Robert Edgar Russell
Robert Edgar Russell, a private in Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, was killed in action in the Meuse-Argonne on October 12, 1918, according to the inscription on his memorial tablet. More than 600 people came to Stone's Chapel in 1921 for the unveiling of the tablet, the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, and that September his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave. The Courier's reports print his middle initial two ways, so they are probably, not certainly, about one man.
World War I as the cited records state it
Also written: Robert E. Russell. Each name is shown as a source gives it.
- 5 records cited
- 4 statements
- 5 images shown
Is this the same man?
IDENTITY Likely The three items report the same memorial and homecoming but print the middle initial differently ("K." and "E.").
What distinguishes him: One claim joins three Courier items (May 26, June 2 and September 15, 1921). The May item prints his middle initial "K." and the September item "E."
Clarke connection: Memorial and burial notice: the Courier of May 26 and June 2, 1921 report a memorial tablet to him at Stone's Chapel, and its issue of September 15, 1921 says his body was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church (C631). The cited passage does not name the cemetery.
This page rests on one record.
Evidence depth: Recorded
Service summary
Only the fields a record supplies, in the record's own words. The full statement is under What the records say.
| Field | As the record prints it | Source | RECORD | IDENTITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| War | World War I | Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., May 26, 1921; Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921; Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921 The statement | RECORD Likely | IDENTITY Likely |
| Rank | Private | Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., May 26, 1921; Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921; Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921 The statement | RECORD Likely | IDENTITY Likely |
| Unit | Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division | Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., May 26, 1921; Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921; Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921 The statement | RECORD Likely | IDENTITY Likely |
What the records say
Each line is a statement from a cited source, in the source's own terms, with the three questions asked of it. Same man as the one on this page?
| When | What the record shows | RECORD | IDENTITY | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date not established | The Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921 announces that a memorial tablet to Robert Russell, killed in France in the World War and the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, would be unveiled at Stone's Chapel. Its issue of June 2, 1921 reports that more than 600 people attended the unveiling, and prints the inscription: Private, Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, killed in action October 12, 1918, Meuse-Argonne, France. Its issue of September 15, 1921 reports that his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church. | RECORD Likely | IDENTITY LikelyThe items agree on the name, the memorial and the burial; the middle initial differs ("K." and "E."). |
See the source and its limits✓ LikelyAn account exists
The Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921 announces that a memorial tablet to Robert Russell, killed in France in the World War and the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, would be unveiled at Stone's Chapel. Its issue of June 2, 1921 reports that more than 600 people attended the unveiling, and prints the inscription: Private, Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, killed in action October 12, 1918, Meuse-Argonne, France. Its issue of September 15, 1921 reports that his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church. What the source supportsThat Robert Edgar Russell of Clarke County, named on a 1921 memorial tablet as a private in the 128th Infantry killed in action in the Meuse-Argonne on October 12, 1918, was reported brought home and buried beside his mother's grave, as the Courier said on September 15, 1921. UncertaintyRead from uncorrected OCR, not from the page image. The May item prints his middle initial "K." and the September item "E." The inscription is as the Courier printed it; the tablet and military records were not checked. The September item does not name the cemetery in the cited passage. SourceEvidence role: supports. The May 26, 1921 notice. Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., May 26, 1921Clarke Courier · 1921-05-26 (publication) Locator: Page 1, item "Memorial Tablet to Clarke World War Hero" Relevant passageA memorial tablet to Robert K. Russell, who was killed in France during the world war, will be unveil, ed at Stone's Chapel. Sunday, May 29th. at 3 p. m The tablet is the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary, of the Lloyd Williams Post. American Legion Checked: Existing OCR reviewed. Original image not independently inspected. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Evidence role: supports. The June 2, 1921 report of the unveiling. Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921Clarke Courier · 1921-06-02 (publication) Locator: Page 1, report "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell" Relevant passageThat gratitude for the heroic sac. 1 riiice [sacrifice] of Robert Edgar Russell, a son of Clarke county, who was killed in the Meuse Argonne Drive ... Was exeniplitied [exemplified] last Sunday when more than 600 men. women and children Journeyed to historic Stone’s J Presbyterian Chapel, near Swlmley [Swimley], to take part in I he [the] ceremonies of un. veiling a beautiful marble tablet to his memory. Checked: Existing OCR reviewed. Original image not independently inspected. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Evidence role: supports. The inscription it prints. Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921Clarke Courier · 1921-06-02 (publication) Locator: Page 1, report "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell," the inscription Relevant passageIN MEMORY OK [OF] ROBERT EDGAR RUSSELL 'Private Co. C, 128tlt [128th] Inf., 32n<l [32nd] Div I Killed in Action Oct. 12, 1»18 [1918], MEUSE-ARGOXNE [ARGONNE], FRANCE Checked: Existing OCR reviewed. Original image not independently inspected. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Evidence role: supports. The September 15, 1921 report of his burial. Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921Clarke Courier · 1921-09-15 (publication) Locator: Page 1, report of the burial of Robert E. Russell Relevant passageThe body of Robert E Russell, one of Clarke s world war heroes, who w&s [was] killed in France, was brough* [brought] home last Friday and on Sunday was .aii [laid] in its last resting place besides the grave of his devoted mother ... Funeral services over all that was r.ortal [mortal] of the oldier [soldier] was held in the Presbyterian Church. Checked: Existing OCR reviewed. Original image not independently inspected. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Evidence role: supports. The same passage, read from the page image and shown in the clipping above. Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., May 26, 1921Clarke Courier · 1921-05-26 (publication) Locator: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., May 26, 1921, page 1, item "Memorial Tablet to Clarke World War Hero", the passage beginning "A memorial tablet to Robert E...." Relevant passageA memorial tablet to Robert E. Russell, who was killed in France during the world war, will be unveiled at Stone's Chapel, Sunday, May 29th, at 3 p. m. The tablet is the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary, of the Lloyd Williams Post, American Legion, and all members of the Legion, the Auxiliary and relatives and friends of Mr. Russell, are invited to be present. Checked: This passage was read on a digital reproduction of the page; no original has been handled. The source's other readings: existing OCR reviewed, original image not independently inspected. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Evidence role: supports. The same passage, read from the page image and shown in the clipping above. Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921Clarke Courier · 1921-06-02 (publication) Locator: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, page 1, report "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell", the passage beginning "That gratitude for the heroic sacrifice..." Relevant passageThat gratitude for the heroic sacrifice of Robert Edgar Russell, a son of Clarke county, who was killed in the Meuse Argonne Drive, lives in the hearts of the people of this county was exemplified last Sunday when more than 600 men, women and children journeyed to historic Stone's Presbyterian Chapel, near Swimley, to take part in the ceremonies of unveiling a beautiful marble tablet to his memory. Checked: This passage was read on a digital reproduction of the page; no original has been handled. The source's other readings: existing OCR reviewed, original image not independently inspected. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Evidence role: contextualizes. The speech given at the unveiling, read from the page image and shown in the clipping above. It adds to, and does not change, what the claim states. Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921Clarke Courier · 1921-06-02 (publication) Locator: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, page 1, report "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell", presentation speech, the passage beginning ""Those of us who were fortunate..." Relevant passage"Those of us who were fortunate enough to return to civil life with our former health and strength have the opportunity to reap the reward of the sacrifices we made and the hardships we endured, so we of the American Legion have ever considered it our first duty to care for those of our comrades who are disabled in the service and to honor the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice by giving up their lives in the cause of freedom. So we are here today to assist in the dedication of this memorial to one of our comrades who laid down his life in the serviee [sic] of his country. Checked: This passage was read on a digital reproduction of the page; no original has been handled. The source's other readings: existing OCR reviewed, original image not independently inspected. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Evidence role: supports. The report of the burial, read from the page image and shown in the clipping above. Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921Clarke Courier · 1921-09-15 (publication) Locator: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921, page 1, report "Big Throng Honor Robert E. Russell", the passage beginning "The body of Robert E. Russell,..." Relevant passageThe body of Robert E. Russell, one of Clarke's world war heroes, who was killed in France, was brought home last Friday and on Sunday was laid in its last resting place besides the grave of his devoted mother, whose health began to decline after her boy had made the supreme sacrifice in the great war. Funeral services over all that was mortal of the oldier [sic] was held in the Presbyterian Church. Checked: This passage was read on a digital reproduction of the page; no original has been handled. The source's other readings: existing OCR reviewed, original image not independently inspected. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Evidence role: contextualizes. The guard of honor and the pallbearers at the funeral, read from the page image and shown in the clipping above. It adds to, and does not change, what the claim states. Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921Clarke Courier · 1921-09-15 (publication) Locator: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921, page 1, report "Big Throng Honor Robert E. Russell", continued, the passage beginning "sequies. The Lloyd Wiliams [sic] Post..." Relevant passagesequies. The Lloyd Wiliams [sic] Post furnished the guard of honor which was under the command of Commander Rice W. Levi. The pallbearers were Thos. J. Fenton, L. H. Kercheval,—Dennis N. Kaine, Edgar P. Carter, Jr., Hugh, F. Johnson, and Herbert J. Duke, veterans of the great war. The pallbearers marched on the two sides of the hearse. Checked: This passage was read on a digital reproduction of the page; no original has been handled. The source's other readings: existing OCR reviewed, original image not independently inspected. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. |
| Date not established | The Clarke Courier of July 10, 1919 reported that between 5,000 and 6,000 people filled Berryville on July 4 to honor the county's World War veterans, and that a vehicle draped in white carried a flag with seven gold stars, which it said "represented the heroic sacrifice made by Maj. Lloyd Williams, Robert E. Russell, Oliver L. Smallwood, Wilmer W. Wiley, James W. Lanham and Oliver W. Ashby." | RECORD Confirmed | IDENTITY UnconfirmedNo identity statement has been recorded for this statement. | See the source and its limits✓ ConfirmedThat it happened
The Clarke Courier of July 10, 1919 reported that between 5,000 and 6,000 people filled Berryville on July 4 to honor the county's World War veterans, and that a vehicle draped in white carried a flag with seven gold stars, which it said "represented the heroic sacrifice made by Maj. Lloyd Williams, Robert E. Russell, Oliver L. Smallwood, Wilmer W. Wiley, James W. Lanham and Oliver W. Ashby." What the source supportsThat the welcome home was held on July 4, 1919, with a crowd the Courier put at 5,000 to 6,000, and the names it gave for the gold stars. UncertaintyThe crowd is the paper's estimate. Seven stars and six names: the report does not explain the difference. SourceEvidence role: supports. The passage in "5,000 Pay Homage to Clarke Heroes" (July 10, 1919). Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., July 10, 1919, page 1: "5,000 Pay Homage to Clarke Heroes"Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1919-07-10 (publication) Locator: Page 1, "5,000 Pay Homage to Clarke Heroes" Relevant passageBetween 5,000 and 6,000 people packed and jammed Berryville, July 4th, to pay homage to Clarke county’s world war heroes. Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Evidence role: supports. The passage in "5,000 Pay Homage to Clarke Heroes" (July 10, 1919). Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., July 10, 1919, page 1: "5,000 Pay Homage to Clarke Heroes"Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1919-07-10 (publication) Locator: Page 1, "5,000 Pay Homage to Clarke Heroes" Relevant passageA vehicle, draped in white with seven gold stars on a flag suspended from an arch, followed the Chief Marshal and his aids. These stars represented the heroic sacrifice made by Maj. Lloyd Williams, Robert E. Russell, Oliver L. Smallwood, Wilmer W. Wiley, James W. Lanham and Oliver W. Ashby. Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. |
| Date not established | The Clarke Courier of June 2, 1921 reported that more than 600 people went to Stone's Chapel, near Swimley, the Sunday before, for the unveiling of a marble tablet to Robert Edgar Russell, killed in the Meuse-Argonne drive, and printed its inscription, which says it was presented by the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, American Legion. | RECORD Confirmed | IDENTITY UnconfirmedNo identity statement has been recorded for this statement. | See the source and its limits✓ ConfirmedThat it happened
The Clarke Courier of June 2, 1921 reported that more than 600 people went to Stone's Chapel, near Swimley, the Sunday before, for the unveiling of a marble tablet to Robert Edgar Russell, killed in the Meuse-Argonne drive, and printed its inscription, which says it was presented by the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, American Legion. What the source supportsThat the Legion Auxiliary's tablet to Robert Edgar Russell was unveiled at Stone's Chapel in May 1921 before a crowd the Courier put at more than 600. UncertaintyRead from the uncorrected OCR passages already released for this issue, and shown from the released crop of the page image; the crowd is the paper's figure. SourceEvidence role: supports. The opening of the report: more than 600 at Stone's Chapel. Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921Clarke Courier · 1921-06-02 (publication) Locator: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, page 1, report "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell", the passage beginning "That gratitude for the heroic sacrifice..." Relevant passageThat gratitude for the heroic sacrifice of Robert Edgar Russell, a son of Clarke county, who was killed in the Meuse Argonne Drive, lives in the hearts of the people of this county was exemplified last Sunday when more than 600 men, women and children journeyed to historic Stone's Presbyterian Chapel, near Swimley, to take part in the ceremonies of unveiling a beautiful marble tablet to his memory. Checked: This passage was read on a digital reproduction of the page; no original has been handled. The source's other readings: existing OCR reviewed, original image not independently inspected. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Evidence role: supports. The inscription as printed, read on the page image, naming the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post. Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921Clarke Courier · 1921-06-02 (publication) Locator: Page 1, "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell," the inscription on the tablet as printed Relevant passageIN MEMORY OF ROBERT EDGAR RUSSELL Private Co. C, 128th Inf., 32nd Div. Killed in Action Oct. 12, 1918, MEUSE-ARGONNE, FRANCE Presented by Woman’s Auxiliary Lloyd Williams Post American Legion. Checked: This passage was read on a digital reproduction of the page; no original has been handled. The source's other readings: existing OCR reviewed, original image not independently inspected. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. |
| Date not established | Reporting the death of Robert E. Russell, son of Mrs. Mary A. Russell and the late Jesse Russell, the Clarke Courier of November 28, 1918 called him "the second son of Clarke county who has met death on the field of battle so far as official reports show. Capt. Lloyd Williams was the first." | RECORD Likely | IDENTITY UnconfirmedNo identity statement has been recorded for this statement. | See the source and its limits✓ LikelyAn account exists
Reporting the death of Robert E. Russell, son of Mrs. Mary A. Russell and the late Jesse Russell, the Clarke Courier of November 28, 1918 called him "the second son of Clarke county who has met death on the field of battle so far as official reports show. Capt. Lloyd Williams was the first." What the source supportsThat the Courier counted Russell second and Williams first among Clarke's dead in France. UncertaintyThe count is the paper's, "so far as official reports show." Read on the page image of the Library of Congress digital reproduction. No human historian has reviewed this claim. SourceEvidence role: supports. Page 1, the report of the death of Robert E. Russell. Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., November 28, 1918, page 1: "Details of Capt. Williams' Death" and the report of the death of Robert E. RussellClarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1918-11-28 (publication) Locator: Page 1, the report of the death of Robert E. Russell Relevant passageHe is the second son of Clarke county who has met death on the field of battle so far as official reports show. Capt. Lloyd Williams was the first. Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled. Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. |
Grave and burial
The register records Robert E. Russell, 1888–1918, buried at Green Hill Cemetery, Berryville, Clarke County, Virginia.
- Burial place
- Green Hill Cemetery, Berryville, Clarke County, Virginia; section M, lot 750
- Marker
- A marker stands at this grave, as the register records it.
- Register note
- “WW I-KIA-France; s/Jesse N. & Mary A. Grubbs Russell” The compiler’s wording, not read from the stone here.
From the Green Hill burial register, compiled by Donald R. and Mary L. Royston, as of 6 May 2021, page 144, row 14. See the register row.
RECORD Likely What the register records, not a check that it is right.
IDENTITY Likely The register row has the same surname and given name as the roll entry and the same lot, and the birth years agree; no second record has been read that ties this grave to the service.
Evidence gallery
Each image is the document itself, cropped from a saved original, and is shown only after a check by a reader who did not choose it found that it supports the passage it is cited for. Open one to read it closely.
The notice headed Memorial Tablet to Clarke World War Hero on the front page of the Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921: the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, American Legion, will unveil a memorial tablet to Robert E. Russell, killed in France, at Stone's Chapel on Sunday, May 29.
What this image does and does not showA crop of part of one newspaper page; the rest of the page is not shown. The headline and deck have printer's errors (WarHero, France"s, FFields).
Clarke Courier (Berryville, Va.), May 26, 1921, page 1. Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Rights Changes: Cut from the Library of Congress page image at full resolution (the region lies at box 1097,2596 335x1088 pixels of the saved half-size copy of the page) and shown at its own 670 by 2175 pixels; not scaled, retouched, enhanced, highlighted or re-encoded.
Source: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., May 26, 1921 Open the full image
What this image is evidence for
Passage it reproduces: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., May 26, 1921, page 1, item "Memorial Tablet to Clarke World War Hero", the passage beginning "A memorial tablet to Robert E...."
Statements on this site that rest on it:
- The Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921 announces that a memorial tablet to Robert Russell, killed in France in the World War and the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, would be unveiled at Stone's Chapel. Its issue of June 2, 1921 reports that more than 600 people attended the unveiling, and prints the inscription: Private, Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, killed in action October 12, 1918, Meuse-Argonne, France. Its issue of September 15, 1921 reports that his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church.
People namedRobert Edgar Russell
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., May 26, 1921, page 1.
