William P. Marlin was born in Frontier county, Nebr., January 21, 1896, and was killed in France in an automobile accident July 15th, 1919, at the age of twenty-three years, five months and twenty–five days.

He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Marlin, who formerly lived near Orafino, Nebr., now living in Lexington, Nebr., and who are well known to the people of this community.

Mr. Marlin enlisted in the service at the call of his country July 25, 1918, and served faithfully until death. He leaves to mourn, a father, mother, grandmother, one sister and three brothers.

The funeral services were held in the Methodist church of Farnam, Sunday afternoon, January 9. Interment in the Marlin cemetery, sixteen miles south of Farnam. The bereaved friends have the sympathy of the people in the hour of sorrow.

The following letter was written by the chaplain who had charge of the military funeral “over there:”

Post Chaplain’s Office, Camp Williams, APO 712 AEF,—July 18, 1919.

Mr. Charles G. Marlin, Mitchell, Neb.

Dear Sir: I am more than sorry that it is necessary to write you about the death of your son, William P,. Marlin, 3961450, Pvt, 12th Service Company Signal Corps, which occurred by auto accident July 18, 1919, about four or five miles from this camp. The car lost its front wheel and crashed into a tree, causing the death of three men and injuring the driver. Your son was among the killed.

As Post Chaplain I saw that proper military and religious ceremonies were observed at the grave. While only a few of the men of this company are in the this camp there were a number who volunteered to attend the burial and act as the proper military escort.

Your son was buried in American Cemetery No. 58, Is–sur–Tille, Cote d’ Or, France. About 20 miles north of Dijon.

You have my deepest sympathy in this hour of sadness. All the men of Camp are filled with sorrow ... at this hour when all are expecting to be returned to U.S.A. to have this accident is doubly distressing.

May the thought that the service your son rendered be of comfort to you and may the blessing of Heaven rest upon you in your sorrow. During the religious ceremony prayer was offered for the comfort of the people at home.

The effects of your son will be returned to you in due time. I have nothing to do with them.
      Yours Sincerely
         Frank M. Kerr,
            Post Chaplain

The Farnam Echo 18(6):1 Thursday, January 13, 1921