Brown, Edward R. 1888-1918

BROWN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 11/14/2010 at 08:49:09

IRETON AND VICINITY
News Items Gathered Expressly For The Independent Memorial Service for Edward Brown
A memorial service under the auspices of the Red Cross chapter was given Sunday evening in the Presbyterian church. It was one of those occasions when the whole community turned out to pay honor to the living and dead. The church was crowded to the doors and standing room was scarce. The returned soldier boys were honored guests. A number of beautiful hymns and patriotic songs were sung by a mixed quartette and audience. Rev. Stegeman read the obituary of the hero dead and led in prayer. Rev. Lumley gave a splendid address, taking his text from the familiar story in the bible of Mary breaking the box of precious ointment and the murmurings from the multitude about the waste. After his address a song, then Rev. Neil Stewart spoke also in glowing terms of what a sacrifice has been made by our boys. The memorial given was justly, timely, for the son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Brown, who only a short time ago died in France. Edward R. Brown was born Aug. 23, 1888, on a farm near Ireton and. there he spent most of his life with his parents. When the country needed men and the call for drafted men rang from ocean to ocean and from Canada to the gulf, it found Edward ready and eager to go, and on Feb. 26, 1918, he left for Camp Dodge where he remained in training one month. He was then sent to Camp Logan, Tex., where he was trained further for four weeks, when he was sent overseas, where he soon got into active service. On Aug. 9th he entered a field hospital where he stayed five weeks, again going back to duty. He was in the last fierce battle and on the last day of the war, Nov 11th, he was severely wounded, the result of which cost him his life, the end coming on Nov. 29, 1918, in France, at the age of 30 years, 3 months and 6 days. When a mere lad Edward joined the Presbyterian church here where he was a consistent member. He paid the complete price--the sacrifice of life for country and humanity. So one more hero has gone home but his memory will be kept green in future generations.
Source: Hawarden independent of Feb 6, 1919