Birch, William R.

William R. Birch
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Wm. Birch
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith.  Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

William R. Birch
Somers Township, age 80, passed away this morning at St. Catherine's Hospital, Kenosha, following a long illness.  Mr. Birch was born in Somers, March 17, 1888, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William R. Birch.  During World War I he had served in the U.S. Army.  For many years he had farmed in Somers Township.  Two brothers, Chris and Frank Birch, survive.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at the Hansen Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Somers. (Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication May 13, 1948)


Military Documentation (Thank you to Dominic Cariello)
The 12 AM TN 12 DIV is the unit that PVT Birch served with. It is the 12th Ammunition Train of the 12th Field Artillery Brigade of the 12th Division. This unit was never deployed. PVT Birch was drafted and served……..but never went over to fight.

The unit information is as follows:

Twelfth, 12th Division Nickname: Plymouth Division
23rd, 24th, Infantry (Inf.)
12th Artillery (Art.)
34th, 36th Machine Gun (M. G.)
212th Engineers (Eng.)

Generals Commanding: Major - General Henry P. McCain (Aug. 20, 1918 - Jan. 31, 1919, from formation to disbandment)
Other Commanders: 23rd Infantry Brigade Commander: Brigadier - General John N. Hodges; 24th Infantry Brigade Commander: Brigadier - General John E. Woodward; 12th Field Artillery Brigade Commander: Brigadier - General G. R. Allen.
Sources:
Roster, Plymouth (12th) Division, Camp Devens, Massachusetts, November 30, 1918
Robinson, W.J.: Forging the Sword, The Story of Camp Devens, The Rumford Press, 1920, pp 115 - 159
Steve Zolla provides the above information on the 12th Division.

Not deployed. War ended.

Shoulder/Sleeve Insignia
12th Ammunition Train

Shoulder/Sleeve Insignia:

12th Field Artillery Brigade
34th Field Artillery
35th Field Artillery
36th Field Artillery
12th Trench Mortar Battery
12th Ammunition Train

More About William Birch, Jr.
William Birch, Jr., one of the best known men of the Town of Somers and formerly actively connected with the management of the Kenosha Pure Milk Company, appeared in the municipal court late Monday afternoon and entered a plea of guilty to charges of forgery. He is a member of one of the old Somers families. In court, Birch told a story of hard luck. More than three months ago, when he was in financial straits, he went to the Merchants and Savings Bank and secured a loan of $250. He signed the note as principal with the name of Edward Witscheber of Somers, his uncle, as surety. When Birch could not pay the loan, it was discovered that Witscheber had never given his consent to the making of the note and in fact, knew nothing about the loan. Birch hoped he would be able to repay the loan. Birch's father, who is one of the most prominent farmers of the town of Somers, was in court and declared his willingness to aid his son out of the financial difficulty and he made a strong plea for his release on parole. Birch is now employed by one of the Kenosha Milk companies and he has given assurance that he will make good all losses in the case."
(Source: Racine Journal Times, publication date Dec. 13, 1916)

Frank Birch, son of William R. Birch

Frank E. Birch, 73, 2108 Birch Road, died at Necedah, Wisconsin, Sunday morning, following a sudden illness while duck hunting.  October 23, 1971.

Born September 30, 1898, in Somers Township, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William R. Birch.  He married Miss Palmyra Degeyter, December 4, 1919.

Mr. Birch was a farmer on the Birch homestead all his life.  He is survived by his wife, a daughter Angeline.  Preceded in death by brothers William and Chris and two sisters Louise and Mrs. Pauline Tennessen.