New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of East Kingston

Photograph of East Kingston NH’s
Old Cemetery from the
2001 Annual Report

East Kingston New Hampshire is a small town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, wedged between the towns of Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, South Hampton, and Newton. In 1910 its population had already been dropping for a decade. During the World War I years, its citizen count would drop even more, to 384 in 1920. The town population would not start to grow again until after the Great Depression.

In 1917 when the United States announced it was to go to war, the young men of the East Kingston–18 men as shown on the WWI memorial, but 24 to my own count–did their duty. Of those, two would not return, namely Samuel H. Clifton and Leroy F. Goddard.  [Editor’s note: Leroy F. Goddard is not  recognized on the town’s WWI plaque, but should be].

Photograph of Old Railroad Depot in East
Kingston NH where  the service men departed
in World War I. From 1982 Town Report.

After the war ended the boys came home, hoping to continue with their lives. But the war had greatly affected their health, and some died while they were still fairly young. The town had a plaque created and it was affixed to the side of the Town Hall building (now used as the selectman’s office). A woman from that office who wished to remain anonymous, did me a great favor and read to me the names that are on this plaque, as I have no photograph of it.

In memory of the men who served their country
in the world war. 1917-1918
HONOR ROLL
John E. Baker
Oscar C. Bowley
Ralph H. Buswell
Samuel H. Clifton
Raymond E. Currier
Edward J. Eagan
Charles D. Evans
George E. Evans
Marvin F. George
Charles H. Hyde
George E. Hyde
Lincoln S. Hyde
Donald S. McKeen
Frederick B. Rowell
Horace Shirley
Paul N. Sargent
Lewis B. Tilton
Fred C. West

In 2016 I read in the town report where Richard S. Poelaert, Chair of the Board of Selectmen, questioned whether the WWI plaque should be relocated to the Town Library to be near the World War II plaque, but as of this writing that has not happened.

In the meantime, remembrance events such as Wreaths Across America, are held for the World War II men, as they are closer to the town’s memory. Those names from World War I mostly languish, unknown and unremembered. People pass by them daily, but I must wonder how many stop to look and remember. At the very least this story brings their names, their history and some of their faces to light.

Photograph of Pvt. Leroy F.
Goddard, 101st Infantry, Co. F,
State Library of Massachusetts,
WWI Soldiers Archive. He died
14 Sep 1918 in service.

✫★★✫★✪🌟✪✫★✫★
Heroes of East Kingston NH
DIED IN WARTIME
✫★★✫★✪🌟✪✫★✫★

Samuel H. Clifton | Corporal |Killed in Action, 18 July 1918, near Noroy, Aisne-Marne offensive  | Co. I., 39th Inf., 4th Div. | Plaistow Town Cemetery, Plaistow NH| Service attributed to Boston MA| see #5 in Biography below.

Leroy F. Goddard | Private | Died 14 Sep 1918 of disease (pneumonia) in France | Co. F, 101st Inf. 26th Div. ; trans to Military Police Co. I. | Buried U.S., location unknown. | SEE #13 in Biography below.

✫★✫★✫★✫★✪🌟✪✫★✫★✫★✫★
Heroes of East Kingston NH
BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL WHO SERVED
✫★✫★✫★✫★✪🌟✪✫★✫★✫★✫★

[1] John Edward Baker was born 6 June 1895 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, son of Frederick & Mary (Coyne) Baker.  On 5 June 1917 when he completed his WWI Registration form, John E. Baker was living in East Kingston, New Hampshire.  He was 21 years old, working as a section hand for the Boston and Maine Railroad of East Kingston.  He described himself as single, of medium height and build, with blue eyes and brown hair.  We know that he went to Europe and a bit about his military service from the U.S. Transport Passenger lists of the time.  He returned by the ship Edgar F. Lukenbach from St. Nazaire, France, arriving in Boston MA on 8 June 1919.  His rank was Wagoner, in Company C of the 315th Ammunition Train.  Following the war he was living in East Kingston NH with his parents and siblings, Mary A., James H., Leo F., Lawrence A., Lena F. and Doris A. At that time he was working as a chauffeur.  When his parents returned to Cambridge MA he apparently went with them, for he is found there in the 1940 U.S. Census, living with them.  At that time the census shows he had an 8th grade education, and was single.  He died on 18 November 1981 in Natick, Massachusetts.

Photograph of Base Hospital No. 53
Langres France during WWI. Dr. Alfred P.
Chronquest was a physician here.

