----Source: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Wis.) 07/28/1921

Meyer, Benjamin G. (11 JUN 1894 - 11 OCT 1918)

The body of private Benjamin Meyer, which arrived home from France last Thursday afternoon was buried with military honors in the Colby Catholic Cemetery on Saturday forenoon.

Funeral services were held at St. Mary’s Church at nine o’clock, Rev. Fr. Lachnit officiating. The pallbearers were six ex-service men, Francis Firnstahl, Will Stecker, Robert Harvey, Isadore Firnstahl, Lambert Schimmer and Frank Goeltz. When the body arrived here it was taken to the Lulloff undertaking rooms. On Saturday morning a company of ex-service men commanded by Capt. E. O. Witt, and members of the C. O. F. escorted the remains to the church. After the mass Rev. Lachnit delivered a fine sermon, in which he paid a glowing tribute to Benjamin’s many redeeming qualities while he lived. He impressed his hearers in stating the fact that, although he did not give up his life on the field of battle, he gave his life in a just cause and in defense of home and country.

The return of Benjamin’s remains recalls to mind the sad news sent to his mother, Mrs. Catherine Meyer, of this city (Colby, Wis.), on Nov. 2, 1918, that her son had passed away on the eleventh day of the previous month. In a touching letter from the nurse who attended him during his illness the mother was informed that the young soldier had passed away in a military hospital in France. She told of his great bravery and patience during his illness and of his expressions of hope for recovery, and his one wish was to again be with his regiment and further serve his beloved country.

Benjamin served as a member of the Blackhawk division and was taken ill shortly after his command had embarked to France from England. He became affected with the high epidemic that prevailed at that time and pneumonia brought about his death after but a few days of illness. He was buried in a court near the hospital in the presence of the hospital staff and those who were able to visit the graveside.

Benjamin Gerhard Meyer was born at Brillion, Wis., June 11, 1894, and was therefore 24 years and four months of age at the time of his death. He came to Colby with his parent in 1901 and grew to manhood among us. He graduated from the Colby High School with the class of 1912. He had chosen to be a druggist as a life profession and took up the study with O. R. Brigs at the Colby Drug Store even in his pare hours while attending school. After his graduation from the high school he became the steady assistant of Mr. Briggs. During the summer of 1914 he took up a short course in pharmacy under the tutorship of the late Prof. R. W. Sommer at Milwaukee, and after writing the examination received his license as a first class druggist. He again returned to Mr. Briggs’ employ and remained with him until Aug. 1914, when he accepted a position at the Ruh Drug Co., at Fond du Lac. On May 28, 1918, he was called for army service and was assigned to Co. L 342 Inf. at Camp Grant. He left with his company for overseas on the 8th of Sept. following.

Private Benjamin Meyer, who so nobly gave his life for his country was an honored member of the Colby Court, C. O. F. and a member of the Catholic Church, to which he was faithful to the last.

Surviving him are his mother and two brothers, George of Chicago and Richard of Rhinelander. His father, Henry G. Meyer, died in an accident while at work on Aug. 19, 1913.