New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Claremont

Soldiers Monument in Broad Street Park,
Claremont NH. Photograph by Colin Sanborn,
used here with permission.

Like many other New Hampshire locales, in 1918 the then Town of Claremont celebrated and recognized its returning heroes of World War I. A simple painted sign existed at first, the names of those who gave their lives acknowledging service until the wood began to decay, was removed, and then was lost in time.

In 1967 a modern monument was erected in Broad Street Park, facing City Hall. [The 1972 Annual Report of Claremont shows a photograph and specifies the year]. The names of many of those who lost their lives are inscribed on this stone. A list of ALL who served from Claremont NH can be found in the August 21, 1919 edition of the Republic Champion newspaper.

The Broad Street monument recognizes 22 Claremont citizens who died in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Of World War I, the names shown are: Albert Audette, Charles H. Ayer, Charles L. Cady, Clifford J. Cady, Philias Cote, Alfred Coulombe, Arthur Couture, Eugene Desrosiers, Charles Farrie, Osborn P. Friend, James A. Gartland, Don S. Hooper, Ralph Kelsey, Alphonse Labrecque, Oliver Lacasse, Raymond C. Lemere, George McLeod, John J. Miller, Albert Nailer, Harry P. Porter, Robert Rickard and Roy A. Young. To this list I add six (6) more names from the NH Adjutant General’s list of casualties, Claremont Town Reports that show soldiers of WWI buried in Claremont, the list that Colin Sanborn compiled and other resources.

My deepest thanks to Colin Sanborn, Circulation Librarian at Fiske Free Library for providing me with photographs, and a list he had compiled of those in WWI service. To that I add additional names and research to learn more about these heroes. Additional and deepest thanks to Wayne McElreavy of the Claremont Historical Society for helping me with several of my most difficult research areas.

Close up of Soldiers Monument in Claremont
NH listing WWI soldiers who gave their lives.
Photograph by Colin Sanborn, used here
with permission.

✫★✫★✫★✫★✪🌟✪✫★✫★✫★✫★
Heroes of Claremont NH During WWI
✫★✫★✫★✫★✪🌟✪✫★✫★✫★✫★
Those who lost their lives during WWI with a connection to Claremont, NH

–LEGEND–
The following legend is used to show the source of the name provided on this list.
[A] Adjutant General’s List of Killed in Action from New Hampshire
[B] WWI Plaque, Doric Hall, State House, Concord NH
[C] Claremont, New Hampshire Annual Report 1918-1922, burials
[D] Claremont NH Soldier’s Memorial, Broad Street Park
[E] Buried in Europe, American Battle Monuments Commission
[F] Death Record, Burial Record or Headstone Application
[G] Compilation of WWI Deaths by Colin Sanborn.
[H] U.S. Military Transport Service Records, WWI
[I] Canadian Military Records
[J] Newspaper articles (various)
[K] Gold Star Mothers of Massachusetts
[L] U.S. Navy Records
* Photograph or likeness provided or available.
[#] Numbers refer to a footnote following the list with additional information on a particular soldier.

✫★★✫★✪🌟✪✫★✫★
DIED IN WARTIME
✫★★✫★✪🌟✪✫★✫★

Listing and photograph of Alfred J. Audette
from From History of the 101st machine gun
battalion, by 1st Lieut. Philip S. Wainwright.

**Edward J. Condon |Unknown | [on NH Honor Roll at NH State House; not on Adj. General’s list of Casualties |[B][G] [7]

**Eugene Desrosier(s)/Derosier| Soldier/Sailor| Died of Disease (pneumonia) 21/22 Feb 1919 | Battery B, 406th Field Artillery> Co. D. 60th Pioneer Infantry > Re-enlisted Merchant Marine | [B][D][G][J][11]

Osborne P. Friend’s photograph and biography
from War Record of Dartmouth College
1917-1918, c1922

✫★★✫★✪🌟✪✫★✫★
BIOGRAPHIES
✫★★✫★✪🌟✪✫★✫★

Obituary of Albert J. Audette from
Caledonia-Record, Caledonia VT of
23 November 1918.

