 (29, 30).


Two days before his honorable discharge, on 25 July 1919 in Milam County, Private Harry B Green (serial number 2 235 523) married Miss Mamie Sells (31).
 
Mr. Harry B Green died in the Temple hospital, a few years after his marriage, on 24 February 1924. The cause of the man's death given in the death certificate was intestinal obstruction related to a duodenal ulcer (32). Ms. Kathi Cox Seibold, H B Green's grand-niece, has informed me that Harry's health condition which led to his passing, originated in WW1 combat gas poisoning. The ex-serviceman's health deteriorated after 1918, and very likely, he was a patient of the Kerrville Sanitarium as well.

 


As for the Gillespie County men by the name of Green,
 
I have come across the records telling about Private William Emmet Green (serial number 1 144 795), born in Blanco County, on 19 May 1891, to William Green and Malinda A Maddox. In the records, his residence was Reservation Route, Harper, Gillespie County, and Kerrville, Kerr, TX (see the copies of the documents included below).
 
William Emmet was registered on the same day (5 June 1917) as the above-mentioned Harry B Green (33).
 


Private Green was inducted into the army on 15 June 1918. The man completed his training/stayed at Camp Joseph N Johnston in Florida until 31 August 1918. Then, he served with the Army Service Corps Labor Bureau with which Pvt W E Green was deployed overseas on 8 September 1918. 
 
About a month later, William was transferred to CMC Cement Mill Company 45th Allied Expeditionary Forces. His overseas service finished on 17 April 1919. Emmett came back to the US and was honorably discharged on 2 May of the same year (34, 35).

 
William Emmett Green died not long after he finished his WW1 service. His death, however, was a result of an accident, not directly related to the ex-soldier's war service. The man was kicked by a horse and died of a ruptured spleen on 20 March 1920 (36).

 

 
W E Green's bother, Henry Montgomery, was also a WW1 veteran. According to his birth record, Henry was born on 6 March 1893 in Gillespie County (37). It is interesting, that in the WW1 registration record, Henry gives Blanco County as his place of birth. He was 24 on the day of his registration, 5 June 1917 (38).


 
Henry Montgomery Green was inducted on 5 July 1918, a bit later than his brother William Emmett. At first, Henry was assigned to the 57th Department of Brigade with which he served to 18 August 1918. A few days later on 23 August, Private Henry M Green (serial number 1 135 516) and his army unit were sent overseas. Henry served with Company L 153rd Infantry and Company B 60th Infantry. The soldier was honorably discharged on 1 August 1919 (39,40).


 
Whether Private Henry M Green experienced gas poisoning I do not know, but of course, it is possible. The thing is, that he died decades after 1925 (in 1961 exactly), so it was a long time after the book by D H Biggers* was written and published.
 
During my research, I found some information on the Kerrville Tubercular Sanitarium. The Sanitarium was built in the early 1920s in response to the need of the time. A great number of WW1 veterans were confined to the hospital in a result of their front time exposure to the lethal mustard gas. Tragically, many were too gravely ill to ever recover. Click on the clippings to enlarge the text.

 

Clipping source: Brownwood Bulletin (Brownwood, Tex.), Vol. 22, No. 255, Ed. 1 Thursday, August 10, 1922, newspaper, August 10, 1922; Brownwood, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth343630/: accessed April 23, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Howard Payne University Library.

 


Kudos to Ms. Kathi Cox Seibold, Mr. Mark Schumpelt, and other members of online based genealogy groups for their kind responses to my inquiry regarding Private Henry Green.
 
 

 

 
Resources:
 

*"German Pioneers of Texas: A Brief History of Hardships, Struggles and Achievements" by Don H. Biggers, Gillespie County Edition, Press of the Fredericksburg Publishing Co., 1925, 

 
1. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3GC-GH2 : accessed 16 April 2021), Walter Eckhardt in household of Louis Eckhardt, Justice Precinct 1 (south part) Fredricksburg town, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 31, sheet 12A, family 243, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,638.  
 
2. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-VGQ : 23 February 2021), Walter Eckhardt, 1917-1918. 
 
3. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-J12Y : 9 March 2021), Walter Eckhardt, 03 Jul 1918; citing Military Service, Fredricksburg, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin. 
 
4. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPR7-FKYB : 22 October 2019), Walter Eckhardt, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers. 
 
5. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-J1ZQ : 9 March 2021), Emil G A Beyer, 26 Jun 1918; citing Military Service, Fredericksburg, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin. 
 
6. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QP8D-7DD2 : 17 October 2019), Emil Goodfried August Beyer, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers. 
 
7. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3C8-PF9 : 20 February 2021), Harry Duecker, 27 Mar 1922; citing certificate number 8154, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,543.
 
8. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MK1K-Y8K : accessed 18 April 2021), Else E Duecker in household of Charles W Duecker, Cave Creek, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 147, sheet 7A, family 121, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1554; FHL microfilm 1,375,567.  

 
10. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q5J1-5W2M : 25 October 2019), Harry William Duecker, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers. 
 
11. "United States Headstone Applications for U.S. Military Veterans, 1925-1949", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VHZH-6Y1 : 8 March 2021), Harry W Duecker. 
 
12. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-VTY : 23 February 2021), David Lewis Faris, 1917-1918. 
 
13. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-6WY7 : 9 March 2021), Dave L Faris, 30 Jul 1917; citing Military Service, Kerrville, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin. 
 
14. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPHL-1267 : 27 October 2019), Dave Louis Faris, 4 Jul 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers. 
 
15. "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MC9X-J38 : accessed 18 April 2021), Burman L Faris in household of Johm L Faris, Kerr, Texas, United States; citing , sheet , line , family , NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll ; FHL microfilm . 
 
16. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3HT-4BN : 20 February 2021), David L Farris, 23 Nov 1921; citing certificate number 30802, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,364. 
 
17. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K34S-DR5 : 20 February 2021), James C Alexander, 22 Oct 1921; citing certificate number 27862, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,363. 
 
18. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2MY-S82 : accessed 20 April 2021), Collis Alexander in household of Joshua A Hanley, Justice Precinct 2, Blanco, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 89, sheet 1A, family 7, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1533; FHL microfilm 1,375,546. 
 
19. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3MW-CD7 : 20 February 2021), James B Alexander, 15 Nov 1938; citing certificate number 50243, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,117,825.
 
 
21. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M298-FKN : accessed 20 April 2021), James C Alexander in household of George L Moore, Palestine Ward 1, Anderson, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 4, sheet B, family 468, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1527; FHL microfilm 1,375,540.  
 
22. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-8VZM : 9 March 2021), James C Alexander, 07 Aug 1917; citing Military Service, Houston, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.
 
23. "United States Census, 1920", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHYT-MBY : 3 February 2021), Colis Alexander, 1920.
 
24. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K34S-DR5 : 20 February 2021), James C Alexander, 22 Oct 1921; citing certificate number 27862, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,074,363. 
 
25. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ZW-3P1 : 20 February 2021), Harry B Green, 24 Feb 1924; citing certificate number 3703, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,075,023.
 
 
27.  "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M29X-Z52 : accessed 22 April 2021), Harry B Green in household of Martha A Green, Justice Precinct 2, Burleson, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 16, sheet 5A, family 90, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1535; FHL microfilm 1,375,548. 
 
28. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZ61-P4V : 23 February 2021), Harry Green, 1917-1918
 
29. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch ( : 9 March 2021), Harry B Green, 21 Sep 1917; citing Military Service, Caldwell, Burleson, Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin. 
 
30. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPRX-9RPK : 23 October 2019), Harry B Green, 27 Jun 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.
 
31. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1H-7J2N : 23 February 2021), Harry B Green and Mamie Sells, 25 Jul 1919; citing Marriage, citing Milam, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 1,481,549. 
 
32. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ZW-359 : 20 February 2021), Harry B Green, 24 Feb 1924; citing certificate number Duplicate, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,075,023.
 
33. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXV-LB9 : 23 February 2021), William Emett Green, 1917-1918.
 
34. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-6J2C : 9 March 2021), William Emett Green, 15 Jun 1918; citing Military Service, Kerrville, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

35. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPR8-7ZBZ : 23 October 2019), William Emmett Green, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

36. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3DT-XZ9 : 13 April 2021), W E Green, 27 Mar 1920; citing certificate number 11171, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,751. 
 
37. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LK6-6X6Z : 14 February 2020), Henry Montgomery Green, 1893.
 
38. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXV-LY1 : 23 February 2021), Henry Montgomery Green, 1917-1918. 
 
39. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-6J8X : 9 March 2021), Henry M Green, 05 Jul 1918; citing Military Service, Kerrville, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin. 
 
40. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPRX-QB1L : 23 October 2019), Henry Montgomery Green, 1 Aug 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers. 





Friday, April 23, 2021

Women in Uniforms

 Another Living History event at the Nimitz Museum was dedicated to WW2 servicewomen.

