Company "I" Guest Book

Apr 22, 2002 Name: Richard Allen
My connection to Company I was: My Father
I would like to correspond with anyone else who has relatives or connections to Company I. You can reach me using the "Email" button on the frame to the left.

Apr 22, 2002 Name: Bill Quinn WilliamJQuinn@cs.com
My connection to Company I was: My Father
Looking good!

May 13, 2002 Name: William A. Lewis Sr. billysr33@hotmail.com
My connection to Company I was: My Father
My father was Pvt. Stillman S. Lewis mentioned several times in the diary. The diary states he was shell shocked on Sept. 28, 1918. He married Freda Knight in Olean, N.Y. and they had seven children of whom I am the youngest (69) Dad died in Sept. 1934 when I was 18 months old. He died in the V.A. hospital in Buffalo, N.Y.of Hodgkins Disease.This web site is very interesting and informative. Thank you, Bill Lewis 5/13/02

May 17, 2002 Name: Charles W Quinn jochuck@earthlink.net
My connection to Company I was: My Father
this is a great tribute to a bunch of guys who"put it on the line" I get goosebumps whenever "over there" starts. Great job!!

May 19, 2002 Name: Dennis P. Quinn dpquinn@buffalo.com
My connection to Company I was: My Grand-Father

May 20, 2002 Name: Deacon MIchael D. Quinn deaconmike@aol.com
My connection to Company I was: My Grand-Father

May 20, 2002 Name: W. E. Baier, jr. sue.bill@pdq.net
My connection to Company I was: No One
www.angelfire.com/ny3/roughnecks/diary.html This is the link to my uncle's diary. He was in the 107th. You will find many connections to your father's entries. In particular, read October 17, 1918. Your father went through hell. Those binoculars were expensive in comrades, not cigarettes or chocolate bars.

May 26, 2002 Name: mark lewis poppasun@charter.net
My connection to Company I was: My Grand-Father
Thank you very much for posting this interesting, historical document that has surely brought tears to many. My grandfather, Stillman Stephen Lewis, died when my father was 4 years old. (It's my understanding that his illness and death were the result of mustard gas poisoning from the war.) I have always somehow felt a connection to this man that I never knew, and whose 7 children hardly knew him. Your web site has gone a long way in helping me, as well as many other family members, strengthen that bond. Again, thank you.

Jun 11, 2002 Name: RAY E. LEWIS PROPWASH@PENN.COM
My connection to Company I was: My Father
MY FATHER WAS STILLMAN S. LEWIS. I AM ONE OF HIS SEVEN CHILDREN.

Jul 23, 2002 Name: jim swartz (from Salamanca) jsret@sbceo.org
My connection to Company I was: No One
Trying to find my father's unit in WW1. We think it was 326th Infantry division company L. I knew three of the four persons from Salamanca who were in the 108th. You did an excellent job. iwish that there were more listings of other veterans from Cattaraugus County.....

Aug 2, 2002 Name: Susan Edmonds
My connection to Company I was: My Great-Uncle
My great-uncle Gerald Donigan served in the 108th and was KIA on September 28, 1918 at Bony, France. I have been corresponding with Dick and we have been sharing information about the 108th. My grandfather Bill Dongian and another great uncle Albert Dongian were also in the army during the war. Dick is doing a great job with this web site and it is going to be interesting to see what other people have hiding in their closets and attics about the 108th.

