February is Black
History Month and we are fortunate to have local Black History on display here
in Decatur Public Library. Local
historians Dr. Wylheme Ragland, James L. Nicholas, Jr., and Frederick D.
Kennedy, have put together some very interesting displays in the cases right
inside our entrances. The theme for their display is “Our World War I Veterans:
Service, Sacrifices, and Songs in the Trenches”. The items – including photos,
books, and certificates – pay tribute to two Morgan County men who fought for
the United States during World War I. We
hope you’ll have a chance to stop by and take a look at these artifacts. Below you will find a little more information
about these brave men.
Owen Fowler, 1894 -
1918
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Born:
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30 March 1894, Hartselle, Morgan County,
Alabama
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Parents:
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Robert Fowler and Lassie Draper Fowler
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Maternal Grandparents:
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John Draper and Lou Draper
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Occupation before Enlistment:
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Laborer, L & N Railroad, Albany, Alabama
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Enlistment Date:
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28 October 1917
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Military Service:
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Bugler, Company “E”, 366th Infantry
The United States Army
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Killed in Action:
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3 November 1918, France
World War I Gold Star Family
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Internment:
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23 May 1921, Hartselle Missionary Baptist
Church Cemetery
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French Honor:
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Memorial Certificate, The Republic of France
Presented to Family, King’s Memorial
Methodist Episcopal Church
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Curtis Allen Moseley, 1891 - 1928
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Born:
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2 April 1891, Decatur, Morgan County, Alabama
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Parents:
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Allen S. Moseley and Ida May Schaudies Moseley
Bowen
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Maternal
Grandparents:
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Samuel Schaudies and Abbie Robinson Schaudies
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Grandfather’s Occupation:
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Boot and Shoe Maker Business, Decatur, Alabama
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Paternal
Grandparents:
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Coleman “Gola” Moseley and Sally Moseley
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Grandfather’s Military
Service:
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Company “K”, 111th, United States Colored
Infantry
Union Soldier, The American Civil War
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Draft Registration:
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05 June 1917, Birmingham, Jefferson County,
Alabama (age 26)
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Occupation before Enlistment:
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Chauffer and Musician
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Induction/Enlistment:
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26 April 1918, Birmingham, Jefferson County,
Alabama
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Boot Camp:
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Camp Custer, Michigan
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Military Service:
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Corporal
92 Division
350th Machine Gun
Battalion
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Death Date and Interment:
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23 January 1928, Decatur City Cemetery
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