PVT John Clark Freeland

courtesy of Linda Keil Smith

PVT John Clark Freeland was born 6 Mar 1893 in Woodhull, New York the 5th of 6 children born to Garrett Henry and Rebecca Fidelia (Munn) Freeland. The family farmed. At some point John moved to the area of Fredericksburg, Virginia where he lived at 521 Main Street and worked as a "laborer" at Hunters Laundry.

John enlisted in K Company 2nd Virginia Infantry on 28 Mar 1917.  he participated in the Mexican Border service and was re-called for service in France.  He trained with the unit at Camp McClellan, Alabama and was one of the men assigned to K Company 116th Infantry when the Virginia units were reorganized into the 116th Infantry Regiment. It is unclear when, but John moved to Roanoke and on 6 May 1918 married Mary Belt Oakes. He was probably on leave when he and Mary were married.  John traveled with the unit aboard the USS Finland to France in June 1918. PVT Freeland was wounded and died of his wound(s) on 30 Oct 1918.

PVT Freeland was repatriated and is buried in Fair View Cemetery in Roanoke, Virginia.

Mary never re-married. The couple had no children.  

PVT Oral Dean Allison

PVT Oral Dean Allison was born 9 Oct 1892 in New Hope, Alabama to Henry R. and Mary A. (Hyatt) Allison.

Oral was working in textiles when he was drafted in March 1918.  He was died of wounds on 30 Oct 1918.

PVT Allison is buried in Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama.

Bugler PVT Paul Parson

courtesy of Richard Finch

Bugler PVT Paul Parson was the son of Blanche Richards of Portsmouth, Virginia.

Paul was assigned to Machine Gun Company 116th Infantry and traveled to France with that unit aboard the USS Finland. The ship departed Hoboken, New Jersey on 15 Jun 1918 and arrived at the port of Saint Nazaire, France. The entire regiment went through training in trench warfare before being put in the line. On 8 Oct 1918 the Allies began a major offensive of which the regiment was a part. Sometime in this offensive PVT Parson was wounded.  He died of his wound(s) on 30 Oct 1918.

PVT Parson was repatriated and re-interred in Edgemont Cemetery in Anniston, Alabama. It is unclear as to whether his name is actually "Parson" or "Parsons".

PVT Stanislav P. Beno

courtesy of Frank Germanson

PVT Stanislav P. Beno was born 20 May 1895 in Tuchina, Slovakia.  Stanislav like immigrated sometime around 1910-1912 and settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his brother Michael Paul Beno.  It is unclear as to whether or not their parents also immigrated. Stanislav worked as a common laborer and brewer.

Stanislav was likely drafted in May 1918 and assigned to Headquarters Company 116th Infantry and trained with the unit before it departed for France.  After sailing to France aboard the USS Finland in June 1918 PVT Beno was wounded and later died of his wound(s) on 28 Oct 1918.

PVT Beno was repatriated in July 1921 coming home aboard the USAT Wheaton.  He was re-interred in Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

PFC Percy Jenkins Dove

PFC Percy Jenkins Dove was born 29 Sep 1899 in Accotink, Virginia, the youngest of 3 children of George W. and Rosetta (Grimsley) Dove.  His father worked as a day laborer and as a fisherman.  In 1910, his oldest sister was working as an assistant engineer at the Bureau of Engraving.  Percy married Ruth Mildred Terry on 29 Jul 1917 and a daughter would be born to the couple in April 1918.

After entering the army, Percy was assigned to L Company 116th Infantry. He left Hoboken, New Jersey with the unit aboard the USS Finland on 15 Jun 1918.  Arriving in France on 28 Jun 1918, the regiment participated in yet more training before moving into the line in September 1918.  PFC Dove was killed in action on 27 Oct 1918.

PFC Dove was repatriated in September 1921 and re-interred in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

PVT Arley Oakley

courtesy of Edward Toy

PVT Arley Oakley was born in 1885, likely in Niagara County, New York the first of 6 children of George A. and Jennie Elizabeth (Schad) Oakley.  His father worked in a sulphite mill.  On 6 Jul 1907, Arley enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in D Battery 6th Field Artillery. After leaving the service, Arley returned to Lockport, New York where he lived with his parents and worked with his father at the pulp mill.

After returning to the Army in 1917, Arley was assigned to L Company 116th Infantry and trained with the regiment at Camp McClellan, Alabama.  On 15 Jun 1918, Arley and the 116th departed Hoboken, New Jersey aboard the USS Finland headed for France where they arrived on 28 Jun 1918. After going through more training in preparation for trench warfare.  On 8 Oct 1918, the regiment was part of a big "push" in which PVT Oakley was wounded.  He died of his wound(s) on 27 Oct 1918.

PVT Oakley was repatriated and re-interred in Prospect Lawn Cemetery in Hamburg, New York.

PFC F. B. McMeans

PFC F. B. McMeans was born about 1894 in Cherokee County, Texas one of several children of Joseph Wesley and Ruth (Cornelison) McMeans. His father farmed and ran a saw mill.  His mother died in 1898 and his father remarried shortly thereafter.  F. B. had several half-siblings from his father's second marriage.

