Hertford Boy Passes
Away Over There
Cecil A. Williams, Machine Gun Sergeant, 51st
Company, U.S. Marine Corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Williams of Ahoskie,
N.C., aged 32 years and 10 months, died in France from a severe wound received
on June 26, 1918 at Chateau-Thierry. Next day after receiving the wound he was
taken to the American Red Cross Military Hospital where all was done that was
possible for his sufferings and for his comfort, but after four weeks it was
known that he was growing worse and on July 24th, he passed away.
He joined the Marine Corps at Norfolk four years ago last
September, and had he lived two months longer his time would have been out, but
in April, 1918, he was sent to France, after having served on the Mexican
border, and while in service there only two months, he and others of his
company did many acts of bravery in driving back the Huns and every Nation is
proud of the Marines.
He made the supreme sacrifice for God and for his country
and Hertford County is proud to have such a noble and heroic young man to be
the first one on the roll of honor. Still, his parents and brothers can not
help but feel broken hearted over the loss of their loved one, tho they have
the consolation to know such a brave young man as Cecil has only crossed the
line and joined the heroes in Heaven.
He joined the Center Grove Baptist Church when quite a boy
and ever since has lived a clean life. He was of the disposition to gather
about himself many true friends, and was as gallantly brave and true as any man
in the government’s service, loyal to his country to the core, and won his
laurels most becomingly. May his loved ones, especially his aged father, who
has been so feeble since learning of the sad death of his son, not be weary
overmuch, for yonder, at the last bugle call, their brave soldier boy, having
given his life and spilled his blood for the cause of righteousness and of humanity,
will be waiting to give them a hearty welcome to the Glory Land where they will
all be supremely happy forevermore, and may it be consoling to them to know
their dear boy is among so many other brave boys who gave their lives in the
greatest struggle the world as ever known.
The father received letters of condolence from the Red Cross
nurse, the chaplain, and one of the directors, telling them of the lovely
character of their son during his sufferings—how kind and lovable he was, and
so appreciative of every kind deed done for him, though his sufferings were
great, he was always cheerful and wonderfully patient and gentle.
He was laid to rest near Paris in the town of Suresne, on a
beautiful hillside to await the Resurrection morn. May the good Lord richly
bless all grieved ones with penitence of his Grace.
He heard humanity’s clear call,
And knew the voice divine.
He gave his life, he gave his all
In deadly battle line.
The silent stars in love look down
Where lies this loyal son;
In frost and dew they weave a crown
Of honor he was won.
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