In the spring of 1918, the first phase of a massive influenza pandemic swept the globe. Known as the "three day fever", few deaths were reported and most victims recovered. When the illness surfaced again, in the fall of 1918, it was much more severe. Some victims died just hours after their first symptoms, some within a few days. One group of individuals hit particularly hard in Ann Arbor was the Students' Army Training Corps, who arrived in the city just as the second phase of influenza did.
The Students' Army Training Corps (SATC) was established in the summer of 1918 by the U.S. War Department's Committee on Education and Special Training. The U. S. needed more skilled technicians for World War I and this program would use colleges/universities across the country for vocational training and military instruction. The government had contracts to establish SATC programs with over 500 schools across the United States, including the University of Michigan and Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University). Enrollment in the SATC was completely voluntary, and those who were inducted earned the status of private in the U.S. Army AND college student. In theory, the inductees would be learning and training at the same time. In reality, the primary focus was haphazard military training, with little time left for an actual college education. Critics of the program were quick to dub the SATC "Safe At The College" and "Saturday Afternoon Tea Club".
The SATC completely changed the landscape of the University of Michigan. In October 1918, two sections of the organization formed in Ann Arbor. The collegiate Section A enrolled 2,150 students. The vocational trainee Section B enrolled 1,000. Also included was the Students' Navy Training Corps (SNTC). The U. S. Navy's equivalent to the SATC enrolled 600 students in Ann Arbor. A total of 3,750 young men - the largest program in the country - traveled to Ann Arbor from all over Michigan, some even from outside of the state. Major Ralph H. Durkee, U. S. Army, oversaw Ann Arbor's operations and stood witness to thousands of young men squeezed into housing in thirty-five fraternity houses, the Waterman Gym, and the Michigan Union. Several temporary structures were quickly added to the campus. Normal University activities, and female students, were scarce. As students arrived in the city, so did the deadly wave of influenza. The idea of "Safe At The College" was far from accurate. Crowded into group housing, illness spread rapidly and some men died within days of appearing in Ann Arbor.
Looking back on this pandemic, it killed far more people than died in World War I. Unfortunately, the sacrifice of men in SATC camps around the United States has largely been forgotten or overlooked. “Part of the problem was that dying from flu was considered unmanly. To die in a firefight -- that reflected well on your family. But to die in a hospital bed, turning blue, puking, beset by diarrhea — that was difficult for loved ones to accept. There was a mass decision to forget.” said Catharine Arnold, the author of “Pandemic 1918: Eyewitness Accounts From the Greatest Medical Holocaust in Modern History.”
Below are the stories of this unique group of young men lost in Ann Arbor during October and November of 1918. We are grateful for their service. For a deeper look into Ann Arbor's influenza experience, be sure to read Influenza Pandemic of 1918. For a closer look at the University of Michigan SATC, read James Tobin's Two Weeks in 1918.
Private John William Arthur was born July 28, 1894 in Marlette, Michigan to Canadian Immigrants Charles & Mary Arthur. He was a lifelong resident of Michigan's "thumb" region. At the time of his draft registration he was supporting his widowed mother as a farmer. Two days after his arrival in Ann Arbor, he was stricken with influenza. He wrote home to his mother saying he was doing well and would soon be in the convalescent hospital. The next day a telegram came stating that pneumonia had developed, and that night another message came saying he was critically ill. He died, before family or friends could reach him, on October 27, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Marlette's McLeish Cemetery.
Private William “Will” Howard Bakeman was born January 15, 1897 in Belding, Michigan to August & Mary Bakeman. A lifelong resident of Ionia County, Will graduated from Belding High School, Class of 1916. At the time of his draft registration he was working at the Belding Basket Company. He was inducted into Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 20, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Belding’s River Ridge Cemetery.
