Private Walter Arbuckle
ProfileParents: Joseph E. and Carrie E. Arbuckle
Birth: September 22, 1898 Scott County, Indiana; Moved to Jackson County in 1901
Occupation: Contractor
Enlisted Co K 2nd infantry IN Nat. Guard (152nd Infantry) July 20, 1917 Seymour
Training: Camp Shelby MS
Overseas; June 1918
Death: KIA July 25, 1918 battle of Chatiau-Thierry
Buried: American Cemetery No. 608 Seringes-et-Nesles, France
The Tribune
Seymour, Indiana
Thursday, September 19, 1918
Page 1
SEYMOUR YOUTH IS KILLED IN ACTION
Private Walter Arbuckle Makes Supreme Sacrifice in Defense of His Country
ENLISTED IN LOCAL COMPANY
Left Camp Shelby June 6 and Lost His Life in Battle on July 25
Private Walter Arbuckle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Arbuckle, Fourth and Pine streets, was killed in action July 25, according to official information received by his parents today. he is the first Seymour boy to be killed in action during the war. A number of others have died of wounds and disease.
Private Arbuckle's parents did not believe that he was in the front line as he left this country on June 6 and they had received no information that he was about to go to the front. The message from the war department did not state the particular engagement in which he paid the supreme sacrifice.
The young man would have been twenty-one years of age next Sunday. He enlisted in Company K. recruited in this city, in July, 1917, and was first assigned to patrol duty at Jeffersonville and Louisville. Later he was sent to Camp Shelby, Miss., with other members of the regiment. He remained in training there for almost a year, having left the camp June 6, this year. Recently his parents received a letter from him in which he stated that he was enjoying himself and was in the best of health. As the letter was received some time ago Mr. and Mrs. Arbuckle were expecting another letter from him any day.
Private Arbuckle was born near Wesley Chapel, Scott county, but came here with his parents several years ago and had made Seymour his home. He leaves his parents, five brothers and two sisters. A brother was drowned in White River some time ago.
The Tribune
Seymour, Indiana
Monday, September 23, 1918
Page 1
SERVICE OF HONOR FOR PVT. ARBUCKLE
Inpressive Service Held at First Baptist Church Sunday Evening By Seymour Citizens.
LOST LIFE IN BATTLE JULY 25
Arbuckle Was the First Seymour Boy Who Lost His LIfe In Battle in France.
A very beautiful service of honor was held at the First Baptist church Sunday Evening for Private Walter Arbuckle, the first Seymour boy killed in battle in France. Private Arbuckle was formerly a member of the Baptist Sunday School when he was a boy and his star is one which is carried on the parish flag of the church. The church was crowded with citizens and friends who came to express their sympathy to the parents and relatives as well as to show their honor for the soldier's sacrifice.
After the opening "March in G" by Smart rendered by the organist Miss Edna Smith, and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, by the congregation, bugle calls were sounded by Clarence Steinwedel and they were interpreted as sounded by Mr. L.C. Griffitts. After announcements the Junior Chorus of the Sunday School which had been seated in the gallery sang the "Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Mr. Claude Carter, representing the business and military interests of our city, presided and read the statement of Private Arbuckle's death and the telegram to his mother announcing his death in battle.
A brief address was made by L.C. Griffitts, "President of the War Savings Society of Jackson county, emphasizing the important duty which, as citizens, we hold to support the boys whom we have sent overseas, to the limit of our ability in order that they may carry to the successful conclusion the war for human freedom. This was followed by a brief address by Jay C. Smith, Superintendent of the Sunday School of which Mr. Arbuckle was once a member. A beautiful solo, "In the Land of Beulah" was sung by Mrs. W.W. Eagleston.
Rev. F.A. hayward, pastor of the church followed with a beautiful dedication of the gold star on a service flag which was presented to the mother with sencere expressions of sympathy on behalf of the church, Sunday School and community. James Black who acted as messenger escorted Willard Everhart a soldier who was present to the platform and he assisted in the dedication of the service star.
As the audience sang "America", they retired to the lawn of the church where the service was continued with the reading by the pastor, emphasizing the sacrifice and the sympathy which goes out to the parents in their bereabement. At the close of the reading a pigeon was released symbolizing the flight of the spirit from the body when death comes.
One stanza of "Nearer My God to Thee" and the shorus, "Keep the Home Fires Burning," were sung by the audience and the benediction way pronounced by the pastor.
Sunday was the twenty-first birthday anniversary of Private Arbuckle, who was killed in battle in France July 25.
The Tribune
Seymour, Indiana
Wednesday, September 26, 1918
Page 1
Flag at Half Mast
The flag at the court was lowered to half mast today in honor of Private Walter Arbuckle, of this city, a member of Company K, who was killed in action in France July 25 and Private Joseph Schill, of Crothersville, who died August 9, of wounds received in action. Private Arbuckle was the first Seymour man to be killed in action.