William Fred Booe

BOOE, CRANE, MCELROY, CUMMINGS

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 10/27/2014 at 22:04:11

William Fred Booe, died in Clarinda hospital, Tuesday afternoon, October 26, 1915, aged 38 years, 11 months, 28 days. He was born near Nodaway, October 28, 1877 and grew to manhood on the farm. When the call came for volunteers for the Spanish American War he enlisted in company B., 51st Iowa volunteers on the 20th day of May 1898 and was transported to San Francisco. While stationed there awaiting orders to be sent to the Philippine Islands, he was stricken with typhoid fever and was in a hospital until December 10th, when he was sent home on a furlough to report in 30 days at the nearest recruiting office, and he was honorably discharged at Fort Crook, Nebraska, January 12, 1899. Mr. Booe then remained at home with his parents until June 15, 1899, when he enlisted in Company L. 22d infantry of Nebraska and was immediately transferred to the Philippine Islands and was in active service with General Lawton in his expedition over the mountains in which many hardships were endured, and after nearly three years of service he returned to the United States. At the expiration of his term on the 16th day of June 1902, he re-enlisted in the same regiment for another three year term and was advanced to sergeant of the band. The regiment returned to the Philippine Islands for duty and at the expiration of his term, Mr. Booe returned to the United States and was honorably discharged at Fort McDowell, California on July 24, 1905. He then joined his parents in Kelso, Washington where they were spending the summer.
Mr. Booe made his home in Kelso, Washington, until April this year, when on account of declining health he returned to his old home near Nodaway and all that medical skill could do was of no avail. He passed away conscious to the last, surrounded by the family and loved ones. He leaves his father and mother, Mrs. T. L. Booe of Nodaway, one brother, Roy of Nodaway, and two sisters, Mrs. J. R. Cummings and Mrs. George McElroy, of Corning, Iowa. Two sisters and one brother preceded him in death.
Fred was an accomplished musician and an efficient band man. He was an expert electrician and held a responsible position in the west before his health compelled him to return east. He was associated in the Presbyterian Church at Kelso Washington, and was liberal with his assistance of all lines of church work. He was always pleasant and congenial and his true manhood won the esteem and friendship of all who made his acquaintance. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, also of the fire company at Kelso, and was very prominent in all business and social affairs in that city. Mr. Booe attended the Coring High School about two years and was well known here. Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church in Nodaway, Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. R. J. Rutt of Corning. The deceased was given a military funeral. The pall bearers were Leighton Wickersham of Red Oak, Ben Baker of Nodaway, John Wickersham, George Neily, Sterling Moore, Doo Kelly, of Villisca, his comrades in the Spanish American War. Interment was made in Nodaway Cemetery, burial taking place on the anniversary of the gentleman's birth.
Adams County Free Press, November 3, 1915, page 6