[NOT on East Kingston’s WWI Plaque but should be]
[2] Dr. Alfred Peter Chronquest was born 18 Aug 1884 in Boston, Suffolk MA, son of Olof P. & Eleanor/Elna/Ellena (Svanson) Chronquest.  [Note: His mother, Elna Svenson was born in Sweden, daughter of Parson, she died 4 March 1889 of heart failure following a difficult delivery [the child died].  An entry in the Forest Hills Cemetery Jamaica Plain MA shows “Elna S. Cronquest born 1856, died 1889 (when Alfred would have been 5 years old). His father Olof was a Swedish immigrant, a cabinet maker accused of stealing  a “kit of carpenter’s tools” and sentenced in 1895 to the state prison for 5 years., which would explain later why he was was informally adopted by the Smith family]. Olof remarried and had a daughter and died in 1926, buried beside his 1st wife.  In the 1900 U.S. Census he is shown living in East Kingston NH with the Charles H. Smith family, his occupation “servant.”  In 1908 he was a first year student at Tufts Medical College.  The U.S. Army Transport Passenger lists show us that on 14 June 1918 with the rank of Captain, he departed from New York City aboard the ship Baltic to Europe as part of the Base Hospital #53 medical team.  [He lists his ‘sister’ as Mrs. Herbert J. MacKenzie, one of the Smith daughters with whom he lived, see obituary].  At the end of the war the same records show him leaving Brest France on 30 July 1919, and arriving in Hoboken, New Jersey on 6 August 1919 aboard the ship Leviathan.  At that time he is listed as Major M.C. for Base Hospital #65.   The American Medical Association book of Deceased Physicians gives his biographical information: Chronquest, Alfred Peter / Died: Dec 31, 1923 in: New York, NY / Born: Aug 19, 1884 in: Boston, MA / Type of practice: Allopath Practice specialties: P Psychiatry, GS General Surgery, PH Public Health / State/year of licenses: MA, 1914 / Places/dates of practice: Boston, MA, 1914, May 29, 1920, Danvers, MA, Jul 6, 1915, Oct 22, 1915, Hathorne, MA, Oct 25, 1915, New York, NY, Jul 31, 1922 Hospital affiliations: Danvers (MA) State Hospital, U. S. Public Health Service hospital / Medical school: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, 1913, (G) Other education: Sanborn Seminary, Kingston, NH / Journal of the American Medical Association citation: 82:226.  [credits to Genealogy Trails].  There are a few more pieces to the puzzle of his life.  The BOSTON HERALD newspaper of Thurs Jan 3, 1924 Boston MA, page 14 printed his obituary: Dr. Alfred P. Chronquest [Special Dispatch to The Herald]. KINGSTON, N.H., Jan 2 — Funeral services for Dr. Alfred P. Chronquest, a practicing physician of East Kingston, will be held Friday, at 1 P.M. in the Baptist Church of that town. The service will be conducted by the Rev. C.S. Hogle, Pastor of the church and a person friend of Dr. Chronquest. The death occurred in a hospital in New York early Monday when the physician was considered recovering from a major surgical operation which later developed complications and caused death. Dr. Chronquest knew little of his early life as he was placed in a Boston home for infants by a man and woman who claimed to be his parents and who never made a second visit to the home. When he was 11 years old he was taken from the home by C.H. Smith and wife of East Kingston, and lived with them until he was of age. He was treated as a member of the Smith family and, although never legally adopted, he was given all the advantages of the children of the family. He received his early education in the Kingston schools, attending Sanborn Academy from 1905 to 1907, and then took a nurse’s course in the Boston City Hospital. He studied at Tufts medical school and was graduated with the class of 1912. He was attached to the staff of the Boston City Hospital until the outbreak of the war, when he offered his services and received a major’s commission. Later he was made superintendent of the United States Public Service Hospital in Roxbury, resigning to accept the position of superintendent of a service hospital in New York. After a short stay there he came to East Kingston to practice and build up his health, which had become impaired by the war service. Dr. Chronquest was about 44 years old. The body on arrival from New York was taken to the home of Mrs. H.J. McKenzie, a daughter of the Smith family, with whom he lived as a boy.” Dr. Alfred P. Chronquest is buried in the MacKenzie lot at Hillside Cemetery, East Kingston NH.

[3] Oscar Clayton Bowley was born 4 June 1893 in Stratham, New Hampshire, son of son of Eben E. & Sarah B. (Kelly) Bowley.   In 1900 at the age of 6 he was living in Plaistow NH with his parents and siblings, Sarah, Edward H. and Dewey C.   On 5 June 1917 like thousands of other men he completed his WWI Registration form, at that time living in East Kingston NH, a farmer employed by Warren Batchelder of Hampton NH.  He was married, and described himself as being tall, of medium build with gray eyes and brown hair.  Oscar C. Bowley married on 4 Jan 1925 in Plaistow NH to Nina E. Giles,  daughter of Herry P. & Effie G. (Ring) Giles. At that time he listed himself as a steamfitter.  Oscar continued to live with his family in East Kingston, where he is found in the U.S. Census with his wife and children, Doris G., Ralph Oscar, Roland G., Donald F., Eleanor M., and L. Nancy.  Oscar Clayton Bowley died 14 April 1943 at East Kingston NH.  His death certificate says occupation, Lumber Chopper, Navy Yard Employee, and Veteran of WWI. The inscription on his tombstone in Hillside Cemetery, East Kingston NH is: Oscar C. Bowley. New Hampshire, Pvt Btr E 26 Field Art. World War I, 1894-1943.

