Melvin Savage died during WWI, in 1918.
But one home in Harvey county was bereft of 2 sons during the war. Mrs. M.S. Savage, a widowed mother, gave up her second eldest son, Private Melvin Savage, and her youngest son, Seaman William Savage. But 15 days elapsed between the deaths of these two fine young men.
Private Melvin Savage was born April 20, 1888, at DeWitte, Illinois. He was graduated from the high school at Downs, Illinois, and after coming to Harvey countyin 1906 engaged in farming in partnership with his brother William, and was thus employed when called for service. On July 15, 1918, he went to Manhattan and began training as an auto mechanic. He was sent to Kelly Field September 15, and was assigned to the truck department of the 681st aerial squadron.
He came to Newton on a furlough on receiving the message of the drowning of his brother, Seaman William Savage. While enroute home he contracted a cold which developed into pneumonia, from which he died at Axtell Hospital on December 17, 1918. He was laid to rest in St. Mary’s cemetery in this city. These two worthy young defenders leave their mother and brothers, Thomas and John, of Macon township. Both were members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus.
Melvin’s HCGS Memorial Tribute database page is here: Melvin Savage
