Publisher’s Note: The following article, published in the Dec. 21 1917 edition of The News Messenger reports the death of the first Lyon County soldier in World War I. A portion of this article will be featured in the new book: “The Sesquicentennial: Cultivating 150 Years of History in Marshall and Lyon County.” Books can be ordered for $44.95 by calling The Independent or filling out the form included in an advertisement in today’s paper.

(Dec. 21) — Like a bolt of lightning out of a clear sky came the news Sunday telling the death of Enos Wilson at Camp Pike, Ark. All the information the message contained was that death resulted from dyptheria Saturday evening. Few in the community knew of his illness. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Wilson, had received a message Saturday forenoon their son was critically ill at the Camp Hospital.

On September 21, Enos was called into service, and left Marshall with the 2nd contingent of Lyon County’s quota of the New National Army, bound for Camp Dodge, Des Moines, lowa. Here he was assigned to Company A, of the 351st Infantry and took up army training. He applied himself to his duties faithfully and conscientiously and made rapid progress. In October he was promoted to Corporal.

The latter part of November he was transferred from Camp Dodge to Camp Pike, Little Rock, Arkansas, as a member of the 346th Infantry. He had been in his new quarters but a few days, apparently, when he was afflicted.

News of the death of Mr. Wilson came as a stunning blow to the community.

Coming so suddenly it was hard to realize.

The writer came to know Enos as intimately, perhaps, as we know anyone in the community, and we have reason to remember his generous nature and good fellowship in times when genuine friendship and manly qualities are of value. We know he answered his country’s call willingly and he was anxious to do his bit for justice and humanity. He has done his utmost.

Enos Wilson was born on a farm in Lyon County November 27th, 1892, where he lived with his parents and manfully assisted in the farm work. In 1914 the family moved to Russell.

He took a course in business training at a college at York, Nebraska, and was engaged in business at Clontarf, Minnesota, when he answered his country’s call to duty.

He is distinctly a Lyon County boy and his pleasant, good nature has made him well liked by all who knew him.

Besides many friends he leaves his parents, and three sisters, Essie, May, and Esther, to mourn the loss of a son and loving brother.