[4] Ralph Hanson Buswell was born 19 Sep 1894 at East Kingston NH, son of John Fred & Annie M. (Somers) Buswell.  In 1900 he is found in the U.S. Census living with his parents, and siblings, Elsie I., and Edith S.  He enlisted on 2 October 1917 and was honorably discharged 13 June 1919.  He left for Europe from Hoboken NJ on 16 April 1918 on the sihp Dzaritza, as part of the U.A. Army Veterinary Hospital No. 1. His service # was 1672746. During WWI (during a time when horses and mules still pulled most of the vehicles and supplies) he served as a farrier in France at Base Veterinary Hospital #1 U.S. Army Med Dept.   Ralph returned from Brest France, arriving in Boston MA on 9 June 1919 aboard the ship President Grant.  Upon his return he married 19 June 1926 in Maine to Etta Mabel Webster. In 1930 the U.S. Census shows him living with his wife Etta, and children, Elsie M., Ralph H., and Russell Frederick. Ralph Hanson Buswell died 4 June 1956.  His resting place in Hillside Cemetery, East Kingston NH has a military marker.

[5] Samuel Hill Clifton born 5 June 1895 at Plaistow, Rockingham Co. NH to Albert I. & Mary A. (Hill) Clifton.  In 1910 he was living in East Kingston NH with his parents, and sibling Ruth M., and grandmother Mary.  By 5 June 1917 when he completed his WWI registration form he was living at 59 Brighton Avenue, Boston MA, a bellman for Hotel Westminister in Boston.  He describes himself as single, of medium height and slender build, with blue eyes and light brown hair.  The book, Gold Star Mothers of Massachusetts,  gives this biography: “Clifton, Samuel Hill, Corporal; killed in Action 18 July 1918 [near Noroy], Aisne-Marne offensive. Enl. 23 Aug 1917, R.A.; assigned to Co. I., 39th Inf., 4th Div., Overseas 8 May 1918. Born June 1895 at Plaistow, N.H., son of Albert I. and Mary Clifton (now Mrs. Mary Palmer); brother of Ruth A. of East Kingston N.H. and Albert G. of Charlestown. Cashier. Of Allston. Resident in Massachusetts five years.” Samuel Hill Clifton is buried in Plaistow Town Cemetery, Plaistow, NH.

[6] Raymond Eaton Currier was born 4 May 1893 in East Kingston NH, son of Ernest G.W. & Olive J. (Eaton) Currier.  In the 1900 U.S. Census he is found living in East Kingston NH with his parents and siblings, Earnest A. and Perley F., and grandmother, Elizabeth P. Eaton.  Records show he received a 4th year high school level education. The U.S. Army burial marker index shows that Raymond E. Currier enlisted on 15 July 1918 and was honorably discharged on 20 March 1919, serial #2796350.  He was a Private in the 10th Co., Portland C.A.C. [Coastal Artillery Company].   After the war ended, he married 11 June 1924 in Somerville MA to Imogine E. Barron, daughter of William H. & Adelaide J. (Osborne) Barron. She was b 24 June 1897 in Boston MA, and died June 1976.  By 1932 he and his family moved to Ipswich MA and by 1940 to Salisbury MA where he lived with wife and children, Raymond, Jean, and Richard.   By 1943 he was working for the Portsmouth Navy Yard, in Portsmouth NH. Raymond E. Currier died on 28 February 1955 and is buried in Hillside Cemetery, East Kingston NH.

[NOT on East Kingston’s WWI Plaque but should be]
[7] Sylvanus Baker Crowell was born 10 March 1889 at Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, son of Judah C. & Lois Anne (Nickerson) Crowell. On 5 June 1917 when he completed his WWI Registration form, he was living in Malden Massachusetts, a carpenter employed by Francis Spring.  He describes himself as single, with a slender build, gray eyes and light brown hair.  The U.S. Veteran’s BIRLS index shows that he enlisted on  5 Oct 1917, and was honorably discharged on 4 Apr 1919.  On 6 March 1918 he was Acting Corporal, a member of Company A., 17th Regiment of Engineers, departing Hoboken New Jersey for Europe aboard Ship 55. [Editor’s note: He would normally have been naturalized in training camp, however he actually served as an alien, and became naturalized in 1919 following the war, noting his military service].  At that time he reported that he was from East Kingston, New Hampshire.  When the war ended he returned to the United States, probably a short time to Kingston where his mother Louisa and sister Agatha M. were living in 1920. In 1925 he married Fredena Williams Hopkins and had 5 children: Donald B., Kenneth R., Paul F., June E. and Ruth M. In 1930 he was living with his wife and children in Malden MA. By 1935 he was living in Kennebunk Maine working as a carpenter.  By 1940 he was living in Crecent Lakes, Unity, Sullivan Co. NH.  Sylvanus B. Crowell died 8 August 1974 at Dorchester, Massachusetts.  His burial place is unknown. [Editor’s note: his wife is buried in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose MA.]

