Corp. Jerhard Axelton 1890-1918

AXELTON, JOHNSON, CHRISTOPHERSON, JENSON

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 9/6/2010 at 17:36:23

Graettinger Times
Graettinger, Iowa
10 Oct 1918
Page 13

Graettinger Loses Two Soldier Boys

Jerhard Axelton and Johnnie Nelson, Both of This Place, Have Answered Final Summons in Camp and Battle Field

It has been the lad lot of Graettinger during the past week to receive notice of the death of two of her young soldier boys, one, Johnnie Nelson, from wounds received in action, and the other, Gerhard Axelton, from the Spanish Influenza, Camp Mills, New York.

Corp. Jerhard J. Axelton of 608 Aero Squadron Supply Band, Hemsted Field No. 2, Long Island, died of influenza, complicated with pneumonia, on Tuesday morning. His brother Andrew, of this place, went to New York last week to be with him when the report of illness came, and he has wired that he will return with the body tomorrow (Friday) at four o'clock. Funeral services will take place on Saturday at one o'clock from the house.

Graettinger Times
Graettinger, Iowa
17 Oct 1918
Page 1

Funeral of Jerhard Axelton

Services Were held Saturday Afternoon At The Residence And Were Largely Attended; Rev. S. O. Sande Officiated.

Jerhard was born at Graettinger, Iowa, Jun 2, 1890, and received his education in the Graettinger Public Schools. When he grew up to manhood he left the city to work in a bakery at Brookings, South Dakota. He returned and worked a part of the time in Chris Jensen's hardware store. About 1911 he went to Portland, Oregon, and was in the employ of a hardware company. Jerhard's next move was to Turin, Iowa, where he was foreman in the Cement Tile factory. He organized a band while there, and was its director about one year. When the band boys learned that Jerhard was to move to Sioux City, they gave him a farewell reception, and as an appreciation of his valued service he was tendered a neat sum of money. At Sioux City he worked in the large cement tile factory, and soon was promoted to the position of foreman. He was very well liked by his employer and the work men. Jerhard held his position until he went to Continental, Arizona, to help organize the Western Union Pipe and Construction company. This concern has had a flourishing business.

Last December he went to California for the purpose of enlisting, and joined the Aviation Signal Corps. Then he went to Camp McArthur, Kelly Field, and San Antonio, Texas. At Camp McArthur the Aero Squadron band was organized, and he became a member. He also belonged to the Saxophone Quartette. As a member of these organizations he played at various public doings, quite often in churches. The band was transported to Waco, Texas, December 28, 1917, next to Charlotte, North Carolina, and finally to Garden City, New York. Here he was promoted to Corporal. The boys in the camp said that there was no one they liked better. They placed upon his casket the wreath of flowers, "Gates Ajar."

The trip from North Carolina to New York was made in autoes over the Blue Ridge mountains. On one occasion Jerhard wrote that he did not expect to make such a trip again. He often wrote about his very enjoyable and profitable experience. He has nothing but the best to speak for the Red Cross. Yes, Jerhard made his last journey. He passed away at 3:30 a.m., October 8, 1918. The disease was bronchial pneumonia -- Influenza respiratory type. The remains arrived at Graettinger the morning of the 12th, and the funeral took place in the afternoon. The services were held at the home, Rev. S. O. Sande officiating. He spoke on the text, "Fight the good fight of faith." He pointed out the requisites of a good soldier, using the word in a secular and in a spiritual sense. The rifle squad was present. As its representative, T. D. Collins, in his usual pleasing way, spoke at the grave. He gave his reason why young men must be sacrificed in the great world struggle. It was because of the desire of a few to rule the many.

Jerhard did not cross the Atlantic, but he crossed the stream we all must cross. The news of his illness was a severe shock. Rarely had he been sick abed, or complained of being sick. Just a few days before receiving the news of his illness he said he felt fine. Because he was sturdy and strong, we were hopeful. But God's ways are not ours. Jerhard's work on earth was done. He was called, and passed away confessing his faith in the Lord. Jerhard had a Testament with him and said he was using it daily.

We miss Jerhard very much, but our loss is his gain. The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Those that are left to mourn the loss are: Father, Andrew Axelton, Graettinger, Iowa; Mrs. H. E. Johnson, Sioux City, Iowa; Mrs. Andrew Christopherson, Graettinger; M. T. Axelton, Graettinger; Mrs. Chris Jenson, Graettinger; Prof. Alexander V. Arlton (sic), Carthage, Illinois; Wm. C. Axelton, Continental, Arizona; Miss Bertha Axelton, Graettinger; Andy G. Axelton, Graettinger; Private Clarence M. Axelton, France. Other relatives present were Mr. and Mrs. Hans Olson, Whiting, Iowa.

Words fail to express what we wish to say to our many sympathetic friends. your many words of comfort and many deeds of kindness surpassed our expectation. Accept our most sincere thanks.
-A. Axelton and Family.

Jerhard, our brother, Jerhard,
Your race of life is run.
In the service of your Country,
Your work has now been done.
You gave your all in battle,
In the cause of right.
No less than life you offered,
Against the force of Might.

Jerhard, 'tis hard to count you
As one among the dead.
We're proud that you enlisted,
And ways of cowards fled.
You fell, we know, with honor.
Tho not "Over There"
You won the name of hero,
That title you shall bear.

And now, father, sisters, brothers,
The loss is hard to bear.
But in midst of tears remember
Many, greater sorrows share
And that God knows what is best.
None he's put to shame.
He gave and now has taken,
Be blessed, His Holy Name.
A. V. A.