Private Hollis Clark Barr was born September 8, 1900 in Saline, Michigan to George & Agnes Barr. He worked as a night operator for the Saline Telephone Company during his four years at Saline High School, and graduated in 1918. After graduation he started working for the Western Electric Company in Detroit, until he enlisted. He arrived at Company 16, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan on October 1st. In less than a week, he was sick with influenza. His mother was with him when he died from pneumonia in St. Joseph Hospital on October 15, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Saline’s Oakwood Cemetery.
Private Harold Paul Beiswenger was born November 21, 1897 in Jackson, Michigan to Jacob & Emma Beiswenger. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1917, and enrolled at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as a medical student. At the time of his draft registration he was already in Ann Arbor, and was inducted into Company 11, Section A of the SATC. He died of influenza and pneumonia on October 22, 1918 and now rests with his parents in Jackson's Woodland Cemetery.
Private Merle Washington Boyer was born February 22, 1898 in Lindsey, Ohio to John & Martha Boyer. At the time of his draft registration he was living in Monroe, Michigan with his parents and working as a carpenter. Ten days after he left home for the SATC in Ann Arbor, the News Messenger of Fremont, Ohio published his obituary titled "YOUNG SOLDIER BOY IS VICTIM OF DREAD FLU". He died of pneumonia and influenza on October 28, 1918 and now rests with his parents in Lindsey, Ohio's Lindsey Cemetery.
Private Rodney Fairchild Brown was born January 27, 1900 in Detroit, Michigan to Winfield & Louise Brown. He attended Highland Park High School until 1916 when he moved to Ann Arbor. He graduated from Ann Arbor High School, where he was voted ‘steepest bluffer’ in the class of 1918, and enrolled at the University of Michigan. He was inducted into Company 6, Section A of the SATC and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 14, 1918. He now rests near his mother and sister in Forest Hill Cemetery in Ann Arbor.
Private Werner Walter Bury was born June 27, 1896 in Centerville Township, Leelanau County, Michigan. He was the youngest son of Swiss immigrants, John & Eliza Bury. Described as “well known and exceedingly popular” in his obituary, Werner was a lifelong resident of Leelanau County. He left for the SATC in Ann Arbor on October 15th, and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 22, 1918. His mother departed immediately for Ann Arbor upon hearing he was ill, but did not reach him before his death. He now rests in Leland's Beechwood Cemetery with his parents.
Private William Thomas Conboy was born April 14, 1888 in Sibley County, Minnesota to James & Mary Ann Conboy. Raised in an Irish Catholic family, he attended Holy Rosary and De La Salle Schools in Minneapolis. In 1912, William married Margaret Murray at the Church of the Incarnation in Minneapolis. In 1913, they had a daughter, Jane. In 1914, they had a son, Mark. At the time of his draft registration he was a farmer in Webster, Wisconsin. He entered the SATC at Valparaiso University in Indiana, and then transferred to the University of Michigan. He was inducted into Company 4, Section B, and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 15, 1918. He now rests with his parents in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Private Gilbert Henry Couden was born August 18, 1895 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Edward & Olivia Couden. He was raised in Clarksville, Ohio, and attended the Ohio Military Institute in Cincinnati. At the time of his draft registration, he was living in Indianapolis, Indiana, working as a tractor salesman for the Eastern Rock Island Plow Company. He was inducted into Company 4 of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 21, 1918. He now rests in the Clarksville IOOF Cemetery in Ohio.
Private John Rowan Crawford was born May 4, 1899 near Caldwell, Kansas to Dr. Thomas & Ada Crawford. When he was young, his family moved to Coldwater, Kansas, where his father worked as both a surgeon and a farmer. John graduated from Coldwater High School, class of 1918, where he was captain of their military training class. He was inducted into Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and, on October 6, 1918, was the first soldier in the program to die of influenza and pneumonia. He now rests in Coldwater’s Crown Hill Cemetery with his parents.
