PLEASE DO NOT USE PHOTOS AND INFORMATION ON OTHER SITES WITHOUT PERMISSION. OTHERS HAVE BEEN CUTTING AND PASTING MY WORK AS THEIR OWN ON OTHER SITES!
Great News, Henry Duffy Nichols no longer listed as unclaimed:
We have moved Mr. Nichols to our claimed database. May his soul now rest in peace. Our condolences to the Nichols family.
I would like to thank Graveyard Walker for all of the kindness that she has shown and for the help with information about this "Forgotten Hero." She and the organization State of New Mexico, Dept of Veterans Services, Forgotten Heroes Program and www.familiesforforgottenheroes.org have done a wonderful job in finding these "Forgotten Heroes" whose bodies were left unclaimed for various reasons. It is because of people like her that I was able to find the final resting place of Pvt. Henry Nichols. It is also because of her and the others that Henry Nichols has a resting place. I had been searching for years to find him and then discovered an article on line describing how he was a "Forgotten Hero" along with details about his burial with other "Forgotten Heroes." In the process of her helping me, our memorials somehow got "merged" and her memorial was deleted. I do want her to know how badly I feel about this. I also want her to know that I will never forget her kindness. Thanks for helping me bring Henry home.
Addendum: Thank you, Graveyard Walker, for allowing me to use the photos that you personally took at the service.
Henry Nichols was born Henry Duffy, Jr. He was the son of the actor and producer, Henry Duffy, Sr. and Anne Nichols, playwright and author of the famous 1920s play "Abie's Irish Rose." After his parent's divorce, he went by the name Henry Nichols and was known by "Nicky" amongst family members. He did have one daughter named Sheryl Nichols. He was married to Shirley Jean Lindley. He did play "Abie" in the play "Abie's Irish Rose" in the 1940s and his wife played "Rosemary."
New York Times June 9, 1932
ANNE NICHOL'S SON GONE
Playwright Says He Left Coast in Her Car to "Conquer the World."
LOS ANGELES, June 8- Anne Nichols conquered the world with a pen, but her 13-year-old son Henry Jr. has started out to do it with her automobile and two revolvers, she told authorities today. Mrs. Nichols, better known as the author of "Abie's Irish Rose," telephoned the Sheriff's office that upon returning home last night she found this note on the dining-room table: "Mother Dear: We are going to conquer the world. Don't be afraid. "Henry." The youth disappeared with Russell Wade Fishbeck, 14, the son of neighbors. The parents reported the dissappearance of the boys after waiting all night, believing they probably would find he world at dark a cold, forbidding place and return.
San Antonio Express June 9, 1932
Writer's Son and Friend Set Out to Whip World
Los Angeles June 8 Just where Anne Nichol's missing 13 year-old son Henry Jr would start in to conquer the world troubled police today. But past experience led them to ships that sail the seven seas, beach resorts with their hot dog stands and highways where adventure lurks. Henry Jr. and Russel Wade Fishbeck 14 disappeared last night with an automobile and two revolvers belonging to the author of "Abie's Irish Rose" after leaving the following note on the dining room table: "Mother Dear, We are going to conquer the world. Don't be afraid. Henry." Miss Nichols asked the sheriff's department to aid her to convince Henry Jr. the world could not be conquered in an automobile no matter how many revolvers. When dawn produced no Henry or Russel, a state-wide police broadcast was made and a sheriff's squad began a systematic search of the wharves, beach resorts and highways. Ships were checked. Every hot dog stand became a potential shelter for the youth and police north, south and east were asked to watch the roads.
Albuquerque Journal June 12, 1932
Plans of Henry Nichols, young son of Anne Nichols, and his chum Russel Fishbeck to see the world on their runaway trip from Los Angeles did not include seeing it from a jail window, but the experience was theirs Saturday. Since they were detained here Wednesday Night, they had been staying at a local hotel and enjoying numerous privileges. But when a Los Angeles police officer arrived Saturday he committed them to the city jail until time for the departure Sunday.The idea was unpopular with the boys and prospects of jail fare lead them to order meals from their hotel with money Nichols mother had sent to him.
The Daily Northwestern Oshkosh Wisconsin June 10,1932:
Los Angeles. An adventure trail for Henry Nichols, Jr 12 year old son of Anne Nichols who wrote "Abie's Irish Rose" has ended in Albuquerque NM his mother has been informed. The runaway boy and his chum Russel Wade Fishbeck also 13 were located Thursday there at the home of a friend, Louis Clifford (this was the brother to his aunt Elsie Nichols Clifford's husband) the mother said. The boys left their homes here Tuesday night in an automobile and withtwo revolvers. "Mother Dear: We are going to conquer the world. Don't be afraid." was the note found on the Nichols' dining room table. It was signed "Henry."
Black Foxe Military Academy Class of 1937
Salt Lake City Tribune January 25, 1946 excerpt:
Salt Lake City has its share of visitors from the Hall Of Fame. Here sightseeing for a week or more is a son of Anne Nichols the author of Abie's Irish Rose, Henry D. Nichols with Mrs. Nichols and their three-year-old daughter Sheryl, arrived Sunday. Some time back they were on the road doing Abie's Irish Rose in Toronto, Montreal, Philadelphia; Buffalo; Atlanta, Dallas on through the deep south and California.
U.S. Army Private Henry D. Nichols: Born in Pleasantville, N.Y., he served from June 7, 1944, to Nov. 11, 1944, during World War II.
Sandra Baltazar Martinez "The New Mexican" Tuesday November 1, 2011:
Two and a half hours before Tuesday's funeral service, Linda Kay Riecke read an email from a friend that prompted her to run out of her Rio Rancho home and drive to Santa Fe.
She made it just in time for the 1:30 p.m. ceremony to mark the burial of the unclaimed, cremated remains of 10 military veterans, one of whom — U.S. Army Private John L. Craft — might be a distant relative.
"I told myself, 'I can't let that go, knowing that that's my family, and I can't write to my Craft relatives, knowing that I didn't do anything about it,' " Riecke said. Her emerald eyes held tears as she focused on the dozens of white headstones at the Santa Fe National Cemetery after the services were conducted with military honors.
Craft served in the Army from Sept. 25, 1917, to Oct. 31, 1919, during World War I. Riecke thinks he might be a Craft from her family, which goes back to Kentucky and carries a long tradition of military service.
Craft is among veterans whose unclaimed remains have been buried since the Missing in America Project, a national nonprofit, joined forces with Berardinelli Family Funeral Services in Santa Fe last year. This is the second year that the Santa Fe National Cemetery has worked with the project.
The cremated remains of one serviceman, U.S. Navy Lt. Edward Grimms Lucius, a World War II veteran, had been sitting in Berardinelli's remains vault since 1979, said Barie Fritz, interim manager at Berardinelli.
"We want to do that right thing," Fritz said.
Gov. Susana Martinez addressed people gathered for the ceremony Tuesday, saying, "It is a privilege to claim these forgotten warriors as our own."
The project has been working with funeral homes and cemeteries across the country since 2007 in an effort to ensure that veterans are not simply left among indigents buried without honors or recognition, said founder and executive director Fred Salanti, who is based in California.
Salanti said his visits to funeral homes to take "inventory" of cremated bodies that have been sitting in mortuaries for years have uncovered more than 11,800 veterans' cremains, including 302 in New Mexico. Of those, 46 (not counting the 10 interred Tuesday) were buried either in Santa Fe or at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in Texas, Salanti said.
The project works with state and federal cemeteries so that if interred remains are ever claimed by a relative, the urns can be moved, Salanti said. Services for veterans are free of cost, and funeral homes absorb costs such as providing an urn.
As for Linda Kay Riecke, Tuesday's ceremony served as a possible connection to a relative she never met. Her homework Tuesday night: research all her genealogical records, call Craft cousins and try to piece together information on the veteran now buried in Santa Fe.
The Missing in America Project helped bury remains of 10 military veterans Tuesday at the Santa Fe National Cemetery:
U.S. Army Col. John Garnett Coughlin: Retired; born in Bisbee, Ariz., he served in the Army from June 10, 1932, to July 31, 1954, during World War II and the Korean War. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, the Silver Star Medal with an oak leaf cluster and the Bronze Star Medal. His actions in Korea in holding the line against a major offensive and counterattacking enemy forces caused them to withdraw after suffering heavy losses.
U.S. Army Col. Jackson Evert Shirley: Retired; born in Williams, Ariz., he served in the Army from Dec. 15, 1939, to Aug. 31, 1961, in World War II and Korea. Shirley was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Silver Star Medal for bravery in the South Pacific during World War II.
U.S. Navy Lt. Edward Grimms Lucius: Retired; born in Chicago, Lucius served from April 15, 1942, to Dec. 6, 1948, during World War II.
U.S. Navy Chief Carpenter's Mate Donald Claire Smith: Born in Roswell, he served from Aug. 15, 1942, to May 25, 1945, during World War II.
U.S. Navy Motor Mechanist 2nd Class Milton Vincin Burroughs: Born in Jeffersonville, Ind., he served from April 5, 1943, to Nov. 12, 1945, during World War II.
U.S. Army Tec 3 Gerald Edwin Huber: Born in Los Alamos, he served from Aug. 10, 1942, to Feb. 8, 1946, during World War II.
U.S. Army Tec 3 Richard Landrum Thomas: Born in Washington, D.C., he served from July 6, 1945, to Aug. 28, 1946, during World War II. Berardinelli discovered five days ago that inside Thomas' urn box, his wife's ashes were sitting next to his. She passed away in 2009 and Thomas in 2010. The couple were interred together.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st class Charles Thomas Stewart: Born in New Boston, Ohio, he served from July 23, 1954, to May 7, 1958, during the Korean War.
U.S. Army Private John L. Craft: Born in Monne Terree, Mo., he served from Sept. 25, 1917, to Oct. 31, 1919, during World War I.
U.S. Army Private Henry D. Nichols: Born in Pleasantville, N.Y., he served from June 7, 1944, to Nov. 11, 1944, during World War II.
