Lester W. Ogilvie (1893-1918)
On Memorial Day, and every day, we recognize those who gave their lives in service to our country.
In World War I, the United States suffered casualties of 116,516 service people. Of that total, 23 were residents of the Town of Babylon. A profile of each serviceperson is detailed below.
Their profiles are presented in the order in which they died, to recreate how the Town of Babylon community learned about their sacrifices during the war years.
- Branch of Service
- U.S. Army: 19
- U.S. Navy: 3
- Canadian Royal Air Force: 1
- Cause of Death
- Killed in action or died from wounds sustained in battle: 10
- Accidental death: 3
- Died of disease/illness: 10
- Place of Death
- U.S.: 8
- France: 9
- Russia: 1
- Wales: 1
- At Sea: 2
- Europe, unspecified: 1
- Unknown: 1
- Hometown
- Amityville: 4
- Babylon village: 9
- Copiague: 2
- Lindenhurst: 3
- North Amityville: 1
- West Babylon: 3
- West Islip: 1 (but sometimes referred to as Babylon village)
Eugene Henry Floyd
Hometown: Babylon village, Park Avenue (son of Mary Louisa and Augustus
Floyd)
Branch: U.S. Army, 15th Infantry, Co. E Rank: Private
Date of Birth: July 26, 1894, Babylon, NY
Date of Death: August 18, 1917, near Camp Upton, Yaphank, NY
Age at Loss: 23 Cause of Death:
died of accidental drowning
Place of Burial: Babylon Cemetery, Babylon, NY Find-A-Grave memorial site
Local Memorials:
- WWI Memorial, Argyle Park, Babylon, NY
- WWI Memorial, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Babylon, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 20, lived on
Park Avenue, with parents; occupation - "laborer, days work"
(Race: Black)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 20, lived on Park Avenue, with parents; occupation - "salesman"
- WWI Draft Registration: not found
Obituary:
BABYLON'S FIRST SOLDIER TO FALL—Eugene Floyd 23 Years of Age, Member of Co. E, 15th Colored Regiment, Meets Death Near Camp Upton.—VILLAGE FLAG IS HALFMASTED—Honorary Escort of Comrades at Funeral Service in. Baptist Church and Interment in Local Cemetery—Had Recruited Upwards of a Dozen of His Friends.
Eugene Floyd, colored, aged 23 years and 18
days, is Babylon's first soldier to fall in the service of his country.
Although his death was due to an accident, yet he will always be remembered as
the first from this village to give his life for his country.
Floyd was the son of Augustus Floyd,
and he was a-good natured and promising young man. Filled with the spirit of
doing his bit, he undertook the recruiting in this vicinity for the Fifteenth
Colored infantry, and succeeded in enrolling upwards of a dozen of his friends.
Two weeks ago the Fifteenth regiment was
sent to Camp Upton, and Floyd was one of the soldier lads who have been
industriously helping to put the Yaphank cantonment in shape for the reception
of the new army that will go in training there about September 5.
Floyd was one of a dozen soldiers and other men on a
motor truck that was enroute to Patchogue last Saturday night. It was a
privately owned truck, and did not belong to the army. It is supposed the
driver in turning the corner from the main road opposite the post office, did
not see the red light to warn travelers of the repairs under way at the Gerard
mill bridge, and that before the truck could be stopped it dashed over the
sluiceway and into the water about twenty feet below. The truck was almost
submerged, and the men had difficulty in scrambling out.
Floyd’s neck was broken in the jumble, while another
colored man, John Graham, aged 75, employed as a laborer at the camp, was
drowned. Some of the Yaphank residents helped in recovering the bodies from the
pond, and a guard of infantrymen was placed in charge of the dead men.
Undertaker Daily brought the body of Floyd to Babylon.
Coroner Moore immediately began an investigation of the
accident. The driver was placed under arrest by Major Morris of the Fifteenth
regiment and put under guard.
Floyd was employed for some time at Winegar's drug store,
and was well liked by all who knew him. He is survived by his father, mother, one sister, Eveline, and
a brother, Richard, He was attached to company E of the Fifteenth regiment.
The funeral was held at the Ebenezer Baptist church on
Wednesday afternoon, when a military escort of eight accompanied the body to
the Babylon cemetery. In respect to the cause for which the young colored
soldier died the flag on the village pole at the corner of Main street and Fire
Island avenue was lowered to half-mast from noon to after the funeral on
Wednesday. Among the floral pieces at the church services was one from the
citizens of Babylon in testimony of their appreciation of the young man's
services to his country.
The Rev. James Blackstone, pastor of the
Ebenezer church, conducted the private funeral services at the Floyd home
and also at the church. He preached a fine sermon, drawing a lesson of
Christian living from the life of the dead soldier, whom, said the preacher,
had before leaving for the war told his parents that he never expected to see
them again, and that he had taken his Bible, testament and hymnal with him. The
hymns, "Nearer My God to Thee" and "Jesus, Lover of My Soul,"
were sung and Pastor Blackstone read the Ninetieth psalm. His funeral text was
from the twenty-fourth verse of the forty-fourth chapter of St. Matthew,
"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son
of man Cometh." The flag draped casket was borne by the military escort to
and from the church altar, which was covered with the colors, and throughout
the services a guard stood at the head and foot of the casket. The eight
soldier lads, who acted as guard of honor were in command of William Parrahm,
orderly to Major Morris, and in the guard ware the Babylon boys, Roland Murray,
John Gardiner, Clarence Strong and Elbert Smith, and Eugene Hicks and Herbert
Mills, of Bay Shore.