[8]  Edward Justin Eagan was born 15 May 1889 in Tilton NH, probably the son of  John F. & Agnes M. (Sterling) Eagan. [Editor’s note: John F. Eagan, son of John & Mary Eagan, b abt 1863 amesbury MA; m. 29 Dec 1886 in Tilton NH to Agnes M. Sterling dau of Wiliam & Maggie Sterling. She b abt 1864.  John F. Eagan b abt 1863 died 20 Feb 1904 in Taunton MA of tuberculosis, aged 41]. At the age of 28 in 1917 Edward J. Eagan completed his WWI Registration form, at that time he was iving in East Kingston NH. He was employed in town as a clerk by Charles F. Knight.  He describes himself as being of medium height and build, with grey eyes and brown hair.  His later application for a military marker shows that he enlisted on 15 December 1917 and was honorably discharged on 24 July 1919, serial #1756185.  He was a corporal in the 305 Mobile Laundry Unit at Camp Merritt, New Jersey. [Editor’s note: “Mobile laundry units consisted of a trailer and four tractors and was capable of doing laundry service for 10,000 men. Companies were trained for this service at Camp Meighs in 1919. Each company consisted of 37 men. In some cases additional machinery for ironing were were provided.”(Evening Star, Washington DC 13 Dec 1919, page 12).] Edward Justin Eagan married 18 Oct 1936 in Maine to Myrtle R. Cross of Haverhill MA, daughter of Walter Irving Cross & Maud Josephine (Snow) Cross.  In 1933 and 1934-1936, Edward J. Eagan was appointed U.S. Postmaster of East Kingston NH. He died 16 April 1949 and is buried in  Exeter Cemetery, Exeter NH.

Photograph of Charles D. Evans
from Akron Ohio newspaper of
23 April 1980.

[9] Charles D. Evans was born 27 Sep 1897 in Kensington NH son of Daniel  M. & Mary Eliza (Woods) Evans.  In 1910 he was living in East Kingston NH with his parents, and siblings, George E. (see below), and Abbie M. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS file shows that he enlisted in the U.S. Army on 10 October 1918 (just a month before the Armistice), and was honorably discharged 26 November 1918 (a month after peace was declared).  Whether he actually was assigned to a training camp or not cannot be determined, however he was never shipped out to Europe.  When the war was over, he married 18 June 1924 in Summit Ohio to Celia S. Christman.  By 1940 he is living in Akron, Ohio, with his wife, and twin daughters, Marjorie and Mary Jane aged 14 (then).  Charles D. Evans died 22 Apr 1980 in Akron, Summit, Co. Ohio.  His obituary can be found in The Akron Beacon Journal newspaper, Akron Ohio of 23 April 1980 page 39 [see photo]. “Charles D. Evans was a lawyer in Akron 60 years including 26 years as an attorney for the Akron Board of Education. Mr. Evans, 82, of 75 N Portage Path, died Tuesday. He had been working part time in his law offices in the Centran Building, said his wife, Celia. Mr. Evans was counsel to the school board from 1934 to 1960. “He was a very quiet, gentle sort of man who did well by us.” ….. Mr. Evans was a veteran of World War I. A native of Kensington N.H. he had lived in the Akron area since 1919, the year he received his law degree from Western Reserve University. He was Akron’s first assistant law director, from 1932 to 1934. He was a member of Fairlawn West United Church of Christ, Bethany Commandery 72 Knights Templar, Akron Law Library Association, Wendell Wilkie American Legion Post 19, Royal Arch Masons Washington Chapter 25, Akron Council 80 and Akron Lodge 83 F & AM. [etc]. Mr. Evans also leaves twin daughters, Mary Jane and Marjorie Jeanne, both of Stow; sister, Abbey Webster of Bradenton, Fla; brothers Walter W. of Hampton N.H. and George of Manchester N.H. (etc). … funeral … burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, [Fairlawn, Ohio].”

[10]  George Everett Evans was born 7 Jan 1896 in Kensington NH, son of Daniel M. & Mary E. (Woods) Evans. [See his brother Charles D. Evans, directly above].   In 1917 when he completed his WWI Registration form he was living in East Kingston NH with his parents, a farmer working for his father. He was single and indicated he had 3 years training at NH College.  He stated he was of medium height and stature with gray eyes and brown hair.  The Dept of Veterans Affairs BIRLS indexx shows that he enlisted in the U.S. Army on 12 December 1917, and was honorable discharged 4 September 1919.   By the 1930 U.S. Census he was single, living with his parents in East Kingston NH.  He died 15 Jul 1981 in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Harry Willard Fogg, 1915 graduation
photograph, University of Maine.