SOURCE: BERARDINELLI FAMILY FUNERAL SERVICES
Passed away in St Vincent Hospital Santa Fe, New Mexico after a lengthy illness
Thanks to Jennifer D. and her mother Jo Anne H. for photos
Great News, Henry Duffy Nichols no longer listed as unclaimed:
We have moved Mr. Nichols to our claimed database. May his soul now rest in peace. Our condolences to the Nichols family.
I would like to thank Graveyard Walker for all of the kindness that she has shown and for the help with information about this "Forgotten Hero." She and the organization State of New Mexico, Dept of Veterans Services, Forgotten Heroes Program and www.familiesforforgottenheroes.org have done a wonderful job in finding these "Forgotten Heroes" whose bodies were left unclaimed for various reasons. It is because of people like her that I was able to find the final resting place of Pvt. Henry Nichols. It is also because of her and the others that Henry Nichols has a resting place. I had been searching for years to find him and then discovered an article on line describing how he was a "Forgotten Hero" along with details about his burial with other "Forgotten Heroes." In the process of her helping me, our memorials somehow got "merged" and her memorial was deleted. I do want her to know how badly I feel about this. I also want her to know that I will never forget her kindness. Thanks for helping me bring Henry home.
Addendum: Thank you, Graveyard Walker, for allowing me to use the photos that you personally took at the service.
Henry Nichols was born Henry Duffy, Jr. He was the son of the actor and producer, Henry Duffy, Sr. and Anne Nichols, playwright and author of the famous 1920s play "Abie's Irish Rose." After his parent's divorce, he went by the name Henry Nichols and was known by "Nicky" amongst family members. He did have one daughter named Sheryl Nichols. He was married to Shirley Jean Lindley. He did play "Abie" in the play "Abie's Irish Rose" in the 1940s and his wife played "Rosemary."
New York Times June 9, 1932
ANNE NICHOL'S SON GONE
Playwright Says He Left Coast in Her Car to "Conquer the World."
LOS ANGELES, June 8- Anne Nichols conquered the world with a pen, but her 13-year-old son Henry Jr. has started out to do it with her automobile and two revolvers, she told authorities today. Mrs. Nichols, better known as the author of "Abie's Irish Rose," telephoned the Sheriff's office that upon returning home last night she found this note on the dining-room table: "Mother Dear: We are going to conquer the world. Don't be afraid. "Henry." The youth disappeared with Russell Wade Fishbeck, 14, the son of neighbors. The parents reported the dissappearance of the boys after waiting all night, believing they probably would find he world at dark a cold, forbidding place and return.
San Antonio Express June 9, 1932
Writer's Son and Friend Set Out to Whip World
Los Angeles June 8 Just where Anne Nichol's missing 13 year-old son Henry Jr would start in to conquer the world troubled police today. But past experience led them to ships that sail the seven seas, beach resorts with their hot dog stands and highways where adventure lurks. Henry Jr. and Russel Wade Fishbeck 14 disappeared last night with an automobile and two revolvers belonging to the author of "Abie's Irish Rose" after leaving the following note on the dining room table: "Mother Dear, We are going to conquer the world. Don't be afraid. Henry." Miss Nichols asked the sheriff's department to aid her to convince Henry Jr. the world could not be conquered in an automobile no matter how many revolvers. When dawn produced no Henry or Russel, a state-wide police broadcast was made and a sheriff's squad began a systematic search of the wharves, beach resorts and highways. Ships were checked. Every hot dog stand became a potential shelter for the youth and police north, south and east were asked to watch the roads.
Albuquerque Journal June 12, 1932
Plans of Henry Nichols, young son of Anne Nichols, and his chum Russel Fishbeck to see the world on their runaway trip from Los Angeles did not include seeing it from a jail window, but the experience was theirs Saturday. Since they were detained here Wednesday Night, they had been staying at a local hotel and enjoying numerous privileges. But when a Los Angeles police officer arrived Saturday he committed them to the city jail until time for the departure Sunday.The idea was unpopular with the boys and prospects of jail fare lead them to order meals from their hotel with money Nichols mother had sent to him.
The Daily Northwestern Oshkosh Wisconsin June 10,1932:
Los Angeles. An adventure trail for Henry Nichols, Jr 12 year old son of Anne Nichols who wrote "Abie's Irish Rose" has ended in Albuquerque NM his mother has been informed. The runaway boy and his chum Russel Wade Fishbeck also 13 were located Thursday there at the home of a friend, Louis Clifford (this was the brother to his aunt Elsie Nichols Clifford's husband) the mother said. The boys left their homes here Tuesday night in an automobile and withtwo revolvers. "Mother Dear: We are going to conquer the world. Don't be afraid." was the note found on the Nichols' dining room table. It was signed "Henry."
Black Foxe Military Academy Class of 1937
Salt Lake City Tribune January 25, 1946 excerpt:
Salt Lake City has its share of visitors from the Hall Of Fame. Here sightseeing for a week or more is a son of Anne Nichols the author of Abie's Irish Rose, Henry D. Nichols with Mrs. Nichols and their three-year-old daughter Sheryl, arrived Sunday. Some time back they were on the road doing Abie's Irish Rose in Toronto, Montreal, Philadelphia; Buffalo; Atlanta, Dallas on through the deep south and California.