Typed transcription
Memorial Tablet to Clarke World WarHero Woman's Auxiliary, of the Lloyd Williams Post, American Legion, Will Unveil, May 29, Memorial to Robert E. Russell, One of Clarke's Sons, Who Fell on France"s [sic] Bloody FFields [sic]. A memorial tablet to Robert E. Russell, who was killed in France during the world war, will be unveiled at Stone's Chapel, Sunday, May 29th, at 3 p. m. The tablet is the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary, of the Lloyd Williams Post, American Legion, and all members of the Legion, the Auxiliary and relatives and friends of Mr. Russell, are invited to be present. The services will be conducted by Rev. L. F. Harper, pastor of Stone's Chapel.
- Source
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., May 26, 1921, Clarke Courier
- Date as printed
- 1921-05-26 (published)
- Page
- 1 as printed
- Passage
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., May 26, 1921, page 1, item "Memorial Tablet to Clarke World War Hero", the passage beginning "A memorial tablet to Robert E...."
- What it supports
- The Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921 announces that a memorial tablet to Robert Russell, killed in France in the World War and the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, would be unveiled at Stone's Chapel. Its issue of June 2, 1921 reports that more than 600 people attended the unveiling, and prints the inscription: Private, Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, killed in action October 12, 1918, Meuse-Argonne, France. Its issue of September 15, 1921 reports that his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church.
- Treatment
- Cropped to the document only; no retouch, no highlight.
RECORD Likely IDENTITY Likely
The items agree on the name, the memorial and the burial; the middle initial differs ("K." and "E.").
See the original Read the full newspaper page at the Library of Congress
The first part of the report 600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell on the front page of the Clarke Courier of June 2, 1921: more than 600 people at Stone's Chapel for the unveiling of a marble tablet to Robert Edgar Russell, who was killed in the Meuse-Argonne drive, with the wording of the inscription.
What this image does and does not showA crop of part of one newspaper page; the rest of the page is not shown.
Clarke Courier (Berryville, Va.), June 2, 1921, page 1. Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Rights Changes: Cut from the Library of Congress page image at full resolution (the region lies at box 689,472 334x2001 pixels of the saved half-size copy of the page) and shown at its own 669 by 4002 pixels; not scaled, retouched, enhanced, highlighted or re-encoded.
Source: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921 Open the full image
What this image is evidence for
Passage it reproduces: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, page 1, report "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell", the passage beginning "That gratitude for the heroic sacrifice..."
Statements on this site that rest on it:
- The Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921 announces that a memorial tablet to Robert Russell, killed in France in the World War and the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, would be unveiled at Stone's Chapel. Its issue of June 2, 1921 reports that more than 600 people attended the unveiling, and prints the inscription: Private, Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, killed in action October 12, 1918, Meuse-Argonne, France. Its issue of September 15, 1921 reports that his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church.
- The Clarke Courier of June 2, 1921 reported that more than 600 people went to Stone's Chapel, near Swimley, the Sunday before, for the unveiling of a marble tablet to Robert Edgar Russell, killed in the Meuse-Argonne drive, and printed its inscription, which says it was presented by the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, American Legion.
People namedRobert Edgar Russell, Stone's Chapel, Lloyd Williams Post No. 41, American Legion
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, page 1.
Typed transcription
600 HONOR MEMORY OF ROBERT EDGAR RUSSELL Beautiful Marble Tablet Unveiled in Historic Stone's Chapel as Memorial to Son of Clarke who was Killed in Meuse Argonne Drive--Commander Rice W. Levi Makes Presentation Speech. That gratitude for the heroic sacrifice of Robert Edgar Russell, a son of Clarke county, who was killed in the Meuse Argonne Drive, lives in the hearts of the people of this county was exemplified last Sunday when more than 600 men, women and children journeyed to historic Stone's Presbyterian Chapel, near Swimley, to take part in the ceremonies of unveiling a beautiful marble tablet to his memory. The church, where Mr. Russell worshipped before he went to France was filled with the largest crowd which had gathered there. Every seat was occupied, the aisles were packed, the Sunday school room in the rear of the pulpit was filled, and people stood on the outside at the open windows. The tablet, erected by the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, American Legion, is made of marble with the wording inlaid in gold. It was placed on the wall to the right of the pulpit. The inscription upon it is as follows: IN MEMORY OF ROBERT EDGAR RUSSELL Private Co. C, 128th Inf., 32nd Div. Killed in Action Oct. 12, 1918, MEUSE-ARGONNE, FRANCE Presented by Woman's Auxiliary Lloyd Williams Post American Legion. The services incident to the unveiling of the tablet were conducted by Rev. L. F. Harper, pastor of Stone's Chapel. He was assisted by Rev. Malcolm S. Taylor, rector of Grace Episcopal Church, and chaplain of Lloyd Williams Post, and Rev. George Gaither, pastor of Crum's Methodist Church. Forty-two members of the Lloyd Williams Post and the members of Woman's Auxiliary attended the services. The veterans marched down the aisle and took their seats to the right of the pulpit while the Women's Auxiliary, led by Mrs. Sara Elder, its president, occupied seats to the left. Members of Mr. Russell's family were seated on the right. The tablet was unveiled by Miss Helen Watson Russell, a niece of the dead soldier and the daughter of Mr. L. N. Russell, of Berryville. She pulled a cord which detached the white shroud over the memorial. After the singing of hymns and prayers by Mr. Harper and Mr. Taylor, the presentation speech was delivered by Commander Rice W. Levi on behalf of the Woman's Auxiliary.