[1] Albert Joseph Audette was born 15 February 1895 in St. Johnsbury Vermont, son of Fred & Marie “Mary” (Nadeau) Audette [per his sibling’s records]. Albert’s mother died when he was about 13 years old and his father remarried in 1911 to Florince Crositiere/Croshere]. He had siblings Alcide Audette [aka Pepin], Florence Audette [who m. Arthur L. Laroche], Doris Audette [who m. Joseph K. Pieton, d. 1936], and Beatrice Audette (d. 1988 CT, m. Charles Thomas Sears). Albert J. Audette married 4 April 1914 in Claremont NH to Mary Polleto, dau of Antonis & Philomena (Bucciero) Polleto. He appears to have been divorced or widowed by 1917 as his WWI Registration shows him “single.” His WWI Draft Registration was completed at St. Johnsbury VT: Albert Joseph Audette, Railroad St. St. Johnsbury VT., laborer, single; of medium heights and slender stature with black eyes and black hair. The “History of the 101st machine gun battalion, by 1st Lieut. Philip S. Wainwright et al shows: “Private Albert Joseph Audette, born Feb 15, 1895. Laborer. Enl. Co. D, 1st Vt. Inf. June 16, 1917, Ft. Ethan Allen. Trans. to Battalion Aug 27 at Niantic. All sectors. Killed by shell-fire at Brabant Wood, Oct 23, 1918. Buried in American Cemetery at Glorieux. Nearest kin: Alcyd P. Audette (brother) 13 Maple Street. St. Johnsbury Vt.” [Editor’s Note: Remains in the Glorieux cemetery were later removed to the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery, however I do not find Albert J. Audette’s name among those buried there. His current burial location is unknown.] The Caledonian-Record (St. Johnsbury VT) 23 Nov 1918, page 4 posted an Obituary: “Prvt. Albert J. Audette has been reported killed in action on Oct. 23, somewhere in France. He was a member of Company C., 101st Machine Gun Battalion, and was born in St. Johnsbury 29 years ago. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Audette. His father is living in Claremont, N.H. and his mother died when he was only 13 years old. He leaves one brother, Alcide Pepin of St. Johnsbury, and three sisters, Mrs. Florence Laroche and Miss Doris Audette of Claremont and Miss Beatrice Audette of Manchester. The funeral service will be held in Notre Dame des Victoires church on Monday morning at 8 o’clock. His only brother, now 14 years old, was adopted when very young by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pepin of Maple street.”

Charles H. Ayer, Photograph from War Record
of Dartmouth College 1917-1918, c1922

[2] Charles Henry “Harry” Ayer was born 12 October 1887 in Claremont NH, son of William H. & Delia Bridgett “Minnie” (Christopher) Ayer. His WWI Draft Registration Card was completed in Claremont NH when he was 29 years old. At that time he was living at 107 Broad Street and listed his occupation as restaurant owner. He was single, supporting his mother, and was of medium height and stature with light brown eyes and dark brown hair. According to a notice about him in the book, “War Record of Dartmouth College 1917-1918” Charles Henry Ayer was in the class of 1911. “He prepared at Stevens High School, Claremont, N.H. At Dartmouth he became a member of Sigma Nu. After leaving college he was for a time in St. Louis, but later returned to Claremont, where he became the proprietor of a restaurant. He entered the service March 29, 1918, and was assigned as a private to the 325th Infantry. He trained at Camp Devens and Camp Upton and went overseas in April 1918. He was killed in action in the Argonne Forest, Oct. 16, 1918.” Charles H. Ayer died 16 October 1918. Although originally buried in France, his body was transported home and was re-buried at Saint Mary Cemetery, West Claremont NH on 29 August 1921. His burial plaque states that he enlisted on 29 March 1918 and once in France was engaged in various battles including St. Mihiel, Meuse, and in the Argonne Defensive Sector when he was killed in action.

Photograph of Private Arthur J. Baribeau
from Mine and Quarry magazine
, Volumnes 8-11, page 1141