Seaman Apprentice James Gerald Darby was born March 28, 1900 in St. Ignace, Michigan to Dr. James F. & Mary Darby. Known as Gerald, he graduated from St. Ignace's LaSalle High School. On July 16, 1918 he married Edna Gleason in Mackinaw City, Michigan. Gerald was inducted into Company 3 of the SNTC at the University of Michigan. He died of influenza and pneumonia on October 18, 1918. On the day of Gerald's burial, October 20, 1918, Edna gave birth to their son and named him James Gerald Darby Jr. (He would go on to father a son of his own, James Gerald Darby III.) Gerald now rests in St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery of St. Ignace with his parents.
Private Davis Alcorn Diffenderfer was born September 14, 1897 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to William & Blanche Diffenderfer. His mother died six days after his birth. Davis graduated from Fort Wayne High And Manual Training School, Class of 1916, and enrolled in the University of Michigan the following fall. In his junior year, 1918, he was inducted into Company 7, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 19, 1918. He now rests in Fort Wayne, Indiana’s Lindenwood Cemetery with his parents.
Private Karl Francis Dyer was born July 8, 1898 in Eaton County, Michigan to Harry & Jennie Dyer. He grew up in Charlotte and attended Charlotte Grammar School. His family moved to Dowagiac, and he graduated from Dowagiac Union High School. After graduation he worked as a stonecutter at his father’s monument business. He was inducted into Company 3, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 26, 1918. After Karl’s death, his father sold the monument business when he was unable to face customers dealing with losses similar to his own. Karl now rests in Adamsville Cemetery, Adamsville, MI with his parents.
Private Theo Eugene Ebbitt was born August 31, 1898 in Missaukee County, Michigan to Frank & Etta Ebbitt. In 1900, his family was living in Superior Township in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In 1910, his family was living in Deerfield, in Mecosta County, Michigan. When Theo enlisted, he was living in Morley, Mecosta County, working as a farm laborer on his father’s farm. He was inducted into Company 1 of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 31, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Morley’s Rustford Cemetery.
Private Glen Merlin Eberhard was born 3 Feb 1898 in Colon, St. Joseph, Michigan to David & Alice Eberhard. At the time of his draft registration he was a student at Three Rivers High School in Three Rivers, Michigan, where he was a member of the basketball and baseball teams. He left home for the Ann Arbor SATC and died of influenza and pneumonia just two days later on October 17, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Riverside Cemetery, Three Rivers.
Private Harry Tilden Evers was born July 18, 1900 in Hamburg, New York to Harry & Sarah Tilden Evers. A lifelong resident of Erie County, New York, he graduated from East Aurora High School, Class of 1918. He was inducted into Company 5, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 16, 1918. His remains were delivered to Buffalo, New York. His place of rest is unknown.
Private Ralston Hillis Fleming was born June 22, 1899 in Detroit, Michigan to Rev. Jessie & Sarah Fleming. His father, a Presbyterian minister, moved the family to several different towns in Michigan as assigned, including Hillsdale, Alma, Saginaw, and Grayling. Ralston graduated from Alma High School, Class of 1917. He was inducted into Company 3, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 26, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Oak Grove Cemetery, Saint Louis, Michigan.
Sergeant William Goldstein was born August 24, 1898 in Detroit, Michigan to Polish Jewish immigrants Louis & Ethel Goldstein. He lived most of his life in St. Clair, and graduated from St. Clair High School, Class of 1916. His father was the owner of Goldstein Dry Goods store in St. Clair. After graduation, he enrolled in the University of Michigan. At the time of his draft registration, he was already a student. William was inducted into Company 10, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and promoted to Sergeant. He died of influenza and pneumonia on October 23, 1918. He now rests in Birmingham’s Clover Hill Park Cemetery with his parents.
First Sergeant Ursen Harvey Graham Jr. was born September 22, 1896 in Maher, Colorado to Ursen & Lucy Graham. In 1906, his father died and his family moved to Allegan County, Michigan, to be close to his maternal grandparents, Henry & Sarah Buxton. At the time of his draft registration, he was working for the Michigan Paper Company in Plainwell. Ursen was inducted into the SATC at the University of Michigan, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in Company 3, Section B. He soon would have received a commission as lieutenant. When many of the soldiers he instructed contracted influenza, he cared for them as a nurse. He died of influenza and pneumonia on October 24, 1918, and now rests in Plainwell’s Hillside Cemetery with his maternal grandparents.
