Hancock County Historical Society
Carthage, IllinoisAE volume 1
Page 106OLIVER LANE DIED IN FRANCE
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Lane, who reside near Middle Creek, northwest of Plymouth, received an official message last Thursday Nov. 21, 1918, from the Government, stating that their son, Oliver Ira Lane, had died while in service in France, of pneumonia, death occurring Oct. 8, 1918.
The young man who paid the supreme toll for his country, was born December 2, 1896, being at the time of his death 22 years, 10 months and 6 days of age. He went cheerfully to his country's call, leaving Carthage on the morning of June 24, 1918. He received his training at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. He was a member of Company F, 343rd Infantry, 86th Black Hawk Division, 172nd Brigade.
After about two months training he left Camp Grant, August 21st, for New York, where his company received the honor of being the best trained company in the 86th Division. On September 8th they left New York for overseas duty, arriving in England on the 21st of September. It is not known what day they arrived in France, but three days after landing his division was reported at the front.
He was born on a farm near Middle Creek where his parents now reside. He was a very pleasant companion and always had a kind word for everyone and made many friends through out his community who keenly feel the sacrifice which has been brought to the community and the family, but they are proud.
He leaves his parents and three sisters, Mrs. Hazel Hubbard of Colusa, Ill. and Misses Edith and Helen at home.
It was with much regret that his grandfather, his only living grandparent, saw him leave for he knew the hardship he would undergo, as he himself is a Civil war veteran.
Oliver Ira Lane
