DAY HEISERMAN IS KILLED IN ACTION

A message was received here Thursday night from the war department at Washington, that Day Heiserman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Heiserman of Union township, had been killed "in the performance of his duty" October 9, somewhere in France.  How many homes in this country  have already become sadly familiar with the phrase during the last few months.  It is the one used in announcing the death on the field of battle of a brave American boy who has sailed three thousand miles at the call of duty.  As usual there is bare mention of the casualty and the relatives will be kept in suspense for further particulars.  Day Heiserman left the home where he was born and reared, February 22nd, 1918, for the military camp at Des Moines, shortly after he was transferred to South Carolina and soon sailed for France by way of New York city.  He was a member of the 17th infantry, one of the first regiments to cross the Hindenberg line.  Relatives who have traced the movements of his division, think he was killed in the fighting between St. Quentin and Cambrai, the name of his lieutenant appearing among the names of officers killed at that time.  He is the first West Union boy to sacrifice his life in real action on the battlefield and the news of his death, following the end of hostilities is doubly sad.  The message came exactly nine months and two days from the time of his leaving home.

Day Heiserman was born March 13, 1894, on the farm in Union township which is still the family home.  He is survived by his parents and one brother, Ray, living at Sturgis, Saskatchewan, Canada.  He tried to enlist earlier in the war, but was refused at Waterloo where he made his application.  His assistance was badly needed in the management of the home farm, and he could have honorably deferred his going, but he preferred to do his patriotic duty.  He did not want exemption..  He was all American and his life was given for a great and just cause.  In addition to the parents and brother, his death is deeply mourned by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Heiserman, uncles, aunts and cousins, and a host of young friends.  He had  much to live for, if that had been his happier fate.