John was named after his grandfather, John Guess Sr., b. Mar. 28, 1830 in Conway County, AR. and d. Jan. 12, 1919 in Rosemead, L.A. County, CA. John Guess Sr. was the first permanent Anglo-Saxon settler of the area. He arrived in the San Gabriel Valley in 1852 and purchased 100 acres known as the Savannah Ranch, where they raised alfalfa, hogs, mules and horses. He built the first school house in Los Angeles County, called Savannah School.
John Guess Jr. was the eldest of four children born to:
Richard C. Guess, b. Dec. 1865 in the Savannah district (El Monte), L.A., CA. and d. Dec. 6, 1930 in Rosemead, Los Angeles county, CA. &
Emma M. Williams, b. Jan. 31, 1870 in CA. and d. Dec. 10, 1964 in Los Angeles county, CA.
(*After Richard died in 1930, Emma married 2nd, James Holfield Sleeper in 1939.)
Richard and Emma Guess' children were:
1. John Guess Jr. (named after his grandfather), b. Aug. 23, 1891 in El Monte, Los Angeles county, CA. and d. Nov. 7, 1918 of septicemia in a base hospital in Beaune, Departement de la Côte-d'Or, Bourgogne, France.
2. Francis 'Frank' Marion Guess, b. Apr. 25, 1895 in El Monte, L.A., CA. and d. Jun. 27, 1984. Frank married Adeline Anna Schanel.
3. Charles Richard Guess, b. Oct. 2, 1901 in El Monte, L. A. County, CA. and d. Dec. 26, 1987 in San Fernando, L.A. County, CA.
4. Thelma Guess, b. 1904 in CA. and d. Feb., 6, 1936 in Los Angeles County, CA. Thelma marr. Edwin Moore Brown on Jul. 8, 1923.
In the Jun. 30, 1900 U. S. census, 8 yr. old John Guess, b. Aug. 1891 in CA., was attending school and living in El Monte, Los Angeles, CA. with his
34 yr. old father, Richard Guess, a farmer, b. Dec. 1865 in CA.
30 yr. old mother, Emma Guess, b. Jun. 1870 in CA.
5 yr. old brother, Francis M Guess, b. Apr. 1895 in CA.
72 yr. old grandfather, John Guess, a farmer, b. Mar. 1828 in AR.
50 yr. old step-grandmother, Sarah Guess, b. 1850 in AL.
30 yr. old cousin, Walter West, a farm laborer, b. Feb. 1870 in AR.
Richard and Emma had been marr. for 10 yrs. Emma was the mother of 2 children, both still alive by this census.
Richard's father was b. in AR. and his mother in AL.
John and Sarah had been marr. for 2 years. Sarah was the mother of 5 children, only 4 still alive by this census.
Walter's parents were both b. in AL.
In the May 13, 1910 U. S. census, 18 yr. old John Guess, a farmer on the home farm, b. in CA., was unmarried and living in El Monte / Lexington, Los Angeles, CA. with his
44 yr. old father, Richard Guess, a farmer on his own farm, b. in CA.
40 yr. old mother, Emma Guess, b. in CA.
15 yr. old brother, Frank Guess, a high school student, b. in CA.
8 yr. old brother, Charles Guess, b. in CA.
5 yr. old sister, Thelma Guess, b. in CA.
78 yr. old maternal widowed grandmother, Martha O. Williams, b. in AL.
This was a first marriage for Richard and Emma. Emma was the mother of 4 children, all still alive by this census.
John was never out of work during the previous year.
Martha was living off her own income. Martha's parents were both b. in TN.
According to his Jun. 5, 1917 WWI Draft Registration card, 26 yr. old John Guess Jr., was b. Aug. 23, 1891 in El Monte, L.A., CA., and his address was listed as El Monte, CA. - although his occupation was 'chauffeur' for A. L. Richardson in Placerville, CA. He was unmarried and had no parent, wife or child under the age of 12 solely dependent on him for support, and was not claiming exemption from the draft for any reason.
He was described as tall and slender, with blue eyes and dark hair, and had no disability that would physically disqualify him from serving.
And according to his WWI Soldier Service Card, 26 yr. old Sgt. John Guess Jr., b. Aug. 23, 1891 in El Monte, L. A., CA., registered in Alhambra, L. A., CA. His parents were listed as Richard and Emma (Williams) Guess, both b. in CA. He was assigned to the 91st Division of the Infantry at Camp Lewis, WA.
