I
received your letter of October the tenth, which was the first I have received
since I left the states. I sure was glad to get it; was glad to get the
clipping from the paper too.
Please
send me some of the home papers for I sure like to get some news from home.
Sorry
to hear that Mrs. Buth was sick, but I suppose she is better now as your letter
was a month on the way.
Tell
Charley Haas that I said he won’t be sorry if he gets over here because I sure
am glad I got here. I wouldn’t stay home for all of John D. Rockfellow’s pile
while this war is going on. They could not hire me to leave before it is over
as the worst thing on earth is a slacker or draft dodger. I have some
experiences since I got over but we are not allowed to tell very much so I
can’t tell you what I have seen.
The
longer one stays over here in the army the more he realizes the value of a
country like ours and the more willing he is to risk his life in fighting for
the Stars and Stripes.
I
am getting used to this army life now and am rather enjoying it, regardless of
the hardships of army life.
You
did not give me Al’s address and I have not got it so I can’t write to him but
would like to. He may be somewhere near here and I may be able to find him if I
know what company and division he is in.
Did
you get the handkerchief I sent you?
Well,
it is nearly time to turn in so will ring off for this time. With love to all.
Your
son, Pvt. Floyd F. Fuller, 6 Aero Park, A.E.F. France
I have been in
France for some time. Most of the boys on our transport had a touch of
seasickness, but I happened to be one of the lucky ones that didn’t get sick,
although it had me guessing for the first couple of days. I never did sleep as
much in my life as I did on board of ship. We had to go to bed early and get up
at 6:30 in the morning. We had our signal corps band with us and they played
twice a day, that is, when the sea wasn’t too rough. We also had a number of
boxing matches and different stunts pulled off for the past time going over.
Boat drill was our real excitement, we had it about every other day. We finally
sighted land, and say, you could notice the change it made on the men. The sick
got well in about five minutes. After we left the boat we went to a rest camp
for 24 hours, then boarded a train and rode for two days. I myself don’t like
to railroad system here. The 1-2-3-class stuff gets my goat. I rode in 2nd
class and that wasn’t anything to brag about, it was too crowed for long rides.
Four of the coaches here are about the size of one of the C. M. & St.
coaches.
We went through
some very pretty country. The farmers believe in hard work here, they cut grain
with a scythe and hoe the corn and potatoes. They use one horse to do the
hauling and oxen for the heavy work.
We were
quartered in a small village and there were a number of vacant houses which we
could occupy. We did some hard training for a couple of days, then we had to
instruct dough boys. We sure did some hiking here or anywhere else was 41 miles
in 21 hours. The men were rather sore footed for a week, including myself, but
little things like that couldn’t be stopped for. Every place or town we get to
here is full of American soldiers. I should think they would be rather scarce
back there. Going from one town to another we find the people very much the
same. Once in a while I would see a Frenchman home on a furlough, but very few.
I wish I could speak as well of the roads in the United States as I can of
these. They are all paved with rock and are about a road and a half wide. Even
the roads that are not used much are paved. It sure is great for automobiles
and motorcycles. Every move we made we got closer to the front. We don’t bother
as much about our clothes pressing as we did at Levenworth. Our next move was
by truck train to a pretty good sized town (Vignal). We were there a short time
then moved to where I am now at the front. I operate a telephone switchboard
and am in a dugout all the time. At night I have electric lights and in the day
time use candles. A bunch of us had a little excitement the other day. When
shells are falling we all go and hunt a hole. One of our boys got a little
excited and not seeing a bunch ahead of him, fell over one of the others in his
haste, then he wouldn’t take time to get up and run but made it to the dugout
on his hands and knees. We have some funny things like this pull off here about
every day. The cook says we don’t get breakfast if we won’t furnish the wood.
Well we won’t be chopping wood in France very much longer. Well I must say
goodbye. From the man that is looking across “no man’s land.” I am, Sincerely
yours,
Private Reinhold H. Jakobitz, 6th Fld. Sig. Corps. 6th Div. A.E.F.
Editor’s Note: We do not have a photograph of Reinhold H. Jakobitz.