Private Bryan Ralph Gump was born August 22, 1897 in Milan, Michigan to Postmaster Joseph R. Gump and his wife, Cora. He graduated from Milan High School in June 1916, and then attended Michigan Agricultural College. Bryan was inducted into Company 3, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 26, 1918. He now rests in Milan’s Marble Park Cemetery with his parents.
Private Earl Walfred Gustafson was born October 1, 1898 in Marquette, Michigan. He was the youngest child, and only son, born to Swedish immigrants Emil & Hilma Gustafson. Familiarly known as ‘Alec’, he attended Marquette schools and Northern State Normal School. He resigned from a teaching position in the Ironwood school system to enlist, and was inducted into Company 14, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan. His sister, Edna, was with him when he died of influenza and pneumonia, in Ann Arbor, on October 22, 1918. He now rests in Marquette’s Park Cemetery with his parents.
Private Ernest Erastus Harshbarger was born January 5, 1894 in Worth Township, Boone County, Indiana to Arlando & Sarah Harshbarger. A lifelong resident of Boone County, he was working on a farm when he enlisted. Ernest was sent north to Indiana’s Valparaiso University for special training, and then transferred to the University of Michigan. He was inducted into Company 4 of the SATC and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 19, 1918. He now rests in Boone County’s Mounts Runn Cemetery with his parents.
Private Paul Howland Hogle was born June 12, 1898 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Fred & Eleanor Hogle. He was raised in northern Illinois. In 1916 the Hogle family moved from Chicago to Alanson, Michigan. At the time of his draft registration, Paul was working on his family's large farm near Alanson. He was inducted into Company 3 of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 30, 1918. He now rests with his mother in Alanson's Littlefield Township Cemetery.
Private Oscar Henry Holmes was born in Sidnaw, Michigan on February 1, 1898 to Swedish immigrants Fred & Anna Holm (later changed to Holmes). Raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, his father worked as a railroad foreman, and the Holmes family housed several railroad laborers as boarders. At the time of his draft registration, Oscar was living in Cornell, Michigan and working as a telegraph operator in Woodlawn for the Escanaba & Lake Superior railroad. He was inducted into the SATC at the University of Michigan and was assigned to the Ann Arbor Radio School. He died of influenza and pneumonia on October 30, 1918 and now rests in Escanaba’s Lakeview Cemetery with his parents.
Private Joseph Adolph Jacobson was born July 21, 1897, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His parents, Benjamin & Rachel Jacobson, were Jewish immigrants from Kurland, Russia. At the time of his draft registration, Joseph was living in Copemish, Michigan. He was inducted into Company 3, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 25, 1918. He now rests in Ferndale, Michigan's Machpelah Cemetery.
Private Gordon B. Jaedecke was born October 10, 1888 in Ishpeming, Michigan to Herman & Bessie Jaedecke. Gordon attended Ishpeming High School and was a man of many talents and interests. He led the Jaedecke Orchestra for many years, and was prominent in musical circles. He was also prominent in the fire department, to which he belonged. He was an Elk, a Mason, and had worked as a geologist for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company in Marquette. His father was the owner of Jaedecke Bros. in Marquette, one of the leading cigar manufacturers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. After his father’s death, he worked with his mother to maintain the business. At the time of his draft registration, Gordon was working as his mother’s chauffeur and secretary. He was inducted into the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 20, 1918. He now rests with his parents in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Private Lawrence Dewey Knox was born September 18, 1898 in Olivet, Michigan to Fred & Lillie Knox. Better known as Pete, he was raised in western Michigan. At the time of his draft registration, he was a partner with his father in the Knox Hardware Co. in Plainwell, Michigan. Pete was inducted into Company 13, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 27, 1918. He now rests with his family in Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell.
