The World War I Series - George D. Jackson

 

George Dorsey Jackson

Charles Wesley Jackson and Pluma A. (Dorsey) Jackson of Scipio Township, Allen County, Indiana were the parents of one son, George Dorsey Jackson.  Born on January 28, 1895, George was born at the old homestead farm about 2.5 miles from Hicksville across the state line. In all of George's military records, his address was given at R.F.D. 4, Hicksville and the family attended church there. George had one older sister, Birdena. 

 In the 1910 census, George, at 15, helped his father on the home farm. He lost his mother in 1904 when a young boy, so his mother's cousin, Sarah Dorsey moved in with the family to help with housekeeping and care of the children.  

When he was 22, he filled out his World War I Draft Registration card, as required, on June 5, 1918.  He described himself as tall and slender with blue eyes and light hair. Single and a self-employed farmer, his address was Hicksville, but he farmed in Scipio Township in Indiana.

George went into the American Expeditionary Forces on December 12, 1917, and after training in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, he went overseas in March, 1918.  He was assigned to Company K, Machine Gun Battallion, 38th Regiment, Third Division.  

The Hicksville Tribune reported on Thursday, April 25, 1918, that he had safely arrived in France:

"Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Jackson are in receipt of a post card announcing the safe arrival in France of their son, George D. Jackson of Co. K, 38th Regiment, expeditionary forces.

He pays the Red Cross a handsome compliment for its treatment and looking after the soldier boys.  The young man is the first known Scipio township boy to land in France, as near as can be told."

Just a few short months later, he was killed at the Second Battle of the Marne. That battle began on July 15 near the city of Paris when 23 German divisions attacked the French armies. The Allies counterattacked, adding the use of tanks, and eventually defeated the Germans, but it was too late for George Jackson.

 

The papers reported that George had been killed in action while operating a machine gun along the western front.  Buried first in France, his body was not sent home until 1921 when he was reburied in Scipio Cemetery and a funeral service was held at Scipio Methodist Church.

His informative obituary appeared in the Hicksville Tribune on Thursday, July 21, 1921:

"JACKSON, GEORGE DORSEY

George Dorsey Jackson, only son of Charles W. Jackson and Pluma Dorsey Jackson, was born in Scipiio township, Allen county, Indiana, January 28, 1895 and gave his life for his country and humanity, Monday, July 22, 1918.

March 12, 1904, when but nine years of age, he suffered a great bereavement in the death of his mother

He was born on lands which were purchased from the United States August 5, 1837, by his great grandfather, Thomas Jackson, who migrated from Mottrm, England to America in 1829.  He was born n the house that was formerly occupied by his ancestor, and with the exception of a few years, all of his life was spent on the ancestral farm.  This farm has been in the ownership of his great grandfather, grandfather and father from the date that the U.S. parted with its title to it until this day. And it was the expectation of the father that some day this farm would be owned by George.

Upon graduation from the schools of this township, he took a commercial course at Fort Wayne and then two years at the Winona College of Agriculture from which he graduated in 1912.

December 12, 1917, he voluntarily enlisted in the military service of the United States at Fort Wayne, and after training, he was sent to France in March 1918 where he was assigned to Company K of the 38th Infantry. In this service, he and two comrades were engaged in operating an automatic rifle. At the Second Battle of the Marne, in the midst of heroic action, he passed into the life beyond. 

 Deceased had a good intellect and a lovable disposition.  He was kind to all he came in contact.  He was ever devoted to his family and loved his home and life work most dearly.  During his military service, his mind ws ever on his loved ones and home.

The last letter deceased penned to his family before his death bears the date of 13th of July, 1918, which was received by them after they were advised of his death, contains this touching paragraph concerning his dear sister, Birdena, and his old ancestral home:

'Was asleep this forenooon and dreamed of being at home.  Thought I came in from the barn and Birdena was baking a cake. Just then they woke me up and it nearly broke my heart to find it nothing but a dream. Such is life.'  

He concluded his letter with these words: 'It was just seven months ago that I enlisted. Can think of nothing more, write often and take good care of yourselves.'

He was interested in the Sabbath schools, and was a member of the Brotherhood class of the Methodist church of Hicksville.  Shortly before entering the service of his country, he ws made an Entered Apprentice in Hicksville Lodge of Masons, but on account of enlisting, he did not have the opportunity of taking any further degrees.

Of his own household he leaves heartbroken, his dear parents, Mr and Mrs. Charles W. Jackson; his devoted sister, Mrs. Earl Omo and husband, and an affectionate cousin, Miss Sarah Dorsey."

"CARD OF THANKS - We declare in this way to thank the American Legion and all the friends who were so kind to us and honored our dead soldier boy. The flower gifts wer beautiful, the music splendid, and the pastor's address consoling indeed.  We are thankful to all from the depths of our hearts.  Charles W. Jackson and family."

In Memoriam

George Dorsey Jackson