Three
Renville Boys Reported Killed in Action the Past Two Weeks – Six from Here
Killed in The War
Renville and
vicinity has been harder hit thru the causalities of the war than any other
town in Renville county.
Dick W. Bakker
Dick W. Bakker July 3, 1883 – October 5, 1918
On Thursday
night the fateful message came to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bakker of Crooks from the
war department at Washington that their son Dick W. Bakker had been killed in
action on the western front in France on Oct. 6th. Although this can
be expected when troops are in action at the front yet is came as a shock to
his parents and many friends in this vicinity. Dick was a good boy, one any
community could be proud of. Free from bad habits his life was one the young
men of his acquaintance could follow and be sure they led alright. But his time
had come to do service for his country and follow the flag to victory or death.
His was a noble sacrifice and he secured a golden star. It was a duty well
performed and he leaves a name that might well be envied thru coming
generations. The boys that “went over the top” in those fateful days brought
home the armistice that makes for peace of the world a few weeks later.
The subject of
this sketch was born in Crooks township on July 3, 1893. He was raised on the
farm and attended country school. He came to Renville some three years ago and
accepted the position as manager of Columbia Elevator here. He resigned this
position to get ready to enter the service On May 29th the men
called at that time met at Olivia and after a reception in their honor were
ordered to Camp Lewis, Wash. From there they went to Camp Kearney, Calif., and
on or about Aug 11 sailed for France. He belonged to the 40th
Division.
John Kronlokken
John Kronlokken February 8, 1889 – November 2, 1918
On Dec. 3 a
telegram from Adjutant General Harris at Washington, D.C. was received stating
that Private John Kronlokken Inf. was officially reported as being killed in
action Nov. 2.
John Kronlokken
was born on the Kronlokken homestead one mile south of Renville, Feb 8, 1889.
He was 29 years, 8 months and 24 days old at the time of his death. He received
his education in the Renville public schools and was a member of the first 8th
grade graduation class, the class of 1906. He grew up to manhood in our midst
remaining at home until his father’s death in 1910, and for five years more
helping to run the home farm.
In the spring
of 1915 he left for an extended trip thru the western states, spending the
winter and early spring in Oregon, Washington and California.
In the early
summer the barn on his farm northeast of Renville was burned by lightning
necessitating his immediate return home to look after the interests of his
farm.
John claimed no
exemption because of agriculture reasons but immediately sold his farm and made
all the necessary preparations to join the colors when his turn should come.
He left June 24th
for Camp Grant, Illinois and was a member of Co. A. in the 341st
Inf., 86th Black Hawk Division.
On Aug. 19th
he was transferred to Camp Upton at New York. He sailed from there about Sept.
7th and after stopping off at England landed in France about Sept.
22nd. A letter dated Oct. 17 stated that he had been transferred to
Co. L 353rd Inf. and was right behind the line with some boys that
had been “over the top” and had done some very good work.
John Kronlokken
was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church of our city. He was one of the
last stars placed on the N.L. Church service flag but is the first to be
changed to gold. His characteristics were good habits loving disposition, very
optimistic and a good neighbor. Besides his mother Mrs. Kari Kronlokken he
leaves to mourn his loss five brothers, and four sisters, Mrs. Nels (Martha)
Engen, Oscar P., Mrs. Ole (Clara) Johnson Jr. of Sacred Heart. Carl A., Lars A.
Knute L., Mrs. Thore (Caroline) Danielson, Lillian P. of Renville and Elmer J.
of Bottineau, N.D.
Due to the
present influenza epidemic memorial services have been postponed to some future
date.
Thomas Flannigan
Thomas Flannigan July 10, 1889 – October 23, 1918
Thus another
life has been sacrificed on the altar of his country. The subject of this
sketch was born on a farm South of Olivia on July 10th 1890. When a
small boy his father died. At the age of 10 years he came to A. F. Brasch’s
where he made his home for 8 years. Later he went to North Dakota a few years.
When he returned he worked and made his home mostly in Emmett township.
