Alphonsus J. Daley 1892 - 1918

DALEY

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 6/13/2012 at 12:54:53

Williamsburg Journal Tribune
Williamsburg, Iowa
24 Oct 1918
Page 5

Alphonsus J. Daley

On Friday morning, October 11th, 1918, the grim horror of war was for the first time brought to Parnell in all its bitter sorrow when from Camp Pike, Arkansas, came the telegram announcing the death of Alphonsus J. Daley, of pneumonia, following influenza.

His dear old mother was at the same time speeding rapidly to his bedside in response to a previous telegram informing her of his serious illness. No words can fathom the depth of sorrow which filled her heart as she prayed to reach his bedside before it was too late to say a last farewell. Ere she arrived the Great Commander had released him from the strife of life and his pure spirit at reveille had joined the ransomed throngs of those who have made the supreme sacrifice for the freedom of the world.

The first gold star on our service flag shines to remind us of the precious life so nobly and willingly given. A beautiful tribute was paid his unselfish character in a letter from the chaplain at camp. He spoke feelingly of how fervently he received the last rites of his church and of the brave fight he made to live for his mother's sake. In his last farewell to Father Donovan he smilingly thanked him for his kindness and said he worried not for himself but for "mother and the folks at home."

Alphonsus J. Daley was born near Parnell nearly twenty-seven years ago. He attended school until his graduation in the class of 1907. Under the careful guidance of his parents and Sisters of Humility he received that religious training which molded a character that always followed the dictates of conscience, true to his country and his God. It was his great ambition to serve his country and would have volunteered long ago but for his mother who would be left alone. When urged to seek exemption he spurned the idea and left July 25th wiht the Iowa County contingent for Camp Pike and soon would have seen over-seas duty which was his urgent desire.

The remains reached home under military escort Thursday morning. Owing to delay in transit and strict quarantine the funeral was held the same day. Every honor was given the young man who was first from Parnell to offer his life for his country. Fathers Guinan and White officiated at the grave, where he rests by his father's side "in the silent city of the dead."

The heartfelt sympathy of all is extended to his aged mother who has already passed the three score and ten. Many a fervent prayer is wafted heavenward that her only remaining son Lawrence, who is "somewhere in France" caring for the wounded, may escape harm and return safely home to her.

The following letter of sympathy was received by Mrs. Daley from Capt. Meyer, of Camp Pike.

Camp Pike, Ark.,
Oct. 16, 1918
To Mrs. Catherine Daley,
Parnell, Iowa.

In behalf of the officers and enlisted men of the School for Bakers and Cooks, allow me to extend our sincere sympathy in the bereavement of your son, Alphonsus J. Daley, late a private of this command.

Private Daley was an excellent soldier, who was universally liked by his officers and fellow soldiers and his unfortunate death is a source of genuine sorrow to us all.
Joseph A. Meyer,
Capt., A. G. D. U. S. A.,
Commanding School.