U.S. Army Private Henry D. Nichols: Born in Pleasantville, N.Y., he served from June 7, 1944, to Nov. 11, 1944, during World War II.
Sandra Baltazar Martinez "The New Mexican" Tuesday November 1, 2011:
Two and a half hours before Tuesday's funeral service, Linda Kay Riecke read an email from a friend that prompted her to run out of her Rio Rancho home and drive to Santa Fe.
She made it just in time for the 1:30 p.m. ceremony to mark the burial of the unclaimed, cremated remains of 10 military veterans, one of whom — U.S. Army Private John L. Craft — might be a distant relative.
"I told myself, 'I can't let that go, knowing that that's my family, and I can't write to my Craft relatives, knowing that I didn't do anything about it,' " Riecke said. Her emerald eyes held tears as she focused on the dozens of white headstones at the Santa Fe National Cemetery after the services were conducted with military honors.
Craft served in the Army from Sept. 25, 1917, to Oct. 31, 1919, during World War I. Riecke thinks he might be a Craft from her family, which goes back to Kentucky and carries a long tradition of military service.
Craft is among veterans whose unclaimed remains have been buried since the Missing in America Project, a national nonprofit, joined forces with Berardinelli Family Funeral Services in Santa Fe last year. This is the second year that the Santa Fe National Cemetery has worked with the project.
The cremated remains of one serviceman, U.S. Navy Lt. Edward Grimms Lucius, a World War II veteran, had been sitting in Berardinelli's remains vault since 1979, said Barie Fritz, interim manager at Berardinelli.
"We want to do that right thing," Fritz said.
Gov. Susana Martinez addressed people gathered for the ceremony Tuesday, saying, "It is a privilege to claim these forgotten warriors as our own."
The project has been working with funeral homes and cemeteries across the country since 2007 in an effort to ensure that veterans are not simply left among indigents buried without honors or recognition, said founder and executive director Fred Salanti, who is based in California.
Salanti said his visits to funeral homes to take "inventory" of cremated bodies that have been sitting in mortuaries for years have uncovered more than 11,800 veterans' cremains, including 302 in New Mexico. Of those, 46 (not counting the 10 interred Tuesday) were buried either in Santa Fe or at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in Texas, Salanti said.
The project works with state and federal cemeteries so that if interred remains are ever claimed by a relative, the urns can be moved, Salanti said. Services for veterans are free of cost, and funeral homes absorb costs such as providing an urn.
As for Linda Kay Riecke, Tuesday's ceremony served as a possible connection to a relative she never met. Her homework Tuesday night: research all her genealogical records, call Craft cousins and try to piece together information on the veteran now buried in Santa Fe.
The Missing in America Project helped bury remains of 10 military veterans Tuesday at the Santa Fe National Cemetery:
U.S. Army Col. John Garnett Coughlin: Retired; born in Bisbee, Ariz., he served in the Army from June 10, 1932, to July 31, 1954, during World War II and the Korean War. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, the Silver Star Medal with an oak leaf cluster and the Bronze Star Medal. His actions in Korea in holding the line against a major offensive and counterattacking enemy forces caused them to withdraw after suffering heavy losses.
U.S. Army Col. Jackson Evert Shirley: Retired; born in Williams, Ariz., he served in the Army from Dec. 15, 1939, to Aug. 31, 1961, in World War II and Korea. Shirley was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Silver Star Medal for bravery in the South Pacific during World War II.
U.S. Navy Lt. Edward Grimms Lucius: Retired; born in Chicago, Lucius served from April 15, 1942, to Dec. 6, 1948, during World War II.
U.S. Navy Chief Carpenter's Mate Donald Claire Smith: Born in Roswell, he served from Aug. 15, 1942, to May 25, 1945, during World War II.
U.S. Navy Motor Mechanist 2nd Class Milton Vincin Burroughs: Born in Jeffersonville, Ind., he served from April 5, 1943, to Nov. 12, 1945, during World War II.
U.S. Army Tec 3 Gerald Edwin Huber: Born in Los Alamos, he served from Aug. 10, 1942, to Feb. 8, 1946, during World War II.
U.S. Army Tec 3 Richard Landrum Thomas: Born in Washington, D.C., he served from July 6, 1945, to Aug. 28, 1946, during World War II. Berardinelli discovered five days ago that inside Thomas' urn box, his wife's ashes were sitting next to his. She passed away in 2009 and Thomas in 2010. The couple were interred together.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st class Charles Thomas Stewart: Born in New Boston, Ohio, he served from July 23, 1954, to May 7, 1958, during the Korean War.
U.S. Army Private John L. Craft: Born in Monne Terree, Mo., he served from Sept. 25, 1917, to Oct. 31, 1919, during World War I.
U.S. Army Private Henry D. Nichols: Born in Pleasantville, N.Y., he served from June 7, 1944, to Nov. 11, 1944, during World War II.
SOURCE: BERARDINELLI FAMILY FUNERAL SERVICES
Passed away in St Vincent Hospital Santa Fe, New Mexico after a lengthy illness
Thanks to Jennifer D. and her mother Jo Anne H. for photos
PLEASE DO NOT USE PHOTOS AND INFORMATION ON OTHER SITES WITHOUT PERMISSION. OTHERS HAVE BEEN CUTTING AND PASTING MY WORK AS THEIR OWN ON OTHER SITES!