He was with the
boys who left for Camp Grant on June 24th. From there he went to
Camp Upton New York and in September he went overseas to France. His sister at
Olivia received the government message of his death stating he was killed in
action on Oct. 23 on the Western front in France. He was a good natured hard
working boy. Everyone liked him and he had many friends who will miss him. He
leaves a mother, 4 sisters and 2 brothers and the A. F. Brasch family where he
made his home so long who will realize his loss. He died for his country and
human freedom in the world and his name will go down in history as one of the
heroes of his time.
I sure have
thought of home a lot the last few weeks. Wonder how you all are at home. I am
real well and never felt better in my life and today I feel extra good, as last
night was the first time I had my clothing or shoes off for three weeks. Have
been up in the front line trenches and it sure is a strain on the men and
especially the officers. We finished our relief night before last and marched
back here. in the reserves where we can write a little of what has passed.
About all I can say tho is that we had a very successful time while at the
front and it sure is exciting and keep on their nerves all the time. Also can
say that I was out on patrol which quite an honor for new officers as they only
send experienced men on patrol.
Just received 2
letters from you today and sure was glad to get them. The last one was dated
Sept. 30 and it came over the quickest of any we have yet received.
Am glad your
wheat turned out so good. It doesn’t cost much to live here where there isn’t a
thing to buy and no clothing to buy as all we wear is our very worst on account
of the mud. It rains most of the time here but we soon get used to that and
don’t mind it much. Was glad to get Louis Cottle’s address and will write to
him sometime and if I get any time off will go to see him. Would awfully well
like to get the Star Farmer if I could. We have been busy reading papers today
and it is quite a treat to get back where you can get a New York Tribune every
day. They have a branch office over here.
We were all
quite impressed with Wilson’s answer to Germany and think he said the right
thing. Also see that you are having some big forest fires up North again. I
hope they will get them stopped soon. You can send this letter to the girls and
save me writing the same thing over. I haven’t written to anyone except you
since I left and I think I will have a little time tomorrow to write to some of
my friends. Don’t worry about me Mother as I will get thru this war all O.K.
and be home before you know it as it can’t last much longer.
With all my love for you all, Lt. M. F. Williams, A.E.F. France
Editor’s Note: We do not have a photograph of M. Frank Williams.
Edward C. Wallner September 25, 1888 – March 21, 1972
The following
is a letter from E C. Wallner, written from England to his uncle, W. D. Wallner
of Buffalo Lake.
Somewhere in
England, October 9th, 1918
Dear Uncle
William:
Undoubtedly
this letter from me coming from oversea will be somewhat of a surprise as we
never did much along the corresponding line. Well let that be as it may, the
fact remains that I am in the writing spirit and a few words to you regarding
my will being and location would not be misspent, so here goes:
I am just
recovering from a serious attack of influenza, an epidemic that is spreading
all over Europe, and I understand is also gaining headway in the states. I am
in a base hospital near London where scores of soldiers are under the constant
care of doctors and nurses. Quite a number of unfortunate victims have passed
away in death here. It is a terrible disease that causes one to feel awfully
ill and at times delirious. I was very sick, but as I am not what you would
call a weakling physically, it takes more than influenza to put me under the
ground. Upon our arrival in port I was taken ill, together with hundreds of
others was taken to this point in a hospital train. They carried me to a Red
Cross Ambulance on a stretcher and hurried to the hospital where I am getting
good treatment.
Present
indications point to an early peace, as the huns are being whipped to a frazzle
daily. They are crying for peace and if they submit to President Wilson’s 14
points peace will be declared soon. You people know very little about the war
“over there.” It is a common sight to see Americans with limbs and arms severed
or otherwise badly wounded going about on crutches.
It would be a
great pleasure for me to give you folks more of an idea of what is going on
here, but as every letter sent to America by the boys here, is censored it is
impossible to do so. One might write something that would give aid to the enemy
in carrying on their bloody warfare against us. At present they are falling
back under heavy fire and are burning villages in their retreat.
Well my supply
of paper is running short so I must come to a close. Hoping that all are
enjoying the very best of health and with best regards to all, I am your
nephew, E. C. Wallner
Posted: February 22, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from Floyd Fuller, Morton Enterprise, 12-13-1918
January 14, 1900 – August 14, 1993
Floyd Fuller Writes from France
Somewhere in France, Nov. 10, 1918
Dear parents,
I received your letter of October the tenth, which was the first I have received since I left the states. I sure was glad to get it; was glad to get the clipping from the paper too.