[3] Arthur Joseph Baribeau born 12 Sep 1890 Montreal PQ Canada, son of Francois & Celina (Moirier/Marrier/Morin) Baribeau. He had siblings Anatole, Leontine, Romeo, Joseph and Beatrice. He married 15 Feb 1915 in Berlin NH to Marie Ann/Mariann Dauphin, daughter of Nap & Arthemise (Dancoes) Dauphin. They had a son, Joseph Nap Baribeau who was stillborn 2 Feb 1916. His wife Mariane died the next day of complications due to childbirth. In 1910 the family was living in Berlin, NH. In 1917 when he filled out his WWI Registration form he was living in Claremont NH, working as a paper marker. He was single, short and slender with dark brown eyes and black hair. He also indicated he had served for 1-1/2 years in the NH Infantry (prob National Guard). He is listed on the WW1 Honor Roll at the NH State House. His mother, Celina Baribeau, is listed among the Gold Star Mother’s on the Soldier and Sailors Monument in Berlin NH. I located a death index record for Arthur J. Baribeau on 29 Sep 1918 at Brookhaven, New York. Mine and Quarry magazine, Volumes 8-11, page 1141 shows: “Sullivan Gold Stars. One additional gold star has been placed on the Sullivan Machinery Company’s service flag at its Claremont, New Hampshire, Works. Six men in all, employees of this company, have thus given the maximum service to their country. Private Arthur J. Baribeau, 152d Depot Brigade, 12th Company, 4th Platoon, died of pneumonia at Camp Upton, New York, September 29th. Private Baribeau was 29 years old and had entered the service only a week before his death. He was buried with military honors at his former home in Berlin, New Hampshire, where his mother and several brothers and sisters reside. Another brother is in the Canadian Army. Baribeau had been, before the war, a member of the Home Guard in Berlin. [Private Arthur J. Baribeau, 152d Depot Brigade, Camp Upton NY, died September 29, 1918]. [His story also included in that of WWI Military Heroes: Berlin on this blog]. Buried in Berlin NH, probably at St. Anne Cemetery where his mother, sister and other relatives are buried.
[4] Burton Quimby Benjamin was born 17 January 1893 in Claremont NH, son of Elton Albert & Blanche Angeline (Quimby) Benjamin. In 1900 he was living in Claremont NH with his parents and siblings, Mildred B., Elsie A., Ethel M., Earl E., and Wardner S. He completed his WWI Draft Registration in Claremont NH, aged 24 was living at 32 Middle Street. He worked as a clerk at Quimby & Quimby in Claremont NH. He was single, of medium height and stature with blue eyes and brown hair. The Washington Post (Washington CD) of 18 October 1918 reported: “91 More Die of “Flu” DCs High Record.
Deaths: Burton Benjamin, 25, Walter Reed Hospital.” He died 17 October 1918 in Washington DC as stated above, a soldier, U.S. Army. He is buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Claremont NH. Inscription says: Burton died in Washington D.C. in the service of his country.
[5] Clifford J. Cady was born 11 June 1897 in Weathersfield, Windsor Co. VT, son of John W. & Hattie (Ledoux) Cady. In 1900 he was living in Claremont NH with his parents, and siblings Mamie M., Ralph D., Mabel J., and Frederick J. His WWI Registration form was completed in Claremont New Hampshire, indicating he was tall and slender with dark brown hair and brown eyes. This form includes a notation: “Honorably discharged veteran. He died 6 days later.” His death record of 30 August 1918 shows he was a machinist, and that he died of acute hepatitis in Claremont NH. He is buried in Saint Mary Cemetery, Claremont NH.
[6] Leslie Charles Cady was born in Feb 1895 at Weathersfield VT, son of Charles E. & Sarah L. (Field) Cady. In 1900 and 1910 living in Weathersfield VT. He married 4 March 1916 at Weathersfield VT to Ethel M. Lawrence. The Vermont Adjutant General Military Records show: *CADY, LESLIE CHARLES. 1,672,916. Res: Springfield. Born at Weathersfield. Ind: Nov 21, 1917, White River Jct. Org.: 151st Dep. Brig. to Jan. 16, 1918; 1st Mobile Vet. Sec., to Feb 10, 1919 Overseas: Apr 16, 1918 to Feb 10, 1919. Died of Disease, Feb 10, 1919. Pl. of burial: American Cemetery, Coblenz, Germany. After the war his body was returned to the United States where he was buried in Ascuteneville Cemetery, Ascutney VT where his tombstone inscription shows: Served in A.E.F. Mobile Vet. Sec Div 1 in 6 battles, died while with the army of occupation at Goblenz, Germany. His service is attributed to Vermont.
[7] Edward J. Condon was probably born about 1887 in Ireland. The 1910 U.S. Census shows him aged 23, living in Claremont, NH, having immigrated to the U.S. in 1907 and currently working in the shipping office of a machine shop. He was a “boarder” and unrelated (apparently) to the others in the household, the head being Mary Landis. Edward J. Condon’s name appears on the New Hampshire Honor Roll in the NH State House, but he is not on the NH Adjutant General’s list of casualties. There were several Edward J. Condons in other states who were killed in war time. No more is known.
[8] Philias Cote was born 19 Nov 1894 [as stated on his registration form] at St. Francois Du Lac, PQ Canada, son of Edmond Joseph and Emma M. (Grenier) Cote. His WWI Draft Registration was completed on 5 June 1917 in Manchester NH, at that time living at 43 Marion Street , an alien working as a teamster for L. Dupuis of Manchester NH. He was single, of medium height, stout in stature, with brown eyes and black hair. He enlisted in the United States army and his naturalization papers of 11 June 1918 show he was living at 85 North Street, Claremont NH, having emigrated in April 1913 to Newport VT on the QCRR & B&M RR. He was declared to be a citizen in November 1917 at Manchester NH in Superior Court. Philias Cote died of Wounds (received in action) on 14 Sep 1918. The U.S. Military Transport Records State that he departed Montreal Canada on 6 July 1918 board the U.S. ship, “Burma,” as a member of Co. A, 303rd Infantry, 76th Division. His service number was 2724493. His address was 85 North Street Claremont NH and his NOK his mother, Mrs. Emma Cote. The 1921 Claremont Town Report listed those remains returned from France and reburied in Claremont, presenting some conflicting info: “”Private Philias Cote, No. 2724493, Co. C, 18th Infantry, Cause of Death Given on in These Letters D.W.R.I.A., Sept 14, 1918. Buried at West Claremont, June 18, 1921.” He is buried in St. Mary Cemetery, West Claremont NH.
[9] Alfred Coulomb(e) was born 15 April 1895 in Aukland, Compton, PQ Canada, son of Joseph & Georgianna (Bergeron) Coulombe. He had siblings: Marie, Alma, Isabel, Rosana, Venerame,Delia and Delina. In 1910 his family living in Claremont NH siblings Isabelle, Rose Anna, Fred (self), Florence, Delia, Israel, Alice, Landina and Alexina. He married 26 Nov 1914 in Windsor VT to Anna Thresa Hurd, dau of Charles A. & Carrie A. (Davis) Hurd. They had 1 child, Kenneth Coulombe (1915-1954). She m2d) 24 May 1919 24 Charles Alfred Amell. Alfred Coulombe enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces, Service # 3082396 assigned as a Private to the Canadian Infantry, 1st Quebec Regiment, 87th Battalion. He embarked from Canada 24 March 1918 on the HMT Scandinavian, arriving in England on 3 April 1918. He was killed in action on 2 September 1918 and is buried in Dury Mill British Cemetery, France.
[10] Arthur Couture has a tombstone in Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Claremont, New Hampshire. It reads: ARTHUR COUTURE | Vermont |Pvt 121 M.G. Battn | 32 Div | September 25, 1918. The tombstone hints that he either enlisted from Vermont, or that was his or a close relative’s residence. His name is not included in the Vermont Adjutant General’s book of those who served from that state. No more is known.
[11] Eugene Desrosier was born “Ludger Desrosiers” on 31 May 1900 in Claremont NH 4th child and son of Adelard & Marie “Mary” (Robillard) De(s)rosier(s). In the 1910 U.S. Census he is living in Claremont NH with his parents, and siblings Adelord Jr., Anna and George. He enrolled in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 on 14 September 1917 and received training at Camp Wadsworth and Camp Devens MA. He served as a soldier during WWI in Battery B, 406th Field Infantry, being transferred to Co. D, 60th Pioneer Infantry. He survived the war and upon his return enlisted as a sailor in the Merchant Marine, and was in that service on 21/22 February 1919 when he died of disease (pneumonia).
[12] Charles Aloysius Farrie was born 7 September 1888 in Manchester, New Hampshire, son of John C. & Olive C. (Lowe) Farrie. He married 25 June 1917 at Claremont NH to Ida C. Dubreuil, daughter of Joseph & Melina (Beauregard) Dubreuil. She died 27 May 1934 in Claremont NH aged 37y of pulmonary T.B. In 1900 Charles was living in Manchester NH with parents and sibling James Henry Farrie (1887-1956, m. Hattie Louise Langmaid). Another sibling, Florence M. Hooper (1884-1941) married 1908 to George E. Symonds. On 5 June 1917 Charles A. Farrier filled out his WWI Draft Registration form in Claremont NH giving his full name as Charles Aloysious Farrie, his birth date, that he was living at 31 Park Ave in Claremont, and working as paymaster in the T.R. Elevain Shoe Co. His physician description was of medium height and stature with brown eyes and brown hair. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Camp Devens in Harvard MA for training and that is where he died on 24 September 1918 of disease (pneumonia) in the Base Hospital. He is buried in Saint Mary Cemetery, Claremont NH.
[13] Osborne Proctor Friend was born 25 July 1894 in Gloucester MA, son of Edward Ellery & Eva Phidora “Dora” (Littlefield) Friend. Osborne had siblings: George Scott Friend and Mrs. Evelyn Littlefield (Friend) Shepard of Dorchester MA. Osborne Proctor Friend married 20 April 1918 Milford NH to Florence Judith Boynton, dau of George H. & Elizabeth (Jackson) Boynton. She was born in Claremont NH. They had one daughter Barbara Proctor Friend. The Gold Star Mothers of Massachusetts printed a biography in their book. He was in the Dartmouth College Class of 1916 and the book, War Record of Dartmouth College 1917-1918, has his photograph and biography. “OSBORNE PROCTER FRIEND. Seaman, U.S.N.R.R. – Ensign, Naval Aviation. Born July 25, 1894. Prepared at the high school in Gloucester, Mass. After graduation, he entered the employ of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Later, he went to Brooklyn, N.Y., where he became a department manager for the U.S. Rubber Company. He enlisted May 28, 1917, as a seaman second class in the U.S.N.R.F., but transferred to Naval Aviation and graduated from aviation school at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was sent to Bay Shore, L.I., and then to Philadelphia, where he contracted influenza which was followed by pneumonia. He died in the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia, Sept. 29, 1918. His service is also credited to Massachusetts though his wife was living with her brother in Claremont at the time of Osborne’s death.
[14] James Arthur Gartland was the son of James and Anna (Smith) Gartland. He was a sailor who was born 7 August 1900 in Natick, Rhode Island, and died 14 November 1918 of disease (broncho pneumonia) in Claremont at his mother’s home, while in the merchant marines. He is buried in Pleasant Street Cemetery in Claremont, New Hampshire. (My thanks to Lois Buchan who reached out to me on FaceBook to correct James’ surname from Garland to Gartland and provide a link to his burial place).
[15] Don Sylvester Hooper |was born 13 Feb 1887 in Lempster NH, son of Herbert S. & Ellen M. (Sawyer) Hooper. In 1900 he was living in Lempster NH with parents and siblings: Herbert Hooper, Ellen M. Hooper, Florence M. Hooper, and a cousin Edith Thurber. Don S. Hooper married 29 June 1917 in Claremont NH to Ruth M. Bean, dau of Curtis C. & Mae (Wood) Bean. He served as a Private in Co. K, 309th Infantry, 78th Division in Europe, and was killed in action there on 1 November 1918. Originally buried near the battlefield, his remains were moved to Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France. He also has a cenotaph in Lempster Cemetery, Lempster NH as follows: “DON S. HOOPER | PRIV. CO K 309 INF 78 DIV A.E.F. | KILLED IN ACTION | 1887-1918. ”
[16] Ralph Henry Kelsey was born on 15 March 1891, son of Frank C. & Harriet A. (Whitman) Kelsey. In the 1900 census he was living with his parents in Claremont NH and siblings: Fred F., Grace A., Raymond W., and John. Ralph W. Kelsey filled out his WWI Registration form on 5 June 1917 in Claremont NH stating he was living at 28 Wall Street there. He indicated he was born in Claremont NH occupation farmer for F.C. Kelsey in Claremont. He was single, aged 26, of medium height and stature with brown eyes and dark brown hair. Ralph H. Kelsey was in the Class of 1914 at Dartmouth College and his biography there states he prepared at Stevens High School, Claremont NH. At college he sang in the College Choir and in the Glee Club. He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa. After graduation he went into the florist business, but at the outbreak of the war he was with the Woolworth Company in Binghamton, NY. He entered service in April 1918 as a private in the 309th Machine Gun Company. After being trained in French camps, he was sent to the western front, where he was killed in action on 16 October 1918. [See photograph above]. The 1922 Town of Claremont Annual report shows among those brought from out of town for interment: “Ralph H. Kelsey No. 1749017, Private M.G. Co. 309th Infantry. Killed in action in the World War, October 17, 1918. The body was disinterred in France and brought to Claremont, January 1922. Buried January 20, 1922 in Mountain View Cemetery.”
[17] Oliver J. Lacasse was born 15 Sep 1897 in Farmey, Canada (according to naturalization records), son of son of Napoleon [Paul] & Amanda (Derochers) Lacasse. The family immigrated about 1907 to the United States. In 1910 living in Claremont NH with parents and siblings Eglantine (who married Joseph Doyotte), Paul (who married Myrtle (Baker), Louis, Mary and Lyda/Leda (who m. — St. Jean). In 1914 Oliver J. Lacasse became a naturalized citizen and provided the following information: “born 15 Sep 1897 Farmey, Canada. Arrived in Newport VT on 1 Feb 1906 Naturalized 6 July 1916 in U.S. District Court of NH. Aged 19, white, dark complexion, height 5 ft 9-1/2 inches tall, 127-1/2 pounds, black hair, dark blue eyes. Born in Farmey ?], Canada ON 15 Sep 1897, now residing at 14 North Street Claremont NH. Emigrated from Farmey, Canada by rail.” U.S. Army records show that he left for Europe, departing NYC on 27 Sep 1917 aboard the ship Celtie, Private, Co C, 103rd Infantry, mother Mrs. Mondor Lacasse. The 1921 Claremont NH Annual Report shows among “Soldiers Disinterred and France and Brought to their Home Place for Burial by the U.S. Government to Hoboken, N.J. From There to Destination: “Sergent Oliver Lacasse, No. 67307, Co. C., 103rd Infantry, Killed in Action July 20, 1918. Burial at West Claremont, August 30, 1921.
[18] Joseph Alphonse D. Lebrecque was born 21 March 1890 in Claremont NH, son of Edward L. & Delia “Lea” (Ricard/Recard) Lebrecque. Siblings included: William L. (who d. 20 Oct 1906 Claremont NH), Helen Adelia (b c1886, m. 3 July 1905 to Alfred M. Beliveau aka Fred Maxium Bell), and Victoria (b. 1887 Claremont who m. 30 Sep 1907 to Omer Ferland). Alphonse Lebrecque married 29 Apr 1907 in Newport NH to Lumina McLeod, dau of Eugene & Georgiana (Lambert) McLeod. His WWI Registration was completed in Manchester NH on 5 June 1917 and shows: “Alphonse Labreque. 407 Belmont St, Manchester NH. b. March 20, 1890 Claremont . Proprietor Lunch Cart. Self Employed, Manchester NH. NOK: wife and child, married. Description: Tall and slender with blue eyes and black hair. He served as a Seaman 2c in the United States Navy and died on 19 September 1918 at U.S. Naval Training Station, Bumpkin Island, of disease (broncho-pneumonia resulting from influenza). He is buried in St. Mary Cemetery, Claremont NH.

Obituary of Albert
Lamere from the National Eagle
newspaper, provided by
Wayne McElreavey
of the Claremont
Historical Society.
Used with permission.

[19] Raymond C. Lemere / Lamere was born 21 Feb 1899 in Lyndonville VT, son of Alfred “Fred” & Mary Eva (Bernard) Lamere. In 1900 living in Saint Johnsbury VT with parents and siblings: Beatrice M. and Leonora E. By 1910 the family was living on North Street in Claremont NH with Raymond’s father Fred working as a moulder in the local foundry, and at this time the census shows Raymond had additional siblings Ethel, Alfreda and Clifford. On April 6, 1917 the United States declared war on Germany and entered WWI. Three months later Raymond C. Lamere, while a member of Co. C, New Hampshire National Guard, he died from drowning on 26 July 1917 in Concord NH, following a canoe accident on the Contoocook River (accidentally falling out of a canoe). — of the Claremont Historical Society provided his obituary. From the National Eagle newspaper (Claremont) Thursday August 2, 1917, page 1. SOLDIER DROWNS AS CANOE UPSETS. Raymond Lamere of North Street, Member of Co. C, Lost Life at Concord. Raymond Lamere of 176 North Street, 22 years of age and a member of Company C, New Hampshire National Guard, was drowned in the Contoocook river at Concord Thursday evening while canoeing with a comrade, according to news received here. Lamere’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lamere, received a telegram late Thursday night, giving on the bare facts of the drowning. A dispatch from Concord, however stated that Lamere and two other militiamen were on the Contoocook river near that city after dark, and that the canoe capsized. According to eye witnesses of the accident, Lamere, together with Oliver Lacasse, also of this town, and also a member of Company C, were fooling in the canoe when it tipped over. Two Laconia military men immediately put out in a boat, but were unable to rescue Lamere. His companion, Lacasse, was rescued by Eugene Callahan, who was bathing nearby. He is buried in Saint Mary Cemetery, Claremont NH.

Newspaper clippings from 1918 regarding
Walter Mason, courtesy Claremont Historical
Society. Use with permission.

[20] Walter Dean Mason was born 24 July 1894 in Tospham Vermont, son of Almon & Mary (Page) Mason. He was at first a mystery. His name only appears on a list provided to me in a compilation of Claremont WWI deaths by Colin Sanborn stating he was killed in Action 15 Oct 1918. The Haulsee Book of U.S. WWI Deaths shows “Walter D. Mason, Claramont(sic) Killed in Action, Private,US Army.” He is not shown on the NH Adjutant General’s list of casualties nor is he on the New Hampshire Honor Roll in the NH State House. I learned that his name does appear on the Bristol Vermont WWI monument. Walter Mason’s identity became apparent when Wayne McElreavy of the Claremont Historical Society recently sent me some newspaper clippings. According to the newspapers Walter D. Mason’s wife was living in Claremont New Hampshire at the time of his death. I am posting those clippings here along with the transcriptions as follows:

Walter Dean Mason in uniform during WWI.
Photograph courtesy of Mallory Kozuch.
Used here with written permission.

“BURLINGTON FREE PRESS (Burlington Vermont), Wednesday September 18, 1918, page 2. The names of three Vermonters are in the casualty lists of Tuesday. A sketch of one of them, Frank J. Medlar of Burlington has already appeared in the free press. The names are: MISSING IN ACTION, Pvt. Seymore Hutchinson, W. Danville / Pvt. Walter D. Moses, Bristol. WOUNDED SEVERELY. Frank J. Medlar, Burlington. (SPECIAL TO THE FREE PRESS.) PVT. W.D. MASON. Bristol. Sept 17.–Little is known regarding Walter D. Mason reported missing. He has a wife who lives at present in Claremont, N.H. He enlisted about a year ago and trained at Camp Greene. While in Bristol he was employed in different capacities as farm hand, teamster etc., He is about 23 years of age. // BRISTOL HERALD, Bristol, Vermont. Thursday, January 9, 1919, page 8. A letter from Mrs. Anna Mason, of Claremont NH formerly of this town announced the death of her husband who was killed in action, August 5 in France. He is the second Bristol boy who made the supreme sacrifice in France. Some months ago he was reported as missing in action.” // NEW HAVEN NEWS. Walter D. Mason who was killed in France August 5th lived at W.H. Partch’s for some time. His wife resides in Claremont N.H. ” In 1900 Walter D. Mason was living in Topsham Vermont with his parents and family. Siblings: Clinton E., Leon E, Leo E., Frank A., Flora M., Burt E., Fred C., Earl M., Carrol P. and Ralph B. Walter Dean Mason completed his WWI Registration form in Addison Vermont on 5 June 1917. He was single and living in New Haven VT at the time, farming for W.H. Partch. He was of medium height and stature with brown eyes and dark brown hair. He married a few months later on 12 February 1918 in Bristol, Vermont to Anna Pearl Bowman daughter of Harry & Emma (Martell) Bowman. The newspaper clippings states that he was sent to Camp Greene for training.U.S. Military Transport Passenger lists shows that Walter D. Mason a Private in Co. M 58th Infantry, Service Number 560383 departed New York City aboard the ship Themistocles on 11 May 1918 bound for Europe. History states that the battalions of the 58th were assigned to French regiments, their 164th Infantry Division, and participated in the Aisne – Marne counter offensive of July 1918. No doubt it was around this time that Walter D. Morse was killed in action (at first he was listed as missing in action). The date on his tombstone states his last day was 6 August 1918. When the war ended his remains were returned home where he was buried in Maple Cemetery, Lincoln, Addison Co. VT. His tombstone says: WALTER D. MASON July 24, 1894 / Aug 6, 1918 / Co. M 58th Infantry, Killed in France. Walter’s wife Anna Pearl Bowman was born 7 July 1898 in Braintree VT dau of Harry E. & Emma M. (Martell) Bowman. She married 2nd) on 31 Dec 1919 in Charlotte, Chittenden VT to Warren W. Parker. Son of Walter W. & Sarah (Varney) Parker.
[21] George Roderick McLeod was born 14 Dec 1895 in North Weymouth MA, son of son of George W. & Mary A. (Leahy) McLeod. In 1900 he was living in Weymouth MA with parents and siblings: Charles H., and Roland I. He completed his WWI Registration form in Claremont NH on 5 June 1917 as follows in part: “George Roderick McLeod, 21. 32 Middle Street, Claremont NH. born Dec 14, 1895 in North Weymouth MA. draftsman, Sullivan Mfg Co., Claremont NH. single. tall and slender with brown eyes and brown hair.” The Gold Star Mothers of Massachusetts book on page 305 provides a biography and shows his connection to Claremont NH.: “McLEOD, George Roderick: killed in action 27 Sep 1918, near Guillemont Farm. Enl. 13 Oct 1917, R.A. (at Burlington Vt.) assigned to 2d Recruit Co., General Service Inf., Fort Slocum; trans. 16 Oct to 22nd Engrs. N.Y.N.G. (Co. E, 102d Engineers 27th Div.) Overseas 17 May 1918. Born 14 Dec 1895 at North Weymouth, son of George W. and Mary A. McLeod; brother of Charles H. (Co. F, 101st Engrs) Roland L. (served in U.S.N.) and Katharine. Draftsman, employed at Claremont NH. Wentworth Institute, Class of 1916.” He is buried at Somme American Cemetery, with a cenotaph at North Weymouth Cemetery, Weymouth MA.
[22] John Jewett Miller was born 24 October 1892 in Claremont NH, son of Fred J. & Carrie M. (Bartlett) Miller. His parents were later of Hyde Park MA. His WWI Draft Registration was completed on 5 June 1917 in Utah (in part) as follows: John J Miller, age 25. Residence: Hesper Utah, Brakeman D&RG RR Co. Tall, medium build, blue eyes, light hair. At the time of his death he was a 2nd Lieutenant in the RAF (British Royal Air Force) in the 95th Squadron. On 25 Apr 1918 he was flying a Flying Avro No C 599 (airplane) when, according to official records, “due to his stalling of the machine while it was turning into the aerodome [RAF Shotwick] without his engine, causing it to spin, and its pilot not having enough room to get it again under control, crashed. He is buried in St. Michael’s Churchyard, Shotwick Park, Cheshire, England, and also has a cenotaph in Mountain View Cemetery, Claremont NH.
[23] Albert N. Nailer was born born 17 July 1894 at Derby, Orleans Co. VT, son of Joseph & Louise (Scott) Nailer/Nailor. In 1900 Albert was living in Derby, Orleans Co. VT with parents and siblings: Arthur (born July 1892) and Eddie (born Feb 1898). On 5 June 1917 he completed his WWI Registration form in Claremont NH providing this additional information: age 22, living at 18 Wall St Claremont NH. Helper at Sullivan Machine Co, Claremont NH. Supports mother and father, single, of medium height and stature with hazel eyes and dark brown hair. He was a Private in Co. G, 74th Infantry at the time of his death on 25 September 1918 of disease (lobar pneumonia) at the base hospital of Fort Devens in Harvard MA. He was 24 years old. He is buried in Saint Mary Cemetery, Claremont NH.
[24] Merrett/Merritt Eastman Partridge was born 7 Feb 1899 in Hartford VT son of Merritt Eastman & Lucy Emma (Smith) Partridge. He had siblings, Pearle, Frederick, Leland, Westley, Mearle, Alma and Wallace. He was living in Keene NH as early as 1908 when he appears in the directory, secretary for Cheshire Lodge No. 82, I.O.O.F. (Oddfellows). In 1917 he owned a house at 120 Elm street and was employed in Keene. That same year (1917) he removed to Claremont NH. Died age 19. He served as a Private/Corporal in the 128th Infantry, 32d Division and was Killed in Action on 17 October 1918. His remains lie in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. His service is also attributed to Keene NH. |See Keene NH|
[25] Henry (aka Harry) Page Porter was born 1 September 1895 in Claremont NH, son of Bert Page & Blanche Bordella “Berdie” (Eastman) Porter. In the 1900 U.S. Census he was living in Meredith, Belknap Co. NH with his parents. On June 5, 1917 he completed his WWI Registration form in Sanford, York Co. Maine providing his full name and birth date (shown here) plus this additional information: was living Elm Street, Sanford York Maine, working as a drug clerk for S.S. Lightbody of Rochester NH. He was single and mentioned he had ‘trouble with left knee and nose.’ His physical description was short, medium stature with light brown eyes and dark brown hair. U.S. Navy records corroborate these details and show he was on the Roster of the United States Coast Guard, Serial #196-76-35, enlisting at Portland Maine on 26 April 1918, HA2c [Hospital Apprentice 2nd class] for 18 days serving at NTS Newport Rhode Island 26 April 1918 to 10 May 1918, then the Naval Hospital at Newport RI from 10 May 1918 to 14 May 1918. He died on 14 May 1918 at the Naval Hospital in Newport Rhode Island of disease (lobar pneumonia). At his death his next of kin was his father, Bert Page Porter of Bodwell Street in Sanford Maine. He is buried in Union Cemetery, Claremont NH.
[26] Robert Lee Rickard was born 10 Oct 1893 in Claremont NH son of Charles F. & Alma O. (Spaulding) Rickard. In 1900 living in Claremont NH with parents and siblings, Cleora M., Lillian Daisy, Lyndes Elsworth, and Charles F. His WWI Draft Registration form was completed on 5 June 1917 in Foxborough MA and he included his middle name noting he was residing residing in Foxborough MA, working Bay State Tap & Die Co. of Mansfield MA. He was single, of medium height, slender build with grey eyes and light hair. According to Syracuse.com: “On May 14, President Wilson ordered the construction of a $200,000 recruit camp at the site of the New York State Fairgrounds. More than 17,000 soldiers passed through the camp in 1917, and about the same, the year after. Civilians and soldiers at the recruit camp endured a two-month long influenza epidemic in the autumn of 1918. More than 4,000 soldiers and twice as many civilians were treated at local hospitals. More than 200 soldiers died.” At the time of his death Robert L. Rickard held the rank of Sergeant in the 104th Co. 25th Battalion and died 27 September 1918 at the U.S. Army Training Camp at Syracuse, NY. He is buried at Pleasant Street Cemetery, Claremont NH.
[27] Arthur Seymour was born 21 March 1892 in Claremont NH, son of Moses & Adeline (Plum) Seymour. In the 1900 U.S. Census Arthur was living in Randolph VT with his parents and siblings: Roswell (b Apr 1875) and, William F. (b May 1882). He filled out his WWI Registration on 5 June 1917 in Vermont, noting he lived at RFD #2 Randolph Vermont, occupation farmer there. He described himself as single, tall of medium build with light blue eyes and dark brown hair. He was a private in Company C, 121st Infantry when he died of disease (lobar pneumonia) on 25 September 1918 in France. His body was returned to the United States and reburied in Claremont NH. His death was noted in newspaper of 7 Nov 1918–“Arthur Seymour, Randolph, Vt.” Buried in West Claremont New Hampshire.
[28] Roy Arthur Young, DDS was born born 1 August 1891 in Marlboro MA, son of James W. & Hattie L. (Eggleston) Young. In 1910 he was living in Claremont NH with his parents. Roy A. Young trained and worked as a dentist. His U.S. Navy records show that at the time of his death he was a Lieutenant (junior grade) M.C.D.S., in the U.S. Naval Reserve Force. He died on 4 October 1918 in Claremont NH of lobar pneumonia. The US Navy Casualties Book shows: YOUNG, ROY ARTHUR, lieutenant (junior grade) (M.C.D.S.) United States Naval Reserve Force. Died: Claremont, N.H. Date: October 4, 1918. Cause: Disease (lobar pneumonia) NOK: Mrs. Hattie L. Young (mother) 83 West Pleasant Street, Claremont NH. Appointed from New Hampshire. There is a Masonic symbol on his tombstone in Pleasant Street Cemetery, Claremont NH. Obituary and more details appear on his Find-A-Grave listing (see prior link).

[Editor’s Note: this story is part of an on-going series about heroic New Hampshire men and women of World War I. Look here for the entire listing].

5 Responses to New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Claremont

Amy says:

10 November, 2017 at 8:17 AM

It still shocks me to see how many died from disease, not war injuries. It doesn’t make me feel any better about their deaths, however.

Ed Bacon says:

10 November, 2017 at 10:05 AM

I think it is great that you are doing this series. My uncle, Everett McClary, fought in France during WW1. Everett lived in Claremont and worked at Sullivan Machine Co. He enlisted in the NH National Guard May 4, 1917 and shipped out to France from NY on Sept. 27 as part of Co.M, 103rd Infantry of the Yankee Division as an Infantryman. He returned to Claremont in April 1919 and married a local woman, Marie Randall. My only comment is I think everyone who volunteered to serve in WW1 and risk the supreme sacrifice are heroes and not just those who paid it. Keep up the good work.

- Janice Brown says:
  
  10 November, 2017 at 2:34 PM
  
  Ed, I would have to agree. All who volunteered were heroes. Unfortunately for me there are not enough hours in a day to write about all of them, so instead I focus on those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
  
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New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Claremont

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New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Claremont

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