[NOT on East Kingston’s WWI Plaque but should be]
[11] Harry Willard Fogg was born 12 Feb 1891 at Bar Harbor, Hancock, Maine,  son of Willard O. & Jessie M. (Jorden) Fogg. He completed his WWI Registration form on 5 June 1917 in Hancock Co. Maine.  At that time he was working as an Agent, Bureau of Plant Industry, HQ Gainsville FL.  He was single, of medium height and stature with gray eyes and dark brown hair.   Probably before he was inducted into the service, he married on 27 August 1917 at East Kingston NH to Mildred W. Flower, daughter of Elbridge G. & Laura (Plummer) Flower.  She had graduated from the University of Maine in Harry Fogg’s class of 1915.  The U.S. Military Transport Passenger lists show that he served in Co. C of the 504th Engineer Battalion, returning from Brest France and arriving in Boston MA on 9 June 1919. [Editor’s note:504th Engineers, service battalion organized OCt 1917 at Camp Merritt NJ. Moved overseas [SOS troops] Nov 1917. Returned to the US June 1919 and demobilized at Camp Devens MA.] At that time his rank was Supply Sergeant, and his service number was 192826. His place of residence in the same document was East Kingston NH.  Apparently his service was credited to Maine for the Maine Military Index shows him inducted at Ellsworth, Hancock Co., Oct. 2/17. Sgt Mar. 1/19. Org: Btry E 303 FA; Co C 504 Engrs. Overseas: Nov. 26/17 to June 8/19. Hon disch on demob: June 16, 1919.  Harry and Mildred moved to Florida by 1940 when the U.S. Census shows he had 4 years of college and was living in Eustis, Lake Co. FL as a inspector, State Plant Board. He died there on 10 October 1981 and is buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Eustis, Florida.  His obituary appeared in The Orlando Sentinel, Orlando FL, 13 Oct 1981, page 46. “Mr. Harry w. Fogg, 90, Lakeview Terrace Retirement Center, Altoona, died Saturday. Born in Hulls Cove, Maine, he moved to Altoona from Mount Dora in September. He was retired from the State Plant Board of Florida with a certificate of merit for 33 years of service. He was a member and elder of the First United Presbyterian Church of Mount Dora, a veteran of World War I; a Royal Arch Mason for more than 50 years; a recipient of a certificate of merit from the governor of Florida for service with the Florida Guard and the Florida Peace Officers Association; a recipient of awards for his service to 4-H Clubs, Boy Scouts of America, and Lake Sumter Community College; a member of Mount Dora Men’s Garden Club and the Sylvan Shores Association; a member of Eustis Lodge No. 85 F&AM. Mr. Fogg was a 1915 graduate of the University of Maine and a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. There are no immeidate survivors. Hamlin & Milbish Funeral Directors, Eustis.”

[12]  Marvin Fitts George was born 24 March 1892 in East Kingston NH,  son of James H. & Josephine C. (Fitts) George. He completed his WWI Registration form in East Kingston NH, stating he was married, of medium build and stature with blue eyes and dark brown hair.  He had married 1 June 1910 in East Kingston NH to Bertha M. Holmes, daughter of George W. & Clara E. (Roby) Holmes. He worked as a shoe cutter in a shoe shop, in 1930 and 1940 living with wife (no children) in East Kingston NH.  He died May 1968 in Exeter NH. His burial place is unknown.

[NOT on East Kingston’s WWI Plaque but should be]
[13]  Leroy F. “Roy” Goddard was born 22 November 1892 at Salisbury, Massachusetts, son of Frank E. & Ida A. (French) Goddard.  In 1900 the entire family was living in Baltimore, Michigan. In 1910 Leroy was living with his parents (as Roy) in East Hampton NH.  Leroy F. Goddard married 20 June 1912 in Exeter NH to Bessie Whalen, daughter of George & Lottie (Rogers) Whalen. She was born in Nova Scotia. After Leroy F. Goddard’s death, she m2d) Frank M. Leclair. The Gold Star Record of Massachusetts, page 122 states his biography as follows: “Goddard, Leroy F.; died 14 Sep 1918 in France, of disease. Enl. 24 June 1916 Co. F, 9th Inf. Mass. N.G. Served on Mexican Border. Reported for duty 23 March, mustered 3 April 1917; assigned to Co. F, 101st Inf. 26th Div., trans to Military Police Co. I. Overseas 7 Sep 1917. Born 22 Nov 1892 at Salisbury, son of Frank E. and Ida A. (French) Goddard of East Kingston N.H. 1920; brother of Mrs. Elsie I. Bogrette of East Kingston, N.H., Mrs. Inez L. Watkins and Mrs. Bessie E. Ziehler, both of Amesbury, and Mrs. Carrie M. Roe of Haverhill. Married. Children Ilah Frances, Alice May. Shoe worker.” [Service credited to Lawrence MA].  It is known that his remains were returned home from Europe, aboard the ship Wheaton from Antwerp, Belgium arriving in Hoboken NJ on 6 August 1921. His service number was 60877, and his military unit, 1st Prov. o., M.P. His burial place is unknown.  [See additional photograph near top of page].  He had a daughter, Alice May who married Bernard Moses. She d. 3 Apr 2001 Lawrence MA (b 18 Oct 1914 New Brunswick Canada]; naturalized. [The following dded 29 June 2019]: His funeral on 11 September 1921 was noted in the 13 Sep 1921 Boston Herald newspaper, page 11. LEROY F. GODDARD — “Amesbury MA, Sept 11–The funeral of Leroy F. Goddard, overseas veteran, whose body arrived here Saturday, was held in the Methodist Church today. The Rev. M.L. Simpson, pastor of the church, conducted the services, which were attended by delegations from the American Legion, G.A.R., Spanish War Veterans, Army and Navy Union and other patriotic organizations. Goddard was a private in the military police when he died of pneumonia following a gas attack while in the trenches. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Goddard, now of Kensington NH.”