Great News, Henry Duffy Nichols no longer listed as unclaimed:
We have moved Mr. Nichols to our claimed database. May his soul now rest in peace. Our condolences to the Nichols family.
I would like to thank Graveyard Walker for all of the kindness that she has shown and for the help with information about this "Forgotten Hero." She and the organization State of New Mexico, Dept of Veterans Services, Forgotten Heroes Program and www.familiesforforgottenheroes.org have done a wonderful job in finding these "Forgotten Heroes" whose bodies were left unclaimed for various reasons. It is because of people like her that I was able to find the final resting place of Pvt. Henry Nichols. It is also because of her and the others that Henry Nichols has a resting place. I had been searching for years to find him and then discovered an article on line describing how he was a "Forgotten Hero" along with details about his burial with other "Forgotten Heroes." In the process of her helping me, our memorials somehow got "merged" and her memorial was deleted. I do want her to know how badly I feel about this. I also want her to know that I will never forget her kindness. Thanks for helping me bring Henry home.
Addendum: Thank you, Graveyard Walker, for allowing me to use the photos that you personally took at the service.
Henry Nichols was born Henry Duffy, Jr. He was the son of the actor and producer, Henry Duffy, Sr. and Anne Nichols, playwright and author of the famous 1920s play "Abie's Irish Rose." After his parent's divorce, he went by the name Henry Nichols and was known by "Nicky" amongst family members. He did have one daughter named Sheryl Nichols. He was married to Shirley Jean Lindley. He did play "Abie" in the play "Abie's Irish Rose" in the 1940s and his wife played "Rosemary."
New York Times June 9, 1932
ANNE NICHOL'S SON GONE
Playwright Says He Left Coast in Her Car to "Conquer the World."
LOS ANGELES, June 8- Anne Nichols conquered the world with a pen, but her 13-year-old son Henry Jr. has started out to do it with her automobile and two revolvers, she told authorities today. Mrs. Nichols, better known as the author of "Abie's Irish Rose," telephoned the Sheriff's office that upon returning home last night she found this note on the dining-room table: "Mother Dear: We are going to conquer the world. Don't be afraid. "Henry." The youth disappeared with Russell Wade Fishbeck, 14, the son of neighbors. The parents reported the dissappearance of the boys after waiting all night, believing they probably would find he world at dark a cold, forbidding place and return.
San Antonio Express June 9, 1932
Writer's Son and Friend Set Out to Whip World
Los Angeles June 8 Just where Anne Nichol's missing 13 year-old son Henry Jr would start in to conquer the world troubled police today. But past experience led them to ships that sail the seven seas, beach resorts with their hot dog stands and highways where adventure lurks. Henry Jr. and Russel Wade Fishbeck 14 disappeared last night with an automobile and two revolvers belonging to the author of "Abie's Irish Rose" after leaving the following note on the dining room table: "Mother Dear, We are going to conquer the world. Don't be afraid. Henry." Miss Nichols asked the sheriff's department to aid her to convince Henry Jr. the world could not be conquered in an automobile no matter how many revolvers. When dawn produced no Henry or Russel, a state-wide police broadcast was made and a sheriff's squad began a systematic search of the wharves, beach resorts and highways. Ships were checked. Every hot dog stand became a potential shelter for the youth and police north, south and east were asked to watch the roads.
Albuquerque Journal June 12, 1932
Plans of Henry Nichols, young son of Anne Nichols, and his chum Russel Fishbeck to see the world on their runaway trip from Los Angeles did not include seeing it from a jail window, but the experience was theirs Saturday. Since they were detained here Wednesday Night, they had been staying at a local hotel and enjoying numerous privileges. But when a Los Angeles police officer arrived Saturday he committed them to the city jail until time for the departure Sunday.The idea was unpopular with the boys and prospects of jail fare lead them to order meals from their hotel with money Nichols mother had sent to him.
The Daily Northwestern Oshkosh Wisconsin June 10,1932:
Los Angeles. An adventure trail for Henry Nichols, Jr 12 year old son of Anne Nichols who wrote "Abie's Irish Rose" has ended in Albuquerque NM his mother has been informed. The runaway boy and his chum Russel Wade Fishbeck also 13 were located Thursday there at the home of a friend, Louis Clifford (this was the brother to his aunt Elsie Nichols Clifford's husband) the mother said. The boys left their homes here Tuesday night in an automobile and withtwo revolvers. "Mother Dear: We are going to conquer the world. Don't be afraid." was the note found on the Nichols' dining room table. It was signed "Henry."
Black Foxe Military Academy Class of 1937
Salt Lake City Tribune January 25, 1946 excerpt:
Salt Lake City has its share of visitors from the Hall Of Fame. Here sightseeing for a week or more is a son of Anne Nichols the author of Abie's Irish Rose, Henry D. Nichols with Mrs. Nichols and their three-year-old daughter Sheryl, arrived Sunday. Some time back they were on the road doing Abie's Irish Rose in Toronto, Montreal, Philadelphia; Buffalo; Atlanta, Dallas on through the deep south and California.