Please send me some of the home papers for I sure like to get some news from home.
Sorry to hear that Mrs. Buth was sick, but I suppose she is better now as your letter was a month on the way.
Tell Charley Haas that I said he won’t be sorry if he gets over here because I sure am glad I got here. I wouldn’t stay home for all of John D. Rockfellow’s pile while this war is going on. They could not hire me to leave before it is over as the worst thing on earth is a slacker or draft dodger. I have some experiences since I got over but we are not allowed to tell very much so I can’t tell you what I have seen.
The longer one stays over here in the army the more he realizes the value of a country like ours and the more willing he is to risk his life in fighting for the Stars and Stripes.
I am getting used to this army life now and am rather enjoying it, regardless of the hardships of army life.
You did not give me Al’s address and I have not got it so I can’t write to him but would like to. He may be somewhere near here and I may be able to find him if I know what company and division he is in.
Did you get the handkerchief I sent you?
Well, it is nearly time to turn in so will ring off for this time. With love to all.
Your son, Pvt. Floyd F. Fuller, 6 Aero Park, A.E.F. France
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Posted: February 22, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from Reinhold Jakobitz, Buffalo Lake News, 12-13-1918
October 5th, 1918
Buffalo Lake News, Buffalo Lake, Minn.
Dear Friends:
I have been in France for some time. Most of the boys on our transport had a touch of seasickness, but I happened to be one of the lucky ones that didn’t get sick, although it had me guessing for the first couple of days. I never did sleep as much in my life as I did on board of ship. We had to go to bed early and get up at 6:30 in the morning. We had our signal corps band with us and they played twice a day, that is, when the sea wasn’t too rough. We also had a number of boxing matches and different stunts pulled off for the past time going over. Boat drill was our real excitement, we had it about every other day. We finally sighted land, and say, you could notice the change it made on the men. The sick got well in about five minutes. After we left the boat we went to a rest camp for 24 hours, then boarded a train and rode for two days. I myself don’t like to railroad system here. The 1-2-3-class stuff gets my goat. I rode in 2nd class and that wasn’t anything to brag about, it was too crowed for long rides. Four of the coaches here are about the size of one of the C. M. & St. coaches.
We went through some very pretty country. The farmers believe in hard work here, they cut grain with a scythe and hoe the corn and potatoes. They use one horse to do the hauling and oxen for the heavy work.
We were quartered in a small village and there were a number of vacant houses which we could occupy. We did some hard training for a couple of days, then we had to instruct dough boys. We sure did some hiking here or anywhere else was 41 miles in 21 hours. The men were rather sore footed for a week, including myself, but little things like that couldn’t be stopped for. Every place or town we get to here is full of American soldiers. I should think they would be rather scarce back there. Going from one town to another we find the people very much the same. Once in a while I would see a Frenchman home on a furlough, but very few. I wish I could speak as well of the roads in the United States as I can of these. They are all paved with rock and are about a road and a half wide. Even the roads that are not used much are paved. It sure is great for automobiles and motorcycles. Every move we made we got closer to the front. We don’t bother as much about our clothes pressing as we did at Levenworth. Our next move was by truck train to a pretty good sized town (Vignal). We were there a short time then moved to where I am now at the front. I operate a telephone switchboard and am in a dugout all the time. At night I have electric lights and in the day time use candles. A bunch of us had a little excitement the other day. When shells are falling we all go and hunt a hole. One of our boys got a little excited and not seeing a bunch ahead of him, fell over one of the others in his haste, then he wouldn’t take time to get up and run but made it to the dugout on his hands and knees. We have some funny things like this pull off here about every day. The cook says we don’t get breakfast if we won’t furnish the wood. Well we won’t be chopping wood in France very much longer. Well I must say goodbye. From the man that is looking across “no man’s land.” I am, Sincerely yours,
Private Reinhold H. Jakobitz, 6th Fld. Sig. Corps. 6th Div. A.E.F.
