Spanish American War
Frank E. Gaither, (March 19, 1873-August 10,
1943)enlisted on April 26, 1898 and was medically discharged Nov. 23,
1898. He served as a Private in Company "D", 159th Reg. Vol. Infantry
and was a member of the Seth Wykoff post of the U.S. W. V. He later
spent 59 days in the Veterans Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. with typhoid
and malaria contacted while in the military. Mr. Gaither, well known
farmer and fruit grower of Veale Twp, died at his home on Washington
route two following a serious illness from a heart ailment. Born in
Martin Co. IN., he was the son of William S. and Inda Brown Gaither. He
came to Daviess Co. as a child and was educated in Veale Township.Mr.
Gaither married Mary Elizabeth Wittig, Dec. 23, 1903 and she survives
with the following children:William I. Gaither of Washington route one;
Mrs. Dora Rodarmel of Wheatland; Francis Gaither of Washington route
two; Mrs. Mary Dougherty of Washington; Mrs. Geneva Edwards Washington
route one; Mrs. Ethel Gross, Washington route three; John Gaither,
Indianapolis;Mrs. Louses Schwibbe, Wheatland; Sgt. Robert Gaither, U.S.
Army, in New York; Sgt. Harold E. Gaither, U.S. Army, Walnut Ridge,
Arkansas: and Marjorie Gaither, at home. One child died in fancy. He
also leaves 20 grandchildren and the following brothers and sisters:
Theron Gaither, this city; Adan Gaither, Veale township; Mrs. Elmer
Horrall, of this city; Tillman Gaither, Veale township; and Mrs.
Tillman Fitzgerald of this city. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m.
Friday at the Bethel church withe the Rev. J.W. McMurtry and the Rev.
H. J. Propheter in charge and burial in the adjoining cemetery. Friends
may call at the residence.(submitted by Janice Stafford, Chandler,
Arizona, jan-don@msn.com)
William Ham Enlisted March 22, 1899 at Evansville,
Indiana in Company K, 18th U.S. Infantry. Mustered out March 21, 1902
at Fort Douglas, Utah (Submitted by:Charles and Sue Ham at
chuckandsueham@worldnet.att.net)
Hugh Lett Obituary
Hugh Lett, county’s last Spanish American War veteran, dies
at 96 Hugh Lett, 96, 1207 State St., died at 9:50 a.m. today at the
Daviess County Hospital after a week’s serious illness. Mr.
Lett was Daviess county’s last surviving veteran of the
Spanish American War, having served in company D. 159th Regiment,
Indiana volunteers. He and his wife founded Lett's hatchery, Inc. here
in 1910 and were active in the business until last year. In his earlier
life he was active in republican political organizations and was also
active in promoting the Farm Bureau during its early years. Many
nationally prominent men and women in the poultry business visited the
Letts’ home and farm south of Washington, where he had
specialized in fine poultry since 1905. After 40 years residence in the
rural area, the Lets’ bought the Dr. John Fitzgibbon home on
State Street where they have since resided. Mr. Lett was a member of
first Christian church and an honorary member of the Indiana Poultry
Association for his more than 50 years service to the industry. He was
honored in 1964 by appointment as aide de camp to the national
commander of the Spanish American War Veterans. He was born Feb, 20,
1880 in Daviess county, son of Eli and Mary Ellen (Thomas) Lett and
attended the Scudder school south of Washington. His grandparents,
Hamilton and Arilla (Coleman) Lett and William and Malina (Johnson)
Thomas were members of pioneer Daviess county families who held large
acreages. On March 8, 1903 he married Ida Cochrane and she survives
him. The couple observed their 73rd wedding anniversary this year. Also
surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Watis (Martha) Ward, and two sons,
William D. Lett and John Howard Lett, all of Washington, two
granddaughters and five great grand children. He was proceded in death
by two sisters, Mrs. John F. Lillie) Wise and Mrs. George (Susie) Ward
and one brother, Arthur Lett. Services will be conducted by Bro. J.
Spencer Arnold at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Gill Chapel. Burial will be
in Oak Grove cemetery. Friends may call at Gill’s after 2
p.m. Friday. --- Jean Netherton --- jean33624@earthlink.net
Gordon Perkins
Perkins
dies in Vet Hospital
Gordon Perkins 56 years old who was in Japanese prison camps for 33
months following the fall of Corregidor, died in Nichols General
Hospital, Louisville at 10:20 a.m. Saturday.
Perkins whose home was on Montgomery Rural Route had nearly 30 years
service in the regular army of the United States. He was a Master
Sergeant in the Coast Artillery at the time he retired and had served
in both World Wars.
Stationed in the Philippine Islands when the W W ll broke out. Perkins
was taken a captive May 7-1942. He was imprisoned until Feb. 5-1945.
Following rescue from the Japanese prison Perkins was in the hospital
at Louisville six months before returning to Washington. He lived with
his brothers near Montgomery and also at the Hyatt Hotel here.
Mr. Perkins was retired at Ft. Monroe Va. Feb. 28-1946. He was born.
Aug. 8-1892 in Daviess County the son of Reuben and Eliza Ellen (Barr)
Perkins. He was a member of all Mansonic bodies.
Surviving are two brothers Gleetus Perkins and Elmer Perkins of
Montgomery R.R.#2
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Gill
Funeral Home with burial in Bethany Cemetery. Friends may call at the
Gill Chapel. The American Legion will accord military honors and Masons
will conduct graveside services.
Gorgon Perkins Rites Wednesday: Funeral services for Gordon Perkins
were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Gill Funeral Home with Rev.
Charles Scales officiating and burial in Bethany Cemetery. Pallbearers
were members of the Mansonic Lodge. The American Legion had charge of
military honors.
(donated by: William J Eisele eisele@dmrtc.net)
Charles A. Sims Buried at Walnut Hill Cemetery,
Odon,
View Head Stone
(Donated by Starlin Simsstar@northknox.net)
Benjamine F. Sumner , 21 S.E. 2nd Street ,was a
veteran of the Spanish American war. He enlisted in the US Army in May
of 1899. He was discharged in 1902. Mr. Sumner served in Co. "I" 11th
regiment.
Benjamine was born in Sumner Illinois on 15 Sept 1878. He
moved to Washington Indiana in 1898, married Della A. Yeager. They
raised a family of nine children. He retired from the B&O
Railroad as a conductor. Benjamine was the son of Leander Sumner and
Elizabeth Jane French. (Donated by Steve Yeager swyeager@yahoo.com)