When F. B. went into the service he was assigned to D Company 116th Infantry.  PFC McMeans was killed in action on 27 Oct 1918.  We believe his body was returned to the U.S. but do not know where he is buried.

His brother, PVT Albert M. McMeans died as a result of the influenza epidemic while stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Brother, Fred Taylor McMeans served in the army 1918-1919.

PVT Robert Bevill

PVT Robert "Bob" Bevill was born 7 Dec 1891 in Madison County, Alabama.  He was the son of John G. and Para Zada (Mooneyham) Bevill. Drafted in May 1918 he was soon overseas serving in C Company 116th Infantry with another boy from Madison County, Alabama, PVT Oral Dean Allison who died 30 Oct 1918. PVT Bevill was killed in action on 27 Oct 1918 and is buried in Bevill Cemetery in Skinem, Alabama.

PVT Harley Layton Derrough

PVT Harley Layton Derrough was born 4 Jun 1896 in Hamersville, Ohio the 1st of 6 children born to John Theodore and Lenora Yondaloe "Lou" (Dean) Derrough. The family farmed.

After entering the Army on 6 Apr 1918, Harley was assigned first to 6th Company of the Training Battalion of the 58th Dep Brigade.  On 3 May 1918 he was transferred to Headquarters and Headquarters Company 331st Infantry. He was then assigned to 3rd Army Corps and the Provisional Replacement Battalion of 7 AC. On 16 Sep 1918 PVT Derrough was transferred to Headquarters and Headquarters Company 116th Infantry.  PVT Derrough was killed in action on 27 Oct 1918.

PVT Derrough was repatriated in 1921 and re-interred in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

PVT Joseph Walter Mills

courtesy of Ashley Odle

PVT Joseph Walter Mills was born 14 Jan 1895 in Toms Creek, Virginia.  He was the 3rd of 7 children born to Thomas C. and Emma Frances (Murray) Mills. His father worked as an engineman and as a foreman for a coal dealer.

After entering the army, Joseph was assigned to K Company 116th Infantry.  He was transported to France with the unit aboard the USS Finland which left Hoboken, New Jersey in mid-June 1918.  PVT Mills was wounded and died of his wound(s) on 26 Oct 1918. 

PVT Mills was repatriated and is buried in Bondtown Cemetery in Wise County, Virginia.

2LT James McCoy Malcomb

courtesy of Marijke Taffein

2LT James McCoy Malcomb was born in January 1895 in Castlebury, Alabama the 2nd of 5 children born to Marion A. and Kennie Elizabeth (Fincher) Malcomb. His father was a merchant and traveling salesman who had been born in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. James was working as a manager for Standard Oil in 1916.

James enlisted in the Alabama National Guard's D Company 2nd Alabama Infantry.  He was then transferred to the Machine Gun Company where he was promoted to CPL.  After the unit was mobilized he was transferred to the 4th Alabama Infantry on 15 Aug 1917. CPL Malcomb was assigned to Machine Gun Company 167th Infantry when that unit boarded the SS Lapland for France on 3 Nov 1917.  It was in France that CPL Malcomb was commissioned as 2LT and reassigned to M Company 116th Infantry.  Wounded sometime after 8 Oct 1918, 2LT Malcomb succumbed to his wound(s) on 26 Oct 1918.

2LT Malcomb is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.

Maternal grandfather, James Thomas Fincher, served in the 1st Confederate Cavalry (Simpson's Mounted Rangers) during the Civil War.

PVT Ralph Carelli

PVT Ralph Carelli was born 17 Jan 1892 most likely in Catanzoro, Italy.  We believe he immigrated in 1914.  In 1916 he worked for Goodyear Tire in Akron and by 1918 married to Elizabeth and lived at 74 Furnael Street in Akron, Ohio.  Ralph and Elizabeth had one child.

His record of military assignments is as follows:  37th Company 10th Training Battalion 158th Dep Brigade 4-4-1918 to 4-26-1918; A Company 331st Infantry to 7-2-1918; A Company 332nd Infantry to 7-6-1918; HQ 332nd Infantry to 7-20-1918; Provisional Replacement Battalion to 9-16-1918; HQ Company 116th Infantry to 10-26-1918. He shipped out to France from Montreal, Canada on 5 Jun 1918 aboard the Nanking.

PVT Carelli died on 26 Oct 1918 in France.  He is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. 

PFC Lonnie Andrew Barland

PFC Lonnie Andrew Barland of A Company 116th Infantry was born 19 Jul 1892 in Port Gibson, Mississippi to John McIntyre and Mattie Elizabeth (Russell) Barland. His father was a farmer (a common thing in 1900). By 1910 Lonnie was a driver for the U.S. Postal Service in Jefferson County, Mississippi. He had 4 brothers and 4 sisters all but 2 of whom survived him. His brother, John Lee, served during the war in E Battery 62nd Artillery.

PFC Barland died of wounds on 25 Oct 1918. He is now buried in Wintergreen Cemetery in Port Gibson with other family members.

