New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Berlin

Berlin NH WWI memorial. Photograph by Jon Platek, Panoramio. Used with permission granted on that site.

In his inaugural address of 1921, the Honorable Eli J. King, Mayor of Berlin, New Hampshire stated:  “A Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial has been purchased and will be placed in the park near the Grand Trunk Station this spring. This memorial will be a credit to the City of Berlin.”  Additional documents show that $5,300 was appropriated by the city, and along with a credit from parks and playgrounds, a total of $6, 720.00 was available.

Raymond Averill Porter, a noted Boston sculptor, was commissioned to create the monument that consists of a concrete base, a shaft of Milford pink granite, and bronze relief panels.  The relief depicts Liberty, as a full-length woman wearing  a robe, sandals, and a wreath.  She holds a shield and a palm branch.   City and state seals mark all sides of the shaft.

Soldiers and Sailors monument in Berlin NH, from the Brown Bulletin of July 1, 1922. From the Berlin and Coos County Historical Society web site.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum web site SIRIS  describes the monument in detail as follows:
— (On front of relief plaque, right side:) RAYMOND/AVERILL/PORTER/19 (inscription illegible) – SC
— (On bottom edge of relief plaque:) THE T. F. MCGANN & SONS CO. FOUNDERS BOSTON
— (On figure’s shield:) FOR GOD/COUNTRY/AND/HUMANITY
— (In bronze lettering on front of base:) TO THE CITIZENS OF/BERLIN/NEW HAMPSHIRE/WHO SERVED THEIR COUNTRY/IN THE WORLD WAR/1917 1919
— (Around city seal on base:) CITY OF BERLIN, N.H./TOWN OF BERLIN, SETTLED 1825
— (Around state seal on base:) SIGILLUM REIPUBLICAE NEO HANTONIENSIS
— (On bottom bronze plaque on back of base:) GOLD STAR MOTHERS OF BERLIN IN THE/1917-WORLD WAR-1919/(followed by three columns of names)
— (Bronze plaques on the back, proper left and proper right sides of monument list Honor Roll names) signed Founder’s mark appears.

Photograph of 1925 Gold Star Mothers Dedication Ceremony at the Soldiers and Sailors monument in Berlin NH. From the Brown Bulletin, “The Gold Star Mothers,” by Lt. Col. O.P. Cole, 1925. Provided by the Berlin Public Library.

The book “Once Upon a Berlin Time, by Paul Tardiff describes the monument’s dedication: “During a downpour on July 19, 1921 dedication to the WW monument, Major General Clarence R. Edwards, ‘The Daddy of the 26th Division’ stood in front of the WWI monument along with 6,000 people…. A handful of  Civil War veterans unveiled the monument.” Those who served are listed with an asterisk next to the names of those who died.    On 11 November 1925 a plaque dedicated to Gold Star Mothers was added.  It included the names of 31 mothers who lost their sons during the war.  The plaque names are transcribed here:

Gold Star Mothers from the Soldiers and Sailors monument in Berlin NH. Provided by the Berlin Public Library. From an article in the Brown Bulletin by Lt. O.P. Cole

GOLD STAR MOTHERS OF BERLIN IN THE
1917 – WORLD WAR – 1919
Mrs. Maria Francesca Altobell | Mrs. Celina Baribeau | Mrs. Dora Betz  | Mrs. Nelson Caouette | Mrs. Emily Corey  | Mrs. Mary Duguay | Mrs. Desange Dumas | Mrs. Gideon Fortier | Mrs. Marie Frechette | Mrs. Marie Louise Gagne | Mrs. A. Johnson | Mrs. Vladmir Kosuik | Mrs. Delima Lachapelle | Mrs. Annie Loiselle | Mrs. Marie MacNutt | Mrs. Bridget Malloy | Mrs. Fred Mason | Mrs. Christena B. McLellan | Mrs. Irene Melnik | Mrs. Cordelia Michaud | Mrs. Mary Moody | Mrs. Leda Mooney | Mrs. Delia D. Nicholson | Mrs. Feldene Parent | Mrs. Bridget Ryan | Mrs. Procule St. Hilaire | Mrs. J.H. Scammon | Mrs. Annette Shea | Mrs. Delima Talbot | Mrs. Phoebe Murray Tenney | Mrs. Dennis Violette.

Old postcard of Berlin NH showing Depot Square. Property of Janice W. Brown at Blog: Cow Hampshire.

It is not the monument that is the most important in this story, though it is a wonderful tribute that Berlin remembers the fallen in this way.  The location of this Soldiers and Sailors monument seems appropriate, as a few years earlier, on 29 April 1919 Company L of the 26th Division was met at the Grand Trunk Railway station on Mount Forist Street in Depot Square. They were returning to Berlin from their service, but  not all of those who left returned home.

I thank Raymond L. Daigle (and the Berlin Coos County Historical Society) for providing me with a list of names of men who died during World War I from Berlin NH.  In addition I have included other names found on the Adjutant General’s list of those killed in action.   I thank Denise Jensen, Head Librarian of the Berlin NH Public Library and her staff for their help in obtaining information, articles and contacts about Berlin’s role in WWI. I thank historian and writer, Paul Tardiff who talked with me several times about Berlin’s role in WWI.

