IDENTIFIED WWI BIBLE

[cpatrick]

There is something about war-time Bibles that I love. Perhaps the fact that I am a Christian, and the idea that faith sustains many during times of trial is what interests me. This was was retrieved from a junk box at the local flea market, for a whopping $1. I always look at the inside fly leaf for surprises, and boy was I delighted with what I found.

 

There is a lovely pencil dedication to, "Earnest J. Zinn, of Company B, 130th Machine Gun Bn." - which was a part of the 35th Infantry Division. A veteran of St. Mihiel, and the Argonne, this Bible no doubt saw a lot of action!!

 

Chris

[cpatrick]

...

[cpatrick]

Also be sure to check out my Civil War Bible in the groupings section....

[Jeffrey Magut]

That's a terrific find, especially at that bargain price. Just in case you don't already have it, here's the information from the WWI Misssouri database for Zinn, showing he was severely wounded in action.

 

ZINN, ERNEST JENNINGS 1,454,648 W

(Surname) (Christian name) (Army serial number) (Race)

Residence:

LEANN, MO

(Street and house number) (Town or City) (County) (State)

*Inducted at: AURORA, MO on 5/4/1917

Place of birth: LEANN, MO Age or date of birth: 20 1/4YRS

Organizations served in, with dates of assignments and transfers:

 

CO M 2 INF MO NG TO 11/3/17; CO B 130 MG BN TO DISCHARGE

Grades, with date of appointment:

 

PVT

Engagements:

Wounds or other injuries received in action: SEVERE

Served overseas from † 5/3/1918 To † 11/23/1918 from † To †

Honorably discharged on demobilization Y

In view of occupation he was, on date of discharge, reported Y per cent disabled.

Remarks:

 

WOUNDED IN ACTION 29 SEPT 1918; 40% DISABLED

[cpatrick]

Jeffrey,

 

Thank you for the information. I actually was not aware of this information!! How does one retrieve this information? Thanks again!!!

 

 

Chris

[Jeffrey Magut]

Chris,

 

The Missouri State Archives page for searching WWI soldier records is outstanding, probably the most user friendly of all the states. Here's the link:

 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/mo/county/stlouis/moww1help.htm

 

Jeffrey

[776thamtrac]

I'm glad you posted this. I had been wanting to post shots of the Bible that was carried by two members of my family. During WWI this New Testement was carried by Harrison Wilson my Great Great Uncle. He was with Company L, 119th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division at Ypers, Bellicourt, Busigny, St. Couplet, and Mazegnheim. During WWII it was carried by my grandfather SSGT. Everett R. Wilson Jr. From pre war Horse Cavalry days at Fort Riley/Camp Funston, to his time with the 776th Amphibian Tank Bn. at Anguar, Peleliu, Leyte, and Okinawa. Both men were combat wounded. Thanks for your post!

[cpatrick]

Thanks for posting the Bible - that is a very interesting story. I love these Bibles, and it is not very often that you see them cover both of the World Wars - very nice post! Is this a private purchase Bible, or was it something given out by one of the organizations, such as the YMCA, or the American Tract Society?

 

Chris

[776thamtrac]

My pleasure to share it! I'm thinking that it was given out by the YMCA based on what remains of that logo on the front cover. Ya think?