Sep 24, 2002 Name: Marge Pacheco wwwmarge@yahoo.com
My connection to Company I was: No One
I found this on RootsWeb.com. My only connection is the SPENCER family. From a undated clipping in my father's personal things. TAPS SOUNDED FOR A VETERAN OF WORLD WAR A military funeral was held for the late William L. Ehler, Wednesday afternoon at the Halwig Funeral Home. Mr. Ehler, a World War Veteran, passed away Sunday in New York. The Rev. H.H. Atkins, pastor of the United Bretheren Church of Farmers Valley, officiated. Olean Post, No. 1619, Veterans of Foreign Wars, conducted its ritual at Mount View Cemetery, with S.W. Sherman as commander. Members of Company I acted as pall-bearers. The were: Capt Van A. Simmons, L.R. Kozlow, William Klatte, F.C. Achenbach, Leroy Spears and George Armstrong. During the Service, the Rev. Atkins and L.E. Tanner of Farmers Valley offered to selections, accompanied by Mrs W.N. Truby. The were: "Good Night Here - Good Morning There" and "We'll Never Say Goodbye". A Volley was fired at the grave, the firing squad being composed of Sergeants Williams, Corson, Riodan, Privatees, hanes, Kula, Reed, Ackkley and Bastalenia and Captain Lynch. William Wright was bugler. Those attending from out-of-town were: Mr and Mrs C. Schwab, Duke Center; Mr. and Mrs. Russell Reed, Derrick City; Mr and Mrs Kenneth Battles, Bradford; Mr. and Mrs. Irving Brown, Samuel Brown, Shinglehouse; Mr. and Mrs Fred Fladders, Kenmore; Mrs Frank Spencer, Mrs Gladys Spencer, Mrs Eva Hotchkiss, Perry; Mr. and Mrs Fran Paul, Mrs Florence Fancher, Warsaw; Mr. and Mrs. Claude Spencer, Batavia; Mrs Birdie Baker, Mrs Samuel Baker, Mrs John Baker, Corryville, Pa.

Oct 20, 2002 Name: Lisa Monacelli lmonacelli@salamancany.org
My connection to Company I was: No One
Nice web site! I teach at Salamanca HS - I think I'll have my students read part of the diary ... Do you ever do any guest speaking in class rooms? Lisa

Nov 28, 2002 Name: Steve Barnhoorn sbarnhoorn@hotmail.com
My connection to Company I was: My Great Grand-Father
Great website!!! However, there's a piece of info that caught my attention -- 13 August 1918: Three casualties in Co I, Corp Carney and Priv Perington killed in front line and outpost. Corp Braymer got shrapnel wound in leg in barrage this morning. Corp Lebaren wounded in wrist. Please note that Benjamin Perrington was wounded and returned to the U.S. with the rest of his company. He died on May 4, 1981 in Olean.

I would assume that in the fog of battle, the front line doughboy's awareness of what happened to buddies who were no longer in the trench next to him was based more on hearsay and scuttlebut than actual fact. I think this was the case here, Note that later in his diary, my Dad mentions that several people who were assumed dead, came back (assumedly from the hospital) to unit. Note his entry for Nov 18, 1918. - Dick Allen

Nov. 18 - Drilled in A.M. Went to rifle range in P.M. Non-Com school in P.M. Washed three handkerchiefs in evening. Doc Lee came back today. Also Barton, Perrington , and George Turock

Mar 6, 2003 Name: Michael Prince prier@compuserve.com
My connection to Company I was: No One
Fine site. My grandfather served with Co. C, 118th Infantry, 30th Infantry Div. ("Old Hickory"), which, as near as I can determine, fought in the sector adjoining the 27th Inf. Div. in Sept. of 1918. Would appreciate an info anyone might have on his outfit.

May 01, 2003 Name: Jean Holcomb Moses jmoses@netsync.net
My connection to Company I was: My Uncle
Wonderful to read this site . My mother's brother Edwin Sweitzer was with this unit. Olny wish his son Edwin Jr, my cousin was around to see this. Thanks for what you have done

Sep 06, 2003 Name: Robert Johnston
My connection to Company I was: No One
I have recently begun studying WWI. I thank you for sharing this personal diary with the world. I had a great uncle that served in the Army in WWI. By the time I was old enough to appreciate his sacrifice, he was gone. This diary gives me a bit of knowledge as to what it is like in the day to day drudgery of the soldier. Thanks, Robert Johnston

Oct 05, 2003 Name: Richie Baltera flybal@houston.rr.com
My connection to Company I was: My Great-Uncle
My Grandfather's brother Cpl. John Donovan served in co F 105th infantry 27th Division and is buried in Bony France. He died on the morning of September 29th, 1918 While Standing on the "jumping off" line For "The Big Push" to take the Hindenburg line. He was hit by shrapnel from an exploding shell. You have a great website. Thank you for keeping alive the memory of O'Ryans RoughNecks.

