OBIT: Samuel HOSTETLER, 1931, Meyersdale, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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SAMUEL HOSTETLER

Muffled Drums for Sam Hostetler
Popular Traveling Salesman and World War Veteran Succumbs to Typhoid Fever

  Muffled drums will beat Friday afternoon for another Meyersdale World War 
veteran who has gone West.
  Sam Hostetler, Past Commander of Charles E. Kelly Post, No. 112, American 
Legion, answered the last roll call and was mustered out for all time, Wednesday 
morning, Oct. 21, just two days after the expiration of his term as Commander of 
the local post.
  Commander Hostetler took to his bed two days after returning from the National 
Encampment of the American Legion at Detroit, Sept. 28, 29 and 30.  He was not 
feeling well while attending the convention and after being ordered to bed by 
his physician after his return from Detroit, it was discovered that he was 
suffering from typhoid fever.  Although of robust physique and previous to his 
last illness apparently in rugged health, his fever refused to yield to 
treatment, and on Tuesday of this week pneumonia developed and speedily resulted 
in his death.
  Dr. Bruce Lichty was the attending physician and Drs. Murray and Johnson of 
Cumberland and Dr. Wenzel of Meyersdale were called into consultation at various 
times.  Mrs. R. D. Cordrey and Mrs. Sally Thompson, two very efficient nurses, 
took care of him during his illness.
  Samuel Hostetler, son of the late John C. and Ellen Miller Hostetler of 
Meyersdale, was born September 4, 1891, died Oct. 21, 1931, at the age of 40 
years, 1 month and 17 days.
  Mr. Hostetler was a life-long resident of this town.  He attended the local 
schools, later becoming a civil engineer, at which he worked until the outbreak 
of the World War.  He enlisted in the regular army, May 2, 1918, and served 
overseas, during which time he saw action on several battle fronts.  His 
leadership brought him to the rank of Sergeant in Co. M, 51st Regiment, U.S. 
Inf., 5th Division.  He was discharged from the army June 18, 1919.
  At the close of the war he became a salesman for the National Biscuit Company 
and worked for that firm until his recent illness.
  He was a member of the Charles E. Kelly Post 112, American Legion since its 
inception in 1920.  He served as commander of this post from Oct. 20, 1930, to 
Oct. 20, 1931.  His administration closed Monday evening just two days before 
his death.  He was one of the most enthusiastic members of the Legion drum and 
bugle corps, taking an active part wherever that organization appeared.  He has 
been known to drive 175 miles to attend a turn-out of this corps.  A large 
number of the present members of the local Legion post are in it today thru Mr. 
Hostetler's solicitation.
  The death of Comrade Hostetler is lamented not only by his relatives and his 
American Legion buddies who enjoyed his friendship and respected his leadership, 
but also by the townspeople generally and many friends and acquaintances 
throughout a wide area, for Sam Hostetler was a hail fellow, a loyal friend and 
good citizen.
  He was happily married only a few years ago to Mrs. Ada Walker and was devoted 
to his wife and home and also to his brothers and sisters.
  The bereaved relatives, besides his widow, are five brothers and two sisters, 
namely: Frank Hostetler of Chicago, Eugene C., James B. and Harry, of 
Meyersdale, Paul of Pittsburgh, and the Misses Emma and Margaret Hostetler, 
teachers in the Meyersdale schools.  His parents and several brothers and 
sisters preceded him in death.

Military Funeral

  A military funeral will be accorded the deceased veteran.  The religious 
services at his late home at 2:30 p.m., Friday, will be in charge of Rev. Willis 
E. Ronk, pastor of the Main Street Brethren Church of which Mr. Hostetler was a 
member.  He was also a member of the Masonic Order and of the Benevolent Order 
of Elks.
  The Drum and Bugle Corps of Charles E. Kelly Post, American Legion, will turn 
out in uniform and with instruments as will also the other members and officers 
of the Post, to accord their late comrade the honors due a soldier and a comrade 
of his rank and worth.  Legion Posts from neighboring towns and Voiture 609 la 
Societe des 40 Hommes and 8 Chevaux, of which Sergt. Hostetler was a member, 
will also be represented at and take part in the obsequies.  Bugler Ralph D. 
Liller of Oakland, Md., will sound taps.
  The interment will be in Union Cemetery in charge of Funeral Director W. C. 
Price.

Meyersdale Republican, October 22, 1931