Weekly journal-miner. [volume] (Prescott, Ariz.) 1908-1929, 1919-01-08

ttTom / thursday DaHy-)
Lieutenant Colonel Carl Edward
Holnrberg, L. s. A. commandant at
Fort Whipple, passed away yester-
day morning at II o'clock at the post
following an illness Of eight days
from the effects of the deadly com
bination OF influenza and pneumonia
The word of the passing OF this popu-
lar and beloved officer conveyed
distinct shock to both the local civ
ilian population and to the enlisted
men. Col. Holmberg having been
during mis- lifetime one of the most
agreeable and likeable men who ever
resided in Prescott. He had been
resident OF this city since early in
May, at which time he came here
from Fl Bayard, New Mexico, to
assume charge Of the big army hos
pital which had been recently estab-
Eshed at the historic Old post north
of the city.
Colonel Holmberg's illness dated
from Tuesday. December oath. On
Monday he mad been at his Office at
the post and had attended to his ron
tine duties. making several trips to
Prescott Tuesday morning he was
compelled TO take to his bed. the
early stages of the malady having
been OF such nature as to render
IN accurate diagnosis impossible for
several days. He was placed under
the care OF the most skilled physic-
ians and nurses which the hospital
afforded, and during the remainder
OF the week he appeared to grow
slightly better. On Monday last,
however, he had sinking spell and
it was for a time believed that he
would not live through the night He
did manage to fight off the grim
spectre of death at that time and on
Tuesday seemed TO posses added
strength which gave those about him
hope that ne might after all cheat
the reaper. Tuesday night found the
patient in a more weakened condi'
ton. and It was noted that his disso-
luton appeared near. He passed the
night in state OF scmi-conscious-
ness. He failed TO rally and the
breaking dawn found him in a dying
condition. Shortly after II o'clock,
the starry banner which floated at
the top of the slim white pole on the
parade grounds at the fort was low
cred to half mast The soldier had
lost his fight with mans mortal
enemy.
Carl Edward Holmberg was born
in Sweden on August Il, 1870. He
came to the United States with the
family while still a boy, the parents
and children taking up their resi-
dence at Saginaw. Michigan. Dis
playing early marked inclination
toward the medical profession, he
later attended the medical college Of
Jefferson University at Philadelphia,
graduating from that institution in
1908 He then became connected
with the Michigan State hospital at
Kalamazoo in the capacity OF assist
ant surgeon, remaining there for
about one year. 1t was in 1909 that
his military career began. He joined
the United States army in September
of that year, and shortly afterwards
entered the army medical college at
Washington for a course in post
graduate work Following his grad
uation from that institution ewas
assigned to one OF the military posts
near the Preside in the San Francis
co district He remained there until
1914. having in the meantime been
made a captain in the medical corps
In 1914 he was transferred to Ma
Mia, P. l., ard remained at Fort Nc
Kinley for a period of two years.
Upon his return to the United
States from the islands in 1916, he
was detailed to the army hospital at
Fort Bayard, Silver City. New Mex
ico In May, 1917, he was promoted
to majority as recognition of his
skill as a physician and surgeon and
because of his great interest in army
work.
When the war department decided