[NOT on East Kingston’s WWI Plaque but should be]
[14]  Leon Wilcomb Hilliard was born 5 Dec 1892 in Kingston NH, son of Will L. & Flora E. (Jewell) Hilliard. In 1900 he was living in Kingston NH with his parents, and siblings Mildred J., William R., and John C.  When he completed his WWI Registration form he was living in Rockingham Co. NH, and stated he was at that time a candidate for the Reserve Officers in Plattsburg Barracks, NY.  He described himself as being of medium height and stature with brown eyes and brown hair.  The U.S. Military Transport Record Passenger lists show him departing Hoboken NJ for Europe on 27 February 1918, a Second Lieutenant in the 38th Infantry Advance School Detachment, 3rd Division.  The same source shows him returning from France on 11 Aug 1919 a 1st Lieut in the Third Battalion of the 38th Infantry [HQ End Bn.].  By the 1920 U.S. Census he was still in the

Painting of American soldier with a
French woman, 1917 from history of
the 315th Infantry.

military, a 1st Lieutenant in the Overseas Military, Signal Corps. A wife, Marie-Louise (born in France) is shown with him. The birth record of their daughter in July of 1920 shows them living near Coblenz Germany, being a Captain in the U.S. Army, Field Service Battalion A.F.G. His wife’s name was Marie Louise aka Mary L.  Nouat, born Montlois France. (They had married 3 October 1920 at Nazairrem, France.  Additional information is provided with the U.S. Army Veterans BIRLS records showing Leon Hilliard had also served in WW2, enlisting 23 Oct 1941 and being honorably discharged 1 July 1944, with a final release date of 31 December 1952.   The 1940 US Census shows him living with his wife and children in Exeter NH (children: Denise, Frances L., Betty J., and Gloria J). An article in the Portsmouth Herald of 7 Sep 1948 shows: “Exeter Officer Recalled to Duty.” Leon W. Hilliard chairman of the Exeter military manpower committee, has been ordered to active army duty. He will report to Fort Dix N.J. Sept. 14. Colonel Hilliard, a veteran of World Wars I and II, served overseas three and a half years with the Third division during the first World War. He was discharged in 1922 with the rank of captain in the signal corps. In World War II he served 32 months as security officer at Fort Sill, Okla, and also in Massachusetts. He is a past commander of Fuller-Covery post, Veterans of Foreign Wars of Exeter, and past president and organizer of the Exeter chapter, Reserve Officers association. He is employed by the Exeter-Hampton electric company.” Leon W. Hilliard died 15 January 1983.  His burial place is unknown.

Portsmouth Herald newspaper of
6 Sep 1917 showing Hyde boys in service.

[15] Charles H. Hyde was born 5 June 1890 in Belleview, Marion Co. FL, son of  Dr. George Byron Hyde & Alettha C. (Halsted) Hyde.  In 1910 he was living in Westfield, Union Co. New Jersey with his parents and siblings, George, Rhoda and Lincoln. The U.S. Military Transport lists show that he was a Sargent in the U.S. Army, Battery D, 4th Anti-Aircraft Battalion, and was shipped from Newport News VA to Europe aboard the ship Tenadores in October of 1918.  The Veterans Affairs BIRLS file shows he enlisted 14 May 1917 and was honorably discharged on 21 January 1919.  Following the war, in 1920 he was living with hia parents in East Kingston NH. Charles was then 29 years old. He married in 1921 to Ruth Leonard (1892-1981).  He died 26 Sep 1976 in Barre, Washington Co. VT and is buried in Sawyer Cemetery, Barre VT.

