Story of Robert Wilkinson, a Former Henderson Boy Whose Life Went Out in a French Hospital During the World War.
One of the largest funerals ever held in Henderson was that of Robert Wilkinson on Sunday at 11 a.m. He was one of Henderson's former boys who gave his life in the World War.
His body arrived in Henderson from overseas on Friday evening.
Robert Wilkinson was born September 6, 1886, in Henderson, Mills county, Ia. He moved with his parents eight years ago to Fillmore county, Neb., where they settled on a farm northeast of Strang.
In September, 1917, he answered the selective call of his country to take up arms in defense of the world's democracy, freedom and justice. With a heart full of love for home and friends and
with a heart full of genuine patriotism for his country and for the principles of righteousness and freedom and justice to all peoples he willingly, on September 22, 1917, entered Camp Funston,
Kansas, where he donned the khaki and become a soldier of the United States army. He was in training in Camp Funston until April, 1918, seven months.
Then he removed to Camp Mills, N.Y., from where he went overseas to France. He was a member of Company A, 137 Infantry, and with his company was in active service on the battlefield.
He was wounded in battle and taken to Base Hospital No. 36, France. On October 4, 1918, his parents received a typewritten letter dictated by him in which he said "I want to tell you that
I have been wounded an now in Base Hospital 36, where I am being looked after in the best possible way. A shell hit me but I do not think I am going to be out of the running for very long.
It is in the leg and thigh but it is not serious at all. You must not worry as I am getting good treatment and I must say that these army hospitals are fine and the doctors and nurses very
kind and of course the Red Cross is always on the job whereever you go. They are always close to the boys and we regard the Red Cross as our best friend in every place.
In the same letter were a few words from a Red Cross nurse, Eleanor E. McGee, of Kansas City, Mo. She wrote: "I am the Red Cross worker in Hospital 36, where I had a nice little visit with
him yesterday. I found him to be in excellent spirits and most comfortable. Your son will not be at this place long as he is expecting to be moved further back to another hospital, where
he will remain until he is completely restored. You have no reason to worry about his condition as he is doing fine and will have a complete and early recovery."
On October 22 a telegram was received stating that Robert died of secondary hemorrhage October 12. On November 22 Arthur D. Washburn, Chaplain of Base Hospital 36, wrote: "I want
to send you my deepest sympathy in the death of your son, Robert Wilkinson. As chaplain I am with our boys in the hospital and try to help them as I can. I pray with them and remind
them that death is an experience in our life and that without fear and in perfect trust they can pass through it into the larger field. Our boys' families are often in our thoughts
and we wish that we could help and comfort them in their sorrow. Your sacrifice is very great but your faith will teach you that all is well with your son. He has given up his earthly
life in a great cause and will ever be held in grateful remembrance by his Country."
On December 2 W. R. Castle Jr., director of communications of the American Red Cross wrote: "It is with sincere regret that I must write you of the death of your son, Private Robert
Wilkinson, in Base Hospital No. 36, France. He was brave and patient in his illness and won the affectionate regard of all who came in contact with him. When his last call to arms
came he answered it as only a brave soldier should and made the supreme sacrifice for his country and the glorious cause of freedom. You must make your sacrifice as bravely as he,
and a grateful nation will never forget those who gave their lives to the cause. Please accept my sincere sympathy."
Robert Wilkinson in the very prime of his life has sacrificed his all. He has paid it all for country, freedom and justice. He was 29 years, i month and 6 days of age.
He leaves to mourn his loss his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Olin Wilkinson, two sisters and three brothers, Edna, Crystal, Herbert, Merle and Ralph. May God bless the
cause for which Robert sacrificed his life.
On Sunday, December 29, the memorial service was held in the opera house at Strang in honor of Private Robert Wilkinson. The service was conducted by Rev. A. Payne, pastor of the
Congregational church. A very large attendance was present in honor of our soldier boy, son, brother, citizen and friend. The hall was decorated in the national colors and flowers,
including a beautiful galax wreath with floral clusters and motto "Paid in Full", presented by the town. Above the wreath was a large picture of Robert.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Hufstader and the American Legion boys of Glenwood assisted in the ceremonies.
Music was furnished by the Wesley Chapel quartet. One song, very appropriate, was that of "Sleep, Soldier Boy, Sleep".
The pallbearers were Harry Paul, Dee Pickenpaugh, Clinton Parker, Cliff Plumb, Robert Donley, Ben Baker. Burial was in Farm Creek Cemetery.
