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
Memorial
services in memory of Calmer Carlson were held Sunday evening in the Ft.
Ridgely and Dale church and owing to the beautiful weather the church was
filled to its utmost capacity.
The church was
fittingly decorated with red, white and blue streamers leading from the alter
and half way toward the balcony. The altar was draped in white trimmed with
evergreen and flowers. In the center of the ring was a table decorated
accordingly and supporting a picture of Calmer Carlson which was surrounded by
roses and carnations. Directly above the entrance to the alter hung two flags,
the United States flag to the left while the service flag with 16 stars hung on
the right side.
At 7:30 the
strains of “Drooping Flags” memorial march by Winthrop was sounded and
presently the doors in the rear of the church opened while the Home Guards were
seated Miss Enger of Minneapolis sang, “Recessional” by Rudyard Kipling. Next
came Devotion by Rev. Rognlie. Then came a solo by Miss Johnson of Hector,
entitled “God by with our Boys To-night”. Scripture reading by Rev. Oppegaard
was now in turn after which a battle hymn was sung by the congregation.
Rev. Rognlie
now preached the memorial sermon choosing his text from 2nd Thim. 4.
6-8. After the sermon Miss Enger sang the old touching song, “We are Tenting
T0-nigh on the Old Camp Ground”. Another song was now sung by the audience
after which Miss Johnson sang, “Just Break the News to Mother”. The companies’
buglers jow approached the entrance to the alter and sounded “Tap” while the
Home Guards stood at attention and the assembly remained standing until the
Gold Star had been pinned by Captain Carver of Fairfax. This having been done
Calmer’s obituary was read as follows:
Calmer Melchior
Carlson was born March 10, 1891 and died Oct. 9, 1918 of influenza and
pneumonia. He reached the age of 27 years, 6 months and 26 days. Calmer left
for Camp Wadsworth, Spartansburg, S.C., July 25 last and later was transferred
to France arriving there about Sept. 6. His family believe that he was sick all
the time after arriving there as no word was heard from him after arriving
there, while as Camp Wadsworth he wrote frequently. He was preceded in death by
his father and two sisters, Sina Mathilda and Marie. He is survived by a
sorrowing mother, five sisters and three brothers. The sisters are: Olga at
home, Mrs. Ludvig Dahlquist, Mrs. Axel Dahlquist, Mrs. Mathew Weikle, all of
Bandon; Mrs. Meiner Mork of Palmyra. The brothers are Carl and Martin both of
whom are at home and Hakkon of Minneapolis.
Calmer was one
of the estimable young men of the community and because of his kindness,
honesty of purpose and manliness he held the deep respect of a large number of
friends.
Miss Johnson of
Hector now sang “The Vacant Chair”. The Lord’s Prayer and Benediction next
preceeded the closing hymn by the audience. After which fitting tributes in
behalf of the bereaved family and the congregation was paid by Rev. Rognlie to
the Home Guards, Miss Enger and Miss Johnson for their presence, thus showing
their sympathy toward the bereaved family and also helping to make the evening
a very pleasant gathering.
Miss Rognlie
now played “Memorial Day March” by J. L. Bottman. The Home Guards again marched
out while the audience shortly followed.
Andrew Anderson February 14, 1897 – December 1, 1962
Camp MacArthur,
Waco, Tex, Dec. 6, 1918
Dear Bro. Leo,
Just got your
letter this evening and as I have a little spare time I tho’t I would take
advantage of the opportunity and answer it, because in the army we don’t always
have time to do these things when we want to.
Well, we have
enjoyed some fine weather these last few days. I the day time is is very warm
but nights are cold like the dickens and you can imagine how warm our sleeping
quarters are. We have not seen any sign of snow so far and I am very glad of it
because it is bad enough here when we get rain.
There is
nothing on which we can base an opinion as to when we are going home, but I
have the expectation, at least, that I will be home for the Christmas reunion.
This morning a battalion of enlisted men from Camp Logen came into this camp
and as far as I can understand they will remain here for guard duty and relieve
us. They have already started demobilizing but as this is one of the largest
camps in the United States the decreasing does not show very much.
I got a large
box of cake, cookies and candy from a friend the other day. It certainly is
fine to get such things from our friends at home and it goes a long way towards
making army life pleasant. I don’t know how I am going to manage it when I get
back, because it is hard to have two girls, when they live so close together
that the one can hear the exhaust when you go and see the other. Wish someone
would help me out.