- Source
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, Clarke Courier
- Date as printed
- 1921-06-02 (published)
- Page
- 1 as printed
- Passage
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, page 1, report "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell", the passage beginning "That gratitude for the heroic sacrifice..."
- What it supports
- The Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921 announces that a memorial tablet to Robert Russell, killed in France in the World War and the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, would be unveiled at Stone's Chapel. Its issue of June 2, 1921 reports that more than 600 people attended the unveiling, and prints the inscription: Private, Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, killed in action October 12, 1918, Meuse-Argonne, France. Its issue of September 15, 1921 reports that his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church. The Clarke Courier of June 2, 1921 reported that more than 600 people went to Stone's Chapel, near Swimley, the Sunday before, for the unveiling of a marble tablet to Robert Edgar Russell, killed in the Meuse-Argonne drive, and printed its inscription, which says it was presented by the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, American Legion.
- Treatment
- Cropped to the document only; no retouch, no highlight.
RECORD Likely IDENTITY Likely
The items agree on the name, the memorial and the burial; the middle initial differs ("K." and "E."). The three items report the same memorial and homecoming but print the middle initial differently ("K." and "E.").
See the original Read the full newspaper page at the Library of Congress
The next part of the report 600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell in the Clarke Courier of June 2, 1921: the presentation speech of Commander Rice W. Levi for the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, American Legion.
What this image does and does not showA crop of part of one newspaper page; the rest of the page is not shown. The column begins within the article.
Clarke Courier (Berryville, Va.), June 2, 1921, page 1. Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Rights Changes: Cut from the Library of Congress page image at full resolution (the region lies at box 689,2476 337x1186 pixels of the saved half-size copy of the page) and shown at its own 674 by 2373 pixels; not scaled, retouched, enhanced, highlighted or re-encoded.
Source: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921 Open the full image
What this image is evidence for
Passage it reproduces: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, page 1, report "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell", presentation speech, the passage beginning ""Those of us who were fortunate..."
Statements on this site that rest on it:
- The Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921 announces that a memorial tablet to Robert Russell, killed in France in the World War and the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, would be unveiled at Stone's Chapel. Its issue of June 2, 1921 reports that more than 600 people attended the unveiling, and prints the inscription: Private, Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, killed in action October 12, 1918, Meuse-Argonne, France. Its issue of September 15, 1921 reports that his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church.
People namedRobert Edgar Russell
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, page 1.
Typed transcription
"Those of us who were fortunate enough to return to civil life with our former health and strength have the opportunity to reap the reward of the sacrifices we made and the hardships we endured, so we of the American Legion have ever considered it our first duty to care for those of our comrades who are disabled in the service and to honor the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice by giving up their lives in the cause of freedom. So we are here today to assist in the dedication of this memorial to one of our comrades who laid down his life in the serviee [sic] of his country. "This tablet is the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, No. 41, of the American Legion. At their last regular meeting these ladies decided to present this memorial to the church and ded-cate [sic] it to the memory of Robert Edgar Russell. "May it stand as the years roll on a constant reminder of the lives and deeds of those of our comrades who gave heir [sic] lives in their nations' cause. May it remain here as a perpetual evidence of the gratitude of the people of this community. "It reminds us that to those who gave unselfish service is rendered the deepest gratitude by their fellow countrymen. "The din and the clash of war is stilled. No more do the legions in olive drab parade in camp and cantonment. Respect for the American flag on the high seas and courteous consideration for America's voice in the councils of the world has been secured. Such mementoes as these serve to remind us that our proud station among the foremost nations of the earth was not won without effort, and that there are duties and sacrifices as well as privileges of citizenship. "By the presentation of this memorial we are assured that our honored dead are not forgotten that the ideals for which they gave their all still live, honored and jealously guarded."