PVT Elbert J. Honaker

courtesy of Andrew Okes

PVT Elbert J. Honaker was born in November 1896 in Russell County, Virginia to Jabess A. and Mollie Virginia (Cumbow) Honaker.  His father died in 1909. The family farmed. His mother did re-marry.  Elbert began working as a miner.

Elbert enlisted in A Company 2nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry on 12 Jun 1917 in Roanoke, Virginia.  After re-organizing of the Virginia National Guard for Federal service, PVT Honaker was assigned to G Company 116th Infantry.  He shipped out for France aboard the USS Finland on 15 Jun 1918.  PVT Honaker was wounded and died of those wounds on 25 Oct 1918.

PVT Honaker was repatriated and is buried in Tate Cemetery just outside Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia.  (36°44'12.7"N 82°03'29.6"W) off of Rich Valley Road. We are very thankful to Mr. Okes' son who restored this cemetery.

CPL Charles Luther Scott

CPL Charles Luther Scott was born 5 Aug 1895 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia (most likely in Windsor) one of twelve children of James Urquhart and Susan (Corbitt) Scott. The family farmed.

After entering the Army, Charles was assigned to E Company 116th Infantry.  He was with the unit when it was deployed to France aboard the ship Finland on 15 Jun 1918.  His parents may have died before this because his youngest sister, Susan Jemima Scott, was listed as his next of kin on the manifest. Shown as a PFC in the after action report by LTC Hierome Opie, there are repeated notes that he had been promoted to CPL.  CPL Scott died of wounds received earlier on 25 Oct 1918.

CPL Scott was repatriated and re-interred in the Beaver Dam Baptist Church Cemetery in Carrsville, Virginia.

CPL Edwin Forest Wrenn

CPL Edwin Forest Wrenn was born on 3 May 1891 in Sussex County, Virginia to George Ogden and Nannie Jackson (Lilly) Wrenn.  The family farmed.

After entering the Army, Edwin was assigned to E Company 116th Infantry.  He shipped out for France with that unit aboard the Finland on 13 Jun 1918.  CPL Wrenn was killed in action in the battle for Molleville Farm on 25 Oct 1918.

CPL Wrenn rests forever in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. 

CPL Clarence Jones

CPL Clarence Jones enlisted from Virginia and was assigned to E Company 116th Infantry and was killed in action serving with that unit.  He was buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.

PVT Rainey Malcolm Mashburn

PVT Rainey Malcolm Mashburn was born 27 Feb 1890 in Plum Bayou, Arkansas the oldest of twelve children of Jesse Wade and Sallie Naomi (McMullen) Mashburn.

Rainey was likely drafted and then assigned to E Company 116th Infantry.  He shipped out for France aboard the Finland departing from Hoboken, New Jersey on 15 Jun 1918.  The after action report edited by MAJ Hierome Opie indicates that PVT Mashburn was killed in action on 8 Oct 1918 but other sources give 25 Oct 1918 as his date of death.

PVT Mashburn is buried in Moore Hill Cemetery in Yell County, Arkansas.

PVT Harvey Floyd Tatum

PVT Harvey Floyd Tatum was born 2 Feb 1896 in Disputanta, Virginia. He was the youngest of the eight children born to Allen T. and Mary Ann Elizabeth  Assigned to E Company 116th Infantry, Harvey was shipped to France aboard the Finland departing from Hoboken.  Ennie N. Tatum is listed as his next of kin and his rank is recorded as CPL. PVT Tatum was killed in action on 25 Oct 1918.

PVT Tatum was buried in the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery.

PVT Bernard Radford

PFC Bernard Radford was born February 1898 in Castalia, North Carolina to William Sylvester and Caroline Francis (Harris) Radford.  The family farmed and Bernard did the same.  In August 1917 he married Katie Pierce.

When Bernard entered the service he was assigned to E Company 116th Infantry.  He was killed in action on 25 Oct 1918.  He is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.

His wife, Kate or Katie, did not remarry until 1943. 

SGT Lee Bernard Magner

courtesy of Anne Cady

SGT Lee Bernard Magner was born in September 1898 in Alexandria, Virginia to John J. and Ella Virginia (Lee) Magner. His father was a locomotive engineer.

Bernard (as his family called him) was a SGT in G Company 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry in July 1917. When the unit was mobilized for combat in France part of G Company went to E Company 116th Infantry and that included SGT Magner.  SGT Magner was with E Company when he was killed in action on 25 Oct 1918.

SGT Magner rests forever in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His mother and brother John Lawrence Magner, are also buried in Arlington.

He served with his brother, John Lawrence Magner, in G Company 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry.

Washington Post, 5 Mar 1919

PVT Howard Harrison Higham Jr.

PVT Howard Harrison Higham Jr. was born 8 Aug 1895 in Bridesburg, Pennsylvania the first child of nine children born to Howard Harrison and Delia (Bishop) Higham.  His father was a sawyer.  The family relocated to Gloucester County, New Jersey before 1917 when they were living in Woodbury, New Jersey.

Howard was assigned to E Company 116th Infantry.  PVT Higham was killed in action 25 Oct 1918.  His body was returned to the U.S. and buried with his parents in Eglington Cemetery in Clarksboro, New Jersey.

