OLIVER, Henry Addison 1880 – 1936

OLIVER, KURTZ, ROTH

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 2/2/2011 at 13:15:04

“The Fairfield Daily Ledger”
Monday, October 5, 1936
Page 1, Column 6, and Page 8

Henry A. OLIVER, Adjutant, V.F.W. Post and Popular Citizen, Dies Suddenly

Although Ill, His Death Early Sunday Was Unexpected

Henry A. OLIVER, 56, one of Fairfield’s best known and most popular citizens, died at his home here at 7:30 a.m., Sunday

The funeral services will be held Wednesday at 9:00 a.m., at the St. Mary’s Catholic church in this city, in charge of Rev. Fr. E. F. Gaule and Rev. Fr. Charles Mannhardt. Friends may call at the Hoskins Funeral Home tomorrow after 2:00 p.m., as the casket will not be opened at the church. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery, where military units will participate in services at the grave.

His long career as a public spirited citizen came to an end when he suffered a sudden relapse from tuberculosis, the illness that resulted from his World War experience. He was sitting up and had just asked for the morning paper, when he suddenly fainted and passed away a few minutes later.

Mr. OLIVER distinguished himself in the World War as a civilian K. of C. secretary of welfare work among the soldiers. He accompanied the United States forces to France and was decorated for outstanding bravery by the French and Greek governments.

After the close of the war, he became general manager of the Thoma Glass Co., Inc., here. Until ill health forced his retirement he remained in this position. Before that time he was superintendent of the Fairfield Engine Works, and had been connected with the Kearns Construction Co., for several years.

Mr. OLIVER was an active member of the Fairfield Lions’ Club, and a number of local patriotic organizations and of the St. Mary’s aCtholic (sic) church.

He was always interested in patriotic groups. He enlisted in the Iowa National Guard, Company “M.” in 1906. He reached the rank of lieutenant, in which capacity he served for seven years.

At the time this country entered the World War and called for volunteers, Mr. OLIVER was past the army age limit. He felt the call to serve, however, and entered the welfare work of the Knights of Columbus. In France, Gen. John J. Pershing issued a call for welfare workers to go to the front line in an emergency to care for the wounded. Mr. OLIVER was one of the 67 men who responded. He was assigned to the Second Division and while on duty was gassed severely twice.

In recognition of the one particular instance of outstanding bravery, in saving the life of a soldier, a Sergeant Davis, during an exceptionally heave bombardment. Mr. OLIVER was decorated by the French government. He was awarded the Medallion Militaire, second highest military honor given by the French. The government of Greece honored Mr. OLIVER with the award of the Order of Greek Heroes, an order that has been famous in history since the time of the early glory of Athens. The local man also received the Medal of Verdun for acts of bravery.

Before going to France, Mr. OLIVER helped organize a battery of artillery here. This joined “Battery A” that had headquarters at Burlington. He was also an officer in “Company K” which later became a machine gun company of the Fourth Infantry. He left this asignment (sic), which kept him in the United States, because of the opportunity to go overseas as a welfare worker.

With the recognition he had received overseas, he was permitted again to enter the National Guard and was appointed captain in the 34th Division, on the General Staff. He held this post until his retirement was made necessary on account of failing health.

At the time of his death, Mr. OLIVER was the adjutant of Dimmitt-Vorhies Post No. 221, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U. S. A short time ago, Mr. OLIVER received a letter from the State V. F. W. Commander, in which he was told that his work, as post adjutant was exceptionally fine. He was also a member of the newly organized local post of the Iowa Volunteers.

Mr. OLIVER contracted tuberculosis as a result of the gas attacks he went through in the World War. He never asked for or received any compensation from the United States government for his disability.

Mr. OLIVER was born June 14, 1880, at the farm home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. OLIVER, prominent Jefferson county people who resided one mile south of Packwood. He lived in Jefferson county most of his lifetime.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Virginia ROTH OLIVER, Jefferson County Recorder, and by five children: John K. OLIVER of Miami, Arizona; Mrs. Mary PECK, of Fairfield; Anice, of Packwood; and Jean and Kay at home. An infant son, Henry A., Jr, and a daughter, Florence, preceded him in death. Mr. OLIVER also leaves his mother, Mrs. John G. OLIVER of Packwood, and three brothers, Ole O. OLIVER of Chula Vista, California, Fred D. and Ned Y. of Packwood. Five grandchildren survive.

The local post of V.F.W. today made arrangements to furnish pallbearers for the funeral and assisted other military units in making arrangements for an appropriate military funeral. A firing squad will represent the Allen Jewett Post No. 47 of American Legion. The body was taken to the Hoskins Funeral Home.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Henry was married twice, his first wife being Agnes KURTZ who died in 1916 and his second wife Virginia ROTH. Henry and Agnes are buried in Lot Old.P.323.

Jefferson Obituaries maintained by Joey Stark.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen