Hesner, Andrew F. 1896-1918

HESNER, HATCH

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 12/5/2021 at 19:51:18

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 28 Nov. 1918. Edgewood column.

Harold Growther attended the fu- left for the camp, reaching there about two hours before the death of his son. The body was brought back here Friday for burial. The funeral was held at his father's home on Sunday at two o'clock in the afternoon, and the remains were carried to Strawberry Point and laid beside his mother who preceded him several years ago. Andrew leaves a sister, Mrs. Mildred Hatch, of this place; a father, and a number of other relatives. He was twenty-two years old, and had enlisted in the Marines. He will be missed by his friends who are too numerous to mention.

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Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 28 Nov. 1918. Strawberry Point column.

The remains of Private Andrew Hesner of Edgewood, were buried here last Sunday.

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The above obit(s) are very confusing and the paper got so much of it wrong, including Andrew's surname. The following is from the Edgewood Journal, Thursday, November 28 1918; pg 1:

Andrew Freeman Hesner was born on the 27th day of June, 1896, on the home farm about three and one-half miles northwest of Edgewood. His death occurred at Camp Quantico, Virginia, November 20, 1918. In his young manhood, he had reached the age of 22 years, 4 months and 23 days.

His parents were Charles A. and Millie M. (Freeman) Hesner. One sister, now Mrs. Floyd H. Hatch, of Edgewood, completed the family circle, from which the young mother was taken when Andrew was only ten years of age.

The family residence continued at the farm until February, 1911, when with the others, the subject of this notice removed to the town of Edgewood, Iowa, which place has since been his home.

While on the farm he attended the rural school at what was known as the Bixby Schoolhouse. Later he enrolled in the Edgewood public school, completing the High School course and graduating with the class of 1913. It is worthy of note that every young man in that class entered the army, in the conflict now being victoriously ended

Several years ago the departed spent one summer near Glazier, Texas, and the following summer at Pretty Prairie and Mullinsville, Kansas.

Having concluded to specialize in electrical science, he entered the employment of the Northeastern Iowa Power Company as lineman. His work was so faithfully done, and he showed such ability that when William Haas, then the overseer, met his tragic death, Andrew was at once promoted to the position thus made vacant continuing in the same until his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, which occurred in June 1918.

Shortly before leaving for army life he made this statement: "I am not entered the United States Service expecting fame, glory or any easy snaps, but I want to be placed where I can be of the most service to my country." To his mother he said, "I am coming home, and I always want you to think I am coming home until we know different."

For training he was sent to Paris Island, South Carolina. He soon became an expert rifleman and was detailed as an instructor. When his regiment, the 113th, was sent to Quantico, Virginia, for "over seas" training, and from there across the water. He was greatly disappointed in not being allowed to go with them He however cheerfully accepted the plan of his superiors, when the Captain said to him, "you will be of more service to your country in training others here, than you would be in going to France."

He then received a regular course of instruction, from which he graduated as Coach. He remained at Paris Island, instructing others in the use of the rifle, until the 7th of November, when he was transferred to Quantico, Virginia. He was sent to that place with a party of trainers and non-commissioned officers, preparatory to going to France. At Quantico he was placed in Company A, of the 3rd Separate Machine Gun Battery.

Owing to the change from the very warm climate of Paris Island, to the cooler climate of Virginia, the Influenza broke out in a very malignant form among these forces. Although Andrew had been inoculated as a preventative of that disease, he did not escape an attack with which he was seized on November 15th.. Three days later pneumonia developed and his critical condition was telegraphed to his father in Edgewood. Mr. Hesner immediately commenced the journey to the bed-side of his soldier boy, arriving there two hours before the end came. Consciousness remained until the last, and although the one who was being thus suddenly mustered out of the service of his country was too weak to talk, his eyes were eloquent of the comfort that the presence of his father had brought to closing moments of his life.

On the morning of November 22nd the grief-stricken father arrived in Edgewood with the remains of the one so suddenly taken from the scenes of active service. As a member of what is known the world over, as the most effective military organization in existence, he was not exempt from the fatal summons.

Besides the members of the immediate family already mentioned, a large circle of more distant relatives share in the sorrow of this sad occasion, while the entire community is plunged into deep mourning.

The departed by his genial disposition had always been a favorite among his fellows, while his faithfulness in service and his upright character, made him respected and trusted by employers. And now, coming as he does in silence from the service of his country in the greatest war of all the ages he is sacredly received by patriotic citizens as a martyr to the cause of Universal Freedom.

The funeral services were held at the home on Union street Sunday afternoon conducted by Rev. C.H. True, assisted by Rev. S.C. Bretnall. the house was filled with sorrowing relatives and friends who had gathered to pay their last sad respects to the first soldier boy from the town of Edgewood who had given his life for his country in this great war. The pall bearers were Frank Wiley Jr, John Wiley, Ray Durfey, Frank Tilp, Earl Hansel and Albert Haas. Burial was made at Strawberry Point cemetery where the deceased's mother was buried.

"If the blue star turns to gold, father,
In our little service flag at home,
You will know your boy's been true
To his county and to you --
That he died for justice too, father,
If the blue star turns to gold."

"If the blue star turns to gold, father,
In our country's service flag back there
You will know your boy's been game,
Fearing neighbor shot nor flame,
Kept the honor of our name, father,
If the blue star turns to gold."

"If our blue star turns to gold, father,
In the nation's service flag for all,
You may know your boy's last word,
While the feeble life blood stirred,
Was the best he ever heard, father,
If the blue star turns to gold."

Words of Appreciation
Words can by no means express our sincere gratitude for the many loyal, kind-hearted friends who have helped us, in so many ways bear the deep sorrow that has come to us in the death of our dear son and brother. We feel especially thankful for the beautiful flowers and the presence and words of comfort and cheer of so many friends during the burial services. We can only hope to show our appreciation for all this by helping others whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Hesner
Mr. and Mrs. Floyd H. Hatch