Private Emery Hugo Krebs was born August 24, 1900 in Blumfield Township, Michigan to Walter & Fredericka Krebs. He attended the Blumfield District schools and graduated from Saginaw High School, Class of 1917, where his senior yearbook described him as “Ever Komical”. At the time of his draft registration, he was working on his father’s farm. He was inducted into Company 16 of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 16, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Saginaw’s Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Private Claus Kropp was born September 18, 1893 in Leelanau County, Michigan to Charles & Mary Kropp. A lifelong resident of the Leelanau peninsula, he was working on his widowed father’s farm when he registered for the draft. Claus was inducted into Company 3, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 16, 1918. He now rests in Cedar’s Good Harbor Church Cemetery with his parents.
Private Benjamin “Ben” Lambers was born July 3, 1897 in Fremont, Newaygo County, Michigan, and was a lifelong resident of the area. His parents, Lambert & Aaltje “Ellen” Lambers, were German immigrants and farmers. He had a twin brother, Lambert Lambers Jr. who enlisted in 1918 and was sent to Michigan Agricultural College's Training Detachment in East Lansing, MI. Lambert Jr. survived the war. Ben was inducted into Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 28, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Fremont's Maple Grove Cemetery.
Private Otto H. W. Lewald was born October 21, 1892 in Detroit, Michigan to German immigrants, August & Louise Lewald. August, a carpenter, died of typhoid fever in 1901 when Otto was 8 years old. Otto was a lifelong resident of Detroit. At the time of his draft registration he was supporting his widowed mother by working as a chauffeur for a Detroit furniture dealer named John P. Yuergens. He was inducted into Company 9, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 16, 1918. He now rests in Detroit’s Woodmere Cemetery with his mother.
Private Lester Earl Loring was born February 9, 1899 in Indiana, the oldest child of Howard & Laura Alice Loring. His family moved to Kalamazoo County, Michigan where his father was a farmer. Lester was involved with the Gleaners, and the Reformed church. He was inducted into Company 1, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 27, 1918. He now rests near his parents in Virgo Cemetery in Kalamazoo County.
Corporal Vincent Wilson Marshall was born March 22, 1899 in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph & Mary Marshall. He attended boarding schools: Asheville School (North Carolina) 1914-16, and Worcester Academy (Massachusetts) 1916-18. He graduated from the Worcester Academy, Class of 1918, where he was a member of the Sigma Zeta Kappa society and the soccer team. He was inducted into Company 16 of the SATC at the University of Michigan. In the few weeks that he had been in Ann Arbor he had become enthusiastic about his work, and hoped to obtain an officer's commission. He had already been elected corporal. He was taken sick with influenza and pneumonia, and died within a few hours, on October 15, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Forest Home Cemetery, Forest Park, Illinois.
Private James Robert McAlpine was born July 20, 1898 in Marinette, Wisconsin to Charles & Edith McAlpine. His family moved to Philadelphia, and then to Indiana where he graduated from South Bend’s Central High School. His father was the superintendent of the La Salle Paper Company in South Bend, and James was working there as a backtender when he registered for the draft. He was inducted into Company 18, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan, and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 18, 1918. Four days later, on October 22, his older brother, Malcolm W. McAlpine, 1st. Lieut. 28th. Aero Sq., died of influenza & pneumonia while serving in France. James now rests with his parents, and his brother Malcolm, in South Bend, Indiana’s Riverview Cemetery.
Private Cecil Dewey McEvoy was born December 11, 1898 in Jackson, Michigan to John & Mary McEvoy. Raised in an Irish Catholic family, he was a lifelong resident of Jackson. Cecil was inducted into Company 3, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan. He reached Ann Arbor on October 15th, and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 29, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Jackson's Saint Johns Catholic Cemetery.