A public subscription was started on Tuesday to help defray the funeral expenses, and the balance, if any, will be given to his mother. -- South Side Signal, August 24, 1917, p. 1
Edward Joseph Cockerill
Hometown: Babylon village, Deer Park Avenue (son of Gertrude and John
Cockerill)
Branch: U.S. Army, 26th Infantry, 2nd
Training Battalion Rank: Private
Date of Birth: July 7, 1894, New York, NY
Date of Death: December 9, 1917, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia
Age at Loss: 23 Cause of Death:
died of lobar pneumonia
Place of Burial: Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Local Memorials: WWI Memorial, Argyle Park, Babylon, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 15, lived on
Deer Park Avenue, Babylon, with parents (Race: White)
- WWI Draft Registration: resided on Deer Park Avenue, Babylon, employed as a LIRR watchman
Obituary:
E. J. Cockerill Dead – Second of Babylon’s
Soldiers to Die in Service.
Babylon, Dec. 13 – Edward J. Cockerill, 24, a private in the Fifty-third infantry, at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., died Sunday of pneumonia. He was the second eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Cockerill, of North Babylon. He was born in Babylon. He enlisted early at the Fort Slocum headquarters. On Friday last he wrote a letter home telling of his getting better from his illness. He had hoped to go to France and was disappointed when his regiment received orders for an important post the day he was taken ill. His body was buried in the Soldiers’ Cemetery at Chattanooga, on Tuesday, where he had written, while in good health, he would like to be buried should he die. Besides his parents he is survived by four sisters and three brothers. He is the second man from Babylon to die in the service, the first having been Eugene Floyd, a member of the Fifteenth Colored Regiment, who was killed near Camp Upton in an accident. -- Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Dec. 13, 1917, p. 9
Martin Charles Kurdt
Hometown: Lindenhurst, 39th Street (son of Pauline and William
Kurdt)
Branch: U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Manley Rank: Chief Machinist Mate
Date of Birth: July 26, 1890, Lindenhurst, NY
Date of Death: March 19, 1918, lost at sea, off the coast of Ireland
Age at Loss: 27 Cause of Death:
killed in an explosion on the U.S.S Manley
Place of Burial: Brookwood American Cemetery, Brookwood, England
Local Memorials:
- WWI Honor Roll, Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY
- American Legion,
Feustel-Kurdt Post No. 1120, Lindenhurst, NY, was named in his honor
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 20, lived in
Manhattan, employed as a "guard, subway" (Race: White)
- WWI Draft Registration: n/a – he enlisted prior to the draft registration
Obituary:
LOCAL WAR
VICTIMS NOW COUNTING UP
Martin Kurdt, of Lindenhurst, Is Missing.
During the past week Babylon town baa figured to some
extent in the list of carnalities reported by the Washington war officials.
Early in the week a dispatch form Vice Admiral Simms
reported the accident in which a depth bomb on the destroyer, Manley, was
exploded following the Manley's ramming a British warship in British waters,
and the name of Martin Charles Kurdt, of Lindenhurst, was given in the
list of those missing. In the accident seventeen men aboard the destroyer,
Manley, were killed, including the officer in charge, Lieutenant Commander
Richard McCall; six were seriously injured and seventeen were reported missing,
presumably killed. The report stated that the work of removing the bodies of
the dead was proceeding slowly on account of the havoc caused by the bomb.
Kurdt was chief machinist's mate aboard the Manley and had been in the navy for about seven years. He was 24 years of age, the son of the late William Kurdt. His mother, Mrs. Pauline Kurdt, now lives in Lindenhurst. He was unmarried. His brother, August Kurdt, is employed as a carpenter at Nitro City, S. C, and another brother, William, has been in the navy for several years, serving as a machinist aboard a supply ship. His sister, Mrs. Louis Liebl, of Lindenhurst, performed good service as a war nurse before her marriage. Other brothers and sisters who survive are Mrs. Harry Voelker, Mrs. William Mulder, Henry Kurdt and a young brother, all of Lindenhurst. Kurdt was always popular among his associates and had a reputation as a crack runner, being styled "Longboat" after the famous Indian marathon champion. -- South Side Signal, March 29, 1918, p. 1 (excerpt)
Leroy Johnson (sometimes listed as LeRoy or Roy)
Hometown: Babylon village, Little East Neck Road (son of Alice and
Francis Johnson; also left a widow and infant son)
Branch: U.S. Army, 15th Infantry, Co. I Rank: Corporal
Date of Birth: May 16, 1893, Brooklyn, NY
Date of Death: March 22, 1918, Knickerbocker Hospital, New York City, NY
Age at Loss: 24 Cause of Death:
died of pneumonia
Place of Burial: Evergreens Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY
Local Memorials:
- WWI Memorial, Argyle Park, Babylon, NY
- WWI Memorial, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Babylon, NY
Census Records:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 16, lived on
Little East Neck Road ,with parents (Race: Black)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 22, lived on Little East Neck Road ,with parents; occupation - "gardener"
Obituary:
LOCAL
WAR VICTIMS NOW COUNTING UP
Leroy
Johnson Second Colored Soldier From Babylon to Give Up His Life
Leroy Johnson, a member of the Fifteenth colored infantry, died of pneumonia in the Knickerbocker hospital. New York city, last Friday. He was born in Canarsie on May 16, 1893, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Johnson, of Little East Neck Road. Johnson was the first colored man from Babylon to enlist with his regiment, joining in September, 1916. He was highly thought of by his associates and had won a commission as corporal in Co. I. He had been to France and was in the hospital two days when he died. The funeral was held in Walker's chapel in Brooklyn on Sunday and interment followed in Evergreen cemetery. Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Johnson, of Little East Neck road, he is survived by his widow and an infant son, who live in New York city; and three brothers, Daniel, Jerome and Charles, of Babylon. -- (excerpt) South Side Signal, March 29, 1918, p. 1
Eric Stanly Hart
Hometown: Amityville - grew up in Amityville; parents later moved to
Bay Shore, NY (son of Emeline and Charles Hart)
Branch: Canadian Royal Air Force, 96th
Squadron Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Date of Birth: March 31, 1898, Amityville, NY
Date of Death: May 6, 1918, Wales
Age at Loss: 20 Cause of Death:
died in an airplane accident
Place of Burial: Amityville Cemetery, Amityville, NY Find-A-Grave memorial site
Local Memorials: WWI Honor Roll, Triangle Plaza, Amityville, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 12, lived on
Merrick Road, Amityville, with parents (Race: White)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 17, lived on Park Avenue, Amityville, with parents; occupation - "at school"
Obituary:
Funeral of Stanley Hart. -- Young Aviator, Killed While Flying In Wales, Laid at Rest in Amityville.
