Claude Faas 1895 - 1918

FAAS, COLBOURN, HILTON

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 6/13/2012 at 12:50:57

Williamsburg Journal Tribune
Williamsburg, Iowa
13 Jun 1918
Page 4

Died In The Navy.

Claude Faas, of Pilot Township, First on the Nation's Honor Roll for This Locality.

Body Arrived Tuesday and the Funeral Services Were Held Wednesday at Pilot Grove Church.

Claude Faas, son of Mrs. Cora Faas, of Pilot township, died Sunday in the U. S. Naval Hospital in Brooklyn, N. Y., and the news of his death reached here Sunday evening, and impressed the entire community with the full and fearful meaning of the war.

The young man was twenty-two years old; he enlisted in the navy at Humboldt, Ariz., on Dec. 15, 1917, and was immediately sent to Mare Island, California. In a short time he was detailed to sea duty on the Atlantic and made one trip to France, on the journey across he was attacked with diphtheria, and on his arrival in France he was placed in a hospital; recovering from this disease he was stricken with a decline that at once became serious and his return to this country was at once provided for, arriving at New York, he was placed in the naval hospital, Brooklyn, and word was sent to his mother. This was three weeks ago, and his mother, accompanied by her sisters, Mrs. Herbert Colbourn, of Pilot township, and Mrs. Hilton, of Lincoln, Nebraska. The mother remained with her son to the end, saw his young life go out in the roseato morning when all the silvery shadows pointed to the west or wove themselves into shining garlands around the flag to whose meaning, cause and purpose he gladly offered his life.

The body, accompanied by his grief-stricken mother, arrived at Williamsburg on Tuesday, and the funeral services were held at Pilot Grove church on Wednesday afternoon. Never in the history of the old church was there such a gathering; from near and far came sympathizing relatives and neighbors; the services were conducted by the pastor, the Rev. Mr. Clare, assisted by the Rev. J. W. Lambert, of the M. E. church, Williamsburg, and the Rev. Mr. Cole, of Millersburg. The sermon was preached by the pastor, and a masterly effort it was, marked throughout with touches of pathos and patriotism that dimmed every eye and thrilled every heart. The coffin was wrapped in the national colors, and the service flag of the church, bearing its three stars, showed one in gold for the young man who gave his all for the cause in which he enlisted.

The floral offerings were many and beautiful, and the silken flag presented by the Community Club of Williamsburg, reflected the love and esteem in which the young man was held while a student here in the high school.

The interment was in the adjacent cemetery.

Claude Faas was 22 years old last October; he was born in the old home in Pilot township, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Faas; his father died a few years ago, and he and his older brother at once took hold of the work on the farm and heroically they performed their part. He attended the high school in Williamsburg and at every turn he betrayed the splendid qualities for which he was so well beloved. One year ago he went to Arizona and it was while here he responded to the call from his country and enlisted in the navy. No braver and better young man ever saluted the flag, and his death comes home to us with a feeling that emphasizes the meaning of the war, and shows with what force and sadness this meaning falls aslant the threshold of so many homes.

The deceased is mourned by his mother, three brothers, Byron, Clair and Floyd, and four sisters, Modena, Glenna, Flora and Ruth, besides a number of other near relatives.

The sincerest condolences are extended to the bereaved family.