William D. "Will" Peterson (1890-1918)
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The following article, found in the Local History Files at the Lowell Public Library (LH--Vital Statistics, vol. 5, page 1), comes from the Oct. 18, 1918, Lake County Star:
- Lowell people were saddened by the news of the death of Will Peterson last Monday. He was one of our soldiers training at Park Field, Memphis, Tenn., and a more popular boy among his friends and acquaintances would be hard to find. His mother, who idolized Will has kept the picture of her boy in soldier's uniform wreathed with flowers all summer and has been eagerly awaiting the time when he could come home on a furlough. She has the sincerest sympathy of the entire community in her hour of sorrow.
death notice from The Lowell Tribune, Oct. 24, 1918:
- Will Peterson, pneumonia, Memphis, Tenn., October 14.
This article from an unknown source was found in the Local History Files at the Lowell Public Library (LH--Vital Statistics, vol. 2, page 31):
- William D. Peterson was the second of our soldier boys to succomb to the dread disease, pneumonia, within the week. The first intimation that he was sick was when a telegram came Sunday afternoon saying he was seriously ill. His brother Edward started Monday morning for his bedside, but soon after he left on the morning train a telegram came telling of his death. The body will be shipped back to Lowell for burial. The funeral will be held at the home of his mother today at 10 a.m.
- Will was anxious to get into the army as soon as war was declared and as soon as he could get arrangements made he enlisted, and was assigned to the 166th Aero Squadron and was sent to San Antonio, Texas, where he remained until a few weeks ago when he was sent to Memphis, Tenn.
- Lowell mourns today with the bereaved families of two brave soldier boys who have given their lives in defense of their flag, and we at home when we think that we are sacrificing more than is really necessary, just think of these two boys who have offered up their lives that the world could be made better.
This article from an unknown source was found in the Local History Files at the Lowell Public Library (LH--Vital Statistics, vol.2, page 27):
- William D. Peterson, youngest son of George and Adeline Peterson, was born in Lowell, Ind., August 22, 1890, and died at the military camp in Memphis, Tenn., October 14, 1918, at the age of 28 years, 1 month and 22 days.
- Will was a young man who had the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was always happy, and had a very genial disposition, and with these traits he had made a host of friends, who today mourn the death of their dear friend.
- When war was declared, he felt the call of his country and enlisted in the army, being assigned to Aero Squadron 160, and he was sent to San Antonio, Texas, where he remained until a few weeks ago when he was transferred to Memphis, Tenn. He became proficient enough in his work in the army that he filled the position of Corporal.
- While at San Antonio, he was converted, joining the M.E. church, and a few weeks ago he placed his membership with the Lowell M.E. church.
- He leaves to mourn him, his aged mother, four brothers, four sisters and a host of relatives and friends.
- Funeral services were held at the home of his mother Thursday at 10 a.m. Rev. C.A. Brown, pastor of the M.E. church preached the funeral sermon. Interment in the Lowell cemetery. The following Woodsmen and Sons of Veterans acted as pall bearers: H. Gershman, E.S. Phillips, Harry Wheeler, George Wilson, Clark Leary, and L.W. Ragon.
Go to Willam D. Peterson, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
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