Sgt. John Guess Jr., Serial #2267259, is #71 on the U. S. Army Transport Service Passenger List of the Olympic, sailing on Jul. 12, 1918 from the port of New York as part of Company "H", 364th Infantry, 91st Division.
The person to notify in case of emergency was his mother, Emma Guess. His address was listed as El Monte, CA.
El Monte, Cal. Gazette 162
November 29, 1918
Another Gold Star In El Monte's Flag
This community was again grieved when news was received the first of this week of the death of Sergts. John Guess and Joseph Kauffman in France.
Sergt. John Guess was wounded in action at the front the 20th of October, and the information received here three weeks ago. It was believed that he would recover in the hospital where he was taken. His parents, however, were anxious to learn of his progress and made every effort possible to hear from him or the hospital, using the telegraph and cable. On Tuesday a telegram was received announcing that he had died on Nov. 7. Since receipt of the news of his being shot, his mother has worried and the later news of his death affected her so that physicians had to be called. She is reported better. Serge. John Guess was born in El Monte on Aug. 23, 1891, being 27 years of age last August. He grew to manhood here, and he was well known and popular. The announcement of his death was a shock not only to the many relatives, but also to hundreds of friends. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Guess; two brothers, Frank M., who is in the U. S. navy, and Charley, who is at home here; a sister, Miss Thelma, who also lives at home here.
The Washington Times (Washington, D.C.), P. 6, Col. 3
Wed., Dec. 4, 1918
Item from: LATEST CASUALTY LIST FROM FRANCE
DIED OF DISEASE
Cal., El Monte, John Guess Jr.
The plaque next to John's grave reads: John Guess Jr. (1891 - 1918)
John's name was the 15th one drawn in the draft for WWI. In 1918 he was sent to Europe and mortally wounded in the battle of the Argonne. He died in a French hospital. He received a Distinguished Service Cross for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with enemy forces. The DSC is the second highest Army decoration, second only to the Medal of Honor.
On Nov. 8, 1918, John was buried at the American Military Cemetery located in Beaune, Département de la Côte d'Or, France. Three days later, on Nov. 11, 1918, Armistice would be declared.
It was two years before the Guess family was able to finalize arrangements to have John's remains returned home to California, to be buried in the Guess family plot at the Savannah Cemetery.
*Note: Until his death, John Guess Jr.'s life paralleled my grandfather, Earnest E. Perdew's and were connected in SO many ways. (See Find A Grave memorial #40697598 to read more about Earnest E. Perdew)
1. John's grandfather, John Guess Sr. arrived in CA. in 1852 and built the first schoolhouse in the San Gabriel Valley. Earnest's grandfather, Alexander Perdew, arrived in CA. in 1862 and built the first schoolhouse in Etiwanda, San Bernardino, CA. John Guess Sr. and Alexander Perdew even sported similar style chin hair.
2. John and Earnest's fathers were both farmers.
3. John and Earnest were each 3rd generation Californians, both described as tall and slender with blue eyes, born within 33 miles of each other and within 14 mths.. of each other, which made them older recruits than the average. Both had a brother who also served in WWI.
4. Both were among the first called from their districts. Both were stationed at Fort Lewis, near Tacoma in Washington state. When their regiments were deployed back East, they were both retained at American Lake to assist in drilling younger recruits. Both were listed as Sergeants on the U. S. Army Transport Service Passenger List of the Olympic, sailing on Jul. 12, 1918 from the port of New York as part of Company "H", 364th Infantry, 91st Division.
5. On Sep. 28, 1918, near Éclisfontaine, France, Sgt. John Guess and Sergeant Earnest E. Perdew together led a combat group across an open valley under constant hostile fire, completing the capture of four machine-gun nests and three prisoners. Sgt. Guess was seriously wounded in the encounter and died afterwards at Base Hospital No. 61 in Beaune, Département de la Côte-d'Or, France of septicemia (septic shock, blood poisoning by bacteria), on Nov. 7, 1918.
Sgt. Perdew survived and returned home safely to his family in April 1919 and his firstborn son, Denning Perdew married a girl from Rosemead. **Denning (misspelled on his birth certificate) was named after 1st Lt. Deming Bronson, (see F. A. G. #6129896), who also served in Company H, 364th Infantry, 91st Division and won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery near Éclisfontaine, France, on September 26-27, 1918. -*And yet, everyone called Denning by the nickname 'Jack'... perhaps after Earnest's friend, John 'Jack' Guess?