Private William McKinley was born September 5, 1898 in Deerfield, Michigan to farmers Thomas & Rosella McKinley. His parents died when he was young, and he grew up around Livingston County farms in the care of his older siblings. He was inducted into Company 3 of the SATC at the University of Michigan, and died of influenza and pneumonia on November 1, 1918. He now rests in Deerfield Center Cemetery with his parents.
Private Frank Molesta was born June 15, 1892 in Kent County, Michigan to Aart & Minnie Molesta. A lifelong resident of Paris Township, Kent County, he was raised in a Dutch family. His grandparents on both sides of his family were immigrants from the Netherlands. On May 24, 1917, Frank married Annette Van Duinen. He was working as a greenhouse gardener at the time of the draft. Frank was inducted into Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 17, 1918. He now rests in Oak Grove Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his parents.
Private Claude Raymond Moore was born June 17, 1899 in Caro, Michigan to Canadian immigrants William & Lovilla Moore. His father, founder of the Moore Telephone System, was well known for bringing telephone service to the thumb area of Michigan. Claude was a lifelong resident of Caro, and valedictorian of the Caro High School class of 1918. He was inducted into the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 16, 1918. His father was with him when he died. He now rests with his parents in Caro's Indianfields Township Cemetery.
Private Max Smith Moore was born September 8, 1899 in Cass County, Michigan to Walter & Mabel Moore. The Moore family owned a farm in Pokagon Township. At the time of his enlistment, he was living in nearby Dowagiac, working for the Beckwith Company. Max was inducted into Company 5, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan. When he became ill with influenza and pneumonia, he attempted suicide by falling out of a window. He died October 22, 1918, and now rests with his parents in Franklin Cemetery, Berrien Township, Michigan.
Private Joseph Benjamin Moquin was born April 27, 1890 in Bay City, Michigan to French Canadian immigrants, Julius & Victoria Moquin. At the time of the draft, he was living in Reese and working as a farmer with his father in Gilford Township, Tuscola County, Michigan. He entered the SATC at Valparaiso University in Indiana on July 15, 1918, and then transferred to the University of Michigan. Joseph was inducted into Company 4 of the SATC, and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 22, 1918. He now rests in Saint Elizabeth Cemetery in Blumfield Corners, Saginaw County, Michigan.
Private Ottie Mart Myers was born August 25, 1897 in Trowbridge, Allegan County, Michigan to William & May Myers. A lifelong resident of Allegan County, Ottie was working as a bookkeeper for the Allegan County Gas company when he registered for the draft. He was inducted into Company 2, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 31, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Allegan's Oakwood Cemetery.
Private Carl Fritiof “Fritz” Peterson was born April 28, 1896 in LeRoy, Osceola, Michigan to Swedish immigrants, Charles & Elizabeth Peterson. A lifelong resident of the area, known for his sunny disposition, Fritz attended LeRoy High School. At the time of his draft registration, he was working on his father’s farm. He was inducted into Company 3, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 21, 1918. He now rests in LeRoy’s Maple Hill Cemetery with his parents.
Private Carl Engelbert Quarnstrom was born April 20, 1898 in Sweden, Västernorrland, Gudmundrå to Fred & Emma Quarnstrom. In 1910 his family emigrated from Sweden to Rapid River, Michigan. Known as Bert to his family, he was working as a railway clerk for the Soo Line in Gladstone, Michigan when he registered for the draft. He was inducted into Company 13, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 20, 1918. He now rests in Gladstone's Fernwood Cemetery with his parents.
Private Elmer Roos was born circa 1892. He was inducted into Company 2, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 27, 1918. He now rests in Oakhill Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Private Jacob “Jack” Rubin was born in Russian Poland on September 11, 1899. His father was Samuel Rubin. When he registered for the draft, he was a student at the University of Michigan and was employed by the Detroit Evening News. Jack was inducted into Company 7, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 11, 1918. He now rests in Ferndale, Michigan's Machpelah Cemetery.