Amityville, July 11 – Stanley Hart, the young aviator, who was killed while flying in Wales several weeks ago, was buried here with full military honors. His body reached New York Saturday morning and was brought to Amityville that afternoon. On Sunday the body was removed to the home of his parents in Bay Shore, under guard of a detachment of the local Home Defense Reserve. Services were held at Bay Shore at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, being conducted by the pastors of the Bay Shore Methodist and Episcopal Churches. The body was then brought to this village, his old home, where services were held in the South Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the deceases was an attendant. As the funeral cortege passed the Copiague Aviation Field the Marines on duty lined up at the front entrance and presented arms, with the flag at half mast. The services here were very impressive and the church and Sunday School rooms were packed. The Rev. B. T. Gilman, pastor of the Sixth Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, of Brooklyn, and formerly pastor here, preached the sermon. Leading the procession to the cemetery was a large company from the Belmont Aviation Field, under command of Lieut. Bell, as escort. Next in line came the ministers, the hearse, with the flag-draped coffin, an automobile filled with floral offerings, the family and mourners and a large detachment of members of the local Home Defense Reserve brought up the rear.
Following the committal at the grave, the Home Defense Reserve fired the customary salute of three volleys and taps was sounded by a bugler from the Belmont Aviation Field.
Hart was the first war victim of this community. -- Brooklyn Times Union, July 11, 1918, p. 9
Joseph F. Murphy
Hometown: Babylon village, Cedar Street (son of Agnes and James Murphy;
also left a widow, Otilla Benz Murphy)
Branch: U.S. Army, 305th Infantry, Co. K Rank: Private
Date of Birth: January 7, 1896, Babylon, NY
Date of Death: August 14, 1918, France
Age at Loss: 22 Cause of Death:
killed in action
Place of Burial: Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, Seringes-et-Nesles, France
Local Memorials:
- WWI Memorial, Argyle Park, Babylon, NY
- WWI Memorial, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Babylon, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 14, lived on
Cedar Street, Babylon, with parents; occupation: "paperboy"
(Race: White)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 19, lived on Cedar Street, Babylon, with parents; occupation: "farm laborer"
- WWI Draft Registration: resided on Cedar Street, Babylon, employed as a "chauffeur and poultry raiser"
Obituary:
PRIVATE
MURPHY KILLED IN ACTION
Babylon Young Man Had Gone Over the Top and
Bravely Gave Up His Life for His Country on
Battlefield.
Another
gold star has been added to Babylon's service flag in the death of Joseph F.
Murphy, who was killed in action on August 13 while fighting with his
regiment, the 305th infantry, somewhere on the American battle front in France.
A brief
telegram from the war department to his father, James J. Murphy, on Monday
night was the only message received in this country of his death.
Private Murphy
went from Babylon to Camp Upton in the draft contingent on Monday, October 8,
1917, which comprised sixty-one members. Robert W. Knox was, captain of the
contingent, and the school children and a band escorted the boys to the
railroad station. Private Murphy’s call number was 769 and his serial
number 1,989. On March 11 last he married Miss Otilla Benz, of Brentwood.
He was 22 years of age and was born in Babylon. Besides his father he is survived by three brothers and one sister, who are Edward Murphy, John Murphy, William Murphy and Miss Mary Murphy. -- South Side Signal, August 30, 1918, p. 1
Phillip Rizzuto
Hometown: Copiague - a native of Italy, he was a resident of Copiague
at the time of enlistment
Branch: U.S.Army, 306th Infantry, Co. I Rank: Private
Date of Birth: August 26, 1894, Italy
Date of Death: 8/17/1918, France
Age at Loss: 23 Cause of Death:
died of wounds
Place of Burial: Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, Seringes-et-Nesles, France
WWI Draft Registration: resided in Copiague, NY,
employed as a barber (Race:
White)
Obituary: Private
Philip Rizzuto, twenty-four years old, of 135 Avenue A, is the third of four
brothers to be killed in the war. The other two brothers were in the Italian
army. – New York Tribune, Sept. 25, 1918, p. 4
Lester W. Ogilvie
Hometown: Amityville - raised in New York City, but hometown usually
given as grandmother's residence in Amityville (son of Clara and Frank Ogilvie)
Branch: U.S. Army, 112th Infantry, Co. L
(Pennsylvania) Rank: Sergeant
Date of Birth: September 29, 1893, Brooklyn, NY
Date of Death: August 25, 1918, France
Age at Loss: 24 Cause of Death:
killed in action
Place of Burial: Interred at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, Seringes-et-Nesles, France. A
memorial stone is also located in Amityville Cemetery, Amityville, NY
Find-A-Grave memorial site
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 16, lived in
Queens with grandparents (Race: White)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Lester W. Ogilvie not found (grandmother, Hannah Ogilvie, was recorded as living on Greene Avenue, Amityville, NY)
Obituary:
LESTER OGILVIE KILLED -- Nephew of Mrs. W.S. Willmarth Died In Action in France
Sergeant Lester W.
