Alfred Clapp

CLAPP

Posted By: Jeanie Belding (email)
Date: 12/28/2018 at 10:02:14

Source: Fayette County Leader (Iowa), March 14, 1918, pg. 7

West Union - The death of Alfred H. Clapp of West Union, who was on the battle front in France, became known here Sunday afternoon, and spread sadness among the people of the city. His death occurred Friday, March 1, from tuberculosis. Alfred Clapp was the first West Union soldier of the present war to give his life for his country. He was the first Fayette county soldier to die at the front, and the first volunteer from this county to die since war was declared. It was not known here that Alfred was ill till the word came of his death. His last letter home was written on Jan. 27, and received on Saturday, Feb. 16. In it he did not say he was well, which was the first letter in which that statement was omitted, but he did not say he was not well. He told of the duties in the siege artillery, to which he belonged, being very arduous. While not especially strong, he had been free from illness throughout his life, losing only an occasional day from his work.

Miss Edith Clapp, who is teaching at Wheatland, Iowa, came home Monday evening to be with her mother and sister, following the news of the death of Alfred Clapp in France.