Private Lisle Burneddette Saxton was born November 17, 1897 in Lakeview, Montcalm County, Michigan to Roy & Alice Saxton. His parents divorced when he was young. A lifelong resident of the area, he was a farmer in Montcalm County at the time of his draft registration. Shortly before he left for Ann Arbor, on September 23, 1918 he married Minnie Teske. He was inducted into Company 4 of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 27, 1918. He now rests with his mother in Lakeview Cemetery.
Private Joseph C. Schmidt was born September 22, 1896 in Menominee County, Michigan to German immigrants Ben & Magdalena Schmidt. Joseph was working on his father’s farm in Wallace, near the Wisconsin border, when he registered for the draft. He was inducted into Company 3, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 18, 1918. He now rests in Menominee’s Birch Creek Cemetery with his parents.
Private Ralph Orville Smith was born May 17, 1900 in New Castle, Pennsylvania to David & Mella Smith. A lifelong resident of the area, he graduated from New Castle High School, Class of 1918, where he was a football player fondly known as “Tubby”. Ralph was working as a dairy driver for the Edward Rieck Company in New Castle when he registered for the draft. He was inducted into Company 12, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 15, 1918. He now rests in New Castle’s Oak Park Cemetery with his parents.
Private Victor L. Spangle was born June 12, 1897 in Rome Township, Lenawee County, Michigan to Frank & Daisy Spangle. A lifelong resident of the greater Onsted area in Lenawee County, he was working as a carpenter when he registered for the draft. Victor was inducted into Company 2, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan. When he fell ill, he was sent home to Onsted. He died of influenza and pneumonia on October 28, 1918 and now rests with his parents in Onsted's Maple Shade Cemetery.
Private Ralph Blake Stallard was born January 12, 1899 in Pikeville, Kentucky to Dr. H. H. & Kate Stallard. Known as Blake, he was a lifelong resident of Pikeville and graduated from Pikeville College, Class of 1917. When he registered for the draft, he was working as a miner for the Blake Coal Company. Blake was inducted into Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 14, 1918. His mother, Kate, died of influenza and pneumonia just days later, on October 22nd. They now rest together in the Pikeville Cemetery.
Private Albert Dewey Summerfield was born July 29, 1898 in Michigan to William David & Mary Summerfield. Known as Bert, he was a resident of Brampton, Delta County, Michigan when he registered for the draft. He was inducted into Company 4, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 29, 1918. His sister Ruth, who resided in Flint at the time of his death, accompanied his body home to the Upper Peninsula. He now rests in Gladstone's Fernwood Cemetery with his parents.
Seaman Apprentice Franklin Mathew Thomas was born October 17, 1899 in Cleveland, Ohio, the only child of Clarence & Henrietta Thomas. At the time of the draft, he was a student enrolled at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He was inducted into the SNTC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on his nineteenth birthday, October 17, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Cleveland, Ohio's Riverside Cemetery.
Private Leonard James Thompson was born Aug 10, 1899 in Mesick, Michigan to Dudley & Mamie Thompson. At the time of the draft, he was living in Flint, Michigan and working at the Buick Motor Company. Leonard was inducted into Company 3 of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 30, 1918. He now rests with his parents in Manton's Fairview Cemetery in Wexford County, Michigan.
Private Milton Charles Tiedeman was born December 23, 1898 in Gloversville, New York to Frank & Elizabeth Tiedeman. In 1917 he entered Albion College in Michigan as a freshman. He was known as “Tee Dee” on campus, and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. In the fall of 1918 he was inducted into Company 19, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 15, 1918. He now rests in Ferndale Cemetery, Johnstown, New York, with his mother.
Corporal Lawrence M. Tubbs was born December 3, 1896 in Ottawa Lake, Michigan to Henry Clayton & Orpha Tubbs. His parents divorced when he was young. In 1913, Lawrence, his mother, and his sister Mary were all living together in Adrian, Michigan and all worked at F. W. Prentice & Company, a business that made screen doors. At the time of the draft, he was still living in Adrian, Michigan, and worked a variety of jobs as a laborer. Lawrence was inducted into Company 2, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 29, 1918. He now rests in Adrian's Oakwood Cemetery.
