BODY OF SOLDIER REST AT HOME
From the Minden Courier reprinted in the Lake View Resort - 1/27/1921
All that is mortal of Leo R. Atwater, soldier, the first Kearney county boy to cross the sea, and the first to give his life for his country on the battlefields of France, now reposes in its final resting place on the grassy slope of Minden's cemetery. The glory of a soldier's death was his. The honor of a soldier's funeral was accorded him by the whole community. Even Heaven was kind on the winter's day chosen for the final services, a warm sun beaming kindly down, and the gentlest of breezes stirring. And aloft on the county flag staff, Old Glory fluttered proudly although at half mast, as if constantly murmuring, "He died for me, he died for me."
At the request of Mayor Kennedy, business was suspended in the city Saturday afternoon, during the hours of the funeral services. Long before the time set for the church service, the gathering at the First Presbytarian church was greater than the edifice could accommodate. Many stood in the yard, and listened for Rev. Carman's words and the music of the special choir. The body and its special escort of American Legion men in full uniform, arrived at the church promptly a two, and the service immediately began. The flag draped casket was banked in beautiful flowers, and from above it, in the uniform of the American overseas service, of which he was a part, Rev. M. B. Carman told the story of Leo's devotion to duty, of his being wounded and in the army hospital, and of the circumstances of his death from his wound. It will be remembered scenes of Leo's death and burial in the field while on duty in France. He made a special trip over in order to be able to write comfortingly to the stricken parents. Therefore, no man is more fitted to tell the story than Mr. Carman, and his simple account of it all was listened to quietly and attentively. In his concluding remarks, he spoke of the significance of Leo's death as a sacrifice upon the altar of Liberty, which made it seem a privilege to die for one's country. Mr. Carman then read the complete obituary of the young man.
Song service was given by a special choir composed of Mrs. Godfrey, Mrs. Jones, Messr. Maxon, Alvord, Doubt and Richmond, with Miss Lois Millbourn at the organ. The selections given included "Land of the Infinite", "No Night There", "It Is Well With My Soul." In conclusion, Mrs. Godfrey gave as a solo the beautiful song, "Soldier's Rest" set to "Taps". written by Marian Sargent of Lincoln upon noting the death of young Atwater. This song she dedicated to the young soldier's parents.
Mrs. Minnie Swedberg Kappelin of Holdrege, recited in person her poem, "A Star of Gold", written September 28, 1918, after news of Leo's death was received here.
The full honors of a military funeral were given young Atwater by the local post of the American Legion. The members in full uniform were present in a body. A special guard of honor with rifles preceded the funeral car to the cemetery, and fired three volleys over the grave. A drum corps and bugler were included in the Legion ranks, while the Colors headed the line. The ceremony at the grave was brief and very simple. Rev. Mr. Carman spoke the burial service, three volleys were fired and "Taps" sounded.
Six young women in the uniform of Red Cross nurses assisted in the ceremonies as flower bearers. The G.A.R. veterans and the Ladies of the G.A.R. paid their usual honors to the deceased.
Leo Robert Atwater was born in Minden, Nebraska, February 13, 1897, and died August 23, 1918, in Base Hospital No. 48 in the American Army near Nevers, France at the age of 21 years, 6 months and 10 days. He was in Co.B. 168th Infantry of the 42nd or Rainbow Division. He was wounded on July 29, in the Battle of Chateau Thiery, taken at once to the first relief hospital and then to the field hospital and then finally to the base hospital where he died.
