World War I Series - Earl R. Myers

 

EARL R. MYERS

Earl R. (LeRoy) Myers began life in Paulding County, Ohio, on September 18, 1897. The son of Peter and Mary Myers, he was the youngest child listed on the 1900 census with five older siblings. At two, he was called Earlie. Within the next five years, the family would take up residence in Hicksville Township.

At 19 years old, Earl enlisted in the Ohio National Guard, Company E, 2nd Infantry where he stayed until October 16, 1917, when his unit was included in the Army as Company L, 146th Infantry. The group trained in Camp Sheridan, Alabama, then just a piece of land with cotton fields and wastelands. Construction took place on the grounds at the same time as their training. 

     (Not Earl Myers, but another soldier from the 147th Infantry)

Unfortunately, Earl became quite sick in the camp, sick enough that his father came down to Alabama to help in his recovery. In the process, Earl missed the departure of his Company L for France, so he was attached then to Company M, 147th Infantry for the rest of his military time.

Private Earl Myers left for France where he was killed in action on September 29, 1918 in the Meuse Argonne offensive. Months later, the parents were notified and a notice was published.

In the Hicksville Tribune on page 3 of the Jan.30, 1919, paper, a letter appeared from one of Earl's commanders to the local Lutheran Pastor, Rev. Geo. F. Dittmer, who must have inquired about more information on Earl's death.

Earl was first buried in a temporary cemetery near the battlefield, as shown below in the photo, near Epinonville. Later, he was disinterred and moved to Grave 56, Section 61, plot 2 in the Argonne American Cemetery where he received his white cross to mark the gravesite.

Temporary gravesites near the battlefield

Earl' family held a memorial service for him in late January,1919, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Hicksville. His obituary appeared in the January 23, 1919, Hicksville Tribune on page. 4:

"Myers, Earl LeRoy, youngest son of Peter Myers, was born near Payne, Ohio, September 18, 1897.  He died in action in France while fighting for his country, September 29, 1918.  His early life closed at the youthful age of 21 years and 11 days.

He was seven years old when the family came to Defiance county and located on the present homestead north of Hicksville, amidst pleasant surroundings and the comfort of a good Christian home, he grew to manhood.

His parents dedicated him to God by Holy Baptism in early infancy and was confirmed in the Lutheran Church, March 20, 1910, remained a faithful communicant member until death.  Even while in camp, he did not forget his church, but voluntarily continued his contribution for its support.

When declaration was made that a state of war existed and the conscription law was passed, he was not old enough to be drafted, but on June 4, 1917, the day before the first registration, he volunteered and enlisted in Company E..

He left Hicksville with the company September 30th for Camp Sheridan, Alabama. At camp, the company was merged and he became a member of Co. L, the 146th Infantry.  While at camp, he became seriously sick with measles and pneumonia, but with a timely visit of his father,he grew better and completely recovered.

June found the Company at Camp Lee, ready for duty overseas.  In early July, they landed in France.  Early August found him again in hospital due to mumps.  His company, in the meantime, moved forward.  When he recovered, he was put in Company M of the 147th Infantry.

His last letter was dated September 8th and November 25th, word was received that he had been killed in action September 29.  This message, received so long after the armistice, came as a great shock to the community and especially, the bereaved family.

He was a fine young man. Physically strong, tall, erect, with a soldierly bearing, morally clean, upright and conscientious. He had a high sense of honor. Homesick as he often was, he would not make a mis-statement to get to go home, saying he would rather not have a furlough than gain it dishonestly.

He was the noblest type of patriotism, not of words, but of deeds. Quietly, without ado, he did what he thought was his duty. His patriotism was manifest to all.  For this, he volunteered, for this he endured great hardships, sufferings and sacrifices. For this, he gave at last the full measure of devotion, the supreme sacrifice of life itself.

An impressive service was held at St. John's Lutheran Church Sunday, in memory of the departed."

CARD OF THANKS.

We take this means of thanking the community for the deep sympathy and interest taken in the loss of our loved son and brother. We thank also the pastor for the glowing tribute and consoling words. Also the choir for the appropriate and excellent music.

Peter Myers and Children"

In Memoriam

Earl LeRoy Myers