Monday, February 28, 2011

RIP Frank Buckles

The last surviving WW1 veteran, Frank Buckles passed away this weekend at age 110. Thank you for your service sir!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Michael P. Fenton also known as Sergt Dan A. Sullivan

This article is from the June 26, 1918 Lowell Sun:

"Sergt. Dan Sullivan of the 82d Company of Marines was Killed in Action
The first Lowell man in the United States Marine service to  give up his life in the present war is Sergt. Dan A. Sullivan of the 82d Company of Marines. He formerly lived at 230 Fayette street, this city.
His sister, Mrs. John P. Killeen of the same address, received word of her brother's death in a telegram from the war department last evening.  The report was verified in today's official casualty list.
Sergt. Sullivan was killed in action, according to the official notification received.here. It is probable that he took part in the recent big offensive of the marines and was one of those who went over the top for the last time. Mrs. Killeen received a letter from him on April 26. Although it vas very brief, he said that he was in good health.
Sergt. Sullivan was 36 years old. He had served one enlistment of four years in the marine service before the war and later worked in the U. S. Cartridge Co. plant, of this city. About a year ago he re-enlisted in the marines and went overseas last October.
Besides his sister he leaves a. brother William, of New York.
Sergt. Sullivan's real name is Michael P. Fenton, although he has been known as Sullivan."

The ironic thing is that he was known in the service as Sullivan but the square in Lowell named in his honor is the Michael P. Fenton square.  The square is at the intersection of East Merrimack and High streets.  He is buried in France as Daniel Sullivan.

Friday, February 4, 2011

The real meaning of Cupples Square

With Cupples Square featured in the movie "The Fighter" I wanted to give the background on Cupples Square.

Lieut. Lorne L. Cupples of Grove Street, was the superintendent of the Whitall Manufacturing Company on Rock Street in Lowell, MA.  He received his commission of Captain at the Plattsburg Officer's Training School.  He sacrificed his rank of Captain and took the rank of  Second Lieutenant so that he could see immediate action.

"The sad news of his passing was received today by Albert L. Paul, manager of the Whitall Mfg. Co. by letter from a former curate of the Grace church, this city. The letter was  as follows:
Nov. 2, 1918
My Dear Mr. Paul:
Passing through 15 evacuation hospital, I met your friend, Lorne Cupples.  He is dying of severe wounds in the stomach. I had a short prayer with him and he asked me to write to you. He said he had been thinking of you and hoping that he would soon be back with you. That was the only time he really wanted.  He has suffered a lot of pain with great patience.  I expect he will die the death of a soldier, like a soldier and that is the greatest thing to do.
Yours very truly ,
M.L. Peabody

Chaplain 102s Field Artillery
Former Curate Grace church.  Lowell, Mass.

To this letter was attached the following:
I went to see another patient,  this  afternoon and found that your friend had died.  I was glad to have had a chance, to have a prayer with him.
Upon receipt of the news of his death it became the sad duty of Mr.  Paul to acquaint Lieut. Cupples' wife with the facts and the information came as a terrible shock, to her. It was also stated today that the Whitall Mfg. Co.is in mourning. Ho was a great favorite,  there with superiors and operatives alike, and Mr. Paul says he feels his loss as keenly as though he were his own brother.
Deceased entered the second officers', training camp at Plattsburg Aug. 27, 1917.He  was Commissioned captain Nov. 24, 1917, just one year ago the day before, yesterday. Later he, voluntarily  accepted a commission as second lieutenant  so that he might go overseas at the earliest possible moment.  He was assigned to the ordance department for duty."