New Hampshire WWI Military: Private Clark Aaron Goudie of Lisbon NH (1895-1918)

A photograph of Clark Aaron Goudie from the 1917 Dartmouth College Yearbook

Clark Aaron Goudie was b 11 September 1895 in Lisbon NH, son of Lawrence W. & Emma A. (Clark) Goudie. His father was an immigrant from Scotland who was an engineer and building contractor, while his mother was a homemaker and native of New Hampshire. Clark had half siblings Pliney Barlett and George Magnus, and sibling Harriet E. “Hattie.”

Clark attended Lisbon NH schools, followed by attendance for four years at Dartmouth College’s Thayer School. The 1917 College yearbook indicates that “His death while in the service prevented his securing a C.D. degree.” His WWI Registration form indicates that in June of 1917 he was working for the State of NH on the survey between New Hampshire and Vermont.

WWI Registration Form of June 2, 1917:  Clark Aaron Goudie | b 11 Sep 1895 Lisbon NH | Surveyor and student at C.E. | employed by Atty Gen of NH, NH & VT Boundary Survey | single | medium height and weight, brown eyes and black hair |

The Dartmouth 1917 yearbook goes on to state that he enlisted as a private in the Topographical Section, Company A., 29th Engineers about 26 October 1917 and shortly after was sent to Europe.”  The Global Security web site states that “The 29th Engineer Battalion (Topographic) performed survey and map reproduction throughout the European Theatre during the First World War. The headquarters and base plant were located in Langres, France, while mobile units were sent to various sectors of the American front.”

Though the circumstances of his death were not known, “he died of acute ulcerative colitis on August 5, 1918 probably at Evacuation Hospital No. 7 in the A.E.F.” According to recent studies, this condition could have been caused by influenza.  The Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent Office, Vol 258. No. 3, Geological Survey / List of Casualties shows: “Goudie, Pvt. Clark A., N.H., 29th Engineers, A.E.F. Died in France from disease on August 5, 1918. Father: L.W. Goudie, Lisbon NH.”

Clark A. Goudie’s remains were returned home to Lisbon to lie in his family’s plot. He is buried in Grove Hill Cemetery, Lisbon NH.  His name is engraved on the WWI Roll of Honor in the NH State House.  As far as I am aware, Dartmouth College has a plaque at Memorial Field, however it is non-specific and honors all those from the college who have, are, or will participate during any war.

[Editor’s Note: this story is part of an on-going series about heroic New Hampshire men and women of World War I.  Look here for the entire listing].