6. Both Sgt. John Guess and Sgt. Earnest Perdew were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. It was Sgt. Perdew who accompanied John Guess in the capture of four machine-gun nests and the taking of three prisoners.
John Guess Jr. was the eldest of four children born to:
Richard C. Guess, b. Dec. 1865 in the Savannah district (El Monte), L.A., CA. and d. Dec. 6, 1930 in Rosemead, Los Angeles county, CA. &
Emma M. Williams, b. Jan. 31, 1870 in CA. and d. Dec. 10, 1964 in Los Angeles county, CA.
(*After Richard died in 1930, Emma married 2nd, James Holfield Sleeper in 1939.)
Richard and Emma Guess' children were:
1. John Guess Jr. (named after his grandfather), b. Aug. 23, 1891 in El Monte, Los Angeles county, CA. and d. Nov. 7, 1918 of septicemia in a base hospital in Beaune, Departement de la Côte-d'Or, Bourgogne, France.
2. Francis 'Frank' Marion Guess, b. Apr. 25, 1895 in El Monte, L.A., CA. and d. Jun. 27, 1984. Frank married Adeline Anna Schanel.
3. Charles Richard Guess, b. Oct. 2, 1901 in El Monte, L. A. County, CA. and d. Dec. 26, 1987 in San Fernando, L.A. County, CA.
4. Thelma Guess, b. 1904 in CA. and d. Feb., 6, 1936 in Los Angeles County, CA. Thelma marr. Edwin Moore Brown on Jul. 8, 1923.
In the Jun. 30, 1900 U. S. census, 8 yr. old John Guess, b. Aug. 1891 in CA., was attending school and living in El Monte, Los Angeles, CA. with his
34 yr. old father, Richard Guess, a farmer, b. Dec. 1865 in CA.
30 yr. old mother, Emma Guess, b. Jun. 1870 in CA.
5 yr. old brother, Francis M Guess, b. Apr. 1895 in CA.
72 yr. old grandfather, John Guess, a farmer, b. Mar. 1828 in AR.
50 yr. old step-grandmother, Sarah Guess, b. 1850 in AL.
30 yr. old cousin, Walter West, a farm laborer, b. Feb. 1870 in AR.
Richard and Emma had been marr. for 10 yrs. Emma was the mother of 2 children, both still alive by this census.
Richard's father was b. in AR. and his mother in AL.
John and Sarah had been marr. for 2 years. Sarah was the mother of 5 children, only 4 still alive by this census.
Walter's parents were both b. in AL.
In the May 13, 1910 U. S. census, 18 yr. old John Guess, a farmer on the home farm, b. in CA., was unmarried and living in El Monte / Lexington, Los Angeles, CA. with his
44 yr. old father, Richard Guess, a farmer on his own farm, b. in CA.
40 yr. old mother, Emma Guess, b. in CA.
15 yr. old brother, Frank Guess, a high school student, b. in CA.
8 yr. old brother, Charles Guess, b. in CA.
5 yr. old sister, Thelma Guess, b. in CA.
78 yr. old maternal widowed grandmother, Martha O. Williams, b. in AL.
This was a first marriage for Richard and Emma. Emma was the mother of 4 children, all still alive by this census.
John was never out of work during the previous year.
Martha was living off her own income. Martha's parents were both b. in TN.
According to his Jun. 5, 1917 WWI Draft Registration card, 26 yr. old John Guess Jr., was b. Aug. 23, 1891 in El Monte, L.A., CA., and his address was listed as El Monte, CA. - although his occupation was 'chauffeur' for A. L. Richardson in Placerville, CA. He was unmarried and had no parent, wife or child under the age of 12 solely dependent on him for support, and was not claiming exemption from the draft for any reason.
He was described as tall and slender, with blue eyes and dark hair, and had no disability that would physically disqualify him from serving.
And according to his WWI Soldier Service Card, 26 yr. old Sgt. John Guess Jr., b. Aug. 23, 1891 in El Monte, L. A., CA., registered in Alhambra, L. A., CA. His parents were listed as Richard and Emma (Williams) Guess, both b. in CA. He was assigned to the 91st Division of the Infantry at Camp Lewis, WA.
Sgt. John Guess Jr., Serial #2267259, is #71 on the U. S. Army Transport Service Passenger List of the Olympic, sailing on Jul. 12, 1918 from the port of New York as part of Company "H", 364th Infantry, 91st Division.
The person to notify in case of emergency was his mother, Emma Guess. His address was listed as El Monte, CA.
