Ralph Bradfield Frizzell, 1895-1918

FRIZZELL

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 10/10/2010 at 11:00:15

R. B. FRIZZELL DIES IN CAMP

First Estherville boy to Sacrifice Life for His Country

BODY BROUGHT TO ESTHERVILLE FOR BURIAL

Business Houses Closed During Funeral Services Tuesday Afternoon

Ralph Bradfield Frizzell was born at Clarion, Iowa, November 14, 1895, and died at Camp Pike, Little Rock, Arkansas, March 22, at the early age of 22 years, 4 months and 8 days.

Ralph resided with his parents near Clarion and Buffalo Center until in March, 1913, whey they moved to Estherville. He attended school and assisted his father with the work until the first of last July when he secured a position as brakeman on the Northwestern R.R. at Mason City, Iowa. He was engaged in his regular work for the railroad when he received his call to the color and he returned to Estherville and from here he went with the other boys to Camp Dodge, September 20, 1917.

He was placed in the 350th Supply Company and remained there in training until November 20th, when he was transferred to Camp Pike, Little Rock, Arkansas, and place in Company L., 347 U.S. Infantry regiment. Here he drilled faithfully preparing himself to become an efficient soldier hoping that he would have a part in the honor of defeating the Hun army and making the world safe for democracy.

In the latter part of January he was obliged to undergo an operation for a mastoid abscess. The operation was considered very successful and he seemed to be recovering very nicely and hoped to be able to join his company soon, when some complication set in causing his untimely death.

His body was accompanied home by Private Cook Arlow Pyle of Co. L of the 347 U.S. Infantry from Camp Pike. Mr. Pyle is a Charles City boy and had been in the same company with Ralph 9in Camp Dodge before they were transferred.

Ralph leaves to mourn his early death his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. G.E. Frizzell, his sister, Mrs. Harry Loveland of Cedar _____, and two brothers, Clause and Harold of Estherville besides a large number of other relatives and friends.

He is the first one of the Estherville boys to make the Supreme Sacrifice for his county. His death will not be in vain. The place made vacant in the ranks by his death will soon be filled scores of other hero boys from Estherville who fill fight on until the Huns are driven back and defeated and “Old Glory” that Ralph gave his life for, will wave triumphantly over the battle fields of the world and her influence and the principles she stands for will dominate the earth.

The funeral services were held in the Methodist church so as to accommodate all who might wish to attend. The business houses all closed during the time of the service in honor to our first fallen hero.

The mixed quartette composed of Mesdames Wing and Noe and Messrs. Myhre and Cox, sang “Face to Face” and “We’ll never Say Goodbye in Heaven” and Mrs. Wings sang “Perfect Day.” Mrs. Jess Cox presided at the pipe organ, Rev. E.E. Evans rad the Scripture lesson. Rev. Torbett offered the prayer. The obituary was read by Rev. C.D. Priest. Rev. J. Frederic Catlin preached the sermon from John 15:12 “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The closing prayer was offered by Rev. J. Akre. The funeral services were the largest attended of any held in Estherville for many years, the main auditorium and gallery both being well filled.

The Council of Defense, the Boy Scouts and the G.A.R. attended in a body and the Boy Scouts and the G.A.R. acted as the guard of honor in accompanying the remains to Oak Hill Cemetery where the body was buried with all military honors. the attendance and interest manifested shows in what regard Estherville holds her soldier boys.

Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa; March 27, 1918.