Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 June 1919 — Obituary [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Obituary

Clarence C. Clayton. Clarence C. Clayton, son of Isaac and Ella Clayton, was born near Wheatfleld, Ind., June 14, 1900, and departed this life Thursday, May 29, 1919, at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., being at the time of his death 18 years, 11 months and 15 days. He offered himself for service during the Mexican trouble in 1916, but was rejected owing to his physical condition. Again he offered himself for service when the JJ. S. entered the world war and this time he was accepted. In October, 1917, he enlisted in the U. S. 17th field artillery, Bat. E. After his enlistment he was sent to Ft. Thomas, Ky., later he was transferred to Ft. Robinson, Wis., then to Camp Mills, N. Y., from where he sailed for duty overseas, landing there on Christmas day. He served five months overseas and at five different points. He was one of the many who were victims of the dreaded Spanish influenza. When recovering he was called upon to help bury' the dead at Chateau Thierry. Shells bursting caused the loss' of hearing, from which he afterward recovered, also he was afflicted with mumps while there. In fact, sickness of various kinds seemed to be his lot while in service. He was gfven leave and was 24 hours late in returning, and for this he was court-martialed and sent to the federal prison at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. Later he was taken from the prison and restored to duty in the fort, at which place he was serving faithfully when he departed this life just as the bugle sounded the three 'blasts and the band 'played be passed into that great beyond. Clarence united with the Medaryville Christian church when he was 11 years of age and continued in that faith until death claimed him. The chaplain of his regiment pronounced him a steadfast Christian soldier. He leaves to mourn his loss'a father, three sisters and four brothers, two of whom saw service with him in France. fHls mother departed this life when he was about 6 years of age, since then Mr. and Mrs. Frank LaFevre have been taking the part of father and mother for hiim, for which he was appreciative to the very last. The funeral services were conducted from the M. K. caurch in Medaryville by Charles B. Mobley, pastor of the Hebron Christian church. —Medaryville Journal.