HEROES OF BERLIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Those who lost their lives during WWI with a connection to Berlin, NH
–LEGEND–
The following legend is used to show the source of the name provided on this list.
[A] Soldier is listed on Solder and Sailor Monument Memorial Plaque, Berlin NH [list provided by R. Daigle]
[B] WWI Plaque, Doric Hall, State House, Concord NH
[C] Adjutant General’s List of Killed in Action from New Hampshire
[D] Buried in Europe, American Battle Monuments Commission
[E] Soldier’s mother is on Gold Star plaque, Soldiers and Sailors monument, Berlin NH
* Photograph or likeness provided or available.
[#] Numbers refer to a footnote following the list with additional information on a particular soldier.
————
ALBOTELL, Frank | Private 1c | Killed in Action 15 July 1918  |Co C, 6th U.E. Engrs. | Oise-Aisne American Cemetery | Credited to Lewiston, Maine; newspapers show Berlin NH | [A][B Altobelli] [C Maine][D][E] [1]

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

BARIBEAU, Arthur Joseph | Private |Died of Disease (pneumonia) 29 Sep 1918 Brookhaven NY (Camp Upton)|152d Depot Brigade, 12th Co., 4th Platoon | Saint Anne Cemetery, Berlin NH|[E][31]
BELL, OSBURN/OSBORNE | P1c | Killed in Action, 6 June 1918 | Buried Willis Cemetery, Dalhousie, Pictou Co., Nova Scotia, Canada |[B][C][2] |
BETZ, William* | Private | Died of Disease (pneumonia-influenza) 30 September 1918 U.S. Army Post Hospital, Durham, NH [A][B][E] | New Cemetery, Berlin, NH | SEE PHOTO below | [3]
CAOUETTE, George | Private  | Missing in Action, Considered Dead 20 October 1918 | Co. G, 309th Infantry Reg., 78th Div. | Tablets of the Missing, Meuse-Argonne Cemetery] |[A][B][C][D][E][4]
CHRISTIANSON, Conrad J. | Private | Killed in Action before 26 November 1918 | [A][B][5]
DUMAS, Joseph | Private | [A][B][E][6]
DUNT, Alfred | Private | Died of Disease 14 Feb 1919 in France | Co. D, 5th M.G. Bn, 2d Div. | [A][B][7]
FORTIER, Napoleon | Private | Died of Disease, 15 Sep 1918 |  [Suresnes American Cemetery] [A][B][D][E][8]
FRECHETTE, Fred* | Private | Before 4 December 1918, Europe | Company L, 103rd Inf. Reg., 26th Yankee Division  | Unknown Burial |[A][B][E] [SEE link for photograph and story][9]
FROST, Mike | Private 1c | Died 19 July 1918 | 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Div. | [B][C][D] [Oise-Aisne American Cemetery ][10]
GAGNE, Odilion* | Corporal | Killed in Action 31 October 1918 | Co. B, 148th Infantry, 37th Division. | Saint Anselme-Cemetery, Saint Anselme, Quebec Canada  |[A][B][E][SEE link for photograph and story][11]
HENRY, Donald V. | Private | Died 11 July 1918 Belleau Woods, France |  HQ Co. 103d Infantry | Buried Millinocket Cemetery, Section E., Block 4 | Credited to Augusta, Maine, born in Berlin NH [12]
JOHNSON, Homer A. | Private | Died of Accident in France, 1 Oct 1918 | Battery B., 12th Field Artillery, 2d Div.  | New Berlin City Cemetery, Berlin NH | [A][B][E] [13]
LaCHAPELLE, OLIVA | Private | Died of Disease (pneumonia-influenza 27 September 1918 Camp Devens MA | 14-4 Bn LB | Buried Windsor Mill, Quebec |[B][E][34]
LOISSELLE, Chester J. | Private | [A][B][E] [14]
MACNUTT, Donald Paret “Mac” | 2nd Lieut | Died of Wounds, 16 July 1918 France | Co. A 109th Infantry, 28th Div. | Aisne-Marne American Cemetery | Attributed to Pennsylvania [E][32]
MALLOY, John J. *| Sergeant | Died June 12, 1919 Gierres, France | Hdqs Reg. Co. L. | Buried Gierres, France | [A][B][E] [15]
MASON, Gustave | Private | Died of Wounds 10 October 1918 | U.S. Army, 7th Medical Detachment, 78th Div. | Old City Cemetery, Berlin NH | [A][B][C][E] [16]
McGOWN/MacGOWN, Clarence W. | Private | Died 31 Oct 1918 of Wounds at Staden, Belgium | 148 Infantry 37 Div. HQ Co. | Buried Lary Cemetery, Gorham NH |   [B][C] [17]
McLELLAN, Arthur W. | Sergeant | Died of Disease before  31 December 1918 |  78th Infantry, 78th Division | Evans Cemetery, Gorham, Coos Co. NH | [A][B][E][18]
MEAD/MEADE, John P. | Private 1C | Killed in Action 3 October 1918 | 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division | [A][B][C][D] [Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery] [19]
MELNIK, Alexander | Private | Killed in Action 30 July 1918 Chateau-Thierry | Co. G, 28th Div. 110th Infantry Regiment | [B][C][D][E] | Oise-Aisne American Cemetery] [20]
MOODY, George | Private | [A][B][E][21]
MOONEY, Joseph Arthur | Private | [A][B Arthur J][E][22]
MURRAY, Ralph B. | Private | Died 1918 | A.S.S.C. 37th Squadron, US Aviation Service | Old City Cemetery, Berlin NH | [A][B][E][23]
RYAN, Matthew M./W. | Private | Killed in Action 6 April 1918 Verdun, France| Co. H 23rd NH Infantry |  Calvary Cemetery, Berlin NH | [A][B][E][24]
SAVOIE/SAVOI, Azade | Soldier | Died of Disease 27 September 1918 (influenza, pneumonia), Camp Devens, Harvard MA |U.S. Army | Woodlawn Cemetery, Ayer MA| [B] [33]
SCAMMON, Everett | Private | Killed in Action 27 September 1918 | Co. G, 106th Infantry Reg., 27th Division | Somme American Cemetery | [A][B][D][E] [25]
SHEA, Allen | Electrician, 3d Class | Accidental Death 12 August 1918 Ayer MA, Struck by Train | U.S. Naval Reserve Force | City Cemetery, Berlin NH | [A][B][E] [26]
ST. HILAIRE, Emile* | Private | Co H 309th Infantry | Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery   [A][B][C][D][E] [SEE link for photograph and story][27]
TALBOT, Omar J. | 1st Sergeant | Died of Disease before 18 October 1918 in Europe | U.S. Army, Co. A Military Police, Train HQ | Body returned to the U.S. in 1920, burial place not known | [A][B][E] [28]
VIOLETTE, Edmond | Private | Died of Wounds 4 Nov 1918 | 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Division | Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery | Attributed to Pennsylvania | [B][D][E][29]
WAITT, Roland H. | Private | Died of Wounds 7 Sept 1918 | U.S. Army, 303rd Heavy Artillery | Oak Grove Cemetery, Gardiner ME | [A][B][C] [30]
———————-
–Additional Information–
[1] Frank Albotell is listed on both the Berlin NH Soldier and Sailor monument, and on the WWI Honor Roll in the New Hampshire state house.  The U.S. Adjutant General’s list of WW1 casualties credits him to Lewiston Maine.  At the time of his death the newspapers listed him from Berlin, NH. The Soldier and Sailor WW1 monument in Berlin shows his mother “Mrs. Maria Francesca Altobell” on the Gold Star Mother’s listing. The U.S. Adjutant General’s Maine records show: Birth Place: Sora Italy. Inducted: Ft. Slocum, N. Y., Oct. 10/17. Pvt: Oct. 10/17; Pvt 1 cl June 1/18. Org: 25 Rct Co Gen Serv Inf Ft Slocum to Oct. 16/17; Co C 6 US Engrs to July 15/18. Engagements: Champagne-Marne; Somme Defensive; Defensive Sector. Overseas: Dec. 4/17 to death. Killed in action: July 15, 1918.
[2] Osburn/Osborne Bell, born June 2, 1894 Pictou, Nova Scotia, son of Munroe Graham & Joanna (Douglas) Bell. His siblings included Alexander, Daniel B., John W., Basil B., Agnes, Owen, Earnest, Severns, Johanna (who married John Gough McNutt), Florella and Hazel M.  On his WWI Registration form he indicated his residence as 156 Main Street Berin NH, with the occupation of ‘chopper in woods,’ G.K. Howard, Bartlett NH.  He was single, tall, of medium build, with light brown eyes and light brown hair.  In July of 1918 the newspapers at first reported him missing in action, and later in August his status was changed to ‘Killed in Action,’ on 6 June 1918 in Europe. After the war ended, his body was returned to Canada where he was buried at Willis Cemetery, Dalhouise, Pictou Co., Nova Scotia, Canada in his family’s grave site.

