Pilot 14 July 1915

Charles Jackson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Jackson, who live near Herman, was wounded in action in France and died later at the hospital. He enlisted in Canada and was serving with a battalion of Canadian volunteers. He had been in many severe engagements and came out unharmed, but his time finally came, as it has come to so many thousands on both sides of this bitter conflict.

Pilot 14 July 1915

Nels Jackson was down from near Herman last Saturday and says there is no longer any question about the death of his son, Charles, in an army hospital in France from wounds received on the field of battle. Charley was born on the farm west of Herman Feb. 19, 1884, and was therefore past 31 years of age. With many others from the States he went up to Canada to buy some cheap land in 1911 and when the European conflict came on, he enlisted in the First Canadian Contingent and in due time was sent to the front. He was in a number of severe engagements and came out unharmed but he finally met the fate of so many other brave lads on both sides of the awful conflict. Besides his parents he leaves six brothers and two sisters to mourn the loss of son and brother. Charley isn’t the only American boy who has given up his life on the bloody battlefields of Europe, for hundreds have enlisted in Canada, but is the first from these parts. Which shows how far reaching are the results of war, the greatest crime of the ages.

Tribune 14 July 1915

Sad News Confirmed

Official notice has been received that Charles Jackson, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Jackson of Herman township, has met his death as the result of a wound received in battle while at the front with the Canadian troops with whom he had enlisted.

It is a sad blow to the family and the sympathy of their friends is with them in their hour of affliction.

Charles went to Canada some time back and took a homestead and when the war broke out joined the Canadian army. He, with his comrades, were sent to the front where he saw much active service, and in which he lost his life.

Charles was a fine specimen of American young manhood, a boy who had led a good clean, honorable life. Just the sort of a young man for a mother to be proud of, and a father to put his dependence in. That he has gone seems almost impossible, but that he died doing what he though was his duty is at least some recompense for the awful loss.

That the terror of the awful war is a reality to this family there can be no doubt. That this curse should not be delt out to us as a nation is devoutly hoped.

The Tribune extends its sympathies to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson and family.

Herman Record 16 Dec 1920

(Photo)

Canada Honors Dead Soldier

Parents of Charles Jackson Receive Medals from Government

Nels Jackson received from the Canadian government last week a gold plated service star bearing the name of his son Charles, who was killed at Festubert, France, May 22, 1915, while serving with the Fifth Canadian infantry. The medal also bears his service number, 12999. The star is surmounted by a crown and two swords are crossed over the face which is inscribed with the figures, “1914-1915” and the initials of King George V.

At the same time a sterling silver memorial medal came to Mrs. Jackson. It is in the form of a cross surrounded by a wreath and surmounted by a crown. The dead soldier’s name and number were on the back of it.

Charles Jackson sailed with the first 32,000 Canadian troops in August, 1914. The Herman American Legion Post has been named in his honor.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~