- Source
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, Clarke Courier
- Date as printed
- 1921-06-02 (published)
- Page
- 1 as printed
- Passage
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, page 1, report "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell", presentation speech, the passage beginning ""Those of us who were fortunate..."
- What it supports
- The Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921 announces that a memorial tablet to Robert Russell, killed in France in the World War and the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, would be unveiled at Stone's Chapel. Its issue of June 2, 1921 reports that more than 600 people attended the unveiling, and prints the inscription: Private, Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, killed in action October 12, 1918, Meuse-Argonne, France. Its issue of September 15, 1921 reports that his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church.
- Treatment
- Cropped to the document only; no retouch, no highlight.
RECORD Likely IDENTITY Likely
The items agree on the name, the memorial and the burial; the middle initial differs ("K." and "E.").
See the original Read the full newspaper page at the Library of Congress
The first part of the report Big Throng Honor Robert E. Russell on the front page of the Clarke Courier of September 15, 1921: the body of the soldier killed in France was brought home and buried beside his mother's grave, with funeral services at the Presbyterian Church.
Clarke Courier (Berryville, Va.), September 15, 1921, page 1. Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Rights Changes: Cut from the Library of Congress page image at full resolution (the region lies at box 1720,501 339x656 pixels of the saved half-size copy of the page) and shown at its own 678 by 1312 pixels; not scaled, retouched, enhanced, highlighted or re-encoded. Restored transcription: the passage is keyed as clean running text per docs/hubs-foundations.md's restored-transcription convention, not strict as-printed brackets.
Source: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921 Open the full image
What this image is evidence for
Passage it reproduces: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921, page 1, report "Big Throng Honor Robert E. Russell", the passage beginning "The body of Robert E. Russell,..."
Statements on this site that rest on it:
- The Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921 announces that a memorial tablet to Robert Russell, killed in France in the World War and the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, would be unveiled at Stone's Chapel. Its issue of June 2, 1921 reports that more than 600 people attended the unveiling, and prints the inscription: Private, Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, killed in action October 12, 1918, Meuse-Argonne, France. Its issue of September 15, 1921 reports that his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church.
People namedRobert Edgar Russell
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921, page 1.
Typed transcription
BIG THRONG HONOR ROBERT E. RUSSELL Body of World War Hero, Killed in France, is Buried Besides Grave of His Mother--Funeral Services Largely Attended--American Legion Escort of Honor. The body of Robert E. Russell, one of Clarke's world war heroes, who was killed in France, was brought home last Friday and on Sunday was laid in its last resting place besides the grave of his devoted mother, whose health began to decline after her boy had made the supreme sacrifice in the great war. Funeral services over all that was mortal of the oldier [sic] was held in the Presbyterian Church. The edifice was crowded to its doors by hundreds of Clarke people, who came from all parts of the county to pay a last tribute of respect to this gallant young man. The services were conducted by Rev. L. F. Harper, the pastor, assisted by Rev. Mr. Gaither, The American Legion and the firing squad from Co. I, of Wincheser [sic]. gave a big military touch to the ob-
Print damaged in places; letters that could not be read on the page are supplied from context.
- Source
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921, Clarke Courier
- Date as printed
- 1921-09-15 (published)
- Page
- 1 as printed
- Passage
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921, page 1, report "Big Throng Honor Robert E. Russell", the passage beginning "The body of Robert E. Russell,..."
- What it supports
- The Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921 announces that a memorial tablet to Robert Russell, killed in France in the World War and the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, would be unveiled at Stone's Chapel. Its issue of June 2, 1921 reports that more than 600 people attended the unveiling, and prints the inscription: Private, Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, killed in action October 12, 1918, Meuse-Argonne, France. Its issue of September 15, 1921 reports that his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church.
- Treatment
- Cropped to the document only; no retouch, no highlight.
RECORD Likely IDENTITY Likely
The items agree on the name, the memorial and the burial; the middle initial differs ("K." and "E.").
See the original Read the full newspaper page at the Library of Congress
The rest of the report Big Throng Honor Robert E. Russell in the Clarke Courier of September 15, 1921: the guard of honor and pallbearers, the burial at Green Hill Cemetery, and a short account of his service in Co. C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, and his death in action on October 12, 1918.