[NOT on East Kingston’s WWI Plaque but should be]
[16] Dr. George Byron Hyde  was born 1 March 1863 in Enosburg Falls VT, died 17 May 1939 at Wilmington VT, son of Rev. William H. & Rhoda J. Hyde.  He married Eletta C. Halsted. (She died in 1923 when a newspaper notice shows he was awaiting administration of her estate).   They had three children, Charles, George E., Lincoln S., and Rhoda.  The three sons are described here, each having served in the military during WWI. Dr. Hyde himself served for over 3 years as a Red Cross relief worker, traveling in Europe including Armenia and Turkey.  The U.S. Military Transport Passenger lists shows him departing Boulogne France on 10 August 1919 and arriving in Hoboken NJ aboard the ship, Noordam. His rank is given as Captain, his military unit as the American Red Cross.  His residence is shown as East Kingston NH, next of kin, daughter Rhoda. He is buried Saint Albans Bay Cemetery, Saint Albans Bay VT.

Portsmouth Herald story of 9 Feb 1918
regarding Hyde sons in service.

[17] George Edward Hyde was born 9 March 1887 in Mexico, son of Dr. George Byron & Eletta/Aletta Constance (Halsted) Hyde. In 1910 he was living in Westfield, Union Co. New Jersey with his parents and siblings, George, Rhoda and Lincoln In 1918 removed to Washington DC.  U.S. Army Transport Passenger lists show George E. Hyde was a Captain in the 326th Infantry, returning from Brest, France on 4 Sep 1919, arriving in Brooklyn NY aboard the ship, Finland.   His death record states that he died 27 Nov 1949 at Kecoughtan, Elizabeth City, Virginia of leukemia.  He was single, with an occupation of language translator.  George Edward Hyde is buried in Arlington Cemetery in Section 12, Site 6012. His gravestone identifies that he was a Captain in Headquarters Co., 312th Infantry, 77 Division USA during WWI.

[18] Lincoln Spencer Hyde was born 13 January 1895 in St. Albans, Vermont, son of George B. & Eletta C. (Halsted) Hyde.   His WWI Registration form of 1917 describes himself as short, of slender stature with blue eyes and black hair. He was single, aged 22, working for his parents in East. Kingston NH.   The newspaper notices (see above) of 1918 show that Lincoln had attended Phillips Exeter Academy, and was assigned to the First Division, Ayer Camp, and later to Battery D, 302nd Field Infantry.  He m. 7 Oct 1918 E. Kingston NH to Barbara Flower, dau of Charles S. & Imogene (Blackwood) Flower. She was b abt 1898 Portland Maine.  He survived the war and in 1940 was living in Haverford, Delaware Co. PA. He died 1962 in Lake Co. FL, burial place unknown.

[19] Donald Sidney McKeen was born 29 January 1900, son of Sidney Perham & Martha H. “Mattie” (Smith) McKeen. In the 1900 US census he was living with his parents in Moultonborough, Carroll Co. NH.  By 2 Sep 1918 he was living in East Kingston NH, completing his WWI Registration form at the age of 18. He was an electrician for the Copley Plaza Operating Co. of Boston MA and his mother was of East Kingston NH.  He described himself as being of medium height, slender build with brown eyes and dark brown hair.   In 1930 he was living in Springfield MA with mother Mattie, wife Hazel (House), and he lists (states yes) that he is a veteran of the World War, so he must at least have at least enlisted.  In Oct 1966 Leading Chief and artist of the Naval Air Museum at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. His official BIRLS file notes his WWI info showing he enlisted 5 May 1947 and was honorable discharged 15 August 1967. He and his wife are buried in Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola Florida. His tombstone reads: Donald S. McKeen /  New Hampshire / TDC / US Navy /  World War II /  Korea /  Vietnam /  January 20 1900 /  November 20 1970.

Snipped from 1952 Exeter NH Directory.

[NOT on East Kingston’s WWI Plaque but should be]
[20] Daniel Everett Palmer was born 17 Oct 1897 in Kensington, Rockingham Co. NH, son of Daniel Ellory & Martha Wallace (Brown) Palmer.  The U.S. Army Transport Passenger List shows that he served in Europe, and returned as a Private from Brest France on 28 June 1919, aboard the ship Nansemond. His residence was shown then as East Kingston NH.  His serial number was 393425. He had served with Bakery Company Number 331.  [Editor’s Note: In World War I, the U.S. Army didn’t have the luxury of buying bread from vendors like Rainbow or Wonder. All bread consumed by the troops had to be baked by post bakeries or the field bakery company. ] He married 24 may 1923 in Kensington NH to Beatrice Irene Evans, daughter of George Arthur & Clara J. (Greiner/Grenier) Evans). She was b 7 Feb 1900 in Amesbury MA.  In 1952-55 he was a farmer and also the town clerk of East Kingston NH. (per directory). Daniel E. Palmer died 3 March 1991, aged 93 at East Kingston NH.  He is buried in Kensington Cemetery, Kensington NH.