El Monte, Cal. Gazette 162
November 29, 1918
Another Gold Star In El Monte's Flag
This community was again grieved when news was received the first of this week of the death of Sergts. John Guess and Joseph Kauffman in France.
Sergt. John Guess was wounded in action at the front the 20th of October, and the information received here three weeks ago. It was believed that he would recover in the hospital where he was taken. His parents, however, were anxious to learn of his progress and made every effort possible to hear from him or the hospital, using the telegraph and cable. On Tuesday a telegram was received announcing that he had died on Nov. 7. Since receipt of the news of his being shot, his mother has worried and the later news of his death affected her so that physicians had to be called. She is reported better. Serge. John Guess was born in El Monte on Aug. 23, 1891, being 27 years of age last August. He grew to manhood here, and he was well known and popular. The announcement of his death was a shock not only to the many relatives, but also to hundreds of friends. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Guess; two brothers, Frank M., who is in the U. S. navy, and Charley, who is at home here; a sister, Miss Thelma, who also lives at home here.
The Washington Times (Washington, D.C.), P. 6, Col. 3
Wed., Dec. 4, 1918
Item from: LATEST CASUALTY LIST FROM FRANCE
DIED OF DISEASE
Cal., El Monte, John Guess Jr.
The plaque next to John's grave reads: John Guess Jr. (1891 - 1918)
John's name was the 15th one drawn in the draft for WWI. In 1918 he was sent to Europe and mortally wounded in the battle of the Argonne. He died in a French hospital. He received a Distinguished Service Cross for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with enemy forces. The DSC is the second highest Army decoration, second only to the Medal of Honor.
On Nov. 8, 1918, John was buried at the American Military Cemetery located in Beaune, Département de la Côte d'Or, France. Three days later, on Nov. 11, 1918, Armistice would be declared.
It was two years before the Guess family was able to finalize arrangements to have John's remains returned home to California, to be buried in the Guess family plot at the Savannah Cemetery.
*Note: Until his death, John Guess Jr.'s life paralleled my grandfather, Earnest E. Perdew's and were connected in SO many ways. (See Find A Grave memorial #40697598 to read more about Earnest E. Perdew)
1. John's grandfather, John Guess Sr. arrived in CA. in 1852 and built the first schoolhouse in the San Gabriel Valley. Earnest's grandfather, Alexander Perdew, arrived in CA. in 1862 and built the first schoolhouse in Etiwanda, San Bernardino, CA. John Guess Sr. and Alexander Perdew even sported similar style chin hair.
2. John and Earnest's fathers were both farmers.
3. John and Earnest were each 3rd generation Californians, both described as tall and slender with blue eyes, born within 33 miles of each other and within 14 mths.. of each other, which made them older recruits than the average. Both had a brother who also served in WWI.
4. Both were among the first called from their districts. Both were stationed at Fort Lewis, near Tacoma in Washington state. When their regiments were deployed back East, they were both retained at American Lake to assist in drilling younger recruits. Both were listed as Sergeants on the U. S. Army Transport Service Passenger List of the Olympic, sailing on Jul. 12, 1918 from the port of New York as part of Company "H", 364th Infantry, 91st Division.
5. On Sep. 28, 1918, near Éclisfontaine, France, Sgt. John Guess and Sergeant Earnest E. Perdew together led a combat group across an open valley under constant hostile fire, completing the capture of four machine-gun nests and three prisoners. Sgt. Guess was seriously wounded in the encounter and died afterwards at Base Hospital No. 61 in Beaune, Département de la Côte-d'Or, France of septicemia (septic shock, blood poisoning by bacteria), on Nov. 7, 1918.
Sgt. Perdew survived and returned home safely to his family in April 1919 and his firstborn son, Denning Perdew married a girl from Rosemead. **Denning (misspelled on his birth certificate) was named after 1st Lt. Deming Bronson, (see F. A. G. #6129896), who also served in Company H, 364th Infantry, 91st Division and won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery near Éclisfontaine, France, on September 26-27, 1918. -*And yet, everyone called Denning by the nickname 'Jack'... perhaps after Earnest's friend, John 'Jack' Guess?
6. Both Sgt. John Guess and Sgt. Earnest Perdew were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. It was Sgt. Perdew who accompanied John Guess in the capture of four machine-gun nests and the taking of three prisoners.