Photograph of William Betz. Used with permission, from the family collection of Richard Betz.

[3] Gottlieb Wilhelm “William” Betz was born 3/4 July 1896 in Berlin, New Hampshire, son of German immigrants Gottlieb & Dorothea “Dora” (Meister) Betz.  His siblings included Louisa, Elsie Dorothea, Bertha K., Emma Frieda and Henry.  William’s birth record shows the July 3 1896 date as “Gottlieb,” while his WWI registration form shows 4 July, as William.  This same registration form shows his residence at 464 Goebel, Berlin NH, and that he was short, of medium built with blue eyes and brown hair.  During WWI he was sent to a U.S. Army training camp in Durham New Hampshire. He, like many other soldiers contracted influenza, which quickly resulted in pneumonia, and his death on 30 September 1918 in the Post Hospital at Durham NH. He was only 22 years of age.   Originally buried in Old Cemetery Berlin NH, on 21 May 1920 his remains were moved to New City Cemetery, Berlin NH, where he rests with his parents in the family plot.
[4] George Caouett/Caouette/Cowett was born 25 November 1888 in Quebec Canada, son of Narcisse & Marie (Dube) Caouette. Siblings included Joseph (who m. Eletine Caron), Narcisse (who m. Marie Louise Garneau), Alfred, Mary, and Azania.  His WWI Registration form provides additional information.  His residence was Western Avenue, Berlin NH, he was a laborer for Peter Bonvin of that city.  George’s physical description is single, tall, medium build, with brown eyes, and black hair.  He was assigned to the United States Army, Co. G. 309th Infantry, 78th Division.  The 78th Divisional History shows that he probably died during attacks on Bois des Loges. He was Missing in Action, then considered dead on 20 October 1918.  He is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing, Meuse-Argonne Cemetery; on the Soldiers and Sailors memorial in Berlin NH, and on the WWI Honor Roll in the NH State House.
[5] Conrad J. Christianson. Reported Boston Post of Nov 26, 1918: “Killed in Action: Pt. Conrad J. Christianson, BERLIN MILLS, NH.”  The only Conrad J. Christianson I could find in my research was a miner in Eureka, Montana and credited to that place. If any of my readers have more information on the Berlin NH-connected man, please contact me by leaving a comment.
[6] Joseph Dumas, son of Mrs. Desange Dumas (per Gold Star Mother’s plaque). Unknown, as there are several Joseph Dumas from the area, and one possible in Massachusetts; listed on both the Soldiers and Sailors monument in Berlin NH, and on the WWI Honor Roll, NH State House.
[7] Alfred Dunt was born 19 Dec 1890 London England, son of  Alfred and Mary Ann Dunt. He arrived in US 5 June 1915 at Beecher Falls, VT and was a naturalized citizen.  He filled out his WWI registration card at Fitchburg MA, stating he lived at 245 Oak Hill Rd Fitchburg MA, and was a laborer for Louis De Jongue & Co.  Previously in England he had been a private in the Medical Corps for 1-1/2 yrs. He describes himself as short and slender, with gray eyes, and black hair.  He had married on 11 Oct 1915  at Stewartstown NH to Justina Lafeuille, daughter of Agaire Lafeuille & Adeline Soudif.  She died two years later on 14 Sep 1917 of typhoid fever, aged 19 years.  The Gold Star Record of Massachusetts shows the following: “Dunt, Alfred: died 14 Feb 1919 in France, of disease. Ent. 22 May 1918; assigned to 151st D.B.; trans. 27 May to Co. A, 302d M.G. Bn., 76th Div.; 13 Aug to Co. B, 147th M.G. Bn., 41st Div.; 26 Aug to Co. D, 5th M.G. Bn, 2d Div. Overseas 8 July 1918.  Born Dec 1890 in London Eng., son of Alfred and Mary Ann Dunt. Married Justina Lafeuille, died 1917. Laborer.”  Newspapers indicated his address as Chaplin Street and also 139 Ellen Street, Berlin NH.
[8] Napoleon Fortier was born 1 October 1890 in Berlin, NH, son of Gideon Fortier & Eulalie Demers, and grandson of Jean Fortier.  Napoleon’s siblings included Adelaid, Emery, Virginia, Joseph and Alfred.  Napoleon’s mother died when he was young, and his father remarried Mathilde Marquis.  His WWI Draft Registration of June 5 1914 describes him as being of medium height and stature, with blue eyes and brown hair. Also noted was that he had 2 broken fingers on right hand, was 27 years of age, and was living on Glen Ave in Berlin NH, a single employee of the Berlin Mills Co.  At the time of his death the newspapers listed his address as 513 Main Street, Berlin NH.  He was a member of the U.S. Army, and died of disease on 15 September 1918.  He is buried in France at the Suresnes American Cemetery.
[9| Francois Joseph Alfred “Fred” Frechette was born in May 1883 and also baptized at Saint-Nicolas, a borough of the city of Levis in Quebec Province, Canada. Olivier Jean-Baptiste Frechette & Marie Caroline Filteau. Siblings included Olivier E., Marie, William, Georgiana, Joseph, Odina, Celanire [who m. Jacob Couture], Fabiola B., Emma [who m1) Goupill; m2) William Baker], and Theodore.  [SEE photograph and his full story here. ]
[10] Mike Frost, unknown.  There were several Frost families in the Berlin NH area, but I cannot connect him yet to one of those.  Several newspapers of 24 September 1918 reported his death stating “no address given,” and one source stating he was from “NY NY.” He was a member of the 23rd Regiment, 2nd Division, and was was Killed in Action on 19 July 1918.  This would have probably occurred at Soissons, France where his regiment was stationed at the time.  Mike was buried at  Oise-Aisne American Cemetery where he is credited to New Hampshire. Mike Frost is listed on the Soldier and Sailor monument in Berlin NH, and on the WWI Honor Roll in the NH State House.
[11] Odilion Gagne, was born 13 December, 1894 in the quaint village of St. Anselme, PQ, Canada to Leon & Louise (Gosselin) Gagne. His siblings included Alice, Napoleon, Lumina, Clarida, Arthur, Lea, Elmire, Marie Louise, George, Maria Anne, Erneste, and Alyre. SEE his story and photograph here, in a separate article.
[12] Donald Vernon Henry was born 28 November 1896 in Berlin NH, son of Donald V. & Hadra C. (Mason) Henry.  He had two half siblings (by his mother’s first marriage to Warren G. Davis) i.e., Grace Lenora Davis and Erb Davis; he had a sibling Clara Henry. By 1910 he and his family had moved to Millinocket, Maine. He enlisted in the regular U.S. Army on 5 May 1917 at Augusta Maine, assigned to Headquarters Company of the 103d Infantry.  He was killed in action at Belleau Woods, France on 11 July 1918.  He is buried in Millinocket Cemetery, Section E., Block 4. His service is credited to Augusta, Maine.

Nov 9, 1918 newspaper clipping of Homer Johnson’s death.

