World War I Series - Sergeant Fred McFeters, KIA

 

Fred McFeters

Freddie, as he was called, was born in Washington Township on August 18, 1895, to George and Christina McFeters. According to the 1900 Federal Census, the family lived then in Paulding County, the parents with sons, Fred J. and Carl Ward. By 1910, the family lived on Jackson Street in Ney, now with two daughters, Helen and Margaret. A third daughter, Annie, died as an infant in 1905. At this time, Fred was 14 and working outside the home as a farm laborer for a local farmer.

On June 19, 1916, at the age of 20, Fred enlisted in the army and became a private in Company G of the 6th Infantry of the Ohio National Guard. He was involved in U. S. Army activity along the Mexico-Texas border in 1916-1917. When the 6th Ohio National Guard returned from that assignment, they were transferred to the 147th Infantry, 37th Division, later to be called the "Rainbow Division." A promotion to Corporal followed on April 15, 1917.

In late December of 1917, he took a furlough home to get married to Miss Nellie Young of Defiance on December 31.  Theresa Rosella McFeters was born from this marriage.

After returning to his company, Fred was promoted to sergeant.  On June 22, 1918, he and several men from the area departed from Newport News, Virginia on the troop transport, "Pocahontas," for France. Once there, he joined his unit in the Argonne Forest region.

Company G was engaged with the Germans near the town of Cierges in late September near the Argonne Forest. It was there Fred McFeters was killed in action on September 28, 1918.  

He was originally buried in a cemetery in Cierges-Meuse. In June, 1919, his body was reburied in the Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon.

His commander sent a heartfelt letter to Fred's wife, and it was printed in the Sherwood Chronicle on December 27, 1918, page 5:

"Captain McKay Pays Beautiful Tribute to Sgt. Fred McFeters

Somewhere in France, November 20, 1918

Mrs. Fred McFeters, Ney, Ohio

My Dear Mrs. McFeters- was just informed this morning of Fred's death while leading his section on the Verdun front sometime in October. It was an awful shock to me, for he was one of my best men.

I have been away from the company since September 1st, and owing to our strict censorship, did not receive any notice of casualties until this a.m.

Fred has been with me since June, 1916, and was always ready and willing to perform the task allotted him cheerfully and willingly.

Was one of my best boys, a credit to his country, our flag and himself.  I realize your irreparable loss in this, your sacred offering to the cause we all feel is right and just.  And hope that it may be some condolence to you and his parents to know that your husband and their son fulfilled with that splendid spirit and determination so characteristic of the American soldier, his great part in this terrible drama.  His memory will never be forgotten by his comrades.

Kindly accept my dearest condolences and kindly convey the same to the bereaved parents.

Yours for deepest sympathy,

Albert B. DeKay

Captain U.S. Infantry, American E.F., France"

In 1921, his body was disinterred and and sent home by request of the family. He was put to rest with many of his family in the Moats Cemetery, north of Sherwood, Ohio.

The Defiance Crescent reported on December 7, 1918 on the front page:

"At the M.E. church at Ney Sunday afternoon, very appropriate memorial services were held for Sergeant Fred McFeters, who went west at the fighting in Belleau Wood (Argonne Forest) in France, October 1, (*September 28).  Fred was a Washington township boy and saw service on the Mexican border in 1916-1917, while in the machine gun company of the old Sixth Ohio. 

At Camp Sheridan, Ala., he was transferred to the new famous Rainbow division, which did such effective work.  While at home on furlough, he was married Jan. 1 (*December 31, 1917) to Miss Nellie Young of Defiance.  His mother lives near Ney, where he has numerous relatives in that vicinity."

The Sherwood Chronicle also noted on September 23, 1921 on page 1:

"A number from Sherwood attended the funeral of Sgt. Fred McFeters who was killed overseas, at Moats M.E. church Sunday morning, Rev. Morris, officiating, assisted by Rev. Dentel.

The body had arrived on Friday at the home of his mother, Mrs. Lee Poast on the LaVergne farm. The funeral, it is claimed was the largest ever held in this church.  Interment was made in Moats cemetery."

In Memoriam

Fred McFeters

Guest Author - Dan Hasch