GEORGE E. MUDGE
Sibley Loses Her First Volunteer Soldier Boy
As announced in these columns last week, George E.Mudge died at Fort Winfield Scott, California, on Wednesday evening, May 16th. He had been confined in a hospital since his arrival at the Fort. Reports as to the immediate cause of his death are somewhat conflicting. It is generally believed that he was afflicted with scarlet fever, complicated with kidney trouble and heart failure. It is reported that some of the Sibley fellows were refused permission to see him on account of his trouble. The news of his premature death was received by Mrs. Gates fro the young man's father of Portland, N.Y.The remains were shipped to his home in Portland and the plans contemplated that the funeral would be held Sunday, the 20th inst[sic]. The M.E. Sunday School, Yeoman lodge, Sibley high school graduating class, and others, through Mrs. Gates, wired about $25 worth of floral offerings for the funeral of deceased. George was largely esteemed in the community. He was president of the Junior high school class; assistant secretary of his Sunday School class; treasurer of the Epworth League and active in every good work. George came west a few years ago on account of his health. For the last year he has been making him home with Mrs. Gates. He was born at Ripley, New York, October 8, 1888. Removed to Oil City, where he attended the grade schools. About a year ago his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Mudge, removed to Portland, New York. Aside form his parents he leaves a brother, Homer Mudge of Oil City, Pennsylvania and a sister Rocelia.
George left Sibley Tuesday, April 23rd enlisting with the U.S. Army at the Sioux City recruiting station. He was sent to Fort Logan, Colo., and later to Fort Winfield Scott, California. He was in poor health when he left Sibley and his friends fail to understand how he passed the physical examination. For some weeks previous to his leaving Sibley he talked of enlisting, but never told anybody that he had decided to enlist. The deceased held a $2000 policy with the Yeoman society.
George was a splendid young man, whom this community sincerely mourns and extends condolence to the bereaved family.
From Sibley Gazette May 24, 1917
