Obituaries

 

 

Charles Barnes

 

source: Oelwein Daily Register, October 16, 1918, pg. 6

CHARLES BARNES KILLED IN ACTION
 

Washington, Oct. 11 - Mrs. Ed. Primes, Oelwein, Iowa:  Deeply regret to inform you that Private Charles Barnes is officially reported as killed in action September 22.  Harris, Adgt.

The above message was received by Mrs. Primes, mother of Charles Barnes Friday evening and tells the story of the supreme sacrifice in battle on the west front of another Oelwein young man, well known in the city.  He was a member of Co. B, 168 U.S. Infantry, 84th Brigade, 42nd Division.  he served on the Mexican border in 1916 and returned to Oelwein to again to into the service and go over with the Rainbow Division, and he was on the steamer that returned from mid-ocean.

He was employed as a machinist's helper in the C.G.W. shops when in Oelwein.  There are three sisters, two brothers and his mother.  He was a young man who was highly esteemed by his associates and that he was patriotic was evidenced by the fact that he volunteered for service.  The only particulars of his death are contained in the above message:  "Killed in action September 22."

 

 

-transcribed and submitted by Jeanie Belding for Iowa in the Great War