PVT John Edward Heaney

PVT John Edward Heaney was born 27 Aug 1891 in Brooklyn, New York.  He had at least one sister, Anna, and lived at 180 Williams Avenue in Brooklyn.  His sister lived just 3 blocks away at 177 Sheffield Avenue. John worked as a marble polisher at the Eastern New York Marble Company supporting himself and his mother.  He was inducted on 3 May 1918 and assigned to E Company 116th Infantry on 20 May 1918 at Camp McClellan, Alabama. He was then transported to France with his unit aboard the USS Finland leaving Hoboken, New Jersey on 15 Jun 1918.  PVT Heaney was killed in action on 25 Oct 1918. 

PVT Frank Cramado

PVT Frank Cramado was born about July 1894 in Rome, Italy.  After immigration his family lived in Beacon, New York where they apparently settled into a home at 33 Church Street.  That is where Frank was inducted in May 1918.  He was first sent to Fort Slocum, New York and then assigned to E Company 116th Infantry.  He arrived in France in June 1918 with the regiment and was then assigned to Headquarters 116th Infantry where he served as a Musician 3rd Class.  On 2 Sep 1918 he was re-assigned to E Company 116th Infantry.  PVT Cramado was killed in action on 25 Oct 1918. 

PVT Edward J. Dunavan

PVT Edward J. Dunavan was born 4 Aug 1891 in Decatur County, Tennessee to John Archie and Sarah Matilda (Read) Dunavan.  The family farmed.

Edward was assigned to E Company 116th Infantry and was killed in action on 25 Oct 1918.  His body was returned to the U.S. and he was re-interred in the Little Prairie Cemetery in Caruthersville, Missouri.

His brother, Roy B. Dunavan, served as a PFC in C Company 324th Infantry, 81st Division.

PVT Crockett Isaac Wright

courtesy of Larry Eanes

PVT Crockett Isaac Wright was born 18 Jul 1896 in Rocky Mount, Virginia the 5th of 14 children of Joel Thomas and Martha Ann (Stanley) Wright.  The family farmed.

When Crockett entered the Army he was assigned to F Company 116th Infantry.  He was transported with that unit aboard the USS Finland to France, departing Hoboken, New Jersey on 15 Jun 1918.  PVT Crockett Wright was killed in action in the vicinity of Molleville Farm on 25 Oct 1918.

PVT Wright was repatriated and is buried with family members in the Gogginsville United Methodist Church Cemetery in Rocky Mount, Virginia.

Crockett's brother also served in F Company 116th Infantry.  PVT Richard Dow Wright died of wounds on 11 Oct 1918 and his buried next to Crockett. Brother, Sankey M. Wright, was killed in Germany while serving as a Private, 117th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division, in World War II.

SGT Dennis Simmons Twiford

SGT Dennis Simmons Twiford was born 19 May 1892 in East Lake, North Carolina the 8th of 11 children born to Manliff Dickerson and Zenovia Adeline (Basnight) Twiford.  The family farmed but two of the older brothers were watermen.  In 1915, Dennis' mother Adeline died. In 1918 Dennis was farming.

After entering the Army, Dennis was assigned to E Company 116th Infantry.  He rose through the ranks to become a CPL and then a SGT.  According to published reports, SGT Twiford was wounded by 3 machinegun bullets striking him in the chest on 18 Oct 1918.  He died of those wounds on 25 Oct 1918.

SGT Twiford was repatriated in 1936 and re-interred in East Lake Baptist Church Cemetery in East Lake, North Carolina. 

PVT Jacob L. Turetzky

PVT Jacob L. Turetzky was born in Minsk, Russia about 1887.  He lived in Brooklyn, New York.  We know that his reported next of kin was his uncle (likely his mother's brother) Max Fried who lived at 528 (or 328) Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn.  Jacob may have been a tailor.

After entering the army, Jacob was assigned to E Company 116th Infantry and shipped out with that unit aboard the Finland on 13 Jun 1918.  PVT Turetzky (sometimes found spelled as 'Turetsky') was killed in action on 25 Oct 1918.

PVT Turetzky is not buried overseas so we believe he was repatriated and re-interred in Mount Hebron Cemetery in Flushing, New York. 

PVT Michael Walsh

PVT Michael Walsh was born 2 Oct 1888 in Claremorris, County Mayo, Ireland.  His parents were Patrick and Bridget (Fitzpatrick) Walsh and he was the 3rd of their 8 children. While Michael emigrated, his mother remained in Ireland, living on Aiden Street in Kiltimagh, Ireland at least through June 1918. A recent ABC News article provided this information:

"At the age of 22, Michael Walsh emigrated from rural Ireland, arriving at Ellis Island on September 3, 1911.  He moved with other Irish immigrants to a four-story tenement that faced the Second Avenue El train in midtown and found work in the newly rebuilt Grand Central Terminal as a platform man for the American Express freight agency. He earned union rates and sent money to his parents back home in Mayo."