[13] Homer A. Johnson was born 1 September 1893 in Berlin NH, son of John August & Agnes H. (Larsen) Johnson.  He had siblings Christian F., John W., Fritzolf “Fritz,” Ester, and Agda Helen.  Homer’s father John August Johnson had immigrated to the United States in 1889 from Sweden and was a stone mason. Homer is listed in the Gold Star Record of Massachusetts on page 227, credited to Easthampton MA as follows: Johnson, Homer: died 1 Oct 1918, accident. Enl. 29 May 1917, R.A.; assigned to Btry B., 12th Field Arty, 2d Div. Overseas 11 Jan 1918 [Born 1 Sep 1894 at Berlin NH, son of August (born in Sweden) and Agnes (Larson, born in Norway) Johnson.”  The Boston Herald newspaper of  9 November 1918 printed: “Died of Accident and Other Causes. JOHNSON, PRIV. HOMER, Norweighn Berlin Mills NH.”  His parent’s tombstone lists his name, and indicates he died in 1918 in France.  His name appears on both the Soldiers and Sailors monument in Berlin and on the WWI Roll of Honor in the NH State House.
[14] Chester Joseph Loisselle/Loisell (aka Joseph Alphonse Chester Loiselle) was born on 9 October 1896 in Greenville NH, son of Henri/Henri & Annie (McCarthy) Loiselle.  He has siblings: Frank L., Blanche L., Walter J., and Lawrence E. In 1900 he and his parents were living in Weare, NH. By 1910 the family had grown and were living in Berlin, NH where Henry Loiselle worked in a Sulfite Mill.  In June of 1917 when Chester filled out his WWI registration form, he was living at 701 Main Street Berlin NH, and was employed by Allied Theatres,  Berlin. He was of medium height and stature, with grey eyes and light hair. Both the Berlin WWI Soldiers and Sailors monument and the WWI plaque in the NH State House both list ‘Chester J. Loiselle,’ I could not find details of his military service, death, nor where he is buried.

Photograph of Sergeant John J. “Jack” Malloy from The Brown Bulletin of July 1924, page three.

[15] Sergt. John J. “Jack” Malloy was born March 1890 in Maine (according to the 1900 U.S. Census), son of James & Delia “Bridget” (Cooney) Malloy, and grandson of John & Bridget (Lydon) Malloy. His siblings included Mary, Catherine, Andrew, Annie, Barbara and James M.  The Brown Bulletin of July 1924 indicates that In June 1916 he was in the U.S. Army and sent to the Mexican border. Upon his return, war was declared and he was sent to France.  The Brown Bulletin of 1 July 1922 included this biography: “Malloy, John; serial number 2393204; Sergeant, Hdqs Reg. Co. L. Landed at St. Nazzaire, France, April 4, 1918. Was chauffeur for Gen. Walsh of the A.E.F. Later was Provost Sgt. of St. Nazzaire; then moved to Rievres and took up duties as Provost Sgt. of the Prison Camp there; then moved to Nevers with the Military Police detach. Co. No. 226 and Dept. of Criminal Investigation Co. No. 5; then he moved to Vichey; then to Moulins Allier, then to Gievres with 305th Mililtary Police Co. Died at Gierres June 12, 1919. Buried there.” On Memorial Day 1924 John J. Malloy Square in Berlin NH was named in his honor.

Photograph of Pvt. Gustave Mason’s grave in Old City Cemetery, Berlin NH. Courtesy of Tom Childs. Used with permission.

