Name/Title
Harry W. Farver, (185th Air Squadron, First Pursuit Group, Air Service, American Expeditionary Forces, France) to Lewis P. Riggle (Cameron, WV), letter, 27 November 1918Entry/Object ID
2019.20.29Scope and Content
Harry W. Farver, (185th Air Squadron, First Pursuit Group, Air Service, American Expeditionary Forces, France) to Lewis P. Riggle (Cameron, WV), letter, 27 November 1918.
Farver wrote this letter to Lewis P. Riggle, father of his friend Walter Bertram Riggle who had been killed in action during World War I.
TRANSCRIPT:
"Nov. 27, 1918.
My Dear Mr. Riggle,
I read in a recent edition of the Stars and Stripes, (a paper published for members of the A.E.F.) that November 24 would be father's day, and the boys should write to their father's. Having heard of Walter's death through a friend of mine from Antioch, I have decided to write to you.
Of course my letter cannot take the place of his letter, but I wanted you to know that my sympathy is yours. My heart aches for you in your loss. Words cannot express my feeling of sympathy and also my sorrow.
He was the dearest friend I had. He was a man of sterling qualities and I can never hope to find a friend such as he again. I was grieved beyond expression when I heard of his death. At first, I could not believe it, but as I read more of the letter the truth dawned on me.
Little did I think when Walter spent the Thanksgiving vacation with me two years ago, that the world war should call us to the colors and claim him a victim. He has given all to his country and humanity. My parents were pleased to have him and in the few days he spent in my home they learned to love him. In many letters, mother has asked about him. I know when she learns of his death she will be grieved also.
The greatest consolation to me is Walter's life was faultless. I know a side of his life which few if any knew. We worked and played together. He was my chum at Antioch and a man of better character I never knew.
Another consoliation to me, is that death for such a clean life is only the opening of a way to a greater life, to a life in a land where sorrow is unknown.
Mr. Riggle I do not wish to bring you more sorrow by this letter. Possibly I should not have written.
We must remember our good Savior knows best and our dear Walter is in His great army now. The army which we all hope to join some day.
Sincerely yours,
Harry W. Farver
185 Air Squdn.
First Pursuit Group
American E. F.
France"Collection
Lewis Perry and Nora Etta (Kuhn) Riggle CollectionLexicon
Search Terms
Letters (Correspondence), Military, Rain Day Boys, Riggle family, United States. Army. Infantry Division, 28th. Regiment, 110th. Company K., Veterans--World War IArchive Details
Date(s) of Creation
Nov 27, 1918Other Names and Numbers
Other Number
RIGL-AN001-0029Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Riggle, Lewis PerryPerson or Organization
Riggle, Walter Bertram [1894-1918]Provenance
Provenance Detail
Riggle Series - Lewis Perry and Nora Etta (Kuhn) Riggle CollectionNotes
The Lewis Perry and Nora Etta (Kuhn) Riggle Collection was passed from Lewis Perry Riggle and his wife, Nora Etta (Kuhn) Riggle, to their son Karl Wayne Riggle and his wife, Anna Geraldine (Whipkey) Riggle, to their daughter, Marcene (Riggle) Schutz, to her niece, Paula (Riggle) Whitfill who presently owns and has digitized the collection. Paula (Riggle) Whitfill and her aunt Joyce (Riggle) Hoover collaborated to share selected items from the collection with the Greene Connections: Greene County, Pennsylvania Archives Project in 2018.
Source Citation: Harry W. Farver, (185th Air Squadron, First Pursuit Group, Air Service, American Expeditionary Forces, France) to Lewis P. Riggle (Cameron, WV), letter, 27 November 1918, item no. RIGL-AN001-0029, Lewis Perry and Nora Etta (Kuhn) Riggle Collection, shared by Paula (Riggle) Whitfill and her aunt Joyce (Riggle) Hoover, Greene Connections Archives Project (www.GreeneConnections.com).