Isaac Davis (1879 - 1918)

DAVIS, VISTINE, MARTIN, WADE

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 11/11/2017 at 18:35:10

Memorial Service to honor Private Isaac Davis who was killed in France

The memorial service in honor of Private Isaac Davis, the first soldier from Clarke County to die while in action, was held at the Woodburn Methodist church in the presence of his relatives and a large crowd of sympathetic friends, at eleven o’clock Sunday morning, March 17th. The Masonic and Modern Woodmen lodges of which he was a member, each attended in a body.

The choir, composed of singers from both churches sang patriotic and sacred songs. The service was opened with the singing of “America” and closed with “The Star Spangled Banner.” Rev. F.A. Wing, Mr. Davis’ Sunday school teacher, made the opening prayer. Appropriate addresses were made by Rev. Purdy of the Christian church and Rev. Henderson of the Methodist church.

Private Davis was a splendid man with an honest, clean, Christian character. He was a good soldier and bravely gave his life for his country. He is the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Davis. He was born at Richland in Keokuk county, August 25, 1879. He came with his parents to Woodburn in 1901, where he was engaged in farming in partnership with his father and brothers.

He received his first experience as a soldier during the Spanish-American war. He enlisted in June, 1898, and was in training in Florida for 5 months, at the end of which time he was honorably discharged. When the nation entered the present war he again responded to the call of his country and enlisted May 28, 1917, at Des Moines in Company B, Third Iowa Infantry, which later became the 168th United States Infantry of the Rainbow Division. He was killed with other members of his company in an engagement with the enemy March 5, 1918.

He united with the Methodists Episcopal church at Woodburn in January 1902. He was a faithful member of the church and enjoyed the Christian service. At the time of his enlistment he was president of the Epworth League and a member of the board of stewards.

He leaves to mourn their loss, his aged parents, one half-brother, Mr. Lincoln Wade of Spokane, Wash., one half-sister, Mrs. Alice Vistine of Richland, Iowa, one sister, Mrs. C.B. Martin of Bozeman, Mont., four bothers, Roy of Fairfield, Gene, Charlie and Fred of Woodburn, beside other relatives and a hot of friends.

The family have the sympathy of the entire community.

The Osceola Democrat, March 21, 1918

A letter from the chaplain to Isaac Dais’ Parents
France March 12, 1918
Mr. Dan Davis, My Dear Friend.

Long before this you have heard the sad news of the death of your son Isaac Davis of 168th Inf. But I could not but write to express my sympathy to you in your loss.

Isaac was a splendid chap and died with his face toward the foe, as a true soldier should.

The enemy on the night of March 5th attempted to raid our line and to capture a few of our boys, but by the brave and gallant fighting of our men they were repulsed after a few of them had reached our lines.

In this action your son Isaac was killed and we buried him beside his Captain (McHenry) on the hill back of the little French village in a little cemetery where he sleeps tonight.

I wish you could have seen the tribute of love and respect that was paid him and his comrades by the French people. Thousands of them lined the streets as we passed and saluted the dead Heroes.

I will photograph his grave and if you desire will send you a view and if there be anything that I can do you have only to write me, fore I shall be honored by the privilege of serving his family.

Sincerely,
Chaplain W.E. Robb 1st Lt. 168th Inf.
Osceola Sentinel, April 18, 1918