[16] Gustave “Gustav Christian Hilmar” Mason was born b 24 July 1894 in Berlin NH, baptized 26 Aug 1894 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, son of Frederick & Matthea [Anna Martha] (Boyesen/Boyeson) Mason. His siblings included Otto, Richard, Heddvig/Hedwig, Dagmar and Fred.  Gustave’s father, Frederick, had immigrated to the United States from Norway in 1882, becoming a naturalized citizen, and working as a laborer in Berlin’s pulp mill.  Gustave applied to Canada in 1915 to serve in their Expeditionary Forces, but it is unknown whether he did, or not. On his WWI Registration form (June 5, 1917), he noted his residence at 78 7th Street Berlin NH, and that he was a mill laborer for the Berlin Mills Co. He was single of medium height and weight with blue eyes and light brown hair. His death is reported among U.S. Military men, of wounds, when it was published in several newspapers on December 17, 1918.  The Brown Bulletin noted that he was an employee in their Kreme Krisp department. A family tree on Ancestry.com states “It is reported that his plane was shot down over France resulting in his death. He is buried in Old City Cemetery, Berlin, NH.” His tombstone states: “Enlisted July 6, 1917. Killed in Action in the Battle of Argonne France Oct 10, 1918.” [My thanks to Tom Childs who sent along a copy of a military index card that gave me info on the regiment in which he served, and also provided photographs of his grave].
[17] Clarence Wilmo(n)t McGown/MacGown was born 16 June 1890 in Berlin, Coos Co. NH according to his birth record, son of Wilmot W. & Evelyn/Eveline (Ward) McGown.  He had 2 siblings, Harold L., and Clara B. (who married John C. Grover).   On his WWI registration form Clarence lists his birthplace as Gorham NH, and that he was an employee of the Berlin Paper Mill, in Berlin NH.  From at least 1910-1916 Clarence McGown lived in the vicinity of  Harrison and Waterford in Oxford Co. Maine.  On June 15, 1917 Clarence W. McGown was living in Berlin NH and was single, of medium height, slender, with grey eyes, and brown hair. Under disability on his registration form”weak eyes” is written, then crossed out.  According to his tombstone (that shows his surname as MACGOWN) he was a member of 148 Inf. 37 Div. HQ Co.  According to the Western Front Association [and Wikipedia who quotes them], Clarence W. McGown’s Infantry Unit would have been “in the front lines at Baccarat and the Pannes, in the Meuse-Argonne and Ypres-Lys offenses at Recicourt and Avocourt, men of the 148th fought in the three strenuous months which were to bring victory to the allied troops. It was the Ypres-Lys campaign that saw the crowning achievement of the 148th. There the Regiment, first of all the allied troops, crossed the Scheldt River in Belgium on 2 November 1918 and maintained the crossing in spite of heavy losses from devastating machine gun and shell fire. It was there, too, that the regimental motto, “We’ll do it,” was inspired.”  After the war ended his remains were returned to the United States and reburied in his final resting place.
[18] Arthur Willis McLellan was born 18 June 1894 in Berlin, NH son of John S. & Christina (Burredge) McLellan. Arthur’s father was an engineer.  Arthur’s siblings included John B., Elizabeth S., Harold E., and Herbert L. and Sarah.  His WWI Registration shows: he was living at 34 Maple Street Berlin NH, working as a Cost Accountant at Lord Institute, Berlin Mills Co. He was single, tall and slender with blue eyes and dark brown hair. Arthur W. McLellan served in the U.S. Army, 78th Infantry, 78th Division. The “Lightning” Division’s major battles were at St. Mihiel and Lorraine. He died before 31 December 1918 when his death was published in several newspapers.  He is buried in his family’s plot at Evans Cemetery, Gorham NH.
[19] John P. Meade was born 8 February 1889 in Russia. He immigrated to the United States and was a naturalized citizen.  His WWI Registration Form indicates that he resided at 671 First Avenue, Berlin NH, and was a laborer in the Berlin Mills. He was  single, of medium height, stout build, and blue eyes and light hair. He was a member of the U.S. Army, a member of 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division.  He died 3 October 1918 and is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.
