Samuel Merle Enfield (1897-1939)

ENFIELD, LINK, ECKERD

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 5/30/2005 at 21:57:34

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, June 8, 1939, page 1. "SAM ENFIELD, OF LORING, IN HEAD-ON COLLISION - The community received a shock Sunday morning when news reached here of the tragic death early that morning of Sam Enfield, a bachelor farmer and world war Veteran. Enfield was killed in a head-on crash near Oralabor, Iowa, ten miles north of Des Moines on Highway 65. Having spent the night with his brother, Roy, in Des Moines, he left shortly before 6 a. m. to return to his farm when the accident occurred and he was rushed to the Broadlawn's Hospital, in Des Moines, where he died shortly after.

BIRTH-PARENTAGE-SIBLINGS-DEATH-BURIAL: THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, "SAM MERLE ENFIELD - Sam Merle Enfield, son of Samuel and Mary Enfield, was born October 8, 1897, and passed away at the Broadlawns Hospital June 4, 1939. He became a member of the Loring Evangelical church in early manhood. He belonged to the Maxwell Legion Post, having served overseas during the World War for 13 months. Sam was a kind neighbor and a friend to all who knew him. Always willing to help and serve his fellowmen. He leaves to mourn his departure, three brothers and two sisters, namely, Charley, of Mondamin, Iowa; Mrs. Altie Link, of Maxwell; Mrs. Mary Eckerd, of Mullen, Nebraska; Lloyd, of Coon Rapids, and Roy, of Des Moines. Also several nieces, nephews and a host of friends. His parents, two sisters and three brothers have preceded him in death. The remains were escorted by the Maxwell American Legion Post to the Loring church, where services were held Tuesday afternoon, June 6, at 2:30, with the Rev. H. D. Robinson in charge. The Legion color guards were Jay Alder and Ray Martin; Color bearers, R. Z. Brown and Geo. Cook, and pallbearers, James Ward, H. C. Larsen, Nick Hostetler, Roy Miller, T. J. Sparks and Wm. Joor. After the military service, as the remains were being lowered, a large American flag was presented to his sister, Mrs. Geo. Link, in behalf of the local American Legion Post and the U. S. Government. Interment in the Brethren Cemetery."

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, June 15, 1939, page 1, column 2. "CARD OF THANKS - To the friends who came to us in our hour of trouble, and contributed all that human kindness could suggest to help and comfort, we return most heartfelt thanks, and although such devoted friendship cannot remove the sad memories that linger around our vacant chair, it brings into view the brightest side of humanity, and throws the pure light of an unselfish friendship into a darkened home. May the day be far distant when those friends who gathered around us will need similar attention, but when the time comes may they receive the same full measure of generous aid and tender sympathy they brought to our home when death was an inmate there. We wish to also thank the local American Legion Post for their services. Brother, Sisters, Relatives and Friends of Sam Enfield."

BURIAL: Iowa Historical Library, Des Moines, Iowa. POLK COUNTY, IOWA CEMETERIES WASHINGTON TWP., #0178, Geneal * F 627 .P7 C4 V.6, Brethren Cemetery, page 2. ENFIELD, Samuel M. DIED Month – 6, Day – 4, Year – 1939 SEC. – 1,, LOT – 18, ROW – 11, MISC. INFO – PVT 351 INF 88 DIV WWI MKR.