Surnames: FARNING

----Source: CLARK COUNTY REPUBLICAN & PRESS (Neillsville, Wis.) 04/25/1918

Farning, Arthur (1 APR 1899 - 9 Apr 1918)

Not alone on the field of battle are the sacrifices for out country made; man a brave lad has been or will be called to lay down his life, far on this side of the firing line. They who offer themselves and fall before reaching the from are none the less heroes. Such was Private Arthur Farning who died at Waco, Texas, April 9, 1918.

Arthur was born in the town of Eaton, Clark County, Wis., April 1, 1899, being the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Farning. He was brought up at home on the farm. He enlisted March 28, 1917 in Co. A of Neillsville, and went with the company to Two Harbors, Minn. He came with the boys to Camp Douglas and went with them to Waco, Texas. Here he was placed in the 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, along with a number of other Co. A. men. Before his regiment went East he had the measles, which left him partially deaf and undermined his strength. Later he was taken with menengitis, which was the immediate cause of his death. He was a brave, manly fellow, loved by his comrades and by all who knew him as a boy at home. His early death brings grief to many friends here and he will be mourned too by the boys beyond the seas when it is known there that he has passed away. His remains were brought back here for burial, the funeral being held in the Woodmen Hall in Greenwood April 15th. The people of that city and the country for miles around came to give final honors to the soldier boy. The schools and all the business houses of the city were closed, the pupils marching in a body, with the band and firing squad to do military honors. In attendance also were representatives of four auxiliaries of the Red Cross, and many prominent men and women from Neillsville, Loyal and the surrounding country. Flags were draped along the streets and in the hall, and every mark of honor possible given by Rev. Mr. Rainey, in which a glowing tribute was paid to the youthful soldier who had laid his life upon our country's altar.

He leaves his father, (his mother died about three years ago), five sisters and three brothers, one of whom, Robert, is with the Army in England and will soon be among the fighting forces in France.