Michael was living at 697 2nd Avenue in Manhattan when he was inducted on 4 May 1918.  He was assigned first to the 25th Recruit Company of General Service Infantry. On 7 May 1918 he was reassigned to the 4th Recruit Company 58th Infantry.  Michael was next transferred to K Company 116th Infantry on 20 May 1918.  He shipped out for France with that unit aboard the USS Finland in June 1918. After participating in the required initial training in France with the regiment, he was killed in action on 24 Oct 1918.

PVT Walsh rests forever in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.

Note: PVT Walsh's family only recently received his Purple Heart.

PVT James A. Haynes

PVT James A. Haynes was born 15 Nov 1898 in Hanover County, Virginia. He was a member of C Company 116th Infantry when the unit was training at Camp McClellan.  PVT Haynes was killed in action on 24 Oct 1918.  He is buried in Woodland Cemetery in Ashland, Virginia.

PVT Walter E. Hundley

PVT Walter E. Hundley was born in Danville, Virginia on 23 Sep 1900 to James Israel and Lucinda M (Hopkins) Hundley.  James was a teamster and several of of Walters older brothers and sisters worked in the mills.

Walter went to war assigned to C Company 116th Infantry and was killed in action on 24 Oct 1918.  He is buried in Green Hill Cemetery in Danville, Virginia.

PVT John Bottaro

PVT John (or Giovanni) Bottaro was born 9 Mar 1895 in Vogogna, Italy a son of Pietro Bottaro.  John came to the U.S. in 1910 aboard the SS La Touraine. After coming to the U.S. he apparently lived with his Uncle John after whom he had been named.  Like his uncle, John worked as a stone cutter in Barre, Vermont.  In 1917 he declared his intention to become a U.S. citizen. 

He was working as a stone cutter in Barre when he was inducted (drafted) in May 1918.  He was then assigned to G Company 116th Infantry and transported with that unit to France aboard the USS Finland. PVT Bottaro was wounded in the Molleville Farm action and died of his wound(s) on 24 Oct 1918.

According to a Vermont state report, PVT Bottaro was buried in Italy. 

PFC Earl D. Airhart

PFC Earl D. Airhart was born 3 Jan 1895 in Buffalo, Virginia to David Lockridge and Mary Agnes (Lackey) Airhart. The family farmed.

After entering the service, Earl was assigned to I Company 116th Infantry.  He was with the unit when it sailed for France aboard the USS Finland in June 1918.  PFC Airhart was killed in action on 24 Oct 1918.

PFC Airhart was repatriated and now rests in the New Monmouth Presbyterian Cemetery in Lexington, Virginia.  Earl's older brother Graham Lackey Airhart served in the American Expeditionary Force in the 215th Company 106th Battalion Military Police Corps.  His paternal grandfather, Abraham Airhart, served as a CPT commanding D Company 52nd Virginia Regiment and killed in action at Spotsylvania Courthouse on 12 May 1864. 

PVT Albert Dennis Chafin

PVT Albert Dennis Chafin was born in April 1898 in Castlewood, Virginia the eldest of 11 children of Meredith Thomas and Jerusha Elizabeth (Fields) Chafin.  The family farmed.

Dennis (as he was known in the Army, he apparently never went by Albert or used that name in the service), enlisted in H Company 2nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry on 12 Jun 1917.  When the unit was mobilized for service in France and units were consolidated into new units, Dennis was assigned to G Company 116th Infantry.  He was with that unit when it left Hoboken, New Jersey on 15 Jun 1918 on the USS Finland destined for France.  PVT Chafin was killed in action on 24 Oct 1918.

PVT Chafin was repatriated and re-interred in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

PVT Hugh Moor Corum

PVT Hugh Moor Corum was born 29 May 1894 in The Plains, Virginia the 4th of 7 children born to Albert Franklin and Laura F (Jeffries) Corum.  His father was a carpenter.

Assigned to D Company 116th Infantry as a CPL when the shipped out aboard the Finland on 13 Jun 1918, PVT Corum was killed in action at Molleville Farm on 24 Oct 1918.  PVT Corum was repatriated but we do not know where he was buried.

PVT Ernest Ward

courtesy of SoilSister

PVT Ernest Ward was born in 1900 in Lynchburg, Virginia.  His adoptive mother was Ida Cornelia McCormack Woody but he may have simply been left with the Woody family.  While his adoptive parents did various things to support their family from working on the railroad to dealing in illicit alcohol, we know that Ernest was working for the Virginia Railway and Power Company.

Ernest had enlisted in B Company 1st Virginia Infantry in 1915 or 1916. He was apparently serving with that unit when it was called up for the coal strikes, Mexican border service and, in 1918, for the war in France. When his unit was reorganized for the European war, PVT Ward was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company 116th Infantry.  He was with that unit when he was killed in action on 24 Oct 1918.

PVT Ward is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.

PVT Percy Lee Dowell

PVT Percy Lee Dowell was born 12 Mar 1895 in Barboursville, Virginia to Reuben Paschal and Martha Ann (Wilkerson) Dowell.  His father worked for the railroad.

After entering the service, Percy was assigned to E Company 116th Infantry.  PVT Dowell died of wounds on 24 Oct 1918.

PVT Dowell is buried in the Reuben P. Dowell Family Cemetery in Gilbert, Virginia. 