[21] Frederick “Fred” Batchelder Rowell was b. 8 June 1895 in East Kingston NH, son of Hiram L. & Clara F. (Batchelder) Rowell. In 1900 he was the youngest child, living in East Kingston NH with his parents and siblings Harriet F., Edward S., Annie F. and Marion S. In 1910 he was still living with his parents in East Kingston NH, aged 15.  When he completed his WWI Registration form in 1917 he was living at 68 Adar Street in Malden MA.  He was single, of medium height and build with brown hair and green eyes.  He is listed on the WWI monument of East Kingston NH, though I have not been able to determine the branch in which he served.  In 1930 living with his brother in Brookline MA, salesman for a greeting card company. In 1942 he completed his WWII registration form, stating he was employed at the Navy Yard (US Govt) in Charlestown MA.  Fred B. Rowell died in April of 1962 in Massachusetts.  His burial place is not known.

Horace Shirley, masonic membership card.

[22] Horace Shirley was born 6 December 1891 in Philadelphia PA, son of John Henry “Henry J.” & Rebecca (Lane) Shirley.  The 1918 Exeter NH City Directory shows: “SHIRLEY, Horace (U S Navy) bds H J Shirley’s rfd 1 (York)” showing he served in the U.S. Navy.  He married 25 May 1918 in Revere, Suffolk Co. MA to Gladys Althea McLean, dau of John McLean & Alice Tatten.  In 1921 his entire family moved to Massachusetts.  By the 1930 U.S. Census he and his wife and daughter are living in Everett, Middlesex Co. MA. His daughter Virginia Shirley is 10 years old. Horace Shirley was a Mason, a member of the Star of Bethlehem Lodge.  He died 15 January 1956 in Everett MA.  His burial place is not known.

[23]  Paul Nelson Sargent was born 10 March 1897 in Boston MA, son of Waldo H. & Lalia (Thorp) Sargent. He married 25 Aug 1916 in Boston MA to Ethelyn L. Bean
at Bromfield Street Methodist Episcopal Church.  His WWI Draft Registration card shows him living in Newmarket NH in 1917, working at the U.S. Navy Yard in Portsmouth NH.  He describes himself as of medium height and build with brown eyes and dark brown hair.  In the 1940 U.S. Census he was living in Boston MA with wife and children Paul N., Grace E., Florence L,  and Richard M.  I had difficulty learning how he served in WWI, however possibly he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, Company C, 2nd Battalion, assigned to Building #34, Navy Yard, Boston MA.  His death date and burial place are not known.

[24] Lewis Blake Tilton was born 9 March 1898 at East Kingston, NH, son of Frank B. & Kate M. (Chase) Tilton.  In 1900 he was living in East Kingston NH with his parents, and siblings Phillip N., Albert C., and Molly P.  In 1917 when he completed his WWI Registration form, he was living in East Kingston, a farrier for his father, Frank B. Tilton. He described himself as being tall, slender with blue eyes and brown hair.  The Military Veterans BIRL file shows that he enlisted in the U.S. Army on 15 October 1918, and was honorably discharged on 3 December 1918 (only 1 month after the war ended).  By 1940 he was living in East Kingston NH, showing he had a 4 year college degree, married with a daughter Jean L., and his parents were living with him.  Lewis B. Tilton died of natural causes on 2 January 1989 in New Hampshire.  His burial place is not known.

[25] Fred Clifton West was b 4 March 1896 West Kingston NH, son of Daniel A. & Dora Stella (Seaver/Sears) West. In 1917 when he completed his WWI Registration card, he was single living in Rockingham Co. NH, slender, of medium height with light hair and blues eyes.  According to the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs, BIRLS death file, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on 31 May 1918, and was honorably discharged on 22 March 1919.  Two months later he married on  7 June 1919 in Rochester NH to Ethel May King, daughter of Lucius B. & Ida M. (Smith) King. His Obituary, 15 November 1976, Monday, Portsmouth Herald, page 11: “EAST KINGSTON, Fred C. West, 80, Depot Road, died Saturday [November 13, 1976]. at Exeter Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Kingston, March 4, 1896, he was the son of the late Daniel A. & Dora (Montrose) West. He was a life-long resident of East Kingston, a World War I Army veteran, and a member of Exeter World War I Barracks. Survivors include his widow, Ethel (King) West; two brothers, Ralph B. West of East Kingston and Ernest F. West of Bradenton, Fla; two sisters, Mrs. Nellie Holmes of East Kingston and Mrs. Mary Day of Danville; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held today from Brewitt Funeral Home, Exeter. Services were conducted by the Rev. Ralph Sabine of the East Kingston Methodist Church. Bearers were Walter Carter, Fred Montrose, Carl and James West, Stephen and Harold Helm.”

[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].