BIRTH
18 Feb 1890
Iron River, Iron County, Michigan, USA
Name Ira Wardwell
Rank Private
Residence Date Abt 1917
Residence Place Morris, Wisconsin, USA
Military Branch US Army
Death Date 1917-1918
Cause of Death Died of Disease
Thur 19 Dec 1918
Ira Wardwell
Town of Morris Soldier Boy Dies in France
Ira Wardwell, only son of Mr and Mrs Frank Wardwell, of Morris, Wis., died of measles and bronchial pneumonia in France last October. He was 28 years of age, was honest and upright in his dealing with his fellow-men, and was liked by all who knew him. He enlisted from Shawano last march and was stationed at Ft. Moultrie, S.C., being assigned to the heavy coast artillery, until he crossed the seas. He asked permission to go across in place of a man who had a sick wife and the request was granted. He was very anxious to go across and do his part for democracy and liberty. He was employed as a cook until taken sick with measles, which later developed into bronchial pneumonia, and passed away on October 16th, 1918. He leaves a host of friends and relatives to mourn his loss.
Thur 30 Sep 1920
Military Funeral for Morris Soldier
Morris, Tigerton, Whitcomb and Wittenberg Pay Homage to Ira Wardwell
The body of Ira Wardwell, the only son of Mr and Mrs Frank Wardwell, farmers in the town of Morris, was brought back from France and arrived home Fri evening. On Sun a military funeral was held at Tigerton, and the people from Morris and Tigerton paid homage to the memory of their soldier here. From out Shawano way, there were in attendance Mr and Mrs Ed Erb and son Lester of Angelica, D A Frazer and wife of Shawano, John Erb and daughter Leone of Underhill, and Mr and Mrs Wendstadt of Shawano.
Private Ira Wardwell was born in Iron River, Michigan, Feb 12, 1890. He came with his parents to the town of Morris several years ago, and lived with them until he enlisted in the service of his country, Mar 6, 1918. He trained in Fort Moultrie, South Carolina. On Sep 26, he sailed from Hoboken, New Jersey, and arrived in Brest, France, Oct 2. He died on the 12th of the same month with pneumonia.
Just 2 years from the day on which he sailed from his native land, his body was returned to his former home. He was accorded all military honors at the funeral. His pall bearers were soldier comrades, and the soldier boys from Morris and Tigerton marched in line, escorting the body to the cemetery. The Wittenberg soldiers joined the parade at Tigerton. They brought a beautiful floral pillow with the word “Our Comrade.” The Whitcomb soldier boys brought another beautiful pillow of flowers with the words “Our Soldier Boy.” There were profuse offering of flowers from his many friends and old neighbors, besides those presented by the soldiers.