Harry Charles BECK

BECK

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/5/2010 at 16:37:25

The remains of Harry Charles Beck arrived in Chicago Wednesday and were met in that city by his father Lewis Beck, who accompanied them to this city Thursday morning. The body was at once taken to the Congregational church, where funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Ada L. Heyse, pastor, assisted by Rev. Wm. Schumacher, pastor of the Lutheran church.

The following obituary was read by Major H.N. Boshell;
Harry Charles Beck, the deceased, was born February 4, 1894 at Jackson, Minn. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at Eagle Grove, IA. June 23, 1916, and was assigned to Company A, 125th Machine Gun Battalion. On April 11, 1917, he was granted an indefinite furlough which was terminated August 25, 1917. He was called with his command for over sea duty September 14, 1918, and died October 12, 1918, at 1:00 p.m. in the American Red Cross Military Hospital No. 4, Mossley Hill, Liverpool, England, at the age of 23 years, 8 months and 8 days. The greatest evidence of heroism is the sacrifice of one's life for another human being. The greatest evidence of loyalty and patriotism is the sacrifice of one's life in the service of our country. This is the highest possible tribute we could pay to his memory, and the greatest source of comfort to the bereft father, mother, sisters and brothers. Thus terminates the short but useful life in the service of his country, following in the footsteps of his brother Ralph, who made the supreme sacrifice, January 5, 1918, at Camp Pike, Arkansas. These youthful lives have been removed from among us who loved them, but they have left a memory that we can all cherish, love and respect. Melvin Post American Legion attended the funeral in a body and accompanied their comrade to his last resting place. The remains were interred in the Melvin Cemetery and 'taps' were sounded. The heart of the community has gone out to this grief-stricken family who have sacrificed more for the country than has any family in this part of the state during the World War.

September 2, 1920
Source unknown, Ford County, Illinois