Ogilvie, grandson of Mrs. H.J. Ogilvie, of Greene avenue, Amityville, is
reported in the casualty lists this week having been killed in action.
He enlisted two years ago in Co. L, 112 Infantry, in Pennsylvania, near the steel shops of a railroad where he was then employed. He was born in Brooklyn twenty-four years ago, a son of Frank S. Ogilvie, now living at 159th street and Walton avenue, Manhattan. He was graduated from the public school and high school in Richmond Hill and later from the Manilus Military Academy, at Manilus, N.Y. He was a nephew of Mrs. William S. Willmarth, of this village. -- Amityville Record, October 4, 1918, p. 1
John C. Huttle
Hometown: Babylon village, Little East Neck Road - the residence of his sister, Mrs. Pauline Ward
Branch: U.S. Army, 306th Infanty, Co. D Rank: Sergeant
Date of Birth: August 4, 1889, Brooklyn, NY
Date of Death: September 7, 1918, France
Age at Loss: 29 Cause of Death:
killed in action
Place of Burial: St. Joseph's Cemetery, North Babylon Find-A-Grave memorial site
Local Memorials:
- WWI Memorial, Argyle Park, Babylon, NY
- WWI Memorial, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Babylon, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 22, lived on
Palmer Avenue (now West John Street), Lindenhurst, with his brother and sister;
occupation - "saloonkeeper" (Race: White)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 27, lived at 44 Lexington Avenue, New York City; occupation - "office clerk"
- WWI Draft Registration: resided at 44 Lexington Avenue, New York City, employed as a clerk
Obituary:
BROTHER
OF MRS. WARD KILLED ON SEPTEMBER 7
Mrs.
William J. Ward, of West Babylon, today received a telegram from the war
department that her brother, Sergeant John Huttle, of Co. D, 306th
infantry, had been killed in action on September 7.
Sergeant Huttle
was 27 years of age, unmarried, and was born in Brooklyn. He was sent to camp
last October by a New York
city exemption board, and went overseas in April. He had gained two
promotions since entering the service, that of corporal and sergeant.
Besides
his sister, he is survived by three brothers, Phillip, Joseph and Frank Huttle, of
New York city, He claimed Babylon as his home on account of his sister.
His father, Frank Huttle, died in Lindenhurst about eight or nine years ago, after which he conducted his father's hotel and brewery business there for a couple of years. -- South Side Signal, October 4, 1918, p. 1
Roland R. Murray
Hometown: Babylon village, Park Avenue (son of Mary and Lemuel Murray)
Branch: U.S. Army, 369th Infantry, Co. H Rank: Private
Date of Birth: November 7, 1891, West Islip, NY
Date of Death: September 16, 1918, France
Age at Loss: 26 Cause of Death:
killed in action
Place of Burial: Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial, Lorraine, France
Local Memorials:
- WWI Memorial, Argyle Park, Babylon, NY
- WWI Memorial, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Babylon, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 18, lived in
Rensselaer, NY, with sister and brother-in-law; occupation -
"bellboy" (Race: Black)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 23, lived on Eaton Road, West Islip, with employer; occupation: "man servant"
- WWI Draft Registration: resided on Eaton Road, West Islip, employed as a chauffeur
Obituary:
ROLAND MURRAY KILLED IN ACTION -- Second Member of Our Brave Colored Troops to Give His Life for Country – Met Death Bravely on Battlefield.
Another
Babylon boy has given up his life for his country. The sad news reached Babylon
yesterday of the death of Private Roland Murray, who for about four years was a
chauffeur for James W, Eaton, of West Islip. He was born at Islip 23 years ago,
the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel Murray, who until a week ago lived on Park
avenue. The family moved to Bay Shore where the husband and father found
employment.
In
July, 1917, Private Murray enlisted in the Fifteenth New York infantry, which
was mustered into service as the 369th United States infantry. He was attached
to Co, H. He went to Camp Upton, where he remained for ten weeks, then was
transferred to Camp Wadsworth, Spartanburg, S.C., where he remained for a short
time, then sailed for France. In one of the great drives of the American forces
he was killed some time between September 26 and October 2.
The
last letter received from him by his parents, was dated July 29, in which he
stated that he was enjoying good health, and was getting fat, and begged of his
parents not to worry about him, as he was all right. He had been in the
trenches twice, and was then resting, and expected to get back "to work" soon. He was one of
those brave, fearless, unequalled fighters who have brought such great credit
to the American forces, and endeared the colored troops to the hearts of the
nation.
