grave import

Obituary

Howard G. Buck, of this city, a corporal in company B, Thirty-ninth infantry, stationed in the Philippine Islands, died on June 18, of dysentery. His name appears in the casualty list cabled to the war department yesterday by General MacArthur. He was a member of the Sixth battery and served with this organization during the two months of its existence and returned to Burlington. Having received a taste of army life, he was not contented, until he had re-enlisted. He joined the Thirty-ninth regiment last September, directly in opposition to the wishes of relatives and friends, being enlisted by Lieutenant Paterson, recruiting officer stationed here at the time. He proceeded to the regimental rendezvous at Fort Crook, leaving Burlington on September 13 and was immediately given a corporal's chevrons. He was a marble cutter by trade and just previous to his departure was employed by O.M. Burrus. Had he lived until next September he would have been 23 years of age and is survived by his father, Abraham H. Buck, mother, one brother and one sister, who reside at the present time on May avenue. Howard Buck is the first Burlington soldier boy to give up his life for his country in the far away Philippine Islands. Although not stricken down by an enemy's bullet, he is entitled to the same laurels as those who have fallen while fighting at the front. He was a handsome young fellow of perfect physique and always enjoyed excellent health the result of his sober, industrious manner of living. It was not conceived that he would be the first to succumb to disease of the number that left Burlington to fight our battles in our Oriental possessions. The news of his death will be heralded in this city where he was born and raised, with universal expressions of sorrow, especially among his former comrades in the Sixth battery, with whom he was a prime favorite. His inexhaustible good nature and amiable disposition won for him a place dee[ in the hearts of his friends and they all feel that in being denied the sight of his pleasant countenance and the sound of his cheery greeting again that they have experienced an individual calamity. He was not compelled to go to the front and many influences were brought to bear to restrain him from enlisting. He had a good trade, enjoyed pleasant social relations, and could have no object in exchanging this life for the hardships and privations of the army, except pure patriotism. He is certainly a hero and his grief-stricken family have this consolation in their bereavement.