Connecticut western news. [volume] (Salisbury, Litchfield Co., Conn.) 1871-1970, 1918-09-26
CANAAN BOY
GIVES LIFE TO COUNTRY
Alfred Clark Caldwell Dies of
- Pneumonia at Camp
Devens


has deprived this town of one of its
finest young men, who like hundreds
of others in this vicinity, marched
off to camp with the determination
that they must help to save their
country's honor or perish in the
attempt. Alfred Clark Caldwell, son
of Mr.. and Mrs. L. A. Caldwell, life
long residents of this town, was one
of North Canaan's most highly es-
teemed young men. By his exem-
plary habits, his pleasant, jovial dis
position and manliness, he won a
warm place in the hearts of all who
knew him.
Private Caldwell was born in this
town thirty years ago July last and
had always lived here. He attended
public school and later the local High
school, graduating with the class of
1904. After his graduation he went
to work with his father and learned
the carpenter trade, at which he
worked for a number of years. In
1910 he studied to be chauffeur and
later worked for time on marine
engines. He was also employed for
a time at the Connecticut Power
Company.
On July 25th he left here with one
hundred and sixty other men from
this district for Camp Devens, Aver,
Mass. He was appointed one. of the
two captains of this contingent. In
writing to his friends and family, his
letters were always cheerful and he
spoke in the highest praise of the
service, which he seemed to like i'm
mensely. He enjoyed good health
until September 10th, when he con-
tracted what is supposed to be Span
ish influenza, followed by pneumonia
which resulted in his death on Friday
night, September goth.
Word was received by L. A. Cald-
well, ST., last Friday noon that his
son was seriously i'll and Mrs. Cald-
well and Leonard, Jr., immediately
left for Camp DaKanss Before their
arrival Private Caldwell had answer
ed the last Roll Call. One more gold
star was destined to be placed on the
towns Service flag, which was made
by this beloved young patriots
mother. One more name shall be
placed for time immemorial on the
records of those who gave their all
for their country.
The body of Private Caldwell was
brought here Tuesday morning and
was escorted by an officer from
Camp Devens, who remained here
until after the funeral. Very inn
pressive services were held at the
Methodist church at 2:30 o'clock on
afternoon, and also at
the cemetery. A quartette of State
from Torrington, consist
ing of Seargeants, Graham, Tuttle,
Mills and Baldwin, by kind permits
sion of Major Besse, commanding
the Torrington Battalion sang,
Some Time Well Understand, and
"Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Co.,
George Matheson's famous hymn.
Rev. A. Hamilton Nesbitt spoke in
the highest words of praise of the
deceased as did also Past Grand !
Master L. J. Nickerson, of the Mason
c lodge, of which Private Caldwell |
was a member. The commital ser
vices were in charge of Housatonic |
Lodge No. 81, A. F. & A. M. of this
place. A firing squad consisting of !
the four men from Torrington and |
four from the local State Guard paid |
The last tribute of military respect to
The deceased, and taps was sounded |
by Bugler Wentlor of Torrington.
The following, all members of the
ocal company of the State Guard,
acted as pail bearers: J. c. Roraback,
;. D. V. Barnes, James keenan,, Jr.,
George Mather, Frank Whiting,
.vanhoe Scott.
The funeral was largely attended,
md the business men in honor of the
memory of the deceased, closed their
places of business from 2 to o'clock
There was a profusion of floral trib-
ties.