Editor’s Note: We do not have a photograph of Reinhold H. Jakobitz.
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Posted: February 22, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
They Made The Supreme Sacrifice, Renville Star Farmer, 12-12-1918
Three Renville Boys Reported Killed in Action the Past Two Weeks – Six from Here Killed in The War
Renville and vicinity has been harder hit thru the causalities of the war than any other town in Renville county.
Dick W. Bakker
July 3, 1883 – October 5, 1918
On Thursday night the fateful message came to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bakker of Crooks from the war department at Washington that their son Dick W. Bakker had been killed in action on the western front in France on Oct. 6th. Although this can be expected when troops are in action at the front yet is came as a shock to his parents and many friends in this vicinity. Dick was a good boy, one any community could be proud of. Free from bad habits his life was one the young men of his acquaintance could follow and be sure they led alright. But his time had come to do service for his country and follow the flag to victory or death. His was a noble sacrifice and he secured a golden star. It was a duty well performed and he leaves a name that might well be envied thru coming generations. The boys that “went over the top” in those fateful days brought home the armistice that makes for peace of the world a few weeks later.
The subject of this sketch was born in Crooks township on July 3, 1893. He was raised on the farm and attended country school. He came to Renville some three years ago and accepted the position as manager of Columbia Elevator here. He resigned this position to get ready to enter the service On May 29th the men called at that time met at Olivia and after a reception in their honor were ordered to Camp Lewis, Wash. From there they went to Camp Kearney, Calif., and on or about Aug 11 sailed for France. He belonged to the 40th Division.
John Kronlokken
February 8, 1889 – November 2, 1918
On Dec. 3 a telegram from Adjutant General Harris at Washington, D.C. was received stating that Private John Kronlokken Inf. was officially reported as being killed in action Nov. 2.
John Kronlokken was born on the Kronlokken homestead one mile south of Renville, Feb 8, 1889. He was 29 years, 8 months and 24 days old at the time of his death. He received his education in the Renville public schools and was a member of the first 8th grade graduation class, the class of 1906. He grew up to manhood in our midst remaining at home until his father’s death in 1910, and for five years more helping to run the home farm.
In the spring of 1915 he left for an extended trip thru the western states, spending the winter and early spring in Oregon, Washington and California.
In the early summer the barn on his farm northeast of Renville was burned by lightning necessitating his immediate return home to look after the interests of his farm.
John claimed no exemption because of agriculture reasons but immediately sold his farm and made all the necessary preparations to join the colors when his turn should come.
He left June 24th for Camp Grant, Illinois and was a member of Co. A. in the 341st Inf., 86th Black Hawk Division.
On Aug. 19th he was transferred to Camp Upton at New York. He sailed from there about Sept. 7th and after stopping off at England landed in France about Sept. 22nd. A letter dated Oct. 17 stated that he had been transferred to Co. L 353rd Inf. and was right behind the line with some boys that had been “over the top” and had done some very good work.
John Kronlokken was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church of our city. He was one of the last stars placed on the N.L. Church service flag but is the first to be changed to gold. His characteristics were good habits loving disposition, very optimistic and a good neighbor. Besides his mother Mrs. Kari Kronlokken he leaves to mourn his loss five brothers, and four sisters, Mrs. Nels (Martha) Engen, Oscar P., Mrs. Ole (Clara) Johnson Jr. of Sacred Heart. Carl A., Lars A. Knute L., Mrs. Thore (Caroline) Danielson, Lillian P. of Renville and Elmer J. of Bottineau, N.D.
Due to the present influenza epidemic memorial services have been postponed to some future date.
Thomas Flannigan
July 10, 1889 – October 23, 1918
Thus another life has been sacrificed on the altar of his country. The subject of this sketch was born on a farm South of Olivia on July 10th 1890. When a small boy his father died. At the age of 10 years he came to A. F. Brasch’s where he made his home for 8 years. Later he went to North Dakota a few years. When he returned he worked and made his home mostly in Emmett township.
