Edward William Hilker (1893-1918)

HILKER, HILBERT

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

Edward Hilker is Dead
Third and Youngest Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hilker.
Pneumonia is Cause of his Death

Dies in Hospital at Winchester, England, One of the Last Days of September On his Way to France.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hilker was darkened Sunday by the cloud of death. Word was received that day saying that their son, Edward William, had died the last of September in a hospital at Winchester, England, and had been buried in the cemetery at that place.

The letter that brought the news was written by Rev. Van Meter, a Chaplain in the American Army, who conducted Edward's funeral service. The reverend gentleman is an Iowa man, whose residence and pastorate was the Methodist church at Rockwell City before he entered the army. We print the letter in connection with this article, as it will no doubt be of interest to the many friends of the Edward Hilker family.

The passing from life of Edward William Hilker adds one more golden star to the flag of honor in Paullina. Not alone in his death that he brought honor to the community, but his life as a young man in health and strength also was a credit to his home town. He was of retiring but companionable temperament and made many close friends who will deeply grieve his death That he alwavs found comfort and pleasure in his home is evidenced by the fact that he had come to the age of twenty-five years and yet remained a member of the home circle.

He learned the carpenter trade of his father and always followed his example until he was called into the service of his country last July when he went to Camp Gordon and from there to Camp Dix, N.J., and then across the sea.

The deceased was the second of three sons of Mr. and Mrs. Edward John Hilker. He was born July 3, 1893, being twenty-five years and three months of age at the time of his death. He received his education in Paullina schools. He had been baptized into the Lutheran church. The only circumstances of his death that are known are given in the letter from Rev. Van Meter which is as follows:
-----
Somewhere in France
October 3, 1918

Mr. Edward Hilker
Paullina, Iowa

Dear Sir and Brother:

I am writing you folds a few words concerning the burial of your son, Edward Hilker, which occurred a few days ago at Winchester, England.

I was on my way to France as a chaplain in the US Army and was resting in camp a few days at that lace and was asked to conduct the burial service of fourteen American boys, all of whom had died of pneumonia. I found in the list of dead your son and two other Iowa boys, Elbert A. Holdon of Shelbyville, Father FW Holden, and John Gruett of Sebula [sic], Ia., father Utson Gruett.

Now let me say who I am. My name, Rev.C.H VanMeter of Rockwell City, Iowa, a minister in the Methodist church. Now under appointment of chaplain and present address 1st Lt. C.H. Van Meter, Chaplain, US Army, AEF, France.

At the close of the war I expect to return to northwest Iowa and may see some of you. Any Methodist minister could then give you may address. My wife and daughter now live at Rockwell City.

The spot where your son is laid is one of the most beautiful I ever saw, at the top of a large hill. The hill commanding a most beautiful valley out to the north. The earth or grave is of chalk rock and was very difficult to dig. He was placed in a very plain but substantial oak casket with name plate, Reg., etc. upon it.

The services were held at the close of the most beautiful day and the last thing was the military honors, with the firing of the squad and the blowing of taps. As this happened I turned my eyes to the west and the sun was just setting. We committed the body of your dear son to the earth and his soul to God. I sung at the grave the song that I enclose, "Lead Kindly Light," and the same copy used by me. I spoke for a few moments from the scripture and read the Methodist ritualistic service and offered a prayer. I prayed for all of you and I know how your hearts are sore in this bereavement.

I did not see your son before he passed away, but visited the hospital the next day and found they were giving to all the most excellent care.

God bless you all. Hope I may see you some time and I could tell you more of the beautiful place at Winchester. The grave is substantially marked.

With all my sympathy,
C. H. Van Meter
-----
Deceased was a member of the Yoeman Lodge, and the mebers have sent a beautiful floral offering to the family, which, needless to say, is much appreciated.

Paullina (Iowa) Times, 24 October, 1918, p1