'Twas just such noble fighters as Private Murray that have demanded the respect of all true hearted fighting men. He knew he was fighting for a just cause, that he was in the right. No wonder he was fearless, undaunted, and ready to make the great sacrifice. Just such fighting men have brought victory to our arms. His gentle nature, happy disposition, won for him many friend, and he was respected by all who knew him. It befell the sad duty of a newspaper man to break the news of his death to his parents, but as a ray of sunshine through the clouds, so was the gleam of glory that shown through the tears of those parents, so proud of such a brave son. He gave his life for his flag, his country, that others may enjoy that freedom he enjoyed. He died a hero, an American soldier, a glorious death. -- South Side Signal, December 27, 1918, p. 4
Michael F. O'Rourke
Hometown: Amityville - employed at Brunswick Hospital at the time of
enlistment (Riverdale, NJ often listed as place of residence, where next of kin
lived)
Branch: U.S. Army, 307th Infantry, Co. M Rank: Private
Date of Birth: August 12, 1887, Yonkers, NY
Date of Death: September 16, 1918, unknown
Age at Loss: 31 Cause of Death:
killed in action
Place of Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery, Yonkers, NY Find-A-Grave memorial site
Local Memorials: WWI Honor Roll, Triangle Plaza, Amityville, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age, lived in the
Bronx, where he worked as a stableman for a sanitarium (Race: White)
- WWI Draft Registration: resided in Amityville, NY, employed as a nurse
Gormley J. Montgomery
Hometown: Amityville, Grant Central Avenue (son of Elizabeth and Joseph
Montgomery)
Branch: U.S. Naval Reserve Force, U.S.S.
Sylvan Arrow Rank: Seaman, 2nd Class
Date of Birth: March 21, 1895, Brooklyn, NY
Date of Death: September 20, 1918, buried at sea
Age at Loss: 23 Cause of Death:
died of pneumonia
Place of Burial: Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial, Suresnes, France
Local Memorials:
- WWI Honor Roll, Triangle Plaza, Amityville, NY
- WWI Monument at Smedley
Park, Delaware County, Springfield, PA
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 15, lived on
Greenwood Avenue, Queens, with parents (Race: White)
- WWI Draft Registration: resided at 26 Winona, Norwood, Pennsylvania, employed as "assist to repairer of engines, General Chemical Co."
Obituary: George Montgomery, of Amityville, died of pneumonia on September 20 and was buried at sea. He was a member of the crew of the submarine chaser, Sylvan Arrow, on duty in foreign waters. He was 23 years of age and after enlisting in June in the navy had three months training at the naval training station in Newport, going from there into foreign service. -- South Side Signal, Oct. 11, 1918, p. 1
Arthur Leigh Simrell
Hometown: West Babylon, Farmingdale Road (son of Nellie and Clarence Simrell)
Branch: U.S Army, 23rd Infantry, Co. M Rank: Private
Date of Birth: April 28, 1896, Tobyhanna, PA
Date of Death: June 16, 1918, France
Age at Loss: 22 Cause of Death:
died of wounds
Place of Burial: Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial, Suresnes, France
Local Memorials:
- WWI Memorial, Argyle Park, Babylon, NY
- WWI Memorial, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Babylon, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 16, lived on
Farmingdale Road, West Babylon, with parents (Race: White)
- WWI Draft Registration: resided on Farmingdale Road, Babylon, employed as a poultryman
Obituary:
FIRST BABYLON BOY TO DIE IN FRANCE -- Arthur L. Simrell Succumbs to Wounds Received in Action, June 7 – Parents Officially Notified Last Sunday.
Private Arthur L. Simrell, 22
years old, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence B. Simrell, of West
Babylon, a member of the Twenty-third regulars, died of wounds received in
action on the French battle front on June 7. Formal notification of the fact
was telegraphed by the war department to the young man's parents last Sunday.
He is the first Babylon boy to give up his life in actual battle in the present
conflict.
The young soldier
enlisted in New York city on August 2, of last year, and after being assigned
to Fort Slocum was sent with his regiment to Syracuse. He had written home as
often as possible. One of his letters was published in THE SIGNAL, last
February. It told of the Christmas celebration, and was filled with the
enthusiasm of an effort in giving the best in him for his country and the cause
of democracy. He was attached to the headquarters company.
He was born in Tobyhanna Mills,
Pa., and had lived in Babylon for eleven years. He graduated from the Babylon
high school six years ago, and his brother, Clarence Willard Simrell, was
a member of the Class of 1918. He was a member of the Baptist church and was
highly thought of by his friends and companions. Besides his parents he is
survived by his brothers, Clarence Willard, Vivian Earl and Harold Lyman, and
his sisters, Lilian E. and Edith M. Before enlisting he was manager of a
poultry farm in New Paltz, N. Y.
The body of the young
soldier will not be brought back to America, although after the war it is
believed the government will arrange to have returned to their native soil the
body of every American soldier who dies overseas.
The Twenty-third regulars
were brigaded with the Syracuse division and took part with the famous marines,
whose rout of the despicable Huns added a brilliant chapter in America's war
history. Evidently young Simrell took part in one of the nibbling
engagements that the Allies have been trying out with remarkable success in the
region of Vaux and elsewhere on the Prussian front for the past few weeks.
General March, in his weekly review of the war situation last Monday said that
as a result of one of these nibbling raids the town of Vaux was very nicely
taken by an American attack in which the Twenty-third regiment of infantry
supported other infantry and artillery companies. These regiments formed a part
of the second division under the command of Major General Omar Bundy.
Mr. and Mrs. Simrell, the bereaved parents, are sustained in their deep grief by the thought that it was all their boy could do and they feel satisfied that he gave his life willingly for his country. They have the sympathy of the entire community in their loss. -- South Side Signal, July 12, 1918, p. 1
William P. J. Wesch
Hometown: Babylon village, Locust Avenue (son of Josephine and Philip
Wesch; also left a widow, Agnes McHugh Wesch)
Branch: U.S. Army, 152nd Depot Brigade, Co.
