Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1920-12-02
SOLDIER BOY AT REST
Life Story Of Ray McCosh Who Died
In France


1918, aged 90 years, II months.
I days.
He was the elder of two sons Q
william and Martha Pooler McCosf
His grandfather, Thompson McCosf
was Civil war veteran who came I
Kansas in 1880. His grandfather
James V. POOler who came to Kan
sas I'm 1857 had five brothers In tn
Civil war and was freighter be
tween Fort Leavenworth and For
Riley at that time.
). His grandmother, Mrs. Pooler, wa
cousin Of General Frederick Fun
ston, so that patriotic blood concen
trated in his veins and led both hin
and his brother into thte World War
After Ray had spent one year IL
the Abilene schools his parents NOV
ed to Solomon where he attended
school for twelve years and then en-.
tered the employ Of the Santa Fe rail.
road as apprentice to the agent and
operator, serving some eighteen
months at Solomon ond Hope. when
he was advanced to cashier and Oper-
ator at Solomon.
His efficiency and the beauty Of his
reports soon attracted the attention
Of the officials and he was advanced
to the general office at Chicago where
he remained until the World War
came on and he FASTENED home to en-
list along with his boyhood compan-
ions. In April, 1917, he enlisted, but
for slight defect in eyesight was
rejected. He then returned to his
position in Chicago and began treat
ment to strengthen his eyesight so as
to be able to pass at the next examin-
alton. He succeeded. and was called
to the colors Sept. %, 1917.
He was sent to Camp Grant, Rock.
ford, ILL.,, for training and was as
signed to Co. I, 343 Infantry and
appointed bugler. In November, 1917,
he was attached to the signal corps
platoon. and on account of his ex-
perience in telegraphy, he soon be-
came instructor to the platoon.
Jan. 80, 1918, after passing his
examination at the army school he
won his chevrons and became a cor
poral in the signal platoon, Head
quarters Co., 343 Infantry. seth Di-
vision. which position he retained
until they were sent overseas in Aug
ust, 1918.
In July, 1918, he was offered ad-
mission to an officers training camp
for a commission but declined on ac-
count of his attachment to his COM
rades in his company and his desire to |
reach the front as soon as possible. !
He sailed from New York, Sept |
10, 1913 with the seth Division,
known as the Blackhawk Division
md reached France the latter part
# September seemingly well and
lappy, but was soon sent to the hos
,ital at Bordeaux, suffering with
from which he never re-
Overed. He died October 4, 1918 at
Midnight and letters from his COM
AIDES testify to his courage and faith ,
4 the last hours, and sending his ,
ast message to his mother and
riends. A triumphant faith sustain :
d him to the end and he entered into
is reward in peace. His only dis
ppOintment seemed to be that he
,uld not reach the front and help ,
in the war and meet his brother to
hose regiment he had hopes Of being
Ray was bright and cheerful n
,uth, fond of sports and animals 8
Id was a great reader Of good books {,
Id a leader among boys as a ma D
raj result Of these characteristics n
He organized and led the Black II
lwk Scout patrol at Solomon and
g comrades recall with gratitude the al
any hikes, camps and good times G.
toyed under his leadership. D,
He was a member Of the Masonic At
lge, having Joined Lodge No. 105 Il
Solomon as soon as he became Of "
e. CO
Corporal McCosh was a clean and OF
sh-minded young man and his
lnly character and winsome per- c,
nality won for him multitude Of
ends both in his business and So PI
i life, and his supreme sacrifice In
noble cause remains high honor
himself, his country and his fam
and his friends in both civil and al
litary life. da
He leaves to mourn his departure In
father, mother and brother and iol
vide circle Of friends and comrades 1O
all places where he has lived and
we'd so well. Tn
rhe funeral services Of Corporal tn
Y Marion McCosh, whose remains ga
re brought from France by the ma ma
nal authorities, were held in the ar
,sbyterian church Sunday after
N, conducted by the Rev. DR.. F. s. TO
yney. ed
The Masonic quartette furnished Gle
,ropriate music. and the Masonic lte
ges of Solomon and Abilene at roi
ded in a body, as did also James ser
Ier most of tbe American legion tn
, pail l-bearers, Dave wilkie, James OF
lson, Joe Newlin, N. L. Goodell, cia
yh Garvie and O. w. Motter were gai
sons, also members Of the James
Ter post. At the grave Masonic
eral service was conducted by
levolent lodge at the request Of
Solomon lodge. Following this .,
nee the Legion took charge and &c.
ed the service In military form. -, ~
n spite Of the cold wind and rain @ c@ai
large congregation attended @ Gs
,ughout the service, showing an y
sual interest and sympathy for
family and honor for the depart 80 80
,oldier.
he hodv WAS laid IN raaf In the cno