Leo enlisted at Lake View, Iowa, with his brother, Buford, and was put into the Second Iowa Volunteers, and was stationed for a month at Ida Grove and then transferred to Camp Dodge, where he was put with the 3rd Iowa Volunteers. In August, he was sent to Camp Mills, N.Y., where he was stationed about a month, when he was selected for overseas service and sailed from New York on the U.S.S. Grant. When 1500 miles out, it was found that the vessel had been damaged by spies and she was brought back to New York. After a delay of two weeks, he sailed upon another steamer and reached England after two weeks upon the water. In England he was put through a period of training, and transferred to France shortly before Christmas, 1917. About the first of the year, 1918, he was ordered to the front. He served as Battalion Runner through the battles of Champaigne-Marne, Aisne-Marne and the Defensive Sector. He was in the trenches fighting for his country that he loved when he received his mortal wound from a piece of shrapnel striking him in the side.
Left to mourn Leo's sad end are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Atwater, brother, Buford, and sister, Lois, of this place and brother, Charles Atwater, of Lake View, Iowa.
(NOTE - A public memorial service was held at the opera house in Lake View, Iowa, on September 23, 1918. The hall was filled to capacity by this community of friends. A lengthy account of this memorial service was published in the Lake View Resort (Lake View, Iowa) on 10/3/1918)
PVT Atwater was wounded in battle August 23. 1918 near Chateau Thierry, France. Died September 1, 1918 in base hospital 48
From the Minden Courier reprinted in the Lake View Resort - 1/27/1921
All that is mortal of Leo R. Atwater, soldier, the first Kearney county boy to cross the sea, and the first to give his life for his country on the battlefields of France, now reposes in its final resting place on the grassy slope of Minden's cemetery. The glory of a soldier's death was his. The honor of a soldier's funeral was accorded him by the whole community. Even Heaven was kind on the winter's day chosen for the final services, a warm sun beaming kindly down, and the gentlest of breezes stirring. And aloft on the county flag staff, Old Glory fluttered proudly although at half mast, as if constantly murmuring, "He died for me, he died for me."
At the request of Mayor Kennedy, business was suspended in the city Saturday afternoon, during the hours of the funeral services. Long before the time set for the church service, the gathering at the First Presbytarian church was greater than the edifice could accommodate. Many stood in the yard, and listened for Rev. Carman's words and the music of the special choir. The body and its special escort of American Legion men in full uniform, arrived at the church promptly a two, and the service immediately began. The flag draped casket was banked in beautiful flowers, and from above it, in the uniform of the American overseas service, of which he was a part, Rev. M. B. Carman told the story of Leo's devotion to duty, of his being wounded and in the army hospital, and of the circumstances of his death from his wound. It will be remembered scenes of Leo's death and burial in the field while on duty in France. He made a special trip over in order to be able to write comfortingly to the stricken parents. Therefore, no man is more fitted to tell the story than Mr. Carman, and his simple account of it all was listened to quietly and attentively. In his concluding remarks, he spoke of the significance of Leo's death as a sacrifice upon the altar of Liberty, which made it seem a privilege to die for one's country. Mr. Carman then read the complete obituary of the young man.
Song service was given by a special choir composed of Mrs. Godfrey, Mrs. Jones, Messr. Maxon, Alvord, Doubt and Richmond, with Miss Lois Millbourn at the organ. The selections given included "Land of the Infinite", "No Night There", "It Is Well With My Soul." In conclusion, Mrs. Godfrey gave as a solo the beautiful song, "Soldier's Rest" set to "Taps". written by Marian Sargent of Lincoln upon noting the death of young Atwater. This song she dedicated to the young soldier's parents.
Mrs. Minnie Swedberg Kappelin of Holdrege, recited in person her poem, "A Star of Gold", written September 28, 1918, after news of Leo's death was received here.
The full honors of a military funeral were given young Atwater by the local post of the American Legion. The members in full uniform were present in a body. A special guard of honor with rifles preceded the funeral car to the cemetery, and fired three volleys over the grave. A drum corps and bugler were included in the Legion ranks, while the Colors headed the line. The ceremony at the grave was brief and very simple. Rev. Mr. Carman spoke the burial service, three volleys were fired and "Taps" sounded.
Six young women in the uniform of Red Cross nurses assisted in the ceremonies as flower bearers. The G.A.R. veterans and the Ladies of the G.A.R. paid their usual honors to the deceased.