Nov 01, 2003 Name: Jody Pendleton ednjopen@juno.com
My connection to Company I was: My Grand-Father
My grandfather, Howard Allen Mann, like many others never talked about the war. All I have is his discharge papers which I can barely read. He enlisted June 7, 1917 in Bonham, Texas. Serving in "First" and in the "AEF, France." He had no wounds on discharge. He had his "Typhoid prophylaxis and Paratyphoid prophylaxis compled ? 29, 1917. He was 201/2 years when he enlisted, single, a student, Blue eyes, light hair, fair complexion, and 5ft 7in. From Camp Bru??, Texas discharge April 10th, 1919. He was ? ? ? "B" 132nd F.A. 36th Div. If anyone has information about him or his unit, I would love information.

Nov 19, 2003 Name: Shelly Johnson babymist1@hotmail.com
My connection to Company I was: No One

Jan 28, 2004 Name: H. Fellows
My connection to Company I was: No One

Mar 07, 2004 Name: Dana Sohr dsohr@comcast.net
My connection to Company I was: My Grand-Father
I am in the process of deciphering my grandfather's diary from the war. He was in the 102nd Sanitary Train, in an ambulance company, responsible for transporting wounded soldiers from the front lines back to dressing and aid stations. At various times he interacted with members of the 105th, 106th, 107th, and 108th, and was engaged in many of the same places as Wilfred Allen. I enjoyed this site very much. Thanks.

Mar 11, 2004 Name: Frank Pepper frankpepper@bellsouth.net
My connection to Company I was: My Grand-Father
My Grandfather is Frank Sherman Baker. He passed away Jan. 14, 1980 in Easton Pennsylvania. - I will add more soon.

Apr 03, 2004 Name: John F. Crossen luke94950@yahoo.com
My connection to Company I was: A relative
Hello: Dick, would you send me your email addy? For some reason my email provider will not open up a link to write you. Bummer! In any case, I enjoyed the site and reading your father's diary very much. I'm trying to find out more about a cousin of mine from Kinzua, Warren County (but born in Morris Township, Tioga County), PA--Corp. Floyd H. English, killed on Sept. 29, 1918 in the attack on the Hindenburg Line, France. I do not know yet what Company he was in, but he was in the 108th Regiment. If you or anyone else knows anything about Floyd, please write me! (You can see his photo from the book "Warren County Boys Over There" at OldPhotos.com.) Take care!--John

May 29, 2004 Name: Tim Quinn tqu9047@yahoo.com
My connection to Company I was: My Grand-Father

Jun 07, 2004 Name: Kathleen Baker Olufe kathyploufe@yahoo.com
My connection to Company I was: My Great-Uncle
My sister found your site and emailed me about it. My grandfather's name is Wester W. Baker and she thinks that our grandfather's were brothers!

Jun 08, 2004 Name: Frank Pepper frankpepper@bellsouth.net
My connection to Company I was: My Grand-Father
Yes Kathleen, Wes was my grandfather's brother (!)

Jun 20, 2004 Name: Patti Austin austin_432003@yahoo.com
My connection to Company I was: A relative
Ai this point I am checking into family history and may be related to the Allens as my Grandma was an Allen

Jun 27, 2004 Name: Cherry
My connection to Company I was: No One
I so appreciate all the work you have put into this lovely, informative site. My ancestors are not herewith. I possess the Civil War diary of one of my ancestors and I intend to transcibe it someday to share with historians and genealogists. It is inspiring for me to see your work. Thank you

Jul 31, 2004 Name: joe mumeco@gmx.li
My connection to Company I was: No One
Great site! Very interesting. I run a simular project. Please visit http://www.Flieger-Album.de This site covers the diary of LTD. Werner Dittmann during the First Worldwar. There are nearly 800 photos of his personal photoalbum online. Unfortunately this site is in german language. Regards, Joe

Sep 01, 2004 Name: mike garvey michaelkgarvey@yahoo.com
My connection to Company I was: No One
very interesting and well put together. A question, i dont understand the seemingly random amount of pay. any reason you know for that?

