World War I Series - Private Frank Robert Vollmer, Killed in Action

 

FRANK R. VOLLMER

Born in Washington Township on February 1, 1893, to Robert and Anna C. Vollmer, Frank grew up on their farm with his younger brother, Dale.  

In the Federal Census of 1910, he was 17 and worked on the family farm. He registered for the draft on June 5, 1917 at the age of 24. By that time, he had an outside job as a farm laborer on the farm of H F. Burgbacher in Washington Township. He was single, of medium height and build with dark green eyes and dark brown hair.

The Defiance Democrat announced his marriage on May 30, 1918:

"Frank R. Vollmer, son of Robert Vollmer, and Lottie, daughter of John Billow, were married at Bryan, May 14th by Rev. H. Henkleman and will live in the H. F. Burgbacher's tenant home."

Frank left his new wife and mustered into the American Expeditionary Forces in Defiance on July 21, 1918.  He began in the 336th Infantry, Company G, 94th Division, and embarked from Hoboken, New Jersey, overseas. He went into the battle on the Meuse-Argonne in France and was killed in action on October 27, 1918.

The Bryan Press announced Frank's memorial service on January 16, 1919:

"Memorial Service.  Memorial service was held Sunday morning at the Immanual Lutheran church, south of Bryan for Frank Robert Vollmer, who fell in battle in France.

Frank Robert Vollmer was born February 1, 1893, the first child of Robert and Anna Vollmer. 

May 14, 1918, he united in marriage with Lottie M. Billow.

Soon after he was called to the oolors. July 22, he left for Camp Sherman where he stayed about four weeks, was transferred to Camp Mills, and after a training of two weeks was sent to France.

From 'Over There' he wrote two letters, the one dated Sept. 27 and the last Oct.15.  Both expressed the hope of victory and a speedy return.  But man proposes, God disposes. A long silence followed, and this silence was sadly interrupted by a message to Mrs. Frank Vollmer, reading as follows:

'Washington, D.C., Jan. 4, 1919

Dear Madam:

Deeply regret to inform you that Private Frank R. Vollmer, Infantry, is officially reported as killed in action October 27.    Harris, Adjutant- General.'

Our young brother attained an age of 25 years, eight months and 26 days.  He leaves to mourn his young wife, his parents, his brother, many friends and our whole Sunday School and congregation.

The deceased young brother was a model Christian and set a good example for all young people he came in contact with.  His memory shall remain a blessing for us all."

The Sherwood Chronicle also reported the memorial service for Frank on January 17, 1919:

"Memorial services were held by Rev. Frederick Henkleman at Emanuel Lutheran church, Sunday, January 5, for Frank R. Vollmer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Vollmer.  He was married May 14, 1918 to Lottie Billow, went to camp a few weeks afterwards, and was killed at the front October 27.  He was an exemplary young man."

"Relatives came to attend the memorial service held Sunday morning at a church near Ney for Frank R. Vollmer, a nephew of the former (Mrs. Frank Partee) who was killed in France."

Frank was first buried in an isolated grave on the battlefield near Romagne-sous Montfaucon.  He was disinterred and reburied in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. Mrs. Lottie Vollmer,his wife, Route 1, Ney, was informed of this change on May 13, 1920.

Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Block C, Row 9, Grave 20

In 1929, the U.S. War Department offered to send the mothers of deceased soldiers buried overseas to their soldier's grave, calling it the Mothers' Pilgrimage. Anna requested a pilgrimage trip in 1930, but no evidence could be found whether she took the trip or not.

In Memoriam

Frank R. Vollmer

1893 - 1918