U.S. Army Private Henry D. Nichols: Born in Pleasantville, N.Y., he served from June 7, 1944, to Nov. 11, 1944, during World War II.
Sandra Baltazar Martinez "The New Mexican" Tuesday November 1, 2011:
Two and a half hours before Tuesday's funeral service, Linda Kay Riecke read an email from a friend that prompted her to run out of her Rio Rancho home and drive to Santa Fe.
She made it just in time for the 1:30 p.m. ceremony to mark the burial of the unclaimed, cremated remains of 10 military veterans, one of whom — U.S. Army Private John L. Craft — might be a distant relative.
"I told myself, 'I can't let that go, knowing that that's my family, and I can't write to my Craft relatives, knowing that I didn't do anything about it,' " Riecke said. Her emerald eyes held tears as she focused on the dozens of white headstones at the Santa Fe National Cemetery after the services were conducted with military honors.
Craft served in the Army from Sept. 25, 1917, to Oct. 31, 1919, during World War I. Riecke thinks he might be a Craft from her family, which goes back to Kentucky and carries a long tradition of military service.
Craft is among veterans whose unclaimed remains have been buried since the Missing in America Project, a national nonprofit, joined forces with Berardinelli Family Funeral Services in Santa Fe last year. This is the second year that the Santa Fe National Cemetery has worked with the project.
The cremated remains of one serviceman, U.S. Navy Lt. Edward Grimms Lucius, a World War II veteran, had been sitting in Berardinelli's remains vault since 1979, said Barie Fritz, interim manager at Berardinelli.
"We want to do that right thing," Fritz said.
Gov. Susana Martinez addressed people gathered for the ceremony Tuesday, saying, "It is a privilege to claim these forgotten warriors as our own."
The project has been working with funeral homes and cemeteries across the country since 2007 in an effort to ensure that veterans are not simply left among indigents buried without honors or recognition, said founder and executive director Fred Salanti, who is based in California.
Salanti said his visits to funeral homes to take "inventory" of cremated bodies that have been sitting in mortuaries for years have uncovered more than 11,800 veterans' cremains, including 302 in New Mexico. Of those, 46 (not counting the 10 interred Tuesday) were buried either in Santa Fe or at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in Texas, Salanti said.
The project works with state and federal cemeteries so that if interred remains are ever claimed by a relative, the urns can be moved, Salanti said. Services for veterans are free of cost, and funeral homes absorb costs such as providing an urn.
As for Linda Kay Riecke, Tuesday's ceremony served as a possible connection to a relative she never met. Her homework Tuesday night: research all her genealogical records, call Craft cousins and try to piece together information on the veteran now buried in Santa Fe.
The Missing in America Project helped bury remains of 10 military veterans Tuesday at the Santa Fe National Cemetery:
U.S. Army Col. John Garnett Coughlin: Retired; born in Bisbee, Ariz., he served in the Army from June 10, 1932, to July 31, 1954, during World War II and the Korean War. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, the Silver Star Medal with an oak leaf cluster and the Bronze Star Medal. His actions in Korea in holding the line against a major offensive and counterattacking enemy forces caused them to withdraw after suffering heavy losses.
U.S. Army Col. Jackson Evert Shirley: Retired; born in Williams, Ariz., he served in the Army from Dec. 15, 1939, to Aug. 31, 1961, in World War II and Korea. Shirley was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Silver Star Medal for bravery in the South Pacific during World War II.
U.S. Navy Lt. Edward Grimms Lucius: Retired; born in Chicago, Lucius served from April 15, 1942, to Dec. 6, 1948, during World War II.
U.S. Navy Chief Carpenter's Mate Donald Claire Smith: Born in Roswell, he served from Aug. 15, 1942, to May 25, 1945, during World War II.
U.S. Navy Motor Mechanist 2nd Class Milton Vincin Burroughs: Born in Jeffersonville, Ind., he served from April 5, 1943, to Nov. 12, 1945, during World War II.
U.S. Army Tec 3 Gerald Edwin Huber: Born in Los Alamos, he served from Aug. 10, 1942, to Feb. 8, 1946, during World War II.
U.S. Army Tec 3 Richard Landrum Thomas: Born in Washington, D.C., he served from July 6, 1945, to Aug. 28, 1946, during World War II. Berardinelli discovered five days ago that inside Thomas' urn box, his wife's ashes were sitting next to his. She passed away in 2009 and Thomas in 2010. The couple were interred together.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st class Charles Thomas Stewart: Born in New Boston, Ohio, he served from July 23, 1954, to May 7, 1958, during the Korean War.
U.S. Army Private John L. Craft: Born in Monne Terree, Mo., he served from Sept. 25, 1917, to Oct. 31, 1919, during World War I.
U.S. Army Private Henry D. Nichols: Born in Pleasantville, N.Y., he served from June 7, 1944, to Nov. 11, 1944, during World War II.
