Phelps, Otto Archie 1896 - 1918

PHELPS, HAMMOND, NADING, BRANDENBURG

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/30/2021 at 10:49:56

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 24 Oct. 1918.

The community was saddened a few days ago when the word came that Otto Phelps had passed away at Camp Dodge. Otto Archie Phelps was the oldest son of Mr. Orvis and Mrs. Laura Phelps, and was born near Mederville, Iowa, on December 23rd, 1896. He attended the district school and grew to young manhood in the vicinity of his birthplace. On September 5th last, in company with others he was called for service in the United States Army and was sent for training to Camp Dodge. A short time ago he was attacked by the prevailing disease, Spanish influenza, which a little later resulted in pneumonia. He was recovering very well, but a relapse resulted in his death which occurred at Camp Dodge at six o'clock on Friday morning, October 18th, 1918, at the age of 21 years, 9 months and 25 days. Thus though he was not permitted to cross the ocean to France, and never saw a battle, he gave his life for the great cause of human freedom. Such is the price that we must pay for the privileges we prize, and at such price must they be given to the other nations of the world. He leaves to mourn for him, his father and mother, five brothers and five sisters. They are: Mrs. Harry Hammond of Edgewood, Iowa; Mrs. Fred Nading, of Strawberry Point; Mrs. Lydia Brandenburg, who is at home as her husband in in the United States Army in France; Beryl, Minnie, Seneca, Irvin, Eben, Kenneth and Myrland, at home.

The body was brought back home for burial under the guard of Private Hogan. The funeral service, on account of quarantine, was held in the Edgewood cemetery, on Monday, October 21st, the sermon being preached by the Rev. S. C. Bretnall, and the body was laid to rest there.