Elmhurst in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
World War I Memorial
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 13, 2024
1. World War I Memorial Marker, Side One
[Plaque on the east-facing side of the stone:]
May 30, 1927
who were killed in action during the Great War of 1914-1918, also as a tribute to those of Elmhurst who served in the struggle for democracy
Theirs not to reason why
Theirs but to do or die
Tennyson
[Plaque on the west-facing side of the stone:]
For God, country and the memory of those who gave their lives in freedom's name, T.H.B. Post 187 American Legion rededicates it's efforts.
May 30, 1977
Erected 1927 by Timrott-Hintz-Buck American Legion Post 187; City of Elmhurst.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, World I.
Location. 41° 53.709′ N, 87° 56.657′ W. Memorial is in Elmhurst, Illinois, in DuPage County. It can be reached from Prospect Avenue north of Church Street, on the right when traveling north. The memorial is on a boulder in Wilder
this page online
Regionally, this memorial is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Elmhurst Veterans' Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Veterans' Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Elizabeth's Friendship Walk (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elmhurst Vietnam Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away); Dr. Frank Mittermeyer (about 500 feet away); Elmhurst College (about 500 feet away); Reinhold Niebuhr (about 600 feet away); Haumea (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elmhurst.
More about this memorial. The memorial includes two plaques, one dedicated on Memorial Day 1927 in honor of three Elmhurst men who died in World War I, and a second plaque added 50 years later on the other side of the boulder. The initials "T.H.B." for this American Legion post refer to the three men listed on this plaque: Timrott, Hintz and Buck.
According to the Elmhurst History Museum, this World War I memorial was originally located in the northwest corner of Wilder Park, maybe 250 yards away from here. It was relocated when Elmhurst erected a larger-scale veterans memorial in 1993.
Regarding World War I Memorial.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 13, 2024
2. World War I Memorial Marker, Side Two
Ernest Timrott enlisted soon after the U.S. entered the war in 1917. He was killed in action on June 3, 1918, but he was not added to official casualty lists (nor was his family notified) until March of 1919.
Richard Hintz was killed on July 19, 1918 by an enemy shell near Vierzy, France. A letter to a family member says that Hintz died instantly from the blast and was buried in an open field about 25 yards from where he was killed. Findagrave says he is listed on the tablet of the missing at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, but a photograph could not confirm that.
Kinsley Clark Buck was the first Elmhurst man killed in war. Born in Michigan, his uncle was a Civil War veteran, his great-grandfather fought in the War of 1812, and his great-great-great grandfather fought in the American Revolution. He moved to Elmhurst sometime after his father died in 1897. Buck enlisted as a Marine in 1917. He was killed during an engagement at Belleau Wood on June 19, 1918, and is buried at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial.
Also see . . .
1. T.H.B. Post 187. The post's official page
Excerpt: "A few World War I veterans from Elmhurst met in 1919 and, together, organized(Submitted on September 16, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)American Legion T.H.B. Post 187 to honor the memory of three of their Elmhurst comrades who were the first from our city to give their lives in defense of our country."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 13, 20243. World War I MemorialThe stone is on the east side of the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park.
2. Elmhurst History Museum: Veterans Day.
Excerpt: "Over the years, November 11th has been observed with church services, memorial ceremonies, and school programs throughout Elmhurst. The American Legion dedicated a memorial site in the northwest corner of Wilder Park in 1927 to honor three Elmhurst residents who were killed in World War I: Ernest Timrott, Richard Hintz, and Kinsley Buck. This was the site of many Armistice Day observances."(Submitted on September 16, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