[20] Alexander Melnik was born 15 October 1889 in Kovel Volhania [Volhynia] Russia (now in northwest Ukraine but formerly part of Russia and Poland), son of Eurini Melnikcha of Wollen Kolin, Russia. At the time of his filling out a draft registration form in 1918, he was living at 20 Main Street, a  laborer at Burgers S.F. Co. in Berlin NH and living there.  At that time he was single, of medium height, stout, with brown eyes, and dark hair.  Alexander immigrated to the United States, arriving in New York City on the ship, Birma on 30 October 1910.  He listed his name as Alexandr Melnik-Melniczuk, and included a relative, Trina Melnik-Melniczuk Datnya of Lincoln, NH.  The “History of the 110th Infantry,” includes the following: “MELINK, ALEXANDER (1686277) Pvt. Co. G; Killed July 30, ’18; Buried on hill between Bois Grimpettes and the Ourcq River with a large number of other soldiers by Chaplain Joseph L.N. Wolfe, 55th Inf. Brig.; Statement given by Sgt. Jesse Gutshall, Co. G, 110th Inf. “Pvt. Melnik was hit with machine-gun bullets in the head during the attack on the heights north of the Ourcq River,. He was instantly killed.” Mrs. Eurini Melnikcha, mother, Wollen Kolin, Russia.”  He is buried in the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery.
[21] George John Moody, son of James J. & Mary (Fraser/Frazier) Moody b 9 March 1894 in Chelsea MA. He married 8 Oct 1917 Berlin NH to Winifred Leblanc, dau of Fidele & Annie Amelia (Benoit) Leblanc.  His siblings include Mary J. “Minnie,” Margaret, Marion, Annie, and Katharine.  In 1910 (at the age of 16) he was living on Hemlock Street in Berlin NH with his parents and siblings, already working as an assistant coachman for a private family. On June 5, 1917 he filled out a WWI Registration form, showing he was  living at 548 Champlain St Berlin NH. At that time he was a foreman in the tool shop, Burgess Sulphur & Fibre, Berlin NH.  He was single, and of medium height and weight with brown eyes and dark hair.  I have not been able to determine his service or his date of death.  There is a George J. Moody who died in Walter Reed Hospital, Washington DC, aged 24 on 5 October 1918, and possibly this is the same man.
[22] Joseph Arthur Mooney [aka Arthur J. Mooney] was born 11 October 1895 in Berlin NH, son of Dennis & Leda (Harper) Mooney. He had siblings Edward H. and William J.  On his WWI Registration form of June 5, 1917 Joseph A. Mooney is shown living at 115 Session St. Berlin NH. He was working as a clothing clerk for Freedman & Lewis of Berlin NH. He was single and supporting his parents. He was short and stout with blue eyes and black hair.  His service, date of death and burial place are unknown. His name can be found on both the Soldiers and Sailors monument in Berlin NH and on the WWI Roll of Honor in the NH State House.
[23] Ralph Bryant Murray was born 4 Oct 1888 in NH, son of Philip & Phoebe Ann (Campbell) Murray.  His siblings included Clara, Maud G., and Vera Mildred.  [His mother married a 2nd time and is shown on the Gold Star mother’s plaque as Phoebe Murray Tenney]. His WWI Registration Form was filled out on Feb 5 1918, stating he lived at 1285 Main St. Berlin NH. He was working as a hostler for Berlin Mills Co., he was married, of medium height and weight, with blue eyes and dark brown hair. Ralph B. Murray married 20 Sep 1911 at Houlton, Waldo Maine to Ruby Higgins-Flewelling, dau of George F. & Lucy (Brown) Higgins.  He is buried next to his wife in Old City Cemetery, Berlin NH, where the inscription reads: “Ralph B. Murray | 1887-1918 | A.S.S.C. 37th Squadron, US Aviation Service.”
[24] Matthew M/W Ryan born 3 Feb 1883 Prince Edward Island, Canada, son of John Ryan and Bridget Stableton/Stapleton, grandson of Matthew & Mary (McAleer) Ryan.  Siblings: Margaret, Mary, Susanna, Richard, Alexander, Catherine Agnes, Owen and possibly others.  He grew up in the Mount Stewart section of Prince Edward Island, Canada, being found there with his parents in 1891.  By 1917 he was living with his youngest brother, Owen, in Berlin New Hampshire at 28 Main Street.  His brother Owen later lived at 147 High Street .   Several newspapers list Matthew as being killed in action on April 6, 1918. A Matthew M.P. Ryan “RYAN, Matthew M. Owen V. Ryan, brother, 28 Main Street Berlin NH” sailed for Europe on 7 Sep 1917 on the ship, Huron.  His name is listed on both the Berlin Soldiers and Sailors Monument to WWI and the NH State House Roll of Honor.  He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Berlin NH, his tombstone stating “Killed in action Verdun France CO H 23 NH INF.”
[25] Everett Scammon was born 16 August 1896 in Berlin, Coos Co NH, son of Joseph H. & Agnes (Carmichael) Scammon.  In 1910 he was living on Spring Street in Berlin NH, his father Joseph was a machinist for paper mill.  Everett had two halfl-siblings Guy T. and William F.  During WWI Everett Scammon served in Co. G, 106th Infantry, 27th Division.  He entered that service from New York.  He died on 27 September 1918, and is buried in the Somme American Cemetery as “Everett Scamman.” Newspapers attributed him to Brooklyn, NY.