Do you know that women's uniforms at that time were designed and made by an American fashion house?  A curious detail: red lipstick was part of the uniform and was provided by the Army/Navy. How cool was that? Two lipstick shades were in use: Victory Red and another one which was manufactured by Elisabeth Arden.

To learn more - visit the museum on a Saturday and participate in Living History presentations.

 






I've checked on the Internet - Victory Red is still available.






Wednesday, April 21, 2021

WW1 Honor Roll Call - Part 1

This post series has been inspired by the book "German Pioneers of Texas: A Brief History of Hardships, Struggles and Achievements" by D H Biggers*. The source gives almost all the names of Gillespie men who were killed in WW1 combat and vague information regarding those soldiers' deaths/where they perished. All the details regarding the men's place/dates of birth/death, their families, their war service, and copies of documents related to that, are the results of my research. Before I have finished this post, I knew the names only. Now, there is more. Glory to the fallen heroes!

Months ago, I wrote about my grandfather Antoni Dybowski who was killed in WW1. Since Memorial Day is coming, it is time to write about the men of Gillespie County who perished in the same war.


Lt. Louis John Jordan was the first one who lost his life overseas during the WW1 fights. He was 28 years old. I wrote more about him in this POST.

Other soldiers, citizens of Gillespie County

KILLED IN ACTION

were

Private Edmund Brinkrolf - born on 8 December 1893 in Fredericksburg, Gillespie, TX, to parents Anton Brinkrolf and Anna Fritz (1). Edmund was a farmer and lived in Harper. He was 24 when he enlisted in the Army on 5 June 1917 (2).

Edmund Brinkrolf was inducted at Fort Bowie, TX, on 27 May 1918 and served with Company C 141st Infantry (since 15 June). They were sent overseas on 26 June in the same year.

Private E Brinkrolf (serial number 1 492 708) perished in action a few months later, on 8 October 1918 (3). His body was mutilated and his legs shot off. 

Awarded: World War I Victory Medal and the Purple Heart

William Lee Hime - born on 11 March 1894 in Willow City, Gillespie, TX, to Mr. Joseph B Hime and Miss Fannie Leonora Ricks. The family lived in Cain City, Gillespie, Will farmed together with his father.

Willie was registered on 5 June 1917 (4).

 
Two months later, the man was enlisted at Uvalde Texas. At first, he was assigned to Company D 1st Infantry Texas National Guards/Company I 141 Infantry with whom William served was sent overseas on 26 July 1918 and served in that unit until 23 August 1918 (5). 
 

Later, Private Hime was transferred to Company C 168 Infantry 36 Division. His serial number was 1 488 156 (6). Private William Lee Hime lost his life during the St. Mihiel Battle (body torn into pieces). He was 23 years old.

 
Private W L Hime was memorialized at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France.

Awarded: World War 1 Victory Medal and the Purple Heart
 


Henry Schneider Jr. - born on 4 January 1892 in Fredericksburg, Gillespie, TX, to Henry Schneider Sr. and Johanette Hein. The family lived in District No.31, Justice Precinct 1, the south part of Fredericksburg (7).

Henry Jr. was drafted on 5 June 1917 (8). At that time he was a farmer.

 
Henry was a soldier of Company I, 23 Infantry, 2nd Division. He was killed in France on 3 November 1918.

Awarded: World War I Victory Medal and the Purple Heart


Private 1st Class Alfred John Schlaudt - born 20 March 1896 in Fredericksburg, TX, to Christian P Schlaudt and Lisette Wiessemann. 

Alfred was registered on 6 May 1917 (9).

He was enlisted in Fredericksburg on 7 October of the same year. At first, Private Schlaudt was assigned to 57th Company 15th Battalion 165th Department of Brigade. On 26 October, the man was transferred to Company B 144 Infantry. Alfred's serial number was 1 497 144. On 1 July 1918, Alfred John Schlaudt was commissioned Private 1st Class. A couple of weeks later, on 18 July, he was deployed overseas. Alfred John met his death day on 15 October 1918. He was killed in action in the Somme-Py (Sommepy-Tahure)/Gevy area, France (10,11).



Awarded: World War I Victory Medal and the Purple Heart


Private 1st Class Nolan William Tobin - born on 19 April 1898 in Blanco City, Texas to Mr. Robert Houston Tobin and Miss Teresa Ann (Weathers) Tobin. Nolan was enlisted into the National Guards on 28 June 1917 at Harper. Private Nolan was part of Company D 1st Infantry Texas National Guards (Company D 36th Division 141st Infantry). His serial number was 1 484 460. Nolan W Tobin was promoted to Private 1st Class on 2 September 1918. The man died of wounds on 20 October (which he received during the battle of Suippes/ France). On the day of his death Nolan Tobin was 18 years and two months old (12,13). He was buried at the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, Fere-en-Tardenois, France.