5 Rank: Private
Date of Birth: June 30, 1894, Long Island City, NY
Date of Death: September 23, 1918, at his Babylon home after returning from Camp Upton,
Yaphank, New York
Age at Loss: 24 Cause of Death:
died of influenza and pneumonia
Place of Burial: St. Joseph's Cemetery, North Babylon, NY
Local Memorials:
- WWI Memorial, Argyle Park, Babylon, NY
- WWI Memorial, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Babylon, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 15, lived on
Vernon Avenue, Queens, occupation "office boy, custom house"
(Race: White)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Aee 20, lived on Vernon Avenue, Queens, occupation "office clerk"
- WWI Draft Registration: resided on Locust Avenue, Babylon, employed as a timekeeper for the LIRR
Obituary:
UPTON SOLDIER INFLUENZA VICTIM -- W. P. J. Wesch, Sick Only Nine Days, Succumbed to the National Epidemic on Sunday – Sixth Local Soldier To Die.
William
P. J. Wesch, 23 years of age, the sixth soldier from Babylon village
to die, was a victim of the national epidemic, Spanish influenza. He had been
home for nine days before he died on Sunday last, pneumonia having set in soon
after he developed the disease.
Private Wesch, who
was born in Long Island City, went to Camp Upton with the contingent of 154 men
on July 22, and it was the largest number of men sent from the Babylon
headquarters at one time. He was married the day before, his wife being Miss
Agnes McHugh, of Seaford. She is also ill of the influenza.
He is
survived by his widow, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Wesch, two
brothers and one sister. One of his brothers is down with the same affliction.
The funeral was held at St. Joseph's church yesterday morning, and he was given full military honors. A squad from Lufberry field came over and fired a salute at the grave in the Catholic cemetery. Private Wesch was a member of the Sixth company, 152nd depot brigade at Camp Upton. -- South Side Signal, September 27, 1918, p. 1
Edward Ruback
Hometown: Lindenhurst - raised in New York City, and his parents
predeceased him. He lived in Lindenhurst with his cousin in the year before his
enlistment
Branch: U.S. Army, Cooks and Bakers School,
Co. C, Camp Greenleaf Rank:
Private
Date of Birth: March 25, 1894, New York City, NY
Date of Death: October 6, 1918, Camp Greenleaf, Georgia
Age at Loss: 24 Cause of Death:
died of lobar pneumonia
Place of Burial: not yet determined
Local Memorials: WWI Honor Roll, Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY
WWI Draft Registration: resided at 135 W. 60th Street,
New York City, employed as a grocery clerk (Race: White)
Obituary:
LINDENHURST BOY DIES IN SERVICE -- Second Gold Star Will Be Placed in Community Flag in Honor of Edward Ruback, Who Died at Camp Greenleaf October 6.
For the
second time the village of Lindenhurst was this week called upon to fly its
national and service flags at half mast from the liberty pole. Another gold
star will now be placed upon the service banner, to commemorate Edward Ruback, 22
years of age, who died of pneumonia at Camp Greenleaf, Georgia, on Monday.
Private Ruback
made his home in Lindenhurst for a year prior to his being drafted on August
27. He lived with his cousin, Mrs. Martha Voldenauer, and was in the employ of the
Sheide bottling company as a chauffeur. At Camp Greenleaf he was connected with
the special bakery and cooking school.
He was
taken with pneumonia two weeks ago, and he was gaining until a relapse occurred
on Monday.
The
remains are expected at the home of his grandmother in [__] today and the
interment will be made in the Lutheran cemetery, Brooklyn.
The parents of the deceased soldier died when he was an infant. -- South Side Signal, October 11, 1918, p. 1
John Yeswoit
Hometown: Copiague, Great Neck Road (son of Frances and Simon Yeswoit)
Branch: U.S. Army, Automatic Replacement
Draft, 13th Regiment Rank: Private
Date of Birth: April 27, 1895, Amityville, NY
Date of Death: October 11, 1918, Camp Jackson Base Hospital, Columbia, South Carolina
Age at Loss: 23 Cause of Death:
died of broncho pneumonia and influenza
Place of Burial: not yet determined
Local Memorials: WWI Honor Roll, Triangle Plaza, Amityville, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 15, lived on
Great Neck Road, Copiague, with parents (Race: White)
- WWI Draft Registration: resided on Great Neck Road, Copiague, employed as a boat builder
William Feustel
Hometown: Lindenhurst, Travis Avenue (son of Theresa and Louis Feustel)
Branch: U.S. Army, 114th Infantry, Co. F Rank: Private
Date of Birth: September 16, 1893, Lindenhurst, NY
Date of Death: October 12, 1918, France
Age at Loss: 25 Cause of Death:
killed in action
Place of Burial: Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial, Lorraine, France
Local Memorials:
- WWI Honor Roll, Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY
- American Legion,
Feustel-Kurdt Post No. 1120, Lindenhurst, NY, was named in his honor
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 17, lived on
"Factory Road," with parents; occupation - "wagon driver,
contractor" (Race: White)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 21, lived on Travis Avenue, with parents; occupation - "livery"
- WWI Draft Registration: resided on Travis Street, Lindenhurst, employed in "farming"
Obituary: Private William Fuestel, 25 years old, who was killed in action on October 12, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Fuestel, of Lindenhurst. He was a teamster when he was drafted and went to Fort Slocum, where he remained but a few days when he was transferred to Camp McClellan, Anniston, Ala. He started for France on June 2, just a month after he wrote to his mother that he was well, and for the folks not to worry about him. He was a member of Co. F, 114th infantry. His brother, Sergeant Irving Fuestel, 23 years old, is in France with Co. M. 307th infantry. He entered the service in September, 1917, and was a fireman on the Long Island railroad. -- South Side Signal, December 27, 1918, p. 4
Robert Edwin Watson
Hometown: North Amityville, North Broadway (son of Annie and Robet
Watson)
Branch: U.S Army, 307th Infantry, Co. M Rank: Sergeant
Date of Birth: January 5, 1889, New York City, NY
Date of Death: October 12, 1918, Europe
Age at Loss: 29 Cause of Death:
killed in action
Place of Burial: Trinity Roman Catholic Cemetery, North Amityville, NY
Local Memorials:
- WWI Honor Roll, Triangle Plaza, Amityville, NY
- Memorial at St. Martin's
Catholic Church, Amityville – "Sacred to the Memory of Sergeant Robert
Edmund Watson, a Son of Amityville and a Member of St. Martin's Parish who made
the Supreme Sacrifice during the World War. Died in France, October 12, 1918. R.I.P."
