By: Mark Holtsberry
A story of travel, adventure and service. Rassie Wilford Beverly, also known as Erastus, was born in Columbus, Ohio, January 31, 1890. The son of Samuel and Samantha Ann (Smith) Beverly. This couple was married in 1869.
Samuel served in the Civil War as a private in the Confederate Army from Virginia. By 1900, the family of four children were living in Latty, Ohio. Rassie was in school along with his two brothers, Arthur and Cornelius and sister Clera M. Sometime after 1910, Rassie was living in Broughton, Ohio. Then he moved to Montana.
On June 5, 1917, Rassie registered for the draft in Sheridan County, Montana. He was listed as 5’6″, medium height and build, brown eyes and black hair, listing farming as his vocation. Rassie moved back to Broughton where he was sent to serve with 158th Depot Brigade. He served with this unit until July 15, 1918. He was then assigned to Company C. 334th Infantry.
On September 2, 1918 Rassie was put on the ship Aquitania, and set sail from New York to France. He served with this unit until November 2, 1918. He was then assigned to Company C. 1st Provisional Regiment Camp at D’Auvours Le Mans, France, then was transferred to Headquarters Department Army Service Corp American Expeditionary Force to July 8, 1919.
On July 8, 1919, Rassie boarded the ship, Manchuria at St. Nazaire, France and set sail for Hoboken, New Jersey. Ship docks July 18, 1919. He was be Honorably Discharged July 26, 1919. After returning home, Rassie moved to Ft. Wayne, Indiana living on Osage Street became a car repairman working on the railroad.
On August 25, 1923, while living in Ft. Wayne, Rassie married Else Belle Hackerman, born November 20, 1897 in North Baltimore, Ohio, the daughter of William and Nancy (Spence) Fagan. Nancy Fagan passed away September 12, 1927. In 1930, Rassie, Elsie and Elnora were living on Tioga Street, Findlay, Ohio.
Rassie was working for the Oil refinery as a machinist. His father-in-law, William and sister-in-law, Eliza were living with them. William passed away, July 28, 1935. In 1935, Rassie, Elsie and daughter Elnora, had moved to Saginaw, Michigan. Living at 321 South Jefferson Avenue, 22nd Street. Rassie was working as a laborer machine operator. In 1942, Rassie registered for the World War Two draft. He was living at 434 North Second Street, Saginaw, Michigan. He was working at the Chevrolet Service Parts Plant. His wife, Elsie passed away 8:35 A.M. October 15, 1943 in Saginaw, Michigan. November 8, 1941, daughter Elnora M., married Rollie M. Cramer. November 8, 1943, Elnora joined the Woman’s Army Corp in Detroit, Michigan. Her husband, Rollie, also served in World War Two. While living in Traverse City, Michigan, Rassie passed away, June 23, 1952. Rassie and Elise are buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Findlay, Ohio.
… Until Next Time