Awarded: World War I Victory Medal and the Purple Heart


Private James Alfred Billo - born in Stonewall, Gillespie, TX on 22 February 1893, to John and Minerva Jane (Allison) Billo. On the day of his registration, 5 June 1917, James Alfred lived in Round Mountain, Blanco County, and was a laborer (14).

A few months later (on 7 August), Alfred was enlisted at Fort Sam Houston,Texas. At the very beginning of his military service, the man was assigned to Company D 2nd Texas Infantry (until 15 October 1917). Then, he served with Company G 141st Infantry with whom Private Billo (serial number 1 484 266) was sent overseas on 26 June 1918. The next reassignment (23 August 1918) made him a soldier of Company B 168th Infantry. 24-year-old Private James Alfred Billo was killed during the battle of Saint Mihiel, Mountfaucen, France (15, 16). His body was buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France.



Awarded: World War I Victory Medal and the Purple Heart

 

Private Max Ahrens - born in Cherry Spring, Gillespie, TX on 31 December 1894, to parents Heinrich Hermann Christian Ahrens and Sophie Katherine Moellering.On the day of WW1 registration (5 June 1917), Max lived at 42 Mason Route, Fredericksburg and was a farmer (17).

Soon, on 7 October, Max was inducted into the Army and assigned to 57th Company 165th Department of Brigade. His serial number was 1 493 454. Then, after 26 October, Private Ahrens was transferred to Company M 143rd Infantry. On 18 July 1918, Max and his Army unit were deployed overseas. About a month after that (from 23 August) he served with Company M 9th Infantry. They took part in the battle of Champagne and Saint-Mihiel. Max Ahrens lost his life in action on 3 October 1918 (18, 19).


Max's body was interred at the the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France.

Awarded: World War I Victory Medal and the Purple Heart


 

To be continued:

Other Posts dedicated to Gillespie County heroes:

Resources:

  • *"German Pioneers of Texas: A Brief History of Hardships, Struggles and Achievements" by Don H. Biggers, Gillespie County Edition, Press of the Fredericksburg Publishing Co., 1925,
  • HonorStates.org,
  • Findagrave.com

1. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ZT-NGM : 20 February 2021), Edmund Brinkrolf, 08 Oct 1918; citing certificate number 40373, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,348.

2. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXV-GGG : 23 February 2021), Edmun Brinkrolf, 1917-1918.

3. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-JGHT : 9 March 2021), Edmund Brinkrolf, 27 May 1918; citing Military Service, Bowie, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin. 

4. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-KWB : 23 February 2021), William Lee Hime, 1917-1918.

5. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-VS6D : 9 March 2021), William L Hime, 05 Jul 1917; citing Military Service, Fredericksburg, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

6. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPRX-M6F9 : 23 October 2019), William Lee Hime, 15 Oct 1918; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

7. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3GC-5L2 : accessed 9 April 2021), Henry Schneider in household of Heinrich Schneider, Justice Precinct 1 (south part) Fredricksburg town, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 31, sheet 4A, family 69, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,638. 

8. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-2XJ : 23 February 2021), Henry Schneider, 1917-1918. 

9. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-2DG : 23 February 2021), Alfred John Schlaudt, 1917-1918.

10. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:W7R6-Y6W2 : 26 October 2019), Alfred John Schlandt or Schlaudt, 15 Oct 1918; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

11. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-JTQJ : 9 March 2021), Alfred J Schlaudt, 07 Oct 1917; citing Military Service, Fredericksburg, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

12. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-JTLB : 9 March 2021), Nolan W Tobin, 28 Jun 1917; citing Military Service, Harper, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

13. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:W752-R23Z : 26 October 2019), Nolan William Tobin, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

14. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZ6B-KSJ : 23 February 2021), James Alfred Billo, 1917-1918. 

15. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-J1ZJ : 9 March 2021), Alfred Billo, 07 Aug 1917; citing Military Service, Fort Sam Houston, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

16. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPZG-RQ9L : 17 October 2019), Alfred James Billo, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

17. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXZ-VJC : 23 February 2021), Max Ahrens, 1917-1918.

18. "Texas, World War I Records, 1917-1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV18-JLL2 : 9 March 2021), Max Ahrens, 07 Oct 1917; citing Military Service, Fredericksburg, , Texas, United States, Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin.

19. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPZ6-KL3C : 17 October 2019), Max Ahrens, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.