Leuchtenmacher, Mathew 1890-1917

LEUCHTENMACHER

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 11/24/2009 at 18:09:35

Among the sad deaths falling to the lot of the Echo to record is that of Mathew Leuchtenmacher, one of the selected men of the National army.

At Thanksgiving time this young soldier was home on a short furlough, and apparently was in the best of health and spirits. After he went back to his command he was taken ill and his relatives were notified that he was in the hospital. Mr. Leuchtenmacher left for the bedside of his boy in the hospital at Camp Pike, Arkansas. Before he could reach that place a telegram was recieved here that the soldier was dead. The body arrived here Monday and was taken to the home east of town and the funeral was held in Elkader on New Year's day. A brother, John, who is also in the service and stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, came to attend the funeral. The two brothers were in the service and there is a third boy, who perhaps may soon be called.

Mathew Leuchtenmacher was twenty-seven years of age and pneumonia was the cause of death. The father of this boy, although a native of Germany, is one of American's patriotic and true citizens. He came to the United States to better the condition of himself and family and has done so, and is giving without complaint on the altar of patriotism. Already one of his boys has made the greatest sacrifice that can be made for his country - he has given his life.

To Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Leuchtenmacher the whole community extends the deepest sympathy in this hour of deep sorrow, but with them they also glory in the splendid courage and manhood of their sons, who have gone to the front to fight your battles and mine. The death of this soldier boy only brings the war closer to all who knew him. He is the first from this vicinity to pay the great price, and as time goes on more of our boys will give their lives for the cause and principals of freedom.

~Elgin Echo, January 3, 1918

~Note: according to his father's obit, Mathew died 12/27/1917; according to his WWI draft registration card he was born Feb 1, 1890