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 21, lived on
Camelia Street, Queens, occupation "stone cutter, stone yard"
(Race: White)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 26, lived on Hancock Street, Queens, occupation "auto mechanic"
- WWI Draft Registration: resided on North Broadway, North Amityville, employed as an "axeman" for Fallwood Real Estate Co., Rockville Center, L.I.
Obituary: Sgt. Robert E. Watson, 29 years old, of Amityville, L.I., was the first boy from that village to be killed in action. He fell on October 12. Sgt. Watson was a member of Co. M, 307th Inf., and a son of Mrs. Annie Watson, who resides in North Broadway, Amityville. He was born in the Ravenswood section of Long Island City, and was a steam fitter by trade. He went overseas with his regiment from Camp Upton last April. A brother, Elliott Watson, is in the Military Police at Camp Upton, and another brother, William lives at home with his mother. Mrs. Watson received a letter from her son about four weeks ago, in which he said he had been in the thick of the fighting, and had seen many of his comrades and friends give up their lives bravely, and willingly for their country. He had several close calls before the final blow came. At one time he had his pack “blown to smithereens” by a shell but escaped unhurt. -- Brooklyn Daily Eagle, November 19, 1918, p. 19
Charles Alphonsus Duffy
Hometown: Babylon village, worked at Smith & Salmon pharmacy c.
1915, but was typically identified as a New York City resident. (son of
Catharine and Charles Duffy)
Branch: U.S. Army, 11th Infantry, Co. K Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Date of Birth: January 30, 1889, New York City, NY
Date of Death: October 14, 1918, France
Age at Loss: 29 Cause of Death:
died of wounds sustained in action
Place of Burial: Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial, Lorraine, France
Local Memorials:
- WWI Memorial, Argyle Park, Babylon, NY
- WWI Memorial, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Babylon, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 19, lived on
E. 27th Street, with parents; occupation - "at school" (Race: White)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 23, lived on E. 27th Street, with parents; occupation - "clerical work"
- WWI Draft Registration: resided at 236 E. 27th Street, New York City, employed as a "candidate at U.S. Training Camp"
Percy Landwehr
Hometown: Babylon village, South Carll Avenue (son of Emilia and Henry
Landwehr)
Branch: U.S. Army, 35th Field Artillery,
Battery D Rank: Private
Date of Birth: December 22, 1890, Babylon, NY
Date of Death: October 22, 1918, Camp McClellan, Alabama
Age at Loss: 27 Cause of Death:
died of lobar pneumonia
Place of Burial: Babylon Cemetery, Babylon, NY Find-A-Grave memorial site
Local Memorials:
- WWI Memorial, Argyle Park, Babylon, NY
- WWI Memorial, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Babylon, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 20, lived on
Carll Avenue, Babylon, with parents; occupation - "messenger, bank"
(Race: White)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 24, lived on Carll Avenue, Babylon, with parents; occupation - "clerk"
- WWI Draft Registration: resided on Carll Avenue, Babylon, employed as a salesman
Obituary:
PERCY LANDWEHR DIES IN CAMP -- Had Tried to Enlist, But Was Rejected Before He Was Drafted on August 6—Ill of Pneumonia a Week.
It was with surprise and deep regret that word was
received here on Wednesday of the death, the night before, of Percy Landwehr, a
private in the 35th field artillery, at Camp McClellan, Anniston, Ala.
Private Landwehr was 27 years of age, the son of Mr.
and Mrs. Henry J. Landwehr, of Carll avenue. He was born in Babylon, and before
being taken in the draft last August, was salesman for a well known
correspondence school.
He had previously tried to enlist but had been
rejected on account of his eyesight. He was in command of the contingent of
thirteen that went from here on August 6 to Fort Slocum, from where shortly
afterward he was transferred to Camp McClellan. He was being drilled for
special detail work in listening post duty, and had been ill about a week. On
Sunday his father and brother left here to see him.
Besides his parents he is survived by one brother,
Henry G. Landwehr, and one sister, Miss Dorothy Landwehr.
Mr. Landwehr was a member of Sampwams hose company,
the Presbyterian church and the Young Men's club of that church.