Newspaper clipping of 17 August 1917 showing Shea’s accidental death.

[26] Al Wilson “Allen” Shea was born 21 Oct 1898 in Berlin NH, son of Harry D. & Annette “Nettie” M. (Wilson) Shea. He had one sibling, an older brother, Edward. He joined the United States Navy during WWI.  The U.S., Navy Casualties Books, 1776-1941 shows: “SHEA, ALLEN, electrician, third class (general), United States Naval Reserve Force. Enrolled: Portland, Me., May 14, 1918. Died: Ayers Mass., August 12, 1918. Cause: Train and auto accident. Next of kin: Mother, Mrs. Annetta Shea, 676 Fourth Avenue, Berlin, New Hampshire.”  His death record shows cause of death from fractured skull. He is buried in City Cemetery, Berlin NH.
[27] Emile St. Hilaire born 1 June 1889 at Saint-Romuald, Levis, PQ Canada, the son of Procul & Arthemise (Nolin) St. Hilaire. His siblings included: Lea, Yvonne, and Marie Anna (who later married Ernest J. Perron).  See this link for separate story and photograph of him.
[28] Omer Talbott (aka Omar Talbot) was born 13 March 1891 in Brighton Vermont, son of Flavien & Delina “Delia” (Blaise) Talbott. His siblings were Frank, Georgiana, Celia, Lizzie, Florida and Rosie.   He enlisted in the US Army on 30 Dec 1909 from Vermont, in 1910 stationed at Columbus Barracks in Columbos Ohio; discharged in 1913. U.S. Military Transport Records show that Omar J. Talbot, a 1st Sergent in Co. A Mililtary Police, Train HQ departed NYC on 16 August 1918 bound for Europe. He died prior to 1 November 1918 when his death from disease was announced in the newspapers. His remains were returned to the U.S. after the war, arriving on 15 December 1920 on the ship Wheaton at Hoboken NJ. His service # was 1101655.
[29] Edmond Violette/Violett was born 24 February 1895 in Caribou, Maine, son of Dennis Violett. In 1917 when he completed his WWI Registration form, he was living in East Altoona PA, working as track labor in the Pennsylvania Railroad in the Altoona Yard.  He was tall, slim, with brown eyes and dark brown hair.   He served in the U.S. Army in 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Division, being promoted to Sergeant.  On 28 March 1918 Edmund Violett of Pittsburg left Tyrone PA for Camp Lee Virginia, for training prior to being sent to France. The newspapers of 11 December 1918 reported he was severely wounded, followed by a second notice on 27 December 1918 that he had died of those wounds. His actual death date is shown as 4 November 1918.  He is buried at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France.
[30] Roland Hiram Waitt was born 6 July 1888 in Gardiner Maine, son of Capt. Hiram & Louisa (Palmer) Waitt.  Both of his parents died by the time he was 7 years old. He had an older brother, William Gay Waitt.   The Daily Kennebec Journal, Monday May 1, 1922 offers the following Obituary: “PRIVATE ROLAND HIRAM WAITT | Bowdoin Graduate Who Gave Up His Life in World War | Private Waitt was the foster brother of the Misses Moore, by whom he was loved devotedly. HE was of a retiring disposition, a true friend and had the highest conceptions of conscientious devotion to duty. He was graduated from the Gardiner High school in the class of 1906 and from Bowdoin College in 1912. He entered the service Sept. 17, 1917 was assigned to the 303rd Heavy Artillery at Devens, passing the highest psychological tests. In his battery Feb 1918 he was assigned to Camp McArthur, Waco Texas where he was promoted in the Regular Army. The following June he went overseas and was in a training school taking special artillery studies. He was called to action the latter part of August in the Metz section, receiving wounds from which he died Sept. 7, 1918. His body reached American on the last transport, March 30, receiving in his home town April 21. Services were held on the following day at Christ Church conducted by the Reverend —. The casket draped by the flat was lowered to the — by the shoulders of six member of the Benjamin Smith — — A firing squad of eight men sounded a volley and a bugler sounded. Private Waitt was entombed in the family Tomb at Oak Grove Cemetery.”  According to his WWI Registration in 1917 he was living at 852 Western Ave in Berlin NH, and working as a paper maker at International Paper Co. He was single, tall of medium weight, with brown eyes and light hair. He is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Gardiner, Maine [see that link for more family info]. Roland H. Waitt is listed on the Bowdoin College WW1 Memorial.
[31] Arthur Joseph Baribeau born 12 Sep 1890 Montreal PQ Canada, son of Francois & Celina (Moirier) 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 appears to be 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. Mine and Quarry magazine, Volumes 8-11, page 1141 stated: “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].  The death index of New York shows: Name: Arthur J. Baribeau / Death Date: 29 Sep 1918 / Death Place: Brookhaven, New York, USA / Certificate Number: 57638.  Probably buried in St. Anne Cemetery, Berlin NH where his mother, sister and other family members lie.

