Fred Irvin, Pvt. (1919)

IRVIN, VITHAGHOFF

Posted By: Mary Welty Hart (email)
Date: 12/27/2007 at 17:00:54

Winterset Madisonian, Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, February 26, 1919
Page 1, Column 5

Company A Man's Death Occurs from Tuberculosis

FRED IRVIN Dies As Result Of Gas

Private Fred Irvin of Earlham, died in Camp Dodge base hospital on Feb. 20, 1919 from tuberculosis resulting from gas. The young man was gassed slightly on May 27 and again in a severe form in October.

He was the youngest of the four sons of Dr. Hiram and Henrietta Irvin of Earlham. Three sons were members of Co. A, Fred joining when barely 18 years old. Hiram, who did Mexican border service with the company, died in the summer of 1917, before Co. A was ordered to recruit to war strength. James is now in Germany with the company. Dr. Harry Irvin is in Denver in a hospital being treated for a tubercular condition as a result of mustard gas in a large dose.

Fred Irvin was one of Earlham's first men to enlist and its first overseas man to die. His release from the base hospital had been secured but he rapidly grew worse and the family were called to his bedside when his death became imminent.

Funeral services were held in Earlham Sunday afternoon in the Methodist church, Rev. Cachiaras delivering the sermon. The Earlham band played apppropriate selections and a union chorus choir sang. Chaplain Risse of Camp Dodge, spoke feelingly of Fred Irvin, a pupil of his when he was instructor in Earlham. A military escort included two officers, one being Capt. C. W. Aikins of Wintersest, of Co. A; one naval officer, four sailors and a detail of returned soldiers attended the services. A bugler sounded "Taps" at the close of the ceremony, which was attended by a large concourse.

Dr. Harry Irvin came from Denver for the funeral. He seems to be improving in health.
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Transcriber's note: Burial was made in the Earlham cemetery.

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