SOLDIER PHOTOGRAPHS & NEWS ITEMS, Obits
If you have MILITARY county-related photos, news articles, stories that you would be willing to contribute, please submit in an email to Linda. Be sure to include as much identification, dates, source info as possible. Thanks so much!
Double-click on the corresponding surname letter to view Mercer County soldier photos & news items about the soldiers. ENJOY!
Includes any soldiers from any war or peace timeframe.
Civil War~Spanish Am. War~WWI~WWII~Korea
Vietnam
World War I
On April 6, 1917, the United States entered World War I against Germany bringing on one of the more stressful eras in the Hazen community’s history. Pro-German sentiment, evident in some first-generation immigrants, was countered in many cases by belligerent patriotism.
In the issue announcing the declaration of war, the Hazen Star stated: “We are now really at war with Germany, and it is the duty of all Americans to be loyal to their country and resent any insinuation directed toward the Stars and Stripes. Those that feel otherwise had better hold their tongues or they are pretty apt to get in very serious trouble or at least be interned until the trouble is over.”
By the time the war ended, Nov. 11, 1918, there were 71 Hazen men serving in the armed forces. Two died in combat: Charles E. Clark and Valentine Schneider. John Lightbody was mistakenly reported killed, and for years afterwards proudly displayed his death certificate.
Offsetting the stresses of war were the farm prices which brought the Hazen community its first burst of prosperity.
~Source: Hazen 1913-1988 Jubilee Celebration book, page 52