As yet no arrangements have been made for the funeral. It is expected that word will be received this evening announcing the forwarding of the body with a military escort and it is probable the funeral will be held either on Monday or Tuesday next. -- South Side Signal, October 25, 1918, p. 1
Hometown: West Islip, Udall Avenue, but residence is sometimes listed
as Babylon (son of Adelia and Owen Ford)
Branch: U.S. Army, Engineers Motor Truck,
452nd Truck Co. Rank: Private First Class
Date of Birth: June 4, 1895, Babylon, NY
Date of Death: November 13, 1918, France
Age at Loss: 23 Cause of Death:
died of disease (purulent general peritonitis)
Place of Burial: not yet determined
Local Memorials:
- WWI Memorial, Argyle Park, Babylon, NY
- WWI Memorial, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Babylon, NY
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 14, lived on
Hunters Avenue, West Islip, with parents (Race: White)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 20, lived on Udall Road, West Islip, with parents; occupation - "grocery clerk"
- WWI Draft Registration: resided on Udall Avenue, West Islip, employed as a chauffeur
Obituary: Word was received by the parents of Eugene M. Ford this week of his death in France on November 13, from the effects of blood poisoning. Private Ford formerly was employed by D.V. Arguimbau and when he was sent away in the draft last summer was the driver at the Haab garage. -- South Side Signal, Dec. 16, 1918, p. 1
Ralph Joseph Billingsley
Hometown: West Babylon, Little East Neck Road (son of Magdelina and
William Billingsley)
Branch: U.S. Navy, Naval Reserves, U.S.S. Wimico Rank: Chief Carpenter Mate
Date of Birth: September 9, 1897, Brooklyn, NY
Date of Death: May 25, 1919, Naval
Hospital in Libau, Russia (now Liepāja, Latvia)
Age at Loss: 21 Cause of Death:
died of lobar pneumonia
Place of Burial: Interred at Babylon Cemetery (Babylon, NY) in 1919, but moved to Nassau-Knolls Memorial Park (Port Washington, NY) in 1941. Find-A-Grave memorial site
Local Memorials: WWI Memorial, Argyle Park, Babylon, NY
Census Records:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 12, lived on
Deer Park Avenue, Babylon, with parents (Race: White)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 17, lived on Farmingdale Road, West Babylon, with parents
Obituary:
BABYLON
NAVAL LAD DIED MAY 25 IN RUSSIA
Official notice was received by Mr. and Mrs. William
J. Billingsley, of West Babylon, this morning of the death of their only son,
Ralph J. Billingsley, of lobar pneumonia in Russia, on May 25.
The young man, who was 21 years of age, enlisted in
the naval reserves at the outbreak of the war, and within the past few weeks had
received his latest promotion as chief carpenter mate. He was aboard the ship,
Wimico.
The telegram, telling of the death of young
Billingsley was sent by the bureau of navigation in Washington.
Prior to enlisting the young man was assistant
scoutmaster of troop, No. 1, and was a favorite with all who knew him.
The young man was born in Brooklyn, September 9, 1897, and had lived in Babylon for about fifteen years. He had been in the service for 2 years and 3 months. He attended the Babylon high school and was employed by Rogers and Blydenburgh before he enlisted. This was his second trip across the sea. He died at the naval hospital in Libau, Russia. Owing to the military regulations his body cannot be brought home for burial. -- South Side Signal, June 20, 1919, p. 1
Theodore C. White
Hometown: West Babylon, Farmingdale Road (son of Jennie and Theodore
White)
Branch: U.S. Army, 306th Infantry, Co. D Rank: Corporal
Date of Birth: March 28, 1888, West Islip, NY
Date of Death: September 29, 1919, Army Hospital, Fox Hill, Staten Island
Age at Loss: 31 Cause of Death:
died of pleurisy chronic
Place of Burial: Babylon Cemetery, Babylon, NY Find-A-Grave memorial site
Census Records and Draft
Registration:
- 1910 U.S. Census: Age 22, lived on
Farmingdale Road, West Babylon, occupation "laborer, days work"
(Race: White)
- 1915 U.S. Census: Age 27, lived on Farmingdale Road, West Babylon, occupation "line man, elec. light"
- WWI Draft Registration: resided on Farmingdale Road, Babylon, employed as a "lineman, E.L. Philips Cons. Co."
Obituary:
CORPORAL WHITE DIES AT FOX HILLS -- West Babylon Man Is the Thirteenth From This District to Pay the Supreme Sacrifice —Buried With Military Honors.
Corporal Theodore Carll White, 31 years of age, who served in
company D, 306th infantry,
died in the army hospital at Fox Hills, Staten Island, on Monday, of pneumonia,
as the result of being gassed and receiving other wounds while in action. The effects
of mustard gas and the removal of a rib caused his rapid decline.
Corporal White was the second Babylon man in the first draft of
men sent from the Babylon exemption board's headquarters to Camp Upton on
September 10, 1917, and he proved a good soldier thruout. He was a mechanic in
his company and popular with his companions. He was wounded by shrapnel on the
right side in the Argonne Forest and continued to fight after being hit. Later
he was gassed and shell shocked just before the armistice.
He returned from France on June 25, as a stretcher patient. He
was in bed for five months. He was taken to Greenhut hospital in New York city
upon arrival in America and later sent to Plattsburg and finally removed to the
hospital on Staten Island.
The body was brought to the home of his mother, Mrs. Theodore
White, and the funeral was held on Thursday at St. Ann’s chapel, when full
military honors were paid the young hero. The Rev. E. J. Burlingham gave a fine
address in which he said it was glorious honor to die for one's country. Babylon
post, No. 94, American Legion, sent a handsome wreath, and the pallbearers who bore
the flag draped casket were former men of the service, Major D. W. Wynkoop. Elmer Weeks,
Percy Kendall, Francis J. Preston, Harry Dinota, Fred J. Wood and Henry
Landwehr. Ashley Seymour sounded bugle taps at the grave in Babylon cemetery.
Argyle hose company, of which Corporal White had been a member,
passed a series of sympathetic resolutions on his decease and. also turned out
with other members of the fire department at the funeral. The firemen marched
at the head of the funeral procession to the cemetery.
Corporal White is the thirteenth Babylon man to die in the service.
Corporal White is survived by his mother, Mrs. Theodore White, a
brother, James White, and a sister, Mrs. James Powell.
The flags on the village pole and at the Catholic, and Episcopal churches were at half mast during the funeral. -- South Side Signal, October 3, 1919, p. 1