John was named after his grandfather, John Guess Sr., b. Mar. 28, 1830 in Conway County, AR. and d. Jan. 12, 1919 in Rosemead, L.A. County, CA. John Guess Sr. was the first permanent Anglo-Saxon settler of the area. He arrived in the San Gabriel Valley in 1852 and purchased 100 acres known as the Savannah Ranch, where they raised alfalfa, hogs, mules and horses. He built the first school house in Los Angeles County, called Savannah School.
John Guess Jr. was the eldest of four children born to:
Richard C. Guess, b. Dec. 1865 in the Savannah district (El Monte), L.A., CA. and d. Dec. 6, 1930 in Rosemead, Los Angeles county, CA. &
Emma M. Williams, b. Jan. 31, 1870 in CA. and d. Dec. 10, 1964 in Los Angeles county, CA.
(*After Richard died in 1930, Emma married 2nd, James Holfield Sleeper in 1939.)
Richard and Emma Guess' children were:
1. John Guess Jr. (named after his grandfather), b. Aug. 23, 1891 in El Monte, Los Angeles county, CA. and d. Nov. 7, 1918 of septicemia in a base hospital in Beaune, Departement de la Côte-d'Or, Bourgogne, France.
2. Francis 'Frank' Marion Guess, b. Apr. 25, 1895 in El Monte, L.A., CA. and d. Jun. 27, 1984. Frank married Adeline Anna Schanel.
3. Charles Richard Guess, b. Oct. 2, 1901 in El Monte, L. A. County, CA. and d. Dec. 26, 1987 in San Fernando, L.A. County, CA.
4. Thelma Guess, b. 1904 in CA. and d. Feb., 6, 1936 in Los Angeles County, CA. Thelma marr. Edwin Moore Brown on Jul. 8, 1923.
In the Jun. 30, 1900 U. S. census, 8 yr. old John Guess, b. Aug. 1891 in CA., was attending school and living in El Monte, Los Angeles, CA. with his
34 yr. old father, Richard Guess, a farmer, b. Dec. 1865 in CA.
30 yr. old mother, Emma Guess, b. Jun. 1870 in CA.
5 yr. old brother, Francis M Guess, b. Apr. 1895 in CA.
72 yr. old grandfather, John Guess, a farmer, b. Mar. 1828 in AR.
50 yr. old step-grandmother, Sarah Guess, b. 1850 in AL.
30 yr. old cousin, Walter West, a farm laborer, b. Feb. 1870 in AR.
Richard and Emma had been marr. for 10 yrs. Emma was the mother of 2 children, both still alive by this census.
Richard's father was b. in AR. and his mother in AL.
John and Sarah had been marr. for 2 years. Sarah was the mother of 5 children, only 4 still alive by this census.
Walter's parents were both b. in AL.
In the May 13, 1910 U. S. census, 18 yr. old John Guess, a farmer on the home farm, b. in CA., was unmarried and living in El Monte / Lexington, Los Angeles, CA. with his
44 yr. old father, Richard Guess, a farmer on his own farm, b. in CA.
40 yr. old mother, Emma Guess, b. in CA.
15 yr. old brother, Frank Guess, a high school student, b. in CA.
8 yr. old brother, Charles Guess, b. in CA.
5 yr. old sister, Thelma Guess, b. in CA.
78 yr. old maternal widowed grandmother, Martha O. Williams, b. in AL.
This was a first marriage for Richard and Emma. Emma was the mother of 4 children, all still alive by this census.
John was never out of work during the previous year.
Martha was living off her own income. Martha's parents were both b. in TN.
According to his Jun. 5, 1917 WWI Draft Registration card, 26 yr. old John Guess Jr., was b. Aug. 23, 1891 in El Monte, L.A., CA., and his address was listed as El Monte, CA. - although his occupation was 'chauffeur' for A. L. Richardson in Placerville, CA. He was unmarried and had no parent, wife or child under the age of 12 solely dependent on him for support, and was not claiming exemption from the draft for any reason.
He was described as tall and slender, with blue eyes and dark hair, and had no disability that would physically disqualify him from serving.
And according to his WWI Soldier Service Card, 26 yr. old Sgt. John Guess Jr., b. Aug. 23, 1891 in El Monte, L. A., CA., registered in Alhambra, L. A., CA. His parents were listed as Richard and Emma (Williams) Guess, both b. in CA. He was assigned to the 91st Division of the Infantry at Camp Lewis, WA.
Sgt. John Guess Jr., Serial #2267259, is #71 on the U. S. Army Transport Service Passenger List of the Olympic, sailing on Jul. 12, 1918 from the port of New York as part of Company "H", 364th Infantry, 91st Division.
The person to notify in case of emergency was his mother, Emma Guess. His address was listed as El Monte, CA.
El Monte, Cal. Gazette 162
November 29, 1918
Another Gold Star In El Monte's Flag
This community was again grieved when news was received the first of this week of the death of Sergts. John Guess and Joseph Kauffman in France.
Sergt. John Guess was wounded in action at the front the 20th of October, and the information received here three weeks ago. It was believed that he would recover in the hospital where he was taken. His parents, however, were anxious to learn of his progress and made every effort possible to hear from him or the hospital, using the telegraph and cable. On Tuesday a telegram was received announcing that he had died on Nov. 7. Since receipt of the news of his being shot, his mother has worried and the later news of his death affected her so that physicians had to be called. She is reported better. Serge. John Guess was born in El Monte on Aug. 23, 1891, being 27 years of age last August. He grew to manhood here, and he was well known and popular. The announcement of his death was a shock not only to the many relatives, but also to hundreds of friends. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Guess; two brothers, Frank M., who is in the U. S. navy, and Charley, who is at home here; a sister, Miss Thelma, who also lives at home here.
The Washington Times (Washington, D.C.), P. 6, Col. 3
Wed., Dec. 4, 1918
Item from: LATEST CASUALTY LIST FROM FRANCE
DIED OF DISEASE
Cal., El Monte, John Guess Jr.
The plaque next to John's grave reads: John Guess Jr. (1891 - 1918)
John's name was the 15th one drawn in the draft for WWI. In 1918 he was sent to Europe and mortally wounded in the battle of the Argonne. He died in a French hospital. He received a Distinguished Service Cross for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with enemy forces. The DSC is the second highest Army decoration, second only to the Medal of Honor.
On Nov. 8, 1918, John was buried at the American Military Cemetery located in Beaune, Département de la Côte d'Or, France. Three days later, on Nov. 11, 1918, Armistice would be declared.
It was two years before the Guess family was able to finalize arrangements to have John's remains returned home to California, to be buried in the Guess family plot at the Savannah Cemetery.
*Note: Until his death, John Guess Jr.'s life paralleled my grandfather, Earnest E. Perdew's and were connected in SO many ways. (See Find A Grave memorial #40697598 to read more about Earnest E. Perdew)
1. John's grandfather, John Guess Sr. arrived in CA. in 1852 and built the first schoolhouse in the San Gabriel Valley. Earnest's grandfather, Alexander Perdew, arrived in CA. in 1862 and built the first schoolhouse in Etiwanda, San Bernardino, CA. John Guess Sr. and Alexander Perdew even sported similar style chin hair.
2. John and Earnest's fathers were both farmers.
3. John and Earnest were each 3rd generation Californians, both described as tall and slender with blue eyes, born within 33 miles of each other and within 14 mths.. of each other, which made them older recruits than the average. Both had a brother who also served in WWI.
4. Both were among the first called from their districts. Both were stationed at Fort Lewis, near Tacoma in Washington state. When their regiments were deployed back East, they were both retained at American Lake to assist in drilling younger recruits. Both were listed as Sergeants on the U. S. Army Transport Service Passenger List of the Olympic, sailing on Jul. 12, 1918 from the port of New York as part of Company "H", 364th Infantry, 91st Division.
5. On Sep. 28, 1918, near Éclisfontaine, France, Sgt. John Guess and Sergeant Earnest E. Perdew together led a combat group across an open valley under constant hostile fire, completing the capture of four machine-gun nests and three prisoners. Sgt. Guess was seriously wounded in the encounter and died afterwards at Base Hospital No. 61 in Beaune, Département de la Côte-d'Or, France of septicemia (septic shock, blood poisoning by bacteria), on Nov. 7, 1918.
Sgt. Perdew survived and returned home safely to his family in April 1919 and his firstborn son, Denning Perdew married a girl from Rosemead. **Denning (misspelled on his birth certificate) was named after 1st Lt. Deming Bronson, (see F. A. G. #6129896), who also served in Company H, 364th Infantry, 91st Division and won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery near Éclisfontaine, France, on September 26-27, 1918. -*And yet, everyone called Denning by the nickname 'Jack'... perhaps after Earnest's friend, John 'Jack' Guess?
6. Both Sgt. John Guess and Sgt. Earnest Perdew were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. It was Sgt. Perdew who accompanied John Guess in the capture of four machine-gun nests and the taking of three prisoners.
John Guess Jr. was the eldest of four children born to:
Richard C. Guess, b. Dec. 1865 in the Savannah district (El Monte), L.A., CA. and d. Dec. 6, 1930 in Rosemead, Los Angeles county, CA. &
Emma M. Williams, b. Jan. 31, 1870 in CA. and d. Dec. 10, 1964 in Los Angeles county, CA.
(*After Richard died in 1930, Emma married 2nd, James Holfield Sleeper in 1939.)
Richard and Emma Guess' children were:
1. John Guess Jr. (named after his grandfather), b. Aug. 23, 1891 in El Monte, Los Angeles county, CA. and d. Nov. 7, 1918 of septicemia in a base hospital in Beaune, Departement de la Côte-d'Or, Bourgogne, France.
2. Francis 'Frank' Marion Guess, b. Apr. 25, 1895 in El Monte, L.A., CA. and d. Jun. 27, 1984. Frank married Adeline Anna Schanel.
3. Charles Richard Guess, b. Oct. 2, 1901 in El Monte, L. A. County, CA. and d. Dec. 26, 1987 in San Fernando, L.A. County, CA.
4. Thelma Guess, b. 1904 in CA. and d. Feb., 6, 1936 in Los Angeles County, CA. Thelma marr. Edwin Moore Brown on Jul. 8, 1923.
In the Jun. 30, 1900 U. S. census, 8 yr. old John Guess, b. Aug. 1891 in CA., was attending school and living in El Monte, Los Angeles, CA. with his
34 yr. old father, Richard Guess, a farmer, b. Dec. 1865 in CA.
30 yr. old mother, Emma Guess, b. Jun. 1870 in CA.
5 yr. old brother, Francis M Guess, b. Apr. 1895 in CA.
72 yr. old grandfather, John Guess, a farmer, b. Mar. 1828 in AR.
50 yr. old step-grandmother, Sarah Guess, b. 1850 in AL.
30 yr. old cousin, Walter West, a farm laborer, b. Feb. 1870 in AR.
Richard and Emma had been marr. for 10 yrs. Emma was the mother of 2 children, both still alive by this census.
Richard's father was b. in AR. and his mother in AL.
John and Sarah had been marr. for 2 years. Sarah was the mother of 5 children, only 4 still alive by this census.
Walter's parents were both b. in AL.
In the May 13, 1910 U. S. census, 18 yr. old John Guess, a farmer on the home farm, b. in CA., was unmarried and living in El Monte / Lexington, Los Angeles, CA. with his
44 yr. old father, Richard Guess, a farmer on his own farm, b. in CA.
40 yr. old mother, Emma Guess, b. in CA.
15 yr. old brother, Frank Guess, a high school student, b. in CA.
8 yr. old brother, Charles Guess, b. in CA.
5 yr. old sister, Thelma Guess, b. in CA.
78 yr. old maternal widowed grandmother, Martha O. Williams, b. in AL.
This was a first marriage for Richard and Emma. Emma was the mother of 4 children, all still alive by this census.
John was never out of work during the previous year.
Martha was living off her own income. Martha's parents were both b. in TN.
According to his Jun. 5, 1917 WWI Draft Registration card, 26 yr. old John Guess Jr., was b. Aug. 23, 1891 in El Monte, L.A., CA., and his address was listed as El Monte, CA. - although his occupation was 'chauffeur' for A. L. Richardson in Placerville, CA. He was unmarried and had no parent, wife or child under the age of 12 solely dependent on him for support, and was not claiming exemption from the draft for any reason.
He was described as tall and slender, with blue eyes and dark hair, and had no disability that would physically disqualify him from serving.
And according to his WWI Soldier Service Card, 26 yr. old Sgt. John Guess Jr., b. Aug. 23, 1891 in El Monte, L. A., CA., registered in Alhambra, L. A., CA. His parents were listed as Richard and Emma (Williams) Guess, both b. in CA. He was assigned to the 91st Division of the Infantry at Camp Lewis, WA.
Sgt. John Guess Jr., Serial #2267259, is #71 on the U. S. Army Transport Service Passenger List of the Olympic, sailing on Jul. 12, 1918 from the port of New York as part of Company "H", 364th Infantry, 91st Division.
The person to notify in case of emergency was his mother, Emma Guess. His address was listed as El Monte, CA.
El Monte, Cal. Gazette 162
November 29, 1918
Another Gold Star In El Monte's Flag
This community was again grieved when news was received the first of this week of the death of Sergts. John Guess and Joseph Kauffman in France.
Sergt. John Guess was wounded in action at the front the 20th of October, and the information received here three weeks ago. It was believed that he would recover in the hospital where he was taken. His parents, however, were anxious to learn of his progress and made every effort possible to hear from him or the hospital, using the telegraph and cable. On Tuesday a telegram was received announcing that he had died on Nov. 7. Since receipt of the news of his being shot, his mother has worried and the later news of his death affected her so that physicians had to be called. She is reported better. Serge. John Guess was born in El Monte on Aug. 23, 1891, being 27 years of age last August. He grew to manhood here, and he was well known and popular. The announcement of his death was a shock not only to the many relatives, but also to hundreds of friends. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Guess; two brothers, Frank M., who is in the U. S. navy, and Charley, who is at home here; a sister, Miss Thelma, who also lives at home here.
The Washington Times (Washington, D.C.), P. 6, Col. 3
Wed., Dec. 4, 1918
Item from: LATEST CASUALTY LIST FROM FRANCE
DIED OF DISEASE
Cal., El Monte, John Guess Jr.
The plaque next to John's grave reads: John Guess Jr. (1891 - 1918)
John's name was the 15th one drawn in the draft for WWI. In 1918 he was sent to Europe and mortally wounded in the battle of the Argonne. He died in a French hospital. He received a Distinguished Service Cross for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with enemy forces. The DSC is the second highest Army decoration, second only to the Medal of Honor.
On Nov. 8, 1918, John was buried at the American Military Cemetery located in Beaune, Département de la Côte d'Or, France. Three days later, on Nov. 11, 1918, Armistice would be declared.
It was two years before the Guess family was able to finalize arrangements to have John's remains returned home to California, to be buried in the Guess family plot at the Savannah Cemetery.
*Note: Until his death, John Guess Jr.'s life paralleled my grandfather, Earnest E. Perdew's and were connected in SO many ways. (See Find A Grave memorial #40697598 to read more about Earnest E. Perdew)
1. John's grandfather, John Guess Sr. arrived in CA. in 1852 and built the first schoolhouse in the San Gabriel Valley. Earnest's grandfather, Alexander Perdew, arrived in CA. in 1862 and built the first schoolhouse in Etiwanda, San Bernardino, CA. John Guess Sr. and Alexander Perdew even sported similar style chin hair.
2. John and Earnest's fathers were both farmers.
3. John and Earnest were each 3rd generation Californians, both described as tall and slender with blue eyes, born within 33 miles of each other and within 14 mths.. of each other, which made them older recruits than the average. Both had a brother who also served in WWI.
4. Both were among the first called from their districts. Both were stationed at Fort Lewis, near Tacoma in Washington state. When their regiments were deployed back East, they were both retained at American Lake to assist in drilling younger recruits. Both were listed as Sergeants on the U. S. Army Transport Service Passenger List of the Olympic, sailing on Jul. 12, 1918 from the port of New York as part of Company "H", 364th Infantry, 91st Division.
5. On Sep. 28, 1918, near Éclisfontaine, France, Sgt. John Guess and Sergeant Earnest E. Perdew together led a combat group across an open valley under constant hostile fire, completing the capture of four machine-gun nests and three prisoners. Sgt. Guess was seriously wounded in the encounter and died afterwards at Base Hospital No. 61 in Beaune, Département de la Côte-d'Or, France of septicemia (septic shock, blood poisoning by bacteria), on Nov. 7, 1918.
Sgt. Perdew survived and returned home safely to his family in April 1919 and his firstborn son, Denning Perdew married a girl from Rosemead. **Denning (misspelled on his birth certificate) was named after 1st Lt. Deming Bronson, (see F. A. G. #6129896), who also served in Company H, 364th Infantry, 91st Division and won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery near Éclisfontaine, France, on September 26-27, 1918. -*And yet, everyone called Denning by the nickname 'Jack'... perhaps after Earnest's friend, John 'Jack' Guess?
6. Both Sgt. John Guess and Sgt. Earnest Perdew were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. It was Sgt. Perdew who accompanied John Guess in the capture of four machine-gun nests and the taking of three prisoners.
Gravesite Details
Buried in the Guess family plot are: Alice, Charles R., Fannie, Francis M. Jr., Harriet, Hattie, Henry T., John Sr., John Jr., Johnnie, Louis, Mary and Richard C. Guess. Also: J. Holyfield, Lottie Owns, Mary Alice Rogers & Emma M. Guess-Sleeper.