SOURCE: BERARDINELLI FAMILY FUNERAL SERVICES
Passed away in St Vincent Hospital Santa Fe, New Mexico after a lengthy illness
Thanks to Jennifer D. and her mother Jo Anne H. for photos
Great News, Henry Duffy Nichols no longer listed as unclaimed:
We have moved Mr. Nichols to our claimed database. May his soul now rest in peace. Our condolences to the Nichols family.
I would like to thank Graveyard Walker for all of the kindness that she has shown and for the help with information about this "Forgotten Hero." She and the organization State of New Mexico, Dept of Veterans Services, Forgotten Heroes Program and www.familiesforforgottenheroes.org have done a wonderful job in finding these "Forgotten Heroes" whose bodies were left unclaimed for various reasons. It is because of people like her that I was able to find the final resting place of Pvt. Henry Nichols. It is also because of her and the others that Henry Nichols has a resting place. I had been searching for years to find him and then discovered an article on line describing how he was a "Forgotten Hero" along with details about his burial with other "Forgotten Heroes." In the process of her helping me, our memorials somehow got "merged" and her memorial was deleted. I do want her to know how badly I feel about this. I also want her to know that I will never forget her kindness. Thanks for helping me bring Henry home.
Addendum: Thank you, Graveyard Walker, for allowing me to use the photos that you personally took at the service.
Henry Nichols was born Henry Duffy, Jr. He was the son of the actor and producer, Henry Duffy, Sr. and Anne Nichols, playwright and author of the famous 1920s play "Abie's Irish Rose." After his parent's divorce, he went by the name Henry Nichols and was known by "Nicky" amongst family members. He did have one daughter named Sheryl Nichols. He was married to Shirley Jean Lindley. He did play "Abie" in the play "Abie's Irish Rose" in the 1940s and his wife played "Rosemary."
New York Times June 9, 1932
ANNE NICHOL'S SON GONE
Playwright Says He Left Coast in Her Car to "Conquer the World."
LOS ANGELES, June 8- Anne Nichols conquered the world with a pen, but her 13-year-old son Henry Jr. has started out to do it with her automobile and two revolvers, she told authorities today. Mrs. Nichols, better known as the author of "Abie's Irish Rose," telephoned the Sheriff's office that upon returning home last night she found this note on the dining-room table: "Mother Dear: We are going to conquer the world. Don't be afraid. "Henry." The youth disappeared with Russell Wade Fishbeck, 14, the son of neighbors. The parents reported the dissappearance of the boys after waiting all night, believing they probably would find he world at dark a cold, forbidding place and return.
San Antonio Express June 9, 1932
Writer's Son and Friend Set Out to Whip World
Los Angeles June 8 Just where Anne Nichol's missing 13 year-old son Henry Jr would start in to conquer the world troubled police today. But past experience led them to ships that sail the seven seas, beach resorts with their hot dog stands and highways where adventure lurks. Henry Jr. and Russel Wade Fishbeck 14 disappeared last night with an automobile and two revolvers belonging to the author of "Abie's Irish Rose" after leaving the following note on the dining room table: "Mother Dear, We are going to conquer the world. Don't be afraid. Henry." Miss Nichols asked the sheriff's department to aid her to convince Henry Jr. the world could not be conquered in an automobile no matter how many revolvers. When dawn produced no Henry or Russel, a state-wide police broadcast was made and a sheriff's squad began a systematic search of the wharves, beach resorts and highways. Ships were checked. Every hot dog stand became a potential shelter for the youth and police north, south and east were asked to watch the roads.
Albuquerque Journal June 12, 1932
Plans of Henry Nichols, young son of Anne Nichols, and his chum Russel Fishbeck to see the world on their runaway trip from Los Angeles did not include seeing it from a jail window, but the experience was theirs Saturday. Since they were detained here Wednesday Night, they had been staying at a local hotel and enjoying numerous privileges. But when a Los Angeles police officer arrived Saturday he committed them to the city jail until time for the departure Sunday.The idea was unpopular with the boys and prospects of jail fare lead them to order meals from their hotel with money Nichols mother had sent to him.
The Daily Northwestern Oshkosh Wisconsin June 10,1932:
Los Angeles. An adventure trail for Henry Nichols, Jr 12 year old son of Anne Nichols who wrote "Abie's Irish Rose" has ended in Albuquerque NM his mother has been informed. The runaway boy and his chum Russel Wade Fishbeck also 13 were located Thursday there at the home of a friend, Louis Clifford (this was the brother to his aunt Elsie Nichols Clifford's husband) the mother said. The boys left their homes here Tuesday night in an automobile and withtwo revolvers. "Mother Dear: We are going to conquer the world. Don't be afraid." was the note found on the Nichols' dining room table. It was signed "Henry."
Black Foxe Military Academy Class of 1937
Salt Lake City Tribune January 25, 1946 excerpt:
Salt Lake City has its share of visitors from the Hall Of Fame. Here sightseeing for a week or more is a son of Anne Nichols the author of Abie's Irish Rose, Henry D. Nichols with Mrs. Nichols and their three-year-old daughter Sheryl, arrived Sunday. Some time back they were on the road doing Abie's Irish Rose in Toronto, Montreal, Philadelphia; Buffalo; Atlanta, Dallas on through the deep south and California.
