JAMES HEATH

James B. Heath, one of America’s noblest sons, lost his life on the Western Front with the American Expeditionary Forces near St. Etienne, France, October 8, 1918.  He was with Company L 142nd Infantry of the 36th Division.  He was born near De Leon, Texas in the New Hope community, October 18, 1889. He was married to Miss Beryl Robertson, of Rising Star, Texas, January 14, 1918.  He was converted at the age of 12 and joined the Methodist Church at New Hope.  He received his license to preach in October 1917 and was teaching in the New Hope school when called to serve.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Beryl Robertson Heath (Dec. 27, 1893-Feb 22,1967) and his father and mother Henry Clay Heath and Sally E. Heath,  two brothers, Milton who is in the army in France and Blake, and two sisters Florence Heath and Mrs. Maud Hafford.  His younger brother Arthur died on October 28, 1918.

    Mr. Heath left for Camp Bowie Training Camp, May 25, 1918; sailed for France on July 11, 1918; took influenza September 1, 1918 and was taken from the hospital in the trenches; and lost his life by a machine gun bullet in less than an hour after going into his first battle; and was buried near the place where he fell--St. Etienne, France.  His wife, Mrs. Beryl Heath, has lately received the Cruix (Croix) de Guerre with Silver Star from the French War Department for valiant service.  With the medal came an official notice with the follow paragraph translated into English: “Near St. Etienne, October, 1918.  in spite of enemy fire, he unhesitatingly and voluntarily advanced, capturing machine gun nests, taking prisoners and destroying enemy positions as he advanced.  Was killed during action.”

Complied from an obituary written by his close friends Steve H. and Eli W. Nance probably published in the Fort Worth Star Telegram and a second notice which probably appeared in the De Leon Fee Press written by C.V. Williams.

Nance clipping provided by Delta Rae Hafford.  Williams clipping from a scrapbook of M.S. Carter.

Of such loyalty and such heroism is built all that the nation holds dear.--From his pastor C.V. Williams

Final letter Home

Mother Dear:

    They say we are going into battle in a very few days.  If so we don’t know what may happen.  I may not receive a scratch while I may be the first one killed.  I have worried over it a great deal but will just have to take what comes.

   It is a sweet thought to think of going back home to my loved ones and friends but if it is God’s will for me to die on the battlefields of France I am ready to say ‘God’s will not mine be done.”

    I have always tried to live right, and though I realize I have made many mistakes I am prepared to die.   You will know where to find me for it is just as near to Heaven from France as from De Leon.

     I appreciate all that you and Papa have ever done for me an if there ever was a boy who loved his homefolks it is I.  Many a night have I prayed for Beryl and dear ones at home.  I have suffered many trials and heart aches since I left home on May 25th.  But, Christ suffered and died on a crude cross to save us from sin, and I had rather die many times than to see the “good old U.S.A.” come under German rule.

    There are friends around New Hope that have been a great help to me.  I have received many blessings at New Hope and I surely miss the Sunday School and preaching.  The people there had confidence in me and I have lived since I went away, just as I would had they been watching my footsteps.  May God ever bless old New Hope Church.

   I am writting (sp) this letter and  if I go to the front I am going to turn it over to a Y.M.C.A. man to be mailed to you should I be killed.

   If I am killed I want Bro. Williams to make a talk at New Hope and read this letter to the people.  If he is not there have Bro. McCharen to read it to the S.S.   I would say to my Sunday School class that I have tried to help them and my request is that they all meet me in Heaven.

    Farewell friends and loved ones, one and all.  Do not grieve for I go where there will be no more sad partings.  Let us all say “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.”

   Your loving son.

    James.

James Heath and

wife Beryl Heath

OCT. 18, 1889-OCT. 8, 1918

Copy of a letter in the records of the New Hope Methodist Episcopal Church South

De Leon, Texas 9/28/1921

Capt. R.E. Shannon

Qr. Corps.

Graves Registration Service

Pier No. 2

Hoboken, New Jersey

Dear Capt.

    We had a letter from you dated June the 6, stating that you thought our dear boy’s body would soon be shipped over from France.  We have waited and waited and haven’t heard anything more from the department.  How long, oh how long must we wait, all the boy’s bodies have been brought over from France that were killed that went from De Leon Tex. except our boy.  The Dept. doesn’t seem to be trying to get his body over here.  If you don’t get busy and try to do something, we will report the matter to our Congressman and probably he will inquire into the matter and help us out as the department doesn’t seem to be trying to do anything.  Our Boy’s No. is 1,482,350,* Co. L, 142 Inft, 36 Division, Private James B. Heath, De Leon, Tex.  Hoping to hear from you soon. 

We remain Yours truly,

H.C. Heath       *Other records indicate his number was 1,482,390

A stained glass window portraying Jesus tending the sheep was placed in the 1917 Methodist Church in honor of Heath.

Material furnished by Delta Ree Hafford