He was with the boys who left for Camp Grant on June 24th. From there he went to Camp Upton New York and in September he went overseas to France. His sister at Olivia received the government message of his death stating he was killed in action on Oct. 23 on the Western front in France. He was a good natured hard working boy. Everyone liked him and he had many friends who will miss him. He leaves a mother, 4 sisters and 2 brothers and the A. F. Brasch family where he made his home so long who will realize his loss. He died for his country and human freedom in the world and his name will go down in history as one of the heroes of his time.
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Posted: February 21, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from Frank Williams, Renville Star Farmer, 12-12-1918
Oct. 26th, 1918
My Dear Folks;
I sure have thought of home a lot the last few weeks. Wonder how you all are at home. I am real well and never felt better in my life and today I feel extra good, as last night was the first time I had my clothing or shoes off for three weeks. Have been up in the front line trenches and it sure is a strain on the men and especially the officers. We finished our relief night before last and marched back here. in the reserves where we can write a little of what has passed. About all I can say tho is that we had a very successful time while at the front and it sure is exciting and keep on their nerves all the time. Also can say that I was out on patrol which quite an honor for new officers as they only send experienced men on patrol.
Just received 2 letters from you today and sure was glad to get them. The last one was dated Sept. 30 and it came over the quickest of any we have yet received.
Am glad your wheat turned out so good. It doesn’t cost much to live here where there isn’t a thing to buy and no clothing to buy as all we wear is our very worst on account of the mud. It rains most of the time here but we soon get used to that and don’t mind it much. Was glad to get Louis Cottle’s address and will write to him sometime and if I get any time off will go to see him. Would awfully well like to get the Star Farmer if I could. We have been busy reading papers today and it is quite a treat to get back where you can get a New York Tribune every day. They have a branch office over here.
We were all quite impressed with Wilson’s answer to Germany and think he said the right thing. Also see that you are having some big forest fires up North again. I hope they will get them stopped soon. You can send this letter to the girls and save me writing the same thing over. I haven’t written to anyone except you since I left and I think I will have a little time tomorrow to write to some of my friends. Don’t worry about me Mother as I will get thru this war all O.K. and be home before you know it as it can’t last much longer.
With all my love for you all, Lt. M. F. Williams, A.E.F. France
Editor’s Note: We do not have a photograph of M. Frank Williams.
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Last Updated: February 21, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter From Edward C Wallner, Olivia Times, 12-12-1918
September 25, 1888 – March 21, 1972
The following is a letter from E C. Wallner, written from England to his uncle, W. D. Wallner of Buffalo Lake.
Somewhere in England, October 9th, 1918
Dear Uncle William:
Undoubtedly this letter from me coming from oversea will be somewhat of a surprise as we never did much along the corresponding line. Well let that be as it may, the fact remains that I am in the writing spirit and a few words to you regarding my will being and location would not be misspent, so here goes:
I am just recovering from a serious attack of influenza, an epidemic that is spreading all over Europe, and I understand is also gaining headway in the states. I am in a base hospital near London where scores of soldiers are under the constant care of doctors and nurses. Quite a number of unfortunate victims have passed away in death here. It is a terrible disease that causes one to feel awfully ill and at times delirious. I was very sick, but as I am not what you would call a weakling physically, it takes more than influenza to put me under the ground. Upon our arrival in port I was taken ill, together with hundreds of others was taken to this point in a hospital train. They carried me to a Red Cross Ambulance on a stretcher and hurried to the hospital where I am getting good treatment.
Present indications point to an early peace, as the huns are being whipped to a frazzle daily. They are crying for peace and if they submit to President Wilson’s 14 points peace will be declared soon. You people know very little about the war “over there.” It is a common sight to see Americans with limbs and arms severed or otherwise badly wounded going about on crutches.
It would be a great pleasure for me to give you folks more of an idea of what is going on here, but as every letter sent to America by the boys here, is censored it is impossible to do so. One might write something that would give aid to the enemy in carrying on their bloody warfare against us. At present they are falling back under heavy fire and are burning villages in their retreat.
Well my supply of paper is running short so I must come to a close. Hoping that all are enjoying the very best of health and with best regards to all, I am your nephew, E. C. Wallner
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