Clarke Courier (Berryville, Va.), September 15, 1921, page 1. Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Rights Changes: Cut from the Library of Congress page image at full resolution (the region lies at box 1712,1155 342x694 pixels of the saved half-size copy of the page) and shown at its own 683 by 1387 pixels; not scaled, retouched, enhanced, highlighted or re-encoded. Restored transcription: the passage is keyed as clean running text per docs/hubs-foundations.md's restored-transcription convention, not strict as-printed brackets.
Source: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921 Open the full image
What this image is evidence for
Passage it reproduces: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921, page 1, report "Big Throng Honor Robert E. Russell", continued, the passage beginning "sequies. The Lloyd Wiliams [sic] Post..."
Statements on this site that rest on it:
- The Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921 announces that a memorial tablet to Robert Russell, killed in France in the World War and the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, would be unveiled at Stone's Chapel. Its issue of June 2, 1921 reports that more than 600 people attended the unveiling, and prints the inscription: Private, Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, killed in action October 12, 1918, Meuse-Argonne, France. Its issue of September 15, 1921 reports that his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church.
People namedRobert Edgar Russell
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921, page 1.
Typed transcription
sequies. The Lloyd Wiliams [sic] Post furnished the guard of honor which was under the command of Commander Rice W. Levi. The pallbearers were Thos. J. Fenton, L. H. Kercheval,—Dennis N. Kaine, Edgar P. Carter, Jr., Hugh, F. Johnson, and Herbert J. Duke, veterans of the great war. The pallbearers marched on the two sides of the hearse. The firing squad, which sounded taps over the grave, was under the charge of Capt. George R. Grim, of Winchester After the services at the church the throng on foot and in automobiles proceeded to Green Hill Cemetery when the soldier's body was laid to rest Robert Edgar Russell was a private in Co. C, 128th Infantry. 32nd Division. He was killed in action on Octob[er] 12, 1918, on the Meuse Argonne front. Practically no details of the death has been received by the family, and for a long ime [sic] it was not known by the family as to whether the body had ben [sic] found after he met his death in fighting the Germans. There has been placed on the walls of Stone's Chapel a memoria[l] tablet [...] funds for which were raised by the Woman's Auxiliary of the American Legion. This tablet was unveiled in May.
Print damaged in places; letters that could not be read on the page are supplied from context.
- Source
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921, Clarke Courier
- Date as printed
- 1921-09-15 (published)
- Page
- 1 as printed
- Passage
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921, page 1, report "Big Throng Honor Robert E. Russell", continued, the passage beginning "sequies. The Lloyd Wiliams [sic] Post..."
- What it supports
- The Clarke Courier of May 26, 1921 announces that a memorial tablet to Robert Russell, killed in France in the World War and the gift of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Lloyd Williams Post, would be unveiled at Stone's Chapel. Its issue of June 2, 1921 reports that more than 600 people attended the unveiling, and prints the inscription: Private, Company C, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, killed in action October 12, 1918, Meuse-Argonne, France. Its issue of September 15, 1921 reports that his body, brought home from France, was buried beside his mother's grave after services at the Presbyterian Church.
- Treatment
- Cropped to the document only; no retouch, no highlight.
RECORD Likely IDENTITY Likely
The items agree on the name, the memorial and the burial; the middle initial differs ("K." and "E.").
See the original Read the full newspaper page at the Library of Congress
Cited, with no image here
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, Page 1, report "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell". The text was read from a transcription or machine reading, not from a saved page image.
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, Page 1, report "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell," the inscription. The text was read from a transcription or machine reading, not from a saved page image.
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 2, 1921, Page 1, "600 Honor Memory of Robert Edgar Russell," the inscription on the tablet as printed. The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., May 26, 1921, Page 1, item "Memorial Tablet to Clarke World War Hero". The text was read from a transcription or machine reading, not from a saved page image.
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 15, 1921, Page 1, report of the burial of Robert E. Russell. The text was read from a transcription or machine reading, not from a saved page image.
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., July 10, 1919, page 1: "5,000 Pay Homage to Clarke Heroes", Page 1, "5,000 Pay Homage to Clarke Heroes". The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., July 10, 1919, page 1: "5,000 Pay Homage to Clarke Heroes", Page 1, "5,000 Pay Homage to Clarke Heroes". The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
- Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., November 28, 1918, page 1: "Details of Capt. Williams' Death" and the report of the death of Robert E. Russell, Page 1, the report of the death of Robert E. Russell. The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
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