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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Last Updated: February 21, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Calmer Carlson Dies in France, Franklin Tribune, 12-12-1918
Of Pneumonia and Influenza
Oct. 9 Memorial Services Held Sunday Evening
Memorial services in memory of Calmer Carlson were held Sunday evening in the Ft. Ridgely and Dale church and owing to the beautiful weather the church was filled to its utmost capacity.
The church was fittingly decorated with red, white and blue streamers leading from the alter and half way toward the balcony. The altar was draped in white trimmed with evergreen and flowers. In the center of the ring was a table decorated accordingly and supporting a picture of Calmer Carlson which was surrounded by roses and carnations. Directly above the entrance to the alter hung two flags, the United States flag to the left while the service flag with 16 stars hung on the right side.
At 7:30 the strains of “Drooping Flags” memorial march by Winthrop was sounded and presently the doors in the rear of the church opened while the Home Guards were seated Miss Enger of Minneapolis sang, “Recessional” by Rudyard Kipling. Next came Devotion by Rev. Rognlie. Then came a solo by Miss Johnson of Hector, entitled “God by with our Boys To-night”. Scripture reading by Rev. Oppegaard was now in turn after which a battle hymn was sung by the congregation.
Rev. Rognlie now preached the memorial sermon choosing his text from 2nd Thim. 4. 6-8. After the sermon Miss Enger sang the old touching song, “We are Tenting T0-nigh on the Old Camp Ground”. Another song was now sung by the audience after which Miss Johnson sang, “Just Break the News to Mother”. The companies’ buglers jow approached the entrance to the alter and sounded “Tap” while the Home Guards stood at attention and the assembly remained standing until the Gold Star had been pinned by Captain Carver of Fairfax. This having been done Calmer’s obituary was read as follows:
Calmer Melchior Carlson was born March 10, 1891 and died Oct. 9, 1918 of influenza and pneumonia. He reached the age of 27 years, 6 months and 26 days. Calmer left for Camp Wadsworth, Spartansburg, S.C., July 25 last and later was transferred to France arriving there about Sept. 6. His family believe that he was sick all the time after arriving there as no word was heard from him after arriving there, while as Camp Wadsworth he wrote frequently. He was preceded in death by his father and two sisters, Sina Mathilda and Marie. He is survived by a sorrowing mother, five sisters and three brothers. The sisters are: Olga at home, Mrs. Ludvig Dahlquist, Mrs. Axel Dahlquist, Mrs. Mathew Weikle, all of Bandon; Mrs. Meiner Mork of Palmyra. The brothers are Carl and Martin both of whom are at home and Hakkon of Minneapolis.
Calmer was one of the estimable young men of the community and because of his kindness, honesty of purpose and manliness he held the deep respect of a large number of friends.
Miss Johnson of Hector now sang “The Vacant Chair”. The Lord’s Prayer and Benediction next preceeded the closing hymn by the audience. After which fitting tributes in behalf of the bereaved family and the congregation was paid by Rev. Rognlie to the Home Guards, Miss Enger and Miss Johnson for their presence, thus showing their sympathy toward the bereaved family and also helping to make the evening a very pleasant gathering.
Miss Rognlie now played “Memorial Day March” by J. L. Bottman. The Home Guards again marched out while the audience shortly followed.
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Posted: February 21, 2019 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Letter from Andrew Anderson, Fairfax Standard, 12-12-1918
February 14, 1897 – December 1, 1962
Camp MacArthur, Waco, Tex, Dec. 6, 1918
Dear Bro. Leo,
Just got your letter this evening and as I have a little spare time I tho’t I would take advantage of the opportunity and answer it, because in the army we don’t always have time to do these things when we want to.
Well, we have enjoyed some fine weather these last few days. I the day time is is very warm but nights are cold like the dickens and you can imagine how warm our sleeping quarters are. We have not seen any sign of snow so far and I am very glad of it because it is bad enough here when we get rain.
There is nothing on which we can base an opinion as to when we are going home, but I have the expectation, at least, that I will be home for the Christmas reunion. This morning a battalion of enlisted men from Camp Logen came into this camp and as far as I can understand they will remain here for guard duty and relieve us. They have already started demobilizing but as this is one of the largest camps in the United States the decreasing does not show very much.
I got a large box of cake, cookies and candy from a friend the other day. It certainly is fine to get such things from our friends at home and it goes a long way towards making army life pleasant. I don’t know how I am going to manage it when I get back, because it is hard to have two girls, when they live so close together that the one can hear the exhaust when you go and see the other. Wish someone would help me out.
Will now close, with good luck to you all.
I am as ever, Corpl. And. A. Anderson
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