Private Herbert Alton Tuckey was born July 20, 1899 in Kalamazoo County, Michigan to Phillip & Rozella Tuckey. A lifelong resident of the area, he was working on his father’s farm in Oshtemo when he registered for the draft. He hoped for special training in auto mechanics. He was inducted into Company 2, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 24, 1918. He now rests in Oshtemo's Genessee Prairie Cemetery with his parents.
Private Charles Jesse Underwood was born February 13, 1899 in Michigan to Cyrus & Anna Underwood. A lifelong resident of Lenawee County, Michigan, he graduated from Tecumseh High School, Class of 1915. In 1916 he enrolled at the University of Michigan, and he was in Ann Arbor at the time of the draft. He was inducted into Company 14, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 23, 1918. His brother, Private David Underwood, Company B, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, A.E.F., had recently been killed in action while serving in France. Charles and David both rest with their parents in Lenawee County's Ridgeway Cemetery.
Private William Carl Voepel was born August 19, 1886 in Sebewaing, Michigan to German parents, Louis & Fredericka Voepel. His mother died of influenza in 1890, and his father remarried two years later. For roughly ten years, William worked as a rural mail carrier in Sebewaing. He eventually switched careers and became one of the most prominent young farmers in Sebewaing township. When he registered for the draft he was secretary of the Sebewaing Township Farmers’ Co-operative club. William was inducted into the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 14, 1918. He was a member of the masonic order - Wallace Lodge No. 434 F & AM, and Sebewaing Chapter O.E.S. He now rests in Saginaw’s Oakwood Cemetery with his father and stepmother, Bertha.
Private John Douglass Watson was born November 9, 1898 in Unadilla, Michigan to Albert & Mima Watson. He attended schools in both Chelsea and Gregory, Michigan. He was working as carpenter in Gregory when he registered for the draft. John was inducted into Company 16, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 24, 1918. He now rests in Unadilla Cemetery his mother and his sister Agnes.
Private Harold Duane Watterson was born August 11, 1896 in Cascade Township, Michigan to Supervisor William & Minnie Watterson. He graduated from South Grand Rapids High School in 1915. He was inducted into Company 3, Section B of the SATC at the University of Michigan, and was one of the students injured in Waterman Gymnasium when the floor collapsed. After recovering from the Waterman accident, he contracted the flu. He died of influenza and pneumonia on October 24, 1918, and now rests in Cascade Township’s Cascade Cemetery with his parents and several of his siblings.
Private Ewald August Wegner was born on October 6, 1897 in Detroit, Michigan to Emil & Wilhelmina Wegner. In 1900, the family moved to Gladwin, Michigan, where his father opened a grocery store. He graduated from Gladwin High School, and then attended Michigan State Normal School in Ypsilanti. At the time of his enlistment, he worked in the drafting department of Henry Ford & Son in Dearborn. He was inducted into Company 19, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 17, 1918. He now rests in Gladwin’s Highland Cemetery with his parents.
Private Clyde Edwin Worth was born on August 16, 1895 in East Jordan, Michigan to Wallace & Isabelle Worth. His family moved to Petoskey, Wolverine, Tower (where he graduated from high school), and finally Onaway. In 1917 he was farming and raising cattle in Montmorency County. He was inducted into Company 4 of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on November 1, 1918. He now rests in East Jordan’s Sunset Hill Cemetery with his parents.
Private Marion Clifford Wyland was born on September 3, 1898 in Harbor Springs, Michigan to Daniel & Mary Wyland. He graduated from Harbor Springs High School, class of 1915. At the time of the draft, Marion was living in Battle Creek, Michigan and was working as a freight trucker for the Michigan Central Railroad. He was inducted into Company 6, Section A of the SATC at the University of Michigan and died of influenza and pneumonia on October 16, 1918. He now rests in the Harbor Springs Lakeview Cemetery with his parents.
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