The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1918-06-13
SKOWHEGAN SOLDIERS.
WOUNDS PROVE FATAL
News Comes From War Risk Depart
ment

Mr. and Mrs. Allie Buteau of Rail-
road street, have received a letter
from the War Risk Department in
Washington. stating that their son
Lawrence j., died of~wounds on May
9Th. This young man first tried to
gain admission to the military SER
vice here and was rejected on account
Of his age, he being only 16. He tried
again at Portland, and was mustered
in there, June 1st, 1917, in Co. M OF
the 18th Inf He had been pupil
in the Skowhegan schools, the Park
building being the last place where
he attended. Here he was under the
instruction Of Mrs. Walter Mitchell.
For time previous to his enlistment
he had been employed as a weaver in
the Arms Mills He was first sent
to Fort Slocum and then to Syracuse,
N. Y. From the latter place, he was
transferred over seas, last November.
Besides the parents above mentioned,
he Is survived by several brothers
and sisters: Mrs. Alphonse Moreau
of Skowhegan; Miss Maud Buteau, a
saleswoman in Ordway's; Arlene, a
high school STUDENT Edward Bu-
teau Of Franklin, Mass, and Mark,
Ulmot and Ernest, younger broth
ers, who reside at home.
Several letters mailed by the FAM
lily and by Skowhegan friends to him
in France, arriving there after his
death, have been returned here.
The following letters just received
give further particulars Of the
wounding and death of Private Bu-
teau and the place of his burial
Company NJ 10th, Infantry.
France, May 20 1918.
Mrs. Annie j. Buteau,
8 Railroad Street, Skowhegap, Me.
Dear Madam
1t is with regret that I write to
tell you Of the death of Private Law
renee Buteau. of this company who
died of wounds received in action with
enemy. He was one of the first men
to fall among the Americans who
fought to stop the German advance.
He was serving in the front line
trenches when he was struck by a
piece of shell, and though he was re-
moved to the hospital, he died that
night All the time he was being
carried out he showed great bravery
in bearing his wound so that he was
an example to his comrades. who may
we'll pattern after his courage and
resolution. During the long and hard
service we put in against the enemy,
he was a good and skillful soldier,
well-liked by his comrades and un-
complaining under hardship. He lies
buried in little cemetery back Of
the lines among others of his regiment
who gave their lives freely in this
great struggle, and his death leaves
his company the poorer by one brave
man.
1t Is, suppose rather empty con-
ISOLATION to tell one who has lost a
dear one that he died nobly in the just
cause of his country, but it is never
theess a matter of pride, and | assure
you, your son died so.
He had taken insurance with the
government in your favor for ten
thousand dollars, and this sum you
will receive. If there Is anything
which you wish to learn of him or
WHICH L Cdll w, L all CT yOoA W. 'hNS'
Very sincerely,
STUART A. WILDER,
Capt. 18th Infantry,
Commanding Company NJ
AM. EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
Headquarters Services of Supply
Graves Registration Service
May 27, 1918.
From: Chief, Graves Registration Ser
vice. A. E. F.
To: Mrs. Annie Buteau, 8 Railroad
St, Skowhegan, Maine.
Subject. Location Of Grave.
Were it not for the comfort that
sorrowing people derive from such
letters. | should shrink from writing
to you at this time, because / know
how heavy your heart must be, and
how terrible it is to get official let
ters that confirm the tidings of DEATH
, 1t is with much sympathy and sor-
row that | am writing you, and yet
YOU will want to know that somebody
Is here in France whose business it is
to care for the graves of our brave
men who have given their lives in de-
Tense of the worlds liberty.
Your son, Lawrence J. Buteau, is
buried in Grave No. 80. American
Cemetery, Bonvillers, France.
It is the province of this Service to
guard his grave and see that, so far
as the conditions Of war may permit
it may never be lost.
I had two years Of similar service
in the Philippines, and have come to
France prepared to give my life, If
need be. for the guarding of the graves
of our dead and carrying out the sa-
cred desires OF the sad hearts at home
May God bless and comfort you In
your grief!
MAJOR CHARLES C. PIERCE,
A. @ NJ, Il. s. A.
CCP-WAT
Protection gates are in process of
erection across Water and Russell