Emmetsburg Democrat
17 Nov 1918
WAS KILLED IN FRANCE
James Lynch, Who Made Home Years with Terence Shields.
Terence Shields, who lives between Emmetsburg and Ayrshire, received word the last of the week that his nephew, James Vincent Lynch, son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Lynch, well known to many Palo Alto people, was killed in action in France October 8, 1918. Definite particulars have not been learned. Mr. Lynch, when a small boy, made his home with his uncle, Mr. Shields, and his grand- mother, Mrs. Shields, and grew up to manhood in this county. He was of course well known by a large number of our readers. He was born at Red Lodge, Montana, October 25, 1891. Hence he was almost twenty-seven years of age. When he was a small child the family moved to Fort Dodge. His mother died June 20, 1915. He was called to duty May 10, 1918. He was for some time stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. He sailed for France about 2 months ago. He followed railroading for four years before he entered the service. He was for some time employed on the inter-urban line running from Fort Dodge to Des Moines. He is survived by his father, who is employed in the Wahkonsa hotel at Fort Dodge, and by four brothers and one sister. The brothers are Bernard, Terence, Bennett, and John. The sister is Miss Sarah.
The writer never knew Mr. Lynch but those who knew him say that he was an exceptionally deserving young man. He was ambitious and energetic and was willing to do his part in any work that was assigned him. His habits were highly satisfactory to his associates and friends. He tried his best to lead the life of a Christian gentleman. He was willing to give all for his native land when the hazardous moment arrived he did not hesitate to make the supreme sacrifice. It is sad to think that so many of the most promising young men of our country had to meet death in order to check the ambitions of a cruel monarch, but desperate means had to be adopted by our peace loving people and triumphant success crowned the effort that was made. Mr. Lynch died that spirit of liberty might survive and be preserved for future generations. He will be long remembered for his exemplary career and for all that he did to contribute to the honor and safety of our country in the time of peril. The sympathy of all is extended to the sorrowing relatives.