Leo Robert Atwater was born in Minden, Nebraska, February 13, 1897, and died August 23, 1918, in Base Hospital No. 48 in the American Army near Nevers, France at the age of 21 years, 6 months and 10 days. He was in Co.B. 168th Infantry of the 42nd or Rainbow Division. He was wounded on July 29, in the Battle of Chateau Thiery, taken at once to the first relief hospital and then to the field hospital and then finally to the base hospital where he died.
Leo enlisted at Lake View, Iowa, with his brother, Buford, and was put into the Second Iowa Volunteers, and was stationed for a month at Ida Grove and then transferred to Camp Dodge, where he was put with the 3rd Iowa Volunteers. In August, he was sent to Camp Mills, N.Y., where he was stationed about a month, when he was selected for overseas service and sailed from New York on the U.S.S. Grant. When 1500 miles out, it was found that the vessel had been damaged by spies and she was brought back to New York. After a delay of two weeks, he sailed upon another steamer and reached England after two weeks upon the water. In England he was put through a period of training, and transferred to France shortly before Christmas, 1917. About the first of the year, 1918, he was ordered to the front. He served as Battalion Runner through the battles of Champaigne-Marne, Aisne-Marne and the Defensive Sector. He was in the trenches fighting for his country that he loved when he received his mortal wound from a piece of shrapnel striking him in the side.
Left to mourn Leo's sad end are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Atwater, brother, Buford, and sister, Lois, of this place and brother, Charles Atwater, of Lake View, Iowa.
(NOTE - A public memorial service was held at the opera house in Lake View, Iowa, on September 23, 1918. The hall was filled to capacity by this community of friends. A lengthy account of this memorial service was published in the Lake View Resort (Lake View, Iowa) on 10/3/1918)
PVT Atwater was wounded in battle August 23. 1918 near Chateau Thierry, France. Died September 1, 1918 in base hospital 48
BODY OF SOLDIER REST AT HOME
From the Minden Courier reprinted in the Lake View Resort - 1/27/1921
All that is mortal of Leo R. Atwater, soldier, the first Kearney county boy to cross the sea, and the first to give his life for his country on the battlefields of France, now reposes in its final resting place on the grassy slope of Minden's cemetery. The glory of a soldier's death was his. The honor of a soldier's funeral was accorded him by the whole community. Even Heaven was kind on the winter's day chosen for the final services, a warm sun beaming kindly down, and the gentlest of breezes stirring. And aloft on the county flag staff, Old Glory fluttered proudly although at half mast, as if constantly murmuring, "He died for me, he died for me."
At the request of Mayor Kennedy, business was suspended in the city Saturday afternoon, during the hours of the funeral services. Long before the time set for the church service, the gathering at the First Presbytarian church was greater than the edifice could accommodate. Many stood in the yard, and listened for Rev. Carman's words and the music of the special choir. The body and its special escort of American Legion men in full uniform, arrived at the church promptly a two, and the service immediately began. The flag draped casket was banked in beautiful flowers, and from above it, in the uniform of the American overseas service, of which he was a part, Rev. M. B. Carman told the story of Leo's devotion to duty, of his being wounded and in the army hospital, and of the circumstances of his death from his wound. It will be remembered scenes of Leo's death and burial in the field while on duty in France. He made a special trip over in order to be able to write comfortingly to the stricken parents. Therefore, no man is more fitted to tell the story than Mr. Carman, and his simple account of it all was listened to quietly and attentively. In his concluding remarks, he spoke of the significance of Leo's death as a sacrifice upon the altar of Liberty, which made it seem a privilege to die for one's country. Mr. Carman then read the complete obituary of the young man.
Song service was given by a special choir composed of Mrs. Godfrey, Mrs. Jones, Messr. Maxon, Alvord, Doubt and Richmond, with Miss Lois Millbourn at the organ. The selections given included "Land of the Infinite", "No Night There", "It Is Well With My Soul." In conclusion, Mrs. Godfrey gave as a solo the beautiful song, "Soldier's Rest" set to "Taps". written by Marian Sargent of Lincoln upon noting the death of young Atwater. This song she dedicated to the young soldier's parents.
Mrs. Minnie Swedberg Kappelin of Holdrege, recited in person her poem, "A Star of Gold", written September 28, 1918, after news of Leo's death was received here.
The full honors of a military funeral were given young Atwater by the local post of the American Legion. The members in full uniform were present in a body. A special guard of honor with rifles preceded the funeral car to the cemetery, and fired three volleys over the grave. A drum corps and bugler were included in the Legion ranks, while the Colors headed the line. The ceremony at the grave was brief and very simple. Rev. Mr. Carman spoke the burial service, three volleys were fired and "Taps" sounded.
Six young women in the uniform of Red Cross nurses assisted in the ceremonies as flower bearers. The G.A.R. veterans and the Ladies of the G.A.R. paid their usual honors to the deceased.
Leo Robert Atwater was born in Minden, Nebraska, February 13, 1897, and died August 23, 1918, in Base Hospital No. 48 in the American Army near Nevers, France at the age of 21 years, 6 months and 10 days. He was in Co.B. 168th Infantry of the 42nd or Rainbow Division. He was wounded on July 29, in the Battle of Chateau Thiery, taken at once to the first relief hospital and then to the field hospital and then finally to the base hospital where he died.
Leo enlisted at Lake View, Iowa, with his brother, Buford, and was put into the Second Iowa Volunteers, and was stationed for a month at Ida Grove and then transferred to Camp Dodge, where he was put with the 3rd Iowa Volunteers. In August, he was sent to Camp Mills, N.Y., where he was stationed about a month, when he was selected for overseas service and sailed from New York on the U.S.S. Grant. When 1500 miles out, it was found that the vessel had been damaged by spies and she was brought back to New York. After a delay of two weeks, he sailed upon another steamer and reached England after two weeks upon the water. In England he was put through a period of training, and transferred to France shortly before Christmas, 1917. About the first of the year, 1918, he was ordered to the front. He served as Battalion Runner through the battles of Champaigne-Marne, Aisne-Marne and the Defensive Sector. He was in the trenches fighting for his country that he loved when he received his mortal wound from a piece of shrapnel striking him in the side.
Left to mourn Leo's sad end are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Atwater, brother, Buford, and sister, Lois, of this place and brother, Charles Atwater, of Lake View, Iowa.
(NOTE - A public memorial service was held at the opera house in Lake View, Iowa, on September 23, 1918. The hall was filled to capacity by this community of friends. A lengthy account of this memorial service was published in the Lake View Resort (Lake View, Iowa) on 10/3/1918)
PVT Atwater was wounded in battle August 23. 1918 near Chateau Thierry, France. Died September 1, 1918 in base hospital 48
From the Minden Courier reprinted in the Lake View Resort - 1/27/1921
All that is mortal of Leo R. Atwater, soldier, the first Kearney county boy to cross the sea, and the first to give his life for his country on the battlefields of France, now reposes in its final resting place on the grassy slope of Minden's cemetery. The glory of a soldier's death was his. The honor of a soldier's funeral was accorded him by the whole community. Even Heaven was kind on the winter's day chosen for the final services, a warm sun beaming kindly down, and the gentlest of breezes stirring. And aloft on the county flag staff, Old Glory fluttered proudly although at half mast, as if constantly murmuring, "He died for me, he died for me."
At the request of Mayor Kennedy, business was suspended in the city Saturday afternoon, during the hours of the funeral services. Long before the time set for the church service, the gathering at the First Presbytarian church was greater than the edifice could accommodate. Many stood in the yard, and listened for Rev. Carman's words and the music of the special choir. The body and its special escort of American Legion men in full uniform, arrived at the church promptly a two, and the service immediately began. The flag draped casket was banked in beautiful flowers, and from above it, in the uniform of the American overseas service, of which he was a part, Rev. M. B. Carman told the story of Leo's devotion to duty, of his being wounded and in the army hospital, and of the circumstances of his death from his wound. It will be remembered scenes of Leo's death and burial in the field while on duty in France. He made a special trip over in order to be able to write comfortingly to the stricken parents. Therefore, no man is more fitted to tell the story than Mr. Carman, and his simple account of it all was listened to quietly and attentively. In his concluding remarks, he spoke of the significance of Leo's death as a sacrifice upon the altar of Liberty, which made it seem a privilege to die for one's country. Mr. Carman then read the complete obituary of the young man.
Song service was given by a special choir composed of Mrs. Godfrey, Mrs. Jones, Messr. Maxon, Alvord, Doubt and Richmond, with Miss Lois Millbourn at the organ. The selections given included "Land of the Infinite", "No Night There", "It Is Well With My Soul." In conclusion, Mrs. Godfrey gave as a solo the beautiful song, "Soldier's Rest" set to "Taps". written by Marian Sargent of Lincoln upon noting the death of young Atwater. This song she dedicated to the young soldier's parents.
Mrs. Minnie Swedberg Kappelin of Holdrege, recited in person her poem, "A Star of Gold", written September 28, 1918, after news of Leo's death was received here.
The full honors of a military funeral were given young Atwater by the local post of the American Legion. The members in full uniform were present in a body. A special guard of honor with rifles preceded the funeral car to the cemetery, and fired three volleys over the grave. A drum corps and bugler were included in the Legion ranks, while the Colors headed the line. The ceremony at the grave was brief and very simple. Rev. Mr. Carman spoke the burial service, three volleys were fired and "Taps" sounded.
Six young women in the uniform of Red Cross nurses assisted in the ceremonies as flower bearers. The G.A.R. veterans and the Ladies of the G.A.R. paid their usual honors to the deceased.
Leo Robert Atwater was born in Minden, Nebraska, February 13, 1897, and died August 23, 1918, in Base Hospital No. 48 in the American Army near Nevers, France at the age of 21 years, 6 months and 10 days. He was in Co.B. 168th Infantry of the 42nd or Rainbow Division. He was wounded on July 29, in the Battle of Chateau Thiery, taken at once to the first relief hospital and then to the field hospital and then finally to the base hospital where he died.
Leo enlisted at Lake View, Iowa, with his brother, Buford, and was put into the Second Iowa Volunteers, and was stationed for a month at Ida Grove and then transferred to Camp Dodge, where he was put with the 3rd Iowa Volunteers. In August, he was sent to Camp Mills, N.Y., where he was stationed about a month, when he was selected for overseas service and sailed from New York on the U.S.S. Grant. When 1500 miles out, it was found that the vessel had been damaged by spies and she was brought back to New York. After a delay of two weeks, he sailed upon another steamer and reached England after two weeks upon the water. In England he was put through a period of training, and transferred to France shortly before Christmas, 1917. About the first of the year, 1918, he was ordered to the front. He served as Battalion Runner through the battles of Champaigne-Marne, Aisne-Marne and the Defensive Sector. He was in the trenches fighting for his country that he loved when he received his mortal wound from a piece of shrapnel striking him in the side.
Left to mourn Leo's sad end are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Atwater, brother, Buford, and sister, Lois, of this place and brother, Charles Atwater, of Lake View, Iowa.
(NOTE - A public memorial service was held at the opera house in Lake View, Iowa, on September 23, 1918. The hall was filled to capacity by this community of friends. A lengthy account of this memorial service was published in the Lake View Resort (Lake View, Iowa) on 10/3/1918)
PVT Atwater was wounded in battle August 23. 1918 near Chateau Thierry, France. Died September 1, 1918 in base hospital 48
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