On Tuesday, May 29, 1917 of this week word was received that Vergil Anderson , who enlisted in the Army a little over a month ago, had died of measles at El Paso, Texas.
Vergil is the son of Mr. W.H. Anderson of Strong City and was one of the most admired young men of the county. He had no bad habits and was a patriot. When the call for volunteers came, Vergil was one of the first to present himself for enlistment in the Navy, but on account of his age, even though he had the consent of his parents, he was rejected by that department of the service. When he was denied the privilege of enlisting in the Navy, he then enlisted in the regular Army. After spending a few days at Ft. Logan, Colorado, he was transferred to El Paso for further training. where he contracted the measles that caused his death.
We have not been informed whether his body will be shipped home for burial or not.
W.H. Anderson, his father, left for El Paso Tuesday morning but before he arrived at that place, God had called home the spirit of his son.
The Star wishes to extend condolence to the bereaved and pay tribute to Vergil who is a hero and a martyr even though he was not privileged to go to the battle front.
Cheyenne Star, May 31, 1917
{Vergil/Virgle was born August 6, 1899 and is buried in the Strong City Cemetery –
Veteran World War I}