MULLINS, Thomas O. (1900-1918)

MULLINS

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 1/25/2023 at 16:37:48

Thomas Otis Mullins
(Feb 12, 1900 – March 26, 1918)

Advocate Tribune, Indianola, Iowa, Thurs., April 11, 1918, p.6
Lacona Pays Tribute
It was estimated that fully one thousand persons thronged our little town Friday, to pay honor and tribute in a great memorial service to Thomas Otis Mullins, who was the first from this place to die in service. No doubt there was scarcely a person who did not have the danger imminent to other dear friends brought to memory with intense realization. The service was beautiful in the measure with which his young friends and associates showed their love and esteem. At the left of the platform were thirteen of the boys in khaki, from Camp Dodge, who expect to go soon to France to fight in the cause of democracy. The rest of the platform was crowded with about sixty members of the Utopian Sunday school class of the Methodist church. At the right of the platform in an especially reserved section were the family and relatives, at their left sat the veterans of the Civil War, who knew how significant was the scene they were witnessing, and how many more such services might be held before the war was over. But nowhere was there visible grief, only a feeling of exaltation and pride that our first contribution had acquitted himself so bravely and that Lacona itself should have been enabled to lay such a sacrifice at the feet of liberty. Tears were shed, but rather in the deep consciousness of the young life given so freely that the standard might be set for Lacona to follow. One note was struck in the entire service, “Let us resolve that this sacrifice shall not have been given in vain.” The choir sang songs of victory whose spirit the audience caught and gloried in, and the parents and loved ones though feeling deeply their loss, were brave and strong. “The Star Spangled Banner” was played impressively by Miss Shupe, after which the choir sang the same. The lesson was read from the portion of scripture describing the act of sacrifice on the part of the character who broke a very precious box of ointment upon the head of Christ and of whom it was said, “she hath done what she could,” showing the glory of sacrifice. In connection with this was read “Symphony of Our Flag.” The obituary was read by Prof. E. C. Mendenhall, Mr. John Kessler was given the honor of pinning the gold star on the service flag in place of the blue one. Mrs. Williams and Miss Shupe sang “This World is not My Home,” by special request of the parents. The other songs of the choir were “O love that Will not Let Me Go,” and “America.” After the introductory service a short patriotic address was given by Rev. J. Elymas Williams. At the grave the soldier boys rendered the service beautiful and impressive. The bugler sounded taps while the body was being lowered into the grave, then the firing squad fired the salute. The closing ceremony was the singing of “The Sweet Bye and Bye” by the Utopian Sunday school class as each member filed by the grave and dropped in a white flower. Simplicity marked all the arrangements. An interesting touch was the fact that the ushers were members of the class of which he was a charter member. The class had charge of all the preliminary exercises, being assisted in the choir by Messrs. Shupe and Kirkhart, and Misses Shupe and Rodgers.
Thomas Otis Mullins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nate Mullins was born in Marion County, Iowa, February 12, 1900, and departed this life at the post hospital, Fort Logan, Colorado, March 25, 1918, at two o’clock a.m., aged eighteen years, one month and thirteen days. The departed moved with his parents from Marion County to a farm near Lacona where he had since resided until February 28, 1918, when he, with several other Lacona boys, went to Des Moines and enlisted in the United States Army. After his enlistment he immediately took the train for Fort Logan, Colorado, where he engaged in the service of his beloved country. Early this year he joined the patriotic service league of the Lacona high school, pledging to earn and give ten dollars to the great work of the Young Men’s Christian Association. Not many days passed until Otis came to redeem his pledge and to receive his bond. Proud, indeed was this youth for this opportunity of doing something for the boys who had gone to the army before him. Otis was a kind-hearted, generous and steady boy, a member of the Utopian Sunday school class of the Methodist church, a regular attender and a favorite among his associates. He heard the call of this country and responded to the last full measure. Truly has the poet said, “So nigh is grandeur to our dust, so near is God to man, when duty whispers low, “Thou must”, the youth replies, “I can.”
He leaves to mourn his untimely death, father, mother, one brother, Dale E. Mullins, now with the Rainbow division somewhere in France, and three sisters, at home, Mabel, Ethel and Ardys Mullins, besides a host of relatives and friends, in Lacona and vicinity. Funeral services were held at the M. E. church Friday afternoon at two o’clock conducted by the pastor, Rev. Williams and the remains were laid to rest in the Newbern Cemetery. The military service was used at the grave. – Lacona Ledger.