Deeds of Valor–Spanish-American War Medal of Honor Recipient: Bradford New Hampshire’s Walter Scott West (1872-1943)

Posted on 21 June, 2016 by Janice Brown

Walter Scott West charcoalHe was born Scott Walter West, but used the name Walter Scott West when he enlisted for service in Company C, United States Marine Corp., assigned to the U.S.S. Marblehead (C-11). His native town was Bradford, New Hampshire, though his parents had moved to Stoddard by the time he was 7 years old, and afterwards to Hillsborough, NH (the town). So it seems several places may like to “claim” him.

I chose to write about him, as representative of the many New Hampshire participants in the Spanish-American War.  I had no idea until I researched his family tree, that I am related to him–a fifth cousin, three time removed, through his paternal grandmother, Mary Runnels Ayer (who married Leonard West).

Walter Scott West was the only U.S. Marine from New Hampshire to receive the medal of honor until one was presented to Jehd Colby Barker of Franklin, New Hampshire. Lance Corporal Barker lost his life on 21 September 1967 in Vietnam and was awarded the medal posthumously. Continue reading →

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A 2016 Military Father’s Day: My Dad’s WW2 Navy in Photographs

Posted on 19 June, 2016 by Janice Brown
Berwin H. Webster in dress blue service uniform circa 1943

Berwin H. Webster in dress blue service uniform circa 1943

Thirty five years ago was the last time I was able to happily celebrate Father’s Day. On November 7th of 1981 my Dad, Berwin “Webby” Webster, passed away, at the age of 68. He left behind no enemies, and a large family to grieve him.

He also left behind mementos of his service in the United States Navy during World War 2. I do not know what happened to his service medals, nor the log book with kanji reportedly taken from a captured Japanese submarine. But I did end up with a few of his personal war items–his gob hat, silken pillows sent home, a rare letter. I formerly wrote a story about some of his assignments and experiences, but there is much more to tell. Continue reading →

Posted in History, Military of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Men, Personal History | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Korean War Casualty, POW at Battle of Unsan: Swanzey NH’s Reginald Ernest Frazier (1932-1951)

Posted on 17 June, 2016 by Janice Brown

POWHe paid the ultimate price. While still a boy at age 18, he enlisted with the U.S. Army in April of 1850, and arrived in Korea in August of the same year [per Sentinel newspaper article]. He was taken prisoner in the Battle of Unsan, in November 1950, and died while in captivity, 31 March 1951. His remains have not been recovered.

Reginald Ernest Frazier, son of Ernest & Leona A. (Rice) Frazier, was born. 23 August 1932 in the still small town of Swanzey NH, and died 31 March 1951. A centograph exists in Mountain View Cemetery of Swanzey that reads: In Memory Of Reginald E. Frazier, Died in Korea, 1951, Age 18. Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy, History, Military of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Men | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

New Hampshire’s FLAG DAY 2016

Posted on 14 June, 2016 by Janice Brown
1776 Flag

1776 Flag

Flag day is under-celebrated in New Hampshire, and many people have no clue of the day’s origin.   Absent of parades and speeches, today’s celebration happens quietly, mostly in classrooms.  So what is the big deal about Flag Day?

In essence, our flag is a piece of cloth which we have the right to fly should we wish to, but we also have the right to burn it.  What an amazing country we live in that we have those rights. To many the American flag is a symbol of sacrifice.  From the date of its creation, how many of our soldiers have rallied around it, fallen on the battlefield beneath it, celebrated victories with the flag clutched in their hands, and saluted it with pride on occasions of both celebration and sorrow?  Continue reading →

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Civil War Casualty of Gettysburg, Former News Reporter, Lancaster NH’s Famed Col. Edward E. Cross (1832-1863)

Posted on 12 June, 2016 by Janice Brown

Edward E Cross

Edward E.  Cross was born into a military family in the town of Lancaster, Coos County, New Hampshire, the son of  Ephraim E. & Abigail C. (Everett) Cross. Much has been written about this man, who in his own hand writing noted , “My life–all I have–is at the service of the country.” I will try not to repeat much of what has already been said, and hopefully you will find his story interesting, for he was anything but boring.

Edward’s father was a hatter by profession, but also a senator, postmaster, tavern owner, and colonel in the local militia. Edward attended the local common schools, and at the age of 15 went to learn the printer’s trade. He then helped his father in steamboat building in Canada and visited the principal cities there.

Continue reading →

Posted in History, Military of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Men | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments