New Hampshire WWI Military: Private Theobald P. Cote of Manchester NH (1895-1918)

Joseph Theobald Philias Cote was born 26 July 1895 in Manchester, Hillsborough Co., New Hampshire, the son of Joseph & Suzanne (Mullain/Mullin) Cote.

His siblings included Alcide Cote [1894-1960 who m. Emelda Plamondon], Rose Alma Cote [who married 5 May 1934 to Exeas St. Germain, son of Joseph & Veronique (Laplante) St. Germaine], Rose Anna Cote [who m. 28 July 1924 in Manchester NH to Dominick Provencher, son of Cleophas & Lumina (Guevin) Provencher]; Marie Florida Cote [1901-1921], Dr. Philippe J. Cote [who m. 28 May 1938 Manchester NH to Cecile R. Tessier, dau of Leon A. & Alida (Perrault) Tessier], Marie A. Cote, Edward/Edouard C. Cote, Clara Cote, Eugene Cote, and Athanase Joseph Cote [1912-1999; in 1953 a teacher at St. Michael’s Academy living in NYC]

Theobald had been born in the United States, then by 1901 his family moved back to Nicolet, Quebec until just before World War I broke out. Both parents had been born in Canada and immigrated to Manchester New Hampshire where work was plentiful.  Joseph Cote was a caretaker and the family lived on Melvin Street in Manchester NH. Later they lived at 422 Hevey Street.

At the time of his WW1 Registration on 5 June 1917, Theobald P. Cote was employed as a weaver for the Amoskeag Co. He describes himself as tall and slender with blue eyes and light hair. He entered the military, becoming part of the U.S. Army’s 103rd Infantry, Company A.  The helmet mark chosen for the 103rd Infantry was a green pine tree on a white diamond in honor of Maine, “The Pine Tree State.” This heraldry clearly represented the Northern New England contingent of the “Yankee” Division.

On 4 August 1918 Private Theobald P. Cote died of wounds received in action.  He was only 23 years old.  At first, he was buried in France near the battlefield.  On 2 June 1921, his remains were re-interred in his family’s plot in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, in Manchester NH.

He is recognized on the left panel of the Tablet of Honor, in Doric Hall (Hall of Flags) in the New Hampshire State House.

For additional stories of Manchester NH military in World War I, see: New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Manchester.

[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].