News Clipping, Apr 23, 1918

Horace P. Beale, Sidney's First War Victim, Laid at Rest

It was indeed a sad homecoming, one that deeply touches every heart in this community. At 7:30 p.m., 23rd inst., there gathered at the Union Station a large crowd of friends to witness the arrival of the O. & W. Mountain Express. The scattering drops of an April Shower mingled with the tears that flowed, and deeply stirred hearts mourned the tragedy of Sidney's first war victim, the late Horace Phelps Beale.

Of this bright, amiable young man, the sole comfort of his bereaved parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar L. Beale, and fond pride of unnumbered friends, naught but good can be said. Brave, manly and generous, his death brings a bitter cup of sorrow to their lips. On the 5th day of April, proud to be called into service of his country, he left Sidney with his quota, to return only a few days later, awaited by sorrowing relatives and friends, and a military escort.

Arriving at Camp Dix, N.J., with his quota, he readily and cheerfully took to his military duties and all went well until last week, when he was attacked with pneumonia. His condition became critical on the 15th and his father took the train for Camp Dix, arriving there Friday morning, 19th inst., but growing worse, his mother, Mrs. Beale, although feeble in health, braved the journey accompanied by Mrs. Neidlinger. Arriving at Trenton, N.J., word was sent that all hopes were gone, and death came on the morning of Monday, 22nd inst.

Horace P. Beale died in the 27th year of his age. Born in East Guilford in 1891, nearly all his years were spent in Sidney. He graduated at Sidney High School and later completed a course in Forestry and graduated form the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, returning to Sidney and engaging in the wholesale lumber business with his father, Mr. Edgar L. Beale. In 1915 he became a member of Sidney Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 801, by initiation, and appointed Junior Deacon in recognition of his good work and deep interest in Masonry. On the 5th of April he became a member of Recruit Battalion Co. No. 2, attached to the 303rd Engineers, Camp Dix, N. J. Sergeant Major Jos. J. Rivage was sent from Camp Dix as escort to the body and to attend the funeral, also to convey the deep regret of Private Beale's comrades at Camp Dix.

Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock services were held at the family home on Avery street and were largely attended, the services being conducted by Rev W.T. Edds of Sayyville, N. Y., assisted by Rev. O. T. Fletcher. Co. I, 10th Infantry, Second Platoon, N. Y. G., of Sidney, acted as honorary escort and the committal services were in charge of Sidney Lodge, F. & A. M., internment being held in Prospect Hill cemetery. The floral remembrances were numerous and many of exquisite design. After the committal services in Prospect Hill cemetery the Second Platoon, commanded by 1st Sergeant A. L. Meeker, fired a salute of 3 volleys.

To the deeply afflicted father and mother and family who sit in sorrow where his footsteps shall never again find echo, is extended the sincere sympathy of the entire community.

Notes: Frances L. Neidlinger is listed in the 1920 Census for Oneanta, in Otsego County.