Photograph of Donald Paret MacNutt from the Dartmouth College Class of 1917 Yearbook

[32] Donald Paret MacNutt was born 21 March 1896 in Rumford, Oxford Co., Maine, son of Charles J. & Mary Williamson (Paret) MacNutt. In 1910 they lived in Berlin NH where he attended high school, and eventually the family moved back to Stroudburg PA, where Donald enlisted in the army in May 1917. Donald’s father died four years after his death on 16 July 1918 France. Donald Paret MacNutt is buried in the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery.  He attended Dartmouth College, and the following biography is from the 1917 Yearbook of that school: “A quiet, retiring lad came over to Hanover from the environs of Berlin, New Hampshire, and Rumford, Maine. He had attended high school in the former town , but he had been born in Rumford. Without ostentation he became very much of a Dartmouth man, and very much of a Seventeener. He answered to either “Don” or “Mac,” but he preferred the latter. He knew almost everybody and almost everybody knew him. Not long before Commencement in 1917 he disappeared from the campus and it is now known that he worked for a while as a steward aboard the United Fruit Company boat, the “Calamores.” However, on the 15th of May 1917, he left the high seas and enlisted in the 109th Infantry. After attending several training courses he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Later on he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant while at Camp Hancock, Georgia. This was just before he sailed for France on the 3rd of May, 1918.  // At four o’clock on the morning of July 16, 1918, which was the first day of the Second Battle of the Marne, he volunteered to lead a patrol to locate the position of German machine gun nests near St. Agnan. It is believed that he had executed his mission, but just as he reached his own lines he received a bad wound to the abdomen, and died on the way to the hospital. Incidentally, Company “A” of the 109th, his outfit, was practically wiped out in the engagement which followed. This gives some idea of the intensity of the action at the point where he met his death. // May Taps sound perpetually over the grave of this Seventeener who so quietly lived his life amongst us, and who so bravely and generously played the part which he knew we would have him do when the time came.”

Burial Card for Azade Savoie.

[33] Azade Savoie (spelled Savoi on his tombstone) was born as “Joseph Lezede Savoie” on 7 April 1896  in Tracadie, Gloucester, New Brunswick, Canada, son of Joseph J. & Elisabeth (Bulger) Savoie.  In 1911 he was living in Inkerman, Gloucester, New Brunswick, Canada with parents and siblings: Antonio, Emiie, Catherine, Alfred, Gustave and Sylva.  He completed his 1917 WWI Draft Registration while living at 23 Union Street, Berlin NH. He was working as a teamster for Albert Tibbits of Shelburne NH, and described himself as single, of medium height and build, with light gray eyes and dark brown hair. He could not sign his name and made an X for his signature.  The Boston Globe newspaper of 30 Sep 1918 page 12 reported: (exceprt) “At the Base Hospital today a great change was to be seen…for the 24 hours ending at midnight last night 56 deaths were reported, a considerable decrease compared with the two previous days. Of these the following were from New England: “AZADE SAVOIE, Berlin N.H.” His burial record shows Private Azade Savoie,  Serial No 3146568.  Died 27 September 1918. Buried: Woodlawn Cemetery, Ayer MA. Headstone: C.R. – Camp Devens.  He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ayer MA.  His name does not appear on the Berlin NH monument, but it does appear on the New Hampshire WWI Honor Roll in Doric Hall, NH State House, Concord.
[34] Oliva LaChapelle was born 14 January 1896 at Capleton, Quebec, Canada [near Hatley]. I have not been able to determine with 100% certainty who his parents were. He completed his WWI Registration form on 5 June 1917 while living in Berlin NH. He was living on Pleasant Street in Berlin working at a 3rd Hand Paper Machine for I.P. Co. of Berlin. He was single and his father was partly dependent upon him. He was tall, of medium build with brown eyes and dark hair.   He apparently was sent to Camp Devens, Harvard MA for training, for that is where his death certificate states he died, of pneumonia-influenza at the base camp on 27 September 1918 at the height of the flu pandemic there.  This same certificate states he was buried in Win(d)sor, Canada.  His name is listed on the Berlin NH monument, and also on the NH WWI Honor Roll in Doric Hall, State House, Concord NH.
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[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].

Also SEE: Memorial Day Roll Call, Berlin New Hampshire (WWI and WWII).

Editor’s Note to Readers: If you know of additional men or women from BERLIN, NH or who lived there and who died during WW1 from any cause, please contact me.