Whitman G. Ashley First World War correspondence

Collection — Box: WWI 13, Folder: 14, Folder: 1

Identifier: 2017-673-w-r

Staff Only

Content Description

This collection contains one letter from Sgt. Whitman G. Ashley, AEF to Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Ruhling during the First World War. Also included is one Franc note sent with the letter.

The Franc is dated December 12, 1916 from the Chambre de Commerce de St. Dizier and Sgt. Ashley wrote on the back, "Don't look like money does it? It don't even 'spend' like money, take it from me."

The letter was written on January 31, 1919 from Aubepierre, France and neither of the two names it addresses at the top are Harold Ruhling, though they seem to be nicknames and they are slightly illegible. The letter discusses his excitement about soon returning home and how sorry he is that he probably will not be able to bring any good souvenirs due to the excess baggage.

Dates

1919 January 31

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on the use of this material except where previously copyrighted material is concerned. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain all permissions.

Biographical / Historical

Sergeant Whitman George Ashley, American Expeditionary Force (b. 3/6/1894) was born in North Collins, New York and was a law student when he registered for the draft. He was unmarried and his relationship to the Ruhlings is unknown. According to the letter, he served with Headquarters Company, 304th Field Artillery.

The donor purchased the Ruhlings' home in the 1980s and found the letter, knowing nothing of Sgt. Ashley. (the above information about Sgt. Ashley was gathered from ancestry.com and inferred to be accurate)

Extent

.01 Linear feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains one letter from Sgt. Whitman G. Ashley, AEF to Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Ruhling during the First World War.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Gene F. Kubiak.

Subjects

Correspondence -- World War, 1914-1918 Subject Source: Local sources
World War (1914-1918) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
World War (1914-1918) -- France Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
World War (1914-1918) -- Hospitals. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings