Private James Bain Stewart

Profile
Parents: James and Anna Stewart
Birth: March 19, 1895, Jackson
Occupation: Laborer
Enlisted: US Regular Army February 14, 1917
Sent to: Columubus Barracks, Ohio
Then to: Ft. Sam Houston, Texas
Assigned to: Company H, 3rd Infantry
Overseas: June 1917
Attached to: Machine Gun Company, 26th Infantry
Death: pneumonia, March 16, 1918, place unknown
Burial: Menilla Tour, Meurthe et Moselle, Grave No. 812

The Tribune
Seymour, Indiana
Friday, March 22, 1918
Page 2

SOLDIER WAS BURIED WITH MILITARY HONORS

Mother of Private J.B. Stewart Received Letter from Adjutant General

Mrs. Anna Stewart, of R.F.D. 1 Ewing, Indiana, mother of Private James B. Stewart, Machine Gun Company, 26th Inf., who was the first Jackson county boy to loose his life in service abroad, has received a letter from Austin A. Parker, Adjutant General, assuring her that her son was buried with appropriate religious services and military honors. The letter gives cause to believe that the bodies of American soldiers who fall in battle will be returned to the United States for burial after the was has ended. Following is the letter received:

Mrs. Anna Stewart,
Ewing, Indiana

Dear Madam-

It is with profound regret that I confirm the recent telegram of The Adjutant General announcing the death of Private James B. Stewart, Machine Gun Co., 26th Inf.

The information received does not give the place of death or other particulars, but the soldier's commander has your address and should furnish you full particulars of the sad event. Should this office receive further information you will be advised in detail.

It is not the intention of the War Department to return the bodies of our dead to the United States before the end of the war and such removal by individuals is not practical during the emergency. It is expected, however, that the remains of all American soldiers dying abroad will ultimately be returned to the United States for burial at their former residences at public expense.

The place of burial of Private Stewart has not yet been reported, but his family and friends may be sure that he was buried with appropriate religious services and military honors and that the grave has been carefully marked and recorded so that there may be no difficulty of removal when it becomes practicle. You will be advised of the details of the burial later.

Under the law, the soldier's commanding officer is charged with the custody of his personal effects. If you desire to claim these effects you should make application for them without delay to. The Commanding Officer, Machine Gun Co., 26th Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces, accompanying your application with evidence to show that you are legally entitled to them. Should the effects not be claimed within a reasonable time, they are sold, except watches, trinkets, keepsakes and personal papers, and the proceeds together with the articles mentioned and any arrears of pay deposited with the Auditor for the War Department, Washington, D.C., to whom application for them should be made.

For information concerning the soldier's insurance you should write promptly to the Bureau of War Risk Insurance, Treasury Department, Washington, D.C. It is not necessary to employ the services of an attorney or claim agent.

With deepest sympathy in your loss, I beg to remain,
Very sincerely yours,
AUSTIN A. PARKER,
Adjutant General.