Percy was 1st cousin 1x removed of a later commander, MG Gilbert Jackson Sullivan.  Their common grandfather, Ezekial Dowell, served as a PVT in E Company 19th Virginia Infantry (CSA) in the Civil War.

CPL Norman James Traylor

courtesy of Darrell Landrum

CPL Norman James Traylor was born in January 1896 in Campbell County, Virginia. He was the 2nd of 6 children born to John William (or Winston) and Ella Lee (Crist) Traylor.

After entering the Army, Norman was assigned to L Company 116th Infantry.  He sailed with that unit for France aboard the USS Finland leaving Hoboken, New Jersey on 15 Jun 1918.  Before departing, Norman married Mary Etna Webb of Campbell County. The ship docked 28 Jun 1918 and the unit was moved to training for trench warfare.  After that the 29th Division including the 116th Infantry was posted in a "quiet" sector.  Then the unit was thrown into an attack and CPL Traylor was killed in action on 24 Oct 1918.

CPL Traylor was repatriated and now rests forever in Spring Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Norman and Mary had no children. Mary re-married after the war and died in 1982. Grandfather, John Winston Traylor, served as a CPL in Shoemaker's Battery during the Civil War. Younger brother, Walton Lee Traylor, served in the US Army, 1942-1945.

PVT Arthur Seeger

PVT Arthur Seeger was born in Greenleaf, Michigan on 30 Jan 1888 to Andrew and Mary Ann Seeger.  Andrew supported his family of 11 by farming.

Arthur was likely drafted and was assigned to C Company 116th Infantry.  He died of pneumonia on 24 Oct 1918.

GREENLEAF TWP. YOUNG MAN DIED IN FRANCE 

Arthur Seeger, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Seeger, Victim of Pneumonia Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Seeger received word Wednesday evening of the death of their son, Arthur Seeger, in France. The young man had been wounded in action and later developed pneumonia which caused his death on Oct. 24 [1918]. 

He was born in Greenleaf Township on Jan. 21, 1886, and spent his entire life there until he entered the service on March 30. He sailed for France in July. The last letter received from him was dated Sept. 4. He had then been 16 days in the trenches and had had several close calls but was unharmed.

 (Cass City Chronicle, Nov. 22, 1918, p. 1.)

PVT Seeger is buried in Elkland Township Cemetery in Cass City, Michigan. 

PVT John A. McCormick

courtesy of soilsister

PVT John A. McCormick was born in October 1894 in New York City to Martin and Mary McCormick.  Both parents were natives of Scotland. He had three brothers and two sisters. His father worked at a knitting mill.

John was drafted in May 1918 and assigned to B Company 116th Infantry.  He was transported to France with his unit aboard the Finland, departing Hoboken, New Jersey on 15 Jun 1918.  PVT McCormick was killed in action on 24 Oct 1918.

PVT McCormick is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.

PVT William Lester Rodenhizer

PVT William Lester Rodenhizer was born 11 Feb 1899 in Danville, Virginia to William Henry and Rosa Belle (Tanksley) Rodenhizer.  His father was a weaver in a local mill.

William was assigned to C Company 116th Infantry while it was training at Camp McClellan.  He was  killed in action on 24 Oct 1918.

PVT Rodenhizer is buried in Leemont Cemetery in Danville, Virginia. 

CPL Abner Odell Witt

courtesy of Darrell Landrum

CPL Abner Odell Witt was born 13 Jul 1899 in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was the 3rd of 6 children born to Abner Thomas and Nannie Thomas (Weeks).  His father worked as a railroad mail clerk.

After entering the Army, Odell (as he was called by his family), was assigned to L Company 116th Infantry. He was wounded in combat on 23 Oct 1918 and, according to a newspaper account of a letter, he died within 20 minutes.

CPL Witt was repatriated and in December 1921 was re-interred in Spring Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Maternal grandfather, Jesse Burle Weeks, served in B Battery, 13th Battalion Light Artillery during the Civil War. Paternal grandfather, Abner Thomas Witt, served in B Battery 10th Battalion Heavy Artillery.

PFC Franklin Tucker Wilkins

courtesy of Susan in Charlottesville

PFC Franklin Tucker Wilkins was born 19 Apr 1884 in Charlottesville, Virginia the 7th of 8 children born to George W. and Nancy (Johnson) Wilkins.  His father worked as a carpenter. In 1910, "Tuck" was living with his oldest brother's family and working as a plumber.

After entering the service Tuck was assigned to H Company 116th Infantry, trained with the unit at Camp McClellan and Anniston, Alabama and sailed with the unit aboard the USS Finland for France.  PFC Wilkins was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.

PFC Wilkins was repatriated and is now buried near family in Oakwood Cemetery in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Tuck's father served as a PVT in A Company 19th Virginia Infantry in the Civil War.

PVT John White

courtesy of Marijke Taffein

PVT John White was born 21 Jan 1892 in New York City, New York. John was literate but likely had a grammar school education and in 1917 he was working for a Eagle Pencil Company at 14th between Avenue C and Avenue D alongside the East River. John was living at 283 Avenue C at the time.

