Ira F. Kopp

KOPP, HIBBS, GAINES, MCCLURE, INGRAM

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/13/2019 at 12:35:52

23 November 1917 - The Clinton Advertiser page 5

Maquoketa, Ia., Nov. 23--Ira F. Kopp, gunner's mate, first-class, who went down on the Chaucey, was a former Maquoketa boy, whose parents were at one time residents of Maquoketa and Hurstville, which makes us now feel like claiming him as our own. His father, Jesse F. Kopp, died here about one year ago. In the death of young Kopp through the destruction of the Chauncey, it brings the seriousness of this horrible conflict nearer home to us all, as the casualty list is bound to grow larger as we enter into the struggle. God bless the defenders of the Stars and Stripes! His mother, Mrs. I.B. Hibbs, resides on Decker street, First Ward.

26 November 1917 - The Clinton Advertiser page 6

Maquoketa, Iowa, Nov. 26--Ira Kopp, who went down on the destroyer Chauncey, was the first Jackson county "Sammy" to give up his life for his country in the present strife. He was born in or near Maquoketa 29 years ago and enlisted in the navy at the age of 18, which makes him in the naval service, May 18, 1918, if he had lived until then, 12 years. His experiences during all these years have been varied and many, he having been on the Ohio on the celebrated trip around the world, which he had taken several times. He also was on the Des Moines at Vera Cruz at the time the United States had her difficulty with Mexico. He loved the navy. His life had been wrapped up in this life, and he was the gunner's mate, an important position, and it is a pity that he and those brave boys of Uncle Sam should be lost so early in the strife. But, as General Sherman said "War is hell", and we believe it, and hope that these precious lives which have been given up will bring us nearer to a speedy and happy peace, which will endure for all time to come, so that "brotherly love" may prevail as Jesus of Nazareth taught.

Ira Kopp leaves to mourn his loss a mother, four brothers and three sisters. Mrs. I. B. Hibbs, mother of Maquoketa; A. N., Elmer and W. H. of this city; Dan of Davenport; Mrs. Ed Gaines and Mrs. E. J. McClure of Los Angeles, Cal.; and Mrs. Chas. Ingram of Cedar Rapids. Not only does Maquoketa and the state of Iowa mourn the loss of this brave young hero and extend sympathies to the bereaved family, but it is a national loss as well.