Sons of Men - Evansville's War Record
Gold Star Biographies
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Pvt. Oscar Dannenberg Battery C, 40th Field Artillery May 31, 1894 - October 14, 1918

   The growing tolerance of the American spirit and the emphasis
on material influences of life have resulted in a general increasing
indifference to theological discussion and forms of religion.  This
tendency had no influence on Oscar Dannenberg. He combined the loftiest
national ideals with a religious and spiritual vision.

   Oscar Dannenberg was born in Evansville, May 31, 1894. He received
his primary education at the Centennial public school, and the First
Avenue Lutheran School. As a boy of thirteen he heard a call for the
pulpit. He attended a seminary at Woodville, Ohio, for his secondary
education and to prepare himself for the ministry. However, a year
later he altered his career. After he returned home he worked in a
urniture factory for a short time, and then was em-ployed by the
F. W. Cook Brewing Company. He held a position as a shipping clerk in
this firm for five years. During this time he was a member of the First
Avenue Lutheran Church, and Moose Lodge.

   Oscar entered service August 30, 1918. Two of his brothers had
been rejected. He was, therefore, the only boy of the family with
the colors. He was assigned to the 40th Field Artillery, Battery C, at
Camp Custer.  The omnipresent epidemic, the Spanish Influenza,
claimed him as a victim, after six weeks of training. His parents
visited him, and did their utmost for his recovery, but after ten days of
illness the disease proved fatal. He died October 14, 1918. A comrade,
Clyde Byrd, accompanied the body to Evansville. He was buried in Locust
Hill Cemetery.
_____

Sons of Men: Evansville's War Record,
Compiled by Heiman Blatt,
Published by Abe P. Madison, 1920
p50.

cdmyers@wowway.com
October 25, 1998