Sep 23, 2004 Name: Philip D. Forsberg Lieutenant Colonel, USAR philip.forsberg@us.army.mil
My connection to Company I was: My Grand-Father
My Mother's Father was an imigrant from Sweden. His name was Johan Brorjohan Johansson (Later, John Brotherjohn Johnson). At the age of 16, in 1910, he came to New York as a cook's assistant on a passenger ship. He left the ship and settled in Brooklyn where he got a job as an assistant gardener in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. In 1916 or 1917, he enlisted in Company K, 108th Infantry. He was wounded by gas in a German attack in the autumn of 1918. He died in 1970 when I was 10 years old. He was the greatest man I ever had the privalege of knowing. Once, at the library of the United States Military Academy at West Point, I found a ook entitled, "A short istory and Illustrated Roster of the 108th Infantry Regiment". There, in Company K, I found a tiny picture of him. The book was a sort of yearbook kind of publcation done before the unit deployed overseas. The photographs were all taken at a place called Camp Wadsworth, South Carolina (near Spartanburg). I have some old snapshots that closely match the type that are in the book. I imagine that he bought them at Camp Wadsworth, but I imagine the cost of the book was beyond his reach. It is a very excellent book, and I recommend that you ask to see it if you ever go to West Point. Thank you for your building and maintaining this website. God bless the 108th Infantry!

Oct 12, 2004 Name: KERMIT MERCER kmercer1@rochester.rr.com
My connection to Company I was: No One
Hi Richard..... I was stationed in France 1955-56 with the USAF in the Verdun region and and was born in Brockport, NY in 1933 and am well acquanted with the 108th Inf. 27th Div. since it is still the NYS National Guard group. The four Regts in the Division were 105th, 106th, 107th, 108th. I visited the St. Souplet, about 5 years ago when I went back to France after almost 50 years. I took a number of photos of the battlefields of the 30th Division for a friend who lost her Gt. Uncle there Oct 17, 1918 in the attack on Molain just 2 km from St. Souplet. The two Divisions were part of the British 4th Army in the northern Somme region and were supplied by the British, rifles and all. The sgt's niece put all the pictures on a web page http://www.rootsweb.com/~tnstewar/judson.htm which might be helpful to you. Also a friend of mine, Bernard Lemarie, of St. Souplet added it to his web page. He is the local expert on the 27th Division in that area. I stayed in BONY that week which was the first days objective for the 27th Division in the Hindenburg Line attack Sept. 26. The American Somme Cemetery is there. I have quite a collection of information on the 27th Division let me know if I can be of some help. Kermit Mercer 7816 Ridge Road, Brockport, NY 14420, 585.637.5102. Best, kermit

Dec 19, 2004 Name: Mary Husslein
My connection to Company I was: No One

Jul 04, 2005 Name: Daniel Markle dankim@frontiernet.net
My connection to Company I was: No One
Veteran-President 108th Infantry Association 133 Culver Parkway Rochester NY 14609 Great site Virtute Non Verbis ( by Valor Not By Words)

Jul 12, 2005 Name: Joyce Moran gmoran1975@worldnet.att.net
My connection to Company I was: My Great-Uncle
Harry Carney was my great-uncle and the uncle of my father, John Lonzo Carney of Arivaca, Arizona. My father recalls that Harry is buried at St. Bonaventure cemetery in Olean, New York. My father also believes that Harry suffered from some type of gas exposure during the war and never fully recovered. Thank you for the work you have done on the 108th.

April 20, 2011 Name: LTC Mark J. Wehrum mwehrum@aol.com

Hi Dick

I enjoyed viewing your website. My grandfather was SGT John C.H. Wehrum, I co/108 INF. He was wounded in Belgium and survived his wounds... Therefore, my father and I survived with him. I have a few of my grandfathers possessions, purple heart, campaign ribbons and dog tags. He died before I was born, but I wish I could have asked him about the war. I think it was my fascination with my grandfather's WW1 service that led me to join the army. Thank you for posting your fathers diary. I'm sure he must have known my grandfather. He may have dragged him to safety on the night of 9/29/1918.