This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Author: mrichey71
Surnames: White, Barnett
Classification: obituary
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.indiana.counties...
Message Board Post:
Retyped from the July 26, 1918 edition of the Elnora Record
Killed in Battle, Clarence R. White Killed on the fields of France. Of Elnora, First
Elmore township boy to give his life. Washington D.C. 7-24-1918 to Geo. R. White, Elnora,
Ind. Truly regret to inform you that information has been received from abroad that
private Clarence Ray White, Marine Corps, was killed by enemy shell fire June 10. Body
will be interred abroad until after the war. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in your
loss. Your son has given his life in the service of his country. Geo. Barnett, Major Gen.
Commandant.
Gloom was cast over the entire community when the news spread Thursday morning that the
above telegrame had been received by Mr. and Mrs. Gearge White. Clarence was an exemplary
young man and truly numbered his friends by his acquaintances. For a number of years he
was employed here at the southern Indiana depot, going to Akron, Ohio, from which place he
enlisted in the Marine Corps, April 13, 1917.
He was home on furlough sortly before he sailed for France the first part of October, and
at that time was in the best of health and seemed anxious to get into real service. A
number of times since going over his parents have received letters stating that he had
been under shell fire, but never-the-less the message of his death came as a great shock
to his family and friends.
Clarence Ray White, son of Mr and Mrs. George White, was born in Daviess county, Indiana,
on September 27th, 1891, and died in action in France, on June 10th, 1918, aged 26 years,
nine months and 13 days.
He was one of a family of three living children- a brother, Eldon J. of Toronto, Kansas,
and a twin sister, Clara, at home, who with the parents are so sadly bereft. Yet they
mourn not as those who have no hope for his was a life of Christian service, he being an
active member of the Church of Christ, faithful in attendance at its services and
consistant in living up to its teachings. The fact that he so freely gave his life for the
cause of humanity only proves more clearly his christian spirit. Elnora mourns with the
greif stricken family, and we can only commend them to the one who "knoweth all our
griefs." There are many good boys in the american army, but the enemy will never take
the life of a better boy than Clarence R. White.
Important Note:
The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply
to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.