After he was drafted on 4 May 1918 PVT White went to Fort Slocum and on 7 May 1918 he was assigned to L Company 116th Infantry before the unit was sent to France in June 1918. He might have been estranged from much of his family because he gave his paternal spinster aunt, who also lived apart from all the family from a young age, as his next of kin. Arriving in France, PVT White went through trench warfare training with his company and then into the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. PVT White was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918. 

PVT White rests forever in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, France.

SGT Robert Anderson McGuffin

SGT Robert Anderson McGuffin was born in Staunton, Virginia on 3 Feb 1897 to Charles Robert and Sarah Elizabeth (Lusk) McGuffin. Sarah was his father's second wife. Robert graduated from Staunton Military Academy in 1917. His father was a bank clerk and bookkeeper. His maternal-grandfather CPT John Andrew Montgomery Lusk served with the Rockbridge 2nd Light Artillery Battery during the Civil War. Robert was assigned to A Company 116th Infantry when he was killed in action on 23 October 1918. He is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery but his family also erected a cenotaph in Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Virginia.

PVT Hobson Dewey Byers

courtesy of J. Stockwell

PVT Hobson Dewey Byers was born 11 Mar 1898 in Alleghany County, Virginia the 3rd of 5 children of John William and Bettie Agnes (Givens) Byers. The family farmed and later, John would work at a papermill in Covington, Virginia.

It seems that Hobson and his older brother Roy enlisted together in a unit which was reorganized as a part of H Company 116th Infantry as both were assigned to the unit. Both brothers were aboard the USS Finland when the unit was sent to France in June 1918.  The brothers were in close proximity when PVT Hobson Byers was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.

Hobson was repatriated and is buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Covington, Virginia.

His brother Roy Kenneth Byers served as a PFC and survived the war.  He would pass away in 1960 from injuries suffered as a passenger in an auto accident. 

PVT Arthur Lee Eanes

PVT Arthur Lee Eanes was born in September 1896 in Roanoke, Virginia. He was the 6th of 9 children born to Arthur Washington and Harriet Elizabeth (Eanes) Eanes.His father supported the family as a laborer and a street cleaner. In 1912, Arthur was employed by the Roanoke Bridge Company.

Arthur answered the call to service and enlisted in Machine Gun Company 2nd Virginia Infantry on 2 Jun 1917.  He was with the unit when it went to Camp McClellan, Alabama for training and when the unit was reorganized Arthur was assigned to Machine Gun Company 116th Infantry.  He and the unit sailed for France aboard the USS Finland from Hoboken, New Jersey on 15 Jun 1918.  They arrived at the port of Saint Nazaire, France on 28 Jun 1918 and with the rest of the 29th Division participated in trench warfare training. After the division and regiment spent some time in a "quiet" sector on the front lines they were directed to take part in an offensive in the vicinity of Verdun.  PVT Eanes was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.

PVT Eanes was repatriated in 1921 and re-interred in Fairview Cemetery in Roanoke, Virginia.

Brother, Thomas Wiley Eanes, served in Supply Company 116th Infantry during the war. Grandfather, Blair Holbrook Eanes, served in G Company 26th North Carolina Infantry and was captured at Petersburg on 27 Oct 1864. 1st cousin, PVT Edward Forest Eanes, was killed in action on 8 Oct 1918 while also serving with Machine Gun Company 116th Infantry.

PVT Frank Austin Phelan

courtesy of Marijke Taffein

PVT Frank Austin Phelan was born 7 Nov 1888 in Providence, Rhode Island the 5th of 7 children of Patrick Francis and Mary C. Phelan.  His father was a native of Ireland and worked as a carpenter and as a pattern maker in a machine shop.  By 1910, Frank was working as a clerk in a drug store.  When he registered for the draft in 1917, Frank was working in Massena, New York for the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA).

Frank already had a year's experience as a PVT in the Rhode Island National Guard when he was called to active duty and assigned to L Company 116th Infantry.  He trained with the unit at Camp McClellan, Alabama and then sailed with the regiment from Hoboken, New Jersey aboard the USS Finland.  After training for trench warfare the regiment went into the line in a "quiet" sector.  When the command organized a big "push" in October 1918, the 29th Division was part of it.  PVT Phelan was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.

PVT Phelan was buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.

Cook George Washington Webster

courtesy of Marlin Diehl

Cook George Washington Webster was born 3 Feb 1890 near Rockingham County, Virginia to Joseph Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Faught) Webster.  His mother died just 5 years later, soon after giving birth to her 3rd son. In 1900, at age 10, George is recorded as working for Peter S. Hartman as farm labor.

After entering the Army, George was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company 116th Infantry. He likely trained with the unit at Camp McClellan and Anniston, Alabama and then sailed with that same unit to France aboard the USS Finland. Arriving in France in June 1918, George was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918 by the same artillery shell that killed Musician Austin Herman Hersh.

Cook Webster was repatriated and now rests forever in the Dayton Cemetery in Dayton, Virginia.

PFC Robert E. McLemore

PFC Robert E. McLemore was born in December 1890 in Petersburg, Virginia to Allison Steele and Emma Francis (Sandford) McLemore. His father worked as a box maker for a tobacco company. In 1910, Robert was working as a shoemaker.

