World War I - First Pike Countian killed in combat
James Erskin Crabtree was born in the Stockdale community on September 3, 1894 the son of Bertie Alma and Florence Viola Bennett Crabtree.
James was educated in the local graded school prior to joining the United States Navy. He entered the service on June 14, 1917 in Portsmouth Ohio.
He received his initial training at the Naval Training Station in Newport Rhode Island. Upon 
completion of his initial training he was stationed in Boston, MA. In 1918 Fireman Second Class Crabtree was assigned to the USS Mount Vernon. In September of 1918, James was in the midst of his eighth trip across the Atlantic. His voyages consisted mostly of transporting troops as the Mount Vernon was a captured German cruise liner, modified to carry American soldiers. On September 5, 1918 the Mount Vernon was on its way back to the United States after delivering troops to the European war zone. While underway in a convoy some 200 miles west of France, the crew spotted a periscope and opened fire. At the same time German submarine U-82 launched a torpedo. Though she attempted to evade, Mount Vernon was hit amidships. The resulting explosion blew a large hole in her side, putting half the boilers out of action. Thirty-six of the crew were killed and another thirteen injured. As the sea began to rush into its hull, the Mount Vernon’s captain was forced to close the hatches to the damaged compartments.
completion of his initial training he was stationed in Boston, MA. In 1918 Fireman Second Class Crabtree was assigned to the USS Mount Vernon. In September of 1918, James was in the midst of his eighth trip across the Atlantic. His voyages consisted mostly of transporting troops as the Mount Vernon was a captured German cruise liner, modified to carry American soldiers. On September 5, 1918 the Mount Vernon was on its way back to the United States after delivering troops to the European war zone. While underway in a convoy some 200 miles west of France, the crew spotted a periscope and opened fire. At the same time German submarine U-82 launched a torpedo. Though she attempted to evade, Mount Vernon was hit amidships. The resulting explosion blew a large hole in her side, putting half the boilers out of action. Thirty-six of the crew were killed and another thirteen injured. As the sea began to rush into its hull, the Mount Vernon’s captain was forced to close the hatches to the damaged compartments. James Crabtree, was caught behind one of those hatches, and drowned as efforts were made to save the ship. James Erskin Crabtree was 24 years old when killed on September 5, 1918. He was the first Pike Countian killed in combat in World War I. The Secretary of the Navy commended the crew of the Mount Vernon for her sacrifice during the attack.
James’ body was returned to Stockdale where he was buried in Scioto Cemetery in Marion Township.
Courtsey of Beaver Valley Hall of Fame
Pike Co. Genealogy Society & Historical Society
P. O. Box 224,
Waverly, Ohio 45690