U.S. Army Private Henry D. Nichols: Born in Pleasantville, N.Y., he served from June 7, 1944, to Nov. 11, 1944, during World War II.
Sandra Baltazar Martinez "The New Mexican" Tuesday November 1, 2011:
Two and a half hours before Tuesday's funeral service, Linda Kay Riecke read an email from a friend that prompted her to run out of her Rio Rancho home and drive to Santa Fe.
She made it just in time for the 1:30 p.m. ceremony to mark the burial of the unclaimed, cremated remains of 10 military veterans, one of whom — U.S. Army Private John L. Craft — might be a distant relative.
"I told myself, 'I can't let that go, knowing that that's my family, and I can't write to my Craft relatives, knowing that I didn't do anything about it,' " Riecke said. Her emerald eyes held tears as she focused on the dozens of white headstones at the Santa Fe National Cemetery after the services were conducted with military honors.
Craft served in the Army from Sept. 25, 1917, to Oct. 31, 1919, during World War I. Riecke thinks he might be a Craft from her family, which goes back to Kentucky and carries a long tradition of military service.
Craft is among veterans whose unclaimed remains have been buried since the Missing in America Project, a national nonprofit, joined forces with Berardinelli Family Funeral Services in Santa Fe last year. This is the second year that the Santa Fe National Cemetery has worked with the project.
The cremated remains of one serviceman, U.S. Navy Lt. Edward Grimms Lucius, a World War II veteran, had been sitting in Berardinelli's remains vault since 1979, said Barie Fritz, interim manager at Berardinelli.
"We want to do that right thing," Fritz said.
Gov. Susana Martinez addressed people gathered for the ceremony Tuesday, saying, "It is a privilege to claim these forgotten warriors as our own."
The project has been working with funeral homes and cemeteries across the country since 2007 in an effort to ensure that veterans are not simply left among indigents buried without honors or recognition, said founder and executive director Fred Salanti, who is based in California.
Salanti said his visits to funeral homes to take "inventory" of cremated bodies that have been sitting in mortuaries for years have uncovered more than 11,800 veterans' cremains, including 302 in New Mexico. Of those, 46 (not counting the 10 interred Tuesday) were buried either in Santa Fe or at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in Texas, Salanti said.
The project works with state and federal cemeteries so that if interred remains are ever claimed by a relative, the urns can be moved, Salanti said. Services for veterans are free of cost, and funeral homes absorb costs such as providing an urn.
As for Linda Kay Riecke, Tuesday's ceremony served as a possible connection to a relative she never met. Her homework Tuesday night: research all her genealogical records, call Craft cousins and try to piece together information on the veteran now buried in Santa Fe.
The Missing in America Project helped bury remains of 10 military veterans Tuesday at the Santa Fe National Cemetery:
U.S. Army Col. John Garnett Coughlin: Retired; born in Bisbee, Ariz., he served in the Army from June 10, 1932, to July 31, 1954, during World War II and the Korean War. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, the Silver Star Medal with an oak leaf cluster and the Bronze Star Medal. His actions in Korea in holding the line against a major offensive and counterattacking enemy forces caused them to withdraw after suffering heavy losses.
U.S. Army Col. Jackson Evert Shirley: Retired; born in Williams, Ariz., he served in the Army from Dec. 15, 1939, to Aug. 31, 1961, in World War II and Korea. Shirley was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Silver Star Medal for bravery in the South Pacific during World War II.
U.S. Navy Lt. Edward Grimms Lucius: Retired; born in Chicago, Lucius served from April 15, 1942, to Dec. 6, 1948, during World War II.
U.S. Navy Chief Carpenter's Mate Donald Claire Smith: Born in Roswell, he served from Aug. 15, 1942, to May 25, 1945, during World War II.
U.S. Navy Motor Mechanist 2nd Class Milton Vincin Burroughs: Born in Jeffersonville, Ind., he served from April 5, 1943, to Nov. 12, 1945, during World War II.
U.S. Army Tec 3 Gerald Edwin Huber: Born in Los Alamos, he served from Aug. 10, 1942, to Feb. 8, 1946, during World War II.
U.S. Army Tec 3 Richard Landrum Thomas: Born in Washington, D.C., he served from July 6, 1945, to Aug. 28, 1946, during World War II. Berardinelli discovered five days ago that inside Thomas' urn box, his wife's ashes were sitting next to his. She passed away in 2009 and Thomas in 2010. The couple were interred together.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st class Charles Thomas Stewart: Born in New Boston, Ohio, he served from July 23, 1954, to May 7, 1958, during the Korean War.
U.S. Army Private John L. Craft: Born in Monne Terree, Mo., he served from Sept. 25, 1917, to Oct. 31, 1919, during World War I.
U.S. Army Private Henry D. Nichols: Born in Pleasantville, N.Y., he served from June 7, 1944, to Nov. 11, 1944, during World War II.
SOURCE: BERARDINELLI FAMILY FUNERAL SERVICES
Passed away in St Vincent Hospital Santa Fe, New Mexico after a lengthy illness
Thanks to Jennifer D. and her mother Jo Anne H. for photos
Family Members
Children