After entering the Army, Robert was assigned to G Company 116th Infantry.  He was assigned to that unit when it boarded the USS Finland and departed Hoboken, New Jersey for France on 15 Jun 1918. PFC McLemore was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918. His body was apparently not recoverable.

PFC McLemore is listed on the tablets of the missing in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.

Brother William Arrington McLemore may have served with F Troop 12th Cavalry in the Phillipines in 1907. Brother Charles Edward McLemore served as a PVT in G Company 163rd Infantry during the war. 

PFC Fitzhugh Lee Boothe

PFC Fitzhugh Lee Boothe was born 3 Mar 1898 in Roanoke, Virginia.  He was the 4th of 6 children born to Walter Douglas and Mary Booker (Read) Boothe. His father worked as a painter and as a clerk for the railroad.

After entering the army, Fitzhugh was assigned to Machine Gun Company 116th Infantry. He and the unit sailed for France aboard the USS Finland on 15 Jun 1918. PFC Boothe was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.

PFC Boothe was repatriated and re-interred in Fairview Cemetery in Roanoke, Virginia.

CPL Harry Stratton Walker

courtesy of Darrell Landrum

CPL Harry Stratton Walker was born 24 Mar 1895 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia the son of Thomas Doub and Mollie Clara (Walker) Newton. His father managed a tobacco factory in Danville, Virginia.  Harry's parents would divorce before 1908 and his mother would remarry Edwin Archer Matthews.  As he approached adulthood, Harry, who was named "Harry Walker Newton" at birth, decided to take is maternal grandfather's name rather than use the surname Newton or take his step-father's name.

After entering the Army and being sent to France, Harry was assigned to L Company 116th Infantry. SGT Walker was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.

From a newspaper article:

Captain Ewart Johnson, commander of Company L, 116th Infantry has written to Mrs. E. A. Matthews a letter of high commendation of her son, Sergeant Harry S. Walker, who was killed October 23, after volunteering to relieve the desire of wounded men for water and food.

Captain Johnson, after expressing his sympathy and that of his company for the surviving members of the Lynchburgers' family, said: "When I took command of "L" company your son, Harry S. Walker, was a private. I think one of the first promotions I made was his. I first made him a Corporal and then without delay promoted him to a sergeant as I saw in him a splendid ability to lead his men and a readiness to do any duty well..."

CPL Walker was repatriated and now rests forever in Spring Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia.

His namesake grandfather served as a SGT in the Charlotte Light Artillery during the Civil War.

CPL John D. Sudduth

CPL John D. Sudduth was born 30 Mar 1900 in Warrenton, Virginia to John and Sallie B. (Wines) Sudduth.  His father was a "laborer".

When he entered the service, John was assigned to D Company 116th Infantry.  CPL Sudduth was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.  He was repatriated and is buried in the Warrenton Cemetery in Warrenton, Virginia.

PVT George W. Bishop Jr

PVT George W. Bishop Jr. was born 7 Apr 1893 in Estill County, Kentucky to George W. and Elizabeth Ann (Hubbard) Bishop.  The family farmed.  George married Golda Gentry and they would have a daughter born in May 1917 who would die in June 1917.  Golda died in December 1917 of tuberculosis (which disease also took 3 of her sisters).

When George entered the Army he was assigned to G Company 116th Infantry.  It was with that unit that he shipped out to France aboard the USS Finland on 15 Jun 1918. PVT Bishop was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.

He was repatriated and is buried in King Cemetery in Estill County, Kentucky. 

PVT Paul Ashton Cofer

PVT Paul Ashton Cofer was born in March 1893, likely in Sussex County, Virginia to James Oliver and Virginia May (Bowden) Cofer.  His father farmed and operated a lumber mill.

PVT Cofer was assigned to B Company 116th Infantry when he was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.  He rests forever in Oakwood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.

PFC Robert Anderson Smith

PFC Robert Anderson Smith was born 5 Jan 1896 in Halifax County, Virginia the eldest of 3 children of James Henry and Josephine Rose (Strange) Smith. His father farmed but died in 1903. His mother remarried but was soon widowed again.  In 1910, at age 14, Robert helped support the family by working as a messenger.

After entering the Army, Robert was assigned to G Company 116th Infantry. On 15 Jun 1918, he and his unit left Hoboken, New Jersey aboard the USS Finland bound for France.  PFC Smith was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.

PFC Smith was buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.  In 1930, his mother made the pilgrimage to France to visit his grave. 

Paternal grandfather, Anderson R. Smith, served as a PVT in F Company 34th Virginia Infantry in the Civil War. Maternal grandfather, Robert James Strange, served as a PVT in C Battery 1st Virginia Artillery, also during the Civil War.

CPL Walker C. Meade

courtesy of SoilSister

CPL Walker C. Meade was born about 1895 in Wise County, Virginia.  His father was William E. Meade who lived near Saint Paul, Virginia.

After entering the service, Walker was assigned to G Company 116th Infantry.  He was transported to France with that unit aboard the USS Finland, departing Hoboken, New Jersey on 15 Jun 1918.  CPL Meade was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.

CPL Meade was buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.